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Tufts eliminated from NESCACs

May 2

The defense was good. The pitching was great. The offense just wasn't there. This weekend the softball team, staking claim to the NESCAC's most potent offense, was shut down by opposing pitching as it was knocked out of the double elimination NESCAC playoffs with two straight losses, first 1-0 to the Williams College Ephs, then 2-0 to the Middlebury Panthers in an elimination game. "We played really well all weekend," senior tri-captain Maggie McClory said. "We had great pitching from [sophomore] Julia [Brenta] and [junior] Caroline [Grieco], and our defense really came on strong, we just couldn't get it together offensively, which really hurt us as we didn't score any runs." The loss ended the Jumbos season with a record of 16-16, including a 6-4 conference mark. "We just couldn't find the bats in both games," McClory added. "It's a little disappointing because we've been struggling with hitting all year. We couldn't string hits together so we never could get a whole offensive push going." The first game, on Friday afternoon against the archrival Ephs, featured a pitchers duel between sophomore pitchers Tufts' Brenta and Clara Hard of Williams. The two matched each other pitch for pitch through the first five innings, each allowing only one hit and no runs. Despite just one hit, the team began its offensive charge early on, in the top of the first inning. Sophomore left fielder Laura Spring was hit by a pitch and senior tri-captain Julie Fox reached base on a fielder's choice, with Spring advancing to second. Both runners then stole bases, giving the Jumbos second and third with one out. But Hard settled down after that and struck out the next two Jumbos to quell the threat. In the bottom of the sixth, Williams manufactured a run with speedy freshman Cathleen Clark. Clark beat out an infield single to lead off the inning. She stole second and was advanced to third on a grounder in the infield. Junior Liz Gluck then laid down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt to score Clark and give Hard and the Ephs all they would need. The sophomore pitcher then retired the Jumbos 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh to end the game. Brenta ended the contest having pitched six strong innings, allowing two hits and one run, striking out two and walking one. Hard pitched seven strong, earning the shutout after allowing just one hit, striking out seven and walking one. "Clara Hard is one of the best pitchers in the NESCAC and she pitched very well," McClory said. With the loss, the team came out in a must-win game against the Middlebury Panthers on Saturday morning. The winner stays alive, the loser goes home. Once again, however, the Jumbos offense was unable to get into a rhythm and was shut down by Panther pitchers Lauren Bowe and Jennifer Williams. Bowe started the game and pitched five strong innings, allowing four hits without surrendering a walk. Williams relieved her from her post at second base, pitching the last two innings without giving up a hit or a walk and striking out two. "We had never seen [Bowe] before," McClory said. "She was okay, but we could have done a little better against her." Jumbo junior pitcher Caroline Grieco also had a strong day on the mound, allowing just two runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out one. In the bottom of the fourth, the Panthers got two runners on base for freshman second baseman Maura Casey. Casey, hitting in the No. 8 slot, came out with the game's most important hit, a double that scored both Middlebury runners. As a team, Tufts earned only five hits in two games, and failed to produce two hits in an inning. Despite the early departure from the NESCAC tournament McClory still feels that the season was a success overall. "We struggled at the beginning of the season, and it was great to come back and string together nine really great wins," McClory said. "Come back over .500, which was one of our goals, even making NESCAC's was an achievement because a lot of people were counting us out. Overall the season was a success, especially looking at where we were at the beginning."

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News

Poll number claim fabricated

May 2

I am the professor who oversaw the Harvard survey discussed in the article last week ("Kerry's campaign focuses on college voters," .Thanks for the nice coverage, but I want to correct something important. Philipp Tsipman, president of the Tufts Republicans, quotes a separate poll (Zogby, March 31) that, he says, shows Bush over Kerry 51.9 percent to 36.6 percent within the 18-24 demographic. This quote comes from the Bush campaign. But the numbers are made up. No Zogby poll on 18-24 year olds had Bush up. Indeed, the March 31 poll had Kerry over Bush by more than we found in our poll. I confirmed this with John Zogby. I am not a partisan, and last year the Democrats were unhappy that my poll had Bush over the Dems by so much. But the facts are the facts, and clouding the debate with false numbers is a real shame. Mr. Tsipman owes the Tufts community an "I'm sorry."David King Research Director at the Harvard Institute of Politics Professor of Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government

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News

Polar Bears exact revenge on Jumbos

May 2

Three weeks after Tufts made a statement with a thrilling 4-3 regular season victory over Bowdoin in Medford, the Polar Bears got the best of the Jumbos when it mattered most with a 5-2 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The loss brings the men's tennis team's season to a close with a record of 7-6. Bowdoin, which finished in fourth place, right behind Tufts, in last week's NESCAC Championships, improved to 11-5 with the win. The Polar Bears advanced to meet Williams, the tournament's host, in yesterday's Northeast Regional Finals. The Ephs cruised to the national quarterfinals yesterday with a convincing 7-0 win over Bowdoin. After the Polar Bears claimed the doubles point to open the proceedings, the teams split the next four matches, taking two straight-set victories each. Sophomore Ben Alexander had the easiest outing of the day for Tufts, taking a 6-1, 6-1 victory over John Carolan at third singles. In the sixth position, freshman Corey Keller had similar results with a 6-1, 6-2 win over John Posey. Unlike the previous match in Medford, the Jumbos could not hang on to momentum acquired from the easy singles wins. At the top of the lineup, Macafee Burke avenged his April loss to junior tri-captain Rifat Perahya with a 6-1, 7-6 (5) victory at first singles. Sophomore Jon Rubenstein, whose dramatic win clinched the match for the Brown and Blue in April, could not stage a repeat performance, as Thomas Jencks also got his revenge with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Rubenstein at fourth singles. In the fifth slot, freshman Sean McCooey fought hard over three sets, but in the end, Sam Bitetti came back for Bowdoin with a 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-0 win. Senior tri-captain Jon Bram also fell short, with a loss to Patrick Keneally at second singles (6-3, 7-5). At first doubles, the tandem of Bram and Perahya fell short with an 8-5 loss to Burke and Keneally. Although the team's season is over, the two Jumbos captains will now await a possible invite to the NCAA Individual Tournament. Perahya could be invited for singles, and he and Bram could also gain an invitation for their strong doubles play this season. Despite this season's success, the loss to conclude the season was a bitter pill to swallow for the team members, especially against Bowdoin, a match-up that developed into an intense rivalry in 2004. "It's a tough way to end [the season]," Bram said. "We really wanted that one. We dislike [Bowdoin], and they dislike us." After Keller and Geoffrey Loh fell to Carolan and Brett Lawson at third doubles by a score of 8-3, the second doubles match that pitted Rubenstein and McCooey against Bitetti and Jencks was halted in order to begin singles play. After finishing third in last weekend's NESCAC Championships, the team had one more order of business to attend to in the regular season before heading back to Williams for the tournament match with Bowdoin. In Wednesday's match at Babson, Tufts came away with a 6-1 victory over the Beavers. While their NCAA Tournament seeding had already been determined, the match was important both for the sake of momentum and for the players hopeful for an individual tournament invite. With their 8-4 win at first doubles over Mike Brooks and Jon Martin -- ranked tenth in the most recent ITA Northeast poll -- Perahya and Bram made a strong pitch for placement into the tournament. Perahya could not follow the doubles triumph with a similar performance at singles, however, as he fell 7-6 (4), 6-3 at first singles to Gabriel Ackermann. The loss was the only blemish on the Jumbos' day, with the exception of Keller and Loh falling 8-1 in the third doubles slot, a loss that did not cost the team the doubles point. The rest of the singles lineup claimed straight-set wins over the Beavers. Bram had the hardest outing of the day with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Blake Leong at second singles, while McCooey's 6-1, 6-1 conquest in the fifth slot over Sherwin Parkhurst was the easiest victory of the day for Tufts. While the end of a season is always disappointing, it is safe to say the squad's 2004 campaign can be labeled a success. Despite setbacks suffered due to injuries, the Jumbos still put on a strong showing in the NESCAC Championships and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Bram, the only player Tufts will lose to graduation this spring, had nothing but good things to say about the year his team put together. "I would rate this as the best team I've been on in my four, even with the injuries," the senior tri-captain said. "Everyone stepped up and put that much more effort in at practice all year."

