by Rose M. Rodriguez-Rabin
African-Americans, Indians, and Hispanos situated themselves on the panel and in the audience as the regents seated themselves. Miguel Angel Gomez, an anthropology student, shouted, "What do we want?" "Justice" cried the crowd. October 31, on the University of Texas at Austin campus, an open meeting was held between the students and the UT Board of Regents.
A panel of students representing every race and color stated the mission and purpose of the club and meeting. "The purpose of our group, Students for Access and Opportunity, is to build a broad- based movement to struggle against racism and guarantee access and opportunity to higher education for under-represented groups.
In the meeting room, tensions were high. The students wanted answers, and more importantly, they wanted justice. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that she is from India. She came to American to get a good and fair education. "I left my home in pursuit of justice and I can't believe that I come to this country only to face the same thing. In my country you cannot speak out. Here, you can. I plan to do that."
The group presented a ten point plan [see sidebar, right] in which they demanded immediate attention from the regents. Demand one was met. It called for an open meeting with the regents. As each point was represented by a student, pertinent background information was introduced. Another student demand is that the composition of the student body, faculty and administration of the university reflect the tax-paying citizenry of the state. Prepared overheads demonstrating the population of the university and the state clearly proved their point. Where the state has a 25.5 percent Hispanic population, UT only has 13 percent enrolled. An astounding 12.1 percent of African-American currently living in Texas, only 4 percent are enrolled at UT at Austin. While the white population was at 65 percent for the state, 60 percent attend UT.
After the student panel presented its' demands, it was time for the regents to speak. Out of the four men, one woman board, only Laredo's own, Mr. Tony Sanchez, Jr chose to speak. During the student panel, one of the panel members read Mr. Sanchez's letter, recognizing him for his honesty and forwardness. Mr. Sanchez spoke to the students about his attempts to work with the regents concerning the issues they stated. He agrees with the students demands and stated, "My first thoughts were, if this guy were Mexican, would he have lasted?" He also challenged the students to monitor the board. Mr. Sanchez told the students to monitor the board and if they are not performing satisfactory, let them know and another meeting will be held.
The discussion was then opened to the public. Students raised concerns over the issues of Joe Horn, Lino Graglia and the campus newspaper and it's racial remarks. "All these concerns would be looked into," stated the woman regent. "We are all concerned."
1. We demand an immediate meeting with the University of Texas Board of Regents
that is open to the public.
2. We demand that the composition of the student body, faculty, and
administration of the University of Texas at Austin reflect the tax-paying
citizenry of the State of Texas.
3. We demand that the University of Texas System create a module for admissions
that better represents students' abilities to perform at the university level.
We demand a restructuring of the criteria that places disproportionate weight
on standardized tests and grade point averages.
4. We demand that the University of Texas System develop a system-wide tutoring
and mentoring program that will provide sufficient funds for University of
Texas at Austin students to service "low performing" (i.e., under-funded)
public schools.
5. We demand a challenge to Dan Morales' interpretation of the Hopwood decision
and the reinstatement of the policies and programs that recruit and retain
qualified students from historically marginalized groups.
6. We demand aggressive enforcement of the University of Texas at Austin's
racial harassment policy.
7. We recognize the categories of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation
as viable areas of academic inquiry. We therefore demand their integration
into both the University curriculum and the professional development of faculty
and staff. This will include a course requirement for all students, departmental
status for ethnic studies, and a program of professional development for
University faculty and staff.
8. We feel that Lino Graglia's comments were injurious and irresponsible,
and we demand that the University of Texas at Austin charge him with racial
harassment.
9. We demand the elimination of alumni preferences in admissions.
10. We demand a cap on tuition and fees to facilitate equal access and
opportunity to students of all socio-economic backgrounds.
by David Velasquez
A recent interview with Dr. Kilosrow Fatemi, Dean of the College of Business Administration and the Graduate School Of International Trade and Business Administration, provided The Bridge with TAMIU's version of what led to Professor Paul Herbig's recent dismissal. According to Dean Fatemi, Herbig's dismissal was brought about by his repeated infractions with University policy concerning scheduling.
In defending the University's position regarding Herbig's dismissal, Fatemi went on to state that Professor Herbig's dismissal was not brought about by an isolated incident, but rather from other of his previous deviations from university policy concerning scheduling. According to Fatemi, Herbig had been "warned in April that he was doing unacceptable things... .changing times, classes, and schedules." He further stated that Herbig continued to deviate from university policy despite the warning and was thus, "given a one year notice in May." After having been given a one year notice of his dismissal, the Dean stated that Herbig again broke with University policy by "missing more than 20% of his class time" over the summer session. According to Fatemi, this was the final incident that led to Herbig's dismissal. In a previous interview with Herbig, it was determined that this incident in question occurred over the second summer session, specifically with IT 5320 (Global Environment of Business). In this same interview, Herbig stated that he had been given "tacit approval for the schedule and the classes not to meet" for that week in question when his Department Chair Dr. Fatemi, failed to "critique" his syllabus, which was submitted almost "2 months before classes began."
When questioned about Herbig's statement regarding this "tacit approval," Dr. Fatemi responded by stating that "simply turning in syllabi does not mean approval." He further stated that it was impossible to go over all the syllabi. He insisted that "there were too many syllabi to go over all of them," which he numbered at around 136. He then defended his position by stating that "there is a degree of trust that the faculty will follow" University class scheduling guidelines. He then suggested that Herbig had failed to submit a form that is required when requesting to deviate from scheduling guidelines. This form, not the syllabus, is what determines approval for class schedule deviations. Fatemi further stated that it is a big responsibility to ensure that all class schedules are followed, and that allowing instructors to independently change schedules would simply bring about chaos.
Regarding the "expedient" manner in which Herbig was dismissed, Dr. Fatemi responded that it was done for "everybody's benefit." According to Fatemi, Herbig was dismissed immediately with the students' best interest in mind. In elaborating his point, the Dean suggested that it would not be good for the students to have Herbig teaching classes at this university as he "would not be at his best due to the shadow of his being fired." He further stated that the "urgency" in which Herbig was dismissed was dictated by the immediate circumstances. He stated that "the circumstances gave urgency to the matter" since the new semester was going to begin, and that it "would be very unfair to the students" to begin the new semester with Herbig as their professor. When questioned about the manner in which Herbig had been dismissed, through the E-Mail, Dr. Fatemi insisted that this was done due to the fact that it was impossible to meet with Herbig since he commuted from San Antonio. He further added that all registered mail sent to Herbig notifying him of his dismissal went undelivered due to the fact that Herbig refused to receive this mail. It was only after these attempt failed that Herbig was told of his dismissal through the E-Mail.
As the interview was concluded, Dr. Fatemi was asked for his opinion on the American virtue of "due process" to which he replied "If they want to fire me, they better give me due process." He then insisted that Herbig was afforded due process, but that in his case it was given afterwards rather than before in view of the circumstances (the beginning of the new semester and concern for the best interest of the student). He then stated that according to Texas A & M system guidelines, "there is no rule that states that due process has to be before." When reminded of Herbig's claims that his termination hearing was only given after legal intervention, Dr. Fatemi smiled and implied that Herbig was entitled to his opinion.
