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(04/07/94 9:00am)
In what was to be their last official meeting of the school year, members of the United Minorities Council's 10 constituent groups gathered last night at the Greenfield Intercultural Center to elect the remainder of next year's UMC executive board. But elections were postponed because a majority of the candidates, nominated by their organizations, were not present to give speeches or answer UMC members' questions. Wharton sophomore and Six Directions representative Mary Mt. Pleasant raised concern about the qualifications and dedication of the candidates and wanted to hear from each of them personally before making a decision. As a result, nominations will remain open until midnight next Tuesday, April 12, current UMC Chairperson and College senior Jun Bang said. Elections are rescheduled for 8:30 p.m. the following evening, Wednesday, April 13, at the GIC. To avoid the problems encountered last night with the absence of candidates' position statements and programming ideas, any nominated candidate who intends to run for a position, but cannot attend elections, must call Bang to obtain an excuse before Tuesday, she said. These candidates must also submit written statements to Bang at the same time, in place of the speeches each would have given. Bang added that in past years, there has not been such intense interest in the elected positions on the UMC, so the absence of a few candidates has not precluded elections from taking place. However, since the UMC's name recognition has grown so much recently, people are more interested in being involved and participating in its activities, Bang said. The positions available on the UMC board include treasurer, corresponding secretary and recording secretary. Spots are also open for Celebration of Culture, Admissions and Program Chairpersons, and for Social Planning and Events Committee, Connaissance and Houston Hall representatives. College junior Liz Melendez was selected UMC chairperson-elect and Wharton junior Jenny Ho was chosen UMC vice chairperson-elect at another President's Meeting held last month. Before elections began last night, UMC members ratified revisions made to the group's constitution this year with a unanimous vote.
(04/05/94 9:00am)
Aided by beautiful weather, the United Minorities Council's fifth annual Celebration of Culture transformed Locust Walk and College Green into a world showcase Saturday afternoon. Co-sponsored by the UMC, the Social Planning and Events Committee and the Greenfield Intercultural Center, the celebration featured food, music and performances presented by University students from all corners of the globe. UMC Vice Chairperson and Wharton senior Alicia Lewis said the weather, combined with "a genuine interest in what's been going on" by students and community residents, made this year's celebration bigger than last year's. UMC Chairperson Jun Bang, a College senior, said the crowds were the largest she has seen since the celebration started. By mid-afternoon, she estimated that "a couple hundred people [had been] in and out." Aside from the weather, this year's celebration was unique because it included UMC groups, such as Six Directions and La Asociac'on Cultural de Estudiantes Latino Americanos, and non-UMC groups, like the Penn Thai Club and Ayalah, an Israeli folk dancing troupe, for the first time. As long as the financial resources for this type of collaboration are available, it will continue in years to come, Bang said. "The concept of including groups that are not UMC is very receptive," she said. "The UMC is not exclusive, it is very open and inclusive." Students strolling down Locust Walk or studying on College Green were probably shocked by the tent city that suddenly appeared around them, but none seemed to mind the intrusion as they stood chatting with friends and surveying the variety of culinary teats available. Members of the Chinese Students Association were selling almond tofu with fruit cocktail, red bean pastries and fortune cookies at their group's booth. CSA President Jen Liu, a College junior, said planning for the celebration began in February, since some food had to be brought to the University from New York. The Caribbean American Students Association offered some unusual fare at its booth -- curried goat, fried plaintain and tamarind balls, along with banana bread and potato pudding. According to Nursing senior and CASA member Racquel Lowe, many of the booth's customers were interested in more than the taste of these traditional West Indian dishes. "A lot of people came to look at [the informational] books and ask questions," she said. Celebration of Culture Chairperson Diana Flores, a College sophomore, said she is pleased with the turnout for the afternoon's activities. "I thought it was great," she said. "The weather was really nice, we had a lot of people there, the performances went well, too, and everybody made a lot of money on the food." This was the second year that the celebration was held on the Walk, instead of in Superblock, Flores added. She expects the celebration to be on the Walk next year as well, because the location results in fewer wind problems for the tents and performance stage. Flores also said that having the celebration on the Walk increases attendance. "A lot of them saw the flyers [posted by the UMC last week]," she said. "[But] about half of the people just passed by, saw the food and performances, and decided to stay. "I don't think there's any other event like this," Flores added. "Spring Fling is fun, but it is not cultural. The Celebration of Culture is all about culture -- it makes people more aware of other [cultures' traditions]." Wharton sophomore Falguni Desai said she enjoyed the celebration, but doubted the depth of its impact on cultural awareness across campus. "It's great that we have these multicultural things on campus, but I wish we could observe multiculturalism throughout the year," she said, as she munched on a tostada from El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztl
(04/04/94 9:00am)
Colorful costumes and fancy footwork entertained a near-capacity crowd in the Zellerbach Theater last night, as members of the South Asia Society presented the group's second annual spring cultural show, Holi: A Celebration of Colors. Holi, a traditional celebration of the arrival of spring, is accompanied by public merrymaking and the throwing of colored powders and waters in the streets of India. According to SAS President and College senior Raj Mehta, the University's Holi performance was intended to share the "customs, costumes and culture" of South Asia with students and members of the surrounding community. Last night's show began with a mock Hindu wedding, replete with traditional dress and students in the requisite roles of bride and groom, their family members and a priest. Ceremonial clothing remained the theme for the rest of the show's first half, as groups of emcees in colorful garb introduced fellow SAS members representing each region of India, and other South Asian countries, such as Pakistan, in dance and dress. Audience members responded enthusiastically to each performance, clapping and cheering loudly and chanting the names of friends and favorites as they took the stage. A group of 10 freshmen friends who had been practicing since mid-January stole the show with a bhangra they choreographed themselves. The bhangra is a traditional dance from the North Indian state of Pubjab, said College freshman Neha Patel, a member of the group. Instead of having an intermission, Mehta used the mid-show break to let performers catch their breath while he introduced the members of this year's SAS board and their newly-elected replacements. "[This is] the most demanding society I've ever been a part of, but [it is] also very supportive," he said. "[This has been] the best year of my life, and I owe that to you guys." The Holi celebration concluded with performers running into the audience and bringing friends from SAS who had danced earlier in the evening onto the stage for a huge and festive finale. Rao said she was "very excited and very, very pleased" with both the turnout and performances.