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News

SoC redefines the elements

May 2

SoC has a certain, inimitable way of doing things. Isolated movements, stylized choreography, lots of sex appeal, a slightly awkward but fun intermission dance contest, and the obligatory chant ("S-o-CEEEE!") reverberating through the auditorium, make it impossible to mistake an SoC show for anything else. "Element," the group's end of semester show, took the best of SoC and brought it to the next level by taking some subtle artistic chances. The show retained SoC's natural sexiness, fast paced and impressively coordinated choreography and unrivaled enthusiasm while abandoning some of the group's more predictable aspects. SoC stepped it up and sampled from old and new to redefine the elements. Under the direction of senior Henry Myint, "Element's" 20 dances ranged from fast-paced and stylized modern moves, to step, ballet, and even the can-can. Some dances even went so far as to get a little interpretive. This semester's selection turned away from the temptation to rely on dependable and formulaic choreography and instead made an artistic reach to create some beautiful and innovative ensemble pieces. In "Midnight Thirty," choreographer Myint combined powerful and dynamic music with bold lighting and well placed marionette-like synchronized dancers. The result was a fluid tableau that went beyond a well practiced routine to artfully express the choreographer's visual interpretation of D. Rob's "Clubbed to Death." Another highlight was junior choreographer Liz Sutton's "Fever." Set to Peggy Lee's inherently sexy song, backlights silhouetted seven snapping ladies all clad in oversized men's dress shirts. The sultry ambiance was that of the famously sassy "Cellblock Tango" from the musical "Chicago." The piece slowed down the pace and left all the men in the audience panting. Senior Tyler Duckworth's "The Bongo Song" also made an impression. Duckworth's choreography showcased his own ridiculously uncanny gift for precision high kick dancing. The can-can number featured some serious flexibility and playfully interpretive 1920s flapper costumes. Audience participation is a key element in any SoC production, and it often provides some of the show's most memorable moments. This semester's intermission dance contest was one of those moments when all of the competitors where shamelessly shown up by Precious, an unusually confident and talented five year old girl. Shaking her tiny hips in innocent flirtation, Precious may have been the show's most inexperienced dancer, but judging by the roar of the audience, this tiny dancer definitely stole the show. Carefully considered costumes and elaborate lighting played an important role in giving each dance its unique sense as well as ensuring a dynamic and forward moving program. Costumes ranged from overalls and straw hats, to circus masks, to metallically shiny wrap-arounds. The show's soundtrack proved to be just as diverse featuring artists including Janet Jackson, The Gypsy Kings, Notorious Big, and Britney Spears. Unfortunately, so many combined factors require an enormous amount of technological coordination, an aspect of live theater that rarely runs smoothly. While the performance quality went unmatched, the show's technical glitches and significant down time between numbers took away from the overall experience, at times leaving the audience restless. Thanks to difficulties in the production booth, the show got off to a late start and even left dancers in the second act's "Senior Dance" without music or lights. Fortunately, they took it from the top and in traditional SoC fashion, the dancers and the audience fed off of each other and kept the energy electric through the three hour long performance.

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News

City Briefs

May 2

Somerville school to be closed due to lack of funds The Somerville School Committee decided to close the Powder House Community School (PHCS) at a meeting last week. This decision was made in the interest of saving money and because the building could be used to house other departments of city government. Superintendent of Schools Al Argenziano also cited the uncertainty of the school department's financial situation in the upcoming year. "We are hoping we'll be level-funded, but it seems very possible that it will be a little less and we'll have to cut about $2 million in funds," Argenziano told the Journal. There are two other schools near PHCS, so that students attending it will most likely not have trouble relocating to a new school. Also, the resolution dictates that the site of the former PHCS will house mostly educational programs.Medford superintendent of schools has mixed reactions to proposed budgetAlthough disappointed that the state has level-funded several educational programs, Superintendent of Schools Roy Belson is still hopeful. In the proposed budget released by the House Ways and Means Committee, financial support for early childhood programs, kindergarten programs, and school nursing was all level-funded. "Level-funding is better than a cut," Belson told The Medford Transcript. "But it does not provide us with the additional resources necessary to support normal increases in budgetary costs at the local level." Still, Belson believes that the state may come through in other ways. $80 million has been added to the Special Education Circuit Breaker fund, which is intended to reimburse towns 75 percent for student placements that exceed $29,330. It only provided 35 percent of the expected funds, but the new addition may help to prevent this from happening in the coming year. "We are hopeful that this funding will help recapture our expected financial position," Belson told the Transcript.Somerville and Everett to cooperate in spanning the Mystic Officials from Somerville and Everett met in the middle of the Mystic River last week to shake hands over their intent to work together to beautify the Mystic riverfront. The officials hope to build a path across the Amelia Earhart Dam, which connects Assembly Square in Somerville with the Gateway Shopping Center in Everett. "This is about creating vital riverfronts on both sides that benefit from the connection," Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone said in a press release. The state is enthusiastic about this project as well but officials are concerned over the path's design. "The challenge we face and the reason we have to do some thorough design work ahead of time is that we have to make sure the walkway doesn't compromise the essential function of the dam," Katie Ford, a spokeswoman for Katherine Abbott, commissioner of the state Conservation and Recreation Department, told The Boston Globe.-- compiled by Zosia Sztykowski

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News

Relieve stress: look at art

May 2

With the onset of reading period and the all-too-menacing threat of finals looming on the horizon, study breaks often come few and far between. But some time spent alone with artwork can often do more to calm the nerves than the most relaxing massage, and with the opening of the Tufts University Gallery's April shows, students will have the opportunity to step inside and relax in between exams. The gallery is ending its semester in a big way this month with the opening of its three last shows: a collection of works created by invited artist Marshall Carbee, an MFA thesis exhibition, and a small exhibit that was organized by students in the Tufts University Museum Studies Certificate program. The opening receptions for all three exhibits will take place this Thursday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. As the latest artist to be featured at the gallery, Carbee's resume is as varied as they come. The New England-born artist has illustrated a children's book, produced documentaries on foreign relations between the United States and Japan, worked on music videos and motion pictures, designed artwork for shows for musicians like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, and created the prototype for the original Mutant Toyland in "Pee Wee's Playhouse." In 1996, his first short film, "I'll Be Yours Forever," won the New Hampshire Humanity Council's Discovery award. Carbee's eclectic background shows through in his artwork. The subjects of his work range from landscapes to swirling hurricanes, a single leaf, to a spider resting against a vividly surreal backdrop. The exhibit in the Slater Concourse Gallery will showcase the full expanse of this modern-day Renaissance man's talents, and will include everything from handmade jewelry to a paper placemat that the artist created for Burger King. Carbee's works vary visually between onslaughts of color and simple black and white, and his sense of humor often leaks through onto his metaphorical canvass, no matter what medium he is using. "Life Was Different Then" is the last of the gallery's thesis exhibitions for the school year, held in conjunction with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. The works that will be displayed in the Tisch Gallery are those of six different artists, all of whom were enrolled in the SMFA's degree program. In the past, the thesis exhibitions have brought a wide range of artwork to the gallery, and the upcoming collection will be no different. Still photographs, simple landscapes, illustrations from children's books, and a combination of video, drawings, and hydroponics will all reflect back on days long past and project each artist's ideas about the future. Visitors to the gallery can also take a much more literal return to the past with the new exhibit that is opening in the Koppelman Gallery. Entitled "Enlisting a Nation: The Art of Persuasion in World War I Posters," the collection will allow guests to investigate how propaganda was used during World War I to increase support for troops back home in the United States. The posters included in the exhibit show how the war was made personal for those still on the home front. They offer an example of how nationalistic propaganda has evolved from a time when there were fewer means for disseminating a message, especially when taken in comparison to today's instant communication provided by radio, television, and the internet. Also on display will be a collection of artifacts from World War I, designed to complement the posters and provide another look back on a distant period in our nation's history. The propaganda show was organized by students in Tufts' Museum Studies Certificate Program with the help of Ken Turino, the Exhibitions Manager at the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The Museum Studies program trains graduate students and professionals in the skills needed to organize and provide administration duties for museum and other historical sites. "Enlisting a Nation" represents the culmination of their study over the course of the semester. All three shows offer visitors the opportunity to step back and take another look at the world, whether it's through the lenses of eclectic artwork, a look at times long past, or early 20th century propaganda. With such a varied collection on display, the Tufts University Gallery is sure to have something to calm the nerves of even the most harried exam-taking student.