In his letter to The Bridge, published in the September/October issue, Paul Herbig brings summary charges of cowardly and unprincipled conduct against the panel that recently reviewed his case and sanctioned his dismissal from the university. By extension, he accuses the entire faculty of pusillanimity and lack of moral fiber. I deeply resent such characterization both of the panel and the faculty of which I am a member. To the best of my understanding, Mr. Herbig agreed to submit to its ruling in the resolution of his case. Now that he has not had his way, he is venting spleen in the most unseemly manner.
However, this is not to say that I gloat in the frustration of his hopes. To the extent that Mr. Herbig is a talented and energetic researcher and teacher, I regret the loss of his services to the University and our students. But simply because he is such an individual, I am disappointed that he chose to disregard the tenets of his profession when he was a faculty member and trample the dictates of common courtesy now that he is not
Sincerely,
[signed]
Faridoun Farrokh
I write today to thank the literally hundreds of TAMIU students, faculty, and even administrators who, after reading about my story in the previous edition of the Bridge, wrote, called, and emailed me giving me unbelievably strong support and encouragement in my fight against the TAMIU administration and their heavy-handed abuse of power. The callers provided me with ample anecdotal and many actual documents showing administrative actions and improprieties that significantly strengthen my case. They have given me the support necessary to return this battle to the courts, where administrative intimidation and coercion is a liability, not an asset, and where I can get a fair, impartial trial by a jury of peers who are not behoven to the administration. I am heartened by this outpouring of support as it shows many on this campus will no longer put up with the intimidation tactics of this administration. As I have pioneered this effort, with the arrows in my back to prove it, those following behind me will have an easier time of the fight. I say good luck and don't lose heart in the battle. Good does eventually overcome.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Paul Herbig
By Mark L. Alch, Ph.D.
In the mid-nineteenth century the taking of nude images, sold under the counter, helped create the photography industry. One can be reasonably assured that the first obscene telephone call occurred soon after the Bell Telephone Company began its network service to homes. When silent pictures came of age, the "stag film" was invented for the male audience. Later, adult oriented theaters originated to provide entertainment on the big screen. Sexually explicit films released to theaters were later replaced by VCR's hawking titles such as "Deep Throat," "The Devil in Miss Jones," and "Behind the Green Door." One could watch these "classics" in the privacy of their own home. In the 1980's the mass distribution of small, compact video cameras inaugurated amateur sex movies. A new industry was created where nearly anyone could direct their own adult film. Adult entertainment is the driving force behind the explosive popularity of the Internet.
To understand how they make money, one needs to survey adult entertainment, since all businesses follow one or more of their models to generate income on the web. The vast majority of sites attempt to generate income in one of six ways:
1. Banner ads—Free adult sites generate the heaviest traffic. These web sites often contain over 1 million stored pictures, and advertisers often pay $10,000 to place a banner on the site. In this model, advertisers receive a large number of visitors and the consumer, in return, receives pictures free of charge.
2. Pay per month—Only one-hundredth of 1% of viewers sign up for this type of service, which is understandable because of all the free adult pictures already on the Net, according to Rick Ferguson, Webmaster at Vixxen.com.
3. Advertising by female models—although not too prevalent, a few models and agencies have established sites in order to augment their business. Ferguson stated, "by increasing their visibility through a high hit rate they hope to capitalize on modeling contracts."
4. Aligning with an adult verification service—if an adult wants access to such sites, they have to pay a yearly fee and receive an access code that allows entry at any web address that signed with the firm. The stated purpose is to protect the underage viewers from getting into the adult sites. Ferguson mentioned, "the verification service shares a percentage of the fees with the sites that initially signs up the consumer." To date, this has only attracted a minority of the adult web sites.
5. Free sites contracting with pay sites on a per click basis—a pay site will pay (usually $.02-.03 per click) to a free site for consumers who arrive at their business through links or banners. A prodigious amount of traffic has to be generated before significant income can be made. Then too, the burden of effective advertising is on the host site rather than the advertiser, as the adult site has no control over the flow of income.
6. Pay per service—these are sites offering live (or simulated sex), chat lines, phone sex, video streaming, and CD's. These firms pay for banner ads on free sites keeping them in business. As a consumer, you are paying for the technology to have anonymous, safe sex in the privacy of your home. Ferguson affirmed," with charges ranging from $2 (chat lines) up to $240 per hour, this segment of the adult entertainment industry can offer extremely high profits to the owner.
Behind computer products and travel, the adult entertainment industry is the third largest in total sales. It is first among all industries in terms of the number of visitors on a daily basis. in review, only a handful of sites are generating tremendous profits and receiving notice. Those on the leading edge of technology are paving the way for other industries in the scramble for market share and high profits on the Internet. In the next installment, we will look at commerce and technology on the web.
Dr. Alch is a free lance journalism and lecturer of the University of California, Irvine.
by Carol Gomez
On October 27, 1997, TAMIU unleashed a battery of new on-line student services. Via the Internet, students can now look up course descriptions, apply for admission, request information, check their class schedules for the current and upcoming semester, view their student records, which includes checking for holds, financial aid information, grades, and unofficial transcript information, and, coming soon, register.
"We are the first in the A&M system to do this" stated Alma Guardiola, Administrative Computing Services Manager for Computer and Telecommunications Services (CTS) at TAMIU. Lakshmana Viswanath Director of CTS said that "We are one of the first in the state of Texas" to offer these services via the Internet. Mrs. Guardiola added that there are only two other educational institutions in Texas that offer these services, "Alamo Community College and UT PanAm."
"Students can either choose to wait in line three hours or three minutes to register" Mr. Viswanath stated. "I encourage all students as much as possible to use it" he added since it will help them work out any bugs. He also said that he and CTS really care about the students and have put much hard effort into developing these new services. He and all of CTS, hope that students will use it. He equated their feelings to that of a chef after having prepared a fine meal. "To a chef the best satisfaction is that everybody is eating your dinner."
To access these services, students can go to the following URL: http://www.tamiu.edu, click on the tab that says "Students Click Here!!!", and then click on the bullet item that says "Student On-Line Admission and Registration". From there you are thrown into a page that has numerous options and a link to an on-line tutorial. If a student wants to check if they have any holds, view their grades, or view their unofficial transcript, then they should press the button labeled "Student Records". Upon pressing the button, the user will be asked to enter their social security number as their Student ID and their date of birth as their Pin. After pressing the button labeled "Login", the user will be asked to reenter their Pin. Instructions on the site encourages the user not to use the navigation buttons of a browser to go back and forward between pages, but rather use the links found on the page.
When asked about security Mr. Mario Peña, Network Telecommunications Specialist for CTS, encourages everyone to change their pin number. It must be six numbers. Mr. Peña also mentioned that if the page that has your information is "left idle for more than three minutes it will time-out" and ask for your Student ID and Pin. Hence others will not be able to access your information. Additionally, the navigation buttons will not work in accessing previous pages. If one tries to use the Back button, the user will get an error message and/or a prompt to login again. Mrs. Guardiola also mentioned that if a student would like to remove access to their records from the Internet, then they should call registrars and ask that their pin number be removed.
The CTS department has been developing this service since October of 1996. They worked with about four different companies at three different locations. "It took tremendous efforts. It was very frustrating and time consuming" Mr. Viswanath stated. The name of the software suite that they are using is called Student Information Systems for Web (SIS for Web) from SCT. The system is run on two different platforms UNIX and IBM MVS and was built using three different programming languages C, COBOL, and HTML. Any client platform can access this service via a web browser such as Netscape Navigator.
