Volume XV, No. 45 May 2007 PRODUCED BY AND FOR THE STUDENTS OF QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Imus Have Said Something Wrong BY SAMER ZABEN On Tuesday April 3rd, number 1 Tennessee punished for what they claimed were racist that's in the 'hood that ain't doing sh--, that's trying defeated number 4 Rutgers in the NCAA wom- remarks. They also threatened to protest in front to get a n---a for his money. These are two sepa- an’s national championship game. Tennessee and of CBS if no actions toward Imus were made. rate things.” their legendary coach Pat Summit went on to end These requests were met immediately as Imus was Are rap lyrics really the reason for the com- Rutgers Cinderella story in this year’s tournament. fired on April 13th, the same day he was to meet ments made by Don Imus and his staff? Do lyrics Despite the loss, the Rutgers women’s basketball with the Rutgers women’s basketball team. from artists like Jay-Z, Snoopdogg, and Ludacris team was being praised in the sports world. Sports A new controversy regarding Hip Hop has relate to a man like Don Imus? Was Don Imus analysts on television and radio were erupted in the wake of Imus being thinking of a DMX song when he made all raving how this team and their first fired by CBS. Civil rights activists those remarks? Probably not. Don Imus is year coach Vivian Stringer seemed to Sharpton and Jackson, as well as a radio talk show host who talks about real have a bright future ahead of them. supporters of Don Imus, have people and real things going on in the However, on one radio show the sub- claimed that Hip Hop is to blame for world, while rappers, although they claim ject under discussion turned in the the current crop of negative stereo- to be talking about real events, actually wrong direction. types of women. This accusation of don’t. On April 4th one day after the championship blame has caused many people to take action In an article written by Todd Boyd on game, radio host Don Imus shared his thoughts on against rap lyrics. Hip Hop mogul Russell ESPN.com, he argues that “Imus is real, featuring the game during his radio show, “Imus in the Simmons along with members of the Hip Hop real guests and humor based on real topics. Morning.” Imus, however, didn’t talk about the summit now want to ban three words from rap However loudly hip-hop might claim to be real, it game but instead spoke about the female athletes lyrics: hoe, bitch, and nigger. Sharpton is pushing is not real; it is a form of representation.” Boyd competing in the game. Imus began making com- for all rap record labels to adopt new standards continues by saying, “Though the culture is rooted ments on the Rutgers team by saying, “that’s and to force their artists to drop these words from in the notion and style of authenticity, it is decid- some rough girls from Rutgers.” He then went on, their lyrics. By doing so, they argue, negativity edly fictional. If not, the cops could arrest every “That’s some nappy headed hoes there.” Imus’ toward women as well as racism will end. rapper who talks about selling drugs or killing shocking comments quickly made his faux-pas the However, rappers are also taking action. In a someone in his or her lyrics.” And that is why Hip biggest media story in the nation. recent interview on hiphopdx.com rapper Hop should not get a bad rap for Imus’s com- Coach Vivian Stringer and the entire Rutgers Snoopdogg said, “It’s a completely different sce- ments, the lyrics are often not in response to actu- women’s team quickly held a press conference nario. Rappers are not talking about any college al events, but fictional representations of events in regarding the matter. Civil rights activists includ- basketball girls who have made it to the next level the artist’s life, similar to the way a motion picture continued on page 5 ing Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson wanted Imus in education and sports. We're talking about hoe's Sound of Music in a Deaf Night: INSIDE COMMUNIQUÉ Darfur Revisited Y TEFFON YNES The Community’s Misconception. . . p. 2 B S F As I sit to write this article, my hope is that displaced people are being held in what were to be my words cut the reader to the heart. Although this temporary housing and shelters from the war, but The CPE — A Completely is the second article in six months to be published due to the large number of refugees living at the Pointless Exam ...... p. 2 by this paper on the crisis in Darfur, I hope that it camps and the length of the conflict, the camps are will not be the last. The matter that I write about is turning into a permanent residence for all refugees. So You Have a Car ...... p. 4 a matter of the human heart; it is a matter of the These camps are not an environment that you human condition. What is happening in Darfur would want your baby sister, or daughter or niece today should never be forgotten, tucked away, or to be in, but for 2.5 million refugees the camps are Depression: You Can Stop It . . . . . p. 4 pushed aside, until a resolution is attained and this the place they are forced to call home. modern day genocide is brought to an end. For Although the international community knows Breaking Boundaries ...... p. 5 those of you who have lost touch with the current about the current crises, it is currently so occupied situation in Darfur allow me to update you, and for with putting sanctions on Sudan, or pointing fin- those who have forgotten about the crisis, allow gers at one another as to who should step up to the Virginia-Tech Massacre: me to paint the picture for you once again. plate and take charge of the situation, that few No easy answers ...... p. 6 The crisis in Darfur has presently claimed the effective actions are being taken to quell the vio- lives of 400,000 people. At the center of the crisis lence. According to Femi Falana, president of the Stop Gun Violence ...... p. 6 are the Janjaweed, an ethnic Arab militia that has West African Bar Association, real blame falls on preyed on the black African tribes, raping women Nigeria and the African Union, and calls for both and children, and burning babies. The Janjaweed to take punitive measures against Sudan to end the Anaka, the next Metallica? ...... p. 7 was originally backed by the Sudanese govern- killing of innocent civilians in Darfur have been ment but is presently splintered into many mini ignored. Senator Hillary Clinton along with a Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears militias, formed by warlords, political figures, and group of bipartisan senators are calling on China, a tribal groups trying to protect themselves. As a country whose number one oil producer is a major Abusing Rehab?...... p.7 consequence, the crisis has evolved into a situation investor in the government-owned oil exploration in which there are at least a dozen different armed in Sudan, to impress upon Sudanese president al- Women’s “Fast Pitch” Softball . . . p. 10 groups causing havoc across Darfur. At present, Bashir the need to halt Sudan’s military operations over 1500 villages have been burned to the in Darfur, accept an African Union United Nations ground. The Janjaweed militias have performed peacekeeping force, and to ensure humanitarian The Proverbial Skeleton in the closet countless crimes against humanity, including mass assistance can be provided safely. The of the Sporting World! ...... p. 11 genocide, and the use of rape as a weapon of war. International Criminal Court has only recently, as The Janjaweed has also interfered with humanitar- of May 1st, decided to begin legal proceedings ian aid to the 2.5 million displaced people in the against two men who have been charged with war continued on page 9 conflict, predominantly women and children. The 2 Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 E D I T O R I A L S