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News

Dorm alcohol policy enforcement varies

May 2

Many Residential Assistants, through both confusion and deliberate action, are ignoring the University's alcohol policy. Residential Assistants (RAs) are required by the guidelines of the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ORLL) to document all violations of alcohol use. Last year, RAs were allowed to use discretion in deciding whether to document the first offense in dormitories. Dean of Students Bruce Reitman described discretion as an "experiment" that was tried last school year, and the current system is a "return to the traditional policy." Reitman said while there was "a lot of miscommunication going around," the policy did not change during this school year. Some RAs, however, said they believed the policy had reverted back to discretion. Although the alcohol policy changed at the beginning of this school year, conversations with RAs revealed what actually happens inside residences is markedly different from the policy. RAs are quoted anonymously because ORLL policy does not allow employees other than ORLL Director Yolanda King to speak to the press without permission. King declined to comment for this story. One RA was unsure if the policy had reverted to discretion, but had decided to give some leeway. With the current policy, "you are like cop and your residents are afraid of you," the RA said. "You can't build a relationship. It's better to use your discretion." Another RA was more supportive of a strict alcohol policy. The RA said the duty team in the residence had been more willing to enforce rules after an incident where two students nearly died because of alcohol poisoning. "There was no noise and they were drinking quietly," the RA said. "They were not too far from dying by the time the friends found them." The students received medical attention. "We don't want those [kinds of] incidents happening again, so we are cautious," the RA said. Even so, the RA was skeptical that the policy could be completely enforced. Most alcohol incidents begin as noise violations, which then can escalate after students are approached. "If you smell alcohol but have no proof there's not much anyone can really do about it," the RA said. A third RA did not think changing the policy affected how the actual policy is enforced. "The rules didn't make much difference," the RA said. "It's almost natural to use discretion." Senior Pretish Gandhi, who recently resigned as a RA, criticized ORLL's approach to the situation. "Anytime you have a policy that requires mandatory documentation, you are unable to gain the trust of residents," he said. He challenged the office to develop "a protocol that embodies trust." This can only be achieved through a policy that gives the RA some degree of freedom in handling a situation, according to Gandhi. Gandhi said enforcement varied widely. "As far as I'm concerned, you have a big group of RAs that use discretion, and a big group that do not," he said. Ultimately, Gandhi believes the decision is a personal one. "Every RA decides how to deal with their own residents," he said. Last year's policy placed students who received treatment from Tufts Emergency Medical Services on Disciplinary Probation I. The changed policy refers students to a counseling session, a move intended to encourage students to seek medical attention for drinking-related incidents. Reitman said RA input was one of the reasons for the referral change. In the current policy, after the first violation of the alcohol policy students are still referred to Judicial Affairs Officer Veronica Carter. Parents are notified, and a third documented incident results in either disciplinary probation or medical leave. According to Habitats, the ORLL handbook, the school may take more serious action on the first offense for violations including providing alcohol to students under 21, alcohol misuse during the pledge process, and abusive drinking. Some violations require a meeting with the Coordinator of Community Standards and Judicial Processes and completing a three-hour online course. Parents are generally not contacted, and the first violation is not recorded on the student's University record. All subsequent violations are reported to the ORLL office.

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News

Sad to see Jenke go

May 2

I was very disappointed to learn of John Jenke's dismissal in last Friday's Daily("Assistant IR director departs suddenly"). As the program assistant at the Program in International Relations from 1994 to 1998 I had the opportunity to witness first-hand John's profound impact on Tufts students. For years, his office in Cabot 605 has been the starting point for first and second year Tufts students considering majoring in International Relations. IR is the largest major at Tufts and at times the line of students spilled out into the hallway. But even those who hadn't met him yet generally hung in because they had heard that he was worth the wait. John would always take the time to actively engage students in taking a strategic view of their time at Tufts. I have a feeling that there are many Tufts students who can, and hopefully will, tell their own stories about how John shaped their Tufts experience simply through his thoughtful, sometimes tough, conversation. Many immediately rose to the challenge of his style and returned again and again. Students came not only to talk over world events, but also looking for academic advice and, especially, career planning as graduation approached. Why? Students sought John out because he didn't just dispense advice; in fact, he rarely did so. Instead, he engaged students in debate, encouraging and even provoking them into thinking critically about whatever it was that they had come to see him about. I watched more than one student leave John's office defensive, even affronted, at John's relentless questioning: why study IR, apply for a particular internship, pursue that job opportunity? What did they want to learn or achieve, and how could this major, internship, or job help them to reach those goals? These same students were always back within days, or hours, the questions percolating, eager to resume the discussion with a better understanding and sense of themselves. How unfortunate that future Tufts students will not have the opportunity to benefit from John's experience and exceptional abilities.Anne Sauer Assistant Archivist

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News

Storage vendors claim TSR is a monopoly

April 29

Several storage and shipping providers claim that Tufts Student Resources (TSR) is seeking to bar them from campus with support from the administration. TSR is a student-run business which provides summer storage and shipping in addition to other student services, and is currently the only Tufts-affiliated shipping and storage operation. Senior Andy Katzenberg, a campus representative for the shipping and storage service company Collegeboxes, said "if TSR can see [another vendor], they'll try and block you. And the administration is behind them." In an e-mail to students last Thursday, Director of the Office of Student Activities (OSA) Jodie Nealley said that, "What we want you to know is that there is only one authorized storage company on campus, and that is CampusShipAndStore.com in affiliation with Tufts Student Resources." Nealley added that Campus Shipping and Storage is locally based, operates on campus through an approved student organization, and has received no complaints about its service. Requested for an interview, Nealley referred questions to sophomore and TSR Co-President and CFO Nicole Brusco. Brusco said that Nealley's e-mail, an attempt to clarify the difference between TSR and other companies, was in the best interest of the OSA. "It's a lot better for the University to promote a company that has an office on campus because TSR is not entirely independent from the University. TSR has an office on campus, all of us are students, and people know where to find us. We're accountable," Brusco said. She added that "TSR is not a monopoly. Other companies are on campus, and people can see that. The University isn't favoring TSR. It's in their interest to use us. We are accountable and they know that," Brusco said. Brusco also noted that Campus Shipping and Storage has not received a single complaint to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in 10 years of operations at Tufts, and that fewer problems, rather than favoritism, were the reason for the e-mail. Barry DiBurro, owner of the UPS Store in Medford Square, also believes that "TSR decided that they wanted to take control of the business I was providing to students away from me." In a letter to the Daily, DiBurro cited an incident two years ago in which Tufts University police asked him to leave campus after receiving a call from TSR employees. Even though DiBurro was sanctioned to be on campus to make a delivery, he said that the TSR employees informed the police "that only TSR could only sell boxes to students," DiBurro said. "I do want to protect what is right -- a student can call Domino's to order a pizza even though the University offers food services... why is it any different for people trying to use my services?" DiBurro said. The UPS Store in Medford has never received any complaints through the Better Business Bureau, and according to its owner, students are being unfairly limited in their shipping and storage options. "Over six years of service that we've provided to the students at Tufts, we've never lost or damaged a single item. We've provided early and extended returns for students as well. This has especially been helpful to the Resident Assistants who come back two weeks earlier than the other students." DiBurro said. He added that "we've provided service directly to the student's dorm room both at pick up and when making returns." According to Brusco, past problems with other companies included the use of substandard quality boxes that resulted in damage to student property. Missed deliveries, difficulty tracking belongings, and inconvenient or unknown locations of storage facilities resulted in further frustration and confusion, Brusco said. "Whenever anything happens to a students' stuff, parents come directly to the University," Brusco said. Nevertheless, other students believe that a variety of options should be made readily available on campus. "Just because the service isn't Tufts-sponsored, doesn't mean you shouldn't use it. You should be able to do anything you want. It's clearly a strategic move to make their business look better. The problems encountered [in the past] are normal storage company problems that [TSR] faces too," Katzenberg said. "I can understand how it's a positive to have [TSR] on campus, but at the same time, if they are bad vendors, what's the alternative? You're kind of stuck with them. I think they're pretending they're a benevolent group that is here to help us -- but [TSR] is not for our convenience, it's there to make money." Kazenberg said.Katzenberg, who has represented Collegeboxes on campus for the last three years, said he tried to affiliate Collegeboxes with the Senior Class Council this year, promising to donate 3-5 percent of the operation's revenue to the 2004 Class Fund.He was told by the OSA that Collegeboxes would not be allowed to collaborate with the officially-recognized Council. Collegeboxes will continue to offers its services to Tufts students. According to OSA policy, off-campus advertising is only allowed with permission from the Director of Student Services. UPS and Collegeboxes say that they have faced hostility from TSR and OSA in the past, though both companies have continued advertising their services at Tufts Senior Aaron Weinstein, who used TSR services during his first year, said "TSR is close to home and convenient and helping out your fellow students. So, if you don't mind paying a lot extra for storage and a little extra for shipping, then do it. But, if you are a comparative shopper, there are a lot better resources around Tufts that cost a lot less."