(04/04/94 9:00am)
Colorful costumes and fancy footwork entertained a near-capacity crowd in the Zellerbach Theater last night, as members of the South Asia Society presented the group's second annual spring cultural show, Holi: A Celebration of Colors. Holi, a traditional celebration of the arrival of spring, is accompanied by public merrymaking and the throwing of colored powders and waters in the streets of India. According to SAS President and College senior Raj Mehta, the University's Holi performance was intended to share the "customs, costumes and culture" of South Asia with students and members of the surrounding community. Last night's show began with a mock Hindu wedding, replete with traditional dress and students in the requisite roles of bride and groom, their family members and a priest. Ceremonial clothing remained the theme for the rest of the show's first half, as groups of emcees in colorful garb introduced fellow SAS members representing each region of India, and other South Asian countries, such as Pakistan, in dance and dress. Audience members responded enthusiastically to each performance, clapping and cheering loudly and chanting the names of friends and favorites as they took the stage. A group of 10 freshmen friends who had been practicing since mid-January stole the show with a bhangra they choreographed themselves. The bhangra is a traditional dance from the North Indian state of Pubjab, said College freshman Neha Patel, a member of the group. Instead of having an intermission, Mehta used the mid-show break to let performers catch their breath while he introduced the members of this year's SAS board and their newly-elected replacements. "[This is] the most demanding society I've ever been a part of, but [it is] also very supportive," he said. "[This has been] the best year of my life, and I owe that to you guys." After a short speech by incoming SAS President and College sophomore Mika Rao, Engineering sophomore Achal Agarwal excited the crowd with a vocal solo from a Hindi film. More dances followed Agarwal's song, including "Mera Piya Ghar Aaya" and "Didi." Engineering senior Tithi Dutta-Roy also sang "Ore Bhai Fagun Legeche Bone Bone," a Bengali piece. The Holi celebration concluded with performers running into the audience and bringing friends from SAS who had danced earlier in the evening onto the stage for a huge and festive finale. Rao said she was "very excited and very, very pleased" with both the turnout and performances. "[It was] very exciting to be in Zellerbach Theater, [although] Holi is always a very enjoyable holiday for me," she said. "We would love to be there again next year." "It went really well," Patel agreed. "Penn really came out and supported us."
(04/01/94 10:00am)
Allen Green, director of the University's African American Resource Center and assistant to the provost, will become dean of the college at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn., July 1. "[The University has] been an exciting place to work," Green said. "[This is] the longest I've been at any institution since my undergraduate years. My family's been reared around Penn -- it's a home away from home." Green was offered the position early last month by Wesleyan President Bill Chace. Green was nominated for the Wesleyan deanship -- the school's third-ranking academic position -- by a colleague from another institution. Although he interviewed for a similar position at Haverford College last year, he did not seek employment since then. In late January, Green became one of three finalists for the deanship. After going to Wesleyan for a first round of meetings with administrators and students, he was invited back for another round of meetings in early February. Green was the only finalist asked to return for a third round of interviews, according to the Wesleyan Argus. During his visits to Wesleyan, Green said he tried to meet as many people as possible -- members of student organizations and student-faculty committees, the dean's staff and "officers of the institution." "The issues [I will face] on campus are the same -- diversity, civility, free speech," he said. Green said the positions he has held here have helped prepare him for the responsibilities he will assume at Wesleyan, where his work will cover all issues involving student life and services, as well as academic policy. At the University, his work has centered on creating a "nurturing, supportive" environment for students, in the dormitories, the classroom and finally through the African American Resource Center. "Having had the chance to work with a wide variety of issues and constituents all around campus has helped to increase awareness of African American issues," Green said. While his activities as dean of the college could be equated with those of the University's Vice Provost for University Life, Green said he also hopes to have a teaching appointment in the History Department at Wesleyan. But, he added, he will miss "the people" at the University the most. Green's appointment "is great for him, [but] it's terrible for us," said English Professor and Graduate Chair Rebecca Bushnell, director of the Commission. "I enjoyed working with him so much this year," she said, adding that Green's patience, wisdom and ability to work well with a variety of people were assets in the Commission's work. However, since the Commission has submitted its final report, Green's departure will have no effect on its recommendations or their implementation at the University, Bushnell said. Green's capacity to use the connections and knowledge he acquired throughout the course of his career here amazed Bushnell most, she said. "That's something that takes years to build up," she said.
(03/30/94 10:00am)
If Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta has his way, both the Greenfield Intercultural Center and the Program for Student-Community Involvement will have new permanent directors by July 1. Moneta said last night that a committee consisting of three faculty members, five students and two staff members has been appointed in the GIC director search. The committee, co-chaired by Moneta and College junior and Social Planning and Events Committee Chairperson Lissette Monge, has already begun its work. On March 28, members of the committee met to examine nearly 100 resumes submitted for consideration, Moneta said. They narrowed the field down to six applicants. Moneta said he is hoping to invite those six candidates to campus "within the next week or two." Candidates will be visiting the University throughout April, and each will hold one open forum where he or she will take questions from the public as part of the selection process. "I've been working rapidly to try to have the interview process completed before finals begin so the students [on the committee] can be fully involved in the process," Moneta said. "I'm asking the committee to choose no more than three out of those six [as finalists]." Moneta said he will choose the new GIC director from the three finalists, adding that he is "looking for a superstar" -- someone who is creative and visionary, with student group advising experience, a scholarly interest in pluralism and the ability to create a multicultural community. "I'm hoping to have more than one choice," he said. "I hope to struggle [with the decision] and find several good people." Former Assistant Dean for Advising of the College of Arts and Sciences Joe Sun is the interim director of the GIC. Moneta said the PSCI director search is also underway. The VPUL Office has been soliciting resumes and will continue to do so for the next two weeks. An advertisement for the position appeared last week in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The PSCI director search committee, which is currently being formed, will include two faculty members, at least two at-large staff members -- in addition to staffers from the Center for Community Partnerships -- and three students. Nominations and Elections Committee Chairperson Sharon Dunn is currently working to choose the students who will serve on the PSCI director search committee. According to Dunn, a Wharton senior, applications will be due next Wednesday, April 6. She added that she expects the students to be named within the next two to three weeks. Jo-Ann Zoll, director of alcohol and drug education, is the acting PSCI director, replacing Todd Waller, who left the University earlier this semester. Moneta's goal is to have "permanent people [in both positions] by July 1." However, he said if the selected candidates need extra adjustment or relocation time, he is willing to be flexible. "For perfect people, I'll wait," he said.
