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(02/10/94 10:00am)
Tempers flared last night as University students debated the Commission on Strengthening the Community's recommendation on assigned housing for first-year students. Co-sponsored by the United Minorities Council and the Greenfield Intercultural Center, the forum was the first of three planned to address the complex issues involved in implementing such a residential system. It followed a discussion at yesterday's University Council meeting, in which members discussed the Commission's preliminary report. Outlining the report, Commission Chairperson Gloria Chisum, vice chairperson of the University Board of Trustees, stressed the importance of a "common general experience for the first year." "Transition from high school to college is a difficult transition," she said, addressing the advisory body made up of faculty, staff, administrators and students. "One way we can ease the transition?is in assigning housing in the first year." Faculty members appeared to support the concept, while a number of student members spoke out against it. The format of last night's forum permitted panelists representing both sides of the housing issue, who might not have spoken at the Council meeting, equal time to briefly present their views. Chisum was the first speaker. "The educational mission of the University is at the heart of everything that we recommended," she said. "There is no way that, in this day and age, students can expect to live successfully in this world and not know how to live with cultures other than their own," she added. Commission member Samuel Klausner, a Sociology professor, then offered an explanation of his opposition to the assigned housing proposal. "I find that an assigned housing program really turns the civil rights movement on its head," Klausner added, echoing his minority dissent which appeared in the Commission's report. "The effort has been to guarantee people the right to live where they choose to live...this program reduces choice." College sophomore Leo Greenberg, who dealt last semester with the issue of segregation in campus residences in a political science paper, was the third panelist to comment. Greenberg said he believes living-learning programs are the cause of segregation and "exclusivity" on campus, since they discourage communication between different racial, cultural and ethnic groups. UMC Chairperson and College senior Jun Bang, who also spoke at the Council meeting, was the forum's final speaker. "Eliminating the choice of where one lives undermines our basic civil rights," she said. "Students of color should not feel guilty to quench their desire to live and learn about their ethnicity. "Without the expression to live as one wants, then we are creating the kind of homogeneous environment that the Commission has wanted to avoid. "If the University wants to strengthen its whole community, they do not persecute cultures, but celebrate the differences here at Penn and encourage interaction through other means," Bang added. Moderator Karl Otto, a German professor and senior resident in Stouffer College House, then opened the floor to audience members for comment. Many of the over 60 students in attendance were eager to express their thoughts. College senior Jennifer Pogue spoke forcefully about the importance of a student's University residence being a home. "[A dorm] should be a place where you are accepted and tolerated, not a place where you are forced to just blend all together into mainstream culture," she said. Engineering senior Scott Starks, a former resident advisor in the Quadrangle, also spoke about what Chisum characterized as "exclusionary housing patterns" on campus. He attributed them, however, to the different costs of dorm rooms and availability of facilities within residences. Wharton junior Nicole Maloy read from a letter she plans to send the Commission members. "The idea that 'students may not learn how to work with others different from themselves when they remain sheltered in small groups of their own kind throughout their years at the University is unreasonable as justification for [the housing] move," she said. "Most, if not all, of the impact of this idea would be felt by minority students. This is both ironic and wrong," Maloy added. Throughout the forum, Chisum stressed the fact that the Commission's report endorsed the idea of assigned housing, and not randomized housing as many have contended. Yet College sophomore and Commission member Mike Nadel -- who spoke after Chisum and Commission Director Rebecca Bushnell had left due to the weather -- was unable to explain what differentiates the two concepts. "Assigned housing is not random," he said. "As far as what is assigned housing, I think it's pretty clear -- we don't know. No one really knows, and I realize that's a bit of a problem." "The Commission was just charged with making a general recommendation and that will be converted into policy by somebody else." Forum organizer and Wharton senior Alicia Lewis, vice chairperson of the UMC, said afterward that she was happy students attended the forum to voice their opposition to the recommendation. "I hope the Commission will pay attention to what was said and incorporate these suggestions when they make their final recommendations." Bang urged those in attendance to come to the next open forum, which will be held next Tuesday, Feb. 22, at noon in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, room 1206. Daily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer Stephanie Desmon contributed to this article.
(02/07/94 10:00am)
Supporters of assigned housing will face the idea's critics Wednesday, in a debate intended to increase awareness of arguments on both sides of the issue of choice in residential living. In a panel discussion and open forum sponsored by the United Minorities Council, members of the University community will address concerns over the Commission on Strengthening the Community's recommendation to eliminate choice in housing for first-year students. According to UMC Chair Jun Bang, a College senior, the forum is important because the question of choice in housing is "an issue that needs to be brought out." "There is a lot of opposition to this proposal, especially from the United Minorities Council," she said. Wharton senior Alicia Lewis, vice chairperson of the UMC, said she has been working to organize the forum since the start of the semester. But with last week's release of the Commission's preliminary report -- which recommends that assigned housing begin for students matriculating in the fall of 1995 -- the question has become a more "pressing issue," she said. Lewis said panelists scheduled to speak at the forum include Director of Academic Programs in Residence Christopher Dennis, Executive Director of the President's Office Linda Hyatt, Commission Director Rebecca Bushnell and Commission Chairperson Gloria Chisum. They will be joined by Bang, sociology professor and Commission member Samuel Klausner and College sophomore Leo Greenberg, who wrote a political science paper last semester entitled "A Separate Campus," focusing on current racial divisions in University residences. Lewis said the discussion's format will provide equal time for speakers on both sides of the issue to present their views. After the prepared position statements, there will be a question-and-answer session open to anyone in attendance. Lewis said the forum is particularly important because "we're only hearing the pro side [of the issue], all the arguments haven't been brought out. "We want to make sure that the administration understands that there are students out there who are against assigned housing at the University," she added. "The United Minorities Council believes that assigned housing here at the University would take away choice." Lewis also said the University will not have large enough numbers of minority students in the freshman class to effect the kind of change desired. She said that only 20 Chicano students were admitted last spring, and therefore assigned housing is neither feasible nor practical. "If someone wants to learn about different cultures, they have to want to take an interest," she said. "It can't be forced." "The Commission seems to think that assigned housing is a quick and easy solution to easing racial tension on campus," Lewis continued. "My personal opinion is that assigned housing might make racial tension more prevalent, if people [from different cultures] don't want to live together." "We want the Commission to make a conscious decision when writing the final report," she said, adding that she hopes many members of the University community will get involved in the forum. The forum will be held at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in room 350 of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall.
