AS PRINTED IN THE WHITWORTHIAN:
The club Women in Society Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) was encouraged by administrators to stop handing out condoms to the student body Tuesday, students said.
After a letter to President Bill Robinson, W.I.S.E. was given permission to continue handing out condoms discretly, junior Kristen Black said.
"I’d heard about general distribution of condoms in the HUB and I knew that had created offense and misunderstanding," vice president for student life Kathy Storm said in an e-mail.
Storm said she genuinely appreciated the goals of promoting awareness of gender issues and offering information about sex, health and gender. After hearing complaints Storm said she wanted to pass along feedback to help W.I.S.E. better accomplish its goals.
"A lot of the concerns I heard during the week focused on what I guess you’d call the marketing," Storm said. "For anyone, especially for someone who’s visiting campus and may not have any context for this, having someone call out, ‘You could be raped in jeans’ or ‘We know you’re having sex’ can be jarring and also very offensive."
Robinson and Storm sent director of student activities Dayna Coleman Jones to speak to the students.
W.I.S.E. sponsored Sex On the Sidewalk everyday last week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hixon Union Building as part of Women’s Week.
"We were in the HUB handing out condoms and information on domestic violence, date rape, rape sexual assault and all kinds of birth control," junior Ali Hudak said. She organized Sex On the Sidewalk.
Junior Kristen Black said Coleman Jones, "began to pick up the condoms we put out on display and said something to the effect that we were not to hand out condoms to the students, as [Robinson] was very upset that it was sending the wrong message."
Storm said she understands the objectives of the group, and echoed Robinson’s concern about sending the wrong message.
"If condoms are given in the Health Center, thoughtful, private conversations can happen about life and health, and that seems more consistent with our commitments to responsible decision-making and community values," Storm said.
Coleman Jones said students could place the condoms in bags and hand them out, Hudak said.
"We were frustrated, but we just put them away and handed them out in bags," Hudak said.
The next day, Robinson came by the booth and discussed Women’s Week and Sex On the Sidewalk.
"I asked him if we were OK with the table, and he said we were doing well, ‘keep it up’," Black said.
W.I.S.E. distributed condoms and information in paper bags.
Black said sexual health cannot be ignored.
"We (W.I.S.E.) want it to be known that yes, people on campus do have sex, and we believe in advocating safe sex if they are making this decision," Black said. "Sex is a very personal choice, but something rarely addressed on campus."
Hudak said administrator’s actions sent the wrong message.
"I think it says the school cares more about its image than about health," Hudak said. "They know people are having sex just like every other place."
Black said the Whitworth health center gives out free condoms to students who need them.
"The intention and the mission of the Health Center are to keep all students safe and well," Director of the Heath Center Jan Murray said. "We do this on an individual basis that is nondiscriminatory."
W.I.S.E. member Emily Hurianek said the group declined to comment on this issue and would not go on record, but would be willing to talk about other events.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
W.I.S.E. permitted to hand out condoms
The club Women in Society Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) was allowed to continue handing out condoms in a discrete manner, students said.
Junior Kristien Black said Whitworth President Robinson came up to the booth 'sex on the sidewalk' Wednesday.
"Bill stopped by and I told him what we were up to, explained our grab bags and offered information," Black said.
Black said they discussed women's week and Robinson took some information.
"I asked him if we were okay with the table, and he said we were doing well, 'keep it up'," Black said.
W.I.S.E. simply has to hand out the condoms and information within brown paper bags. Women's week ends Friday.
Junior Kristien Black said Whitworth President Robinson came up to the booth 'sex on the sidewalk' Wednesday.
"Bill stopped by and I told him what we were up to, explained our grab bags and offered information," Black said.
Black said they discussed women's week and Robinson took some information.
"I asked him if we were okay with the table, and he said we were doing well, 'keep it up'," Black said.
W.I.S.E. simply has to hand out the condoms and information within brown paper bags. Women's week ends Friday.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
UPDATE: College restricts distribution of condoms
Whitworth President Bill Robinson said he had not prohibited Women in Society Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) from distributing condoms.
"I did say to Kathy Storm I think the symbolism of distributing them in the health center is better than the symbolism passing them out in the HUB," Robinson said in an e-mail.
Storm said she would be available for an interview later in the week.