(03/29/94 10:00am)
A forum on freedom of speech and the future of the First Amendment at the University drew a capacity crowd of students eager to voice their opinions last night in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. Sponsored by the Greek Social Action Committee, the panel discussion featured students, faculty and staff members concerned with the prevailing climate of political correctness on campus. College sophomore Thor Halvorssen, College sophomore and Managing Editor of The Red and Blue Christopher Robbins, and College junior and Undergraduate Assembly member Jessica Pollock represented the spectrum of student views on speech restrictions. Adjunct Assistant American Civilization Professor Frank Luntz and Director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center Joe Sun also participated in the debate, which was moderated by Legal Studies Professor and Assistant to the President Nicholas Constan. Constan began the program by offering each panelist an opportunity to define political correctness. He then asked audience members and panelists to address the question of whether "PC" can be used constructively. Working from a question about usage of the term "freshman," the evening's discussion centered on semantics, and how word choice can wound if it highlights differences in gender, race and ethnicity. This is especially true when members of groups are not described in terms of their own choosing -- for example, freshman versus freshperson versus first-year student. "It is the responsibility of the person who speaks as well as the person who hears to make the action or reaction to what is said," Sun said, emphasizing the importance of determining intent when deciding whether a remark is offensive. Halvorssen reacted strongly when audience members steered the conversation toward the issue of racial sensitivity. "You're going to overturn grammar, language, words because of the sensitivities of those [people] here and there who speak?" he asked the panelists. "Sensitivity is not a good thing when you're talking about the free exchange of ideas," Robbins added. Luntz brought another perspective to the debate when he raised the issue of professorial power over student speech and thought in the classroom. He told the more than 60 students in attendance that their University education is incomplete because of pressure on individual faculty members and students to conform to certain conventions of academic thought. "If you can pressure a professor out, you can pressure a president out," Halvorssen replied. "If you can ban a word, you can ban a book." Constan then asked the audience if limits should be imposed on professorial power. The general consensus, however, was that political correctness, as a movement restricting expression of ideas, cannot have a positive impact. Students also said that adding a University-specific code of conduct regulating speech to the existing state laws and federal guarantees is unnecessary. Instead, education about other cultures should be used to increase awareness and sensitivity. "If nothing else, let civility be our guide," Robbins said. Sun echoed Robbins' statement, adding that sanctioning hate speech is not "what [free speech] is all about." Some students, though, voiced concerns that only through free expression can controversial and divisive ideas be effectively understood and fought. Luntz ended the discussion on a cynical note when he explained that universities today are not about tolerance, since he believes they do not provide opportunities for open thought and expression. By the time students realize the extent of this restriction, he said, they run out of time to change their institutions. Constan advised the students in attendance to think about what they had heard and "dismiss as ridiculous no one's opinions." Students who were in the audience during the forum said they enjoyed it. "To me, the whole PC movement is not about rewriting the dictionary, nor about imposing restrictions, but about making people responsible for what they say," said College senior Stephanie Cuba.
(03/25/94 10:00am)
Theologian and scholar Robin Scroggs believes attitudes toward homosexuality have changed a lot from ancient times to the present. Scroggs spoke to 180 members of the University community assembled in the Christian Association auditorium yesterday about the New Testament and homosexuality as part of the University's celebration of Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Awareness Days. According to Scroggs, there is a general tendency to look at Scriptures as "truth with a capital T." In his research and writings, he examines instead the historical situation surrounding the writing of the texts. The premise underlying Scroggs' lecture was two-fold -- first, he addressed how Scriptures can be used in contemporary discourse, and second, whether they can be used at all. Scroggs then offered a detailed explanation of "the Greco-Roman world," in an effort to determine what the Apostle Paul meant -- based on the prevailing social context -- when he condemned male homosexuality in Romans. Much of the remainder of the lecture was devoted to a discussion of pederasty, or homosexual love between adult males and pre-pubescent boys, which was the prevalent type of homosexual relationship in Biblical times. "The pederasty model was one of inequality from the beginning," Scroggs said. "There was no such thing as adult-adult, caring, permanent homosexual relationships." Scroggs said this "degrading" model co-existed with the "sublimated, non-sexual" platonic or socratic relationship between other sets of same-sex, different-age partners. Pederasty was also examined in the writings of some Hellenistic Jews "within the cultural manifestations of their environment," Scroggs said. After explaining that there are only three explicit references to homosexuality in the New Testament, Scroggs concluded that "Paul did not have the perspective we do" when he authored his section of the gospel. "There are times when we need to be liberated from [Scripture], to come to our own responsible judgements independent of what somebody said 2,000 years ago," he said. "In this debate [over the Bible's stand on homosexuality], we have no clear moral foundation on which to make our judgement," Scroggs added. Before his speech ended, Scroggs took questions from audience members, some of whom had brought their own copies of the New Testament to his speech. Scroggs teaches at the Union Theological Seminary in New York, said Executive Director of the Christian Association Beverly Dale.