Training sessions are being held periodically. Session times are posted in room C115. Mr. Viswanath also stated that if a group of students, faculty, or staff would like to have a training session, then they should inform CTS and they would be more than happy to hold a session for them. Otherwise, if a student needs help, then they can ask any of the lab assistants on hand at the labs for assistance.
A $200 book scholarship will be awarded to the person whose recommendation for a "name" for these new services is chosen.
Currently, there is a student trial of the on-line registration service which is limited to Graduate students from the College of Education pursuing a Masters in an Administration major. The trial is being conducted on roughly about 60 students. "The Technical aspect is done" stated Mr. Viswanath referring to the on-line registration service. "The Dean of Student Affairs is testing it out" stated Mrs. Guardiola. She added that "their concern is the advisement portion" of registration.
Faculty, CTS is currently working on on-line services for you. They estimate that a year from now, faculty will be able to submit student grades by way of the Internet.
If you have any questions or comments E-mail www@tamiu.edu or call 326-2300.
By Ismael Hinojosa
We are ushering in a new era in the state of Texas, an era that will be defined by de facto segregation within our public universities. The facilities are in place, the tension has slowly built up and has now come to a boil, and the public institutions which are charged with protecting us from ourselves have now validated our tyrannical appetite.
In 1896 the United States Supreme Court ruled in the case of Plessy v. Ferguson that segregation of the races did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment as long as the facilities were somewhat similar. In his opinion Justice Brown wrote, "If one race be inferior to the other socially, the Constitution of the United States cannot put them upon the same plane..." This ruling allowed for the erection of separate facilities for whites minorities. Segregation was taken to such an extreme that there were even "black" and "white" parts of town. More importantly, public schools and institutions of higher education were also segregated by race. This caused an inbreeding of ideas and only served to further increase racial tension. For these reasons, and many others, the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) overturned Plessy v. Ferguson. The Court stated that the segregation of schools based solely on race does indeed violate section 1 of the 14th amendment. Chief Justice Earl Warren defended this decision stating, "In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms." Forty three years have passed since the court delivered this momentous decision and during those years we have experience integration, affirmative action, and the termination of affirmative action as a result of Hopwood v. The State of Texas. As I gaze towards the future I can't help but see that these events have come full circle..
Before Texas A&M at College Station fully integrated in 1965 it was common practice for them to send all eligible black applicants to Prairie View A&M to be educated. Texas A&M International, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Texas A&M Kingsville, UT San Antonio, and UT Brownsville, due to Hopwood v. The State of Texas could serve in a manner similar to that which Prairie View A&M served. Granted we have come a long way since the 19th and early 20th centuries, when water fountains were visibly labeled "white" or "black". Clearly a blatant display of racism such as this would not be tolerated in our modern society, would it? Undoubtedly the perpetrators of this unenlightened viewpoint would be dealt with expeditiously and to the fullest extent of the law, wouldn't they?
On September 10, in our states Capitol, University of Texas Law professor Lino Graglia stated that blacks and Mexican Americans could not compete academically with whites because we come from cultures in which "failure is not looked upon with disgrace." The University moved quickly to distance itself from Graglia, or so it seemed. Former students stated that this kind of remark is not unusual from Graglia, who would often wax poetic on the deficiencies of minorities. In fact, he would often make that remark and similar ones during lectures. The under current of racial tension that died down after the Civil Rights Act has been steadily building up and beginning to come to the fore again.
Throughout the history of this country the federal courts have provided, for minorities, a haven against the "tyranny of the majority." The reason that the courts are able to perform this function is that they are not responsible to a constituency as are the members of congress and the President. Federal judges are appointed by the President for lifetime terms and only impeachment by the House and Conviction by the Senate can remove them from office. This freedom from external pressures allowed judges to make unpopular decisions without having to fear voter backlash during re-election. A good example is the case of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978). In the Bakke case the Supreme Court ruled that the use of specific racial quotas were illegal but that race could be used as a criteria for admissions. In 1996 the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following public opinion, struck down this ruling saying that colleges, "may not use race as a factor" in admissions. That same year the Supreme Court refused to issue a writ of certiorari, despite appeals from Texas Attorney General Dan Morales and U.S. Solicitor General Drew S. Days. In doing so, the Supreme Court made Hopwood v. Texas the law of the land in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court essentially legitimized the oppression and tyranny perpetuated against South Texas elementary and high schools since this state first joined the Union!
These three occurrences taken together point towards a potentially disastrous future. A future where white students are educated at Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, and SMU and Latino students are educated at TAMIU, UTSA, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Kingsville, and UT Brownsville. While this scenario may seem unimaginable in our ëmoderní society, Lino Graglia's remarks prove that racial tensions have once again come to a boil. Also, the Hopwood decision combined with the addition of TAMIU and upgrading of the other South Texas Universities provides a mechanism for this segregation to take place, overtly or otherwise. Finally, the U.S. federal courts, which are charged with protecting us from the "tyranny of the majority" have reaffirmed the decades of oppression imposed on the public schools of South Texas.
by James Buckley
Some of you might remember last months article PayCheck Panic. It described various issues employees had concerning the new bi-weekly pay schedule. This month a second survey was to be held. Employees were urged to participate in the survey so that the-powers-that-be would be able to decide whether or not to change the pay schedule for classified staff back to monthly. The survey could not wait. The second survey was held October 9 and 10. The results are in. Unfortunately, not all of the employees participated in the survey. They will, though.
This new survey was suddenly announced via e-mail a couple of days before it was implemented. That may not have been enough time for employees to understand how the survey was to be conducted. Not everyone checks their e-mail frequently. The employees that did check their e-mail in time found the message announcing the new survey. It was then a matter of finding the survey boxes. Survey stations were scattered to several offices on campus. That might have added even more confusion since not everyone was clear on where to go and take this survey. Some might have declined to answer the survey simply because they realized they would have to sign their names to it.
The employees were asked to sign their names to the survey so those who did not answer the survey could be later notified that they needed to take it. In fact, those people who did not participate in the survey will Soon find a copy of it waiting for them at their offices. The portion of the test which employees were to write their names was deliberately placed on the very bottom. Those slips were cut off and used to check off the employees who filled out the survey. After that the slips were shredded. The survey was then given to the tabulators to tabulate.
41.62% of the 173 Classified employees did not participate in the survey. They will have the survey delivered to them so they can make the survey complete. With everyone participating there can be no controversy. . . or at least much less. Of those who did take time to answer the survey, 53.47% would prefer to be back on the monthly pay schedule and 30.69% would prefer to stay with the current biweekly pay schedule. Not everyone would be willing to have a delay in pay so that a switch to the previous monthly schedule could be implemented, though.
If, when everyone has finished taking the survey, the majority of Classified employees want a return to the monthly pay schedule, the return might not be until March l~ of next year. That check could be for the e~~tire month of February. In February, employees would then receive one check on the 13th for January 22nd through the 31st. The seven working days during this period would be the last of the bi-weekly pay schedule if that is what the employees are shown to want by the completed survey. Classified employees would still receive three checks in January. Joe Moctezuma is the director of the office for budget, Payroll, Grants and Contracts and he said there might be "no more changes as long as Mr. Garcia[vice-president for Finance and Administration] is here" if they switch back to the monthly pay schedule.