W.I.S.E. sent this response to Robinson last night:
President Robinson:
It has come to the attention of W.I.S.E.’s Core Four that there are some concerns regarding our Sex on the Sidewalk Sexual Heath Info booth, particularly concerning our distribution of condoms. Yesterday Dayna Coleman relayed these concerns to us on behalf of Kathy Storm and yourself. In an email she mentioned that you weren’t sure whether giving out condoms was worth the potential backlash. We would like to better understand your concerns. As we have not received any negative feedback from students at the booth, we are not entirely certain of the nature of your concerns. We’d be happy to talk with you about our intentions and focus of our Sex on the Sidewalk project. A prompt response from you on this issue would be ideal so we can continue to educate students on sexual health as part of Women’s Week. Thank you for your time and we look forward to dialoguing with you on this issue.
With love and blessing,
The Core Four:
Priscilla Fuentes
Rachel Gray
Tori Hiller
Emily Hurianek
Erika Prins
"I did say to Kathy Storm I think the symbolism of distributing them in the health center is better than the symbolism passing them out in the HUB," Robinson said in an e-mail.
Storm said she would be available for an interview later in the week.
W.I.S.E. sent this response to Robinson last night:
President Robinson:
It has come to the attention of W.I.S.E.’s Core Four that there are some concerns regarding our Sex on the Sidewalk Sexual Heath Info booth, particularly concerning our distribution of condoms. Yesterday Dayna Coleman relayed these concerns to us on behalf of Kathy Storm and yourself. In an email she mentioned that you weren’t sure whether giving out condoms was worth the potential backlash. We would like to better understand your concerns. As we have not received any negative feedback from students at the booth, we are not entirely certain of the nature of your concerns. We’d be happy to talk with you about our intentions and focus of our Sex on the Sidewalk project. A prompt response from you on this issue would be ideal so we can continue to educate students on sexual health as part of Women’s Week. Thank you for your time and we look forward to dialoguing with you on this issue.
With love and blessing,
The Core Four:
Priscilla Fuentes
Rachel Gray
Tori Hiller
Emily Hurianek
Erika Prins
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
College restricts distribution of condoms
The club Women in Society Everywhere (W.I.S.E.) was encouraged by Whitworth administrators to stop handing out anymore condoms to the student body Tuesday, students said.
Whitworth President Bill Robinson and vice president for student life Kathy Storm sent director of student activities Dayna Coleman Jones to speak to the students.
W.I.S.E. is sponsoring the event sex on the sidewalk everyday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hixon Union Building this week.
“We were in the HUB handing out condoms and information on domestic violence, date rape, rape sexual assault and all kinds of birth control,” junior Ali Hudak said, who is in charge of sex on the sidewalk.
Hudak said Coleman Jones approached the booth.
Junior Kristen Black said Coleman Jones, "began to pick up the condoms we put out on display and said something to the effect that we were not to hand out condoms to the students, as [Robinson] was very upset that it was sending the wrong message."
Hudak had the same story.
“[Robinson] said that we can’t hand out condoms,” Hudak said.
Whitworth has a policy that does not allow sex on campus, because the college is a Christian institution.
Coleman Jones said the students could place the condoms in bags and hand them out, but Robinson did not want them to hand out the condoms at all, Hudak said.
“We were frustrated, but we just put them away and handed them out in bags,” Hudak said.
Black said sexual health is an important issue that can no longer be ignored.
"We (W.I.S.E.) want it to be known that yes, people on campus DO have sex, and we believe in advocating safe sex if they are making this decision," Black said. "Never do we (or will we) tell anyone to have sex. Sex is a very personal choice, but something rarely addressed on campus."
Hudak said W.I.S.E. is planning to meet this Thursday during chapel to decide what to do. The group is planning to send a response to Robinson.
“If he dosen’t give us an explanation, then we’ll figure out where to go from there,” Hudak said.
Hudak said Robinson's request gives the wrong message.
“I think it says the school cares more about its image than about health,” Hudak said. ”They know people are having sex just like every other place.”
Black agrees.
"I don't think that handing out condoms sends the message that Whitworth is condoning or encouraging sex, but rather the opposite, that Whitworth is encouraging students to make safe and informed choices," Black said.
Black said the Whitworth health center gives out free condoms to students who need them.
Health Center Director Jan Murray confirmed this.
"The intention and the mission of the Health Center are to keep all students safe and well," Director of the Heath Center Jan Murray said. "We do this on an individual basis that is nondiscriminatory."
Murray said the health center recognizes rules are broken all the time.
"We are not blind to this," Murray said. "This is a time of experimentation for young adults and that includes sexual issues. Our hope is that students will make decisions that are right for them."
