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(03/21/95 10:00am)
A week-long series examining the University's gay, lesbian and bisexual community At Camden County Community College in New Jersey, Anthony Putz did not feel at home. As a gay man, he found himself completely alone. "We didn't have a visible gay presence at all," the College of General Studies student said. "There were 16,000 students and when I wanted to start a gay group, I couldn't find one faculty advisor to support me." So when looking for a graduate school, Putz was drawn to the University because of its "liberal" reputation and its supposed acceptance of homosexuality. "The reason I came was because of all of the policies Penn has to protect gays and lesbians on campus, liberal housing policies, insurance for domestic partners," said Putz, the chairperson of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance. "So I expected it to be this wonderful, accepting, comfortable environment." However, upon arriving in University City in the fall of 1993, Putz encountered a very different situation than the one he expected. "And after reading the DP and the editorials written by Jodi [Bromberg] and Steve [Houghton], the backlash they got made me realize that the attitudes are not as accepting as I had believed them to be," he said. Opinions on gay relations at the University are as varied as the gay communities and individuals themselves. College sophomore Melissa Krakowski, for example, came to the University from a religiously conservative town and found relatively positive attitudes on campus. "I have not had one negative comment said to me," Krakowski said. "I won't say homophobia doesn't exist here, but I think that because people are here at college and because we're so PC, it's not as bad as it is in the real world and in suburbia. It's a more friendly atmosphere here than in general." However, Krakowski said she was aware that some individuals on campus are not comfortable with her sexual orientation. "There are people who last year didn't feel comfortable around me and I know that for a fact," she said. Other students said they definitely do not feel comfortable being open with their homosexuality on campus. For example, College senior Stephen Houghton said that many gay, lesbian and bisexual students feel more comfortable holding their lovers' hands in Center City than on Locust Walk. Houghton added that he feels that homophobia is prevalent not only among individuals, but within the University as an entity. "Penn appears to be very supportive, but underneath that is a strong current of conservative and hateful values," he said. "There's a such thing as institutionalized oppression." Putz said he has encountered gay-bashing in the form of vandalism. One morning three years ago, he went outside of his house one morning and found the word "faggot" spray-painted on his door. Putz felt "angry, scared a little bit, shocked a little bit, appalled. I couldn't believed that happened in my neighborhood." And last summer, a student filed a police report after a man pushed him into Spruce street while verbally assaulting him for being gay. But such reports are not common at the University. Although students reported homophobic attitudes and actions on campus, every individual interviewed said they had straight friends as well as gay friends. "I don't know anybody who has only gay friends," said Bob Schoenberg, director of the Program for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn. "I don't think gay people are interested in having only gay friends." Schoenberg explained that as individuals become more confident with their sexuality, they want to have more diversity in their friendships. "Developmentally, as people get more secure in their identities, they find that sexual orientation isn't enough," he said. Conversely, some gays, bisexuals and lesbians may take longer to make friends who share their sexual preference. "It seems to me that before someone comes out, most of the people they know are straight," School of Arts and Sciences graduate student Janine Denomme said. "When they come out, they come more into contact with gay, lesbian and bisexual people. That part of their community grows. Most keep straight friends. "I mean, we work with [straight] people, we go to school with [straight] people, they're in our families," he added. Kurt Conklin, a health educator at Student Health Services, agreed that it is statistically expected for gay, lesbian and bisexuals to have straight friends. "Given that at least 90 percent of the population is heterosexual, I think it is more likely that gay students will have a mix of friends," he said. "There may be students whose closest friends are gay, but they still have a large number of heterosexual friends." Some note that within the homosexual community, a man is more likely to have male friends and a woman is more likely to have women friends. "I don't think that many gay men get to make friends with a lot of lesbian women," Conklin said. Schoenberg said that when straight people actually know and interact with gay, lesbian and bisexual people, they become more accepting overall. "People who know gays, lesbians and bisexuals and know they know us tend to be more supportive," Schoenberg said. Many gay people see a threat in those people who feel that when gays earn civil rights, the mainstream community loses its own sense of superiority. "The type of person who I see as the most worrisome opponent is the person who believes that they lose out when gay and lesbian people try to make themselves [better] or try to lobby for domestic partnership benefits or try to express what it's like to be a gay, lesbian or bisexual person," Conklin said. "Many Americans feel that [gays are] asking for special rights, but in fact they're trying to take part in American society. They feel that if gay and lesbian people live on equal footing, they will lose out." In explaining this point, Schoenberg brought up the controversial debate over whether homosexuality is genetic or "chosen" later in life. "Our opponents want to pick the answer that will result in us getting the least amount of resources," he said. "If it's choice, they say 'you aren't entitled to civil rights.' If it's biochemical or hormonal, people try to drum up ways to change us or get rid of us." One group historically opposed to homosexuality is the Catholic Church. Today, Pope John Paul II does not recognize it as an acceptable form of sexuality and insists that his gay congregants abstain from intercourse. "Homosexuals are called to chastity, which is the same for single adults," Assistant Director of the Newman Center Bob Cardie said. "I'm sure it's a difficulty for them as it is for a single [heterosexual] college student to stay chaste." Cardie said that "sex is the highest form of communication and should be reserved for married couples." He acknowledged, of course, that there is no marriage ceremony for homosexuals recognized by the Catholic Church. Cardie added that insensitivity towards gay individuals is frowned upon in the Church. "The Catholic Church realizes that there are many men and women that have homosexual tendencies," he said. "It also realizes that they do not choose their homosexual conditions and the Church has always taught that homosexuals should be treated with respect and compassion. Any injustice against them is wrong." In an effort to make Christian homosexuals feel more comfortable, the Christian Association held a program entitled "Coming Out to God"earlier this year. Beverly Dalem, Christian Association director, said she held the program to show gay Christians that there is a place for them within the faith. "Unfortunately, many gays and lesbians and bisexuals have never heard any good news for them from Christianity, nor have they seen Christian models such as gay theologians who are Christians," she said. "So the purpose of the program was to show support for Christians who are struggling to live a life of integrity that is true to who God created them to be and faithful to the God they serve." She said that the Protestant faith is generally accepting of homosexuality. "God's love is inclusive of everyone," she said. She also said that one of the duties of Christianity is to work for "justice for those who are being stepped on." But the most commonly-shared opinion among gays, bisexuals and lesbians interviewed was that the biggest enemy to the gay community is ignorance. "If they were more well-informed they might be allies," College Junior and Generation XX Co-Editor Jennifer Manion. "But their ignorance is the greatest barrier between me and equality." Schoenberg said he feels that one of the only ways to end homophobia is through education.