These editorials represent the opinion of the Editorial Board of Communiqué, which is solely responsible for its contents. These are not necessarily the views of the Queensborough Community College administration and staff. Communiqué welcomes any letters or editorials for the population of QCC. Submit work to Communiqué, H-428. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit letters for spatial needs and grammatical accuracy. The Community’s Misconception BY KARA MANNERS How many times has someone asked you into a “better” school. Many people do not realize we have over those that do not. We are unappre- where you go to school? How many times have that the price for attending community colleges as ciative, perhaps, of the good fortune we have to you mumbled the response? And upon answering, well as all CUNY schools are approximately one- attend Queensborough, with class size limited, in how quickly have you said it is just temporary third of the tuition costs at the more “highly most instances, to 30. In other schools with lecture until you enter your four year college in regarded” schools. That does not mean, however, halls that seat 150, professors walk right past their September? Is it fair that students who attend that the academic resources are not just as good as students in the halls and do not know it. At QCC, community colleges in the New York City metro- the four year colleges, that our sports teams are every professor I’ve had knew my name and still politan area feel beneath those that attend four not as talented, or that the students are less intelli- waves when we pass each other. year schools? Is it fair that as a student who car- gent. In one of my four classes alone, there are stu- ried a GPA of 3.9 last semester and made the Our community college differs from other dents that intend to go to Harvard in the fall, stu- Dean’s list twice, I am still not regarded in the schools in attendance alone. Many students I have dents with sporting scholarships, students with same way as a student who attends Queens spoken to that have attended and graduated from academic scholarships, and students in the CUNY College, or Hunter, or Fordham, or New York well known four year schools have told me that honors program. I have been in classes with stu- University, or any other four year school? Why their professors never took attendance. One stu- dents that have attended Ivy League schools who are community colleges and the students who dent told me that he never attended classes regu- have said that they prefer Queensborough. The attend them often misconstrued as lesser beings? larly, and only showed up on test dates. He gradu- diversity alone allows students to feel more com- It is a fact that in order to enter a community ated with a 3.3 GPA. Everyone may complain at fortable in their surroundings, providing a wel- college in the CUNY system your academic stand- Queensborough about the attendance regulations, come to every ethnicity. In a school with a student ing does not matter as long as you have a GED or but wouldn’t we rather be in a school with a facul- population as diverse as Queensborough, stereo- high school diploma. One consequence, it seems, ty that enforces regulations? These regulations types often do not exist to the extent they do in of CUNY’s open enrollment policy is that many help build discipline that allows us to better pre- other less diverse schools. Having attended people believe those who attend these two year pare for the life ahead. We do not only show up at Queensborough Community College, sheltered schools do so because they were poor students work on the days we get paid. These are values individuals are less likely to experience culture prior to entering college and could not make it that students at Queensborough learn, and an edge shock as they venture out into the real world. The CPE — A Completely Pointless Exam BY JACLYN SOLOMON Graduation day is right around the corner for If I am not mistaken, there are college stu- achieving their Bachelors Degree, or moving on to many students. But they then face one final major dents who possess excellent academic skills that their actual profession. College is supposed to be a hurdle. Will the one certificate needed in order to are not good test takers. They perform well in place where you can find the one subject or disci- say all the hard work, the exams, and various pro- class, do the assignments and participate in class. plinary field you can truly excel in. The grade that jects has paid off be there waiting? Depending on In the way the CPE is currently administered, it one receives in one’s course work is the only thing your score on the CPE, the school will either give actually places a limit on the extent to which one that should matter. Colleges teach students to be you your diploma so you can be on your way, or can plan for the future. I know I do not perform open minded, to perform to the best of their abili- hold you back until it is determined that you are well when it comes to exams; I never have and ty, and to learn skills needed for the real world, ready to go out into the “real world.” Why stu- never will. In college students are regularly including social skills. Life is one big test. Do col- dents are granted a “probationary” diploma seems required to write essays, and in most instances lege students really need the stress of one more counter-intuitive. they receive critical feedback from their instruc- major exam when our whole life is supposed to be “Why should I have to take the CUNY tors. Professors show you where the mistakes are, beginning? Proficiency Exam in order to show that I can and how best to revise. On the CPE, however, QUEENSBOROUGH make it out of college?” is the question a majority you don’t have a professor there to help, and so of CUNY students are thinking. It seems to stu- you run the risk of repeating the same mistakes COMMUNIQUÉ dents that the pressures of mid-terms and finals over and over. College is supposed to be the step- apparently aren’t enough to worry about accord- ping stone in life to help you reach your dreams, Humanities Building, Room 428 ing to school administrators. not a never-ending gauntlet of tests after texts. 56th Ave. and Springfield Blvd. Regarding the CPE the Queensborough web- In the QCC Faculty/Staff Guide to the CUNY Bayside, N.Y. 11364 site states: Proficiency Exam, it states: (718) 631-6302 “Note, however, that some students may not Communiqué Staff In 1997, the Board of Trustees of the City receive the 45 credit letter until just before the University of New York (CUNY) put in place a scheduled exam date, giving them little or no time Kyle Ayala policy requiring students in both associate and bac- to prepare.” What happens when a student is Murielle Blanc calaureate programs to demonstrate their command absent the day the teacher distributes that notice, of certain vital academic skills by the time they Mark Chapman and misses the exam? Why should the student reach the 60th credit. These skills are associated Steffon Fynes primarily with academic literacy: the ability to have to forfeit one of their chances to take the Lukasz Lagucik understand and think critically about ideas and exam? If the CPE is so important an assessment of Thalia Lawrence information presented in print and the ability to “certain vital academic skills,” why should we Jae Lee agree to take a test for which preparation is neither write clearly, logically, and correctly. Employers Kara Manners of CUNY graduates consistently stress the impor- required nor enforced? Alexander Orejuela tance of strength in these areas. These skills are The Office of Academic Affairs states: “You Kendel Ortiz also vital to success in the junior and senior year in will no longer be permitted to register as a matricu- bachelor's programs, as well as in graduate and lated student at CUNY if this is the third time that Anas Paracha professional study. The CUNY Proficiency Exam you have taken and failed the CPE, unless you file Jessica Park (CPE) requires students to demonstrate their com- an appeal to re-take the exam a Fourth time.” If David Satnarine petence in aspects of academic literacy that the you are graduating and the CPE is the only thing Jaclyn Solomon CUNY faculty considers important for later suc- Candice Thompson cess. Specifically, the CPE tests some of the skills holding you back, you just want to get out of the that you have developed through the course work school already! After the first two times failing the Maimouna Viaer-McClymont that you have taken: reading and interpreting text- CPE, anyone would be under a lot of stress. Antonio Vittiglio books and material of general interest; organizing Some students may say the exam is a piece of Safiya Whitehead and presenting your ideas about what you have cake, others may say its tough. Whether the CPE Tara-Dee Woods read and connecting those ideas to other informa- is difficult or not, a hard working student who has Samer Zaben tion or concepts; writing clearly and effectively for put all the time and effort into passing all of his or Faculty Adviser an audience; and interpreting and evaluating mate- her classes should be able to move on. When I say rial presented in charts and graphs. move on, I mean furthering their education by Andrew Levy WHEN RAPE IS THE WEAPON, THE WOUNDS NEVER HEAL.

