The Stetson Reporter

hurricane edition | Two weeks ago, the university was threatened by Hurricane Floyd. Floyd was three times larger than Hurricane Andrew, which hit the southern coast of Florida seven years ago. Even though Hurricane Floyd turned, some parts of Volusia county were still affected. The Wesley House suffered roof damage when an oak tree was uprooted. [see page 10a] wed 29 sept-99 issue 05 volume 112 Workshop helps us to communicate by becky kruse | How many of us have actually taken the time to analyze and understand each other before we sit down to communicate? Whether it's romantic, asexual, or on a professional basis, we deal with people throughout our lives. This was the focus of Dr. Michael . Kimmel's workshop last Monday. Kimmel, a sociologist, author, and educator, has received international' recognition for his work on men and masculinity. Kimmel visited the campus last week and presented several programs, including the student workshops "Can We Talk: How Women and Men Can Communicate Better" and "Different Planets, Same School: Where the Differences Between Men . and Women Are (and Where They Are Not)." With about forty people present, the large group provided a challenge, for Dr. Kimmel in his small group program. The workshop began with an interactive survey ofthe students and their opinions on several gender related issues. Statements ranged from "Besides obvious biological differences, men and women are not very different," to "If women held all the power positions in the world, there would be much less violence." Such questions raised varying opinions from a group of both men and women and questioned many people's beliefs and the basis for their opinions. Kimmel also posed questions about homosexuality. Is heterosexu- ality "normal" in today's' society? And is it men or women who are oppressed in our society? These questions led into a discussion about homophobia and how it affects us all. The discussion focused on not only the fear people have of homosexuality, but also on society's fear of being thought of as homosexual. People, Kimmel explained, are forced to conform to certain stereotypes in order to prove their heterosexuality. "I think that a climate of homophobia, sexism, and racism is prevalent on this campus because of our 'silent complicity' to recognize our privileged positions and standing up to peers and denying ownership of this sort of collective mentality that follows the bigoted status quo," said Whitney Boan, a sociology major and Women and Gender Studies minor. "I wish for this reason more students could have attended his lecture." "Men and women rarely actually talk about gender issues. I'm only here a couple of days. It's not a long time," said Kimmel. "I try to be controversial and get people talking. I like to start conversation with people." Becky wishes she understood 'KIMMEL: 'Feminism is something that should be embraced by both women and men,' said professor Michael Kimmel during his lecture September 20. PHOTO BY KATARZYNA WALOSIK Lecturer examines male stereotypes by brian campbell| Profes- sor Michael Kimmel presented his views on gender issues in today's society in the Stetson Room last Monday. Kimmel focused on his personal experiences with the Citadel and VMI as an expert witness for gender discrimination. "Save the Males: The Sociological Implications of VMI and The Citadel" centered on males, men and femininity, and presented womens' issues from a male perspective. Kimmel moved quickly to explain how a simple opinions/editorial newspaper article led him to partake in lecturing. Kimmel cited the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill Court case of October 1991 as a societal influence in his lecturing. "Everyone thought that the Anita Hill situation would have left a chilling effect on women in regards to sexual harassment," Kimmel explained, "but instead, I feel it caused tc D H U IU -J a national thaw, with more and more women coming forth." Later incorporating the date rape cases of William Kennedy and Mike Tyson, as well as situations with Magic Johnson, President Bill Clinton, and even the Columbine tragedy, Kimmel used well-known situations to enhance his speeches. Redirecting his speech, Kimmel began to focus on specific examples and statistics regarding womens' actions and emotions, showing how in areas of career and sexual ten- dencies, women are significantly more dominant than they were just twenty years ago. Kimmel also emphasized that feminism should not simply be for women. "Feminism is something that should be embraced by both women and men," said Kimmel. Using the statistics as an introduction and guideline, Kimmel turned the focus to men and the stereotypes "forced upon males." Covering questions of homophobia to the unhealthy concepts expected to be supported by males, Kimmel made efforts to discredit the belief that males should constantly be macho, harsh, and cold. Citing Jack Palance and other "macho men" as negative role models, Kimmel tried to convey his beliefs that males can be kind (especially in a family environment) and they can also be more sensitive to womens' beliefs and ideas. Kimmel even went so far as to highlight John Wayne, an epitome of male toughness, and called upon his given name, Marian Michael Morrison, to show that these rough icons are not always what they seem to be. Brian Campbell wishes he understood women. Kimmel began to focus on specific examples and statistics regarding womens' actions and emotions, showing how in areas of career and sexual tendencies, women are significantly more dominant than they were just twenty years ago. DAMAGE: The Wesley House suffered.minor damage from Floyd. PHOTO BY JULIE GOWAN Floyd, Harvey damage campus, class schedules BY JULIE GO WAN | The university shut down for the first time in 20 years on Sept. 13. The weather channel could be seen on every TV in the dorms and places on campus tracking Hurricane Floyd and attempting to predict its path of torture. The word to students was for them to evacuate the campus and go home if possible. After it was decided to cancel classes on Monday, the word trickled down from the President's Staff to Residential Life, hall directors, resident