(03/21/95 10:00am)
Bible banging has taken on a new meaning at the University of Toledo, where gays have been harassed and beaten with bibles by students involved in a gay-bashing movement. And although there have been no such reports of violence against gays at the University, some homosexuals on campus feel threatened by what they perceive as students' blatant homophobia. Wharton junior Marc Teillon's column in The Daily Pennsylvanian last week questioning the purpose of Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Awareness Days brought overwhelming opposition from gays and heterosexuals alike. But according to many, his column was, in reality, representative of the opinions of a relatively silent but substantial percentage of the University's student body. Students who said they are uncomfortable with homosexuality, said they disapproved of it for many different reasons. One student said he thought that homosexuality is only an excuse for heterosexuals who are having social problems. "I'm very against it," College sophomore Alex Hodgkin said. "I don't think it's natural. It's for weenies that can't handle real [straight] relationships." Another student said his views have been influenced by his background. Wharton sophomore Justin Ramsey said that there is an overall intolerance of alternate lifestyles in Katy, Texas. "It's just not something you do," Wharton sophomore Justin Ramsey said. "From the way I was brought up down in the South, it's just not accepted." One student said he actually feels physically sick when he thinks about homosexual intercourse. "The thought of what they do just makes me feel really queasy in my stomach," Engineering junior Eric Visokey said. "It just gives me the chills."
(03/20/95 10:00am)
Wedged between New York City and Washington -- cities with extremely visible gay, lesbian and bisexual communities -- Philadelphia plays the role of the neglected middle child. "The gay community in Philadelphia has its strengths and its shortcomings," said Bob Schoenberg, coordinator of the Program for the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community at Penn. "The groups of people who are activists is much smaller than it should be, given the size of the city." But while Philadelphia may suffer in terms of the quantity of its gay activists, Ed Hermance, the owner of Philadelphia's Giovanni's Room, the largest gay bookstore in the world, said the quality of the existing efforts rivals many other cities of its size and larger. One example, he said, is the voting guidebook published by the Pennsylvania League of Gay and Lesbian Voters, which clarifies the positions of candidates on every issue and "clarifies a lot of ambiguities." Philadelphia is also hosting the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt this May at the Armory in Center City. Although many say these efforts contribute to the quality of alternate lifestyles, individuals have complained that Philadelphia's gay social scene leaves much to be desired. Philadelphia is "not exactly a hopping gay scene," said Jennifer Manion, College junior and co-editor of the Generation XX magazine. "Not that it sucks, but it's not exactly hopping. It doesn't have a big-city draw like New York and D.C., [which have] a really fun gay scene." Others also noted that Philadelphia gays primarily socialize in private gatherings -- which makes it hard for them to meet new people. "People tend to socialize at private parties and homes," Schoenberg said. "A lot of the social life is not public." Hermance said that one of the highpoints of Philadelphia's social scene is the approximately 150 gay social and political organizations that attempt to unite gays, lesbians and bisexuals through common interests such as sports, hobbies and foreign languages. "I think gay people themselves have a hard time because so much of the public gay world is bars," he said. "But if it's the only social situation, it's not the best place to meet people. [Through organizations] you have a natural way to be with these people instead of trying to make small talk." Hermance also said he thinks that Philadelphia is a little-known tourist treasure for gay individuals. "There's a lot of neat things a lesbian or gay man can do here," he said, citing a tour of Walt Whitman's house, Bessie Smith's house or the Rosenbach Museum and Library.
(03/20/95 10:00am)
Friday night, the Hall of Flags, adorned with flashing lights and pounding with music, could have been mistaken for the set of MTV's "The Grind" -- except MTV dancers are not usually valedictorians and National Merit Scholars. The Undergraduate Admissions office held its 11th annual Minority Scholars Invitational Weekend which featured dances, shows and programs this weekend. The program -- which was attended by 250 high school seniors from across the country -- was created in order to maintain the University's almost 30 percent minority composition by showcasing what is available to students at the University. "It's important for the students to see that Penn has a diverse community and for them to know that we have support services for all students," Director of the Minority Recruitment Program Clarence Grant said. To exhibit both the social and academic high points of campus life, scholars attended classes, took tours, and participated in programs sponsored by many minority organizations on campus, such as a reggae party and an ice skating social. In addition, all four undergraduate schools held mandatory presentations for the scholars in order to answer questions they might have and inform them of available programs. Besides the scholars who applied early decision to the University, none of this weekend's participants know if they have been admitted, and will not know until their acceptance or rejection letters are sent out April 5. This program is designed to point prospective students towards the University instead of the other schools to which they may be accepted. "When students have four or five acceptance letters, they have to decide," Grant said. "And we're giving them the opportunity to see Penn. These students are highly competitive in our pool." The students participating said they appreciated the program and had fun as well. Diego Velazquez from West New York, a city in New Jersey, attended the program to see what college life is like at the University. In addition to the University, he is trying to choose between Columbia, Georgetown and Brown universities. He said this program gave him a chance to visit and finally visualize the University. "I like it a lot," he said. "The campus is a part of the city and it has the advantages of a campus." He said his favorite activities this weekend included watching the University's first-round NCAA Tournament play in the Palestra and the dance in Houston Hall. Shaheen Zojwalla, from Wallingford, Pennsylvania, came to the University to "find out about the college and see what I would think of it. The campus is beautiful and people are really friendly." She has applied to Harvard University, Stanford University and Swarthmore College, but even after attending the program said she does not know yet which is her first choice. Grant said that students paid their own way to the Philadelphia, but the University helped students who could not afford the trip.