Murray said the health center has information about all health issues including sexual health.
"We see it as no different than any other health issue," Murray said. "We want students to feel safe and sure that their privacy is respected in this environment regardless of why they walk in the door."
Robinson had not responded to interview requests at the time this was published.
Whitworth President Bill Robinson and vice president for student life Kathy Storm sent director of student activities Dayna Coleman Jones to speak to the students.
W.I.S.E. is sponsoring the event sex on the sidewalk everyday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hixon Union Building this week.
“We were in the HUB handing out condoms and information on domestic violence, date rape, rape sexual assault and all kinds of birth control,” junior Ali Hudak said, who is in charge of sex on the sidewalk.
Hudak said Coleman Jones approached the booth.
Junior Kristen Black said Coleman Jones, "began to pick up the condoms we put out on display and said something to the effect that we were not to hand out condoms to the students, as [Robinson] was very upset that it was sending the wrong message."
Hudak had the same story.
“[Robinson] said that we can’t hand out condoms,” Hudak said.
Whitworth has a policy that does not allow sex on campus, because the college is a Christian institution.
Coleman Jones said the students could place the condoms in bags and hand them out, but Robinson did not want them to hand out the condoms at all, Hudak said.
“We were frustrated, but we just put them away and handed them out in bags,” Hudak said.
Black said sexual health is an important issue that can no longer be ignored.
"We (W.I.S.E.) want it to be known that yes, people on campus DO have sex, and we believe in advocating safe sex if they are making this decision," Black said. "Never do we (or will we) tell anyone to have sex. Sex is a very personal choice, but something rarely addressed on campus."
Hudak said W.I.S.E. is planning to meet this Thursday during chapel to decide what to do. The group is planning to send a response to Robinson.
“If he dosen’t give us an explanation, then we’ll figure out where to go from there,” Hudak said.
Hudak said Robinson's request gives the wrong message.
“I think it says the school cares more about its image than about health,” Hudak said. ”They know people are having sex just like every other place.”
Black agrees.
"I don't think that handing out condoms sends the message that Whitworth is condoning or encouraging sex, but rather the opposite, that Whitworth is encouraging students to make safe and informed choices," Black said.
Black said the Whitworth health center gives out free condoms to students who need them.
Health Center Director Jan Murray confirmed this.
"The intention and the mission of the Health Center are to keep all students safe and well," Director of the Heath Center Jan Murray said. "We do this on an individual basis that is nondiscriminatory."
Murray said the health center recognizes rules are broken all the time.
"We are not blind to this," Murray said. "This is a time of experimentation for young adults and that includes sexual issues. Our hope is that students will make decisions that are right for them."
Murray said the health center has information about all health issues including sexual health.
"We see it as no different than any other health issue," Murray said. "We want students to feel safe and sure that their privacy is respected in this environment regardless of why they walk in the door."
Robinson had not responded to interview requests at the time this was published.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
President threatens prior review
The board of trustees decided not to adopt an anti-discrimination policy that would give specific protection to homosexuals on Friday.
Whitworth was pushed to either claim a religious exemption or comply with the Anderson-Murray Bill, a new Washington state law extending the previous Washington Civil Rights Act beyond protection previously guaranteed by the federal government.
Whitworth has traditionally and intentionally not taken a stance on the issue.
The board made the decision in executive session, which is not open to the public.
The decision was released to Whitworthian, Whitworth's student newspaper, reporter Leah Motz following the executive session.
The only mention of the debate that would take place occurred in the opening session of the board meetings.
"[The board will] discuss the issue related to the non-discrimination policy and how we will respond to the recent state legislation," Robinson said.
Robinson had threatened to put the student newspaper, The Whitworthian, under prior review if it covered the story.
The Whitworthian ran an article last week announcing the board would be making the decision. Instead of prior review, Robinson agreed the editor-in-chief, Peter Smelser, would call and read back the quotes within context.
The newspaper is protected from prior review by administration unless the article could open the school to a lawsuit.
Currently, The Whitworthian is working to strengthen its rights in the student handbook. Administrators put the proposed student handbook changes on hold until next fall.
Whitworth was pushed to either claim a religious exemption or comply with the Anderson-Murray Bill, a new Washington state law extending the previous Washington Civil Rights Act beyond protection previously guaranteed by the federal government.
Whitworth has traditionally and intentionally not taken a stance on the issue.
