OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_001.2.txt LBRARY LINEHSITV WABHIMETON & LEE UNIVERSITY l.fllNGTON.VA24450 What’s doing on downton? Lexington and Rockbridge County officials still don't know what will eventually go into the old courthouse at the corner of Washington and Main. NEWS / Page 2 WASHINGTO AND LEE UNIVERSITY THE RING-TUM PHI. MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 BY THE STUDENTS AND FOR THE_STUDENTS SINCE 1897 VOLUME CXI, By Jacob Geiger MANAGING EDITOR In a secret hearing held by the Student-Faculty Hearing Board last week, Trident authors Tim Livingston and Mychael Mul- hem were found guilty of “con- duct unbecoming Washington and Lee students” and placed on probation for the rest of their col- lege careers. Livingston and Mulhem, both seniors, have been subjected to a firestorm of criticism since an ar- ticle they wrote in March labeled students as “pretentious sluts” and trapped in the closet. “I don’t think [the verdict] was too harsh,” Mulhem said. “I think it was fair for what hap- pened.” Livingston did not return calls seeking comment on Sunday. After the article was pub- lished, students and members of the faculty demanded the resig- nation of Livingston, Mulhem and Christina Pratt,'the Trident’s editor-in-chief. President Ken Ruscio sent out a campus-wide e-mail. attacking the publication and demanding that the writers apologize and resign. The three resisted the calls for their resignation, but Mulhem and Livingston reversed course last week and formally resigned from the paper. After the Media Board, a group comprised of the editors of all campus publications, includ- “It would have made more sense for conduct unbecoming to go before SJC, which is, in my feeling, the way it was supposed to happen. But there was not a lot we could do about it. ” MYCHAEL MULHERN, former Trident columnist ing the Phi, originally declined to issue sanctions against the Tri- dent, an anonymous complain- tant recently filed charges with the SF HB. The SFHB is a board com- prised of eight students and eight faculty members. Four students and four faculty members heard the case against Livingston and Mulhem. The students are ap- pointed by the Executive Com- mittee and the faculty members are appointed by the provost. The board was originally formed to hear cases of sexual misconduct and has the power to punish or even expel students through confidential hearings that are not open to the public. Livingston and Mulhem were originally charged with “conduct unbecoming and of acts of prohibited sexual harassment.” Since the accuser wished to remain anonymous, no evidence was presented about what effect publication of the article actu- ally had. The lack of evidence led the board to find Livingston and Mulhem not guilty on sexual harrasment charge. According to Mulhem, the identity of his accuser is still a secret. “We have no idea [who it was],” Mulhem said. “My un- derstanding is that only two peo- ple know: the person who made 0 Trident “bracket” writers receive probation following anonymous complaint the complaint and the person who filed it with the school.” The complaint was originally sent to Dean Brandon Dotson, the associate dean of students and the administration’s liason to judicial bodies like the SJC. Professor Brian Richardson, chair of the Journalism Depart- ment, criticized the board for letting the accuser remain anony- mous. He said he understands why complaintants in sexual misconduct or rape cases are al- lowed to remain anonymous but disagrees with letting speech be prosecuted by anonymous com- plaintants. “When you talk about pros- See “SFHB decision" on page 2 “R-E-S-P—E-C-T” forum addresses campus climate Students meet to discuss respect, gender relations, and hurtful language in aftermath of “the bracket” and “the list” By Michael Morella STAFF WRITER A mixed group of faces filled room 345 of the Elrod Commons last Tuesday night. There were students and faculty, freshmen and seniors, Greeks and independents, chem- istry majors and English pro- fessors, men and women, dorm counselors and residents, varsity athletes and a university presi- dent — not to mention at least one other journalist fiiriously scrib- bling notes. Even Larry Stuart, one of Washington and Lee’s beloved public safety officers made an appearance — watch- ing the doors from his post in the event that he might be called upon. A diverse array of perspec- tives and backgrounds were rep- resented at the forum. But what brought this varied group of stu- dents, faculty and administrators together was a common desire to discuss the concept of respect at Washington and Lee. The discussion, entitled “R- E—S—P—E-C-T: Do students re- ally respect each other?” was billed as a chance to address recent campus publications such as “the bracket” and “the list.” The event was organized inde- pendently by two seniors, Paten Hughes and Bill Larson. Larson, who is a member of sexual assault prevention group 1 in 4, said that he and Hughes had not intended to tie the event to any particular organization or group but rather offer the chance for all voices to speak and be heard about important issues. Junior Micaela Coffey was one such voice. Coffey, a peer counselor who has been actively involved with issues regarding gender relations at W&L, felt the discussion addressed a lot of the concerns that her work has brought to light. “[It was a] healthy way for people to get out some really strong feelings they had in a safe environment,” she said. She was Keen dismissed the simple adage about “sticks and stones” after the discussion and reflected on the power of hailing as a means of influencing another. “Name-calling, I think, can be extremely profound and can be very hurtful if you’re on the receiving end of it,” Keen said. “There is a huge amount of so- cial power with calling people names.” Keen also spoke highly of student initiative in taking own- “[It was a] healthy way for people to get out some really strong feelings they had in a safe environment...in general, change is going to have to come from discussion among stu- dents. ” MICAELA COFFEY, junlor peer counselor impressed by the attendance and the thoughtful consideration of the variety of issues the audi- ence brought to light. “People were there because they cared about this