Some employees might not be able to smoothly adapt to a change in pay scheduling again. It would have been approximately half a year of bi-weekly pay days. Some of the employees currently unhappy with the bi-weekly schedule now may have learned to comfortably budget themselves bi- weekly. A change back to monthly pay could create a similar uproar that the change to bi-weekly pay did. Other employees might not "be willing to accept a delay in paydays in order to switch to another pay schedule." The question from the second survey that is quoted from had 44.55% "not willing to accept a delay" and 15.84% willing.
Hopefully, a third survey will be held right before the switch in February. ~y then people might have changed their minds after 6 months of bi-weekly pay. Whatever happens, it is important that all the Classified employees answer the survey so that the Payroll office can act. Mr. Moctezuma added, "it's got to be planned correctly."
by Veronica Sanchez
Thanks in part to Lino Graglia and the Hopwood decision, affirmative action is in the news and on the minds of college students lately. Add the opinions of one law school professor regarding minority students to the ruling on a case known in the courts as University of Texas Law School v. Hopwood, Carvell, Elliot and Rogers, and you have a situation which cannot be ignored by anyone.
The question is no longer whether or not to attend college; the question is where. Common wisdom tells us that to begin a career successfully we need a college degree. But the questions of where to apply and how to afford tuition are tied to questions of who your classmates will be, and on what basis you will be accepted. Racial diversity and the value of one's ethnicity are fundamental standards in the decision-making process.
Not only are these crucial to the prospective student's choice, they represent a victory based on historical precedent. Affirmative action was born of the civil rights movements of the 1960's. Anti-discrimination policies came about only after long and violent struggles on the part of activists, students, and ordinary citizens. When it became evident that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would not cover all discrimination cases, affirmative action policies, otherwise known as "race- conscious decision-making," were developed and took effect in work places and schools. Affirmative action allows an advisory board or admissions committee to focus not only on a prospective student's performance m school, but also their ethnicity. By looking at both of these factors, an institution can promote a diverse student body and give every student a chance at succeeding. The argument is that extraordinary measures need to be taken in order to combat decades of discriminatory policies and attitudes. The question of whether or not it has worked often boils down to how much time you're willing to give it.
During the 1970's and 1980's, white males began to file lawsuits claiming that affirmative action undermined the idea of equal treatment under the law. In University of California Regents v. Bakke (1978), the Court said that race could be a factor in admitting minority students, as long as universities did not adopt affirmative action plans to help in fixed racial quotas. In the Hopwood case, the Court ruled that the school may not use race-based criteria in making admissions decisions. This led to the UT and A&M systems in Texas halting all race-based admissions. It also resulted in the suspension or scholarships and other forms of financial assistance targeted exclusively for minority students.
Hopwood will continue to affect admissions policies for some time to come. Many would like to see the Hopwood ruling applied nationally; in addition to Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi fall under the jurisdiction of the court decision. The lawyers affiliated with Hopwood are now involved in a similar lawsuit in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
National debate surrounding Hopwood seems to bring out the best and the worst in racial and educational attitudes; some argue that this ruling will end diversity while others say it will create a system based on merit. As debate continues, a certain UT law professor adds fuel to the fire by observing that "blacks and Mexican Americans can't compete academically with whites" because they come from cultures in which "failure is not looked upon with disgrace."
A TAMIU student responds to Lino Graglia by saying that her "biggest concern with Professor Graglia's comments were not what he said, but rather that he said it. It is one thing to think something and keep your opinion to yourself, but what I want to know is, does he use this frame of mind when he is teaching his students? Does he remind himself that the minority students in his class are less compatible?"
Further questions include his accountability as a public figure. While reference to free speech and academic freedom are the most common defenses of his right to express his opinion, prominent figures such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson are calling for an apology. Many minority groups are outraged and are arguing that Graglia (a tenured professor) should be fired.
Now that affirmative action with regard to college admissions has been put on hold, schools are determining acceptance primarily by grades and other demonstrations of scholastic aptitude, although ethnicity may be a factor in cases where financial need is present. (Graduate programs determine their own criteria for acceptance.) While certain universities will be affected more than others as this debate continues, these developments in reality affect us all. Here at TAMIU we enjoy an international population and welcome students of all ethnic backgrounds, but we cannot afford the luxury of ignoring the issue.
by Norma Quintero
Lino A. Graglia is well-known for his constitutional law, especially on judicial review, constitutional interpretation, race discrimination, and affirmative action. He earned his BA in 1952, in City College of New York and an LLB in 1954, at Columbia. Professor Graglia also teaches and writes in the area of antitrust. He has written several books, among them are; Disaster by Decree: The Supreme Court Decisions on Race and the Schools (Cornell, 1976) and many articles, including "Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye: Of Animal Sacrifice and Religious Persecution" (Georgetown Law Journal, 1996). He has worked in the University of Virginia, and The University of Texas at Austin.
A well known local attorney studied constitutional law with Graglia at the University of Texas at Austin. He remembers that one day he told an African American student that he was so dumb he should wear a dunce cap. The next class day the student showed up with a hat on his head, Graglia then asked him "what is with the wired hat?" The student replied, " you told me to wear it." Graglia then responded "yes wear it, it goes good with your image." The local attorney said that he did not experience any first hand discrimination from Graglia even though he is Hispanic.
By: Gabriela Cordova
Since the beginning of the fall semester, students have been introduced to a wide spectrum of TAMIUÕs organizations and interest groups. Some clubs revolve around academic interests while others focus on recreation. An association that can appeal to all students and the community is the Amnesty International Student Group. This organization centers its concerns on human rights and responding to the violations of this through voices and ideas.
Although the Amnesty International group is part of the university (and community), it is also affiliated with Amnesty International USA - the nationÕs main branch of operations for this organization. The Amnesty International Student Group came to exist at TAMIU through the ideologies of Professor Peg Hardman. ÒI have been a member [Amnesty International USA] for several years,Ó says Hardman. Founded only a year ago, Hardman has remained the clubÕs sponsor.
This unique organization has barely begun the semester and has only a few members enlisted. Lynette Jasso is currently serving as the vice president. She and the other members, work together to write letters to our representatives on for of the organization on certain situations (people who are put in prison because of his/her beliefs), set up fundraisers, etc. . . .
So far, the club has not held any major activities. However, they have planned a meeting around the first week of November - the date is to be announced later. Since the organization is just beginning to reform for the 1997-1998 school year, it could be a good opportunity for new members to join.
At this point, the TAMIU Amnesty International Student Group is to begin working on their featured campaign. This involves studying the actions of a certain country and its government/government leaders toward the individual rights of its citizens. ÒThis year, we are focusing on an individual [troubled] somewhere in the world. We have requested the countries: Mexico, Peru, China, Venezuela, and Bosnia,Ó says Hardman. After that, the group will receive the information on one of the entreated countries. This file will let them know and understand the specific predicament of the person being violated. The organization then writes routine letters to the government, the newspapers, and the U.S. Ambassador stationed in that particular country, asking that the situation be corrected; the organization will continue to do so until they obtain a positive response.