President Bush: Genocide is happening right now in Darfur. You can end it. 400,000 people dead. 2.5 million driven from their homes. Untold thousands raped, tortured and terrorized. Ending the horror will take immediate action by a strong United Nations peacekeeping force. The Sudanese regime that’s sponsoring this brutal extermination can no longer be allowed to block UN intervention. President Bush must act now to save Darfur.

Stop the Genocide. | www.SaveDarfur.org 4 Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 So You Have a Car BY ANAS PARACHA A lot of college students have cars. Though track of the emission levels in your car and keep lar car washes use dirty water? car ownership costs significantly more than using it running safely. • Change the air filter, wiper blades, tires, and public transportation many college students don’t • Use regular gas unless your engine requires pre- electrical lighting yourself: It’s not as hard as care because of the comfort and the time saved mium: Premium gas is a little cleaner than regu- you think. It’s basically like changing a light that a car provides. Not to mention the enjoyment lar gas. Regular gas saves you money and does bulb, or putting a simple puzzle together. taken in cruising around with friends with the not harm your car unless your owner’s manual • Get an oil change only when it starts getting windows rolled down and the stereo system up. advises otherwise. dirty: Oil change is required when the oil gets In New York City, taking the bus to college costs • You need to get a tune-up every 2 years, not dirty. Your mechanic will say every 2,000 to only $76 for unlimited monthly rides. Compare every year: Mechanics want to make money so 3,000 miles. They want your money. that to the expense of owning and maintaining a they want you to keep coming back for services • Get Liability Insurance: Do you need full cov- car. that are not necessary. You only get a tune-up erage on your car? Full coverage is worth more For those of us who have a car, or for some- if your car misses or if it begins breaking down. than an average college student’s car. You may one thinking of purchasing one, it makes sense to A tune-up is expensive and keeps your car in as well buy a new car each year. run the numbers on what your actual expenses good shape, but it is not required every year. • FOLLOW YOUR OWNERS MANUAL! Your will be. An affordable used car that runs well can • Make sure your tires are properly inflated to get owner’s manual is important because it can help cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000. In addi- better gas mileage: 50 cents keeps your tire you keep your car up-to-date and running. Car tion, you have to insure the car which can run you inflated and gives you better gas mileage manuals help you understand your car. from $1,000 to $4,000 a year. Fuel will cost because it balances the car, and because the tires approximately $60 to $100 a month, and the cost hold the weight of the car balanced tires make Mechanics tell you what your car should of maintaining your car including tune-ups, oil driving easier on the engine. have, not what your car needs. They make the changes, breaks and routers, tire replacement, • Keep the AC off and roll down the windows: problems seem bigger than they are and then take coolant, and more can run from $500 to $1,500 a Keeping the AC on burns fuel quicker and takes advantage of those individuals with a lack of year. WOW! You can expect to spend approxi- approximately 4 miles off every gallon. Many knowledge about cars. Always shop for different mately $5,220 to $12,700 in the first year of own- QCC student drivers live about 8 miles from rates and estimates. Spend a little time figuring ing a car, which comes to $435 to $1,058 a month. college and so we use half of that mileage by out who can do the job better. Get to know your Compare these numbers to a $76 monthly metro keeping the AC on. car. Know what you need and don’t need. Do card. Subway anyone? • Don’t drive too fast: You’re making your you need that navigation/DVD system? Get a Maybe you should think twice before pur- engine work harder which causes fuel to burn map! Why get a body kit for your car when you’ll chasing a car. However, if you still want a car much more quickly. Drive like Grandma. eventually hit a pot-hole and damage it? there are several ways to save money on mainte- • Try to keep the car as cargo-free as possible: Teenagers tend to spend money on things of little nance. The lighter the car is the more smoothly it will to no value. Keeping that extra money in your drive. Packing six friends into a 2-door car not pocket you can purchase some nice cloths or get • Buy a cheap running vehicle that can get you only burns more gas, but your engine will fail something for that special friend. from point A to point B: You don’t want a car sooner. College students don’t make much money to that’s beaten up or has been hit by a train. You • Go to trustable independent mechanics rather begin with. We have to worry about tuition costs, can buy a nice running and good looking car for then dealers: They both fix cars, but indepen- books, food, clothing, transportation, and other about $2,500 to $4,000. Shop around. dent mechanics charge a fraction of the price a expenses. Saving a few bucks here and there real- • Make sure your car passes inspection: A car that dealer would charge. ly makes a difference. Enjoy your car, and drive passes inspection fulfills the law requirement • Wash your own car: It’s fun, and when you’re safe. for New York City. It’s also a way to keep done you are satisfied. Did you know that regu- Depression: You Can Stop It!!! BY SAFIYA WHITEHEAD AND JAE LEE What is depression and where does it start? chological influence) and the loss of a job (an activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to Depression is a type of mental health disorder that environmental influence), may put him or her at a say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not often affects people who suffer from stress, and greater risk of developing depression than some- absolutely necessary. who have experienced a major life change. one who does not have such influences. The caus- • Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge. No Depression is an illness that can affect the way es of depression are likely to be different for dif- one is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from you eat and sleep, change the way you feel about ferent people. yourself or others. yourself, and the way you think about things. Identifying your symptoms can be useful to • Meditate or Exercise. Just ten to thirty minutes And, adults are not the only individuals who expe- taking a first step toward gaining a deeper under- of quiet reflection or physical activity may bring rience loss of appetite or sleep disorders. How standing of how depression could affect you. relief from chronic stress as well as increase many times did you experience these symptoms as According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental your tolerance to it both mentally and physically. a child and your parents explained away the Health (medicinenet.com), the main symptoms are • Visualize. Use your imagination and picture behavior by calling it stubbornness, or simply the following: how you can manage a stressful situation more ignored it? Unfortunately, such interpersonal • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood successfully. judgments can contribute to emotional, cognitive, • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism • Take one thing at a time. For people under physical and spiritual breakdowns. The effects of • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness tension or stress, an ordinary workload can depression may not be immediate, but if not diag- • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activ- sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to nosed and treated depression can become danger- ities that were once enjoyed, including sex cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is ous. Approximately, eighty to ninety percent of • Decreased energy, fatigue, being “slowed to take one task at a time. those who suffer from depression can be effective- down” • Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by ly treated, and nearly all people who receive thera- • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making doing something you enjoy. peutic treatment can derive some benefit. Left decisions • Healthy life style. Good nutrition makes a dif- untreated, people who suffer from depression may • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or over- ference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol become suicidal. Suicide is the eighth leading sleeping (alcohol actually disturbs regular sleep patterns), cause of death in America, and it is the third lead- • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and get adequate rest, exercise, and balance work ing cause of death among people aged 15 to 25. weight gain and play. One of the best strategies for preventing suicide is • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts • Share your feelings. A conversation with a the early recognition and treatment of depression. • Restlessness, irritability friend lets you know that you are not the only What causes of depression? People have said • Persistent physical symptoms that do not one having a bad day. Don’t try to cope alone. it is due to biological factors, but it could be respond to treatment, such as headaches, diges- • Give in occasionally. Be flexible! If you find caused by many different things, including genetic tive disorders, and chronic pain you’re meeting constant opposition in either factors, the death of a loved one, divorce, the loss If you or anyone you know experiences one your personal or professional life, rethink your of a job, and other reasons. In most cases, howev- or more of the above symptoms, the recommenda- position or strategy. er, it is caused by the influence of more than just tion is that you get professional help. There are • Go easy with criticism. You may expect too one or two factors. For example, a person whose many services available for depression, but prior much of yourself and others. Remember, every- parent had major depression may have inherited a to visiting a professional here are some ways to one is unique, and has his or her own virtues, vulnerability to developing depression (genetic control stress according to Mental Health America shortcomings, and right to develop as an indi- influence). If so, the genetic influence combined (mentalhealthamerica.net): vidual. with, for example, the death of a loved one (psy- • Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some continued on page 6 Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 5 Breaking Boundaries Y AVID ATNARINE (Photo from Speakingoffaith.org) B D S