(03/23/94 10:00am)
The University's HIV/AIDS Task Force released recommendations based upon its work during the 1992-93 academic year in yesterday's Almanac. "This report summarizes the work of the three Committees of the Task Force, and includes the specific recommendations generated by each Committee," said Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta in yesterday's Almanac. The Education, Services and Policy committees -- made up of volunteer students, faculty, staff and administrators -- examined the current state of activities and programs designed to deal with HIV and AIDS on campus. The Education Committee focused its work on HIV/AIDS programming and community outreach. It extended kudos to the Office of Health Education for its partnership with Student Health Service, its utilization of peer educators and its "multi-media approach to HIV education, " the Almanac said. The committee also recommended increased campus-wide communication about HIV and AIDS. The Services Committee, charged with defining and coordinating the delivery and support of service for HIV/AIDS-related problems, advocated the establishment of an anonymous test site, which began operating last October 14 in facilities in the Dental School. This committee is also concerned with on-campus knowledge of resources -- counseling, treatment, physician referrals -- for those affected by HIV and AIDS. It plans to prepare a leaflet containing basic information about these services for the University community. The policy committee reviewed the University's existing policies and made recommendations based on committee members' suggestions. These recommendations, in the broad areas of protection and rights, include maintenance of the confidentiality of an individual's positive test for HIV or AIDS. In addition, the committee recommended widespread publication of the University's HIV/AIDS policies and workshops on workplace sensitivity. Policy committee member Jack Reece, associate professor of history, said he is supportive of the report's recommendations, which he helped draft. "AIDS is a problem that effects the entire society and universities are a part of that society," he said. "The administration seemed to be supportive of the notion that the University ought to have these policies [to deal with the] issues of disability and discrimination," Reece added.
(03/21/94 10:00am)
Activists from Philadelphia's lesbian, gay and bisexual communities spoke on campus yesterday in a panel discussion focusing on the impact of race, ethnicity and class on sexuality issues and advocacy groups. The program, which was co-sponsored by the Greenfield Intercultural Center, the Program for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn, and Lambda Grads, was organized by Wharton senior Alex Morua. Morua said he hoped the event would help people from different backgrounds find some similarities, while continuing to accept and celebrate their differences. The five panelists -- Scott Tucker, Rabbi Leila Berner, Aishah Simmons, Tyrone Smith, and Robert Vasquez-Pacheco -- related personal experiences in an effort to provide historical and political perspective on the gay rights movement for the two dozen people in attendance. Although all of the panelists serve in a professional capacity for organizations aimed at effecting social change, each emphasized in their remarks that they were not speaking for their employers. Tucker, who works with the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, spoke about individual identity as a "constellation" of characteristics, which makes definitive classification by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and similar traits difficult. He added that he works for ACT UP because of its stand on the "radical cutting edge" of health care policy and its willingness to "tackle the whole political system." Berner, leader of Congregation Beth Israel, said although Judaism has always been centered on family, it is difficult for the Jewish world to redefine the idea of family, as evidenced by her congregation's "stereotypically liberal," overly-accepting reaction to her coming out. Berner also warned that "words and rhetoric" will not cause society to become accepting of people unlike them. Only exposure to those "other" people will eliminate "divisions, hatred and bigotry." Simmons works for the American Friends Services Committee, a Quaker organization aimed at achieving social justice. In an effort to avoid compartmentalization, she calls herself an "Afro-fem-centrist." Simmons stressed the importance of both intra- and inter-racial dialogue in resolving the conflict between media portrayals of homosexuals and the reality of life as a gay person. Smith founded Unity, an organization formed to address issues faced by African American gay men with AIDS. He explained that change begins with self-examination, adding that the gay liberation movement gains power from within the gay community. "It would be wonderful to live Martin [Luther King Jr.'s] dream, but we're not there yet -- we're still sleeping," he said, referring to the current state of tolerance in America for racial and sexual minorities. Vasquez-Pacheco, of the Minority AIDS Coalition, echoed Tucker's ideas about identity. "Organizing around one aspect of identity [such as sexuality] is ludicrous and doomed to failure because it ignores who and what you are," he said. Students asked the panelists about an array of topics, ranging from usage of the word "queer" to how best to alter the existing societal system, which is "oppressive" to homosexuals. According to the panelists, there has been an increased acceptance of gay people in recent years because of the emergence of the Civil Rights, Feminist and Gay Rights movements. Despite these advances, the members of yesterday's panel said they still feel "marginalized." This week's Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Awareness Days programs represent an effort to change those feelings. Celebration of B-GLAD continues today, with a workshop on domestic partner benefits scheduled for noon in the Harrison Room of Houston Hall. A screening and discussion of films by African American lesbian filmmaker Cheryl Dunye will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Room 109 of the Annenberg School.
(03/18/94 10:00am)
College junior Liz Melendez was selected United Minorities Council Chairperson-elect at a UMC Presidents' Meeting held last night at the Greenfield Intercultural Center. Wharton junior Jenny Ho was selected UMC Vice Chairperson-elect. Melendez defeated College junior and current UMC Corresponding Secretary Shreya Patel in what UMC Vice Chairperson Alicia Lewis characterized as a close race. Wharton sophomore Kendrick Cox took his name off the slate in the contest for chairperson for personal reasons. Ho ran unopposed. In her freshman and sophomore years, Melendez served as the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan's UMC representative, UMC Social Planning and Events Committee representative, and MEChA vice president, respectively. This year, she is president of the Sigma Lambda Upsilon sorority, and is again the MEChA representative to the UMC. Melendez said her experience has provided good preparation for the upcoming fall, when she will officially assume the position of UMC chair. "I've been involved in smaller positions within the UMC and I always wanted to be in a position to make more effective changes," Melendez said. "I felt ready and prepared to commit myself to such a big responsibility." During her term, Melendez said she hopes to bring more visibility to the UMC in the University community, to allow for more interaction between the UMC's constituent groups and to address the pertinent issue of racial sensitivity on campus. Ho was the co-chair of the UMC Celebration of Cultures as a freshman. As a sophomore, she served as UMC representative to SPEC and this year, she was the Chinese Students Association's UMC representative. Ho said she was hesitant to run for vice chairperson at first because of her loss last year in the same contest. "I didn't know about elections until Shreya told me, but I wanted to get back involved [with the UMC]," she said. She said her main goal for next year is closing the "gap" between the UMC and the "rest" of the campus community. "By the end of my term, I know I will not alleviate the problem completely, but I hope that the UMC will no longer be seen as the 'outside' group," Ho added. Wharton junior Rishi Sikka, South Asia Society representative to the UMC, said he is pleased with the outcome of yesterday's elections. "I think we've got two very capable, hard-working people," he said. "The vision and foresight of the two individuals will allow the UMC to build upon our past successes and move us even further on." Lewis, a Wharton senior, and Current UMC Chair Jun Bang, a College senior, both concurred. "It's hard for me to reflect, because that means my term is almost over," Bang said. "I see a lot of potential for the UMC to grow under strong leadership next year." But she cautioned that the new officers cannot be successful without the support and assistance of the UMC's constituent groups. "[The chair-elect and vice chair-elect] are targeted in their vision for the UMC. They realize there is always room for change," Bang added. "I'm pretty happy with the choices that have been made," Lewis said.
