The Tufts Daily

- THETu TS DAILY [Where You Read It First Thursday, April 27,2000 Volume XL, Number 61 Three draining days for a to appeal derecognition good cause to CSL; hearing date not yet set by WILL KINLAW and BROOKE MENSCHEL that opportunity by denying her a leadership posi- Daily Editorial Board tion,” she said. In response to its de-recognition on April 13, TCF has contested accusations that junior Julie Tufts Christian Fellowship (TCF) has filed an appeal Catalano, who is openly gay, was denied a leadership against the Tufts Community Union Judiciary’s position in thegroup basedon her sexual orientation, (TCUJ) decision with thecommitteeon Student Life stating instead that it was her religious beliefs regard- (CSL). The CSL will be responsible for deciding the ing homosexual practice that rendered her unsuitable fate of the group in a hearing, which may take place to be a leader in the group. as early as next week, but could be postponed until The appeal went on to say that the TCUJ’s deci- next semester. sion set a dangerous precedent, listing a number of In its writtenappeal, TCFclaims thatthe Judiciary othercampus religious groups, including the Islamic, violated not only Tufts’ Student Disciplinary Hand- Catholic, Orthodox Jewish and black Pentecostal book, but also the United States Constitution by groups, that also require that their leaders subscribe denying TCF a fair chance to present its case. TCF to specific beliefs that would place them in violation went on to criticize the severity of the consequence of the TCU Constitution and University policy as -complete loss offunding and de-recognition as an interpreted by the TCUJ. Brad Stitchbeny/Tufts Da, official Tufts group - saying that “the penalty “By requiring that religious groups not even Yesterday marked the third and final day of the Leonar imposed by the Judiciary far outweighs the magni- consider their own religious beliefs when making Carmichael Society’s American Red Cross Blood Drive. Over 15 tude ofTCF’s alleged ‘offense.”’ leadership decisions, the Judiciary has effectively pints ofblood were collected during the three days as many Tufi Outgoing TCUJ Chair Jessica Branco, who was silenced the voice of religion on the Tufts campus,” students took an hour out of their day for a good caust serving in full capacity at the time ofthe ruling, said TCF Senior Leaders said in their appeal. Wednesday’s turnout was lower than normal due, in part, t she stands by the decision. “The TCUJ took the The TCF also alleged that the TCUJ did not have inclement weather and end-of-semester insanity among man criteria given to us by the CSL to recognize student the authority to rule on the case in the first place, students, but the Red Cross was nonetheless pleased with th organizations. In that, it clearly states that all groups suggesting instead that Catalano should have in- overall success of the drive. must afford everyone equal opportunities and the TCUJ found the TCF wasn’t affording Julie [Catalano] see TCUJ,page 11 Former senator discusses his Another balmy spring day politics and life experiences Alan Simpson shares thoughts (on first amendment by JEFFGELINAS Simpson studied law at the University of Senior Staff Writer Wy0mir.g before running for senator in 1978. He Former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson served as a senator for 18 years and has since shared his witty insights on national politics with retired, keeping busy by lecturing at Harvard Pi Sigma Alpha, Tufts’ political science honor Universty for the past three and a half years. society, yesterday, focusing on his political ex- Political Science Department Chairman Jim periences and the nature ofpolitics. Simpson was Glaser and Director ofthe International Relations invited to speak as a part of Pi Sigma Alpha’s Program Pearl Robinson were both present for “Conversation Series.” the discussion, along with 25 students. “Politics is a contact sport, but do your home- “The hope ofthe organization is to bring in a work and it’s fun,” Simpson commented, in a diversity ofreal world people who have connec- good summation of the theme of his talk. “I’ve tions to the practical things we study in our been called everything, but remember that if classes. It’s also important to hear how the par- you’re damned if you do and damned if you ticipants perceive things, and I believe there was don’t, then do,” he said to open up his speech. a lot to learn here,” Glaser said. “I’ve always loved politics.” Tufts Democrats President Scott Pullman, During the discussion, Simpson talked about though politically not in Simpson’s camp, said he several current political issues, including cam- enjoyed the senator’s talk. “He has a iot ofcandor paign finance reform, the destruction ofpersonzl on the issues and it’s obvious that he’s passion- character, and partisan attacks. ate. He’:; an example of how in public service Regarding campaign finance, Simpson re- there are good people on both sides of the