he War on Terror brings a new chal- forty individuals who were returning from Hajj Express, a nonprofit organization which works lenge to the American people. Public (The Holy Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca) were alongside children from a variety of cultural back- misconceptions of American-Muslims forced to pay their own hotel accommodations and grounds conducted interviews involving Muslim have proliferated since the events of September find their own return flights to the United States. teenagers who reside in Harlem, New York. After 11thT 2001. Unfortunately, the actions of extremist According the Detroit News, Andrea Newman, the being asked his opinion of terrorism, thirteen year Muslims, coupled with the power of prime-time senior VP for government relations at Northwest old Hafsa Abdul Hakim stated, “A lot of people television, have created strong anti-Muslim senti- Airlines, remarked that the airline will seriously say they’re doing it for Allah, but Allah doesn’t ment in the U.S. “consider” reimbursements for the hotel accom- teach that. Those people are going outside of the According to the latest FBI reports posted on modations the forty Muslims unwillingly incurred. borders and doing their own thing. A lot of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) website, in the In response to the many stereotypes that con- Muslims don’t associate themselves with those year 2000, 28 incidents of Anti-Islamic hate front American Muslims, Muslim organizations people.” crimes were reported, while in 2001 Anti-Islamic across the nation began to host open discussions Having recently interviewed two Muslim hate crimes rose to 481 incidents. Records show with academic scholars and journalists trying to female students, their personal lives and thoughts that prior to the 9/11 attacks, from 1995 – 2000, bridge the divide between Americans and show just how far-fetched the stereotypes can be. Anti-Islamic hate crimes averaged 30 incidents Muslims. In April of this year, a recent Amina, an 18 year old QCC student, still wears per year. 2001 marks the highest number of Anti- Georgetown University panel met to discuss the her Hjiab (Traditional Islamic head-scarf) but also Islamic hate crimes on record, and from 2002 – current stereotypes and frustrations that surround dons the latest trends in clothing apparel. She 2005 Anti-Islamic hate crimes have averaged 165 Muslims in the United States. At the discussion, remarks, “I feel America respects Islam, and Islam incidents per year. The 2006 records will be avail- concerns were raised over the media’s role in per- respects America. Islam is all about peace and tol- able in October of this year according to the DOJ petuating some of the stereotypes that exist today. erance. After 9-11 everyone is watching what we website. Sherman Jackson, an African-American convert to (Muslims) are about to do, but I’m not like the Though the actions of Anti-Islamic individu- Islam who works at the University of Michigan extremists, I’m just like anyone else.” Anisha, a als are not indicative of a general public percep- teaching both Arabic and Muslim organizations across 21 year old Long Island tion of American-Muslims, recent interviews of law, remarked, “Muslims University student does not wear individuals from various backgrounds seem to in the United States often the nation began to host open a Hijab, or any other traditional coincide with if not bolster Anti-Islamic senti- feel a need to apologize garment. Her apparel resembles ment. Michelle, a twenty-two year old Caucasian or explain the actions of discussions with academic the styles seen on MTV and female from an affluent mid-western family Muslims everywhere.” scholars and journalists trying BET. She says, “I am both reflected upon her perception of Muslims by stat- Newsweek editor Jon American and Muslim. I am both ing, “I don’t like them.” When asked why, she Meacham and former to bridge the divide between a woman and religious. If you responded, “They just kind of scare me. It is the Washington Post writer didn’t know me, you would vibe they give off, people who don’t look Sally Quinn responded Americans and Muslims. never guess what religion I am, American give off a different vibe to me, and it’s by stressing that the or if I believe in a God at all. just a scary vibe. From what I see on TV, I relate media is not necessarily biased, but out of practi- You would only know that I am Muslim if you Muslims to Iraq, and the war. That’s all I ever see cality the media is naturally drawn to stories converse with me. Many Muslims that I attend the of them.” Diana, a twenty-two year old Guyanese involving conflict. Quinn added, “You cover what Mosque with are just like me; we act, dress, and female who works in a heavily populated Muslim the story is, and since 9/11 the story has been enjoy life as anyone else does. Our religious val- community (Jamaica, NY.) states, “To me, you about Muslims not in this country.” ues are aligned with many other religions – such always have to associate Muslims with war and A May 2006 study done by the Wilton Park as Christianity, Catholicism, or even Judaism. Just terrorism.” Asked why, Diana responds, “Because Conference (A European based panel that discuss- because fanatics prance around on television that’s all you ever hear about them, that’s all you es social and political issues) examined the role claiming to be Muslims doesn’t make it true. ever see on television.” that media plays in Western countries. The panel’s Haven’t people heard the saying – you shouldn’t The stigmas American-Muslims face are not findings declared that western media focuses pri- believe everything you see on TV.” confined to individual prejudices; Muslim- marily on conflict, disasters, and violence in the Americans now face widespread institutionalized Middle East. Also, while the media covers a war Imus prejudices as well. American-Muslims are now that the country is currently engaged in, partisan continued from page 1 confronted with the challenges of “flying while tendencies materialize in the quality of reporting. Muslim” which holds a symbiotic relationship to Emphasis is placed on secular aspects of Islam, can be based on a “true story.” “driving while Black.” In November 2006, CNN stressing the extreme and fanatical side of the So if three words are banned from rap will it reported on an incident involving six Imams story while little or no media coverage is given to change the way Hip Hop views women? Will it (Muslim clerics) who were removed from a U.S. modern Muslims. The Wilton Park Conference stop people from using these words? It probably Airways flight leaving Minneapolis, MN. The sit- cites the example set forth by King Abdullah of won’t, but one thing is certain – rappers will be uation ignited after three of the six Imams began Jordan. In the wake of the 2005 London bomb- denied the freedom of artistic expression. Some to pray in the Airport terminal for their customary ings, King Abdullah hosted a meeting consisting lyrics may not be suitable for some people, but evening prayers. The prayers caught the attention of scholars and representatives from 45 different just like every other genre, these artists speak the of nervous passengers who then paid close atten- countries. In the meeting, King Abdullah of way they do to create certain effects. Their choice tion to the Imams actions while boarding the Jordan denounced the London bombings, and any of content comes from their everyday lives prior flight. Passengers subsequently reported the other Muslim associated with violence or terror- to being famous, growing up in a society that Imams to the authorities after the Imams allegedly ism. Unfortunately, the conference received virtu- used words like hoe and bitch in everyday life. boarded the plane and split up in groups of two ally no media coverage inside the United States. Banning these words won’t help people for- according to by-standers. Federal authorities Despite the stereotypes, American-Muslims get them, but instead force them to forget. In the removed the six Imams from the flight and are as diverse and varied as the very country we United States that is considered violating freedom detained them for several hours. After the Imams live in. According to the U.S. Department of State of speech. If a musician cannot say what they were released by the Federal authorities, they were between 17 and 30 percent of American Muslims want in their music, then a writer will not be refused service from U.S. Airways and later are converts. However, because of the media’s allowed to say what he or she wants to say in a informed that their flights had been refunded. influence, a small minority of the Muslim popula- novel, magazine, or even a screenplay. Just as the Russ Knocke, a former spokesperson for the tion tends to define Muslims on the whole. At the first amendment allows people the freedom to Department of Homeland Security has comment- Georgetown Panel, Ingrid Mattson, the first choose what to say, it also allows people the free- ed, “This was a difficult spot for the airport police, female to head the Islamic Society of North dom to choose. If Hip Hop lyrics are not suitable and for the pilot. This is an unfortunate circum- America, remarked, “They tend to view us as a for a person or their child, follow the parental stance, and we recognize that these six individuals stereotype, a collective, rather than as unique indi- advisory sticker on the cover of the album and were inconvenienced and delayed about three viduals…Each Muslim has a different issue, and choose not to listen to it. hours.” we want to be able to define ourselves.” Don Imus wasn’t fired because of words that Although the case of the six Imams has Teenage Muslims in the United States have he might have heard in a rap record. He was fired received world-wide coverage, there have been made great leaps at dispelling the myths associat- because he was a radio host trying to be funny, many other incidents which received little media ed with their religion. Burdened with an unfortu- but just like the rest of his lame jokes it wasn’t attention. In January of this year, for example, nate weight, the younger generations’ acceptance funny. It was just a horrible thing to say against a Northwest Airlines barred forty Muslims from of Western ideals plays a pivotal role in shattering group of young women who played their hearts boarding a flight from Germany to Detroit. The myths often linked to Muslims. Children’s out a day prior to his comments. 6 Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 Virginia-Tech Massacre: No Easy Answers BY LUKASZ LAGUCIK

