The Lance: School Year 2000-2001

604 Pages·2001·312.3 MB·English

by  University of Windsor

Tu d , J ly 4 2 0
h
The Lance, Tuesday July 4, 2000
Page 2
•
•
Media biased, police
brutal say some as
fallout from the
Organization of
American States
conference continues
Ros CoLAurn
Lance Staff Writer
The delegates from 33 coun
tries of the Organization of Ameri
Dressed to the nines: Hundreds of Canada's finest police officers took to the streets of Windsor during the OAS conference Rob Colautti /The Lance
can States (OAS) have been gone
from Windsor for over two weeks, dressed to impress (or intimidate).
but the controversy surrounding the
30th general assembly is as strong rested during the incident. In an was prevented by a police officer. North Bay and other areas around the meeting. Protesters and or
as ever. At a meeting recently, interview with The Lance, he noted I asked if I would be allowed to the province" noted one pro ganizers slammed 'corporate' or
angry protesters and members of that there were no media in the cross the road to get to my house tester. 'mainstream' media coverage as
the community expressed their area during the incident and ex- to which he responded 'no'. I then The meeting also raised con focusing on the violence, and be
concerns over questionable con plained his disgust at the coverage asked him if he owned the road cern about the use of pepper ing biased against the views of the
duct by police and media during of the event by the 'mainstream' and he told me he did. I then spray which Villamizar and other protesters. "In general most if
the three day event. media. "I was arrested outside asked him if there was anywhere organizers believe is part of a not all of the mainstream media
The June 16th meeting, which Walkerville High School while that I could cross the road and he growing trend of abuse. fueled the fear-mongering and did
::r:
was organized by members of The standing on the sidewalk talking to said 'down there'." But according
Windsor Peace Committee Youth ~~~~~~r] ~~~tc~~ people were worried about a
~~a:~=i~ ~o~~\~:d:o:sdh;~:~;s;~f~;f~~=~ II ••
Group (WPC), began with state
mob coming to Windsor. I don't
ments from a few key union lead sitting in the road blocking traffic had pointed, he was struck in the
ers and committee members who and that rocks and smoke bombs back with a baton. He was even-
thought the
spoke brieflv. deno1mrino th" i...: .. _.~ dllVVVII at police, Which i1:,S_~a~ =~j~j~jQ:W~e:;d~b~a~C~k~a~ft~er~h~i~~-= ~~:!:!:~~1'fdffy•
asea coverage trom the local me- complete falsification and n hPi ver to ta to
mob was going to be the police!"
dia, and the questionable conduct nearthetruth." police.
by police. When the floor was Louis McLeod, a doctoral stu- Protesters voiced other ac-
open to the audience, several peo dent at the University of Windsor counts of police brutality, includ
ple spoke in condemnation of un who lives across the street from the ing high school students who were During the OAS conference, not deal with the substantive is
necessarily brutal police activity, school, witnessed the event. He threatened with deportation to when asked about the use of the sues facing the people of Latin
particL.llarly with regards to arrests also noted that he didn't see stu- cities around Ontario, and were spray, Constable Michele Paradis, America and the Caribbean",
that were made Tuesday June 6 at dents blocking traffic or doing any- verbally abused. "We were told Media Relations to the RCMP de noted Villamizar.
Walkerville High School. thing illegal. On the issue of po- we were nothing and that no fended its use, noting its effects He also specifically told the
Enver Villamizar, an organizer lice violence he offered: "I tried body cared about us. They said are "painful, but temporary and Windsor Star that they weren't
and member of the WPC was ar- to cross the streetto my house and we were being transferred to harmless." invited. He later told the Lance
But a legal advisor from a local that it was "because of the bi
arm of the Canadian Union of Pub ased media coverage they ran
lic Employees (CUPE) noted of one before, during and after the OAS
incident in which a group of pro days of action. They deliberately
testers sat in a group to block a bus created an atmosphere of fear and
from entering the OAS conference intimidation with their stories run
area: "the RCMP riot squad came ning front page -pictures of police
out and isolated the sit down pro in full riot gear, glamorizing the
testers. They were sprayed quite police presence and creating justi
liberally, even though the protest fications for the so-called threat of
ers offered no resistance or any extremists coming to Windsor to
kind of impedance." He con start trouble."
cluded "fines, ticketing or arrests Walter Soderlund, a professor
were justified, but not the use of of Latin American Studies at the
force that I observed." University of Windsor noted that
Others believe that examples some of the issues raised by the
like APEC and Windsor prove that protesters were valid. But believed
pepper spray is being used too efforts to shutdown the assembly
readily, and condemn its liberalized was not justified. "For many of the
use as "a form of torture". groups protesting, a more sensible
During the protest, the vast po strategy would have been to seek
lice presence was also condemned out allies within the OAS ... the
by Joel Harden, president of the CARICOM (Caribbean) countries
Ontario Federation of Students, voiced some of the same senti
"people were worried about a mob ments within the OAS meeting as
coming to Windsor. I don't think the protestors were voicing outside.
many people thought the mob was George Odium of St. Lucia was a
going to be the police!" He also particular vocal critic of free trade
claimed the Windsor police chief as it affected the Caribbean, and
told him he would be held respon came down quite hard on the U.S."