topic and they wanted to talk about it,” Coffey said. “In general, change is going to have to come from discussion among students.” Much of Tuesday’s discus- sion centered on language is- sues, particularly with regard to individuals being conscious about the particular words they say. English Professor Suzanne ership of the issues that are vital to the entire community’s expe- rience at W&L. I “Now there’s a much clearer message about what the com- munity thinks about labeling,” she said. Less clear, according to Keen, is how the community must grapple with fiiture issues that seem to pit freedom of the press against protection of a civ- il community. Yet, in her over 12 years on the Washington and Lee faculty, Keen was pleased to announce that with many of the abstract “big picture things” students have confronted over the years, she has seen remarkable im- provement. President Ken Ruscio was also in attendance and remained silent throughout Tuesday’s dis- cussion. “I continue to be impressed by the students at Washington and Lee,” Ruscio said afterward. “They care about this com- munity.” He commended the organizers and all the students involved for helping to craft the Washington and Lee community as they see it. Amidst the talk of commu- nity and gender relations, stu- dents also raised concerns about personal responsibility among themselves and in interactions with their peers. , ‘At one point in the conver- ' sation, the idea was raised that talking about the higher ideals of honor and ‘dignity at Wash- -ington and Lee does not neces- sarily guarantee that the com- munity members embody them. Students and faculty responded with an engaging and open dis- cussion of this proposition. The group debated for nearly an hour and a half and many emerged from the room still buzzing about what was or wasn’t said. Freshman Catherine Kruse acknowledged that some of the gender issues brought up during the discussion are true but was See “SFHB decision” on page 2 v 1 other. I ‘ ,7”{gatne:ing;‘._:;e it ~ I lo:ganize.ther»f6ru¢r,.- e r S p wlithi i there to hide étazflpus attention from NPR afliliate,_ i A Aftetisuccessfuliyi keeping the “Bracket” i .controversyioiut of the “public” eye for several , montbsfwashington and Lee administrators got i ~ iatifunwelcomeiysurpriee last Tuesday night when if fa reporter from WVTF, an?NPR affiiiate based , _:,out_of Roanoke and __Biaoksburg,. arrived at the .l i,’,.iEirodj§)ornmons,to sit in on the “campus ciimate _ v‘:l"t;e discussion, organized by seniors Paten . I » S Hughes—and Bitl,i3;arsan,iwas billed as a chance for studentsgifaleulty‘ and administratorsto talk about I wh‘eti:ae’r or notstud_ents"and’faeu1ty respect.ea‘::’h” P 1 A ranaearstuaentsandiacuity, including. , j . ‘fi3ra1ckefc’f—authors Tim Livingston and Myke Mulher ‘gas weiileias,PrZesiVde.nt Ken Ruscio, attended the ‘ f . _re;:iortet Dotchie Miroili neverigiotpast; the tron’: door, turned away by.administrators’andi jg I L M ' &L public, safety officer.‘ S y M ’ A A it/'lfiro‘lii did’ manage to wrangle an inteirviewiw tn Hughes, wiaojtoid the station why she had decide to Winie ,._«»ugI3es was wiliingto talk, ad ministrators—‘ .Werei_fea ' ‘g-father shy and ‘refused to talk I . olii on theiirecord. Itrose unnamed * , it falldministf_rators claimed that the Mirolii couidiniot‘ ‘ iiatternd theldiscussion because it was only for membetslofgtthe war. community. 1 , *‘Ft_£rtheririoree’the adiminisirators refused to “eti- gf ” tlsefiiiadiioiteportevr what 9- if any - punishments he as beenitevied againstitivingjston and Mulhem. _ _ = _ The ’twoSt_udents wereiputon probation last wee . Va,secret-Stu.dent-Facility Hearing Board meeting...“ I MAY--1-A-84388’ NUMBER 19 OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_002.2.txt V3315 -1"‘-it 5 ' "‘ 2-" ‘I?! ‘or .. « » ' 5 PJIXIJ um I. v .v 4 ' 2 Ir ;-..:s,;e«;».et4r‘u.»t.:~» - MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 MICHEAL KEENAN / sports editor TOP: The historic Rockbrldge court- house, built in 1896, will be empty once the new courthouse is completed later ‘this year. The city and county are currently requesting propos- als for how the space, should be used. RIGHT: The new court- house, located at the corner of Nelson and Randolph, was start- ed after a judge ruled that the old building did not adequately meet the county's judicial needs. SF HB decision continued from page 1 prosecuting someone for offensive speech, which I have problems with in the first place, telling them they’re not allowed to know who complained violates basic fairness,” Richardson said. Richardson also said that allowing a com- plainant to remain anonymous seemed con- trary to the ideas of legal due process. In the 2007-2008 Student Handbook, “con- duct unbecoming” is only mentioned under the section concerning the Student Judicial Coun- cil, a group of elected students that hear cases involving disciplinary matters. “There are some problems in the student handbook. That’s one thing the entire situa- tion has brought out,” Mulhem said. “The way I read it, it would have made more sense for conduct unbecoming to go before SIC, which is, in my feeling, the way it was sup- posed to happen. But there was not a lot we could do about it.” David Bruck, a law professor and chairman of the SFHB, defended the board’s ability to hear “conduct unbecoming” charges. “There was a complaint of conduct unbe- coming and a complaint of sexual harassment,” Bruck said. “[Conduct unbecoming] wouldn’t be in our jurisdiction if it was the only charge brought, but if two charges are brought we can hear them both. If a harassment charge was brought, we could return a conduct unbecom- ing verdict, but the reverse isn’t true.” Richardson said he thinks conduct un- becoming is a vague charge to bring against students whose speech might be considered offensive. “When somebody who writes something can be accused of conduct unbecoming, we’re conflating speech with conduct, and that troubles me,” Richardson said. “The fact that somebody, anybody in the community can anonymously decide that ‘something some- body expressed constitutes conduct unbecom- ing and can haul them before a body that was originally constituted to hear sexual miscon- ” duct and sexual harassment cases troubles me in a lot of respects.” ' Bruck said an eight