On April 16, 2007, 23-year-old Seung-Hui The Virginia Tech shooting raised a lot of Cho opened fire at Virginia-Tech campus killing questions about what could be done to prevent 32 students and then committed suicide, leaving another horrible tragedy like this one. There were the world with nothing – no answers and no rea- warning signs; Cho expressed his violence in his sons. writings, his thoughts and every little thing he did. On April 20, 1999, two teens, Eric Harris and His English professor even turned in his plays and Dylan Klebold entered Columbine High School in essays to college administrators on account of Littleton, Colorado and killed 12 students and a what he had written. Sadly, Cho did go to coun- teacher before turning the guns on themselves. seling for 2 days but was then signed out and Despite massive speculation, we still know almost never sought additional help. His roommates nothing of their motives. Many adults found the described him as a quiet and a lonely person, he horrifying incident inexplicable. Many teens, never had any visitors and over a whole year none men thought they were above the rest and that however, show some sympathy for the killers hav- of his family ever visited him; every morning he they could do anything they put their mind to. Cho ing walked the same lonely hallways themselves. played the same song over and over again. He was wanted fame and popularity, sending his tape to The reasons couldn’t be put into words, but many a disturbed kid. There had been a couple of earlier the mass media, leaving essays and notes on his understood what these boys felt. Moral panic is incidents on campus that involved police activity plan and a last tape testament he had figured out what happens when we stop searching for answers in the dorm. Cho had been stalking a girl on cam- the ending for his rampage long before anybody and assume we have already found them. pus and she eventually informed the campus knew what was happening. Seung-Hui Cho and the two Columbine police, shortly afterwards, Cho mentioned the idea In the aftermath of such evil, we look for rea- killers have one motive in common and that is of committing suicide to one of his roommates. sons and for guilt, at everything these boys owned, hopelessness. They saw no real future for them- He was instantly transferred to counseling and at everything they ever did, every single detail is selves and no acceptance from those around them. was released from therapeutic counseling a couple to be examined under the biggest microscope the They became self-hating. Then they started to hate of days later. world has ever produced; every cavity of their those around them. Then they became angry, and At the end, everyone is saying that the warn- inner lives probed for clues. Surely, somebody then they became violent. Finally, in one insane, ing signs were laid out in front of people and they needs to be responsible for this tragedy, somebody twisted moment, they believed they had power were simply being ignored; the truth is Cho was a needs to be found guilty and pay for the crimes over a world that had kept them down. All three troubled and dangerous kid. But what turned these committed by such misguided souls. Sadly, these were mentally imbalanced and had clear bipolar boys’ souls into poison? Their anger and hate young men, these killers, had no inner life. There tendencies, had been treated with medication and fueled them for so long, it was an air that they are no side tracks and no clues connecting any- were angry with society, with the hand they had were breathing. They say that the Virginia Tech body, for example, to Cho. His was a singular act been dealt, and with a world where they couldn’t tragedy is a college Columbine, but there were and people cannot bear that thought because there go a day without being spat at, mocked or told differences and similarities; innocent kids died is no one left to blame. they weren’t good enough. They were made to that hadn’t yet enjoyed life, they won’t see how The world prays and feels for the families of believe that their dreams could never happen, and the world changes and will not longer see the sky the victims, and tries to come to a conclusion that the world would never get better. change from dark to light and light to dark, they about how the killing of so many young people These students withdrew from everyone else will never do the things they loved because of can happen. The people who lost their lives at and fed their own delusions. They kept their three lost souls. Cho, Harris and Klebold took the Virginia-Tech and at Columbine will never be for- beliefs to themselves, figuring the rest of the easy way out, taking the lives of kids who were gotten, their presence will always be with their world would never understand them. They devel- loved and then took their own lives, leaving the loved ones, who will make sure that their lives oped God complexes. What shred of morality they world with nothing but shattered dreams. were not wasted. The community will hold them may have had left was destroyed as they retreated Cho, as reported in the press, considered Eric close to their hearts and keep them in their more and more into their own world. Harris and Dylan Klebold martyrs. The young prayers. Stop Gun Violence BY CANDICE THOMPSON signed on to Bloomberg’s effort have signed a res- involved a man from the Bronx who accidentally olution to stop gun violence; the mayors hope to shot and killed his older brother in their apartment eventually start a public relations campaign to on Ellis Avenue, in Parkchester. After a night of pressure the federal government and state legisla- partying and drinking, the suspect was apparently tures to follow suit. trying to shoot outside an apartment window into At the present time, mayors are fighting an the sky but accidentally shot his brother instead. amendment to federal law that continues to keep The investigation later revealed that neither the important information on firearms collected by the suspect nor the victim had a license for the federal bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and weapon. explosives confidential. Tiahrt Amendment sup- The Virginia Tech massacre was a tragedy Mayor Michael Bloomberg (AP Photo/Al Behrman) porters, named after Representative Todd Tiahrt that could have been prevented if more stringent (R-Kansas), say that releasing the data would gun control laws had been in place. Newsday