sible "if Seattle happened in Villamizar defended the Coali
Windsor" tion's standpoint. "What are peo
I've been hit: Dozens of police officers and protestors alike experienced the pain of Rob Colautt, /The Lance Concerns over the coverage ple to do when governments are -
peppers spray during the three days of protests. by media were also raised during making deals behind their back,
The Lance, Tuesday July 4, 2000
Page 3
Campus converted into battle zone
Police, protestors use U of W Campus as
home base during OAS conference
CURTIS HARCUS headquartered at the university's
Lance Reporter Grad House. The Coalition also
used the C.A. W. Student Centre for
Delegates from thirty-three a series of teach-ins.
countries meet in Windsor as the Most of the activists slept off
Organization of American States campus with friends, some even
held it's General Assembly in Wind tenting in backyards. Activists were
sor, Ontario for a three day confer all over the campus, using the lawns
ence June 4-6. and operr spaces to paint signs and
With the conference brought banners for their cause and also for
hundreds of R.C.M.P and O.P.P Direct Action drills. The police of
officers who bunked at the resi ficers who also used the campus
dences on the University of Wind to train and run drills would often
sor campus. Staff at the Universi pass by the protesters with little
ty's Conference Services office said attention. Getting ready to shut it down: The OAS Shutdown Coalition used the Grad House on Mike Whaley/ The Lance
Sunset as its headquaters .
they had rented "a couple of hun "It's very strange to be amongst
dred" rooms for the police offic it all," said Antonia Baker, one of front the OAS, we're not here to problems whatsoever though, I organizer for the Coalition. "They
ers. Also on campus was The Coa- the organizers for the Shutdown confront the police or the people think even the protesters would (R.C.M.P) even tried to pressure
1i ti on to Shutdown the OAS, committee. "We're hear to con- of Windsor. We walk by them, indicate that they didn't have any the university not to allow us to
they walk by us. Not a lot of con problems functioning on campus." have meetings. The messiness
frontation." If trouble did erupt, Campus of democracy is meant to flour
Despite some mild paranoia, Police was ready to step in. ish here."
the two sides lived in harmony. "If something were to happen, Graduate student leader Ian
"There was total cooperation the·y would react in their normal Boyko and university president
between the groups. There were manner. Our approach is to dis Ross Paul recently traded worded
no problems," said Orville Houser, cuss matters, communicate with letters on the police presence.
Employee Relations Manager for the people, try and diffuse situations Boyko expressed his "extreme
university who was speaking on be initially," said Orville. "If it went disappointment" with the admin
half of the Campus Police. "We beyond that then we would watch istrations decision to rent rooms
were prepared for any of what we the situation. Make sure it didn't to the police. Boyko stated that
thought might be contingencies, we escalate to a point where it was the move was equal to turning the
had heard of rumours that the pro unreasonable in which point we campus into "the headquarters for
testers were going to shut down the would have to contact other serv- various attempts to limit freedom
bridge, which would have had an ices. It didn't arrive to that, and of speech."
impact on us. Other than that we that was great." Ross Paul wrote in a reply that
were prepared for that sort of Some of the activists did feel a Boyko's position was "intolerant"
thing." little jumpy over what they call the and urged him to put his "moral
"The police were very coopera militarization of the campus. indignation aside." Paul went on
tive with us, they were maintain "The university is supposed to to say that it would be truly un
ing their own security within their have an environment that protects democratic if the school decided
A very safe campus: Hundreds of R.C.M.P and 0.P.P M,keWhaely/Thelance buildings, and we were maintain and encourages debate, 11 said Jaggi to ban any law-abiding groups or
officers slept in residences at the university. ing security on campus. There no Singh independent journalist and an individuals.
which are leading to economic "It is not simply an issue of free
destruction which results in con dom of speech, because the Ca
flicts, disease, poverty and suffer nadian government and the OAS
ing for the benefit of a small mi give themselves the right to speak
nority in Canada and elsewhere?" on behalf of the people and also
For their part, officials believe decide on behalf of the people",
that their concerns over 'trouble claims Villamizar. "These decisions
makers' were justified, while other are not taken to benefit the peo
critics condemned the actions of ple, but are taken to benefit Cana
the OAS Shutdown Coalition. dian monopolies to 'keep them com
"Protesters are claiming a violation petitive'. Unions use these tactics
of their rights. What about their all the time, they shutdown plants
[the OAS') right to free speech; when the capitalists are trying to hurt
isn't free speech all about letting the workers, divide them, etc.".
people say things that you don't But officials believe that the po
want to hear?" noted one promi lice presence was justified. In their
nent Windsorite who wished to defense, customs officers noted
remain anonymous. some of the things confiscated from
the Canada-U.S.
border prior to the
conference.