person panel com- prised of four faculty and four student mem- bers heard the case. An earlier case heard with eight members had to be re-heard in front of the full sixteen-person board after the defen- dant appealed the decision. The appeal occurred because a student ar- gued that the Student Handbook did not con- tain provisions permitting the hearing to be held before the smaller panel instead of the entire board. During the new hearing, the board stuck with its original decision, suspending the stu- dent for spring term and placing the student on probation for one year. In the case against Livingston and Mul- hem, Richardson questioned whether or not the ruling would serve the purpose of reduc- . ing patently offensive speech. He said that he worries the case will instead inhibit speech be- cause students simply won’t know what is or is not acceptable. He also said that the case should never have gone to the SFHB. “I don’t fault the SFHB itself for the de- cision,” Richardson said. I think they had an awful task, because in my opinion, this case was a mess procedurally. They acted honor- ably under terrible circumstances, as far as I’m concerned.” I Meanwhile, Livingston and Mulhem both hope the furor over theirarticle is finally dy- ing down. “I think the whole school needs to move on and look at issues that were brought up with this,” Mulhern said. “This is done, and it’s nice to finally have it done.” Respect forum continued from page 1 concerned that Tuesday’s conversation fo- cused too often on ideas that had already been recognized. Kruse, who is involved with student group KEWL, felt the conversation wasn’t as much about respect as it was about language issues and gender relations. “We can delve deeper,” Kruse said. Hughes was proud of the way that those present handled the talk but reminded the audience at the discussion’s conclusion that this was just the first step toward real action. Hughes, who will graduate in just under a month, urged the underclassmen to carry for- ward with a more concrete plan toward ac- tion. “When people have breached our commu- nity’s values of honor and respect, the com- munity needs to talk about it,” Hughes wrote in response to the discussion. “I’m looking forward to continued dialogue among my peers to figure out what they want the next [step] to be.” By Lara Jordan DESIGN EDITOR As construction rolls along at the new court- house site near Davidson Park, the city and coun- ty are struggling to decide what will happen to the historic old courthouse. The new building will sit on the corner of Nel- son and Randolph Streets, while the old build- ing — along with lawyers row — occupies a prime stretch of downtown real estate at the corner of Washington and Main Streets. The Board of Supervisors will put out a re- quest for proposals (RFP) for the development or sale of the old courthouse in newspapers around the state within the next week. The proposals must come in by May 29, 2008, and the county will select a developer within 30 to 60 days. The Architectural Review Board has the abil- ity to approve or deny plans for development. The courthouse committee, a group of com- munity members who have brainstormed the problems and potential uses of the courthouse, hopes developers will maintainthe historic value of the courthouse while serving the public with the new design. Last year the old courthouse was surrounded in controversy after the city and county looked at trying to lure the Museum of the Confederacy to the site. ' Proponents of the museum said it would have been an economic boon to the downtown area, drawing in thousands of tourists and pumping $1 million annually into the local economy. Opponents, however, argmed that the court- house would heighten racial tensions in the area and fail to deliver the promised economic ben- efits. The city and county were willing to give the museum the $2 million building, but the museum eventually decided to remain in Richmond. That decision left the city and county back at square one in their search to fill the building. The courthouse, built in 1896 and currently owned by the county, is an important part of the Old courthouse open for business County Seeks proposals for use ofold building, new courthouse to be completed this year community, said Lexington Council Member Mimi Elrod, a member of the committee. “We hope to find a way to save the architec- tural features both inside and outside and find a way for the community use.it,” said Elrod. Jerry Nay, another member of the committee, said he is hopeful that developers will be able to restore it “pretty much as it is.” In a final report issued August 9, the commit- _tee said saving the old courthouse needed to help make the area a better place to live, strengthen the sense of community and make money for the area. Some ideas the committee brainstormed for potential uses include: - A community multi-purpose room/place. - A place for not-for-profit organizations. - A centralized location for local schools to con- duct off-campus programs. - A place for local and guest artists to use for educational/class purposes. County Administrator Don Austin says there has already been some expressed interest, but nothing is official or formal until the proposals are submitted. Although Austin imagines most of the propos- als will come from Virginia, it is not limited to the state. One benefit for potential developers is histori- cal tax credits. These federally mandated credits encourage the preservation of historic buildings by provid- ing tax breaks to developers who improve the property under the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Developers can be reimbursed for part of their development expenses if they follow expressed guidelines. A new $30 million courthouse is being con- structed two blocks away on Randolph Street, scheduled to open in December. The need for a new courthouse first emerged when a panel found the old courthouse to be crowded, water damaged and falling apart. There was also the need for adequate security, parking, restrooms and handicap access. Yiuzzel wit/2 us z‘/amzrg/7 the places Louise called ilmnze 4 _ , ntshut ticket requzre‘ Qlic beverages will be served OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_003.2.txt MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 