(03/15/94 10:00am)
Members of the University community turned out before spring break to celebrate the accomplishments made by women of color at the seventh annual Women of Color luncheon, held at the Penn Tower Hotel. A committee, chaired by Afi Roberson, administrative assistant at the African-American Resource Center, organized the event, which normally occurs on the first day of March, Women's History Month. The luncheon brought together nearly 500 University students and staff members for what former University Director of Affirmative Action Joann Mitchell characterized as "an extraordinary series of programs" in her opening remarks. Executive Director of the President's Office Linda Hyatt then spoke on behalf of Interim President Claire Fagin, who was in Miami as part of a cross-country trip aimed at raising funds for minority permanence. Hyatt said Fagin hoped to make connections with parents, students and alumni and increase the involvement of minority alumni in University life, in an effort to construct a "more inclusive, resilient and welcoming" community. "The Penn [Fagin] sees now and in the future is as vibrant as the city around us," Hyatt said. She added that the dialogue created by the release of the Commission on Strengthening the Community's preliminary report has been beneficial toward accomplishing Fagin's goal. Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain Cade-McCoullum praised the "value, contributions and potential of women at Penn." She also led the crowd in a chorus of cheers for Mitchell, who now works at Princeton University, for her past work at the University. The afternoon's programming continued after lunch, with Philadelphia Mayor and University alumnus Edward Rendell delivering a city proclamation recognizing the importance of communication and cooperation to develop the leadership skills of women of color. "There has been a lot of progress made, but there is still a lot to be done," Rendell said. "I know without question that we will get there." City Council Member-at-Large Augusta Clark was also on hand to read the Council's commemorative resolution and share in the spirit of the day. "The women being honored ? have truly made a difference," she said. Students and staff members also participated in a forum called "Voices of Color." College senior Juanita Irving discussed the African American experience; Office of International Programs Advisor Julia Lin focused on her Asian heritage; and College senior Mita Sanghavi spoke about the South Asian experience. Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Livia Soto captured the spirit of the afternoon when she discussed her Hispanic background. "Even though we [Latin Americans] come from 23 countries?we are proud of being multi-racial, multi-ethnic and wholly cultural," she said. Awards were also presented to the University's outstanding women of color -- Vice Chairperson of the University Board of Trustees and Commission Chairperson Gloria Chisum and Director of Business and Financial Services Margaret Smith. Third-year law students Stephanie Gonzalez and Kam Wong were honored for their work in North Philadelphia's Custody Support and Advice Clinic for low income families, which they founded. Irving, Social Work graduate student Tricia Bent, College senior and United Minorities Council Chairperson Jun Bang, College senior and former Editor-in-Chief of The Vision Nicole Brittingham, College senior Tania C
(03/02/94 10:00am)
Catered cuisine and crucial information were both on the menu for students of color at a resource and information program held last night in Bodek Lounge of Houston Hall. The resource fair, which was sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life, the Greenfield Intercultural Center, the Office of Academic Support Programs and the United Minorities Council, had been scheduled to occur twice last month. It was postponed each time because of severe weather. According to Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel, focus groups, which were organized last fall, provided the impetus for the fair. Students in the groups said while they had taken advantage of several campus resources, they were unsure of the full extent of services available to them, Cassel said. By identifying which resources students used most often, and asking those departments to come together in an "interactive and informal" atmosphere, Cassel said she hopes to create the feeling that there is an "accountable human being" who will respond to students' needs. Cassel and student organizers Ling Yeh and Rishi Sikka worked to accomplish that goal by bringing in speakers from the four undergraduate schools, and departments like University Counseling Service, Residential Living and Career Planning and Placement Service. The speakers complemented information tables set up by staff members from the Penn Women's Center, the Program for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn, the African-American Resource Center and the Office of Off-Campus Living, among others. Yeh, a College senior who works at the Greenfield Intercultural Center, said planning for the resource fair began before winter break. "[It] turned out well, considering that there are mid-terms and that the publicity wasn't so great," she said. "We're pretty happy." Sikka, a Wharton junior who serves as South Asia Society representative to the UMC, agreed with Yeh. "I think it went excellent[ly]," he said. "To see administrators and students talking over dinner -- that atmosphere brings out the person behind the administrator. "You want to know the person behind the desk, not just the title on the desk, when you have a problem," he added. College junior Liz Melendez said that despite her upperclass status, she still does not have a clear idea of the resources available to her as a student of color. "It was great to meet all these people," she said, referring to the many administrators in attendance, who were also enthusiastic about last night's activities. University Counseling Service psychologist Pamela Moore said the great thing about the resource fair is that "it gives students a chance to talk to [advisors] without being put on hold." Although last night's program was targeted toward students of color, Cassel said she would like to expand the resource fair to encompass an even wider variety of student services. A similar event may be offered during New Student Week this fall to ease the transition process for incoming first-year students, she added.