"Pepper spray,
bleach, modified
pipes and bats,
knives, slingshots A very safe campus: Thousands of people marched through the streets of Windsor during M,keWhae1y1TheLance
with ball-bearings, the first day of the OAS conference. However, after the first day, their numbers drastically dwindled.
batons, flares,
spray paint, rope, But Villamizar maintains that the Another member of the Shut legal issues surrounding the confer
tubing and piping, risks are exaggerated. "The reason down Coalition, Antonia Baker be ence. Howard Hampton, retired
and other items why people wear gasmasks etc to lieved that organizations like the OAS University of Windsor professor and
commonly used protests now is because we recog are responsible for such activity. "The former Alberta Premier agreed to
for unlawful acts nize that at any point, for any rea OAS supported the dictatorships of join.
during protest situ son, as we saw in Windsor we could Pinochet and Somosa, and contin Protesters fear that as the OAS
ations". Critics get 'attacked and we have to take ues to support the militarized seizure conference fa des from the
also quoted litera precautions." of indigenous lands." popular media, so too will it
ture from the Shut Jaggi Singh, an independant re Among the crowd was Windsor fade from the public eye. But
down Coalition porter also stressed the importance city concillor Fulvio Valentinis who Villamizar and others believe
"By violence we of perspective "property damage is urged the attendants to voice their that if governments continue to
do not include not violence compared to the way concern at an upcoming city council put profit ahead of social issues,
property damage". some people are treated in these meeting. such clashes between police
Arrested: One of the many police Curtis Harcus/ The Lance countries. People dying of starva The meeting concluded after a and protesters will become
catches during the protests tion is violent" committee was formed to look at commonplace.
Page 4 The Lance, Tuesday July 4, 2000
Thirty arrested in protest against poverty
different organizations. Once they the crowd back to the northeast "If you are under sustained as his helmet was split open by one
Windsor not the only
arrived at Queen's Park, demon corner of University and College sault, you are under a position of the paving stones," said
place where police, strators asked to address the leg streets, where demonstrators de where you have to restrain the Ellarby. "Four horses required
islature, as outlined in a March 7 cided to march east, back to Allan person and subdue their activ stitches. One was stabbed, not
demonstrators
letter to the premier by the OCAP. Gardens. ity," said Sgt. Fred Ellarby, from severely, but it was a stab
clashed in June Marchers demanded a repeal During the protest and the fol corporate communications. wound."
of the 22 per cent welfare cut, lowing trek back to Allan Gardens, Ellarby did not want to com Many politicia_ns, who identify
RICHARD McKERGOW the Tenant Protection Act, which 18 demonstrators were arrested. ment on who started the violence with the anger against the Harris
Canadian University Press eliminates rent control, and the After reviewing video footage of because it is being investigated. government for its policies, are
Safe Streets Act, which makes the event, police arrested sev During the protest, the Street condemning the violen<:e, and feel
TORONTO -The most recent panhandling a criminal offense. eral more people. Approxi Nurses Network were on the that it's setting back the fight
protest at the Ontario legislature When OCAP organizer John mately thirty arrests were made scene assisting injured demonstra against poverty.
during Mike Harris' reign as pre Clarke led the <;rowd up to a po in total. tors. "I really think that we shouldn't
mier has resulted in thirty arrests lice barricade, many at the front During the dispute, some peo "Several people had asthmatic let the violence sidetrack us on
and scores of injuries to both dem tried to break through by tearing ple felt the police overreacted. attacks because of the pepper the issue of homelessness. Mike
onstrators and police. it down. The police responded "All you can do is beat up on spray, and there were a lot of head Harris has refused to meet with
The violence erupted June 15 with pepper spray, tear gas, and the poor and the weak, why don't and trunk [torso] injuries," said homeless people which is really
after the Ontario Coalition Against batons to keep people away from you beat up on the rich and the Cathy Crowe, nurse and organizer unfortunate, and I think that we
Poverty (OCAP) marched from the legislature. Police also cut strong?" said Don Martin, a griev of the Toronto Disaster Relief need to come together and deal
Allen Gardens to Queen's Park through the group by riding lines ance officer for the Ontario Pub Committee. "Some wounds with the crisis," said Toronto
with 1,000 supporters from 58 of horses into the crowd. lic Services Employee Union, as needed suturing, and several peo councilor Olivia Chow.
Those who he stood facing a line of riot po ple had broken
A demonstrators take: were not willing lice. bones." The police take:
to back down "This is an absolutely atrocious Twenty-nine
threw bricks, response," he said. "It's the kind police officers
"It's the kind of thing that's suitable rocks and paint of thing that's suitable and ex were also in "If you are under sustained assault,
and expected for a totalitarian society. bombs at police pected for a totalitarian society. jured. you are under a position where you
and even hurled It's a shocking thing that this is "Most were
It's a shocking thing that this is have to restrain the person and sub-
their placards. happening in our country." minor [injuries],
happening in our country." due their activity~ 11
Eventually the But police say they acted ac but one needed
police forced cordingly. a CAT scan after
Oil protests target abuses to people and environment
CHRISTIE TUCKER AND JEREMY NELSON 2,000 protestors came out to draw march and rally, told the crowd meeting here to plan how to maxi industry and questioned Canadian
Canadian University Press attention to the environmental and through the solar powered public mize their profits at the expense of company Talisman Energy lnc.'s role
social costs of oil production. address system. our rights." in the civil war in his oil rich African
CALGARY The largest public "We want to stand in solidarity "The people meeting at the To keep the peace at the five country. "The image of Canada as a
demonstration ever witnessed by the with all the other people in the world WPC represent the major political day meeting, a 2.4-metre high se defender of human rights is being
World Petroleum Congress (WPC) and stand up for peace, democracy powers, the major human rights curity fence was erected around five destroyed by Talisman and the Ca
snaked through downtown Calgary and justice," Anne McGrath, mas abusers and the major polluters in city blocks and 1,500 police offic nadian government and their actions
streets on June 11. The more than ter of ceremonies for the opening the world," she said. "They are ers were mobilized from six other in Sudan," he said.
