Expert witnesses called to enhance cases
Kathryn Rosenbaum
News Editor
Dr. Miriam Finch, Dr. Tara Michels and Xavier University are naming expert witnesses to try to prove their cases, as Finch and Michel’s gender and age discrimination lawsuit against Xavier University progresses.
Finch and Michels filed a lawsuit in both the Court of Common Pleas in Hamilton County and the United States District Court against Xavier University, including 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.
Xavier is countersuing Finch and Michels for false allegations of discrimination against de Silva, Fortin and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Janice Walker, for breaking the principles in the faculty handbook and abusing the civil processes of Ohio, among other charges.
In a document filed on July 16, 2008, Finch and Michels have named Professor Emeritus Dr. David Rubin, as one of their witnesses.
Rubin taught at Central State University and has volunteered and worked for the American Association of University Professors which protects faculty’s rights.
Rubin’s letter is trying to prove that the case against Finch and Michels doesn’t warrant dismissal from Xavier.
According to a letter written on June 19, 2008, Rubin said that he reviewed documentation and listened to recordings regarding the dismissal cases of Finch and Michels.
Based on this information, Rubin says that he “believe(s) that the dismissal process used for Professors Finch and Michels at Xavier was seriously flawed.”
Rubin said that the handbook calls for dismissal for serious cause including “grave dishonesty, gross incompetence in teaching, grave irresponsibilities in discharging university obligations…and serious violations of University policies, such as those governing sexual harassment.”
Reportedly, Xavier didn’t follow the procedure established by the AAUP for dismissal.
Based on the information Rubin has seen, he said that there is no evidence that Finch and Michels committed an act that should result in termination, or even discipline.
Instead, he said that evidence of the conflict in the communication department that led to Finch and Michels’ termination was not due to any “improper behavior on the part of Professors Finch and Michels and show(s) them acting no differently than other department members.”
Thus, he finds “it troubling that Xavier is only punishing the two assertive female members of the department.”
Xavier is responding to the testimony of Rubin with the testimony of Professor Emeritus Dr. William Larkin, “regarding the history, formation, interpretation and application of the current Faculty Handbook; and regarding Xavier’s relationship and interaction with the AAUP,” according to a document released on Sept. 3, 2008.
As evidence continues to be collected through expert witnesses and paper documentation in the discovery phase, Xavier is arguing that Finch and Michels are “engaging in fishing expeditions and harassing tactics so that they may cause as much unrest and discomfort for as large a number of people at Xavier as they are able.”
Finch and Michels responded in a document by explaining that their discovery “is to show discriminatory animus by Xavier and its administration, faculty and even staff related to the plaintiff professors being women.”
Finch and Michels believe that women at Xavier are treated differently than men.
In the second amended complaint filed on March 28, 2008, Finch and Michels asked for $15 million each to compensate “for damage to reputation and professional standing.”
They also asked for $5 million in punitive damages and “lost pay, front and back, and benefits in an amount not less than $60,000 per year,” for both Finch and Michels.
They also want Xavier to be prohibited from discharging them, from reinstating them to their former positions and from further discrimination because of their gender and age.
Gentlemen’s organization seeks club status, funding
Group seeks to become more ‘service-oriented’
Emily Hoferer
Managing Editor
The newly revamped Gentlemen’s Organization of Xavier University will appeal to Student Government Association and Dean of Students Dr. Luther Smith for club recognition after being denied last year on the basis that the organization functioned as a social club.
Last year, GOXU, founded by then freshmen Steven Sabol, was a social club where men would get together for events such as old- time baseball, billiards and cigar night.
But this year they want to become a more service-oriented organization, with proceeds from their events going directly to charity and including activities such as playing cards with senior citizens and a toy drive.
“We want to be a club that’s seen actually doing something,” said sophomore Paul Russo. “We want to publicize doing something for the community.”
GOXU stressed that they are a different club than last year. “We would like to have ladies, too,” said Sabol. “We are service-based, and we do not deny anyone from helping out.” This year they have about 25 regular members made up of freshmen and sophomores.
They also emphasize that they call themselves the Gentlemen’s Organization, and not club. “We don’t want to known as a gentlemen’s club because of the preconceived notions that come with the word,” said Russo.
They have turned in the paperwork to SGA for ratification as a club.
If they receive ratification from SGA, it will be the job of Smith, dean of students, to act on behalf of the university and recognize them as a formal club or not.
Smith acknowledges that while there “are some good characteristics of what the organization hopes to accomplish; it just doesn’t jibe.”