(02/28/94 10:00am)
A group of about 40 concerned students gathered Thursday night in Vance Hall for an open forum on race relations at Penn, in the third segment of last week's Campus Organized Lectures on Racial Sensitivity. Dialogue between audience members began after a brainstorming session, which yielded a list of topics relevant to the issue of race relations on campus. These topics included multiculturalism, forced integration, cultural identity and assigned housing. Wharton junior Mitch Lucas, who addressed the realistic potential for integration in today's society based on his own experiences, was the first to speak. "In this society, integration is assumed to be assimilation," he said. "You can't just change into somebody completely different." Wharton junior and Black Inter-Greek Council President Wayne Wilson added that the choice of friends based on background is a result of the desire for an immediate "comfort level" with one's peers. But, graduate student M. J. Warrender, a Programs for Awareness in Cultural Education peer facilitator, stressed the importance of "looking at individuals as human beings, seeing similarities [rather than differences]." College sophomore Chris Greene said he thinks integration is not possible on a social level. "People are always going to separate into groups where they feel comfortable," he added. "If groups want to separate, it's not the University's responsibility to make them come together [through assigned housing]." Wharton senior Jim Padilla also discussed integration. "Integration doesn't work because people think it's a solution to social ills," he said. "It's an amoral social device used for appeasement." Students then debated the importance of starting from a common base when attempting to forge interracial and multicultural relationships, concluding that a strong sense of self is the first and most important factor. Some audience members spoke about their own experiences with discrimination and dissimilarity while adjusting to life at the University. "We all have problems assimilating in our own ways," said College sophomore Jessica Sadler. "It's hard to sort out who you are, regardless of what you are." College sophomore Marina Field, another PACE facilitator, expressed a slightly different opinion. "We want to understand each other, not just be diverse -- to get to a point where everyone has an understanding of everyone else's culture," she said. "We want to be acculturated, not assimilated."
(02/25/94 10:00am)
The laughter started with self-conscious giggles from a few audience members, and grew into guffaws that filled the lecture hall. If the topics of the four skits presented as part of this week's Campus Organized Lectures on Racial Sensitivity were not the serious issues of discrimination and racism in today's society, the performances would have been funny. Students from all areas of campus life came together Wednesday night to portray and parody the stereotypes which impede race relations on campus. All of their efforts, Alpha Phi Alpha brother and COLORS co-chairperson Kristofer Love said, are aimed at increasing awareness of prejudice among students. The College junior said the overall goal of COLORS is to "try to identify racial stereotypes in society." Wednesday night's skits focused on the dilemmas students of different backgrounds confront when interacting socially, from choosing which parties to attend to which television programs to watch and whom to date. The rationality of fearing random street crime based on people's race was also raised. After the performances, peer facilitators from Programs for Awareness of Cultural Education divided the audience into smaller groups to discuss issues brought out by the skits. Students agreed that while the skits provided extreme examples of discriminatory behavior, they did highlight important issues. One issue raised was that increased integration of parties within the Greek system would benefit all its members. Wharton freshman Austin Rettig stressed the importance of "initial positive reaction" between brothers from the Interfraternity Council and the Black Inter-Greek Council, looking to build better relationships. College junior Seth Hamalian, chairperson of the Undergraduate Assembly, said fear of the unknown often leads to an overcautious initial reaction. "The effort to try and be open is key," he said. Love said fear is learned from the media and movies which portray African Americans as violent gang members. "[Racially-based fear] is a reaction to what you know and see," he said. College sophomore Marc Glosserman agreed. "Stereotypes exist because of what you see," he said. "People aren't born with prejudices, it's just hard to break down social barriers." Rettig and College freshman Ernesto Morales both echoed Glosserman's sentiments. "Ignorance develops because people don't make the effort to change," Morales said. "People are afraid of things that are different," Rettig added. "That's where the ignorance comes from." Students revealed personal experiences with discrimination in stores, classrooms and dormitories based on appearance, background or musical tastes. They concluded that personal biases are a result of heritage, lifestyle and upbringing. "Bridging the gap with race relations [is tough]," Rettig said. "[You want to] have racial sensitivity while maintaining your own identity and culture." "You need exposure, you need understanding," said College sophomore Jennifer Gwynne. "You can't have separation." Love said he felt the evening had gone well. However, he said, "most people who came were open. The people who most need to be here, those who are ignorant, weren't."
(02/21/94 10:00am)
The Chinese Students Association and the Hong Kong Club jointly hosted the second annual Culture Night Saturday. Held in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge, the free event attracted between 150 and 200 people, College junior and CSA President Jen Liu said. In fact, Wharton sophomore and CSA Cultural Co-Chairperson Daphne Choi said the large turnout resulted in a shortage of seats. Liu said there were 12 acts during the program, including three vocal performances, three dances and a number of demonstrations. One demonstration featured tricks done with the diablo, a Chinese toy similar to the yo-yo. The kung fu demonstrators and Lion Dance performers came from the Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy. But the majority of artists and actors were University students, Liu said. College sophomore Karen Chan, CSA cultural co-chairperson, said planning for the Culture Night began immediately following winter break, since costumes for some acts had to be shipped from Boston and New York. "I am happy that it worked out really fine," Chan said. She added that some performers even had out-of-town friends come in for the show. Choi also said she is happy about the apparent success of Culture Night. "I think people really responded to the fact that we had traditional as well as modern acts, showcasing the wide range of activities within the culture," she said. "From kung fu to modern singing and Chinese opera, [the program gave examples of ] different styles throughout the times." Choi said this year the Culture Night program had fewer instrumental pieces and a few more modern pieces "to get the crowd going." She said the organizing clubs hope to involve more students in the performances next year. "Culture Night shows so much of the Chinese culture," she added. "It shows how extensive the talents and traditions are -- a lot of people who aren't Chinese came and saw it." Hong Kong Club President Brian Lee, a Wharton and College junior, said his group -- as well as CSA -- is trying to build on the success of Saturday's program. "We just wanted people to know more about the Chinese culture," he said. "We thought it was important to do something during Chinese New Year." The Year of the Dog began Feb. 10.