municipalities. The total cost for Although many passers-by stated
security was estimated at $2 million. their support the protestors, a hand
Although the police were ex ful of students from the University
pecting the worst, the largely local of Calgary organized an anti-protest
group of protesters used humour and in Olympic Park, and carried plac
carnival-like antics to shed light on ards which read, "Protesting is point
the actions of the WPC, which con less."
sists of representatives from a col During the June 11 rally, only one
lection of multinational corporations person was arrested. Chad
and oil producing states. Kreutzenstein, 18, was arrested be
Protestors said police precau cause the metal studs on his jacket
tions were excessive, which in and a chain necklace he was wear
cluded circling helicopters, rooftop ing were deemed to be "weapons"
watchmen, and even a security spe by police. The charges against him
cialist imported from Scotland Yard. were later dropped, but the 18-year
As well, they said the city and local old still faces charges of obstruction
media fueled fear prior to the con after originally giving a false name to
ference, which included school police.
board-organized talks to local high Police also confiscated a baseball
school students on the dangers of bat, a railway spike, and an object
becoming involved in the protest. with blades before the rally began.
"We're ready for anything to Some protesters complained af
happen," said one police officer at ter police searched their bags look
the rally. "They have a perfect right ing for a device called a "Sleeping
to protest, and we fully support that. Dragon", which protestors allegedly
But it only takes a few people to use to secure themselves to one
ruin things for everybody. And we spot, making them difficult to arrest
just want to prevent that." or move. Protestor Scott Harris, from
While police paced aimlessly Edmonton, said he has never seen a
inside the five-block security zone, Sleeping Dragon, and that this de
protestors hung "Do not feed the tainment is not the first he and his
cops" signs on fences and taunted friends had encountered since arriv
them with chants of "If we don't ing in Calgary a few days before.
get no justice then you don't get no "It's ridiculous that they would
donuts." be looking for Sleeping Dragons in
Between hoisting giant puppets, purses and toilet b;:igs," said Scott.
cheerleading, and singing, an under "Sleeping Dragons are meter-long
lying message of accountability bars of metal."
emerged from the demonstrators. The WPC protest is part of grow
They called for the use of alterna ing anti-globalization activist move
tive forms of energy, as well as more ment that highlights the role non
attention to human rights, the envi elected decision making bodies like
ronment and more citizen involve the WTO and the International Mon
ment at WPC. etary Fund play in shaping the direc
Sudanese refugee Michael Leech tion of the world's economy and
Swtepsules Clos,111 Oat, December 31/IJO C,2000 EnerJ•er Canada. Walkertoa. Oiur11 NOG 2VO ®Rei • Used Un4er license ":,.., "'""" com
criticized the human cost of the oil politics.
The Lance, Tuesday July 4, 2000 Page 5
U of W scores with SuperBU
After being shut out in the first round of the provincial government's
funding scheme, the school finally received money in the second round
NNEKA NNOLIM the students who entered high Theater degree program in
Staff Writer school in the 1998/1999 school Canada.
year. The students from the 1998/ $4 million will go towards up
In late May, the University of 1999 freshman class are the last grading existing educational facili
Windsor was given the green light group of students to stay five years ties. This money will be split,
by the provincial government to in high school. Also, the "echo with $2 million for the technologi
go ahead with several planned boom" will see the number of cal upgrading of small and medium
projects with the help of the college-aged people rise substan sized classrooms, and $2 million
SuperBuild Fund. The planned tially. The echo boom is the for lab improvements in science
projects, totaling $28 million, in name given to the children of and engineering. The University
clude the construction of a Multi baby-boomers to signify another of Windsor and St. Clair College
media Learning Center, a Dra boom in the population. Integrated Engineering and Tech
matic Art Wing, a University of The Multimedia Learning nology Learning Center Project is
Windsor and St. Clair College In Center will be a $10. 94 million a joint endeavor between the two
tegrated Engineering and Technol facility featuring state-of-the-art schools. The $5.92 million
ogy Learning Center Project, as learning technologies in new class project, half of which comes cour
well as upgrades for existing class rooms. The facility will be situ tesy of SuperBuild, will provide
rooms. ated behind the Leonard and equipment renovations to the
The facilities and resources cre Dorothy Neal Education Building Center for Automotive Research
ated by the SuperBuild Fund will or behind the Odette Building. arrd Education (CARE) in the
provide 1,000 new student spaces The expected completion date for former Lucien Beaudoin School on
and some additional classroom the facility is fall 2002. California Avenue. The rest of the
space. The university must ex The Dramatic Art Wing is a $7 funds will go towards a 60-seat
pand in order to meet the grow million facility that will be built on design center in Essex Hall. Ad
ing demand for post-secondary the west side of Essex Hall, con ditionally, a joint program will al
education. In the next few years, nected to Essex Hall Theater. This low students to take advantage of
there will be more students ap wing will include faculty offices, the resources from both U of W
plying for university as a result of classrooms, and specialized labs and St. Clair College.