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News

Jumbos face do-or-die series

April 29

It all comes down to this weekend, a precarious three-game series between the Jumbos (16-11, 5-4 NESCAC-East) and the Bates Bobcats (11-15, 4-5 East) starting today in Lewiston, Maine. There are two possible outcomes for Tufts: a sweep of the series will get the Jumbos their fourth consecutive spot in next Friday's four-team NESCAC Tournament. A single loss will lead to and an early trip to the showers without a postseason slot. The key for Tufts is to treat the series like any other, according to senior co-captain Randy Newsom (5-1, 3.78 ERA), and avoid the trap of thinking about NESCACs. "The worst thing we can do is to treat it as different," Newsom said. "Obviously the stakes are a little higher, but it's the same as any league series. [Bates'] record is deceiving. They'll be tough games all the way through, and if we play the way we're capable of we should be able to do it." Trinity (26-6, 10-2 East) and Williams (26-7, 10-2 NESCAC-West) already hold berths in the tournament, with Amherst (11-14, 4-5 West) and Middlebury (11-13, 4-5 West) meeting this weekend to determine the second West team to join Williams in the postseason. The Jumbos currently sit third in the East behind Bowdoin (21-11, 8-4 East), but the Polar Bears have closed out their 2004 divisional schedule and must await the Tufts-Bates result to see whether they will make the first NESCAC postseason appearance in school history. Should Tufts sweep Bates and tie Bowdoin with an 8-4 division record, the Jumbos would claim the second East berth behind Trinity on the strength of its 2-1 head-to-head record with Bowdoin this spring. Riding the momentum of a four-game win streak, Tufts sends northward a team on an offensive tear. The Jumbos are currently third in the NESCAC with a .320 team average, and all but one of the lineup's regulars are batting over .300. "We need timely hitting. When we have the opportunity to score, like with a runner on third and two outs, we've got to come through," sophomore right fielder Matt Clement said. "We struggled earlier in season with that, but the younger players are coming through and we're doing a better job of it." Bates is hitting marginally lower as a club at .305, but has been carried offensively by some big bats, with five hitters slugging over .500 with at least three homers. Junior catcher/DH Charlie Engasser leads the team with a .382 average and 26 RBI, while his five homeruns are second to senior quad-captain Rob Maguire's seven. "One of the big battles is our pitching versus their hitting," Newsom said. "They've got lots of guys who can hit, the three M's [seniors Maguire, Drew McKenna and Nate Maxwell] have been there four years and have done well." But Bates -- like Colby, Tufts' victim last weekend in a three-game demolition -- has been let down by its pitching, which enters the weekend seventh in the conference. The team has a 6.61 team ERA and walked 109 batters in just 182.1 innings of work. Tufts, by contrast, has allowed just 55 free passes in 210 innings -- a potentially big factor in the series. "We have to keep the ball down and not give them anything pitching-wise or on defense," Newsom said. "We can be a very good pitching team. [Offensively] if we can get past their starters and into their bullpen, that's where we can really get to them." Nevertheless, the biggest edge in the series for either team could come not at the plate or on the mound, but with who crumbles first under pressure. Bates, unlike Tufts, has nothing to lose in the series due to its official elimination from playoff contention last weekend to Bowdoin. Bates took one of three from Bowdoin, however, and will be looking to play spoiler against Tufts too. "They took one from Bowdoin and swept Colby, so they're definitely a good team," Clement said. "We've gotta be on our 'A' game to beat them." According to Bobcat senior pitcher Ben Megrian, being out of the race won't stop Bates from seeking scalps. "I'm no psychology major, but sure, those guys will certainly be playing under more pressure than we will," Megrian said. "But when it comes down to it, its still baseball -- pitching hitting and defense. I don't think the psychological aspects of the game will matter much. They're a strong ball club who wants to get into the post season and we're hungry to beat them for the first time in a while." Bates last beat Tufts in 1991, with the Jumbos running up a 23-0 record against the Bobcats since then. The series also marks the first time since 1999 that the teams will play in Lewiston. "We have to play our best baseball to take this series," Megrian said. "Our strength this year has been our hitting. We have to continue to get quality starts out of pitchers, which we've had, and cut down on errors that have hurt us lately. If we play flawless defense and hit the ball like we can, I think we'd have a good chance at taking this series." But Tufts is taking Bates' carefree attitude in stride, instead focusing on using the high stakes to motivate the team to play hard and not allow the Bobcats to get comfortable at any stage during the series. "The challenge is making sure we really jump out on top. Every game we have to work hard to make sure we're playing hard right away," Newsom said. "It's a great test. I don't think it could have worked out better actually, because it will be the same type of situation that we'll be in next week [if we win], only more intense."

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News

Worldwide leader in Sports blocked again

April 29

The New England Patriots may win the Super Bowl, the Celtics and the Bruins may advance through the playoffs, and the Red Sox may defeat the Evil Empire Yankees, but Tufts students will still be without ESPN in their dorm rooms next year. The four ESPN sports channels, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPNEWS, as part of an overall programming package, would double the cost of Tufts cable programming package to $100,000 per year, according to Tufts Computing and Communications Services (TCCS). Currently TCCS pays $50,000 for the cable service. For TCCS, the department in charge of cable TV, the cost of adding ESPN is too great. Marj Minnigh, the administrator coordinating cable TV issues at TCCS, was surprised at the cost of adding ESPN. "We went over that three or four times with the vendor [and we said] 'that can't be right,'" Minnigh said. "$50,000 is more than [Tufts students] spend on the Spring Fling. ESPN would probably be the single largest fundraising interest and when you look at it that way you have to think of the relative value." TCCS made a number of attempts last fall to make sports television available short of paying an extra $50,000. For instance, it added NESN, the New England Sports Network, to the cable TV line-up. With NESN, students are able to watch every Red Sox baseball game. ESPNEWS is also rebroadcast through NESN. Currently students living in dorms do not pay an extra fee for cable TV, nor is it part of student' overall room rate. The money to pay for cable TV comes from a general Arts and Sciences fund. Other universities that offer ESPN afford it by charging every student and additional fee or increased room rate. Because not every student benefits from the addition of ESPN, TCCS believes that the added cost is unfair. Minnigh said that two years ago when cable TV with ESPN was offered, students had to pay for the service. "When we sold traditional cable, the [largest percentage] of rooms we had subscribing was 35 percent, and that was the best year." For students who want ESPN, there might still be hope. TCCS is willing to work on a year-by-year basis with students willing to raise the money but unsure about committing to an annual fundraiser. TCCS has said that they are willing to work with whomever is willing to raise the extra money. As Minnigh says, "If somebody gave [TCCS] a $50,000 check, I'd order ESPN that day." In addition, ESPN does not offer any of their sports channels as an a la carte premium service. This is a long standing policy of ESPN's, despite the lobbying efforts of both Tufts and the cable vendor for change. ESPN, unlike other channels such as HBO and Showtime, is not available independently at an added cost. A large percentage of students would like to have ESPN. Freshman Keith Collins said, "I need ESPN. If not for my own sake, then for the sake of those around me. You don't want to see me if I haven't gotten my fix of ESPN that day." Despite the lack of ESPN, TCCS has made changes to improve the selection of channels for next year. They plan to add three to five foreign language channels available not just in dorms, but in Olin classrooms as well. By doing this, TCCS hopes to increase the variety of programming and languages offered to enhance the classroom experience. TCCS is also responding to a request made by students to offer MTV-U, an MTV channel with a direct focus on college students. So far it is unclear whether MTV-U will be available next year.

