DCL discusses controversial Proposal 1

The MSU-Detroit College of Law held a forum earlier this week to discuss Proposal 1 - which, if approved, would grant parents with children in faltering school districts vouchers to send their children to nonpublic schools. Voters will decide whether to support the state ballot proposal in November’s general election. Sponsored by the Law Review of DCL, the forum focused on the legal and constitutional ramifications of the proposal, specifically whether it would be a violation of the separation of church and state if the voucher was used to send a student to a religious private school. Dissenters insist the proposal is unconstitutional because it takes public tax dollars and invests them in private, and potentially religious, schools. The proposal would grant vouchers to parents with children attending school districts where graduation rates are less than two-thirds. “This is about exploring significant issues in education,” said Peter Koulik, co-chairperson of Wednesday’s voucher forum and note and comment editor for the Law Review. The Law Review is a student-edited academic publication dedicated to the advancement of discussion on timely legal issues. Richard D.

Byrum visits U, addresses voter registration bill

Dianne Byrum’s weekly coffee hours aren’t what they used to be. But MSU’s representative in the state Senate has never been involved in one of the nation’s most heated congressional races either.Casual gatherings that used to draw only a handful of constituents now lure voters by the dozens - most who are looking to hear what Byrum, D-Onondaga, plans to do if she lands a job in Washington, D.C., come this November.On Thursday, a student-dominated group of about 40 and reporters from The Washington Post and The New York Times gathered at the Union to hear why Byrum thinks she’s more qualified than her opponent, fellow state Sen.

Police briefs 09/29/00

New plates show Spartans spirit

Spartan supporters will have a new way to show their school pride Monday.MSU, along with 14 other Michigan universities, is featured on the newest design for Michigan license plates, which were unveiled Tuesday night.The plates go on sale at 9 a.m.

Group to premiere film, promote awareness of gun violence

The Alliance for Justice, a Washington D.C.-based activist group, and the Physicians for Social Responsibility will help celebrate “First Monday 2000: Unite to End Gun Violence” on Monday. And two campus organizations will host events to commemorate the day.

U hopes lodge will be story of success

MSU officials have big plans in store for Brook Lodge.Hidden down a country road, the Augusta, Mich.

Candidates to participate in several debates, next one slated for campus

’Tis the season for debating. It’s a major election year, and the candidates in one of the nation’s most heated and tightest congressional races are plenty ready to talk. State Sens.

On-campus parking violators may face rise in fines

Those who choose to park illegally on campus might soon face heftier fines if the All-University Traffic Committee deems them necessary.The AUTC appointed three subcommittees on Thursday to deal with issues concerning parking, parking violations and pedestrian right of way.Each committee consists of faculty members, undergraduate students, graduate students, MSU officials and various other on-campus departments including Campus Park and Planning and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.

U research plays part in better drug development

Aspirin’s been a staple item in backpacks, purses and medicine cabinets for years, and is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks and ease pain.But 15 years of research by MSU scientists has led to a better understanding of a crucial protein - prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 1, or PGHS-1 - targeted by aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.Armed with understanding of how these drugs interact with PGHS-1, scientists may be able to develop drugs that better target specific diseases.The research, conducted by William Smith, chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Michael Garavito, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, is detailed in the Sept.

Lansing delegation travels to Africa to further understanding of sister city

Lansing Mayor David Hollister will be traveling to Akuapim, Ghana, today as part of Lansing’s sister cities program with the African city. Hollister and a delegation of Lansing educators, health care providers, civil engineers and other citizens will travel to Ghana to dedicate two libraries created with books donated from Lansing residents and to formally initiate an ambulance donated and equipped by Lansing to be used as a traveling health clinic. There will also be a formally signed agreement making Lansing and Akuapim sister cities. Ghana is a country with more than 17 million people.

Police offer Lansing academy

When Lansing resident Patty Farhat Reed heard about the Citizens Police Academy Program, she jumped at the opportunity to become involved.She was a member of her neighborhood watch and thought she knew a lot about the Lansing Police Department already, but this could only improve the quality of her community involvement.Five years later she couldn’t be happier to have taken part in the inaugural program.“It was probably the best thing I ever did for myself,” Reed said.

Forum to address sweatshops

Students for Economic Justice, a campus fair labor organization, will host a public forum Monday night focusing on sweatshops in Nicaraguan factories contracted by Kohl’s Department Store and Target Corp. The factories are currently under scrutiny by the National Labor Committee for firing workers who were attempting to organize unions. Charles Kernigahn, who has fought sweatshops worldwide and is the NLC’s executive director, will speak at the forum.

Police briefs 09/28/00

Committee to review on-campus parking

The All-University Traffic Committee plans to hold a meeting today to discuss proposed on-campus parking and violation changes. Kay Rout, chairperson of the committee, said the changes could greatly affect students, faculty, staff, visitors and retirees. The committee is expected to discuss the cost of parking fines as well as several other issues, although no decisions are expected to be made. “We’re now asking for changes that are overdue,” said Rout, an American thought and language professor. The committee also could discuss a proposed campaign to promote pedestrian right-of-way and the introduction of a geographic information system - a computerized map that could be used to point out specific parking areas. Fred Poston, assistant vice president for finance and operations, will also be at the meeting to share his views on campus parking. The committee is made up of faculty members, undergraduate students, graduate students, officials and various other on-campus departments including Campus Park and Planning and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.

Mayor designates funds to shape up downtown

In an attempt to further revitalize the downtown area, Lansing Mayor David Hollister is pouring money into businesses in the Washington Avenue area.Hollister has designated $75,000 for grants to area businesses and property owners as a motivation for facade improvement and loft construction.

Theater to curb crowding problems

More than 1,000 people were turned away from renowned Harvard Professor Stephen Jay Gould’s guest lecture earlier this month because the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre was filled to capacity. University officials say that won’t happen again. The second of five lectures for the McPherson Professorship lecture series has been moved from the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center to prevent overcrowding. Depending on the turnout, Daniel Kleppner’s speech Wednesday will either be held at the Pasant Theatre or the much larger Wharton Center Great Hall.

Bill removes malpractice immunity for U doctors

All MSU physicians may lose legal immunity under a bill that was passed out of the Senate House Policy Committee on Tuesday.

New lecture series lures acclaimed speakers to U

The College of Arts and Letters announced Wednesday its plans to launch a new lecture series.Lectures will focus on current college strengths, such as jazz, film and American studies.

Campus Fest offers free fun

Krysten McCully didn’t know she’d spend part of her day rolling around inside a human-sized bowling ball after class Tuesday afternoon.But that was just one activity she and many other students enjoyed at the Sports Illustrated Campus Fest, which will continue today behind the rock on Farm Lane.“This whole thing is really great,” McCully, a pre-vet freshman, said.

RHA, McPherson meet to discuss greenhouse plans with students

The Residence Halls Association will hear both sides of a debate about plans for a proposed student greenhouse at its general assembly meeting today.The meeting will be in the Essex Underground of Wilson Hall at 7 p.m.RHA pledged support for a student project last year in an effort to replace a greenhouse taken down in 1998.The project received approval from the university, but was amended later.