(02/04/94 10:00am)
College junior Robyn Kent was elected president of the Black Student League last night at a full meeting of the organization in the W.E.B. DuBois College House. Kent characterized the board as "enthusiastic, innovative, motivated" and eager to make change. Kent, who served as corresponding secretary for BSL last year, said she knew she wanted to run for the group's presidency last April. "I knew I was capable of the position after working very closely with [outgoing President] Kaplan Mobray," Kent said. "He gave me a lot of responsibility outside of being corresponding secretary. He knew that I could handle it, and that he could depend on me." Kent defeated Wharton sophomore Jamal Powell for the position. The president-elect said she has many goals for her administration, such as addressing "a lot of issues on campus that cannot be ignored." These issues include assigned living arrangements for first-year students, an issue which Kent said needs to be dealt with while "still in the recommendation stage." "I think it's important for all students to read the complete report of the Commission on Strengthening the Community," she added. Kent said she will also work to increase opportunities for interaction between members of different student groups. "A lot of students don't take advantage of co-sponsoring groups," she said, referring to past collaborative programming efforts between the BSL and organizations such as Hillel. "[Cooperation] is essential because you can share resources, tap into new resources and meet people you wouldn't have known before," Kent added. "It's important to find a common ground and work from there." One of Kent's personal goals is to change the BSL in a manner which will make it "truly representative" of all black students on campus, by emphasizing its social and cultural aspects, in addition to its political projects, during her term. Working with Kent on the new BSL board will be College sophomore Onyx Finney as vice president, and College freshman Keron Smith as treasurer. "I'm looking forward to taking on the responsibilities, challenges and obstacles that will be facing us in the future," Finney said. She added that she wants to build a stronger relationship with the West Philadelphia community. Engineering freshmen LaShanta Johnson and Ipyana Critton will serve as corresponding secretary and recording secretary, respectively. College freshman Angine Harriott was chosen as BSL representative to the Student Activities Committee, and College freshman Obinna Adibbe was selected as BSL freshman representative. Engineering sophomore Cardell Orrin is the newly-elected parliamentarian.
(02/04/94 10:00am)
They have been vilified and cursed by students when the heat refuses to turn on and the water will not stop running. Then, they are venerated and celebrated by the same students when they respond to calls in crisis situations. "They" are landlords, and for students who live off-campus, "they" are a fact of life. Eleni Zatz Litt, director of the Office of Off-Campus Living, has a number of common sense suggestions aimed at maintaining a positive relationship with a landlord. First and foremost, she said, students should read their leases carefully before signing, because there are many "standard" leases in circulation. "A lease is a binding legal agreement," she said. Nearly all property owners and managers in the University City area list with her office, Litt said, adding that OCL has a collection of all available leases "on file." "We do not promote particular landlords," she said. "We suggest [prospective tenants] look at the Penn Consumers Board survey." The survey, which is conducted every other year, is a "good indicator" of student satisfaction with various landlords, Litt said. She cautioned, however, that the results of the survey can be somewhat skewed if the only tenants who respond are the ones who are extremely pleased or displeased with their property's owner. Litt also stressed that students have a responsibility to be aware and educated when they enter a contract with a landlord. She added that there should be no rush in the rental process because University City's current "soft" housing market means there are plenty of properties available. Finally, Litt said tenants can avoid many potential problems by getting permission from their landlord to sublet. "You need to have a signed agreement because the original tenant is responsible to the landlord," she said. "Get a security deposit."
(02/02/94 10:00am)
Randomized housing has been a hot topic on campus in recent months, but the release of the Commission on Strengthening the Community's preliminary report yesterday seems to have clouded, rather than clarified, the issue. According to Commission Chairperson Gloria Twine Chisum, the group's report does not recommend randomized housing at all. Instead, it advocates "assigned housing for freshmen," Chisum said. "What we've recommended is that a committee of students and administrators, and perhaps faculty, work out how [an assignment system] would be done," she added. Although Chisum said she is not sure how such a system would be implemented, she is certain of one thing: beginning in 1995-96, freshmen would not have the option of residing in Living-Learning programs. "What we are expecting [with assigned housing] is that there would be more of a mix of people from various backgrounds than what we have at the present time with the present system," Chisum explained. "At the present time, freshman housing seems to be very stratified based on backgrounds," she added. "The new system will make the residences much more reflective of the make-up of the class." Despite Chisum's confidence in the new system recommended by the Commission, University administrators remain concerned about it. "I don't support randomized housing," said Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. "I understand the merits and intentions of the Commission's report, and I understand the theory, but I don't think the recommendation is tenable or feasible. "It's important that people be successful at the University," he added. "For some, that means exploring identity and culture. I don't support isolated communities, as our communities now are not exclusively intended." "My emphasis would be on increasing opportunities for cross-group interactions, not eliminating existing opportunities for within-group interaction," Moneta said. Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum echoed Moneta's sentiments. "I have, for all my professional life, because of my personal experiences?believed in the following tenets," McCoullum said. "Students and their families should have options to choose from, in their coursework, in their extra-curricular activities and programs, and in their residences as undergraduate students. "The University should not endorse programs or activities which have a disparate, adverse impact on any one group of students," McCoullum said. "The life of a University community is nurtured most within the context of interplay between and within economic disciplines." McCoullum said she endorses the expansion of the College House system, the reorganization of the High Rises, the evaluation of the quality of off-campus housing and the development of activities to ease students' transition to University life. But she also said she is looking forward to speaking with Commission members about "their recommendations to assign first-year housing, as I do not believe that such an assignment, unless voluntary, would effect positive results." College senior Jun Bang, president of the United Minorities Council, agreed with McCoullum. "I strongly disagree with the Commission's recommendation," she said. "Resolving racial tensions and encouraging student interaction cannot be forced through mandatory first-year housing." Bang said she thinks race relations on campus can slowly be improved by encouraging students of different backgrounds to come together because of common interests, and to become friendly due to personal investment. Wharton sophomore Chris Lake, editor of The Vision, said he believes that "assigning where people would live wouldn't work." Lake explained that, especially for incoming freshmen, a sense of control is particularly important, because "as a freshman you're off balance a lot." "Taking the aspect of control away [from housing] can really be detrimental," Lake added. "Part of my adjustment was [due to] the support systems I had around me and where I lived. My success at the University would have been affected in a negative way if I hadn't had the opportunity to indulge in those support systems and choose them." College junior Lisette Monge, president of the Asociacion Cultural de Estudiantes Latino Americanos (ACELA), reiterated the issues raised by Bang and Lake. "I had a chance to talk to different members of ACELA," she said. "The one opinion that looms very large is that it's very important for freshmen to have the choice of where to live, because as young adults we are entitled to have that choice." "It's important that students who have come from homogenous high schools have the chance to live with people who are not like them," she added, noting that the reverse is also true. Monge said that where you live has an impact on scholastic success as well, because the people on a student's freshman floor are the people with whom that student studies and socializes during the whole first year. Taking away the choice of Living-Learning programs for interested students -- or placing uninterested students in those programs -- would decrease their overall quality, Monge said.