(03/20/95 10:00am)
A week-long series examining the Universities gay, lesbian and bisexual community The famous 1953 study of psychologist Alfred Kinsey in reported that approximately one out of 10 people have homosexual tendencies -- which would mean that out of the University's 20,000 students, 2,000 may be gay, lesbian or bisexual. Although the University's active lesbian, gay and bisexual community does not confirm such a staggering ratio, its activism -- socially and politically -- makes gay communities at other universities pale in comparison. "A lot of Penn students perceive that the lesbian, gay, bisexual community is not very visible," said Kurt Conklin, a health educator at Student Health Service. "But compared to many college campuses, I would say it's increasingly visible." Because there is no way to estimate how many students have not come out of the closet with their homosexuality, the University's gay population cannot be estimated, according to Bob Schoenberg, coordinator of the Program for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn. But student leaders have put the number in the hundreds. These individuals belong to organizations like the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Social Workers at Penn, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Staff and Faculty Association, which hold activities such as dances, rallies and lectures. Although the community has its sexual orientation in common, many gay University students and faculty feel the gay population is not strongly unified. The gay community "is a mirror of society in that people who have something in common unite," said College junior and Generation XX magazine co-editor Jennifer Manion. "They're united on the things they're together on, like being gay, but they also have their differences. Their differences are not more prevalent in the gay community as they are elsewhere." Others believe that one of the community's greatest strengths is its diversity. "Different people, different talents," College senior Stephen Houghton said. "So long as they're supportive of each other, that's important." But some members of the community said this lack of unity hurts gays at the University. "I'm very cynical," College sophomore Melissa Krakowski said. "I don't think we're unified. Everyone's dissatisfied with some part of it. I feel there are problems. The only thing we have in common is that we're gay and it sometimes doesn't keep us together." One reason for the division in the community is leadership struggles evident among some of the groups. "People are at each other's throats all the time about who's going to be in charge," Krakowski said. Houghton said he sees this problem as well, adding that disagreements sometimes arise between undergraduate and graduate student organizations. Because the various lesbian, gay and bisexual organizations have different priorities, debate arises about "whether students' energy should be focused on creating social events or political action," Conklin said. "Some feel the best use of their time is to create cultural events so that straight students can socialize with gay students. For other students, they would rather use resources for political change so that civil rights are observed." The University has established several different resources for the lesbian, gay and bisexual community. The Program, as PLGBCAP is called, provides services directly and solely for the gay community, while other University agencies offer services to many different minority groups on campus, including gays and lesbians. The Penn Women's Center provides advocacy services, educational programs, counseling and support groups for all women, including lesbians. Student Health Service offers health awareness programs and counseling, while the Greenfield Intercultural Center holds programs addressing the gay, lesbian and bisexual community, such as its panel-discussion earlier this month entitled "Twice Proud: Homosexuality and the African-American Family." However, many gays at the University feel these resources are inadequate. "Penn has more [resources] than other college campuses do, but that doesn't mean it's enough," Schoenberg said. "We can't do all the programming we'd like to. We'd like to be available to other offices on campus to help them do their jobs better. We'd like to spend more time on other issues that are affecting the community." Schoenberg added that he would like to narrow the focus of his office -- he's the only full-time worker -- but he does not think that improvement is feasible in the near future due to economic constraints. And unfortunately, many students also feel there is a lack of resources on campus. A student who wanted to be identified as "Bill S." said he had an eating disorder while attending the University and had no place to turn on campus because he is a man. The Student Health representative "told me that she really couldn't meet my needs," he said. "There aren't services on campus for men who have these problems." Bill said the University's gay community needs more than adequate services. "If I were to dream, we'd have a big lounge where we can hang out -- a place to be," he said. "And there'd be more under-21 activities for people under 21 who can't go to the bars." In addition to providing support and organizational services, the University recognizes homosexual couples and offers them domestic partnership benefits, according to Schoenberg. This arrangement is the closest a gay couple can come today to being recognized as a married couple by the University. Benefits such as insurance, transportation services, and access to recreation facilities are included in this agreement, implemented in April 1994. However, according to Schoenberg, the arrangement is cumbersome, laden with excessive paperwork, red tape and strict rules. The sign-up process is "much more rigorous than it is for heterosexual partners," he said. "Up until domestic partnership benefits, the University never asked for marriage licenses, they just took your word for it." Now, to qualify for these benefits, a couple has to provide leases, wills and certification that the relationship is monogamous, Schoenberg said. And if the couple breaks up, they have to wait a year before applying again, while heterosexuals who divorce can reapply as soon as their papers clear. Regardless of the adequacy of the resources the University offers, many students said they feel that it is the mainstream community's tolerance and acceptance of alternate lifestyles that helps individuals who are coming out of the closet. "Penn as a whole presents a different climate to be gay in," Manion said. "And as far as individuals, I guess depending on the support network the person has and if they are at the stage that they're comfortable identifying with what you are will have an easier time coming out." Krakowski experienced this first-hand. "When I came as a freshman and I went into the LGBA office I felt comfortable," she said. "What I didn't feel comfortable [doing] was going to the meetings and telling my friends in the freshman dorms where I was going."
(03/01/95 10:00am)
Students voiced their fears yesterday about losing W. E. B. DuBois College House in light of new discussions regarding University residences that have arisen over the proposed 21st Century Undergraduate Education initiatives. The proposed initiatives currently contain no specific directives regarding the implementation of randomized housing. But the university chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. held a panel discussion entitled "The Crisis of Randomized Housing" in DuBois last night to gauge the opinion of the University community on this very controversial issue. "It's been a major concern," Wharton senior and Zeta Phi Beta corresponding secretary Carla Miller said. "We just wanted to hear different people's vision on the issues, which is what impact randomized housing will have on Low Rise North." The panel consisted of four individuals who are against randomized housing for various reasons. Residential Living Manager of Safety and Security Joe Louis Kirk -- a University alumnus who has been on campus since 1977 -- said he "became appalled" at the idea of randomized housing. He said he feels that DuBois is presently fulfilling its mission statement, which includes exploring African-American tradition and culture. Wharton and College senior Dara Colok, who lived in DuBois her freshman year, was adamantly opposed to the implementation of randomized housing for freshmen. "They want to take it away and they don't want to put anything in its place," she said. "[Students] need a support network." Colok said she would not have liked to live in a mainstream residence when she was a freshman because she would get "tired of educating black culture to a white person -- like explaining why you don't wash your hair every morning." College junior Cardell Orrin said he fears the dismantling of DuBois because it would mean the loss of the college house's comfortable environment. "It's more of a home environment and a center of black activities on campus," he said. "If you want to live around people who think more like you, that should be fine." Others voiced similar sentiments, saying that students should be able to live where they feel the most comfortable -- which may mean not living with students of other races. "You need to be around people like you and you're not going to find that in the Quad," said one participant.