In the wake of the most deadly shooting to jeopardize ongoing investigations and that it is reports Mayor Bloomberg as having said, ever take place on a college campus, New York already made available for specific criminal “Everyday, 30 Americans are murdered” through City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has started a probes and prosecutions. The national rifle asso- gun violence. There has to be a way to stop illegal nationwide campaign against illegal guns aptly ciation would like to make this amendment per- guns from being distributed in the U.S. There are titled, “Mayors against Illegal Guns.” manent. But Bloomberg and many other mayors too many situations when the use of a gun has Bloomberg’s initiative began in 2006, and imme- across the U.S. would like their police depart- taken someone’s life, whether by accident or on diately following upon the Virginia Tech shoot- ments to have access to this information so they purpose. Gun control continues to be a highly ings the support from mayors all over the U.S. has can shut down the flow of illegal guns into their contested moral and political issue. increased. The opening summit of Mayors against streets. Illegal Guns included mayors from Washington, In his second term, Bloomberg has made gun Philadelphia, Dallas, Milwaukee, Seattle and control one of his top priorities. The mayors’ reso- Depression continued from page 4 twenty-seven cities in New Jersey who have lution promises to give those who commit crimes joined with the mayor of New York. The mayors the harshest punishment allowed and to target gun gathered together to exchange ideas, consult with dealers who break the law. The question is how do At CUNY students can speak to counselors experts and to promote law enforcement coopera- you know who to sell a firearm to? In New York, many of whom have experience and an education- tion among their cities. The summit had been in order to own a shotgun, rifle, or handgun you al background in psychology. Each campus has planned for months, and took place within days need a permit to purchase a gun, a registration of their own counseling service that conducts acade- following the Virginia Tech shooting that took the firearms, and licensing of owners and a permit to mic advice and personal counseling. Here at lives of thirty-three people. According to a report carry a gun. The person who sells the gun is Queensborough, counseling can be found in the in Newsday, Mayor Bloomberg said, “It’s a terri- required to keep records of the guns that are sold. Library, L-428. Dr. Stanley Rustin is in charge of ble reminder of what can happen when guns wind One tragic example of how unregistered weapons the office and can be reached by phone @ 718- up in the wrong hands.” The mayors who have wreak havoc occurred December 2006, and 631-6370. Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 7 Anaka, the next Metallica? BY ALEXANDER OREJUELA In the middle of the night, erupting from the Don Hills bar located on including CBGB’s, Irving Plaza, and Don Hills. And most recently, Anaka Greenwich and Spring Street in Manhattan, a sound emerges from the mouth competed in the Bodog’s Battle of the Bands making it all the way to regional of Jimmy Pallis, lead singer and front man of the band Anaka. Jimmy takes finals that took place at the famous Irving Plaza. The band’s unique sound and the stage screaming “Are you motherf**ker’s ready?” There’s an energy that style feels like a synthesis of Metallica and Alice in Chains. Never compro- makes you feel like you’re at a Metallica concert. Originating from Bay Ridge mising their sound for what record labels want, the band has kept its own Brooklyn, this five-man group has never had anything handed to them. originality and not sold out to the pop rock scene of MTV. Not to say that the The year was 1995, and Peter band’s songs are not catchy or mar- Pallis had just been bitten with an ketable. Anaka’s song list contains a obsession for guitar. One day while large arsenal, including “Rust & Jade,” playing, his brother Jimmy walked “Nevermore,” as well as others that are into his room saying there was some- appreciated among the rock/metal one outside his window asking who community and by some of the more was playing guitar. This was the first pop based music heads. For a taste of time Peter met his future band mate the band’s music, 89.5 SOU radio Tony Herdia, a local band drummer. plays Tuesday night triple shots of Along with the friendship of bassist Anaka at 11pm. Anaka has even man- Karl Anderassen, little did Pallis know aged to break out of the U.S. thanks to that this would be the start of not only Myspace, successfully developing a a friendship but that of a band. A cou- fan base in Germany and Italy, and in ple of years later, Tony and Karl quit South America, particularly in the band they were involed in and Argentina and Brazil, the band has a decided to join up with Peter to start a fan base of 50,000 and growing. new one, which would later be known With Anaka’s recent signing to as Anaka. With Peter writing the Godsend label as well as receiving lyrics, all that was needed was some- endorsements from Halo Guitars and one to put them into song. Pallis was not a vocalist, and he wouldn’t trust just Basson Music Equipment, the band has just begun to receive their long over- anyone with his lyrics. Consequently Pallis went to his brother Jimmy. Jimmy due respect from the music world. With its unstoppable supporters and fans it had a great voice and not only that, Jimmy understood the heart and soul that is not hard to imagine that one day Anaka will become a worldwide phenome- his brother put in the band, making him the perfect addition. In February non. For now, we can only sit and wait for the new album to be released. 2001, Jimmy Pallis became not only the lead singer but the front man for the Anaka’s next show will be on June 23rd, 2007 in the Don Hill’s tavern band. Jimmy would not be the final new member; in 2006 Kenny Kuehn located at the corner of Greenwich and Spring Street. All ages welcome. For would become the second guitarist in Anaka. more information on Anaka, vist www.Anaka.net, or at their myspace page Anaka is not just another local garage band playing at crappy bars on late www.myspace.com/anaka. Saturday nights. Anaka has played in some of the world’s best rock venues, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears Abusing Rehab? BY MURIELLE BLANC