(02/02/94 10:00am)
Applying the lessons of Malcolm X's life and times to today's youth, scholar William Sales kicked off the University's celebration of Black History Month last night. Sales, a 1964 University graduate who is now chairperson of the African American Studies Department at Seton Hall University, spoke about the civil rights leader's message and its applicability to children currently coming of age in urban ghettos. Sales said he firmly believes members of the older generation must pass on an accurate account of their experiences to their younger successors in the struggle for black liberation. He added that he is trying to accomplish this goal through his two books: Southern Africa, Black America: Same Struggle, Same Fight and From Civil Rights to Black Liberation: Malcolm X and the Organization for African American Unity, which will be published this spring. Sales' remarks centered around the theme of Malcolm X as a leader whose ideas are "still fresh, not stale or dated." Malcolm X's plan, revealed through his words and the experiences of his life, is his most important legacy, Sales said. "It's going to be your responsibility to rebuild the movement for black liberation," he told the small group of students and staff gathered in the W.E.B. DuBois College House. Sales characterized Malcolm X as a "thinker and theoretician," whose programs for reform evolved into revolution. He explained that this transformation was accomplished between 1962 and 1964 when Malcolm X broke with the philosophy, organization and behavior of the Nation of Islam and adopted a new kind of social activism, resistance and struggle. "Malcolm X redefined the domestic civil rights movement, and made it an international human rights movement," Sales said. This paradigm shift in ideology allowed Malcolm X to move from messianic leadership to a leadership style based on collective equality and democratic decision-making, he added. However, Sales said, "The option to resist militarily is one which cannot be given up if a people ever hopes to be liberated. We've got to start thinking clearly again." After the forum ended, College freshman Tom Maguire said he thought the program was enlightening. "I thought it was an honest and critical presentation of Malcolm X that went much deeper than any of the media interpretations we've seen in recent years."U. official heap praise on Commission report By JEREMY KAHN Daily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer Senior University officials overwhelmingly praised the preliminary report of the Commission on Strengthening the Community, although many said they had yet to finish reading the lengthy report. The report was released in Tuesday's Almanac. "I think it's a wonderful report," said John Gould, vice president and director of planning for the president's office. School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens said she has only "seen the headlines" and has not read the whole report. But she added she is very impressed by the Commission's work. "I'm very pleased to see it and I look forward to reading it with the care it deserves," Stevens said. The report is the result of months of information gathering by the 22-member Commission, which was created by former University President Sheldon Hackney and Interim President Claire Fagin in the wake of last spring's 'water buffalo' incident and confiscation of The Daily Pennsylvanian. The Commission is composed of members of the University Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and high-profile individuals with close ties to the University. It was charged with discovering ways of creating a more harmonious, inclusive and multicultural community based on the ideal of free speech. Some senior administrators are reading the report with special interest. Gould is working with a committee including both Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson and members of the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life to examine and streamline the way in which the University provides student services. He said the Commission report will be very helpful to the committee's work. "It's the kind of the thing we can be responsive to," Gould said. "Their work and their decisions will be very helpful to us as we look at student services." Gould said the Commission has given the committee notes and minutes from the dozens of interviews it conducted in researching its findings. This will save the committee from having to conduct extensive information gathering of its own, Gould said. "It's not so much the recommendations but the legwork that will have an immediate effect," he said. And Vice Provost Kim Morrisson said she is pleased that the Commission report urged the implementation of the college house plan she drafted last year. The college house plan would create a residential system resembling those currently in place at several other Ivy League schools and European universities. "I think it adds to the momentum of that plan, and I certainly would be excited by the implications of [the Commission report]," Morrisson said, adding that she did not read the full report. The Commission report contains more than 50 recommendations divided into seven categories, touching on almost every aspect of University life. Given the report's length and broad scope, many University officials said yesterday they did not read the full report or analyze what all of its suggestions might mean for the University. But most said they are excited by the potential the report has, both in terms of what it says about current life on campus and in what the future may hold in terms of community building.
(01/31/94 10:00am)
Allen Green, director of the University's African American Resource Center, is among the three final candidates under consideration for the position of Dean of the College at Wesleyan University, the Wesleyan Argus reported recently. Green is scheduled to visit the Wesleyan campus in Middletown, Conn., today and tomorrow. During that time, he will face a "grueling two-day marathon" of meetings with students, faculty members and administrators, said Artist in Residence Jay Hoggard, a member of the Dean's Search Committee. The Dean of the College is the third-ranking academic official at Wesleyan, Argus Consulting Editor Scott Gottlieb said. Former Dean Janina Montero left the school in August 1993 to become Princeton University's Dean of Student Life. Gottlieb said the Dean's Search Committee will obtain feedback about the three finalists and report to Wesleyan President Bill Chace in mid-February. Chace will then choose a new dean. The other two candidates for the position are Mankato State University Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Althia deGraft-Johnson and Dean of Student Affairs at Yale's School of Organization and Management Patricia Pierce, according to the Argus, the Wesleyan student newspaper. Green, who refused to comment directly on his candidacy, referred all questions to officials at Wesleyan. Dean Search Committee member and Professor of astronomy at Wesleyan Bill Herbst said he was "hesitant to comment" about the search, adding that he does not know how much information is public knowledge.