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News

Tufts faces Williams, former coach in first round of NESCACs today

April 29

The games don't get any bigger than this. The NESCAC playoffs are here and as if that is not enough reason to excite the Jumbos, they will face rival Williams College in the first game on Friday at Williams. Earlier this season, Tufts fell 2-0 to Williams on the team's spring trip to California in non-NESCAC play. The Jumbos would like to exact some sweet revenge on former coach Kris Herman, who left Tufts to become the coach of the Williams team. The Jumbos, however, are just staying focused on the game. "It's the postseason, so we really don't care who we're facing during the game," senior tri-captain Deana Davidian said. "The only difference is that it would be a lot sweeter afterwards if we do win." "Playing our old coach might give us a little bit of extra motivation," senior Pam Swidler said. "But it won't be in our heads as much as the first time we played them. It's such a different atmosphere now." Tufts has yet to announce a starter for the game, but the two most likely candidates are sophomore Julia Brenta and junior Caroline Grieco. The Jumbos will be facing Williams pitcher Clara Hard, who shut them out in their previous meeting. In that outing on March 27 in California, Hard pitched seven innings while yielding only four hits. She also struck out five and walked three. Despite her recent success, the Jumbos are confident they can handle the talented pitcher. "She's a good pitcher; she has pretty good speed and she also mixes location nicely," Davidian said. "We can definitely hit her though. We saw her in the NESCAC Championship last year, so the key for us is making adjustments when we need to." "We played a pretty good game the last time we faced them, we just need to play a little cleaner this time," Grieco said. Tufts has also made a number of changes since the last time they faced Williams. "We've switched around our batting order and also some elements of our defense," coach Cheryl Milligan said. "We now have an everyday third baseman and we've moved Laura Spring to the outfield. We also have some faster players at the top of our lineup who are good bunters." Williams has strong pitching and defense, but the Jumbos think they have a definite advantage when it comes to batting. "Williams isn't going to make mistakes," Milligan said. "So we've got to hit the ball hard and focus on getting on base because they don't make many errors. But I think we have the better hitting team." The tournament is double elimination and four teams are in the field. Tufts has a history of success at NESCACs -- it has never lost the tournament. The 2004 season has been one of many twists and turns for Tufts. The Jumbos started out the season by winning five of their first six games. Then things went downhill as the Jumbos dropped their next ten games. But they found their stride at just the right time, winning 11 of their next 14 contests, including nine straight. "We just need to remember how we've played in our last nine games and focus on playing our own game." Grieco said. The Jumbos have the highest expectations going into the weekend. "Tufts has never lost in this tournament, so I feel like we are the favorites and that we are the best team in the tournament," Grieco said. "We expect to win." In order for Tufts to be successful this weekend, Davidian feels the team needs to be on the top of its game in a few key areas. "In order to do well this weekend we need to have strong pitching with consistent defense, but it's also important we have some timely hitting," Davidian said. If the Jumbos come through on those tasks, it's likely they will once again have the familiar feeling of hoisting the NESCAC championship trophy at season's end.

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News

Facing the war in Iraq

April 29

America's number one goal needs to be protecting America. To that end, we spend in excess of $400 billion a year. We should not and cannot afford to worry what other countries think about our policy when American lives are at stake against enemies out to annihilate us -- that forms the basis of the oath the president swears to. Unfortunately, the war on terrorism, taking place in a close election year, has placed the president's ears and eyes on poll numbers, and has thereby gotten away from the chief purpose of war -- to win. In fact the president's dismal performance at his most recent news conference, where he admitted to feeling so much pressure that he could not even think of an answer to one of the question posed, underscores the tension taking place in the White House, as they arch to middle ground solutions of which there are none. If we are going to fight a war we need to fight it as a war; after all, WW II ended, and American lives did not have to be sacrificed after we dropped two nuclear bombs. Like the current war in Iraq, we were out to destroy an enemy bent on killing us and then bragging about it. A war should not be waged when one side is doing everything to win and the other is doing everything not to lose. In the current situation in Iraq, America is so scared about harming "innocent" civilians that American soldiers are losing their lives because of it. In fact, more Americans lost their lives this month than in any month since the conflict began, and that includes the period subsequent to "major hostilities" ending, as President Bush boasted just a year ago. Iraqi rebel forces are fighting with every arsenal they can lay their hands on while we are playing down to the competition. We have the strongest military in the world, yet we are a laughingstock, losing face with each passing day. How about this for an idea -- let's win, and do so quickly. Otherwise, I assure you, decades from now, we will still be fighting this war on terrorism. And how we win is simple and makes sense. Wherever there are rebel forces that attack and kill Americans, we should level that town or city. By use of bombs, not bullets. This will absolutely stop such incidents from reoccurring. For which town would launch grenades and other ambushes against American troops if they had the absolute knowledge they would be goners? This would force Iraqi citizens to police themselves and would send a very strong message to other terrorist organizations around the world: if you kill Americans, you will absolutely be killed -- and we will take many of your fellow terrorists with you. In many Arab countries today, terrorists are free to run amok, while raising millions (if not billions) of dollar, as their host country looks the other way. How would the Saudis and Syrians feel, for instance, if they saw the U.S. bomb away at a city that harbored terrorists? How would they feel about being next? Perhaps they might join us in seeking peace. Unless the enemy knows we mean business, they will absolutely continue to kill our citizens, just as a weak animal is scavenged by the strong. Before the war started, and continuing to this day, many people in this country and around the word believed we needed to take more of a global approach involving the United Nations. One should remember that the United Nations was very much involved, passing resolution after resolution that Iraq simply ignored. Something had to be done about this. After Iraq defied numerous resolutions, the only alternative was force against a dictator that used biological and chemical weapons on his own people. Could the United Nations be taken seriously when Syria, which is known to publicly sponsor terrorism, was on its security counsel!?! While my solution is not easy, as innocent lives will be lost, that will unquestionably be the result of our present course -- with no end in sight. And if we continue along the present path, we will encourage other terrorist organization to take hold, not fearing the consequences. The terrorists have the American psyche pegged. They felt all along that as the war dragged on, it would lose public support -- and it has. Right now, a minority of Americans support the war. So while President Bush digs his spurs in the sand preparing for a long battle, American confidence wanes as the confidence of terrorists rise. My final point in this article will be on the subject of weapons of mass destruction and why not finding them does not mean much. Over the past months, multiple politicians, including Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, said they would not have voted for the war now because they believed they were mislead by the President in saying Iraq possessed WMD. There was evidence that suggested Iraq had WMD, but the chances of actually finding these weapons were very slim. We did know he used chemical weapons on thousands of his own people, and American soldiers found many thousands of shallow graves. For years Iraqis had been tortured and killed and the time for it to end is long overdue. As the premier power in the world, it was and is our responsibility to protect people during times they cannot protect themselves, especially when it is against an enemy out to devastate us. And to those who claim this is all about oil: sure, that alone is worth the fight, since without it, the world economy would surely collapse. And that would bring out another set of problems, including crime. In this article I have stated that the Gulf War II is a just war, and in this war we need to everything within our power to win in the manner that produces the best outcome for us: the best outcome being to end it with major firepower quickly, just as in WW II. If you think my solution is foolhardy, answer the following questions: What would the world be like if we lost the war on terrorism? What would your daily life be like with one eye looking ahead, and the other in the rear view mirror? What would it be like to wonder if your child, parent on loved one got home safely today, and then wonder if you will be so lucky tomorrow?Eli Hackel is a freshmen who has not yet declared a major

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American history comes alive