the double cohort graduating class for the Dramatic Art and Drama The remainder of the funding
of 2003. These students, who will in-Education program. The con for the projects will be derived
be entering university in the fall struction of this wing coincides from public resources and private
of 2003, are the first graduates with the growing demand for donors. The university is dedi
under the new four-year high Windsor's Dramatic Arts pro cated to raising an extra $11.3
school plan. This means that stu gram. The Dramatic Arts pro million, and some contributions Lance F;le Photo
dents who entered high school in gram provides the only Drama have already been made, as well Thanks to the SuperBuild, the University of Windsor will soon be home
the 1999/2000 school year will in-Education degree program in as pledges and undertakings to to some new buildings including a split engineering building with St.
graduate in four years along with Ontario, and the only Music equal the government funding. Clair College. They will join the classic building Dillon Hall.
UWSA's summer vacation: planning and renovating
MIKE WHALEY sor for orientation, the University UWSA Vice President Internal pus to try and ensure that most Frosh One of, if not the biggest
Lance Staff Writer of Windsor Student Alliance Dave Campbell stated that one of Week events don't overlap with change, are the renovations to the
(UWSA) is going about the task of the most important things done over each other. The committee is corn Student Center. Passed last year in
As thousands of young, impres trying to ensure that it is a memo the summer was the establishment prised of many student groups, so referendum the renovations will see
sionable students come into Wind- rable Frosh Week. of a committee of groups on cam- cieties and representatives of Res. the relocation of The Pub and a
Life. shopping complex in the old space
Events planned for the first year occupied by The Pub. Work will
students include the traditional begin on that phase in August and
Playfair on the move in Sunday and in late June there was a garage sale
a similar event directed towards off of old pub furniture.
campus T h e
students work will
called the begin in
wocus August
(Windsor and ac
Off Cam cordingto
vpuesr sUintyi- ....._ _______ ;;;;;:... __ Campbell,
are on
Students) schedule.
Ruckus. The plan
The week will also see noted sex is for the grand re-opening in Janu
therapist Sue Johanson speak on the ary. As for the shopping complex,
Tuesday. The week will wrap up currently surveys are being done to
with a concert by a "big band" al see what students want to see in
though due to it not being finalized the complex. Campbell says they
yet they could not name the band. will be seeking input during Head
A priority for Campbell is an im Start and that they are looking to
provement for Club Days. This is put in six stores.
when the various clubs and groups The renovations were part of an
on campus sit outside and try to re ambitious referendum won by last
cruit new members for the year's UWSA executive. Under
upcoming year. Campbell is hop the plan each undergraduate stu
ing to "fevitalize" the day by mak dent pays $20 per semester with
ing it "carnival like." To help do the funds going to the Student
this the bar-b-que traditionally put Center renovations and improve
on by the Alumni Association will ments to campus including dona
be run during Club Days. tions for new buildings on cam
On the political front, over the p us. UWSA took out an
summer the UWSA has been busy approximate two million dollar
working on the Campus Compass loan to back the projects. Last
planner and the summer mail out year's UWSA President Armando
to students. However most of their Correia was figuring that the fee
Many renovations are being undertaken inside the CAW Student Centre this summer. Among other Lance hie photo time has been spent on restructur would be in place for the next ten
ing of various things. years.
things, construction of a new Pub, which is expected to be ready by January, will begin soon.
Features Editor: Christopher Lawrence Menard Tuesday, July 4th, 2000 Page 6
A time of
•
You should be worried a bit about first
year. It is a brand new experience for
you. However don't let it overtake you.
Thre·e students share their experience
and thoughts on university.
CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE MENARD sor, Ontario. The son of published
Lance Staff Writer Canadian author, Alistair MacCleod,
Dan has grown up understanding
September is not just another the importance of education in the
month in the year when you're a grand scheme of life. Combining
student. From the early days of pre his studies with a very successful
school to the final moments of post extra-curricular career in Track and
secondary education, young people Field, Dan knows what it feels like
around the world know that Sep to be on top of your game.
tember is perhaps one of the most This September, Dan will begin
important months of the year. Re his University Career in Windsor,
gardless of which grade a student is pursuing a double major in English
entering, September presents a new and History. Like so many other
beginning, accompanied by a large young men and women his age, Dan
degree of uncertainty. feels like he has finally made it. Yet,
It is the sort of feeling that ac the realization of achieving this de
companies all new challenges and gree of success is at once amazing,
all great life changes. However, it and equally frightening.
is perhaps never more noticeable "You can't help but wonder",
and real than during the four or five Dan reflects, "whether being good
years a person spends in a post sec in high school will carry over into a
ondary educational establishment. new environment. You can excel
Here, concerns range from the in your 'high school specialty', but
simple goal of achieving good the competition isn't always fierce.