(01/28/94 10:00am)
Todd Waller, director of the University's Program for Student-Community Involvement, is moving on up. Today is his last day at the University. And next week, he will return to non-profit work outside the academic arena, becoming director of training for the Pennsylvania Service Corps, an arm of President Clinton's National Service Program. Since August 1990,Waller has been coordinating projects involving students, schools and community groups in the West Philadelphia area for the University. During that time, he and his staff "slowly built important relationships and partnerships with schools near here," Waller said. The most notable of these is the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project, which in its eight-year existence has provided the community with almost 100,000 hours of volunteer tutoring. Under Waller's direction, the University's Program for Student Community Involvement also served as a national model. Last summer, it was one of 16 programs of its kind -- from an applicant pool which included 450 schools -- to be awarded federal funds to continue programming even when the University was not in session. Ira Harkavy, director of the University's Center for Community Partnerships and the Penn Program for Public Service, said last night that Waller made a very important contribution to raising the profile of volunteer service at the University. Waller developed innovative orientation programs for new volunteers and started a series of national conferences on student community service, he added. "Penn will miss him," Harkavy said. "He helped establish a strong base for the future." Waller's new position will be an expansion of the initiatives he instituted at the University. His new agenda, which will consist mostly of consulting, will also involve facilitating workshops in leadership skills and political issues for student volunteers. While Waller said he is looking forward to his new job, his departure from the University is bittersweet. "I leave concerned that decisions made regarding the transition at hand may be made hastily," he said yesterday. "There has been a failure to look at the resumes of a number of highly qualified candidates that would bring a tremendous amount to the students and programs involved." According to Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, though, that is not the case. "I have asked [Associate Vice Provost for University Life] Larry Moneta, who as direct supervisor of the program will be responsible for naming the acting director, to talk with Todd to elicit his recommendations for potential acting candidates," she said. "[Moneta needs] to also speak with people including Ira Harkavy, Gwen Bryan and students who are actively involved in the program to develop a pool of strong candidates who will assure the continuity of exemplary service to the community," she added. Moneta said he will name an acting director, who will oversee the Program for the remainder of the semester, early next week. Although the acting director will be someone from within the University, the search process will be "full, open and national," he said. "We'll find people who do this for a living, and hopefully find the best person possible," Moneta added. "Absolutely there will be a large contingent of students participating [in the search]."
(01/27/94 10:00am)
Linda Fairstein means business. The New York City assistant district attorney, who was on campus yesterday to speak to students about reducing sexual violence, has been operating with that idea in mind for all 22 of her years in the legal field. In conjunction with the University's first Domestic Violence/Dating Abuse Awareness Week, Fairstein -- who gained national fame for prosecuting the Central Park Jogger and Preppy Murder cases -- spoke about her efforts to put rapists and other sexual assailants behind bars. Fairstein published a book last fall entitled Sexual Violence: Our War Against Rape. The book chronicles her experiences and suggests ways for law enforcement offices to institute special programs for sexual offenders and their victims. Fairstein's career began in 1972, when she joined the staff of the NYC District Attorney's Office after graduating from the University of Virginia Law School. She was one of only 7 women on the 160-person force. Fairstein said her original career goal did not include becoming a sex crimes prosecutor, simply because the option did not exist at the time. Now, however, she has gained national fame as a sex crimes prosecutor in the Central Park Jogger and Preppy Murder Cases. "Rape is not a crime of sexuality, but a very violent crime in which the sexual act is the weapon," Fairstein said. For this reason, the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, which she heads, works to make victims more comfortable, and to increase the number of convictions of accused offenders. It also lobbies for additional changes in sexual violence legislation. The most important legislative initiatives recently passed, in Fairstein's view, are "rape shield" laws, which prevent a victim's past sexual history from being discussed in court if she is involved in an assault case. Fairstein said perpetrators of rape usually fall into three categories: strangers, acquaintances, family members and professionals, such as dentists or psychologists, whom people trust when they are vulnerable, under anesthesia or depressed. "You have to be creative and innovative in finding ways to make these cases better," Fairstein said, referring to the third type of rapist. She added that rapists are "recidivists" -- people with a tendency to repeat their acts. Emphasizing that it is important for everyone, especially college students, to be aware of the circumstances which can lead to sexual assault, Fairstein said women need to know what resources are available to them if they are raped. She explained that now, though, many victims find it cathartic to take on their attacker through the criminal justice system because of persistent fear for their lives and a lingering loss of trust, which are are often results of rape. "It's wonderful to get a guilty verdict [in those cases]," she said, before opening the floor to questions. Students were very excited about Fairstein's remarks. "She was great, really interesting," said College junior Nancy Epstein. "She really understands the severity and horror of her victims, and tries to help them deal with it." College senior Jill Heitler agreed. "I want to be a New York prosecutor because of Linda Fairstein!" she said.
(01/25/94 10:00am)
Aiming to prevent violence against women on campus and in the world at-large, the University kicked off its first Domestic Violence/Dating Abuse Awareness Week yesterday with a rally, workshop and keynote speaker. The day began with a lunchtime rally on College Green, which was jointly organized by College Democrats and Republicans. It was followed by a violence against women workshop presented by Gloria Gay, associate director of the Penn Women's Center. "The people here this week have so much expertise," said College sophomore Mary Jane Lee, president of the University's National Organization for Women chapter. "I'm so glad we could pull them all together." Last night, in the week's first keynote speech, Pennsylvania NOW Vice President Kathy Miller discussed bringing together the various issues surrounding domestic violence. Barbara DiTullio, Pennsylvania NOW president, was originally slated to speak, but laryngitis kept her from the podium. Miller's remarks focused on the causes and responses to domestic violence, in addition to current political advocacy efforts directed toward the protection of abuse victims. She explained that domestic violence is not a new phenomenon, but one that has existed for "centuries" as a result of sexism. It is more recognizable now, however, because women have organized to ensure their rights, Miller said. "As people's lives get harder, they lash out more," she added. "Women and children become victims. "Domestic violence won't disappear unless in the larger context we take on male-female inequality," Miller said. Because the boundaries of acceptable behavior are unclear at times, Miller said, women feel outraged and at the same time overly reactive when confronted with situations of harassment or abuse. Miller discussed legislative initiatives facing national and state lawmakers and directed at violence against women – urging those in attendance to write to their representatives and senators at the table which will be on Locust Walk later this week. Audience members said Miller's remarks showed them sides of the domestic violence problem they had not previously considered. Social Work graduate student Kelly Bisiada said she found Miller's speech "powerful." "I think that in our time period, with all the things women are enduring and have endured, it's very important for everyone – men and women – to be very aware of the issues that affect and continue to affect women," she said. "Workshops such as these are a wonderful start." According to graduate student Anu Sharma, the week's founder, programming is co-sponsored by the University's American Medical Students' Association chapter and student groups such as Students Together Against Acquaintance Rape, Connaissance and the campus chapter of NOW. She added that the forums and lectures which will be presented this week will approach domestic violence from medical, political and legal perspectives. Today's Awareness Week events will include volunteer counselor training from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Ben Franklin Room of Houston Hall and a workshop on fraternity gang rape led by Anthropology Professor and author Peggy Sanday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Bowl Room. A program highlighting the health professional's response to domestic violence and a student-run seminar on interpersonal violence will both be held in Bodek Lounge, beginning at 5 p.m.