assistants, and then students. To help avoid any confusion, a memo was sent out to all students in their mailboxes and one posted on staff, faculty, and stu- > iu -i (A < UJ CO dent lis'tserve about the cancellation. "We had a lot of parents calling campus Monday morning, asking if their student would be penalized if they missed class during a time of emergency like a hurricane. We told the parents no. We encouraged students to go home because during a crisis like this many people feel more comfortable at home and with family," said Dr. James Beasley, vice president for administration and chief operating officer. "My family lives in Daytona," said Dawn-Marie Roberts. "I found a couple friends to go home with and wait out the storm. However, before I left I made sure I took important things with me, and taped and garbage-bagged my window to prevent any flooding." Some residents felt like it was the end ofthe year because they didn't want anything to get damaged. Miki Ford, a resident in Chaudoin, packed up her room and piled it in her car. "I really didn't know what to take and what to leave because I didn't want anything to get damaged."* Tuesday morning Residential Life met with staff members remaining on campus. "We didn't require RAs and hall directors to remain on campus, but for those that stayed we needed their help to do a final walk-through of the building to get a final count of who was left on campus," said Michelle Espinosa, director of Residential Life. Of the 200 residents that were accounted for Monday night who said they were staying, only about 80 students were found left on campus Tuesday morning. "We were instructed to key all rooms to make sure all blinds were down to prevent glass being shattered everywhere if the windows broke, and double-checking who was in the building," "We had a lot of parents calling campus Monday morning, asking if their student would be penalized if they missed class, during a time of emergency like a hurricane. We told the parents no. We encouraged students to go home because during a crisis like this many people feel more comfortable at home and with family." said Siana Sheldrick, RA for Emily Hall. RAs were instructed to escort all residents to the Commons at 5 p.m. to consolidate the campus. Darald Stubbs and Beasley went to the rooms that were occupied and accompa-' nied the residents to the CUB. Students then spent the next 24 hours in the Commons. Kristin Metropoulos was one of those students. "We made the best of the * situation. My friends and I slept upstairs in the CUB, watched TV and played various board games." [see FLOYD, page 10a] Alpha Chi Omega raises over $ 1000 to stop domestic violence BY VALERIE FUTCH | To faise money and awareness for domestic abuse victims, the Klpha Chi Omega so- tority recently held fheir third annual Stop pomestic Violence Week. t: Members hoped to raise awareness of domestic violence by handing out purple ribbons, posting information in residence halls, and inviting guest Speakers to address the issue. i: "We just want people to know it's out there," com- ftiented sophomore Dana Bielinski. "Approximately one ■jut of every four women are Victims of domestic violence. It is important that people know there is support for them." | Though Tropical Storm Harvey caused them to cancel their guest speaker, AXU man aged to keep the rest of their planned activities. The Silly Olympics and Kiss the Pig contests raised enough money to exceed their goal by $150. In addition, they set up boxes in the residence halls to collect both new and used toys for the local shelters. These items are donated for the benefit of the children in abusive relationships. The money raised*by the sorority goes to a national Alpha Chi Omega fund. It is then distributed to organizations and shelters across the nation. To start off the week, AXU set up a table outside the CUB to hand out purple ribbons to raise awareness of the issue. The lecture that was planned to take place on Tuesday has been rescheduled for September 29 in (A Z UJ "Approximately one out of every four women are victims of domestic violence. It is important that people know there is support for them." the Stetson Room at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, the Catholic Campus Ministry won the Silly Olympics for the organization division. Sigma Phi Epsilon and Delta Delta Delta won for the Greek section. Games at the event included chubby bunnies, potato sack'races, whipped cream snowmen, and shopping cart races. Friday's main activity was the point giveaway program. Students could sign away some of their points to support domestic abuse shelters. Stetson students are allowed to donate up to one meal per month to fundraising purposes. This fundraiser allowed the sorority to raise over SI000. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors that allows one person in a relationship to control the other member. Information HELP: Students signed away points this past week to help abuse victims. Alpha Chi Omega sponsored Stop Domestic Violence Week, to raise more awareness for their CaUSe. PHOTO BY BECKY KRUSE posted in halls outlined specific point was that there is always a domestic violence is to under- types of assault and how to deal network of support for victims, stand that it encompasses more withthem. Basically, the main Another important factor in than physical abuse. The American Medical Association states that domestic violence, can include psychological and sexual abuse as well. Local shelters are an excellent assistance to people in abusive situations. In 55 percent of cases where there is assault on women, the children are usually being abused, too. At times, the abuse can prevent the woman from being able to work and provide for the children's needs. Shelters allow a place for not only the women but also their children to seek help. Alpha Chi Omega exceeded their monetary goals andalso helped to make the campus aware of domestic violence and the support that exists for victims. It is important for victims to know that they can escape from a violent relationship. Through the efforts of AXU, the Stetson population has been made more aware of the issue. Valerie Hutch is a first- year student.