THE RING-TUM PHI ° 3 opinions ————-—————— WASHINGTON AND Ln: Umvsxsnr THE RING-TUM PHI. JACOB GEIGER ALLISON CHOPIN GRACE WANG STACEY GRIJALVA MICHAEL KEENAN WILL DORRANCE ANDREW RUBIN MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS OPINIONS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR COPY EDITORS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS GRACE ANDREWS JOHN HENDERSON BRETT HOLTON JAMIE KIM MICHAEL MORELLA RUSS WEEMS DESIGN EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER BUSINESS MANAGER DISTRIBUTION MNGR. LARA JORDAN LENORA NUNNLEY CHARLES PERSONS STROCK MOORE MISSION STATEMENT: It is the mission of THE RING-TUM PHI to accurately, truthfully, and thoroughly report news affecting the Washington and Lee community for students, faculty, parents and alumni. Our goal is to look deeper into news affecting campus life and hold leaders accountable. Through our reporting, we aspire to spark discussions that lead to discovering information that prompts change. THE RING-TUM PHI IS PUBLISHED MONDAYS DURING THE UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL YEAR. THE RING-TUM PHI IS A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA BOARD, BUT IS OTHERWISE INDEPENDENT. QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PHI SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE EDITORS AT PHI@WLU.EDU OR TO THE MEDIA BOARD AT MEDIABOARD@WLU.EDU. THE MEDIA BOARD IS AN INDEPENDENT, STUDENT—RUN EDITORIAL OVERSIIGHT COMMITTEE WORKING WITH ALL MEDIA OUTLETS ON THE WASHINGTON & LEE CAMPUS. ALL INQUIRIES WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL. THE RING-TUM PHI WELCOMES ALL LETTERS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT SUBMISSIONS FOR CONTENT AND LENGTH. LETTERS AND ADVERTISING DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE RING-TUM PHI STAFF. THIS NEWSPAPER OBSERVES CURRENT COURT DEFINITIONS OF LIBEL AND OBSCENITY. THE RING-TUM PHI UNIVERSITY COMMONS ROOM. 341 WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA 24450 TELEPHONE: (540) 458-4060 FAX: (540) 458-4059 EMAIL: PHI@WLU.EDU SUBSCRIPTION RATE $45 lette rl Trident precursor worse than Bracket Even in 1921, rebels exalted their own intelligence, mocked embarrasing habits, laughed at chronically drunk To the editor: In my collection of W&L memorabilia, I have an original copy of a student newspaper called “The Rebel Yell.” My edition is volume 1 and was published in the spring of 1921. On either side of the banner the publishers declared, “The Mighty are slow to anger and only the Mighty have been considered here,” and “If you amount to nothing at W&L don’t look for your name in the Rebel Yell.” This paper is an obvious precursor to the Trident. The articles and editorials are disrespectful of authority, i.e. the administration, and in- sulting and scomful of many of their fellow students. The publishers declared, “The staff of this first effort represents genius drawn from every element of the student body. And the members have combined to point out, in the best of spirits, the foibles and idiosyncrasies or our fellow students and faculty.” The paper mocked the faculty and compared the secrecy and results of faculty meetings to those of the Ku Klux Klan. The Calyx was de- scribed as “four hundred pages of drivel with pictures of girls we never saw dancing with campus roughnecks in evening clothes.” Most importantly to the current uproar over the Trident’s “Worst Person Ever,” The Rebel Yell had an entire page titled “People We Can Get Along Without.” Here is a taste: “Jimmy Crawford, a strange mixture of democracy and snobbery, has a penchant for undressing in front of the windows ‘Crit’ Currie continues to hold himself out as a world champion ‘petter.’ If ‘they’ can stomach it, we shouldn’t complain.” One more: “If you are feeling blue or depressed just walk by Mc- Grum’s (Drug Store) and perhaps Charlie Wright will speak to you. When he is in unusually high spirits he will speak to every tenth man that passes. Possibly his extreme cordiality may be attributed to the fact that he is an SAE.” There were many more students that were lampooned in the article. The Rushton Brothers were “twin arguments for Racial Suicide,” etc., etc. The stories could have come right out of the Trident except these snobs, drunks and peculiar types were written about 87 years ago! Both the writers and the scorned walked the same stately campus all of you share today. Here’s my point: Like most of you, I cringed when I tread the Tri- dent Bracket issue. I agreed that apologies were required from the Two Raging Intellectuals. Then I remembered and retrieved the Rebel Yell and changed my mind. There is a place in every vibrant community for those who make us cringe. I would hasten to add that the Trident should steer well clear of cruelty. Finally, let me state that I find it amazing that the SAEs have always been the same. Steve Scully Delta Tau Delta/ St. Ud’s Social Club Class of 1976 Have a bit of decency! Sunbathers on the Colonnade asking for ogling By Grace Andrews 0 0 L U M N I ST The issue of sunbathing, or better yet, where you can and if you should sunbathe is near and dear to my heart. As many of you may or may not know, I was born with a wonderful natural tan that allows me to only sun worship for fun in- stead of necessity or desire. However, I realize that there are some people who may require a bit of sun. Yet, my problem is not that people need sun but instead the places that people de- cide to get this sun. For instance, I always see people out on the BDG quad, the grassy knoll by Gaines and the Colonnade. Al- though I have my reservations about the former, my problems arise with the latter. You see, I am more understanding of worshiping de la sol in the quad because it’s a freshmen haven and it’s a little bit off from academic buildings. However, it does sit right next to a street that many non-W&L individuals frequent, but I’ll let that go. I just want to say that I have witnessed cars almost lose control because the driver couldn’t keep his or her eyeballs in their face from straining so hard to watch the young women in the quad. But, like I said, I’ll let that go. Now, I think that it is perfectly fine to sit out in a shirt and shorts, maybe even a hal- ter top or any other shirt that allows maxi- mum