(01/24/94 10:00am)
The University's Asian community ushered in the Year of the Dog with a day-long celebration at the University Museum on Saturday. According to Engineering sophomore Steve Lin, a vice president of the Chinese Students Association, the New Year's observance is "the most important holiday of the Chinese year." The day's programming was jointly sponsored by the University and members of CSA. It included exhibits highlighting traditional aspects of Chinese culture as well as ethnic foods, arts and crafts. Wharton freshman and CSA Cultural Co-chairperson Daphne Choi said one of the exhibits, a red and gold platter filled with dried fruits and candies, is rooted in traditions of the past. The platter's colors symbolize happiness and glamour, Choi said. Red has mythical roots, because it was used in ancient times to scare away a god which took a child away from each village every year. Now, people use red placards when hanging New Year's wishes and greetings on their front doors. The New Year's festivities also included demonstrations of noodle-making, vegetable carving and the martial arts kung fu and t'ai chi, plus a performance of the Lion Dance. The celebration encompassed other traditions, such as the use of chopsticks – especially for eating New Year's foods like phat toy, a vegetable dish whose name translates to English as "prosperity" – and the telling of folk tales and fortunes. College sophomore Karen Chan was one of many waiting in line to find out what is in store for her. However, Chan said she would only believe her fortune if it was good. The tables set up throughout the Museum, staffed by University students, were intended to "show people all different parts of the Chinese culture," said College freshman Angela Chang, CSA's public relations officer. Despite the slush and cold temperatures, organizers were pleased with the turnout, which included city residents and University students and staff. "We're really impressed with the turnout," said Wharton sophomore and CSA Cultural Co-chairperson Adam Cheung. "Even if turnout is lower [than last year], it looks like there is a more diverse mix of people," added Wharton sophomore and CSA Vice President Tyrone Chang. CSA president Jen Liu, a College junior, seemed pleased with the results of her group's efforts, which began before winter break with the ordering of pastries from New York. The goal of the celebration was to "have people learn about the [Chinese] culture," Liu said.
(01/24/94 10:00am)
and ANDREW RAFALAF Daily Pennsylvanian reporters, editors and office personnel traded in paper and pencil for tuxedos and cocktail dresses Saturday night at the paper's annual banquet. The banquet, an occasion for inebriation, marked the official inauguration of the 110th Board of Managers and Editors, headed by incoming executive editor and College junior Jordana Horn. The evening began at the University Museum with a mass of black-clad guests assembled in the Chinese Rotunda for wine and hors d'oeuvres accompanied by small talk. When the wonderfully elaborate, but woefully inadequate, cocktail hour ended, guests made their way to the Upper Egyptian Gallery for dinner. The exquisite meal, which consisted of leaves with dressing, breaded poultry, shredded vegetables and rice, left party goers hungering for more. While eating the shrubbery presented on their plates, guests were entertained and enlightened by Interim President Claire Fagin, who was greeted by cheers and chants from the ever-popular, always-polite 34th Street staff when she took the podium. Keynote speakers Tom Brazaitis, of the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Washington Bureau, and Eleanor Clift, Washington Deputy Bureau Chief for Newsweek magazine and McLaughlin Group member, spoke at length about "batcaves" and "bonsai trees," and their relevance to modern journalism. The dessert, a surprisingly moist and delicious cake which was topped by at least two strawberries, detracted from the awards ceremony that ensued. Awards were presented in five categories. The DP Alumni Association recognized outgoing Executive Editor Stephen Glass for writing and Marc Blumberg for photography. The ever-famous and popular News Department named Jeremy Kahn most improved writer and Charles Ornstein reporter of the year. The equally self-impressed Sports Department awarded Josh Friedman the most-improved writer award, Nick Hut the MVP Award, and Steve Cook the Best Writer award. Dwayne Sye, outgoing design director, was also recognized. 34th Street Magazine gave awards to Laurie Stahlberg and Philip Rackin and recognized Andrew Wanliss-Orlebar for excellence in design. The Photography Department named Sarit Zadok most improved photographer and gave Stephen Shapiro the MVP award. The Steven Levin Ochs Memorial Award for Columnist of the Year went to Jay Levin. And last, but not least, the Business Board named Eric Einstein Manager of the Year and Shira Dvorkin Business Board Staffer of the Year. Following the scintillating awards ceremony, the crowd scurried on snow and ice to the Penn Tower Hotel and proceeded to dance and drink the night away. Outgoing Business Manager David Bell reminded all that he had purchased $17 worth of liquor for each of them and expected to get his money's worth. He did. Amid the stumbling staffers, Ornstein, incoming assistant managing editor, truly stood out. "He was so drunk," said College freshman and DP beat reporter Kara Blond, who had her fair share of alcohol at the party. "I've never seen him so happy!" Horn was even spotted by several staff members chugging beers on the dance floor. Other assorted mishaps punctuated the evening, including a dance floor fire caused by a candle-crazy guest, and a vodka shortage. Incoming Associate Editor Peter "Gimpy Leg" Morrison and his guest, Susie Korn, also drew cheers for their rendition of the Twist, which won them a pair of his and hers thermal mugs. And finally, per Glass, the newspaper's outgoing executive editor, "For those of you who rented tuxedos through The Daily Pennsylvanian, they must be returned by 2:30 today."