(03/01/95 10:00am)
To celebrate Black History Month, Janali Davis decided to attend an event sponsored by the White Women Against Racism. But when the Engineering junior arrived at the group's meeting place in Houston Hall, she was turned away because she is black. Davis is now planning to file a grievance against the Women's Center, which sponsors WWAR, with the Office of Affirmative Action. When Davis sat down in the room where the event was to take place, Women's Center Director Elena DiLapi, the program facilitator, called her into the hall. "Because of the structure and the purpose of this organization, it would not be appropriate for you to be here at this time," DiLapi told Davis. Davis and DiLapi started to discuss the issue when Bah-Bai Makenta, another African American interested in the meeting, joined the discussion. Makenta works as a project planner in the department of Facilities Planning. The three proceeded to argue for almost an hour until Davis left in tears. Davis said she feels hurt, confused and discriminated against. "The reason I went to the meeting is because I was curious about White Women Against Racism," she said. "I don't expect to come to this campus and be treated like that -- especially in a forum that says it's dealing with the problem of racism." DiLapi, however, said that because the group was created for white women, it is inappropriate for individuals of other races to attend. "Before we can enter into meaningful dialogue about culture and racism, we have to examine ourselves first and examine those issues," she said. "We believe racism is a white problem and we have a responsibility as white women in particular to do what we can to eradicate racism." Makenta was both disgusted and confused by the group's policy. "How can they deal with African people and not hear what the African people has to say?" he said. "Here's this white women's organization against racism practicing racism." DiLapi said that because the Women's Center has programs directed towards black women, her actions were not racist. But Makenta said he cannot understand how WWAR is allowed to bar blacks from attending the event. "It seems to me wrong philosophically and politically that this group that meets on a university campus and in a university building, whose funding includes federal and state funds, can be allowed to meet in exclusivity of black people," he said. The function was advertised in the Campus Events section of the Daily Pennsylvanian, and the University's Policies & Procedures Handbook states that all "events are considered to be public." DiLapi said the advertisement was an error because the group is not taking new members, white or black, at this time. She added that because the event served as a support group, she is entitled to ask individuals to leave. "In years past, there have been men and women --white and of color--and when I've explained the purpose of the group they've said 'fine,' " DiLapi said. The Handbook includes no definitions or rules concerning support groups. Last week, a similar incident occurred when the board of the Black Student League barred DP staff members from a BSL meeting. And BSL President and College senior Robyn Kent said last night she supports DiLapi's rationale. "I'd be a hypocrite to say they should allow them in," Kent said. "It's up to the organization to choose who to let in and not to let in." DiLapi said she knows Davis is very upset about the incident. She added that the Women's Center is planning a program to start dialogue between black and white women. But Davis said she would not go to such a program.
(02/28/95 10:00am)
When Philadelphia resident Dorothy Beam's son died, her minister told her he would not hold the funeral in his church because her son was gay. So she held his funeral in another church with a gay minister and surprised the entire community when over 1,000 mourners attended. Last night, the panel discussion entitled "Twice Proud: Homosexuality and the African-American Family," addressed this situation and other issues facing black families dealing with homosexuality as well as African-American individuals as they handle the attitudes and stereotypes of their communities. The forum -- one of a series of campus events surrounding Black History Month -- was held to explore the myths behind homophobia in the African-American community. "There is an idea that African-American families have more difficulty in dealing with lesbian, bisexual, and gay [family members]," said Bob Schoenberg, director of Program for the Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Community at Penn and co-sponsor of last night's program. "Hearing the panel will be an interesting way to find out if that's true." Four panelists attempted to shed light on the African-American community's acceptance of homosexuality through their personal experiences. Beam -- the only mother on the panel -- told how her son Joseph Beam, a writer and activist who died at the age of 33, came out to her and how her friends did not react well to the news. "If my son had been a lawyer, a doctor, a dentist, that would have been fine," she said. "I treated it with the same compassion and love. I love my son unconditionally." She went on to tell how his death was the beginning her crusade to help the African-American community accept its homosexual members. "Every person on this earth has a purpose," Beam said. "Your job is to get out and tell the African-American population that God loves your son because he's gay. Black families are in the closet. The children are out, but the families are in the closet." Since her son's death in 1988, Beam has started a scholarship for gay and lesbian students at Temple University. She also has made a large donation to her church in her son's name. Young filmmaker Aishah Simmons then told her "coming-out" story, which included details of a supportive father and a less than encouraging mother. Simmons' brother, Tyree, a local high school student, described his experience of growing up with a lesbian sister and actually becoming very comfortable with it. "It's no problem," he said. "We look at girls [together] sometimes." Participants almost all agreed that among African Americans, there is silent, perhaps grudging, awareness of homosexuality within the community and that it is time for change. "In these times we can no longer shush," said one College sophomore. "We need to start speaking about this. Because if we can't, we will never be able to deal with AIDS and HIV."
