Professors’ lawsuit lingers in discovery phase
Kathryn Rosenbaum
News Editor
Dr. Miriam Finch and Dr. Tara Michels, professors in the Communication Arts department, filed a lawsuit last December against Academic Vice President and Provost Dr. Roger Fortin, Dean of the William’s College of Business Dr. Ali Malekzadeh, Dean of the Communication Arts department Dr. Indra de Silva and associate professor William Hagerty.
Finch and Michels alleged that de Silva discriminated against them because they were women.
The initial court document filed on December 3, 2007, claimed that, “Professor de Silva marginalized and discriminated against plaintiffs by changing their teaching assignments, often without notice, by ignoring their positions on department governance matters, by belittling them personally and by making defamatory statements about them in meetings.”
Dr. Fortin formed a committee in October 2007 to review the turmoil in the Communications Department. This committee was comprised of Malekzadeh, Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy Carol Scheerer and Chair of the Deparment of Occupational Theraphy at Northern Kentucky University Debra Pearce.
The committee reported on November 6, 2007 that they found no evidence of gender discrimination and that the “quality of the education of Xavier University’s students is being negatively affected by these conflicts.”
Therefore, the committee recommended that Finch and Michels should be dismissed
for “grave irresponsibility in discharging university obligations.”
Then, a Faculty Hearing Committee met in January regarding the dismissals of
Finch and Michels. An Aug. 28, 2008, document said that the FHC unanimously
decided that both plaintiffs should be terminated from their tenured positions.
Since the initial case was filed in December, the case is now currently in the discovery stage.
The plaintiffs, Finch and Michels, have requested documents from Xavier University to present their case that they were discriminated against and that promotion hearings for other faculty members were held differently than for Finch and Michels.
These requests include all documents related to the Xavier Faculty Hearing Committee, complaints or allegations of misconduct and student evaluation forms.
They have also requested appointment books, itineraries and diaries from certain Xavier employees and those on the dismissal committee and reports on the economic status of male and female faculty at Xavier.
According to an Aug. 28 document filed by Xavier’s lawyers, Xavier has provided the plaintiffs “with approximately 1,700 to 2,000 pages worth of materials, documents and exhibits that may be relevant” to this case.
The documents said that Xavier objects to some requests because the plaintiffs request “detailed, private and personal information regarding the personnel records, promotion records and employment histories of their parties that are unrelated to this litigation.”
Finch and Michel’s lawyers have requested that the discovery deadline be extended from November 3 to January 6, 2009. so that depositions can be taken and the plaintiffs can receive more documentary evidence.
Currently, the trial, which is presided over by Judge Steven Martin, is scheduled to begin on November 17, 2008.
Beaupré takes on the DNC
Xavier’s PPP professor attends the Democratic National Convention
Sarah Wieten
News Editor
Though Dr. Gene Beaupré has been working in the political arena for over 30 years, he has never had an opportunity like the one he received this fall: the opportunity to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. from Tuesday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Aug. 28.
Beaupré was offered tickets from an unnamed associate at the last moment
and flew out to Denver on Tuesday immediately after teaching a class.
With the tickets he obtained, he was permitted to go anywhere except the places
where the delegates were seated.
Beaupré and his party were shown around by Damon Jones, a recent Xavier grad.
Jones originally worked for Procter and Gamble, but recently took his career in a different direction and became the Director for Media Relations for the DNC.
This much access was exciting and a bit overwhelming for Beaupré.
He jokes about his perspective on the large crowd.
“It is difficult to remain objective in a situation like this,” said Beaupré. “It’s hard to tell if the audience is applauding because of the quality of the speaking or simply because they had the opportunity to when the speaker stopped to breathe.”
Beaupré also remarked that it’s a completely different feeling than what you see on TV.
The TV coverage is smooth and controlled thus creating the idea that political functions are dry and without excitement.
Beaupré had the impression of the Democratic party as united, despite media depiction of the division between the Obama and the Clinton campaigns.
As far as which politician was the best speaker, Beaupré said that Senator Obama had “great delivery and great content” and that “Hillary did what a statesman does” in being supportive of her party’s candidate.
That said, Beaupré insisted that the best speaker was former President Bill Clinton: “The way he can hold a room…amazing.”
He compared Clinton’s form of speech to that of Cincinnati native Jerry Springer, who was a politician before he was a talk show host.
Beaupré reported that though he was sometimes bored with the repetitiveness of the message, it was interesting to hear each speaker’s unique way of presenting it.
“Yes, you know what they are going to say but…it’s kinda like watching a football game as a coach; you know all the plays, how things are going to turn out, but it’s still enjoyable to watch them play out.”