sun, minimum tan lines. But I have trouble understanding why people wear their skimpiest, most revealing swimsuit to sit in the grass in front of the Colonnade and Lee Chapel. Seriously, the other day when I walked by I thought Sports Illustrated was doing the college swimsuit addition. I was also a bit shocked since not only does Lexington not have a beach, but also we don’t always have sunbathing weather. If it’s 60-75 degrees, you probably shouldn’t be outside in a swimsuit that con- sists of triangles that cover up your naughty bits and string that barely holds it together. That’s not enough clothing to keep a squir- rel warm, let alone a full-grown human be- ing. If you want to do all that, I advise a trip one wants to see all that, and by no one I mean especially me. I say save that for a more swimsuit- friendly area. Now, please don’t interpret my words to be harsher than they are meant to be. I just want to bring it to everyone’s atten- tion that wearing swimsuits in places with no water is interesting, to say the least. When I approached my friends about writing this article, many of them were sup- portive and giggly at the idea of this topic. You probably shouldn’t be outside in a swimsuit that con- sists of triangles that cover up your naughty bits and string that barely holds it together. That is not enough clothing to keep a squirrel warm, let along a full-grown human being. up to Goshen or even Virginia Beach. Now, I know some of you may think I’m being a hater, but that’s not my purpose. I honestly would not mind if I didn’t think that it is not kosher to run around or sit about half naked where your professors, families, prospective students and current students have to walk by everyday. I don’t want to see people tripping over historical bricks because instead of looking to see where they are going, they’re visually harassing the people on the Colonnade. I don’t want to see anyone wearing a cast because they “accidentally” lost bal- ance and “fell down” on the Colonnade. Now matter how wonderful you look, no I heard choruses of hallelujahs and amens; I think the heavens openedup and angels sang. Seriously, next time that you decided to sunbathe in public, please be considerate of those who have to see you sunbathing. Don’t just wear invisible clothing and wonder why people are staring or judging you. Or if you do decided to wear a skimp suit, please don’t be offended if someone says something that isn’t as nice as it could be. My recommendation is to sunbathe on the Colonnade if you’re wearing real clothes and the quad or grassy knoll for swimsuits! M Jacob Geiger IKQAIQAGING EDITOR _ . Today, Pm ashamed to be a Washing- ? n and Lee student. ‘I ..’m ashamed that my university pros- Autos students with secret tribunals. l’m_ashamed that my university and e cowardly Student Faculty Hearing don’t have any use for due pro- cess, trials or the First Amendment though the board is chaired by law Iofessor David Brook and senior Marga- editorial ecret trial? Shame on W&L Sexual assualt decision obliterates free speech So let’s get this straight. There were no witnesses and no evidence, no right to cross examination and no public hearing. Where the hell was this hear- ing held? The W&L law school or North Korea‘? Despite the total lack of evidence or due process, the SFHB ~which is charged solely with investigating cases of sexual misconduct — chose to put Livingston and Mulhern on probation because they were supposedly guilty of “conduct unbecom- ing” of W&L students. Last week, the mysterious SFHB held a*secretf'hearing where Tim Livingston and Mychael Mulhem - the authors of ;“'I'hc‘ Bracket” — were charged with a , A variety of crimes ranging from sexual V-grrfisconduct to the ever mysterious and “ obnoxious “conduct unbecoming of a Washington and Lee student.” I The board met in secret. Livingston and Muiliein were not told the identity of their accuser even though the accuser had not actually appeared in “The Bracket” when it ran in the Trident last month. 171 The SFHB’s oflicial statement, penned by Stuck and Elkins, efiectively describes what a race this idiotic hearing was: ‘ _ -5“,Because the sole complainant wished ._ Aided with no witnesses or evidence arding the actual effect, if any, of the upon the persons named in it. According- the evidence presented at the hearing 1‘ Soiletfs get this straight. There were no witnesses and ’evt'dence_, no right to cross examination and no :3 pilblic» hearing. Where the hell was this hearing held? I he. W&L law school or North Korea? Fitting with the kangaroo court pro- ceedings that prevail at W&L, there is no definition of what “conduct unbecoming” actually means. In fact, the SFHB isn’t even supposed to be able to hear cases in- volving “conduct unbecoming.” That job falls to the"Student Judicial Council. Amazingly enough, the faculty and students on the SFHB have appointed themselves judge and jury over Livings- ton and Mulhern even though the students are appointed by the Executive Commit- tee and the faculty are appointed by the provost. Wonderful! An appointed group, meeting in secret, has the power to expel (that’s right, expel!) students who offend the sensibilities of one anonymous mem- ber of our community. The SFHB was formed to hear cases involving possible sexual misconduct. When the board decided that Livingston and Mulhern were not guilty of sexual misconduct, that should have been the end of the case (though I would argue that this case should never have existed in the F * first place). ’ . ,. Instead, the board chose to overstcp its ‘ authority and punish speech. In effect, the _ board was saying that it doesn’t believe in «,3 the First Amendment. I Speech does not enjoy absolute pro« tection, of course. People who feel they have been wronged can always sue an 7 author on grounds of libel or invasion of privacy. Those cases, of course, are heard ' in a courtroom, in front of a jury, in the A public eye and under standard rules of 5’? evidence. I I I 7 They are not heard in secret on a Wednesday night. They are not heard by a group of unelected students and faculty members who appear to have little idea ‘of 7 what they are doing. _ ‘ Why has this university - aplace where ; , President Ken Ruscio supposedly wants ’ to encourage open debate and exchanges of ideas ~ censoring speech? Why do stu- dents and faculty think it is acceptable for . an anonymous person to haul two student I journalists before a secretive boardthat has the power to expel them? President Ruscio, deans, faculty and F students should all be ashamed that they I are allowing this fine institution to so cal- lously throw away the values of free ex- pression. When didit become acceptable! practice to sanction authors for unpopular I words? I 7: Everyone agrees that “The Bracket” was tasteless and offensive. But everyone should also agree the United States - and W&L - are not places where unpopular ‘5 speakers can be punished by secret, un~_» _ elected tribunals. ‘ Sadly, this is the case at W&L. An unelected tribunal can hear anonymous! complaints and expel students who put» V V lish divisive or unpopular articles. The next time someone asks me where f I go to school, I won’t be able to answer. if I’ll be ashamed to tell them I’m a stu~ dent at Washington and Lee. ' 5 OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_004.2.txt 4 ' THE RING-TUM PHI 0 MONDAY, MAY 12, 2008 arts&|ife Memorializing Lee Lee Chapel museum re-opens with new features ByJamle Klm sun wmnsn . Lee Chapel — completed in 1867 when Robert E. Lee was president of what was then Washington College — is the central shrine of Washington and Lee University. Recently, the Lee Chapel museum re-opened after a $1- million renovation that had it closed for about a year. It is now fully installed with new exhibitions and an improved museum shop. “It was a very extensive in- stallation,” said Linda Donald, manager of Lee Chapel and Museum. The installation last- . ed from January 2007 to "Octo- ber 2007, but the planning took about two years before actually getting started on the installa- tion process. With the renovation of the main exhibition, the Lee Of- fice, and the museum shop, three projects were going on simultaneously, said Donald. Additional interpretive pan- els, which provide the visitors with information about the ex- hibitions, were also installed upstairs in the Lee Chapel, in- cluding the statue chamber of Robert E. Lee. From 1865 until his death in 1870, Lee served as presi- dent of Washington College. The Lee Office was an actual office in which Lee conducted his business, and it was also a social hall where students came in and out while Lee was in his office. “It would be as if the President of the school had his oflice in the living room of the Commons,” said Donald. One of the biggest changes from the renovation includes this oflice, said Patricia Hobbs, curator of Lee Chapel and Mu- seum. Information panels were added on the rail, and the rail- ‘ way has been extended more into the office so that visitors could have more access to view the room. For the preservation of the office, fiber-optic lighting that causes the least harm on the dis- plays is now used, and the win- dows are covered with blinds to would understand what Robert E. Lee’s role and responsibility were.” Moreover, 2007 was a year of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Virginia, so the renovation of the museum was a part of a statewide celebra- tion. It was also the 250th anni- versary of the birth of Marquis de Lafayette, a French mili- tary officer who supported the American Revolution. “The University felt strongly that it was good to share our ob- jects with the rest of the coun- “To some, [Lee Chapel] is the most sig- mficant place on campus...it was kept as a shrine or a memorial to [Lee]. ” LINDA DONALD, Lee Chapel and Museum manager block the natural light. “To some, it is the most sig- nificant place on campus,” said Donald. After Lee’s death, the board of trustees decided that the office was not to be used by other presidents. “It was kept as a shrine or a memorial to him,” she said. The extensive renovation of the museum was an expensive but a necessary initiative, ac- cording to Hobbs. The year 2007 was the 200th anniversary of Robert E. Lee’s birth, and the University wanted to do something special for the celebration. “My sug- gestion was to add text panels to Lee’s Ofiice so that [visitors] try,” said Hobbs. “We decided we would take the opportunity to add some more interpreta- tions.” She explained the process of receiving several grants and consulting special history schol- ars to talk about the new exhibi- tion. “It was very rewarding to find out that it was a fairly sim- ple thing to do,” said Hobbs. “The older exhibition was very tightly designed...Now it can be easily moved around.” Every year, many different types of visitors come to the Lee Chapel and Museum, and 75 percent of them visit starting in late April until the end of Oc- tober. Some are strictly focused on Robert E. Lee, some simply stumble upon the area off an in- terstate, and some come for the natural beauty of the area, said Donald. In addition to handling the museum staff members, Don- ald also deals with weddings in the Lee Chapel. Anyone can have a wedding in the chapel, but people affili- ated with Washington and Lee receive preference. The chapel has about 20-35 weddings per year, operated under a three- tiered system. The priority first goes to alumni, students‘ and faculty, then to people from the neigh- boring Virginia Military Insti- tute and local citizens. Other re- quests have the lowest priority. This policy began three years ago. Before that, people from outside Lexington could not have a Lee Chapel wedding. Washington and Lee is a unique institution, the history of which coincides with much of American history, during the American Revolution and later. Through Lee Chapel and Museum, the University has tried to inform not only the students but also visitors from all over the country about the history of the institution and its indirect, and in some ways symbolic, correlation with the American history. It is a resource for the entire community and an ambassador to the public for the University, said Hobbs. “lt’s important for students of local history,” she said. “That’s what the museum is all about.” Biology receives grant $1.3 million grant to enrich curriculum, provide technology By Brett Holton STAFF WRITER This coming fall, Washing- ton and Lee science students will have even more tools at their fingertips to give them a leg up upon graduation. The Howard