April 29

"It's so bizarre that it had to be true," exclaims student playwright Taylor Shann. Tonight at the Balch Arena, Bare Bodkin Theatre Company presents a reading of his play, "The Interview." The play takes an inside look at the fascinating personalities and events surrounding the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Shann originally wrote the work in New York as an on-stage documentary with the help of the Ted Shapiro Award, a grant annually to American Studies majors. He revised and adapted it into play form for his drama major senior project. Instead of a full production, the nine-actor cast will present a read-through of "The Interview." Shann chose not to take an active part in directing tonight's performance because, as he said, "Half of the joy is watching them find other things I hadn't thought about before." Nicole Frattaroli portrays Hamilton's mistress, Maria Reynolds. "Out of the female characters, she's the most fun," Frattaroli said. Maria, a feisty character who flaunts her relationship with Hamilton, is caught up in a blackmailing scheme involving her lover. She adds elements of sex and scandal to the play, but also exhibits a deep understanding of Hamilton. Equally fascinating is the character of Hamilton himself, who displays a biting honesty in his observations of those around him, once referring to Burr as "not unlike the serpent in the garden." A major motivation for writing on this topic came from Shann's utter distaste for movies such as Mel Gibson's "The Patriot," because of their failure to stay true to the subject matter. In his play, Shann tries to move away from a manipulative approach while keeping his audience interested. The play is an examination of Hamilton and Burr's respective family members, their fellow political figures, their friends, and their enemies. "The Interview," looks at the emotion and scandal surrounding the duel. In researching the play Shann found that "under the surface it's like a soap opera. This all happened. A textbook would leave it dry; I have tried to fill it with life. What I like is that the choices these characters make are their own and on some level everyone is to blame." Burr challenged Hamilton to a pistol duel after Hamilton publicly attacked his character multiple times. Burr killed Hamilton in the duel. While not exhibiting bias in favor of one of the men involved in the duel, Shann "takes sides with the people around them." The play deals with the human emotions that lead up to the duel, the effects the outcome had on Hamilton's family, the consequences it had on Burr's career, and much more. Bare Bodkin is a University theatre company that features student written works. One advantage of showcasing the work of student writers is in their ability to produce work that will attract the interest of the student body. "I want to reach the audience and find a way to make art accessible," said Shann, "The more people to get and enjoy the play the better."

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News

Assistant IR director departs suddenly

April 29

Assistant Director of the International Relations (IR) Program John Jenke left his position on Monday, much to the surprise of several of his student advisees and University colleagues. "I can't comment on the reasons for my departure," Jenke said late Wednesday night from his home. Director of the IR Program Christiane Zehl-Romero declined to say yesterday whether Jenke resigned or was fired. A Human Resources regulation prevents employers from discussing why an employee has left his or her position at the University. Human Resources Vice President Kathe Cronin said she could not comment on an individual employee's situation. However, Jenke's personal friend and former political science professor Donald Klein said yesterday that Jenke "was fired in the full sense of the word." Klein said he has spoken with Jenke since Monday. "He was told abruptly, as he walked into his office on Monday, that his computer had been shut down and was asked for the keys to the office and told to leave campus by an employee relations officer and Zehl-Romero," Klein said. Klein said he was "certain" Jenke was fired due to a personal conflict with Zehl-Romero. Zehl-Romero, however, said there was no such conflict. "On my part, there were no personal issues," she said. "I was, in fact, in the small group that hired him years ago." Jenke's advisees were not informed of his departure until Zehl-Romero sent an e-mail to them yesterday, three days after his departure. "I am very sorry to have to inform you that John Jenke has recently left the university," it read. "We would like to make this transition as smooth as possible for you." Jenke began his career at Tufts 14 years ago as a teaching assistant for political science professor Richard Eichenberg. He then worked as a lecturer in the department for two years. Following his stint as a lecturer, Jenke moved to the assistant director position in the IR department -- the position he held for the past 12 years. "I know I speak for many professors in the Department of Political Science, who also contribute to the IR Program, when I say that John Jenke was a tremendous source of guidance for students and professors alike," Political Science Department Chair Vickie Sullivan said. "He took on an inordinate share of the IR advisee population and served as an effective liaison between our department and IR on administrative issues," she said. "We know from our students that he made their intellectual experience at Tufts richer and more fulfilling." Dean of Arts & Sciences Susan Ernst could not be reached for comment because she is out of the country. Jenke also served as an advisor for Hemispheres, the undergraduate journal of international relations. "Hemi[spheres] would not have been what it is today without him," senior Angela Hukanson, the former editor-in-chief of Hemispheres, said. "Jenke was an incredible asset to the IR department and Tufts, and regardless of the circumstances of his departure, it's a real loss for the school." Junior IR major and current Hemispheres editor-in-chief Melody Hildebrandt was one of Jenke's advisees. Hilderbrandt said she was "disappointed" with what she called the department's "ineffective response" to the situation. "I think he's the one person at the University who had the door always open to students," she said. "I know he wouldn't walk out on the students." Klein has been rallying former students to write to President Larry Bacow demanding Jenke's reinstatement. In the meantime, Klein said Jenke is considering other appointments. "He's married and has two kids -- he needs a job," Klein said. "We are very sorry that he will no longer be serving the students and faculty of Tufts," Sullivan said. "We will miss him."

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News

Reasoning on Scripture and homosexuality

April 29

The biblical position on homosexuality has been particularly polemical in recent public discourse. People are asking the honest question -- what does the Bible actually have to say about homosexuality? Answers are often glib and unresearched -- "the Bible says nothing about homosexuality" or "the Bible says God hates gays," for example. Answers like these are often given by people who have little understanding of the scriptural texts and even less desire to study them academically. In the March 16 issue, Natawnee J. Fritz offered an answer of her own. In her viewpoint ("Scripture outdated on homosexuality"), Fritz argued that scholarly hermeneutics are essential for the proper understanding of the scriptural texts. In this, Fritz was correct; we cannot approach the Scriptures without academic diligence or research. Unfortunately, Fritz showed a disappointing lack of academic rigor, resorting to awkward manipulations of the biblical texts in a clear effort to demonstrate support for her a priori belief that homosexuality is morally acceptable. How then do we respond to those who do not wish to justify their own beliefs, but instead wish to understand the actual meaning of the authors' writings? I am confident that by employing sound principles of historico-cultural exegesis and academic honesty, we will find that the Bible's position on homosexuality becomes clear. Let's look at some of the relevant texts from the Levitical Law: "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable [or, 'an abomination']." (Lev. 18:22) "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable [or, 'an abomination']." (Lev. 20:13) Without further investigation, these passages seem to roundly condemn homosexual practice. Some revisionist biblical scholars claim, however, that this prima facie judgment is misguided. Such scholars make much of the fact that the Hebrew word, toeva, translated "an abomination" in these passages, is often associated with the condemnation of idolatry throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. Because of this, the passages above are interpreted as condemnations of homosexual practice only in the context of idolatry. This position is untenable for the serious academic, however. In verse 29 of chapter 18, the Hebrew word toeva is used as a blanket term of condemnation in reference to such sins as incest, adultery, bestiality, and child sacrifice. Are we then to assume that these practices, like homosexuality, are acceptable so long as they are performed outside of the context of idolatry? Moreover, revisionist theologians neglect the fact that the word toeva is used, for example, in Proverbs 6:16-19 to condemn such sins as lying, murder, and pride -- actions in which express idolatry plays no part. We must concede that the scriptural context demands that we interpret toeva as a condemnation of acts which are intrinsically immoral, and not simply due to their affiliation with idolatry. At this point, the progressive theologian may argue: "Well, you don't enforce the Levitical law prohibiting men from clipping the sides of their beards; why are you so dogmatic in your condemnation of homosexual practice?" It is true that Christians do not enforce many of the Levitical commands in light of the fact that Scripture itself testifies that these laws were temporary in nature, signs or "shadows" pointing to the fulfillment in Christ. "Perhaps the Levitical condemnation of homosexuality was also temporary in nature," suggests the revisionist. This argument eventually falls flat, however, in light of the New Testament's repeated reaffirmations of the Levitical condemnations of homosexual practice. Let's look at an example from the first chapter of Romans: "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion." (Rom. 1:26-27) In Paul's description of fallen humanity throughout the book of Romans, he seems to cite homosexual practice as symptomatic of this fallen state. In response, Fritz et al. challenge the assumption that Paul is here writing about homosexuality as we know it today. The "indecent acts" referred to are suggested to be either some form of pederasty or a heterosexual's willful rebellion against his or her own natural orientation by engaging in homosexual activity. These claims do not stand up to scrutiny, however. Paul is clearly not simply referring to pederasty, as homosexual acts between women (for which the suggestion of boy-love cannot apply) are presented here as analogously immoral. The claim that Paul is referring to heterosexuals "experimenting" against their natural sexual orientation is equally mistaken. This view, invented by Derrick Sherwin Bailey in 1955 in his book, Homosexuality and the Western Tradition, now finds virtually no support among New Testament scholars of any merit. There is nothing in the wording of this passage that implies Paul is making any distinction between "true" and "false" homosexuals. Moreover, the very fact that Paul refers to men being "inflamed with lust" for one another makes it improbable that he is speaking of heterosexuals acting against their own natural impulses. If acting against "natural" impulses is what Paul is condemning here, should we then assume that envy, murder, deceit, and malice (referred to in v. 29) are similarly acceptable so long as the person committing them feels a "natural" impulse to do so? The claim that Paul was unaware of consensual homosexual relationships as we know them today is, unfortunately, historically myopic. As theologian Dr. Gordon Hugenberger writes on the subject, "Since Paul was as well-educated and well-read as he was... he would have been quite familiar with the vast homosexual literature of the Hellenistic world in which tender, committed, nurturing homoerotic love was celebrated. No doubt, he would have known of Emperor Nero's own homosexual marriage to Sporus. Since Paul ministered for a length of time in Corinth, he may well have known first hand of many other homosexual marriages. Despite all of this, at no point does Paul say even the slightest positive thing about homosexual practice. Instead, every time he addresses it, he rejects it as an option for Christians." In light of the overwhelming evidence, we must conclude that the Scriptures here explicitly condemn all forms of homosexual practice. I have nothing personally invested in claiming homosexual practice is morally wrong. However, as both a Christian and an academic, I am very interested in the actual meaning of the Scriptures. For the sake of brevity, I have only made a cursory examination of a few of the relevant passages. Nevertheless, in the case of the Bible's stance on homosexuality, research and academic honesty compel me to conclude that it clearly condemns all homosexual practice as immoral. You may say that the Scriptures are nothing but a collection of the writings of men, that they are sexist, racist, or homophobic -- but at least for the sake of academic honesty, do not undermine their claims by manipulating them to justify your own preconceived ideologies.Paul Johnson is a senior majoring in English.