The main goal of the Amnesty International Student Group, since the beginning, is to show the students of TAMIU and the city of Laredo how other countriesÕ governments are violating the rights of individuals (death penalty, womenÕs rights, torture, etc. . . .) and what we as people can do to cause changes that would produce good results for their citizens. Once the members see how they have appealed to a certain government through the response letters, they will be rewarded only by knowing how their effort contributed to an important cause. Dr. Hardman only asks that the students be Òreligious about writing the letters.Ó
If anyone wishes to join the TAMIU Amnesty International Student Group, or just get some information about the organization, you may do so in office KL 435; or you may contact Dr. Hardman in office KL 435 G / Email Phardman@tamiu.edu. Once again, this club is open to students, faculty, and the city of Laredo.
by: Rose M. Rodriguez-Rabin
The old Louisiana plantation style house on 1912 Matamoros is the site of the opening of Cafe de Barrio, a new coffee house, book and gift shop. Raquel Valles Senties, author of Soy Como Soy, y Que? is proprietor of this homey cafe.
Guests were welcomed with colors of magenta and bright sunny yellow painted walls that lent it to a feeling of comfort and warmth. Brightly painted, nichos created by Ene-Art of San Antonio exclusively sold in Laredo by Cafe de Barrio, lined a mantle of one fire place in this beautiful house. Books by various authors lined the shelves. Dr. Norma CantuÕs book, Can icula, Chia by Tecihtzin, Paula by Isabel Allende as for Ana CastilloÕs So Far From God, and Ms. Senties own, Soy Como Soy y Que? were just a few Chicana books on display for sale.
The manicured yard set the stage for the poetry reading. The brightly painted chairs, colors of red, blue, and yellow lined the yard for guests to relax. A white gazebo enveloped the master of ceremonies, Hector Romero from Nuevo Laredo and Carlos Flores, from Laredo Community College, who introduced Ms. Senties. She read various selections from her book, Soy Como Soy Que? Aida Heiras from Nuevo Laredo sang some lovely tunes to the sound of an acoustic guitar played by Mr. Garcia.
Ms. Senties is currently working on an anthology of short stories. The inspirations for these stories come from the house on Juarez Street where she spent her childhood. ÒThe short stories stem from suppressed childhood memories,Ó stated Ms. Senties. ÒWe all like to think we had a wonderful childhood, but then when you really look at it, they were not very happy or things happened differently.Ó
Cafe de Barrio not only lends itself to warmth and comfort, but with family pictures dating back as far as the 1800Õs lining the walls, Cafe de Barrio makes you feet at home Ms. Senties stated that they will serve traditional Mexican food along with traditional coffees and chocolate drinks plus Mexican styles soups. ~Õ1 want people to feel at home This is a totally hispano cafe.Ó
Hours for the coffee house are 10:00 - 5:00, Monday through Friday and till 11:00 on weekends.
Career Planning & Placement would like to help you make heads or tails of some of the language connected to career planning and job searching. Opportunities may be passed up when we donÕt know the common language of recruiters or career professionals. ThatÕs why this monthÕs column includes common terms or programs for assisting you in your job preparation.
Career Resource Center (located in room KL 157)- the room in Career Planning and Placement that serves as a central site for information. It contains: free handouts on various topics, testing booklets for graduate and professional schools, job vacancy listings, books and magazines with different occupational information, career videos and TV, job preparation materials, employer information, university catalogs and guides, and other career-related material.
Cover Letter - (a.k.a. Letter of Application, Interest Letter, etc.) is usually a one to two page document that accompanies a resume and is specifically written for the job to which you are applying. A cover letter demonstrates your writing skills and professionalism, shows youÕve researched the employer and field, and communicates your interest in and enthusiasm for the position. More information on cover letters is available, just come in and ask.
Job Fair - a one or two day event that brings companies and agencies together at one site. It enables students and alumni to interact and network with representatives and may lead to part-time, internship, or professional lull-time opportunities. The University holds the Global Opportunities Job Fair in March and a Teacher Job Fair in April. Trips to other job fairs in the surrounding area are scheduled in the Fall and Spring.
Resume - is a short (usually one-page unless you are writing an academic resume called a vita) account of your work history, special skills, education, and information related to your qualifications. These documents are reviewed by potential employers and used to screen applicants. They are your key to getting a job interview and therefore need to be well-thought out and developed. Find out the different kinds of resumes by reading through the material available at Career Planning & Placement. Decide on the type of resume you want and type it out. You can then take your resume to be reviewed by one of the professionals.
Mock Interview - a face to face practice session designed for a student to best prepare for meeting with a recruiter. Career Planning & Placement professionals are available to conduct a practice interview and offer suggestions for improving the impression you make in a real job interview. In the near future, we will be able to provide videotaping of your sessions.
References - the people who have watched you in action, at work, in class, or as a volunteer in an organization, and who are willing to vouch for your skills and talents when you apply for a job. They can be your employers, professors, advisors, and others who know you well enough to describe you in a letter or by phone. Keep in mind that people serving as references need to be notified well in advance and should be professionals, not family or friends.
On-campus Recruitment - a service for the benefit of both students and recruiters. Companies/agencies will schedule interviewing dates and allow students to apply to their job opportunities. Sign-up deadlines are posted around campus and company information is available in KL 157. Interviewing takes place at Career Planning and Placement.
DISCOVER - a computerized career guidance program. It consist of nine parts, called modules. Each module focuses on a different area of career planning. Module 3 contains 4 tests assessing values, experiences, interests, and abilities. Module 4 will follow up with occupations to research based on your test results. Other information, such as financial aid or job searching, is also available.
Workstudy - a federally funded program that allows students to work 15 hours in class schedule-friendly positions on the University campus. Students must apply and be granted Financial Aid to qualify. Student then must apply to open positions, and be selected by a hiring unit. Workstudy positions should NOT be confused with Student Employee positions which all students can qualify.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (a. k.a. MBTI) - a test offered as part of career counseling. It is a personality and preference assessment that can provide valuable insight into who you are, how you make decisions, and what work setting youÕd fit in best. Set an appointment with Viky Garcia if you are interested in finding out more about youÕre job interests.
Discresume - an integral part of our Resume Referral service. It is a diskette available for purchase at Folletts bookstore with a clearance form from Career Planning & Placement. The diskette asks for your specific information and your resume, which is then included in our database (called First Place). Your resume is then made available (with your permission) to employers requesting students fitting your profile.
C.P.P. Staff - the friendliest group of people at the University who will try their best to assist you with your career plans or employment needs. We may be a busy bunch but we strive to always serve you with a smile.
Still have questions?? You can always stop in Killam West 157, call 326 2260, or e-mail vgarcia@tamiu. edu.
by Pearl Marie Garza
Syphilis
Caused by Treponema Pallidum a spiral shaped bacterium, syphilis penetrates
through broken skin or in the genitalia, rectum, or mouth during sexual activity.
The risk of infection during a single contact with an infected person is
30 person. Symptoms consist of sores that are usually located in the genitals,
rectum, mouth, anus, or fingers, and if not treated, it may lead to skin
rash, headaches, aches and pains, fever and even hair loss.
Gonorrhea
Also know as Òthe clapÓ, Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria
Gonorrgoeae. It is normally transmitted through sexual intercourse, but can
also be transmitted through oral or anal sex, and may be transmitted from
mother to newborn during childbirth. Although there are approximately 3 million
cases in the U.S., 60 percent of infected women have no symptoms. Symptoms
for men and women urethral discharges and painful urinations. If not treated
properly, gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body and cause prostatitis
in men and pelvic inflammatory disease in.
Chancroid
Caused by the bacterium Hemophilus Ducreyi, chancroid is another sexually
transmitted disease. Symptoms of ulcers on the genitals and enlarged lymph
nodes in the groin is treatable with antibiotics.