(02/17/94 10:00am)
Concern, confusion and internal conflict about sexual identity -- including sexual orientation and preferences -- are a common part of the maturation process. And rarely are these emotions more apparent than during the college years. According to Robert Schoenberg, coordinator of the Program for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn, the start of most students' college careers marks the first time they are away from home for an extended period. And the freedom inherent in the college atmosphere results in students feeling they can engage in sexual exploration which might not have been comfortable at home, he added. The findings of a 60-question social life and sexual attitudes poll, conducted by The Daily Pennsylvanian, confirm Schoenberg's belief. The poll, which was given to 405 students earlier this month, indicates that while about 39 percent of freshmen have never had sex, only about 9 percent of seniors are virgins. The poll also reveals that many students have experimented in their search for their sexual identity. According to the poll, 67 percent of students have had oral sex, and five percent have had anal sex. Twenty-five percent said they have had sex in a public place. And three percent of students who said they were heterosexual also said they had had a homosexual experience. For students puzzled by their feelings for members of their own or the opposite sex, the prospect of contemplating their sexual orientation and its implications -- what Schoenberg calls "questioning" -- can be daunting. "We're all brought up in a homophobic society," Schoenberg said. "We learn the negative attitudes [toward homosexuals] before we discover we may be gay." "Reconciliation" of these stereotypes and negative attitudes about homosexuals with the realities people see occurs after they move through the stages of sexual "exploration and comparison [to others]," he added. According to Visiting Sociology Professor Paul Root Wolpe, "sexual identity is far more than just your sexual orientation, although, of course, that is a large part of it. "Sexual identity is really about someone's self-conception of their sexuality," he added. "It has to do with how a person thinks and conceives of themselves sexually." These personal sexual likes and dislikes are discovered through the experimentation common to the college years, said Wolpe, who is teaching a course entitled the "Sociology of Sex" this semester at the University. "This whole series of sexual behaviors which used to be unacceptable are now commonplace, usual, normative," Wolpe added. He explained that attitudes about sexual behavior and practices have remained "fairly constant, except for the spectre of AIDS," since the sexual revolution of the 1960s. The 1960s revolution changed sexual ethics and encouraged people to focus on "self-actualization -- what's right for me, what feels good to me," he said. "The problem with that is using one's self as a barometer of what's acceptable and unacceptable ignores community," Wolpe added. "We make our decisions selfishly, we don't tend to think on a community level anymore, [and] part of what we see as the breakdown in community is attributable to that." In his view, a decreased emphasis on personal accountability for sexual actions has accompanied the declining influence of morals on society. "When you ask people how they make sexual decisions, few appeal to larger systems [like religion]," Wolpe said. "Yet Christianity and Judaism have a lot to say about what is proper and improper. People don't look at that anymore." While Wolpe said attitudes toward many sexual practices have changed over the past couple of decades, laws governing sexual expression and practices such as sodomy or "any sex act involving the sex organs of one person and the mouth or anus of another," whether homosexual or heterosexual, remain on the books in many states. In fact, by legal definition, anyone who commits oral or anal sex in Washington, D.C. is a "sexual psychopath," and sex between two unmarried people, or "fornication," is illegal in some states including Idaho, Utah, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and North and South Carolina. Pennsylvania and most bordering states, such as New York, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia and Ohio do not have laws against oral sex, however. Wolpe said the prevalence of anti-sodomy laws corresponds roughly to regional differences evident in sexual attitudes. Attitudes on the coasts of the United States are much more liberal than those found in the Southern Bible belt, the Western Mormon states and the Northeastern states with Puritan heritages. But tradition is not the only factor which impacts sexual decision-making. A personal sexual code of ethics results from the synthesis of religion, background, beliefs, advice of parents and peers and generalized culture, Wolpe said. "Sexual messages are constant, from the media, in advertisements and the movies, and on television," he said. "Sex is portrayed as a fun clean act without consequences. If you see that often enough, it percolates down to the culture. "It's almost as if we have an extreme psychosis about sex in this society," Wolpe added. "We end up being completely contradictory and confused, because the U.S. has never been able to integrate sexuality into its larger cultural vision." Sexologist Ted McIlvenna, president of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Sexuality, an independent graduate school located in San Francisco, Calif., echoed Wolpe's sentiments. "We still have a hangover of nonsense about sex, because sensationalization of sex sells," he said in a phone interview. McIlvenna said he is presently involved in research and work related to the issues sexual self-determination and sexual rights as human rights. "It is important to have sexual health care not based on judgements, but on functioning as who you want to be," he said. "Your sexuality belongs to you, and so much [current] sexual health care is based on well-intentioned misinformation." McIlvenna agreed with Wolpe, adding "Generally, most problems our society faces are related to our negative attitudes toward sex, which are politically and religiously reinforced."
(02/16/94 10:00am)
Questions about the future of the University's ROTC program have surfaced once again with the recent publication of the Commission on Strengthening the Community's preliminary report earlier this month. The report's lack of information on the present -- and future -- state of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program has frustrated students, faculty and administrators, especially members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities on campus. Much of this discontent stems from the inactivity of the Committee to Review the Status of ROTC at Penn, formed this fall by Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson. According to Statistics Professor John deCani, the Committee's chairperson, the group met twice during the fall semester. At their second meeting, though, members decided they did not understand their task. The result of the confusion was a meeting between committee members and Lazerson earlier this month to clarify ambiguities in their charge. A page-long list of questions which Lazerson would like the Committee to address "at minimum" was printed in yesterday's Almanac. The list addresses the issues dealing with the University's relationship with ROTC, the range of possible alternatives for the ROTC program and the consequences of such alternate arrangements. It does not include a timetable for the Committee's work, however. Mathematics graduate student Andrew Nestler, the graduate student representative to the Commission's student life working group, said he is "disturbed" by the prolonged inaction of the Committee, because it was originally directed to produce a recommendation by April. Nestler added that the original University Council resolution, recommending the removal of ROTC from campus by June 1993, was passed in 1990. In April 1991, a similar resolution was passed by the Faculty Senate Committee on Conduct -- and again approved by University Council -- but the June 1993 deadline for ROTC's removal has passed without action by the University. Nestler said he believes it is "unprecedented for the University not to act on a repeated resolution," although he understands the problems with ROTC policy come from the Defense Department. "The new [don't ask-don't tell] policy doesn't affect the way a lesbian, gay or bisexual person can express themselves in ROTC," he said. "It doesn't allow them to express themselves freely any more safely than under the old policy." Nestler added that his working group proposed action on ROTC during Commission meetings, but said the group was advised by Chairperson Gloria Chisum that "since ROTC is a complicated issue which currently has its own committee, it could not be studied [by our group]." "These reasons seemed tenuous to me," Nestler said. "There are plenty of issues the Commission is discussing that are complicated -- these include diversity education, hiring practices, the fraternity system and racism." "The Commission has used the results of many past and present University committees as great sources of information for study," he added. "I do not see why the existence of a standing committee to examine a complicated issue should preclude the examination of that issue by the Commission." Robert Schoenberg, coordinator of the Program for Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay Community at Penn, shared Nestler's skepticism. "It's distressing that the Commission on Strengthening the Community, which was charged with examining and addressing issues which divide the campus, did not even look at the ROTC issue," he said. "I am sure the [new ROTC] committee will do its work, but I am skeptical that the University will respect their recommendation," Schoenberg added. He said while he is concerned about students who depend on ROTC to fund their University education, "other arrangements need to be made for these students so that the University can adhere to its principles of non-discrimination."