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Eating healthier' just wishful thinking for some off-campus students

April 29

The problem of finding food becomes a pressing problem for Tufts students who find themselves living off campus. According to Dining Services Director Patti Klos, students moving off-campus and into apartments with kitchens take a number of factors into account when deciding what sort of meal plan, if any, to retain. Whether eating healthy salads or greasy pizza, upperclassmen said that a drawback of moving off-campus is the loss of community that comes from no longer joining friends for Stir Fry night in Carmichael. According to Klos, many upperclassmen "still find meaning in coming to the dining halls, meeting with their friends." Junior Eliza Drachman-Jones, who lives in an apartment off-campus, expressed nostalgia for the days when she had a dining plan, saying that restricting meals to the dining halls "promotes the social experience of the freshman class." "Now that I live off-campus, I have lost the social aspect of the dining hall, and I don't see nearly as many people," she said. Cohen agreed, maintaining that the dining halls are a great place to meet other students. "I am definitely meeting fewer freshmen and sophomores since I moved off-campus and spend less time in the dining halls," he said. Students seek a meal plan that allows them to eat "social" meals at the dining halls. On the other hand, upperclassmen do not want to be tied down eating at Carmichael or Dewick constantly. Klos says that one of the most popular meal plan choices for upperclassmen is the 80-meal plan. Many then choose to add anywhere from 50 to 500 points to their accounts. The Points Plus system gives students access to all on-campus and participating off-campus dining establishments. The very convenience of using points to order tasty but patently unhealthy food from eateries like Espresso's and Wing Works, however, poses a potential problem for health-conscious students. Junior Jon Cohen said that his eating habits have "degraded" since he moved off-campus, because he is more likely to order unhealthy food than to go to one of the dining halls. Drachman-Jones agreed, saying that her eating habits are now less healthy than they were during her first two years at Tufts. "My meals are not as well-rounded," she said. "I definitely do not eat a real lunch unless I am eating on campus, and I am more likely to snack all day long." On the other hand, many underclassmen feel that more flexible meal plans will allow them to eat healthier. "Freshmen and sophomores have a very limited choice when it comes to meals, and most of the food I get this year is from ordering," sophomore Sean Zinsmeister said. "I believe my eating habits will be much better when I move off-campus and can cook my own meals." "It was tough to eat healthy [as a freshman] because the dining halls do not offer the most nutritious food," sophomore Melissa Fiorenza said. "I find it easier to eat healthier now [that I have points and am not limited to the dining halls], but I am really looking forward to eating off campus and making my own meals in my apartment." Junior Ben Bloom attests to the possibility of eating well after moving off-campus. Bloom says that his eating habits have improved since moving off campus because he now has greater access to a wider variety of food. Bloom feels, however, that living off campus is not necessary for eating healthfully: "I can grill food myself instead of ordering food, but there are also healthy options in the dining halls like salads and steamed vegetables," he said. Fiorenza echoed this sentiment: "I think anyone can have healthy eating habits regardless of where they live or dine, as long as they choose healthy foods." "Anecdotally, we think many students in off-campus apartments are very health conscious," Klos said. "They're looking for healthy, easy-to-prepare foods [to cook in their home kitchens]. We can't compete with BJ's or anything, but it seems to be filling a niche." Jumbo Express now has a refrigerated section containing healthier foods, including options such as tabouli, lettuce, green salads, and sushi.

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Firm stance on student-prof relations

April 29

Tufts' Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) is not taking any chances when it comes to personal relationships between students and members of the faculty and administration. Earlier this month, the OEO revised the consensual relations policy to emphasize the inappropriateness of a relationship between a student and any person that has the ability to evaluate or influence his or her academic performance, regardless of consent. According to University policy, amorous, dating, or sexual relationships between faculty and students are "inconsistent with the University's educational mission" and are forbidden between individuals within the same school or college. The policy was also modified to incorporate an additional section that explicitly forbids University staff, such as administrators, from entering into personal relationships with undergraduates. "This is about defining appropriate standards for an institution," Dean of Students Bruce Reitman said. "What happens if a relationship goes bad? The faculty member is still in a position to influence the academic records of somebody with whom they now have an awkward relationship." Reitman added that "there is the potential for [such a relationship] to be coercive. 'I can get you a better grade if you'll have dinner with me.' That is totally wrong and unallowable." While romantic involvement with professors was discouraged in the original policy, the personal and academic power of the teacher was not made clear. The previous policy was instated over ten years ago by then-Provost Sol Gittleman. The policy was a response to inappropriate behavior by an anonymous faculty member. "Whenever there's any authority, personal relationships aren't allowed," Gittleman said. "We're not going to tolerate it. Even if it's consensual, it gives the appearance of inappropriateness." The policy received criticism from certain members of the Tufts and Harvard University communities, including Harvard faculty that had married -- and subsequently directed the dissertations of -- their graduate students. Then-Tufts President Jean Mayer also spoke out against Tufts' policy. "You cannot legislate against love," he said. Gittleman said the ban is appropriate. "Undergraduates and grad students need protection," he said. "Faculty are supposed to know better." Concerns about professor-faculty relationships are typically handled by the OEO and the Dean of Students Office. If the violation concerns a professor, the issue is turned over to the supervising dean of that particular college. If the issue regards an administrator or staff member, it is forwarded to the Vice President of Human Resources. The consequences of violating the policy depend on the case. This includes details such as the duration of the relationship, the tenure of the faculty member, and the level of their authority. "People don't like universities having cookie-cutter processes and responses," OEO Specialist Christy Galatis said. "These cases can be so involved and so messy that we need to spend time investigating and processing them individually." According to Galatis, an investigation into a formal complaint ideally takes thirty days, but is frequently extended due to circumstances such as breaks and sabbaticals. Disciplinary action for the implicated faculty member can be as severe as dismissal from the University. "Students look to faculty as mentors, confidants, and reference providers," Galatis said. "That relationship itself is difficult for both parties to manage, especially when a personal dynamic comes into play. [This policy is in place] to ensure that the student is provided with the best education Tufts can offer." Tufts remains one of the few schools that have a formal policy in place. Other universities, however, are beginning to follow suit. Last year, the University of California banned any romantic relationship between professors and students. This was prompted by a student accusation of sexual harassment against the Dean of the Law School at Berkley, who in turn claimed the encounter had been consensual. Other schools such as Stanford, Yale, Ohio Wesleyan, the University of Virginia, and the College of William and Mary have employed similar policies in the past decade. Some policies remain more lenient than others. Duke, for example, allows for consensual relationships, but requires that the faculty member must first notify a dean and relinquish his authority over the chosen individual. Tufts' stance on the controversy may be a strict one, but the administration deems it necessary. "I've seen how wrong some of these situations can go," Reitman said. "Both the reality and perception of fairness, and the interpretations of right and wrong, are very important," he said. "We're talking about professional ethics. I think it's an important issue for an institution of higher education to have a standard. I'm glad we do."