Hughes Medi- cal Institute (HHMI) awarded W&L a $1.3 million grant to help students acquire the nec- essary skills for today’s career field in biological sciences. The programs provided by the grant will be put into place in September. “The grant...will be used to enrich the science curriculum by including more integration across different courses and departments, and especially in- cluding more quantitative and computational work to give students the skills they need to understand today’s world of sci- ence,” said W&L provost, Dr. June Aprille. Aprille said that to achieve this goal, the university will hire new faculty who have expertise Nate Adkins, a sophomore bi- ology and prospective pre-med student. “Medical school is be- coming more of a technology- based education, and this will “I will be exposed to more technology and applications of the biological sciences... Medical school is becoming more of a tech- nology—based education, and this will allow me to be exposed to that sooner. ’ I NATE ADKINS, sophomore biology student in database analysis and com- puter modeling systems. “I will be exposed to more technology and applications of the biological sciences,” said allow me to be exposed to that sooner.” The HHMI grant will also be used to facilitate commu- nity outreach. According to the grant proposal summary, new service-learning courses will be added that will enable students to teach science in local K-5 classrooms. “The HHMI grants are quite prestigious, and it is a national feather in W&L’s cap to have won the award,” said Aprille. Aprille also hopes that the grant will attract future prospec- tive students interested in the biological sciences. HHMI is a nonprofit medi- cal research organization. It was founded in 1953 by Howard R. Hughes, the aviator and indus- trialist. HHMI headquarters are located in Chevy Chase, Md. The organization employs more than 2,600 individuals across the U.S. and has an endowment of$16.3 billion. The grant was awarded to only 48 of the 192 applicants. W&L attracts new leaders Johnson program also responsible for huge jump in admissions applications By Alllson Chopln STAFF WRITER Leadership programs may help Washington and Lee gain national and international recog- nition as a top-notch liberal-arts college. At least, that’s what Professor Rob Strong hopes the Johnson Program will do. Last May, a $100 million do- nation was made to W&L to sup- port leadership programs. The unprecedented gift was made by Henry Johnson ’62, the Vice Chairman of Franklin Templeton Investments. $85 million will go towards the Johnson Scholarship, allow- ing talented high school students without the finances to attend W&L. There will be 44 Johnson Scholars in next year’s freshman class. The program was heavily ad- vertised and total of applications jumped to over 6,000, up almost 50 percent from last year. The remaining $15 million will be used toward the Johnson Program, providing for two new faculty positions, internships for W&L juniors, and an annual symposium. Strong was named director of the Johnson Program two weeks ago. “This is a huge new oppor- tunity for the whole campus,” Strong said. He believes the new leadership programs will not only enhance W&L’s reputation as a strong liberal-arts college, but bring it to the attention of a greater number of households in the United States and around the world. That is because the Johnson Program has been heavily adver- tised with an emphasis on “lead- ership and integrity,” Provost June Aprille said. The incoming Johnson Scholars will be at the forefront of this initiative. But leadership programs are not new at Washington and Lee. Burr Datz, the director of Lead- ership Development and coordi- nator of Religious life, has been leading seminars on leadership and the high ropes course near the pavilion since 2001. “We believe you as students are to govern yourselves be- cause you assume responsibility and tend to thrive with it,” he said. Datz challenges students to work with their peers on the ropes course and he gives weekly classes on leadership skills. Last week the Office of Lead- ership Development sponsored “Lessons in Leadership,” a talk given by Bobby Ross, a former football coach. The program will continue with William Johnson ’6l, who is speaking on Tues- day from his experience as the former President and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange. Aprille said the Oflice of Leadership Development will re- ceive no direct funding from the Johnson Program, but “the two programs will no doubt comple- ment one another.” The flntique Mall 760 N. Lee Hwy Ne-x.t To Tractor Supply '12: l.lf”1€:’? Heart. of Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 464-5555 Selling tmeique furniture and aceessnriesfor the: .I30rrrz -~ Apm*tme'nt -—- House Monday «- Saturday 10:80 a..:m. -- 6:00 13,111. Sunday 11:08 am. -—- 6:00 p.m. A Great Pla.ce to Entertain. .Parents!!.3’ T?z.e.ree’s §E.a‘a::2met'hin.g for Everyonelf. Oil Exchange & Lube 754 North Lee Hwy. Across from Tractor Supply 540-463-5020 Save $1.00 —— Show W&L ID Timber Ridge Auto Center Efis E fr} "v"alIey' Pike .l..ex‘irngt:o‘n, VA 24450 (3413) 464- l 997’ ASE ee.;mssa"i5§"iqac1Ares F'ereig'.ta and [Domestic "Repairs Gil ciizmge anti .LttE3e., .45”-s..:“a‘C?, Computer Diagnostics. ;‘v‘li§*3.:.:>r aria? Majcir jigixtgine R.e_paE.r, Brakes, Mei ‘lniectirtsn Se1"vic.e, Transmission Service, Cociézint ‘E?-‘iuséi, Mi run” and Major Tune -ups. Wt: i::“t'lT§ gzzarewarie factzory at:tI*it3ri.2:e«:l maintenance w%tE1r.':mt wzsictirig ycatzr m;m.a..fa.ct:ure’s. wa.rrar1ty. H 2?