For example, Bill Richardson addressed the crowd in Spanish for part of his speech, to demonstrate the Hispanic support for the Democratic choice for president.
Also, a significant amount of admirals and generals were present and vocal to express the idea that there is military support for the Obama campaign.
While in Denver, Dr. Beaupré also attended a series of seminars hosted by the National Journal, which included a discussion with Chris Mathews, host of the TV show “Hardball.”
“It was such a wonderful discussion, like sitting in a campaign strategy room,” said Beaupré. “I wish I could recreate the experience for my students.”
Students can vote in Ohio, register in Hamilton County
Meghan Berneking
Asst. Campus News Editor
As the 2008 Presidential Election draws near, the time has come for voters to be thinking about whose name they will check at the polls.
The general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 4. In Hamilton County, the polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
Citizens must register to vote prior to Election Day to be eligible to vote in that election.
In order to register, voters must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years or older by Election Day.
A voter must be an Ohio resident for at least 30 days before the election.
They must also be a resident of Hamilton County and the voting precinct.
The last day to register is Monday, October 6.
Voter registration forms can be picked up at several locations including the Hamilton County Board of Elections office, Bureau of Motor Vehicles locations, public libraries and public high schools.
A printable version is also available on the Board of Elections website. Completed forms are to be returned to the Board of Elections office or the Ohio Secretary of State’s office in person or by mail. Mailed forms must be postmarked 30 days before an election to be valid for that election.
After registering, voters receive a registration card from the Board of Elections with the name of his or her precinct and the address of his or her polling place.
One must vote at least once every four years and notify the Board of Elections in writing of any change of name or address to remain registered.
One can call the Hamilton County Board of Elections at (513) 632-7000 for more information regarding registration.
Students may register and vote either in their home counties or in their county of residence while attending school.
For students opting to vote in a county other than Hamilton, or if they have reason to believe they will be unable to vote at their own polling location during election hours, absentee ballots are available.
Any registered voter in Ohio can request an absentee ballot either on the Board of Elections website or in writing.
The ballots should be mailed to the indicated address and must be returned to the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
For students wishing to gain election experience, as well as some extra cash, the Board of Election hires paid poll workers.
Workers must be registered to vote in Hamilton County, and work both the Monday evening before the election as well as Election Day.
For information on registration, absentee ballots, poll workers, candidates, issues, or to find out if you are registered to vote in Hamilton County, visit the Hamilton County Board of Elections website at www.hamilton.co.org/BOE.
If you are interested in voting outside of Hamilton County, visit that county’s Board of Elections or the League of Women Voters at http://www.lwv.org/Election2008/index.html.
New Hall Director calls Xavier’s campus “home”
Amy Windhorst
Campus News Editor
First year residents living in Brockman hall might not realize that they aren’t the only new people on campus.
Brockman’s newest Hall Director, Fay Coleman, is among the fresh faces
at Xavier University this semester. For her part, Coleman has little other than
praise for her role here at Xavier.
“I felt at home when I first came to Xavier,” says Coleman. “The
campus is beautiful, the students are so welcoming, and there is such a positive
energy here that I have not experienced at any other college or university.”
Not so fast, first-years—just because Coleman is new to campus doesn’t mean you can treat her like the substitute teacher.
Before coming to Xavier, Fay had plenty of experience dealing with campus/resident life.
While working towards her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Coleman served as a Hall Director on the University of South Carolina’s campus.
This begs the question: what brought Fay to Xavier?
“My brother graduated from Xavier a few years ago and had nothing but great things to say about the community here,” says Coleman. In her job search, Coleman knew she wanted to be part of a university environment.
She was also specific about the kind of school in which she wanted to serve.
“I knew I wanted to work at a school that valued the same things I do,” she says. Xavier turned out to be a perfect fit.
“When I came to visit the campus, it instantly felt like home and I have loved the XU Community ever since!” Coleman says.
Besides luring students into her office with an always-stocked candy jar, Coleman has a variety of responsibilities on campus.
Her job also involves serving as a University Discipline Officer, participating in RA training, selection and recruitment, working with Physical Plant staff and keeping in touch with Brockman’s resident Jesuit, Father Kent Beausoleil.
Not to mention, there are the first year students to deal with.
“I enjoy the energy that the new students bring to Brockman and to Xavier University,” says Coleman.
Returning students may recall last fall, when first year students brought far more than energy to Brockman hall.
After students’ first month on campus in September 2007, Brockman’s residents had already accrued $2,000 in fines and damages.
Time will tell if Brockman’s current residents will become as rowdy as their predecessors.
While there have been occasional behavioral problems this fall in the first year hall, question still stands as to whether or not the behavior is anything out-of-the-ordinary.