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Lymphogranuloma venerum is caused by a chlamydial infection. Genital blisters
appear three to twenty one days after initial infection. Healing within a
few days, it may be followed by fever, headaches, muscular pains, and a rash.
Ulcers may also develop. Antibiotic drugs are used for the treatment of this
disease.
Chlamydial infections
Chlamydial are a group of organisms which like bacteria and viruses, multiply
rapidly. The signs of this type of infection are nonspecific urethritis which
causes discharge from the penis and swelling of the testes, ultimately leading
to infertility. Usually symptomless in women, it may cause discharge or pain
during urine which lead to cervicitis. Antibiotics are used in the treatment
of this disease.
Trichomoniasis
This disease is transmitted by infecting the vagina. This disease can also
be through an infected towel or washcloth. Not only is it a womanÕs disease,
but it may also occur in men. Symptoms are rare, but if they do occur, it
may cause painful inflammation and itching of the vagina and vulva, creating
an offensive discharge. Intercourse is usually painful, and men may suffer
from urethral discomfort, and inflammation of the penis. A metronidazole
treatment clears up the condition.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes, sexually transmitted, causes a painful rash on the genitals.
Symptoms are itching, burning, soreness, and small blisters in the genital
area. The person may feel feverish and suffer from headaches. Urination is
painful if the urine comes into contact with the blister. There is no cure
for herpes, but there are medications to ease the pain, like acyclovir. Pain
relievers and warm baths also relieve the symptomatic pain. Recurrence of
herpes reoccurs especially after intercourse. Genital herpes increases the
chance for developing cancer in the cervix.
Pubic lice
Also known as ÒcrabsÓ, are small wingless insects that live in the pubic
hair and feed on blood. They are spread by sexual contact, but do not transmit
infection. Symptoms may itch and can only be treated by an insecticide lotion
containing malathion or carbaryl, together with the disinfecting, clothes
and bedding should be washed in water hotter than 140 degrees farenheight
for complete disinfection.
Genital Warts
Genital warts grow in and around the entrance of the vagina, anus and on
the penis. They are transmitted sexually that may be removed by surgery or
by an application of podophyllin and can reoccur at any time.
Aids
Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is caused by an infection. Symptoms are
difficult to rind, but may include temporary illness, skin disorders, weight
loss, diarrhea, and fever. More severe cases include herpes, shingles,
tuberculosis, etc. the only way to prevent from contacting AIDS is to have
Òsafe sexÓ or protected sex. As of yet, there is no known cure for AIDS.
All information obtained from the 1989 copyrighted version of The American Medical Association Home Medical Encyclopedia, Medical Editor Charles B. Clayman,MD. (Pages,in order,961,495,657,270,1009,536,835,1070,76).
by Pearl Marie Garza
The question to have sex or not is one most young adults face between the ages of 15 to 21. Should one give into peer pressure or should one practice their parentÕs advice and abstain from sexual relations. In any case, one still needs to consider the responsibilities and consequences that come with engaging in sexual intercourse.
STDÕs (sexually transmitted diseases) and unwanted pregnancies can occur from unprotected sex, as well as, unwanted pregnancies. A recent study by the Alan Guttmacher Institute - a nonprofit research corporation based in New York found that 30 percent of sexually active teenagers have four or more partners. Of the twelve million Americans infected with an STD every year, eight million are younger than 25, and three million of those are teenagers. A study shows that Òno more than 26 percent of sexually active young adults regularly use condoms.Ó
Seventy percent of sexually active adults are not protecting themselves. This makes it three time easier to contact an STD. There are only two ways to protect oneself from contacting a sexually transmitted disease or an unwanted pregnancy. . abstinence or condoms.
Since abstinence is not realistic according to most young adults, then a condom must be worn each time one engages in sexual intercourse, but there still are possibilities of contacting an STD. ÒThe condom must be worn properly and must be checked for tears and holes before it is used.Ó According to the American Medical AssociationÕs Home Medical Encyclopedia, Òthe tip of the condom should be held close to the penis when it is withdrawn from the vagina, which should occur after orgasm, but before erection subsides.Ó If this procedure is followed, it prevents contacting not only an STD but also against pregnancy.
Pregnancy, another consequence of having unprotected sex, can be easily prevented. There are different medications that can be taken. The three most common and most effective are: the birth control pill, Depoporvern, and Norplant. The first method, the birth control pill, is taken every 24 hours. The advantages of Òthe pillÓ is that it prevents pregnancy and regulates menstruation. The possible side effects are headaches, nausea, and cardiovascular disease. The pill does not protect against STDÕS, so a condom should be worn in any case.
Depoporvera is an injection which releases progestogen in small amounts at regulated times, lasting between two to three months. It suppresses ovulation in most cases and suppresses menstrual cycles. The side effects are irregular menstruation, amenorrhea (cease of menstruation), and weight gain. The advantage of Depoporvera that it only needs to be administered every two to three months.
Six - small silicone - rubber capsules, called Norplant, contains progestogen which also prevents, pregnancy. It is inserted under the skin and is active for five years, releasing the progestogen slowly. The effects of type of birth control are the same as the Depoporvera.
There are many places birth control can be obtained. The condom can be bought at any convenience store. The birth control pill, Depoporvera, and Norplant have to prescribed by a doctor. Birthcontrol, however, be easily obtained at the Laredo Family Planning Services, located at 2000 San Jorge Ave.
Before one is going to engage in sex, all methods of protection must be considered. Knowing and understanding the consequences of sex, is protecting.
by Jaime F. Alvarado
Ever wonder what the ÒIÓ in TAMIU stands for? Students and staff found out Thursday, November 6th here on campus. Both the Association of International Students (AIS) and the Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored the Third Annual TAMIU International Festival. The event was held in The Great Room from 11:00AM-3:00PM. Twenty countries were represented in this celebration of ethnic diversity. The event will be open to the Laredo community as well as the students. The TAMIU Ballet Folklorico performed at 1:45PM. ÒThis festival will serve an educational purpose in exposing people to different cultures, and help them appreciate true diversity in this university,Ó states AIS president Spyros Charalambous. The theme of the event was ÒTravel Around the World in 4 HoursÓ. Among the countries represented were Morocco, Spain, Cyprus, Sweden, France, India, Canada, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bangladesh, Honduras, PeopleÕs Republic of China, Chile, Bulgaria, Nepal, Thailand, Germany, Brazil, and the United States (for the first time!) The Association of International Students would like to thank Mr. David Vermilyea, Director of Student Development, sponsor Dr. Sanjay Rai, and the Ballet Folklorico under the direction of Ms. Gaby Mendoza. If anyone has any questions or comments regarding this event, feel free to email at ais@tamiu.edu, or call the Office of Student Development at 326-2280.
by Abraham Rivera and Sandra Benavides
International Business Association started year off with its pilgrimage to Monterrey.
The week started early Thursday morning with our arrival at 7 a.m. At the bus station we were met by Rebecca Voughn who hails from Atlanta, GA studying business and Spanish at the Tech. The conference began its lectures at 8:30 A.M. They picked us up by bus to and from our hotel which they graciously provided.
This three day Congress included lectures in both Spanish and English on such topics as A Commercial Revolution through the Internet: Reality in Business by Mr. Gregory Harris, Netscape, International Website producer and panel discussions such as Diversification of Markets featuring Ing. Eduardo Bours and Lic. Vicente Fox Quesada, who is considered by many Mexicans to be Mexico s next President. It also included workshops in divers topics such as finance, distribution and customs.