(02/15/94 10:00am)
Six Directions, the University's Native American student group, recently received recognition as an official member of the United Minorities Council. UMC Chairperson and College senior Jun Bang said Six Directions President DesireZ Martinez approached her last month about making a membership proposal to the UMC board. And although the UMC's constitution is currently under review, this state of moratorium was temporarily suspended to allow for the admission of Six Directions. Bang said members of Six Directions explained their reasons for wanting to join the UMC to the Council at its meeting on Feb. 2. After a period of discussion by Council members, the resolution on admission for Six Directions was voted on and passed. "It's wonderful that they have joined [the UMC]," Bang said last night. "I think they can contribute things other groups do not have, namely the Native American culture. Their small size doesn't make a difference." Martinez, a College junior, echoed Bang's sentiments. She said Six Directions currently has 11 members. There are only 17 Native American students enrolled at the University. While Martinez has roots in the Gabrieli-o tribe, other members of Six Directions are Seneca, Navajo, and native Hawaiian. "Basically, Six Directions started out of a focus group initiated by the Greenfield Intercultural Center in the fall of 1992," Martinez said. "We asked ourselves what needed to be done in relation to Native American student issues and education [on campus]." By the early fall of 1993, the group had written a constitution and secured a charter. Six Directions appealed to the Student Activities Committee for funding in December. It hopes to use the money it was awarded for a Native American crafts fair in April, and a movie-lecture discussion series planned for the end of this month. Martinez said Six Directions is also hoping to submit a proposal to the Admissions Office before semester's end aimed at increasing the number of Native American applicants and matriculants to the University. "Some of our suggestions will stem from what other Ivy schools with successful Native American recruitment programs, like Dartmouth and Cornell, do," she said. The final step in the recognition process for Six Directions was acceptance by the UMC. "The UMC gives us a great foundation with other minority groups on campus, to have other minority groups back us, help us, give us strength," she said. "I'm really excited and happy, and surprised at how fast everything happened." Bang added that with the admission of Six Directions, the UMC now has 10 members. While there has never been a cap on the number of organizations allowed to join the UMC, Bang said she expects the new executive board elected later this semester will debate the question.
(02/14/94 10:00am)
Valentine's Day is a popular occasion for couples to profess their love. Today, guys often surprise their girlfriends with long-stemmed red roses or stuffed animals, and girls may give their boyfriends cards or candy. For members of the University's gay, lesbian and bisexual communities, the observance of Valentine's Day is not much different than those just described, even though their partners are of the same sex. Robert Schoenberg, coordinator of the Program for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at Penn, said lesbian and bisexual couples who are "out" are free to celebrate Valentine's Day in much the same way that heterosexual couples do. However, for lesbian and bisexual couples who feel they must conceal their relationship, celebrating Valentine's Day is a more private matter, Schoenberg said. Jodi Bromberg, co-chairperson of the University's Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance, echoed Schoenberg's sentiments. "I like Valentine's Day," the College senior said. "It's a fun holiday." Bromberg added that Valentine's Day does not make her more aware of the fact that she is bisexual. "Whether I hold my girlfriend's hand, or kiss her goodbye before class, Feb. 14 doesn't change that," she said. In terms of Valentine's Day traditions, Bromberg said she either buys a blank card and writes her own personal message, or goes to Giovanni's Room or Afterwords, stores which carry "gay-friendly" cards. She also placed an advertisement in the Daily Pennsylvanian's Valentine's Day insert, and might send her girlfriend flowers or go out to dinner with her this evening. College junior and LGBA co-Chairperson Stephen Houghton, who is also a Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, said he shares Bromberg's view of Valentine's Day. "I don't think it's just a heterosexual holiday," he said. "Heterosexuals don't have a monopoly on love. "It's a great holiday if you're inclined to being romantic, it's fun," he added. "I've gone to dinner with my boyfriend on Valentine's Day." But in general, Houghton said he feels Valentine's Day is a bad holiday for any single person, whether gay, straight, bisexual, or lesbian, because it implies everyone should be part of a couple. "[Coupling] is great if it works," he said. "Not everyone wants to be that way." Engineering sophomore Chris Berry, another gay student, said Valentine's Day just provides an opportunity to spend time with a special person, regardless of one's sexuality. And Wharton sophomore Sam Chandan, who is in charge of advocacy for the LGBA, agreed. "I think that gay relationships are about love and intimacy in the same way that heterosexual relationships are," he said. "In that sense, Valentine's Day is just as much an occasion for us. "There's always a fragility to gay relationships in that the social constructs that support heterosexual relationships don't exist in such abundance for us as they do for our straight counterparts," Chandan added. He also said the marketing of Valentine's Day can make homosexual couples feel alienated. "Being bombarded by images of happy heterosexual couples at times likes Valentine's Day can be a strong reminder of the exclusion we feel from society as a whole," Chandan said.