The board made the decision in executive session, which is not open to the public.
The decision was released to Whitworthian, Whitworth's student newspaper, reporter Leah Motz following the executive session.
The only mention of the debate that would take place occurred in the opening session of the board meetings.
"[The board will] discuss the issue related to the non-discrimination policy and how we will respond to the recent state legislation," Robinson said.
Robinson had threatened to put the student newspaper, The Whitworthian, under prior review if it covered the story.
The Whitworthian ran an article last week announcing the board would be making the decision. Instead of prior review, Robinson agreed the editor-in-chief, Peter Smelser, would call and read back the quotes within context.
The newspaper is protected from prior review by administration unless the article could open the school to a lawsuit.
Currently, The Whitworthian is working to strengthen its rights in the student handbook. Administrators put the proposed student handbook changes on hold until next fall.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
.5 Credit Class
A new class worth one-half a credit could be introduced next fall. The class will use the new id card system to track attendance at Whitworth-sponsored lectures and events.
No additional work will be necessary beyond attendance.
The class will count as an elective, and students will have to pay for the class if it causes overload.
The class is modeled on a former program called Forum, which failed in 2003. Under forum, Whitworth students were forced to attend lectures and events. Attendance was tracked by sign-in sheets.
ASWC representative Joy Bacon said she recommended to the department chairs that the class include ASWU sponsored events since many of them lack high attendance.
No additional work will be necessary beyond attendance.
The class will count as an elective, and students will have to pay for the class if it causes overload.
The class is modeled on a former program called Forum, which failed in 2003. Under forum, Whitworth students were forced to attend lectures and events. Attendance was tracked by sign-in sheets.
ASWC representative Joy Bacon said she recommended to the department chairs that the class include ASWU sponsored events since many of them lack high attendance.
Friday, April 13, 2007
The results are in
Over 1,000 students voted in the recent ASWU election. A Whitworth record.
The winners:
President - Scott Donnell
EVP - Katie Zerkel
FVP - Luis Lopez
According to sources, Donnell won by around 300 votes, Zerkel by 8 and Lopez by around 600.
Facebook called it.
The winners:
President - Scott Donnell
EVP - Katie Zerkel
FVP - Luis Lopez
According to sources, Donnell won by around 300 votes, Zerkel by 8 and Lopez by around 600.
Facebook called it.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Facebook Frenzy
Forget Gallup polls. If Facebook is any measure of success, then presidential candidate Scott Donnell should win the election tomorrow by a landslide. Donnell has 208 members for his group "I'm voting for Scott Donnell."
Presidential candidate Kyle Pflug only has 76 members for his group "Kyle Pflug for ASWU President."
Facebook has been used this election as a campaign tool in a way never seen before. Candidates are posting flyers, notes and creating groups to win votes. While candidates have used Facebook in the past to campaign, this has reached a different level.
The most shocking feature is the relatively nonexistent mud slinging. The campaign is very nuetral. Some candidates seem very similar. Both presidential candidates are resident assistants in Duvall.
Executive vice presidential (EVP) candidate Vi Nguyen currently has 94 members. Executive vice presidential candidate Katie Zerkel also has 94 members. Facebook predicts this will be a close race.
Conversations with students on the Whitworth campus have confirmed this. Most students said they were unsure who to vote for on EVP.
A group for candidate Holly Ridings could not be found. A recent conversation with former presidential candidate Amy Newton revealed Ridings has been sick and her cell phone broken, which accounts for her absense from the debates on Tuesday night.
Luis Lopez has 125 members for his group "Luis Lopez for ASWU Financial Vice-President." Ridings' absence from Facebook makes this race impossible to call. However, her absence from Facebook and the debates could also mean a loss.
The validity of using Facebook as a measure for winning elections will be seen tomorrow.
Facebook was used in the demise of the ASWC constitution proposal two months ago. Several Mac men created an event to encourage students to vote against the proposal, which ultimately failed.
Some of the groups I found on Facebook:
WRITE-IN Kit Roberts for EVP
Write-in Josef Bookert for Off-Campus Senator!
Luis Lopez for ASWU Financial Vice-President
Kyle Pflug for ASWU President
I'm voting for Scott Donnell
Vote Katie Zerkel for ASWU Executive Vice President
Vi Nguyen for ASWU Executive Vice-President
VOTE NONE OF THE ABOVE FOR ASWU PRESIDENT!