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News

Jumbos trample Wesleyan, look to finish season strong

April 29

The men's lacrosse team continued its NESCAC dominance on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Wesleyan College in Middletown, 10-7, in a matchup of two of the top nationally ranked teams in Division III. Wesleyan could not gain momentum throughout much of the game after the Jumbos came out firing in the first quarter and never looked back. With the victory, Tufts moves to 7-1 in the NESCAC on the season, tied with Middlebury College -- who has been the only team to defeat the Jumbos in league-play -- for first place. "We did a great job possessing the ball and simply outworking Wesleyan," coach Mike Daly said. "Wesleyan is a great team that we have a lot of respect for and our possession was fantastic and created a lot of opportunities for us. The defense also played great when we needed them, and they did a better job clearing the ball than in past games." Junior Bryan Griffin was the story on offense for the Jumbos. The top scorer in the NESCAC tied the team's single-season points record after he contributed three goals and as many assists, to post a 64-point total in 13 games so far this season. Griffin scored two goals and dished out an assist in the first quarter to put the Jumbos up 4-1. The junior all-American also came out firing in the second quarter, posting five of his total of six points in the first half to put them up 6-4 at halftime. Daly has been impressed with Griffin's play throughout the season, but attributes much of his success to his teammates. "Bryan is a special guy with a drive that is very impressive," Daly said. "Being the reigning player of the year in New England and the NESCAC, he has taken an absolute beating this year, but he just keeps coming up huge in big games. Our whole team has a drive similar to Bryan's and their drive and ability to fulfill different roles has allowed Bryan to have success." Wesleyan was plagued by penalties early on in the game, and committed three penalties in the first quarter to give the Jumbos the man-advantage. Tufts was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities during Wesleyan's penalties. Wesleyan's offense was led by sophomores Glenn Adams and Mike Vitulano and junior Chris Knacke, who all contributed goals in the first half to keep the game tight. Adams, Vitulano, and Knacke ended the game with two goals a piece. Vitulano came up big for the Cardinals in the third period by posting his second goal at 9:36, which cut the Jumbos lead to one goal. After lagging for parts of the third quarter, Tufts picked up its offensive play and answered Wesleyan's attack with crucial goals from sophomores Mike Hughes and Mike O'Brien to give the team a more comfortable three-goal lead. Hughes, who has been a force to reckon with on offense over the past two games, contributed three goals in the Jumbo's victory to bring his two-game total to eight. Before the close of the third quarter, Knacke tallied one more goal for Wesleyan, and the quarter ended with Tufts' on top 8-6. The fourth quarter was contested tightly on defense by both teams, neither of which allowed goals in the first seven minutes of play. Tufts sophomore Billy Granger ended the Jumbo drought with a swift shot off a pass from Griffin to put the team up 9-6 with seven minutes left in regulation. Two minutes later, junior Devin Clarke swept across the right side of the field and posted his second goal of the game, adding even more cushion to the Jumbos' lead. After a Tufts penalty late in the fourth quarter, Wesleyan managed to post one more goal on a man-advantage opportunity. However Wesleyan could not pull off any last-minute comeback, and was held scoreless for the rest of the game. Tufts has been playing especially strong on offense the past three games. Daly attributes much of the offensive success to assistant coach Dan Kollar's ability to utilize the team's talent. Kollar has been able to teach the offense to play as a unit, which has made the Jumbos one of the most offensively powerful teams in the league, Daly said. The Jumbos will square-off in their final game against Connecticut College (5-9 overall, 3-5 NESCAC) on Saturday at Kraft Field. The game is important for Tufts not only for its record, but for its fate in the NESCAC tournament. Unless the Jumbos win on Saturday and Middlebury loses, Tufts will be hosting a first-round game on Sunday. The top team in the NESCAC after Saturday's regular-season finales hosts the NESCAC tournament. Daly is wary of Conn College, especially because it has been playing so well. The Jumbos lost to Conn last season and look to redeem themselves on Saturday. "Conn is one of the hottest teams in the league," Daly said. "It will be a good challenge for us. They beat us last year and we will have to continue to play the sound game we've been playing as well as our focus for 60 minutes to come out on top."

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News

Architects ask students, faculty for data on campus layout

April 29

The initial stage of the development of Tufts' new master plan for the Medford/Somerville campus began with an interactive display of the campus at the Dewick-MacPhie dining hall lobby Wednesday. Master plans designs are created to give the University an overarching planning vision for the following 10 to 15 years. The previous master plan was created in the mid-80s and was focused on preserving open space on campus, by guarding such areas as the Academic Quad and the President's Lawn. It also laid the groundwork for buildings like the Olin Center and the yet-to-be-built Sophia Gordon Hall. The architect company for the project, William Rawn, held the event to gather information from students and faculty in advance of Tufts' first master plan in almost two decades. The plan will address a number of questions raised by the school including the goals of the University, the ability of Tufts' environment to support the undertaking, and how the environment can help foster interdisciplinary interaction, according to Johnson. "One of Tufts' goals for the new master plan is to identify space needs, and we're trying to start with an understanding of how the campus is used," principal architect Douglas Johnston said. The data collected from the students and faculty in Dewick will be used to devise an official model. The design is still in its initial stages, and Johnson said that "it's too premature to know what the new master plan will look like." One computer science professor, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her concern is that while the University is moving toward being more research-focused, it does not seem to have the space needed for it. "More research is great, but a lot of [us professors] will be happy to have more space. I can't have eight or ten students come to my office hours for help when my office can barely fit six," she said. "I look and say, 'I literally don't have the space.' I'm worried about that." Johnston said faculty concerns are always helpful when William Rawn makes recommendations about how best to accomplish the University's physical growth. Tufts' location, however, makes expansion challenging. "Clearly, Tufts has some physical challenges because it's right on the borders of two residential communities and we really can't expand into those," Johnston said. "The trick is to know how to optimize on what we already have and hopefully the input we get [from the interactive display] will help us to do that." A steady flow of students and faculty partook in the activity, which was available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "I love [the model]; it's very accurate," sophomore Nick Soutzoglou said as he inserted color-coded pins into the large wood and Styrofoam campus model, marking the approximate locations of his whereabouts at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m. Students and faculty also placed long, thin color-coded strips along paths they utilize frequently. Johnston said the purpose of this activity was to "measure the amount of traffic and flow" and "to see which paths may need more space and which ones are of little use." The greatest amount of campus traffic was along Latin Way, the street that extends from the campus center, past Dewick and the Pearson Chemistry Building, to the Latin Way apartment complex. Other areas of high traffic were on Talbot Ave., Professor's Row, Boston Ave., College Ave., and the paths across the residential and academic quads on the Upper Campus. Architects learned that Dewick-MacPhie is more popular than the Carmichael dining hall as students placed pins to show their preferences for on-campus dining. The second most popular non-residential building was the Olin Center, followed closely by the Mayer Campus Center. "Everyone goes to Olin at some point for something," sophomore Aram Mead said. The lowest amount of traffic was found on the edges of campus, particularly around the Science and Technology Center. A second, two-dimensional map displayed which disciplines occupied which academic buildings on campus. The social sciences had the highest representation, while humanities had the least. A third map asked students to place color-coded stickers on the neighboring off-campus spots. Davis Square was the most popular, followed by Porter Square. William Rawn just completed a new 34,000 square foot building at Yale University to house its police department. It is also involved in the construction of William Rawn has also worked on recent projects at Northeastern University, Swarthmore College, and the University of Virginia.

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