grades, to the more abstract proc It's a little scary to think of the chal
ess of becoming a fully capable lenge of holding your own on a new
mature adult. Perhaps the greatest level".
concern for each student is the Dan's fears and concerns are not
ever- present fear of what the fu unique to him alone. Each year,
ture may (or may not) hold. It is, the University receives an entirely First year students from last year getting to know each other. · Lance file photo
after all, the driving force behind new addition to the student body;
our purpose here at the University; the freshman. Full of enthusiasm, ing who they'll take to Prom, to fig However, while Bella knew before everything is really an 'is
and unlike other fears, it is the one and fueled by the desire to succeed, uring out what area of study will lead what was coming, she quickly found sue'. Yet, now here I am. I have
that most clearly unites us all. these new arrivals are at the height to a successful career, freshmen out that what she'd expected wasn't to get things ready now and plan
Nineteen year old Dan of their educational journey thus far. quickly learn that they 'aren't in Kan entirely realistic. for tomorrow everyday. I have vol
MacCleod has just graduated from For them, the fun and hard work sas anymore'. "I went in with no preparation," unteer work to get in and I have
Assumption High School in Wind- are just beginning. From wonder- In his high school career, Dan Bella remembers, "and quickly to look into taking courses that
not only managed to win countless found my grades slipping. There will have an impact on the rest of
honors as a creative writer, but also was always so much reading to do, my life".
took home the award for Student but I just figured I would always have "It used to seem so far away,
Athlete of the Year for the OAC time to get to it later. Then the but now it's too close. It's scary
grade level. final would be there and I'd have to think that in three more years I
While he plans to continue in 10 chapters to read and one day to could have a job that I'm set with
both areas of expertise, he admits do it in". for the rest of my life."
to being somewhat afraid of the in She says she found herself fac However, before Bella worries
creased competition. In fact, he ing "way more freedom. More of too much about the future, she
understands that, "you're best is no an independent role in your own still has to focus on her present.
longer good enough. You may have life, with no one to tell you what to She smiles, reflecting upon all
to be better." do anymore." This, Bella discov the good things that have come
The Freshman are not the only ered, inevitably led to even more out of her first year at the Uni
students facing concerns about the responsibility. versity.
future and uncertainties about life
in general. Twenty year old Bella "It's amazing how much you can learn in
Ramos is preparing for her second
one year about yourself and about life ... "
year of schooling at the University
of Windsor. She's a Criminology
Major who has lived her entire life · With one year already behind "It's amazing how much you
in Windsor, Ontario. her and another about to begin, can learn in one year about your
Bella admits that upon entering she says that her future is now self and about life I learned a
the University last year, she saw it even more of a concern than it lot about independence. There
as merely, "the next logical step. was before, and that her very pres were new friends and new
You start off brand new in Kinder ence at the University is a little hangouts. I saw the closest of
garten. Then you do it again in high unnerving. friends stray from each other, but
school. After awhile, it just seems "When you're in high school, I also saw a bond strengthen be
Two students taking advantage of the nice weather while Lance f,le photo like College or University is next in -you think of the future and figure tween those who have always
studying outdoors .. line." that you have so many years to go been inseparable. In one year,
The Lance, Tuesday July 4, 2000
Page 7
behind IT'e, don't have a career yet,
but can do whatever the hell I'm
gonna do and know I'll be okay."
Dan, Bella and Linda are three
different people. They each have
their own unique sets of concerns,
fears, hopes and dreams. They
are each contim1-ing on an educa
tional path begun long ago when
all they had to concern themselves
with was staying in the lines with
a crayon. Yet, for as different as
they are, they are still so very
much the same.
Dan believes he'll be fine at
the University so long as he fol
lows some fatherly advice from
Alistair; "Relax. Don't worry about
stupid things and don't make a big
deal about something that is just
another step".
Bella knows that if she wants
something bad enough, she really
does have to work at it. "It's been
a year of change; change for both
the good and the bad - but that
Students looking to take a break from their studies (and who isn't?) can usually find a game of catch or football in the area in front of Lance file photo was merely a stepping stone ... and
the residence buildings. now I'm ready to do it all
again ... but differently".
I learned what reality was all entire summer, and came home goal. She was working hard, butwith cisive person." And Linda is ready for what
about." with the intentions of finding em out any clue as to what exactly she One thing Linda isn't indeci ever is next.