A recent article in the Press Release Newswire asserts that celebrities are giving drug and alcohol rehab centers a bad name. “Our research shows that when someone is addicted to drugs and alcohol it is imperative that they remain in treatment for around three to four months, depending on the indi- vidual, in order to ensure a lasting recovery," said Barnett Gilmer, intake counselor of The Narconon Gulf Coast Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Rehabilitation and Education Center in gulf coast Florida. What benefit do celebrities derive from walking in and out of rehab centers? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but additional media exposure! Celebrities are considered role models to some. When celebrities are seen walking in and out of drug and alcohol treatment centers they make it seem as if rehabilitation is an easy and quick process. There are celebrities in rehab who attend with the intention to change their behavior for the better, and there are some who attend for publicity. Two recent examples of celebrities in rehab, though for different purposes, are Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. Lindsay Lohan has been going to rehab for about a year and is dedicated and committed to it because she wants to change her life style and live healthier. On the other hand, when one reads about Britney Spears and all that she’s doing, it’s easy to conclude that she’s a prefect example of a celebrity who is abusing the help she receives. Recently, Britney Spears checked herself into a facility in Antigua, an island in the Caribbean, and one day later checked her- self out and headed to Florida. Following a party weekend in the Bahamas she checked herself into a Bahamas facility, stayed for two days, and then went on her merry way to Los Angeles. As you can see, Britney Spears is not serious and committed to getting the help she needs. But her brief visits do guarantee her media attention that her waning music career no longer garners. A down- side of her cavalier attitude is the possibility that people may believe that rehab is a joke and that it does not work. There are certain rehabilitation centers that will not accept celebrity clients because they assume that the celebrity may not be serious and fully committed to recovery. Sue Allchurch, the director of Mimosa Recovery, runs the Lynwode Group of Treatment Centres. She does not take in celebrities because she believes “celebrities are giving a bad name to rehab centers,” She has also reported to have said that “Celebrities pop in and out of treatment as if it were trips to the shops.” Celebrities like Britney Spears, who walks in and out of rehab centers for the publicity it generates, inadvertently discourage people with real problems who are serious about changing their lifestyle. Why let anyone take that opportunity away? KELONDA MAULL ARCHITECTURE MAJOR NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Graduates of New York Institute of Technology are uniquely prepared to succeed in the world’s leading companies. Our students are passionate about their fields of study and serious about learning all they can. NYIT’s schools and colleges, including Architecture & Design and Arts & Sciences, provide opportunities for internships at companies such as Disney and PepsiCo. To register or arrange for tours of the Manhattan and Long Island campuses, call 800.345.NYIT. Visit nyit.edu. Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 9 Darfur Revisited Are you graduating soon? continued from page 1 crimes in Darfur. Unfortunately, four years into the war, and although the decision to prosecute war crimes was praised by the Save Darfur Coalition, the legal action comes almost too late for the people of Darfur who have lost all hope in the international community. Faced with the grim reality that the violence and starvation in Darfur will further worsen before getting any better, the question we are left to ask is, what can we do? This question has been thought on and answered by Queensborough Community College’s Music Society: “Take action.” The Music Society is hosting a fundrais- Yearbook Portraits 2007!!!!! ing concert for the crisis in Darfur on May 16th in the theater in the Humanities building, at 1:00PM. With NYPIRG, the Future Teachers Society, and Phi Theta Kappa as co-sponsors, the Music Society’s goal, in addition to raising funds for the Portraits are being taken from NOW through May 14th crisis, is to raise awareness of what is going on in (except Saturday & Sunday) Darfur. Tickets for the event will be on sale at the in the Student Union Lower Level. box office and at the door on the day of the con- cert. Appointments required. In this time of calamity, I implore you once Make your appointment today by calling the Office of Student again to not forget about Darfur, and to accept the challenge of the late post World War I poet Activities at (718) 631-6233. Siegfried Sassoon when he wrote “Look up to the sky and swear by the green of the Spring that you There is a $3 sitting fee. will never forget.”