(02/24/95 10:00am)
A representative from the Rutgers University Black Student Union spoke at a forum sponsored by the Black Student League last night. BSL officers barred staff members from The Daily Pennsylvanian from entering the multi-purpose room of the W.E.B. DuBois College House, where the Rutgers student was speaking. According to students who attended, one reason the function was held was to discuss with University students the controversy currently enveloping Rutgers. Many members of the Rutgers community are outraged at recently published remarks made in by Rutgers President Francis L. Lawrence. In a November speech about Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and race to the American Association of University Professors, Lawrence said "?or do we deal with a disadvantaged population that doesn't have that genetic hereditary background to have a higher average." The statement's release January 31 incited Rutgers students to call for Lawrence's resignation. Some students protested Lawrence's remarks by interrupting the Rutgers-University of Massachusetts basketball game February 7 with a sit-in. The other primary goal of last night's function at DuBois -- which was attended by about 35 students -- was to brainstorm ways that University students could help improve the situation at Rutgers, according to BSL President and College senior Robyn Kent. Such ideas included investigating "the exact reasoning the [New Jersey] Board of Governors gave in supporting [Lawrence]," College senior and BSL member Jorge Fernandez said. "That may lead to information that we do not know," he said. "We just want to know their opinion and why they chose to support him." Students also discussed holding a peaceful gathering, "possibly to represent the feelings we feel about what was said and to express to the academic community that if something is done wrong at one institution that it affects many institutions," Fernandez said. At the beginning of the function, BSL leaders held a vote on whether participants wanted members of the press to be present, Kent said. "The consensus was that they didn't want anyone from the DP there," she said. After the DP was barred from the meeting, Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel was called about a possible infraction of the University's Guidelines on Open Expression. "Unless designated as public, meetings are considered to be private," the policy states. "Events are considered to be public." BSL leaders asserted that although flyers advertised the gathering to the "Penn Community," the discussion was a private meeting, which would allow them to bar the press from attending, Kent said last night. During the meeting, Cassel spoke with BSL advisor and Director of Academic Support Programs Terri White, a University-designated Open Expression Monitor. By the time Cassel spoke with White and White officially warned Kent about a possible violation -- which might have granted the press access -- the meeting had already adjourned. "Terri White warned that there conceivably would be a violation of open expression and then the meeting broke up, so that was it," Cassel said. Cassel said that the biggest impediment to interpreting the Open Expression Guidelines in this instance is the definition of "meeting." "That's subject to interpretation. I guess this has never really been tested," Cassel said. Kent, however, said the event was a "closed meeting" and that she did not want anything to "hinder" the meeting's goals of exploring "how Penn and the Penn community could help the students at Rutgers." "There's still a feeling of mistrust between BSL and the DP, as much as both sides have tried to bridge the gap," Kent said. "The DP coming in would have prevented any progress." DP Executive Editor Charles Ornstein said he hopes to work with the BSL leaders to iron out a protocol for future events. "We believe events which are open to all members of the University community should be open to the press," said the College junior. "At the same time, we look forward to a productive dialogue with the BSL to keep the lines of communication open." At the forum, the BSL executive board decided to hold a closed meeting with the leaders of Rutgers' BSU.
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Sporting his "Penn Fag" sweatshirt and trademark nose ring, College senior Stephen Houghton posted his feelings about Valentine's Day on the Button yesterday morning. College junior Jen Manion accompanied Houghton. Their message was clear, spelled out in red and pink --"Love knows no gender." Manion and Houghton, inspired by Gloria Steinem's speech Monday night, had decided to make a statement. "Gloria Steinem said, 'Within the next 24 hours, do one outrageous thing for social justice,' and that's what we did," Manion said. So they spray-painted the snow behind College Hall late Monday evening, on College Green yesterday morning and taped signs on the Button in front of Van Pelt Library. Their signs -- which read "Queer Love" and "Gay still means happy"-- were meant to make gays on campus feel comfortable on the day that has historically been a "straight" celebration of sweethearts. "We're not going to let Valentine's Day be the epitome of heterosexual romance," Manion said. "We hope we made the fags and dykes on campus feel good for one day." The two students also wanted to maintain awareness within the heterosexual community of the University's gay population. "Day to day life is heterosexual," Houghton said. "People often forget about queer life on campus." Although Manion is the editor-in-chief of the women's magazine, Generation XX and Houghton is the former co-chair of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance, they said their activity was simply a statement by two individuals. "We're not affiliated with anything," Manion said. "It's just us as individuals and queer visibility is always a plus." Shortly after signs were taped to the button, passers-by began to show an interest. "This is nice to see," said College sophomore Melissa Krakowski, who is gay. "It's so rare this year to see anything out here. It's nice to see something new and different." Others were not happy about the means of communication used. "I don't like to see the art works on campus used as bulletin boards," said Karin Schaller, a Philadelphia resident. But Manion and Houghton disagreed. "We don't see it as defacing property," Manion said. "It's campus beautification." In fact, Manion said that it is the message that matters, not the reactions to it. Houghton agreed. "One of the things Gloria Steinem said last night was 'this is a revolution, not a [public relations] movement,'" he said. "So I don't worry about alienating the few. If the message is firm, it should stand on its own." At the end of the day, the friends were happy with their work. "I stood next to the Button watching and people were reading the signs," Manion said. "So that's good. And my gay friends loved it." Houghton also felt like he had accomplished his goals for the day. "Valentine's Day is for everyone," Houghton said. "We wanted to make that clear-- and queer."
(02/14/95 10:00am)
Amidst increased racial tension and concern over affirmative action policies nationwide, the man formerly known as Stokley Carmichael called for complete revolution yesterday in a speech at Irvine Auditorium. In the keynote address for the Greenfield Intercultural Center's celebration of African-American History Month, entitled "African American Student Movements, Yesterday and Today," Kwame Ture advocated organizing the African people to overthrow the American capitalist society. In the 1960s, as a prominent black activist, Ture -- then known as Carmichael -- founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, helped launch the Black Power Movement and was also a member of the Black Panthers. In fact, he is often credited with having coined the phrase "black power," although he said yesterday that he did not create it -- he only popularized it. Today --30 years later -- he is the founder of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party and lives in Guinea on the west coast of Africa. The party was originally formed in 1968. Ture prefaced his speech last night by establishing his credibility in the area of student protest. "When I speak of student movements, I speak of something not that I studied, but of that which I lived," he said. Ture described the importance of studying the values of society. He said students may either accept and perpetuate them or reject them and offer alternatives. "What are you for?" he asked. "Just saying you are against something doesn't do anything. It is what you are for." Ture stressed the importance of rejecting capitalism by calling it an "anti-human society that keeps its members unconscious of the values they are perpetuating." He also denounced the claim that conditions in the African-American community are more favorable today than 30 years ago because the representation of African Americans in universities and government has increased. "This progress is quantitative," he said. "Progress must be qualified to affect the masses of our people." Ture then told the audience not to underestimate the value of aggression in attaining revolution and urged the African-American community to "take violence and aim it at the enemy and be free." "No human advances are possible without the shedding of blood," he added.Ture then stressed the need for organization of the African-American community, especially students. "Student movements must have a strong nationalist base," he said. "They must be clear and precise. One must be willing to kill and die for it. " Ture said that every African American has a responsibility to get involved. "By your very act of inaction, you are against your people," he said. Many of the 200 audience members reacted favorably to Ture's speech. "[The speech was] right on point on the need for Africans to organize themselves," said Mel Davis, a member of the National African American Club. "Very good," Temple University senior Crystal Brown said. "We're always talking about what the problem is but not strategically planning how to solve it." Some white audience members said they felt uncomfortable, although they understood the speech. "I felt extremely self-conscious and sort of targeted," College senior Ian Glick said. "This audience is not for white folk," said Rev. Beverly Dale, director of the Christian Association. "But we all must learn. His critique of the capitalist system is right on target."