Dan and Bella's thoughts and ployment to sustain her through the was working for. sive about, however, is that her One thing they all agree on is
sentiments come as ·no surprise year. Now, her time at the University is University years were incredible. that no matter how you look at it,
to twenty-two year old Linda While Linda's friends returned almost over. In five short months, she'll "Were they the best years of no matter how you try to twist it
Rotulo. One semester away to school in September, she held enter yet another phase of her life. my life? I'd have to say they're around and avoid it ... you can't es-
from graduating from the Uni down two part time jobs, both at
versity, Linda will be leaving with minimum wage.
a degree as a Communications Ma "My brain was going to mush," "I suddenly loved school. I enjoyed the classes I was
jor. The Organizing Committee she recalls. "I would have stimu
taking and was learning about things I wanted to know
President for Al ESEC (an on cam lating conversations with my friends
pus club), Linda is no stranger to on the off chance that we would instead of just taking courses to fill up a schedule".
the trials and tribulations of the get together. They were going to
world of post secondary education. classes and learning new things,
"When I started out," Linda while I was doing a lot of work for
reminisces, "I thought 'oh my god a very small amount of money. .. that "I'm scared again. I don't really probably the most difficult years. cape the simple reality that once
this is so exciting! I'm going to be kicked my ass right back into school. know what I'm going to be doing. You find out a lot about who you you're in University. .. it really is time
with older people, hanging out at I wanted to be a part of that again". My job options are so unlimited that are. I wouldn't say they were the to "grow up".
the bars ... to be honest, school was It was around this time that her it leaves the future uncertain. I best, but they were definitely de "It just takes a little longer for
the last thing on my mind." decision to take a year off changed. could be a journalist, or I could de fining for me as an individual. Now, some of us to do," Bella says smil
Her first semester at the Uni She returned after only one semes sign logos for shirts .... l'm an inde- I'm done University, have a degree ing.
versity played out much like that of ter away, choosing Communications
Bella Ramos, but for differing rea as her area of study. Instantly, her Sp,.ead you,.
wings
sons. While Bella struggled to ad entire experience of University was
just to the new work load and find altered.
a balance with her personal life, "I suddenly loved school. I en
Linda was faced with the realiza joyed the classes I was taking and this summe,..
tion that she really did not know was learning about things I wanted
what she wanted to do at the Uni to know, instead of just taking
versity. courses to fill up a schedule".
• Domestic & International
"I didn't have anything that I Linda admits that when she
wanted to major in, and after a originally began her career at the Budget Airfares
year ... l still didn't know what I University of Windsor, much of her
wanted to do." uncertainty stemmed from the fact
• Student Work Abroad
Like so many students in her po that didn't know much about the
sition, Linda opted to take a year school's programs. She found her Programme (SWAP)
off from· school, and return after self in a whole new world, facing a
she'd had an opportunity to think new set of challenges, but without
things through. She traveled for an the foundation provided by having a • Eurailpasses / Britrail Passes
• International Bus Passes
• Spring Break Packages
• Language Courses
• Bon Voyage™Travel Insurance
• Worldwide Adventure Tours
Your university classroom may be slightly larger than your Lance file photo w w w t r a v e C U t S C O m
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Editor in Chief: Mike Whaley, ext. 3909 The Lance, Tuesday, July 4th, 2000 The Lance
The Whale Spouts
THELA CE
Volume 73 Issue 1 First year of university, over
policing and fireworks
Editor in Chief
Mike Whaley
Production Manager
Mike Van Nie
News Editor MIKE WHALEY Not all of these will happen to welcome to Windsor to me. Then the fine officers (once
Nneka Nnolim
Associate News Editor Lance Staff Writer all of you but chances are at least a Even our own campus here again making that assumption)
Jeff Meyer few of these will. So yes you're wasn't free of the police "presence" "asked'~ me if I had everything I
Arts Editor
Rob Colautti The Whale Spouts is where I, being preached at and you'd rather (detailed in an earlier article). With wanted. Nudge, nudge, wink,
Features Editor Mike Whaley, will give my thoughts be drinking, socializing, picking up, the demonstrators co-ordination wink. Say no more!!!! Deciding
Chris Menard
Sports Editor aboutthings going on around cam whatever. Just try and remember center on campus as well as many not to pursue anything at the time,
Curtis Harcus pus, the city, the country ancio cca what they did say. You never know police officers staying in the res and having a good picture and story
Photo Editor
Wendy Patterson sionally the world. when you may need some of it. buildings it was an interesting time. I left.
Associate Photo Editor However some of the visitor But I learned a lesson. Be care
Vacant
Business Manager UNIVERSITY OAS SUMMIT seemed to forget that they were ful what you do with your camera
AI-Azhar Khalfan First of all welcome all incom Well let me tell you something. indeed visitors on our campus. when it involves police. Be ready
Advertising Manager
Gary Potvin ing students to the land of The Lanc It didn't turn out as bad as the media The Friday before the confer to be intimidated. To those fine of
Circulation Manager ers, The University of Windsor. hyped it to be in regards to the possi ence I was on my way home. Trav ficers, nice try. Maybe next time.
Vacant
CUP Liaison You're about to begin an exciting bility of riots and that was a good elling through campus I spotted a
Vacant but scary part of your life; growing thing. However if you lived here it bunch of uniformed officers in front THE FIREWORKS
up. Yes slowly the dependence on was still a horrifying experience. of Mac Hall. Thinking it would Well as bad as the O.A.S was
Editorial Policies your parents starts to go down from with its police and security, it com
The Lance is published by the Student Media this day on. Soon you'll be, to para pares nothing to the zoo that is
Corporation and prints 10,000 copies every Tues
day of the fall and winter semesters. Its offices are phrase The Pursuit of Happiness, known as fire works night. I had
located in the basement of the CAW Student an adult. But you've still got some to work that night and my normal
Centre.