is- ferred to the First Amendment and said that sues,” Piillman said. people cannot control how much oftheir money Katie Schaaf, also responsible for organizing candidates can spend, but he believes that there the event, was delighted with the discussion. are changes ahead as the general public becomes “What is special is that he demonstrated his more conscious of this issue. emotional thought process and not just his par- Simpson responded to questions about nega- tisan beliefs,” she said. tive campaigning by saying, “Negative campaigning is mother’s milk.” He advised looking at history to affirm that attacks among candidates Kanarek, other Tufts professors are are nothing new. “An attack unanswered is an attack believed,” Simpson stated. He repeated this line several honored for their work by Senate times throughout the course of hk discussion, emphasizing that people should not let others by RACHEL RUBENSON beyond what is expected, and she knows her students. ‘‘It was wonderful to re- attack them without responding. “And the more Daily Editorial Board every one of her students’ names,” he ceive the honor because there are many bizarre [the attack], the more they’ll believe,” he Psychology professor Robin Kanarek, said. “She reflects well what we would teaching awards that one can get from warned. who wasthis year’srecipientoftheTufts look for in a professor.” Tufts, and to get one that can come from These comments led to a discussion about Community Union (TCU) Senate Educa- Kanarek teaches “Introduction to the students is wonderful, because that’s how the media often distorts people’s actions tion Committee’s Professor of the Year Psychology,” “Physiological Psychol- who we teach for - the students,” she and beliefs. award, was honored in a ceremony on ogy,” “Nutrition and Behavior,” as well said. “The interest of the media is not clarity but Monday afternoon. Kanarek is one of as a seminar on eating disorders. The Senate’s Professor of the Year conflict, controversy, and confusion,” he said, several Tufts professors who recently Education Committee member Beth award was only one among a number of explaining that he always confronted the media have been bestowed with University, Ann Katz, who played a large role in honors that have been bestowed upon and found that people who take on the media will state, and international honors. organizing the award ceremony, noted Tufts professors for their work in the never lose. The Education Committee selected that the honor is a specia1,opportunity classroom and as researchers. During his time in office, Simpson opposed Kanarek, the chair of the Psychology for students to give back to their profes- Recently, music professor Jane gun control legislation. He quipped, “Gun con- Department, from a pool of about ten sors. “The purpose of this award is to Bernstein was awarded a Guggenheim trol in Wyoming is how steady you hold your studentnominations. According to com- give the student body an opportunity to Fellowship, a grant given to advanced rifle.” His humor and wit was well received by the mittee chair Dan Zandman, Kanarek was recognize professors who have made a professionals in all fields of study in the audience. He did not limit himselfto witticisms, chosen because of two compelling es- difference in their undergraduate stud- United States, Canada, and Latin America however, also conveying the important message says submitted by the students who ies,” she said. to help them expand their research. that democracy works both ways. “The First nominated her. “She’s the chair of the Kanarekremarkedthatshe was thrilled Bernstein specializes in Renaissance mu- Amendment belongs to you, too. Use it and departmtmt, which is a lot of work in to receive the Senate award because she never forget it,” he said. itself. But she still takes on advisees felt it reflected the impact she has had on see KANAREK, page 11 2 THETUFTS DAILY April 27,2000 The Daily Weather Forecast ~ Today I Friday I Spring Fling Police question five on Mostly cloudy, showers Clouds, scattered showers Partly cloudy, showers, cool Malaysian kidnappings High: 44 Low: 58 High: 53 ~~ ~~ ~ SINGAPORE - Malaysian authorities questioned five men Yesterday’s weather was just plain rude. It is the end of April, is snow really necessary? Tuesday in connection with Sunday’s kidnapping of 20 people It may not be necessary or polite, but it sure is possible. In fact, we have gotten from a resort off Malaysia’s Borneo coast, but officials said they accumulating snow up through mid-May. Some towns northwest of Tufts reported haven’t yet found the hostages or determined the motives of their Captors. over 2 inches on grassy surfaces. What does this bout with winter mean for Spring Police said the five detained men are current or former employ- Fling? Yesterday I was getting nervous that a storm system would track up the coastline :es of diving resorts on Sipadan Island who are suspected of on Sat., bringing rain, wind, and even some snow.

Load more