They even provided bus rides to various places for lunch through out the entire conference. After the lectures ended for the day we were whisked away to our hotels and they came again to pick us up for the evening events included in the Congress. All attendees were driven to local night spots such as Hemispherio and La Fonda San Miguel in the Barrio Antiguo, on Thursday, Oct. 23rd. On Friday, the 24th, participants were taken to el Centro Cultural Alfa to watch an IMAX film on The Great White Shark and were treated to botanas and a hilarious comedian before being transported to La Tocada and Nuvo for an evening of dancing. Saturday s entertainment consisted of a Novillada : a pretend bull fight which allowed participants to fulfill their torero fantasy by volunteering to be the bullfighter. Afterward, more music and dancing rounded out the evening. Dr. Kostopoulos met with the Dean of the Business School at the Tech. And IBA members were fortunate to have Sponsor Dr. Kostopoulos arrange an private tour of the campus and the Virtual University which connects it to many of the other 26 campuses in the school system.
Tech has programs in advance robotics, computers, and satellite hook ups for their Virtual class rooms on campus. Thanks to all our members who came our glorious president Sandra Benavides, our vice president Luz Leal, our fun loving French connection Virginie Bermejo and Michael Kowalski. Our friend A.M. Imtiaz, Miguel Garcia, party animal Jose Garranza, what day is this? Nelly Uribe, Nieves Alvarez, Liliana Munoz, Abraham Rivera, Dr. Kostopoulos, and so many others who made the trip possible. All in all it was a fun trip and for $40.00 each person that included room, bus fare, and fees to attend the conference for 3 days it wasn t such a bad deal. Think you missed something? You did. Like to come and join us? Knock at our door at room 215F. IBA welcomes everyone interested in joining the club. Just stop by the PH215F and ask for Sandra Benavides or e-mail IBA@tamiu.edu.
by James Buckley
According to the Crime in the United States: 1996 Uniform Crime ReportÓ, every six minutes a woman in the United States is raped. Chief Harry Stege, of the TAMIU University Police department, was quick to point out that this statistic is misleading since this does not include male rape, statutory rape and other sexual offenses. This report defines forcible rape as Òcarnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will...Ó.
Some people may dismiss the threat of rape here in Laredo. Some people feel that since Laredo is too small a city, with an approximate population of 156,000 people, rape is not a reality. Laredo was also listed as the second safest city in the United States by the November issue of ÒLadies Home JournalÓ. Unfortunately, rape happens in Laredo just as in any other city. In fact, the crime report lists 27 rape cases in Laredo last year and that, in Texas, approximately one-fifth of the victims were younger than 18 years old.
According to ÒCrime in TexasÓ, there were 8,374 Ò rapes committed in Texas in 1996.Ó An estimated number of rapes per 100,000 Texans was 43.8 people last year. Using that estimate, this would suggest that 68 women would have been raped this year and 68 more women will be raped next year in Laredo alone. TAMIU has 2839 students this semester. Using the rape rate for 1996 for the TAMIU
populations suggests that at least one student will suffer rape this year and another next year. This rate may change every year but the fact that people get raped every year does not change.
Rape, as a crime, is unusual only in that most victims may be unwilling to report it to the authorities. The ÒCrime in TexasÓ report also mentions that the possibility the victim and rapist or rapists knew each other before the rape (acquaintance rape) may keep victims from reporting these crimes.
If any student wishes to report a rape crime here on campus they can go to the University Police offices. Chief StegeÕs view is Òa person is a victim of a sexual assault and it is the duty of everyone who comes in contact with them to help them be a survivor. We do this by empowering them(the victim)...Ó. He also said the police here on campus will Òdo everything to minimizeÓ publicity. If an officer reveals the name of a sexual assault victim to anyone outside of the department, it is a crime and they will be ÒdismissedÓ from TAMIU. Everything is highly confidential. Also, a sexual assault victim can refuse any physical examination. The examinations are only to help the people fight back against the assailant(s) by providing the police with material to convict the rapist. The goal is to help the victim.
Chief Stege will hold a lecture on Campus Safety/Acquaintance Rape/Preventing Assault. The Lecture will be on campus and held on November 12. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to attend this lecture. Statistically one in three female college students will have suffered some form of sexual assault before they graduate. StegeÕs purpose for holding the lecture will be to help people to be aware of the issues involved with sexual assault and how people can be helped to survive Òthe aftermath of sexual assaultÓ. Of particular importance is Acquaintance Rape, which is a term Stege feels is a misnomer. He feels Acquaintance Rape Òis rape that happens to be committed by someone you know...it can be more serious [than rape since] itÕs some one you trustÓ that commits the crime.
Angelina Cantrell, the Director of Student Health Services, also wants to create an environment where victims of sexual assault can come for help. She said the whole Department of Student Health Services is Òworking toward improving the quality and standard of care [for] these special ones that are the victims of violence and assault.Ó Nurse Cantrell feels being so close to Mexico adds to the danger TAMIU students face. ÒThe fact that weÕre so close to the border increases the risk tremendously and this is the age group they would prey on...young girls perhaps not as well informed...especially with the prevalence of drugs here on the border.Ó There are other sexual dilemmas to consider such as ÒThe specter of multiple attackers and the team approach of multiple attackers. You exponentially increase the risk of infection and then thereÕs the specter of pregnancy and decisions about keeping the baby whose father is unknown because of the drugs and memory loss... [a] great impact on any academic career....Ó Student Health Services can arrange on campus counseling. Nurse Cantrell added, Òthey[victims] all require emotional support of some kind or another...it [rape] can have long lasting and devastating results on their lives.Ó
There is no other way to describe sexual assault other than tragic. We all need to be aware of the evil that may befall any one randomly. Thankfully, this University has programs that can help us to be more alert such as the Lecture Chief Stege will present. More importantly, if the horrible happens and someone finds themselves assaulted, TAMIU has people who are there to help. These people include the entire University Police Department, the entire Student Health Services and many of the people of TAMIU. If the horrible happens... let them help.
by Norma Quintero
Higher education provides an opportunity for everyone to better themselves and to move up the economic ladder. There are individuals, though, who never get a chance to have an education due to circumstances beyond their control. Life instead becomes their educator. Know to many as Little Joe, Jose Maria de Leon Hernandez was forced to drop out of school when his father was put in jail. Being the oldest, and living at home, it was his responsibility to help put food on the table. He has proven that through hard work, determination and a little luck, anyone can make it in America.
Born in 1940, in a garage where his family lived in Temple, Texas, Little Joe was the seventh child of thirteen. For nearly twenty years, HernandezÕs parents worked the cotton fields around Temple and Lubbock, Texas. Little Joe said, ÒIÕd see my mom out there pregnant, pulling a cotton sack and all the kids around her, there were always cotton sacks and guitars around.Ó It was a life emblematic of the Mexican American experience. It was a life, but not much living.
Little JoeÕs father, who died after a 1979 auto accident, worked on railroads and picked up odd jobs. From the time he was about ten, Little Joe would accompany his father on trips. On these trips, they would pick up cases of liquor in Temple and sell them in Lubbock, dry city. Along with the bottles they would also pick up several pickle jars full of marijuana. JoeÕs father was never big time at selling drugs, but ended serving four years in a state prison for possession of marijuana. At fifteen, Little Joe became the man of the house. This left him no other alternative, but to drop out of school.