Unsigned editorials are produced by the until that happens. hour and a half trip to work turned
Lance editorial board, and may not reflect the be
liefs of all its members. Opinions expressed in the But right now you're here at into a two and a half hour trip. In
LWanincde saorre o nro tth nee Scteusdsaernilty A thlloiasnec oe.f tShueb Umnisivsieornsist ya roef Head Start. You get to sign up for fact the ten minute ride down was
welcome and become the property of the news classes, check out the campus, hear the worst running ninety minutes.
paper. Submissions must include rontributor's name
and phone number and must be typed, legibly about the features of the school This is not to blame the police or
handwritten, or on an IBM compatible floppy clisk.
The editor reserves the right to edit for space and and campus and also get some Transit Windsor but man is that one
clarity. warnings and advice. Now I know long ass ride and big inconven
Letters will be accepted until the Thursday
before publication and must include the writer's what most of you are thinking; "Oh ience. Thank goodness it's only
name, major of study and phone number. Con
tents ©1998. Reproduction in any way is forbid yeah I know this stuff. Now I once a year or else I'd be wishing
den without the written permission of the editor
wonder what that hot (insert op for the O.A.S. to be back.
in chief. The Lance is a member of the Canadian
University Press. posite sex of yours term here" is
doing after this." Windsor literally was a police make a great picture for the paper, THE LANCE
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] This of course is understandable state. One couldn't walk anywhere I took one. However this troubled Welcome to your student
Advertising: [phone] and I did the same thing. But make without seeing police everywhere. a couple of plain clothes officers. newspaper. Hopefully you'll find
Editor: Ext. 3909
News and Arts: Ext. 3910 sure every bit of advice you get Even though the conference didn't At least I assume they were offic useful and entertaining informa
Features, Sports & Photo: Ext. 3923 given (and it will be a lot) that you start until the Sunday they were out ers having not been shown any form tion and stories in here.
store it in your head. Most of you the Wednesday before, "being of identification at all. If you like what you see then
Mission Statement
are getting your first chance at "free seen" in the downtown core. I saw them moving so I moved call or email or come to the of
The goal of the Lance is to produce a
weelcly newspaper that provides dom" and the temptations are all Given the protests of Washing up a bit and took a second picture. fice to find out about volunteer
informative and accurate accounts of over the place. ton and Seattle and the threats of They spread out in case I made a ing and jobs available at the pa
events and issues relevant to the
University of Windsor, its students and Some facts about your time here repeat here I half understand the break for it, one of them getting in per.
the surrounding community. in university. Most of you will drink. precautions. However living the ways as you can see in the pic You can phone [phone]
The Lance acknowledges its privileged
Most of you will get drunk. Many through it gives a different perspec ture. It seems that taking a picture ext. 3909. Email
position in being free lrom commer
cial and administrative controls. We of you will throw up. You'll fall in tive. Concrete barriers with chain on your campus is a criminal activ [email protected]. Or visit in
strive to protect that position by
love. You'll have sex. You'll have link fence down the streets, modi ity. I was questioned about what I the basement of the Student
vigorously defending our editorial
autonomy. meaningless sex. You'll be offered fied pick-up trucks with around was doing and asked to show I.D., Center, the north end of the build
Our mandate is to cover issues that drugs. Some of you will try drugs. twenty police officers in riot gear explaining I was a member of the ing, just around the corner from
affect students. However, we believe You'll fail tests. You'll fail classes. standing on the back; it sure says media taking pictures for a story. Mr. Copies.
that no subject need fall outside the
grasp of the student press, and that we
oest serve our purpose when we help
widen the boundaries of debate on Ask Spuds
educational, social economic,
:nvironmental and political issues.
The L•nce and its staff shall, at all
times, strive to adhere to the Code of
Dear Spuds,
Ethics of the Canadian University
Press. How do r survive first year, man?
Steve Jefferies, future University of Windsor student
Well Steve I hope you are ready to drink your ass off, while getting sub-par
grades and failing classes that you don't even show up for because you are too
hung over from the night before. Ah, the life of a University student. You will
find yourself getting more and more lethargic as the year goes on, but don't
worry Steve l'm sure it has nothing to do with the pot you've been smoking, at
least that's not what you'll tell your professors. You'll have to meet with your
professor and look at him with your blood shot eyes and all this while you are
wearing a marijuana leaf T-shirt that hasn't been washed in months and still
reeks from the bong water that you spilt on it last night. Using your most
serious and professional voice you will tell him that you couldn't hand in that
assignment because you've been swamped with work and as a first year stu-
Mailing Address: dent you' re finding the university experience a little overwhelming. Try not to
[email protected] get mad as your professor turns down your offer whilst trying not to roll his
The Lance, c/o University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave. eyes. But don't worry, you are not alone, there are hundreds of you that come
Windsor, ON, CANADA N9B 3P4 out every year and to be honest with you it wouldn't be the same with out you
guys roaming the campus. So Good-luck, Loser!
Once again The Lance's favorite pomme de terre will solve life's mysteries.
E-mail Spuds with your questions and comments at [email protected]