Write-In COREY NEWMAN for Stewart Senator
Richie Ressel for Stewart Senator
Presidential candidate Kyle Pflug only has 76 members for his group "Kyle Pflug for ASWU President."
Facebook has been used this election as a campaign tool in a way never seen before. Candidates are posting flyers, notes and creating groups to win votes. While candidates have used Facebook in the past to campaign, this has reached a different level.
The most shocking feature is the relatively nonexistent mud slinging. The campaign is very nuetral. Some candidates seem very similar. Both presidential candidates are resident assistants in Duvall.
Executive vice presidential (EVP) candidate Vi Nguyen currently has 94 members. Executive vice presidential candidate Katie Zerkel also has 94 members. Facebook predicts this will be a close race.
Conversations with students on the Whitworth campus have confirmed this. Most students said they were unsure who to vote for on EVP.
A group for candidate Holly Ridings could not be found. A recent conversation with former presidential candidate Amy Newton revealed Ridings has been sick and her cell phone broken, which accounts for her absense from the debates on Tuesday night.
Luis Lopez has 125 members for his group "Luis Lopez for ASWU Financial Vice-President." Ridings' absence from Facebook makes this race impossible to call. However, her absence from Facebook and the debates could also mean a loss.
The validity of using Facebook as a measure for winning elections will be seen tomorrow.
Facebook was used in the demise of the ASWC constitution proposal two months ago. Several Mac men created an event to encourage students to vote against the proposal, which ultimately failed.
Some of the groups I found on Facebook:
WRITE-IN Kit Roberts for EVP
Write-in Josef Bookert for Off-Campus Senator!
Luis Lopez for ASWU Financial Vice-President
Kyle Pflug for ASWU President
I'm voting for Scott Donnell
Vote Katie Zerkel for ASWU Executive Vice President
Vi Nguyen for ASWU Executive Vice-President
VOTE NONE OF THE ABOVE FOR ASWU PRESIDENT!
Write-In COREY NEWMAN for Stewart Senator
Richie Ressel for Stewart Senator
Thursday, April 5, 2007
ASWC Budget Constraints
At this week's ASWC meeting there were $2,000 in requisitions and only $1,090 left in unallocated funds to meet that need.
The organization began with over $8,000 in funds last semester.
Three different clubs and organizations made requests for money and each only received $300. Included in this group was Exceptional Praise, Good Deeds for Trees and The Whitworthian.
Exceptional Praise aka Gospel Choir has never asked for funds from unallocated before. The group is traveling to Tacoma and Pullman to perform.
The director of Exceptional Praise Sha'Nay McQuirter said during the meeting, "If we don't get at least $800-900 then we can't go."
Good Deeds for Trees asked for $300 to cover expenses for earth week at the end of April.
The Whitworthian asked for $650 to cover printing cost. Peter Smelser, editor-in-chief of the Whitworthian says unforeseen circumstances arose leaving the Whitworthian $1,500 short. It is unclear whether the newspaper will be able to publish the remaining three issues left for this semester.
With $950 left in the budget, ASWC decided to only give the Whitworthian $300, which only covers 3/4 of a 16 page black and white issue.
Earlier in the year, ASWC approved $800 for new sports equipment among other club needs. Because of this later in the year, other clubs and organizations are struggling to find the funding they need to make events and publications happen on campus.
Now there is $600 left for the rest of the year.
The organization began with over $8,000 in funds last semester.
Three different clubs and organizations made requests for money and each only received $300. Included in this group was Exceptional Praise, Good Deeds for Trees and The Whitworthian.
Exceptional Praise aka Gospel Choir has never asked for funds from unallocated before. The group is traveling to Tacoma and Pullman to perform.
The director of Exceptional Praise Sha'Nay McQuirter said during the meeting, "If we don't get at least $800-900 then we can't go."
Good Deeds for Trees asked for $300 to cover expenses for earth week at the end of April.
The Whitworthian asked for $650 to cover printing cost. Peter Smelser, editor-in-chief of the Whitworthian says unforeseen circumstances arose leaving the Whitworthian $1,500 short. It is unclear whether the newspaper will be able to publish the remaining three issues left for this semester.
With $950 left in the budget, ASWC decided to only give the Whitworthian $300, which only covers 3/4 of a 16 page black and white issue.
Earlier in the year, ASWC approved $800 for new sports equipment among other club needs. Because of this later in the year, other clubs and organizations are struggling to find the funding they need to make events and publications happen on campus.
Now there is $600 left for the rest of the year.
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