SGA Club Relations Chair Daniel Francis said “we will give them a fair chance just like every organization.”
“But it is our responsibility to make sure that the university doesn’t support clubs that could be a liability,” he said.
The gentlemen are allowed to present their appeal to SGA but they “are aware the same concerns would present themselves this year again,” said Francis. “You walk a very fine line with social clubs because we are using tuition dollars to pay for it.”
The gentlemen’s organization finding some support from SGA. “Based on limited reading, the club seems to promote the ideals of the university,” said Senator Chris Hale, who wants to see GOXU given a fair chance.
Hale insists that SGA has to look at the proposal separately from the one filed last year.
Hale said, “We have to respect that they are making it very clear they are not a gentlemen’s club.”
“We need to be careful to allow every proposed club the opportunity to be let in and we need to be prudent about our selections. However, we cannot deny clubs the opportunity based on personal preference,” Hale said.
The officers of GOXU are meeting with SGA and Smith on Monday, Sept. 22 to decide on their fate as a recognized club of Xavier University.
Minniti takes on the role of director at ISS
Amy Windhorst
Campus News Editor
Lea Minniti proves that once you’re a Muskie, you’re always a Muskie.
“I’m a Xavier graduate,” she begins, tracing her life up to this past June, when she was promoted to the position of Director of the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
Her first foray into international affairs began here at Xavier University. After studying Theology, Spanish and Peace Studies as an undergrad, Minniti went on to get her Masters in Education here at XU.
Her background allowed her to make connections between theological perspectives, peace studies and Latin America, and fostered what she calls “a love of all things international.”
Her post-graduation experience only intensified Minniti’s international experience.
After living in Nicaragua and working with refugees and asylees in the United States, Minniti longed to move onto something more education-focused. "The needs of the refugees were tremendous and immediate,” Minniti said. “Here, I can focus on education and help to mentor students about what they want to do with their lives.”
This is Minniti’s third year at Xavier, though her first as director. She was promoted this past June, and had previously been working as the interim director of the office.
Her job is complex, as each day demands that she deal with many students from varying international backgrounds.
While most of the focus at OISS is on student adjustment and comfort, there is complex immigration advising that takes place as well.
“[We] do the immigration advising so that students stay aware of regulations,” says Minniti. “We have to deal with the government regulations, but we really exist to help people form friendships.”
The integration of international students into the Xavier community is perhaps the most important role of Minniti’s office.
ISS works with about 160 students from 40 different countries, helping to ease their transition into Xavier culture.
Additionally, through activities such as the weekly International Coffee Hour, the Romero Center helps to provide opportunities for interaction with the larger Xavier community.
This helps both students of international background and American students gain a better understanding of their differing backgrounds.
Minniti hopes to emphasize the open nature of the Romero Center. “We are here for all students, first and foremost,” she said.
Her office also works with U.S. students to help facilitate interaction between cultures and give students a taste of international experience. “Our space is open to anyone,” said Minniti.
In her new position, Minniti is already scoping out creative ways that OISS can reach out to Xavier students, international and otherwise.
Currently, she is working on fleshing out the ISS website. Her plans for the site call for the inclusion of photo galleries, detailed international information and electronic immigration forms.
Minniti is also interested in reinstating an old OISS initiative known as the International Friendship Program. This program would allow international students to see the inside of a traditional American home, an experience that many students who are international do not have.
For now, Minniti has plenty of ISS events to keep her busy. At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the Faces of the World Lounge in Gallagher Student Center, Japanese students will host the weekly Romero Coffee Hour. The annual Latin Dance will take place on Friday, Sept. 26.
Other upcoming events, such as a cross-cultural retreat and International Education Week will surely keep Lea Minniti’s life filled with activity for the remainder of the semester.
Police Notes
Sept. 8, 10 a.m. — Physical Plant reported that a vehicle had driven on the Victory Family Park fields, causing damage to the fields.
Sept. 9, 5:30 p.m. — Shoes were reported stolen from a locker room in O’Conner Sports Center.
Sept. 10, 2:39 p.m. — Campus Police responded to the bookstore for a theft in progress. The area was searched and officers were unable to locate the subject.
Sept. 14, 1:19 a.m. — Students reported to Campus Police that a vehicle had been following them, and they were asked to get in by the subjects in the vehicle. The vehicle was later stopped by Norwood Police, and the subjects were issued trespass warnings and sent on their way.
Police Note of the Week
Sept. 9, 1:11 a.m. — A tree at Loyola House was struck by a garbage truck.