Students graduating in June 2007 or August 2007 only.JOB 9-307C 9X7 QUEENSBORO COMMUNIQUE (WED MAY 9)

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The Lady Tigers finished the regular season with a record of 12-5 (13-7 overall) to capture First Place in Region XV. QCC will be competing as the # 1 seed in the Region XV Tournament on Friday-Saturday, 5/4/07-5/5/07 @ Westchester CC. The winner of the Region XV Tournament advances to the NJCAA College “Fast Pitch” World Series @ Rochester, Minnesota on 5/17-5/20/07.

The following QCC Student-Athletes have received Regional Honors:

1st Team All Region Iana Johnson (also nominated for All American) Sabrinna Moore

2nd Team All Region Samantha Pine Jodi Vitale

Honorable Mention Amy Ayala Rachel Babooram Yadira Bernal Tasha Brignoni

The QCC Coaching Staff Vicky Vlachos Christine Dondero P. Marchitello have also been chosen as the Region XV Coaches of the Year. Queensborough Communiqué, May 2007 11 The Proverbial Skeleton in the Closet of the Sporting World! BY KENDEL ORTIZ Gaps in the NCAA’s steroid testing program to remain anonymous, testified in front of the Division I institutions that have allowed performance enhancing drugs to Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control responded to an NCAA become a rising problem in collegiate baseball. in 2004, as stated in an article in the school news- survey test for anabolic The proverbial skeleton in the closet of the sport- paper and website of the University of Michigan, steroids. Another NCAA ing world as they say, the use of steroids and other about the “widespread” steroid problem in college report shows the NCAA performance enhancing drugs in sports is a hot sports, particularly Division I football where the didn’t test a single Image made available by topic. On the heels of new evidence of the steroid man knew of many players taking steroids. The Division I baseball player www.justthinktwice.com problem in pro sports, the question now becomes: same unidentified man said that his close friend for steroids during the 2003 Is the problem the same in the NCAA? Steroids “supplied seven to eight players on the team with regular season. When the and sports, today, are two seemingly connected steroids.” He also said his experience reflects use of steroids filters down from the majors into words. other big-time Division I programs. He stated the college baseball it is a big problem. Most things Allegations of steroid and other performance NCAA’s testing procedure was “weak and pre- from pro sports trickle down to the younger and enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball and dictable,” making it easy for athletes to take upcoming players. Anything that happens in the have threatened to distort the careers of countless steroids without punishment. “bigs,” for example, from earrings to goatees, premier athletes, as in the case, for example, of When athletes are selected, they must urinate haircuts and tattoos, tend to influence the younger Lance Armstrong. At the same time, well docu- in the presence of a crew member to prove that players. With something as serious as steroids, mented cases of high-profile athletes using perfor- they are supplying their own urine. The sample is you’d think the NCAA would be more cautious. mance enhancing drugs in various professional then analyzed at the UCLA Olympic Analytical Meanwhile, the numbers of college baseball leagues have overshadowed the issue on the colle- Laboratory, where experts search for more than 90 players using performance enhancers has been giate level in terms of media coverage. banned substances listed under various categories creeping up. Two former Duke players told the The NCAA with hundreds of athletes at each including stimulants, anabolic agents, street drugs, university’s school newspaper they used steroids of its more than 1,000 member institutions has peptide hormones and analogues as well as diuret- in the summer of 2002. One of those players said seemingly played safe and drug free during this ics, which are substances aimed at masking drug Blue Devils head coach Bill Hillier implied that unstable period of drug use allegation. But just use. A trainer who works for a big Division I pro- the players should use steroids. Hillier told the how effective is the NCAA’s drug testing pro- gram in the mid-west region, who has requested News & Observer the accusations were false and gram? At least a few former and current athletes anonymity, has spilled a few dirty tricks a lot of created by disgruntled former players. Many say it’s not good enough. schools use to get around steroid testing. “A players have told their coaches that steroid use is The NCAA spends $4 million annually on its trainer of a school usually knows ahead of time rampant in college baseball. When athletes play entire testing program, and historically has who is going to get tested and when,” said the summer ball with players from other schools, they between one and two percent of the tests return trainer. He also stated, “If a well known college often come back and tell their teammates and with positive traces of banned substances. The player is going to get tested, most trainers will coaches stories of athletes at other schools using NCAA began testing in 1986 at championships give that athlete advice on how to get around or steroids. and football bowl games after steroid use became how to pass the test, illegally.” Condoms filled When athletes use steroids it gives them an more common in locker rooms across the country. with someone else’s urine and even athletes advantage. The playing field isn’t level because The NCAA doesn’t regularly test baseball or any injecting themselves with someone else’s urine, the athlete can hit the ball 10 feet further or run sport other than football for steroids during the are two ways that an athlete who takes steroids .356 seconds faster than your average and in some regular season. The NCAA does test every sport can pass the testing, if not supervised. cases above average athletes. A college athlete during postseason play. Thus, a baseball team One of the major flaws of the NCAA’s past caught using illegal or performance enhancing whose school did not test for steroids and did not approach was that it did not test in the summer drugs is suspended from competition for one year. make the NCAA Tournament could go the entire months. For example, an athlete could consume a A second offense results in the revocation of a season without being tested for steroids. The lack banned substance in late June or July and attend scholarship. Sadly, such penalties have not been of comprehensive testing has given college base- fall camp in August more-or-less clean of any enough to discourage the abuse of these drugs in ball players an opening to exploit. traces. This June will be the first time the NCAA collegiate sports. The association adopted a nearly year-round will extend its program to include the summer The NCAA national office provides educa- testing program (August-June) in 1990 and months. If selected, the athlete will not be forced tional materials to its member colleges and uni- expanded the range to include all athletes from to return to campus. Instead, crew members will versities to warn of the hazards of substance nearly every sport in Division I and II. Division travel to the athlete’s place of residence during the abuse. More information about NCAA drug test- III is currently looking into the possibility of summer to conduct the testing. ing can be found at www.ncaa.org/health-safety. implementing a drug testing program. According to NCAA documents from 2001 A former Division I football player, choosing (the most recent year available), only half of 70 ATTENTION POETS & FANS !!!!!

THE NEXT INTERCOLLEGIATE POETRY SLAM

The staff of the AT THE BOWERY POETRY CLUB WILL BE Communiqué Saturday May 12th FROM 6P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. wish you a (IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ, YOU SHOULD GET THERE AT 5:30) The Bowery Poetry Club 308 Bowery, New York, NY 10012 212.614.0505

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