(02/06/95 10:00am)
The first college-run South Asian television show ever created, Entertainment India, will debut on the University's UTV13 today at 6 p.m. The hour-long program-- which is unaffiliated with the South Asia Society-- will feature community and world South Asian news, a cooking segment and one half-hour of modern South Asian music videos, according to Wharton sophomore Toral Mehta, the show's creator. Although the show is produced by and for the South Asian community, other students may benefit as well. "The show is targeted towards South Asian students and students who are interested in learning about their culture," said Heather Dorf, a College junior and vice president of production and programming. Dorf said she chose the show from a group of submitted proposals because of its originality and UTV13's drive towards diversity in programming. Although the show is entitled Entertainment India, Mehta said the show is targeted toward South Asian audiences -- which she defines as India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Students from other South Asian countries said they may not watch the show because of its Indian emphasis. "I'm not Indian," said Wharton junior Shoma Haque, who was born in Bangladesh. "We have a different language and a slightly different culture -- I'd probably be more atuned to something called South Asian [Entertainment]." Mehta said she created the show in an effort to unite the University's South Asian community. "This show is a good way to get South Asians involved in the mass media," she said. "The show is the culminated efforts of 45 people. Many people have united to make the show a reality." Although UTV13 has no formal rating system besides knocking on doors, Mehta said viewership of the show is expected to be very large. Engineering graduate student Sanjay Udani said he would watch the show for its music videos and news. "You don't get that type of stuff on regular cable these days," he said. Other students, however said they will probably not watch the show. "I might watch it if I were flipping channels," College junior Priti Bhansali said. "I wouldn't deliberately turn it on. I'm just not interested." College junior Rakhi Parekh also said she would not make Entertainment India part of her weekly television-watching schedule. "[I would watch] once in a blue moon," she said. "Maybe if I knew somebody that was going to be on it."
(02/02/95 10:00am)
When Nathan McCall used to pick up a newspaper, his name was in the headline. Now it is in the byline. The Black Student League presented a lecture by McCall, a Washington Post reporter and author of the autobiographical best-seller Makes Me Want to Holler, Tuesday night in the auditorium of the Annenberg School for Communication. The once gang-banging urban youth who robbed stores, held up people and gang-raped women described his turnaround and recovery -- the subject of his best-seller which debuted last February. McCall, who grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, described how he did not have a supportive family life and looked to the "boys on the corner" for role models rather than his hard-working stepfather. He said he soon fell into the common inner-city trap of crime and shot a man -- who survived the bullet wounds. McCall served a short prison term for the shooting and was next caught robbing a McDonald's. After having served three of his 12-year prison sentence, he turned his life around as a result of stumbling onto Richard Wright's Native Son -- in which the main character is sentenced to death by the electric chair. "It struck a chord with me," he said. "I decided to try to live on the other side of the fence." Upon getting out of prison, McCall attended Norfolk State University and received a bachelor's degree in journalism. He went on to work for several different newspapers before being hired by The Washington Post. After briefly describing parts of his book and reading an excerpt dealing with his experiences upon returning to his hometown, McCall answered questions from the audience. McCall said he does not believe in a "three strikes you're out," crime policy because learning from experience, everyone needs a second chance. "Shouldn't we try to save some of these lives rather than write them off so quickly?" he asked. McCall's main focus of the evening was racism and its prevalence in America. "People always ask me if I'm obsessed with race," he said. "And I always tell them the same thing -- yes, I am. I'm obsessed with race and it's had a profound impact in my life and the life of every American in this country." He said he feels the violence in American cities is a "blue collar" version of the ruthlessness found in corporate America. McCall said one way to fight the racism in America is to target the "things we do to promote viciousness and selfishness," in our everyday lives and not be surprised when they exist on the street as well. He also said society needs to increase discourse on the topic of racism -- which is one reason why he said he chose to speak at the University. "We need to stand up and exchange ideas," he said. "That's what college is about." The audience was extremely receptive to McCall, and some members became hostile in response to a pointed question from Law student Latif Doman that referred to McCall's book as "dangerous." "I think it was a dangerous book because it says racism is the only explanation for the problem," Doman said. "Too many excuses, not enough explanations." Other audience members, however, found the book and presentation inspirational and especially appropriate for young readers. "It shows young people that they can't just act in the here and now," said Wanda Grooms, a member of the Philadelphia chapter of Go On Girl!, a reading group which named McCall its "Author of the Year." "They have to think of the consequences," she said.
(01/30/95 10:00am)
A wave of forged and obscene newsgroup posting has raised questions about Internet security on campus. Data Communications and Computing Services has recently received at least six complaints concerning false return addresses on postings within the "Newswatcher" and "Trumpet" newsgroup programs, according to Associate Vice Provost of Information System and Computing Dan Updegrove. These computer-lab-run programs -- which are easier to use than the commonly used "tin" program -- allow students to post without logging on to one of the University's servers. The hacking incidents have reportedly originated in the High Rise South and Stouffer College House computer labs. And the messages have been posted on newsgroups such as upenn.talk, upenn.food and upenn.forsale, according to College junior Meng Weng Wong, an Internet expert. These programs, which allow posting without actually logging on, have led to forged messages, including obscenities and misrepresentations of University organizations such as the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and the Daily Pennsylvanian. "I've been alive 46 years and I've never read words like this," Updegrove said. "If someone needs psychological help, then we'd like to get them psychological help." When College senior and President of Alpha Phi Omega Desiree Ramirez was writing a response to one obscene message that claimed to represent her fraternity, two more appeared on the newsgroup that claimed to be from her. She said she feels hurt and bewildered. "What did I do?" she said. "I didn't do anything. Why would this happen to poor little me?" Updegrove said that CDDS knew that abuse of these programs was always a possibility, but trusted Internet users to use the system wisely. According to Director of Planning and Engineering at DCCS George McKenna, it is extremely difficult to track individuals who abuse the system because they do not log on before they post. Wong, however, said that the University does have the ability to track the abuser. "He could be found and punished," Wong said. "I doubt the University has the balls to do it." McKenna said that educating other Internet users is also difficult. "You can teach people how to recognize a forged message, but even that's hard because they rip the headers off," he said. To combat the problem, Updegrove sent out a memo to all University computer labs Thursday essentially recommending they stop posting through programs which do not require identification. "We basically informed all the lab managers Thursday night that if they would like to have unauthenticated posting from the lab disabled to just let us know," he said. "One or two actors have spoiled it for the rest of the community," he said, adding that Internet hacking violates state and federal laws -- along with the Student Code of Conduct. Updegrove added that he is not limiting his search to University students, but considering staff and faculty as well.