/fézjcxr {Zrerlii Cards Acrrepteci $3 reer VVASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY CAREER@SERVICES 540-452-235 ca reers.wLu.c0lu OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_005.2.txt MONDAY, MAY 12, zoos THE RING-TUM PHI '5 sports After 60 years Harw Lee is back Albert Sidney and Harry Lee crew rivalry restarts with Maury River showdown MICHAEL KEENAN/ Sports Editor TOP: The Harry Lee Boat Club of (L to R) Caitlin Foster, Parker Sheppard, Julie Mancini, Jarret Brotzman and Denis O’Leary, takes part in the Albert Sidney-Harry Lee Boat Race on the Maury above the dam, for the first time in 60 years. The race began in 1875 and was a huge campus event for decades. The last race was in 1948 with the Albert Sidney Club as the winner. LEFl': Caitlin Foster celebrates and Parker Shep- pard stares toward shore with a sense of satisfac- tion after the Harry Lee Club won by a decisive margin. BOTTOM LEFT: The Harry Lee Club powers its way through the last 400 meters of the race, as the Albert Sidney Club trys to make its way out of the trees on the bank of the river after being forced into shore by agressive steering that surely is represena- tive of the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. BOTTOM RIGHT: Members of both clubs pose in front of their new Wintech bow-coxed four man boat, which they bought as a result of their fund- raising efforts. The members of the clubs are from left to right: the Albert Sidney Club of coxswain Maggie Fiscow, bow Kathryn Krall, two-seat An- drew Rubin, three-seat Jamie Boldrick and stoke Grant Russell and The Harry Lee Club of bow Denis O’Leary Ill, two-seat Jarret Brotzman, three-seat Ju- lie Mancini and coxswain. Following the race, there was a reception at Pole 6 for the team, members of the university community, and alumni where the members of the winning team were presented with pictures of the original trophy for the race, the Pick- ney Cup, that has been lost to the ages. OCR::/Vol_111/WLURG39_RTP_20080512/WLURG39_RTP_20080512_006.2.txt MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2007 10 - THE RING-TUM PHI sports Mon Tues WED Tuuns FRI SAT Sun \lVomen’s Tennis Track Golf "CM Tourney numbers 422 1 Number of points scored by sophomore Maggie Sutherland in the hep- tathlon at the Generals’ Combined Event Challenge on Saturday and Sunday. Sutherland’s score is the 19th best division three score in the country this year. 38 Consecutive wins for the women's tennis team as they enter the third round of the NCAA tournament. The Generals’ have not lost since dropping a 5-4 match to Williams on March 31, 2007. The Generals face Gustavus Adolphus on Tuesday. 6 Coaches the New York Knicks have had since the start of the 2003- 04 NBA season. Former Phoenix head coach Mike D‘Antoni agreed in principle to a four-year, $24 million contract with the Knicks on Satur- day. 3 Teams from the Great Western Lacrosse League to make the NCAA division one lacrosse championships, the most ever. Combined with the domination of the Northwestern Wildcats on the women's side, who have won the past three NCAA titles, lacrosse is expanding its geographical reach beyond the Eastern establishment. 10 English Premier League titles for Manchester United in the past 16 seasons. Manchester won its tenth title by defeating Wigan 2-0 on Sunday. 7 Number of Washington and Lee men’s lacrosse players selected to the All—ODAC Team. Senior Will Englehart andjuniors Harry St. John and A James Shanahan were selected to the first team. box “Malkln’s blast, his second goal of the night, was a middle-finger salute to the Flyers, whose game plan coming in was to outmuscle the Pen- guins, crash the net and take away their time and space.” ESPN’s Scott Burnside on Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgenl Malkln’s short-handed goal in the flrst game of the conference flnals against the rival Philadelphia Flyers. “We’re going to make some adjustments and we’re going to win this game. I'm not being ar- rogant or cocky or anything like that. I think [Sat- urday] we let it slip out of our hands. Game 2 we let it slip out of our hands. We're going to win this game in Detroit.” Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson, guaranteeing a victory against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of their series. Lord Jeffs u pset Generals in NCAAs Women is lacrosse fallsto Amherst. 4* By Russ Weems ‘ STAFF WRITER The women’s lacrosse team’s run in the NCAA tour- nament continued this week as they took on Amherst College. The match would mean quarterfinal meeting __ with Franklin and Marshall for the winner and an end to the season for the loser. W&L came into the game ranked sixth; Amherst was ranked eleventh. The game started out close and was hotly contested throughout. Amherst opened up the scoring as Amy ' Craig tallied unassisted with 26:52 left in the first half. W&L responded quickly when Kelsi Robinson scored off of an assist from Laura Henson, tying the contest at 1-1. After another goal from Amherst, the Generals scored two in a row to take the lead 3-2. However, this lead didn’t last for long. About a minute later, the game was tied up at 3-3, and, at the end of the half, the Lord Jeffs of Amherst led 6-4. W&L started the second half strong, getting a quick goal from Laura Henson of off an assist from Chris- tine Bender. This brought the Generals within one goal with 29:13 to go in the second half. In the next five minutes the teams traded goals to make the game 7-6. Amherst then went on a definitive three goal run with under seven minutes left to put the score at 10-6. W&L added a couple of late goals, but it was too little and too late as the Generals fell 10-8, ending their season. . W&L did end the season with some strong individual performances. Kelsi Robinson and Laura Henson both scored two goals for the Generals. Christine Bender, Emily Mathews, Megan Slosson, and Britten Mathews also found the back of the net for the Generals. Sarah Tilbor played all 60 minutes in goal for W&L saving five shots. The team ends their year with a 17-3 (8-0 ODAC) record and a sixth straight ODAC championship. Sutherland qualifies NAME / position Senior Laura Henson scored two goals and added an assitst for the Generals during their 10-8 loss to the Lord Jeffs of Amherst on Saturday. After two days . and seven events, Sutherland gets provisional out for NCAA championships I Sophomores Maggie Sutherland and Sallie Arm- strong competed in the Generals Combined Event Challenge on Saturday and Sunday. Sutherland totaled 4,221 points, the 19th highest mark in Di- vision Ill, and set a school record in her best event, the 100m hurdles, by finishing in a time of 15.18 seconds. Sutherland was also the top performer in the high jump, clearing 1.57m and placed second overall behind Bridgewater’s Courtney Hartman. Armstrong finished in third with a score of 3,750 points. Junior Elizabeth Webb ran a provisional qualifying time for nationals by finishing the 1,500m run in 4:37.90. MICHAEL KEENAN / Sports Editor