(01/21/94 10:00am)
James Klimas huddled over a manhole near the Castle yesterday afternoon, trying to stay warm. While campus thoroughfares were deserted, the Bell of Pennsylvania cable splicer, dressed in a hooded parka, work pants and insulated boots, shivered as he installed new telephone lines. "You need to wear a lot of clothes [to keep warm]," he explained. "Don't be concerned about what you look like, and don't stay out longer than you have to." Energy shortages prompted by frigid temperatures and slick sidewalks closed the University yesterday, three days after the second winter storm in as many weeks hit Philadelphia. But for essential personnel like Klimas who had to report to work, there was little time to worry about the weather. For him, and for many University employees, it was business as usual yesterday. Essential services are those that must remain in operation at all times – regardless of emergency conditions – in order to maintain the health, safety and well-being of the University community, said Dining Services Director Bill Canney. And students always need to eat, even if the University officially shuts down. "Food is an essential part of life, sustenance is required," Canney said. "We'll do whatever we have to do to provide food service to the University community, especially our students." Meanwhile, Dining Services has developed contingency plans to deal with the possibility of power outages at its locations, including instituting "paper service" if dishwashers are not operating. "I wouldn't have people eating with their hands," Canney said. Unlike Canney's employees, workers who were stationed outside yesterday had a single concern: the cold. And all of them offered the same suggestion as University Police Officer Marty Turofski. "Dress warmly," he said. James Wargo, director of the University's Physical Plant, agreed. "Put a heavy coat on, put a hat on so you don't lose all of your body heat, and wear insulated, non-slip boots," he said. "We're spreading 'no-skid'; it has a better effect on the ice than we thought it would." "It's not sodium chloride, it's crushed stone and lime. It's marking up the ice well, breaking some of it. We're spreading it all over walkways, and we're winning the battle [against the weather]." Additionally, Wargo said, Physical Plant employees are working longer shifts than usual – up to 12 hours per day. With rising temperatures, a new shipment of rock salt expected this afternoon, and strong sunlight over the next few days, he is optimistic that the University will finally be able to "thaw out". Official University departments, however, are not the only entities essential to students' lives. For some, food trucks and street vendors are just as important. Many trucks and tables, though, were conspicuously absent from the streets surrounding campus. Others, like the Quaker Shaker across from Stiteler Hall, remained closed all day. One of Le Anh Huynh's Chinese food trucks, located on Spruce Street near the Quadrangle's Lower Gate, looked to be doing a brisk business. Le Anh and her partner were wearing "lots of jackets to keep warm," and emphasized they had been serving customers quickly all day, so people did not have to wait long in the bitter cold for their food. And vendors on 40th Street added ski hats, headbands and earmuffs to their normal inventory of backpacks and videotapes.
(01/19/94 10:00am)
Nearly 40 students crowded into the W.E.B. DuBois College House Multi-Purpose Room last night for an open forum with Pennsylvania State Senator Chaka Fattah on African American issues and political involvement. Fattah came to campus at the request of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity's Psi chapter, whose headquarters are at the University, but who has members from Drexel and Villanova as well. Fattah's visit to campus was the second in a series of educational and entertainment events, called "Alpha Week," which commemorate the fraternity's founding. According to Alpha Phi Alpha Vice-President Kristofer Love, a College junior, the fraternity invited Fattah to speak because of the impact he has had on the University and surrounding community during his term. Fattah is serving his second term as Senator from the 7th District, which includes West Philadelphia and University City. Prior to that, he served in the State House of Representatives for six years. Fattah now chairs the Senate's Education Committee, and is Vice-Chairperson of its Finance Committee. As well as creating access to higher education, Fattah's priorities include rebuilding urban America and improving public housing projects and child development programs. In his remarks, Fattah stressed the theme of African American empowerment through unity. Dramatic and radical changes in public policy can affect incredible changes in the lives of economically and educationally disadvantaged citizens, he said. Fattah added, though, that an unwillingness to talk about urban issues – because emphasis on those issues may be perceived as favoring minorities – has meant that African Americans are not yet seeing the results they would want. The decline of the political party structure in America, combined with the existence of "meaningless party platforms," Fattah said, has created a lack of focus on substantive solutions to problems affecting the African American community. "The African American electorate is going to have to try to coalesce around a set of party issues to guide their elected officials," he said. "[We need to] do what other groups have done – organize and move to effect the desired outcome. "We are tied together as a group," Fattah added. "Only with the achievement of the group will individuals be able to attain their own aspirations." In his speech, which coincides with the University's week-long commemoration of Martin Luther King Day, Fattah also discussed his opposition to the decriminalization of drugs, explaining that the impact of such an initiative "in our communities would be even greater than what we currently see." Lastly, Fattah addressed the issue of racism. "In every part of the [criminal justice] process, there are race-influenced results," he said. "The system ought to be color-blind." Students who attended the program responded positively to the points Fattah presented. "It was a good forum," said Drexel sophomore and Alpha Phi Alpha brother Moses Hart. "I didn't think it would be as informative as it was, but I learned more about my community than I would have sitting in a classroom." Wharton junior Biren Johnson, also an Alpha Phi Alpha brother, agreed with Hart. "It was very informative," he said. "It's very important for everyone, not just African Americans, to get involved in politics, because you can't complain about a problem and not do anything about it – to get involved is the most important thing." Fattah's daughter, Frances, is a College freshman at the University.
(01/18/94 10:00am)
The University community commemorated the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day-long series of programs yesterday. Much of the day's activities were student-planned and facilitated, including a morning workshop focused on building a stronger community through self-improvement, and an afternoon session centered on defining a unified 1994 agenda for the University's African American community. These events were jointly sponsored by the Black Student League and the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association. Each used group exercises and discussion to emphasize teamwork and communication. "Communication is the key to moving forward," said College senior and BSL President Kaplan Mobray. "We need to capitalize on our strengths, use our resources, do our research and strategize." The ideas of community, cohesiveness and cooperation expressed by the dozen or so students within these groups also coincided with the theme of the day – "Forward always through building a common agenda." "You can have diversity in a community," said communications graduate student Lynne Edwards. "We can't all fight the battle in the same way, but we need to have a common goal." College sophomore Michael Coffey echoed Edwards' sentiments. "A lot of us here are too hard on one another," he said. "We need to be more nurturing and have more meetings like this." Commemoration activities continued into the afternoon with a speech by English professor Houston Baker, director of the University's Center for the Study of Black Literature and Culture. Baker characterized King as a "drum major in the black public sphere," explaining that "King's schooling and training allowed him to set forth a new symbology, a new energy [of black moral culture]." And, despite the miserable weather, about 70 people attended an evening speech by nationally-known psychologist, sexologist and Essence magazine columnist Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant. Interim President Claire Fagin, who spoke at the program, described King as "not a man who would let genuine differences turn into ugly antagonisms and hatred." "We never learned how to build community," she added. "It's time we learned how to do it, and do it right. What is at stake is our future and that of your children." Wharton sophomore Kendrick Cox, who serves on the executive boards of both the United Minorities Council and the BSL, offered a perspective on King's influence. "[King] was a guiding light and a symbol of change in an era gone mad," he said. Grant began her remarks, which she entitled "The State of the Dream – Can We All Get Along?" by recounting how, at age 12, she had refused to give up her bus seat to a white person in Jacksonville, Florida. Then, centering on the importance of history, Grant explained that a sense of one's history leads to a better understanding of one's destiny. "Part of our problem is that we've forgotten our heritage," she said. "Without dreams, without vision, the people perish." Audience members said they enjoyed Grant's remarks. "[She was] very inspiring," said College junior Jennifer Mascarenhas. "I believe she brought some insight into issues the University, as well as the community-at-large, needs to address," she added. Social work graduate student Nicole Gaskin echoed Mascarenhas' statements. "I think Dr. Grant is a dynamic individual, and I'm so glad she was able to come here today to share her inspirational words," Gaskin said. "I hope that everyone makes individual commitments to create social change."