(01/20/95 10:00am)
After serving as the interim director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center first semester, Reverend Larry Burnley has been awarded the position permanently. Burnley was appointed in mid-July to replace Interim Director Joseph Sun, who took a position in the Wharton School. After the semester-long search, Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta is convinced that Burnley is the perfect person for the job. "I feel like we could have searched for years throughout the world and we couldn't have found a better candidate," Moneta said. "He's a terrific choice. He knows the students and the students trust him." Moneta added that Burnley's expertise in coalition-building and management, in addition to his goal of bridging cultural gaps, won him the position. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Burnley graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1979 with a degree in African-American Studies. He then returned to college after counseling Cleveland inner-city youth and working as an investigative parole officer. He finished his Master of Divinity work at the Christian Theological Seminary in 1990. And he is now studying at the University's Graduate School of Education. Burnley was assistant director of the Christian Association before taking his position at the GIC and said he feels that this new position is very similar to his work in the ministry. "This ministry that I'm involved in with Penn is very similar to what I'm doing here," he said. "It has been a ministry of reconciliation and empowerment. I don't see a great deal of difference except one is more cultural." Burnley's goals for the GIC are three-fold -- to create opportunity for intercultural dialogue, foster relationships between the GIC and graduate groups and continue the comprehensive support presently given to the many student groups that are connected with the center. University students are enthusiastic with Burnley's appointment. "I'm very excited because as interim director he was an integral part of the activities that [the United Minorities Council] sponsored, as a mentor and a sponsor," UMC President Liz Melendez said. "I look forward to working with him this semester because I know he'll continue supporting us." Burnley is extremely enthusiastic about his appointment and his chance to work toward increasing diversity on campus. "I'm convinced that the GIC is an extremely important institution on this campus," he said. "And I believe that we can help Penn become a truly multicultural community."
(01/18/95 10:00am)
W.E.B. DuBois College House Assistant Dean David Biggs is leaving the University for a position at Webster University in St. Louis. Biggs, who served at DuBois for four years, will begin his responsibilities at Webster as director of multicultural student services on February 1. In his new position, Biggs said he hopes to represent the minority community at Webster in decision-making. A University alumnus, Biggs received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and religious thought in 1977 from the College of Arts and Sciences. He continued his education at Boston University, where he received his master's of divinity degree in pastoral counseling and philosophy. Biggs became the first assistant dean of DuBois in 1990. He said he has seen major strides in academic support at the University since he took office. "Back when I was a student, we didn't have academic advisors in the residence halls," he said. "We had to go all the way down to College Hall and many times we wouldn't do it. Living in the residence hall allows me to hunt down the students who need help and make sure they get it." This type of advising and support is what students have said they will miss most about Biggs. "We had our house meetings and he was always telling us that we have a support community," Wharton freshman Miki Toliver said. "He always tried to let us know who could help us in every area." Since the beginning of his tenure at DuBois, Biggs said he has enjoyed many accomplishments in the advancement of the college house -- such as helping to start the practice of holding classes in DuBois, and improving communications between the house and other University departments and residences. Biggs said he is wary of the suggestion to randomize housing made by the Commission on Strengthening the Community last year. If the Commission's recommendation were to be implemented, DuBois -- currently a home for the African-American community -- would be "mainstreamed," he added. "After 23 years, [DuBois] is as much an institution as any other institution people think of when they think of the University of Pennsylvania," Biggs said. "And the commitment the University has shown to DuBois should be continued, for [a decrease in support] would be a blow to the quality of residential living the academic excellence the University is trying to purport with its undergraduate education programs." Biggs' colleagues said his departure will be a bittersweet conclusion to his exceptional leadership at the University. "I'm very ambivalent that he's leaving," Assistant Vice-Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel said. "I'm happy to hear that he's moving onward and upward. But on the other hand, he will be missed by colleagues and students alike." Biggs said he has enjoyed the time he has spent at the University. "The opportunity, honor and privilege to serve as the first assistant dean will always be a cherished memory of mine," Biggs said.
(01/17/95 10:00am)
About 350 University community members participated in the African American Association of Administrators, Faculty and Staff Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Program in the Penn Tower Hotel yesterday. The program -- which featured a speech from Philadelphia City Councilwoman Augusta Clark -- stressed the value of the black community's youth. "If we don't support the young, we can't expect them to support us," Clark said. Students from Grace Temple Christian Academy Choir sang various selections including "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the African American National Anthem. Malik Culberath, a student at the Barry Elementary School and the winner of the AAAFS Essay Contest, read an essay urging the black community to concentrate on protecting its civil rights and continuing King's dream. Speakers also stressed that the community should celebrate Martin Luther King Day every day, not just on the holiday. "[We should] fight the good fight," said Jim Gray, Tri-Chair for Staff, AAAFS. "Don't let anything divert your eyes from the prize." Clark's keynote speech criticized many governmental practices and issues, including the election of Newt Gingrich -- whom Clark termed "Newt the Brute." "He wasn't appointed," Clark said, adding that she is appalled that black voters contributed to Gingrich's win. "Newt stepped in the breach that we created when we didn't act." Clark also pointed out that the struggle ahead of the African-American community will be difficult -- although she said it cannot compare to past barriers. "Maximize the power of one," she said. "What will you do with the one person you are?As bad as things are today, this ain't nothing compared to getting out of slavery." Participants said they found the program to be a rewarding experience. "It was just what we needed to hear," said Financial Services Officer in the Office of Student Financial Services Linda Taylor-Burch. "We were just talking about how inspired we felt hearing the program." Human Resources Records Assistant Katrina Neely agreed. "I'm really glad they have this commemorative service," she said. "With today's devastation of urban community, we need to take time out and say that the dream does continue and everything that Dr. King said still holds true." Neely said that some of the problems she worries about are inequality in getting jobs and being promoted. However, she said she does not see iniquity in the classroom. Many black University employees attended yesterday's commemorative program. According to Vanessa Dorsey, the chairperson of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, this was due to a request from the President's Office asking each University department to give their employees an extra hour to celebrate the King holiday. Other activities in the King series were better attended by students of many races. Black Student League President and College senior Robyn Kent gave one explanation for this phenomenon. "It's more of an opportunity for non-black students to show their support, while black students don't have to prove their respect for Dr. King," she said.