Since Joe liked pickinÕ guitar more than pickinÕ cotton, his mother gave him fifteen dollars to buy a guitar. He formed a band with his brothers and cousins and they began recording records and booking clubs. In 1964 his brother Jesse, who was part of the band, was killed in a car accident at the young age of twenty-one. Little Joe remembers the devastation, ÒI just vowed at his grave site that IÕd make it to the top.Ó So his life as a musician began, and little by little with a lot of determination and a heavy burden his promise to his brother would be fulfilled.
Little Joe, living legend, the pioneer of Tejano music, an example to all Hispanics that the ÒAmerican DreamÓ can be obtained. This has not come easy for him and many sacrifices have been made, including being away from his family. To list all of Little JoeÕs accomplishments would take countless of pages. These are just a few of his accomplishments acquired throughout the years. In January 1989, Little Joe agreed with Coca Cola representatives to endorse and become a spokesman for all Coca Cola products, and signed a contract for one million dollars. In August 1990, he signed a contract with General Motor Corporation to be their spokesman for their trucks. They even had a special edition truck, ÒLittle Joe/GMC,Ó named after him. Joe has been awarded countless of Tejano Music Awards, the Buddy Holly Award, and has won a Grammy Award. All these awards are just a few from a long list. Little JoeÕs office/museum, in Temple Texas, has shelf after shelf adorned with all kinds of awards that pay tribute to his spirit talent and work.
Joe has played the Smithsonian institute in Washington, D.C. where he gave a workshop to people from all over the world. He has been invited to the White House, on two occasions, to witness President George BushÕs signing of education bills. He has been cited by four Texas Governors: Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe, Mark White, and William Clemens. He has also been given the key to over ten major cities in Texas and various other cities across the United States.
Community Service has always been big with Little Joe. He supports and endorses; Teach the Children, The Aids Foundation, The National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, DonÕt Mess with Texas Campaigns, Texas Veterans Land Commission, Project Rio, and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Joe has also been on numerous major television shows like VH1, TNN, and has appeared on CBS Prime Time Television with Willie Nelson, whom he also recorded several duets with. Linda Ronstadt, Paul Rodriquez, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Santana are among some of the artists Joe has shared a stage with. He has recorded over forty albums, has stared in several movies, and has traveled all over the world.
Jose Maria de Leon Hernandez, who was awakened by lifeÕs circumstances kept his faithful promise to his late brother. He made it to the top. He has obtained the ÒAmerican Dream.Ó
by Kathy Dunn
Expression in all forms, from painting to running a race, finds a vessel of escape in each of us. This creative energy is scrambled into our breakfast or maybe even slips into the tune we hum while typing. Mechanical machines we are not, and our thoughts and dreams, the ones we share and the ones we hide, spread freely onto the vast canvas of our personal Art. The title given to our works of mixed media collages, what we select to unravel and how we do it, is our name, and we are all splashes of different hues in the gallery of Life. Do you skip to your car, walk in a zig zag pattern, or follow a straight line to quickly get it over with. Living works of art, how do you sign your name?
NovemberÕs artist of the Month signs her name using many, many words. Dr. Norma Elia Cantu is a writer and a professor at Texas A&M International University. A native to our borderlands, she has received a B.S. From Texas A&I-Kingsville, and earned a Ph. D in English from the University of Nebraska -Lincoln. Her research areas include folklore and Chicana Literature, and she has received two Fulbright research fellowship to Spain where she studied the role of Fiesta in Spanish Society. I had a chance to speak with her recently and learn how she views the Art of Writing.
ÒWriting for me is like a meditation, it fills a creative need. It is a way of tapping into a spiritual core.Ó
Dr. Cantu spoke these words to me with natural assurance, like a sun rise. She has been writing since Junior High, Òor maybe even before thatÓ. It seemed to me as though she was born to write. She has done various works of poetry and short stories with her innate sense of language, but her book Canicula was her first major creative project. I read Canicula for the first time about two years ago, and many times since then. It is a Òfictional autobioenthiography.Ó CantuÕs fictional stories evolve from personal experiences and from a cultural bouquet of our borderland gardens. She has listened to both Laredos from a sincere place of truth, and reading her work not only can one share the experiences, but actually almost feel as if they were stories from our own personal Òshoe boxesÓ.
Dr. Cantu writes about the area we live in, and connects it with universal ways of life.
ÒThe Border is a huge realm of creative activity, even the way we decorate our yards for Halloween is a vehicle of expression.Ó
Cantu finds various ways to express her creativity, but writing is the base. Canicula: Snapshots of a Girlhood en Ia Frontera has recently been released on paperback, and on Monday, Nov. 24th from 6-8:30 at TAMIUÕs Pellegrino Hall (rm.1 01) Dr. Cantu will be reading excerpts from her book in a presentation sponsored by Progressive Alliance and Women Advancing Women. So come and enjoy a few readings from what according to Sandra Cisneros is, ÒIntimate as a poem, and as large as the Texas sky.Ó
by Kathy Dunn
Devon G. Peña, author of The Terror of the Machine: Technology, Work, and Ecology on the U.S. Mexico Border will be speaking Monday, November 17th during the noon hour at TAMIUÕ S Pellegrino Hall (rm. 109).
Peña is a native Laredoan, and has contributed over ten years of intricate research towards the development of his book. Maquiladoras play a very familiar role in Laredo influencing constant growth both, to applaud, and yet fear. Peña tackles environmental issues such our riverÕs pollution and the struggles endured by both men and women whose liveÕs our a reflection of this new industrial system that still hangs on too some what- old ways. PeñaÕs voice carries an eye opening approach to what is indeed our reality by posting up the truth at the cathedral doors of politics. Terror of the Machine not only takes a stand, but offers alternative solutions, for environmental awareness and overall humanity, to walk away with.
Devon G. Peña has received his Ph. D in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, and is currently assistant professor of Sociology at Colorado College where he is the director of the Rio Grande Bioregions of the Hulbert Center for Southwestern Studies.
I looked up God on the
Internet
and found
A thousand and two ways to purchase a slice of heaven
while still waiting for death on the ground.
Earthly pleasures pleading
with the lap top computer screen of my soul to flil me
DRIVEME
TASTE ME
DRINK ME
WEAR THIS
BUY YOU?
Too much of everything creates a big pile of
NOTHING.
And nothing is numb noon & night. So IÕll aboard the flight and feel
it.
Crumbling in emotions
Cannot walk over hungry bodies on the street, Broken hearts at the
bar,
Kissing coldly
Killing suicides,
Overdosed on talk show comforts
Slowly dying ninety years of lonliness.
Compassion for change, pulls from a force within,
I surge through the dark pipe
unaware of where
I will flood into?
Will the ground absorb my last drop.
THE END.
NO,
IÕll be lifted up by the clouds and gaurded by the SUN, IÕll fall between rainbows.
Kathy Dunn
Naci aqui en Laredo
Y cuando fui un child
Aprendi el spanish
Y despues el english.
Es nuestro culture
For those guien aceptan.
It's unique
Y estoy proud!
Solo los borders
Along Mexico
Que we mix
Los dos languages.
Muncho los tourists
Les gustan
Cuando se parkean
En downtown
Y nos escuchan.
Asina hablamos
No es our fault
Y nadien nos podra,
Quisa,
De change it.
Rarniro Martinez