(01/14/94 10:00am)
A year has passed since the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta sorority last commemorated their organization's Jan. 13 founding. Many at the University, however, will remember the date for a certain 1993 incident which gave new meaning to the words "water buffalo." A year ago yesterday, then-College freshman Eden Jacobowitz, disturbed by the Delta Sigma Theta sisters' loud celebration in Superblock, leaned out of his High Rise East apartment window and uttered those now-famous words. The women who subsequently charged Jacobowitz with racial harassment – College seniors Suzanne Jenkins, Ayanna Taylor, Nikki Taylor and Denita Thomas, and College graduate Colleen Bonnicklewis – dropped their complaint in May 1993. While Jacobowitz faces no current charges, the effects of the incident, as well as the national media attention which followed, linger on for those involved. Many people close to the case declined to comment on how the case affected them personally. But Jacobowitz said the incident has made him "more cynical, less trusting." "I have to question any action by the University, because there are always underlying reasons they do things," he said. The "water buffalo" case also had an impact on Jacobowitz academically. Jacobowitz said he dropped two classes last spring so he would not have to worry about finals when he returned to campus this fall. Now, he said, he will have to take five classes each semester for the rest of his college career in order to graduate on time. Denita Thomas and Ayanna Taylor, former complainants, said they are simply trying to get on with their lives. After last night's ceremony, which included traditional songs performed in a circle and choreographed against a rhythmic bass, each spoke briefly about the past year. "[The case] doesn't matter," Thomas said. "What counts is [our sorority's] working in the community to make it a better place." "I can't say it made us stronger, because we were already strong," Taylor added. "As black people, 'water buffalo' didn't hinder us – we deal with that kind of stuff every day. Hopefully, the incident made other people on campus more sensitive." The theme of black strength was echoed by Zoila Airall, Thomas' and Taylor's advisor when the "water buffalo" case first entered the University's judicial system. "There aren't words to describe the impact that it's had on all the people involved," said Airall, assistant director of staff and programs for Residential Living. "It's not hard for me to deal with [it] because I am African American, but it's hard for me to talk about because I don't think anybody can understand. "Things just ran away," she added. "What started out as something that was going to be handled within the system at the University ended up exploding. Was justice served?" Engineering sophomore Vivek Rao, one of Jacobowitz's freshman roommates, had the same question. Rao said he felt the Judicial Inquiry Office considered Jacobowitz "guilty until proven innocent." "I think [the case] had a positive impact," Rao said. "The University realized that the rules and regulations of the judicial process had to be revised. "It's not something I like to dwell on, but I've learned to think before I speak," he added. Robin Read, the assistant JIO who handled the "water buffalo" case, was not in the office yesterday. But current JIO Steven Blum explained that he was hired with the understanding that he would make significant changes in how the JIO is run. "These changes respond to many incidents that occurred and the community as a whole," he said. "I propose to make the Office of Judicial Inquiry less intimidating for students, to bring a far greater emphasis on students taking responsibility for their mistakes." Despite the changes being made to the JIO, Jacobowitz's advisor, History professor Alan Kors, said the case "didn't change [him] in any way." "I've been fighting for due process and free speech and the absence of double standards at Penn for well over a decade," he said. "[The case] just took up a whole lot of time."
(01/12/94 10:00am)
The Asian Pacific American Association of Penn Faculty and Staff (APAA), an advocacy and networking group for Asians and those interested in Asian affairs, was recently formed to promote Asian unity on campus. And about 80 people, including Interim President Claire Fagin, attended the group's inaugural meeting and holiday reception before winter break. The APAA will act as an umbrella group for Asian Americans, according to Joyce Randolph, director of the Office of International Programs and a member of APAA's ad hoc committee. Randolph said there has been a need for an organization like the APAA at the University for a "long time." But members of the various Asian nationality groups who have "different cultural roots" only recently began to relate to one another, she added. This semester, the APAA plans to meet with Asian American student leaders to discuss faculty/student interaction and collaboration on community projects. Randolph said the group also hopes to draft by-laws with help from the Association of African American Faculty and Staff. Joe Sun, Director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center, said he believes the APAA can have a large impact on campus life. "The group is necessary because it will provide Asian American faculty and staff with visibility and support," he said. "An association like this is able to give voice to Asian American faculty and staff who wish to be involved with minority affairs at Penn and the University in general." While the APAA is a faculty group, Sun said, it will serve to inform Asian American students of the institutions, services and resources available to them at the University. Sun added that he expects the formation of the APAA to lead to better identification of the "issues, interests and needs" important to the University's Asian community. Although members of this group are not few in number, he said, they have been an "invisible minority" not very active on campus. Biology Professor Yoshitaka Suyama echoed Sun's sentiments. "It will be nice to get our forces together," he said. "Asian students at the University are very bright, articulate, sensible and sensitive to campus problems. "The University was not quite ready to take up this problem," he added. "The students made it happen. By organizing, they made a big imprint on the University movement." Sun said not all Asian Americans identify in the same way. And, for this reason, individual involvement in the APAA will be dictated by "interest and commitment, not imposition." Wharton junior Tony Lee, president of Students for Asian Affairs, said his group supports the draft objectives and program ideas adopted by the APAA, which include increased communication between campus Asian groups such as the Chinese, Korean and Japanese Students Associations. "There is no conflict between the roles of the APAA and Students for Asian Affairs," Lee said. "We are a political organization, they are concerned with communication and social issues. I'd be supportive of any effort to unify Asian Americans on campus." Although the APAA has been in the planning stages since this summer, it was active in organizing the Asian Pacific American Heritage Week photo display which appeared on Locust Walk this fall.