(01/16/95 10:00am)
Although the wind and rain extinguished the flames of their candles, the participants' voices rang clear in yesterday's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Candlelight Vigil. In an effort to continue King's legacy and to call the University to action, approximately 50 students of many races participated in activities across the University. More than 30 University and Drexel University students marched from the W.E.B. DuBois College House to the Christian Association singing "We Shall Overcome." "[King] was a fraternity brother of ours and we take a lot of pride in being able to host this vigil," said Kristofer Love, a College senior and president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. "We want to show the University that someone is remembering him and his achievements." Drexel students shared similar feelings. "If it weren't for people like Martin Luther King, I wouldn't be in college right now," Drexel sophomore Monica Wheeler said. "We should pay a little respect." The procession was led into the auditorium of the Christian Association where speakers expressed their sentiments about King and his ideas. Their speeches illustrated the theme of the series of activities, "In a word?NOW!" In his speech, Bicultural Inter-Greek Council President and Wharton senior Wayne Wilson urged participants to attack apathy and take a stand. Black Student League President and College senior Robyn Kent echoed Wilson's sentiments. "It's time to stop dreaming, it's time to stop complaining," she said. "It's time to act." Earlier yesterday, students kicked off the Martin Luther King Day celebration by making banners that will be displayed on Locust Walk this week to form "King's Walk" -- a tradition created to remember and commemorate King's ideas, according to Christian Association Director Rev. Beverly Dale. "King's Walk is a visible presence of some of [King's] powerful messages that we dare not forget," she said. About 20 students of different ethnicities from more than 13 different campus organizations participated in banner-making. "This [activity] is a means of bringing together student organizations who don't normally come together," said David Grossman, director of the Program for Student-Community Involvement. Sponsors also said they hoped the activity would raise awareness about the festivities held for the holiday. "We hope more students will be aware of it next year and participate," said Michelle Davis, Americorps Intern at PSCI, one of the sponsors of King's Walk. "We want this to be a student-run activity and we want the banners to reflect how the students feel."
(01/15/95 10:00am)
The Graduate Student Association Committee distributed flyers urging students to "cut for King." And at the conclusion of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Candlelight Vigil, Black Student League President and College senior Robyn Kent urged participants to skip classes in order to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday, for which all public institutions must close. But to the dismay of many students and faculty members, the University, a private institution, remains open. University policy dictates that although classes are not canceled, instructors must allow students to celebrate this holiday and certain others, including the Jewish holidays Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah and the Christian holiday Good Friday. "In consideration of their significance for many students, no examinations may be given and no assigned work may be required on these days," the University's Policies and Procedures Handbook states. "If an examination is given on the first class day after one of these holidays, it must not cover material introduced in class on that holiday." Although most classes will be held, some instructors will cancel their classes today in order to celebrate the holiday. "I was surprised and shocked that [the holiday] would not be celebrated," Assistant Professor of Political Science Kerry Haynie said. "I won't be holding class on Monday. It's a holiday and I plan to attend some of the events." Assistant Professor of Political Science Marissa Martino Golden shares similar sentiments. "I don't understand it," she said. "People fought very hard and very courageously so that the holiday would be created, and it sends a message when the holiday is not observed." This year especially, protesters felt that it would have been a relatively simple calendar change for the University to recognize the holiday. "It seems like such an easy change to start the semester on Tuesday instead of Monday," Haynie added. Former Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson wrote in the May 3, 1994 issue of the Almanac that the Martin Luther King holiday is enriched by programs and activities and in-class discussions on pertinent issues, "not by absenting itself through closing." University President Judith Rodin declined to comment on the University's position on the holiday.
(12/12/94 10:00am)
Although it takes place during the Christmas season, Kwanzaa may seem more like Thanksgiving. Kwanzaa, the African-American holiday of self-determinism, lasts from December 26 to 31 and is celebrated by more than 300 University students annually. The holiday gained national prominence with the civil rights movement of the 1960s and was brought into popularity primarily by its creator Maulana Karenga, an activist and black studies professor at California State University at Long Beach. Kwanzaa was created in order to "link the continent of Africa to the experience of African-Americans," College junior Salamisha Tillet said. Although the holiday coincides with Christmas, it is completely unrelated. According to Phyllis Dennis, assistant director of Greenfield Intercultural Center, it is "non-religious and non-heroic." In fact, celebrants emphasize completely different themes while partaking in Kwanzaa festivities. "Christmas makes us get too much into gift giving and getting, while Kwanzaa helps us look into how we can help others," said College freshman Tiffany Robinson. To perpetuate the spirit of giving, gifts are handmade rather than store-bought, Tillet said. Dennis said the holiday rituals include lighting candles in a kinora --not unlike the menorah of the Jewish Chanukah -- and the recitation and discussion of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These include umoja, kuumba and imani -- or unity, creativity and faith respectively. GIC is holding Kwanzaa festivities entitled "Gathering the African Diaspora" tonight. The ceremony will commence at 7 p.m. in Irvine Auditorium and a dinner will follow at 8 p.m. in the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall. The ceremony will feature speeches by College senior and Black Student League President Robyn Kent and Communications graduate student Rhea Lewis, a member of the Black Graduate and Professional Student Assembly. Kent and Lewis will repeat each of the principles of Kwanzaa and "speak about how we can implement that principle in our lives," Dennis said. She added that the University's celebration of Kwanzaa in recent years has repeatedly been a spiritual as well as an educational experience. "Students have been so excited about [Kwanzaa] that they want to take this celebration home and introduce it to their families," she said. Although it is not presently practiced in all African-American homes, the celebration of Kwanzaa is increasing, Tillet said. "It's catching on," she said. "It's becoming more and more popular in African-American families. It's a growing trend." Dennis said celebrants of Kwanzaa at the University and worldwide appreciate its emphasis on the African-American experience, both spiritually and historically. "We want to affirm our history--not become subject to other people's definition of who we are as African-Americans," she added.
