Professors obscenity suit thrown out
Although a Macomb Community College professor’s lawsuit was thrown out by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 29 after he was suspended for using obscenities in class, some say it won’t have much impact on classroom conduct around the state. John Bonnell, a professor of Western literature and English composition at the community college, was suspended in November 1998 after a female student complained she felt sexually harassed by language he used in class. “It’s a dark day,” Bonnell said.
Economics professors to discuss importing
The MSU’s Department of Economics will present a roundtable discussion today to discuss the steel import restrictions. The event will take place at 8 p.m.
Data show lower minority graduate enrollment
Despite attempts to recruit minority students to MSU’s Graduate School, minorities are enrolling in graduate school at lower rates than last year, the Office of Affirmative Action Compliance and Monitoring reported this week. The data included information about faculty and staff statistics, retention and undergraduate applications, admissions and enrollment. MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said there are many factors that contribute to the decrease in enrollment for minority students. “Last year’s decline was after a significant increase in the previous years,” she said.
Artist, filmmaker to speak in Brody today
Sistahs is presenting its 2002 Conference, “Nappy: Black Women and the Politics of Hair,” at 5:30 p.m.
Sexual harassment charges prompt resignation
Despite a Lansing City Council member’s unexpected resignation Monday, a city employee is still considering a sexual harassment lawsuit against the city.Councilmember Lou Adado announced his resignation at Monday night’s city council meeting, citing negative attention on the city due to two women’s charges that he sexually harassed them.
Construction to continue despite residents protests
Construction will continue as planned for the Governors Collection development in Meridian Township.A lawsuit filed by residents trying to stop a land-sharing agreement between Lansing and Meridian Township was dismissed Monday.
Oscar Mayer hotdoggers hit the road in wiener
Jessica De Los Reyes pictured herself doing a lot of things after college.Driving a 27-foot-long hot dog wasn’t one of them.But the dietetics senior and 11 other soon-to-be college graduates have been selected as “hotdoggers,” each fulfilling a yearlong tour driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.“I’m so excited,” she said.
Post office faces decline in mailings
As Doug Belles filled out the address on his letters by the post office in the Union, a few people trickled through, dropping off various pieces of mail.But the numbers are lower than the U.S.
Student Employee of the Year awarded
Nicole Plott has been named MSU’s Student Employee of the Year for 2002. She will be recognized with more than 100 other students at an awards reception from 4-5 p.m.
Food rules protect Muslim practices
At Bassam Mahmoud’s restaurant, the meat is prepared according to Muslim dietary law - and a new state law will prevent other restaurants that don’t follow the dietary law from claiming they do.Some Muslims are allowed to eat foods considered halal, which is slaughtered in a certain way.
Study controls lamprey
MSU researchers may have found a way to control the number of fish killed by parasitic sea lamprey.Weiming Li, an associate professor of fisheries and wildlife, has been working on isolating the pheromones of sea lamprey.
Student seeks to improve cancer awareness
If Adam Schaffer gets his way, a nine-inch by four-inch card distributed in residence halls next year could save lives.Schaffer, an Olin Health Advocate and human biology sophomore, is working with residence life staff to distribute breast and testicular self-examination cards in residence halls.
Funding for community colleges remains unchanged
Lansing - Gov. John Engler signed the fiscal year 2003 community college budget Monday that will maintain 2002 funding levels for Michigan’s 28 community colleges. Engler signed a similar budget for the state’s 15 public universities April 1, stating the Legislature would not cut funding to the universities as long as they keep tuition increases at or below 8.5 percent or $425, whichever is greater. The community college budget for fiscal year 2003 will remain at $321.7 million with Lansing Community College receiving $32.2 million in funding.
Bills create anti-hazing policies for schools
Michigan is one of eight states without a hazing law, but that could change with a package of bills proposed by State Rep.
Students protest for labor rights
A 400-foot banner was wrapped around the University of Michigan’s Fleming Administration Building on Friday as students protested the labor practices of New Era Cap Co.At MSU, members of Students for Economic Justice held a “Screaming at the Wall” demonstration to protest what they say is an administration that doesn’t listen to their concerns about labor rights.The administrations at each university have dealt with protests in much the same way, meeting with students and discussing concerns.But the student groups at both universities take drastically different approaches to getting their messages across.
ASMSU adds course to thin budget
As the ASMSU 2002-03 session began Monday, the organization was left to work with a thin budget and a promise to spend $50,000 on a ropes challenge course.Last week, the undergraduate student government’s 2001-02 Student Assembly passed the 2002-03 budget with a vote of 13-3 with four abstentions.
Greeks get funky for fund-raiser
Eleven greek teams contributed their creativity, sweat and the rhythmic ability for the fourth annual MTV Fundraiser Night, at the Auditorium on Monday night. About 2,000 people attended the first fund-raising event of Greek Week 2002 to raise funds for Sparrow Hospital’s pediatric emergency room.
Environmentalists raise awareness on mercury emissions
A group of environmental groups are working to reduce the amount of mercury falling on Michigan residents.The Michigan Environmental Council, National Wildlife Federation and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs are working with the state and private businesses to raise awareness of mercury emissions.Mercury is produced through a variety of processes, but Michigan Environmental Council policy director James Clift said coal-burning plants contribute about one-half of the total emissions.“A new coal-burning power plant has emissions that are five to 10 times lower than older plants,” he said.