(12/07/93 10:00am)
Members of the Philomathean Society continued the group's tradition of "raising hell with your brain" at a reception held last week in Van Pelt Library. About 20 students attended the event marking the publication of Margin to Mainstream: The Broadening of the American Literary Canon. The volume consists of lectures on contemporary literature delivered at the E. Sculley Bradley Memorial Symposium, which took place at the University in 1988. Law student Darren Rosenblum, who organized the symposium while an undergraduate at the University, said E. Sculley Bradley is widely considered "the father of the study of American literature." Rosenblum said Bradley helped create "a distinct American literary canon" and included in his studies a number of writers such as Theodore Dreiser and Walt Whitman, who were then considered radicals. Bradley was a former University student, English professor and administrator, as well as a Philo member, until his death in 1987, said College senior Ethel Rackin. Bradley was also the editor of the first Norton Anthology of American Literature, she said. Margin to Mainstream is important for two reasons, said College and Wharton junior Tyler Dickovick, the society's moderator this semester. The book celebrates the life, work and "strong scholastic contributions" of Bradley, he explained, and it was entirely student produced. The book is another example of the constant "interchange of ideas" and "broadness of knowledge" characteristic of Philo members, said College senior Johnathan Goldstein. These qualities, he said, also mesh well with the two-fold mission of the Philomathean Society: to increase the learning of its members and the academic prestige of the University. The publication of Margin to Mainstream represents the culmination of five years of effort by the Philomathean Society, said co-editor Eugene Bolt.
(11/19/93 10:00am)
Think tanks – research organizations which advise government and industry leaders – have become increasingly important in today's world and its global marketplace, according to visiting Sociology Professor Werner von der Ohe. Von der Ohe, "on loan" this year to the University's Lauder Institute from the University of Munich, organized an on-campus conference to compare think tanks in the U.S. and Germany. The conference began yesterday and runs through tomorrow. The conference focuses on the "remarkable changes in the think tank scene" which have occurred over the past 10 to 15 years, von der Ohe said. Change has been most apparent in the sources of think tank funding, he continued. In the U.S., most monies for think tank research are allocated by private industries and foundations instead of the government, which raises questions about partisanship in recommendations to policy-makers. On the other hand, in Germany and other European nations, the "hundreds of millions of dollars" necessary to finance think tank research comes from public taxes, von der Ohe said. This difference, he explained, influences how policy-makers get their knowledge, and affects the objectivity of the knowledge they obtain. The information provided by think tanks is crucial because it influences the agenda and priorities set by governments of all nationalities. Each day of the conference has a specific focus. Yesterday served mainly as an introduction to the think tank "landscape" in the U.S. and in Germany, and a description of their inherent differences, von der Ohe said. This was accomplished through presentations by members of American and German think tanks, experts in economic or scientific fields. Today's sessions will feature comparisons of the images of public and private think tanks in the U.S. and Germany, and the consumption of the knowledge they provide, as well as presentations on think tanks in the United Kingdom and France. Tomorrow morning's speeches will focus on the future of think tanks. Von der Ohe said he hopes this weekend's conference can serve as a return to the "legitimate free exchange of ideas and dialogue" common in universities, institutions which could be classified as think tanks due to the knowledge which they produce. The issue of whether think tanks – specifically the more partisan organizations which seem to be emerging currently – facilitate or block the "free flow of information and knowledge," especially in relation to the economic and technical advice provided to former East European nations by Western countries, is another of von der Ohe's concerns. All of the remaining lectures will take place in the auditorium of Lauder-Fischer Hall. They are free to University faculty and students.
(11/11/93 10:00am)
The gangster, one of Hollywood's favorite cinematic subjects, has steadily evolved over the years into the modern-day "gangsta," film expert Todd Boyd told an Annenberg School audience Tuesday night. Boyd, a professor of critical studies at the University of Southern California, traced that evolution through film and music following a screening of the Hughes Brothers' film, Menace II Society. Since the 1912 filming of Musketeers of Pig Alley by D.W. Griffith and continuing through the 1930s with Scarface, Little Caesar and Public Enemy, Boyd said gangsters have been portrayed as whites who recently immigrated to the United States. With the production of Godfather I and II in the 1970s, this trend began to change, as Michael Corleone, the main character of those movies, becomes fully assimilated into American culture. Fundamental twists in the gangster trend began in 1988, with the production of Dennis Hopper's Colors, in which Hollywood introduced the African-American or Latino "gangsta," Boyd said. The increased attention given to inner-city gang life in Menace II Society – and in John Singleton's Boyz N The Hood – was accompanied by a parallel shift toward rap music by the mainstream, Boyd said. To illustrate this point, Boyd named artists such as Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and NWA, who rose to prominence on the pop charts with hard-edged lyrics and forceful rhythms centered on the violence and hopelessness of ghetto life. The "gangsta" lifestyle, a reflection of contemporary culture "operating at multiple levels," also reveals the importance of the "reality discourse" in American society, Boyd said. The explosion of television talk shows, which encourage the telling of personal narratives, is indicative of both the desire for authenticity and the blurring of the line between reality and fiction apparent in America today, he said. The "gangsta" influence is also felt in literature, Boyd said with a reference to Monster, a Los Angeles Crips gang member's autobiographical account. This "popular text" is linked to the new direction of movies and music with "gangsta" themes, he said. However, Boyd said he thinks that recently there has been an overall decrease in African-American creativity in that arena. "These [movies] are probably the highlight of the genre," he stated. "The problem is they came two years too late ? Hollywood likes to recycle this idea." Boyd also cited the redundancy of copycat musical groups trying to replicate the success of artists such as En Vogue and Boyz II Men as evidence for this view of variations on a theme. Following the screening – which was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Black Literature and Culture at the University – center director Houston Baker, Village Voice film critic Greg Tate and center staff member Ed Guerrero joined Boyd in a discussion of the issues the film raised.