Coleman was not available to comment on Brockman’s current disciplinary approach, though she clearly seems to wish the best for her students in the building.
“My goal at XU is to help students achieve their own goals, and the community here at Xavier allows students to get involved and make the most out of their experience,” she says.
“I’ve had nothing but great experiences since I have stepped onto this campus.”
For now, Coleman is looking ahead to a bright future after two months of success at Xavier.
She urges students to drop in her office, say “hello” and perhaps even grab a piece of candy on their way out.
Police Notes
Sept. 6, 5:33 p.m.—Campus Police and the Cincinnati Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in the Commons. Food burning in a first floor apartment activated the alarm. The system was reset.
Sept. 6, 11:40 p.m.—While investigating a report of trouble in the C-1 lot, a student obstructed the investigation of another by being belligerent and argumentative and was cited for disorderly conduct and driving under license suspension.
Sept. 6, 11:54 p.m.—Per mutual aid request by Norwood Police, Campus Police responded to a loud party/noise complaint in the 4000 block of Huston Ave. Students were not cooperating and shutting the door on officers. Six students were arrested for underage consumption and running/operating a disorderly house.
Police Note of the Week
Sept. 6, 11:07 p.m.—Per mutual aid request by Norwood
Police, Campus Police responded to a large student party in the 1700 block of
Cleneay Ave. Approximately 200 people were in attendance. Three students were
arrested for operating a disorderly house.
Meghan Berneking
Campus News Editor
Truman award
Brett Simmons from Columbus, Indiana, was selected as one of 65 recipients out of a total of 595 candidates to be named a Truman Scholar. The scholars were selected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability, and likelihood of “making a difference.” Finalists were interviewed by a university president, a federal judge, a distinguished public servant, and a past Truman Scholar award winner.
Simmons is a junior theology and economics major with minors in history and gender and diversity studies. He has recently spent a semester in India, researched at the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education and directed a non-profit organization. He plans to earn a Masters degree in Urban Planning with the goal of working in housing, community and economic development.
Each Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government.
Campus picnic
Campus Ministry and Dorthy Day House are hosting an end-of-the-year picnic from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, April 28 behind their houses. Free, locally grown food will be provided for all. Please bring a friend and come and celebrate. If you have questions, contact Mike Shawver at shawverm@xavier.edu.
Choir performance
The Xavier University Concert Choir is appearing in the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of “Carmina Burana.” Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 10, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 11 at Procter & Gamble Hall in the Aronoff Center. Tickets range from $21-$66 and can be purchased by calling 513-621-5282 or by going online at www.cincinnatiballet.com.
Ultimate game
The Xavier Ultimate team will play the University of Cincinnati at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24 on the varsity soccer field. The Xavier team is fresh off their best-ever finish at their sectional tournament. For more information, contact Aaron Armbruster at armbrustera@xavier.edu.
O’Connor hours
The Recreational Sports Department, with cooperation from the Student Government Association, has received additional funding allowing for extended operational hours for the O’Connor Sports Center, as well as the addition of fitness trainers.
The new regular hours will be previewed the week of April 28 through May 3. The hours will be as follows: Mon.-Thurs., 5:45 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday, 5:45 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. These hours will officially begin August 26. Operational hours will vary slightly during university breaks as well as during the summer.
Annual rally
Cincinnati’s annual Take Back the Night rally will take place on April 25. The Xavier Women’s Center will host a pre-rally gathering at 5 p.m. Pizza will be served and T-shirts distributed. Transportation will be provided. RSVP to Amy Goetz at goetza@xavier.edu.
Ranked program
Xavier’s health services administration graduate program was ranked No. 1, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, among business graduate schools for physicians by Modern Healthcare magazine. Areas that were taken into consideration included tuition, age of the program, the number of days students must spend on campus and the number of graduates.
New documentary
Dr. Thomas Knestrict of the childhood education and literacy department is completing the filming of his newest documentary entitled “A Journey to Holland.” It is currently in post-production and will be available in fall 2008. The world premier will take place in spring 2009. A trailer may soon be available on YouTube.
Movie showing
Advocates for Animals will be showing the powerful film documentary, “Earthlings,” at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 in Kelley auditorium. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, “Earthlings” explores the correlation between nature, animals and humans. Free snacks provided.
Women’s council
Mary Beth Clary, Esq., chair of Xavier’s Women of Excellence Council, and University Relations staff will share the exciting initiatives of Xavier’s Women of Excellence program—created to honor, extend and advance the legacy of Xavier and Edgecliff alumnae and friends from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 at the Women’s Center, 1415 Dana Ave. Bring a lunch and a friend, and stay for all or part of the discussion. All are welcome. For more information contact Vickie Jones at jonesvp@xavier.edu.
