Professional Documents
Culture Documents
No means no
One student tells her story Page 2 Sullivan speaks about rape Page 9 Domestic Violence Month Page 5
Pass me a sheet and call me a ghost. 27% Whatever is in my closet will become a costume. 35%
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NEWS
Mercyhursts obligation
Women in college and at Mercyhurst have options when something like Jane Does incident occurs. According to Mercyhursts Compliance Ofcer and Title IX Coordinator, attorney Meredith Bollheimer, when word of a sexual crime is reported, it is the universitys job to investigate.
She tried every excuse, but he saw through them all. She felt like she had no choice but to go up to his room. He started to make moves on her. No further, she insisted. No further. But he didnt listen. Mercyhurst student Jane Doe* was a victim of sexual coercion. One in four women on U.S. college campuses have had unwanted sexual intercourse, but it is frequently kept a secret, according to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Mercyhurst University Counseling Center Social Worker Michelle Tobin explains that most victims of sexual violence dont usually speak up about it because they think it is their fault. She said that approximately ve people a year come in immediately after the incident and approximately 20 talk to the counselors about an incident happening at some point while a student at Mercyhurst. Then there are the ones who dont report it, Tobin said. Doe is one person who was able to seek help.
Its not always going to be a guy with a knife. It could be a friend who doesnt know what nomeans
Jane Doe
Title IX is a piece of federal legislation that sets out rules that colleges and universities must follow when it comes to gender and sex discrimination on campus. One of these areas is focused on sexual violence. While Pennsylvania state law denes types of sexual violence and their punishments differently, under Title IX, Mercyhurst treats all types of sexual
violence the same. These types of sexual violence include rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. Does case is best described as sexual coercion. Bollheimer explained that the university only needs a preponderance of the evidence in order to reprimand the offender. Every case is done on a case-bycase basis, Bollheimer said, but the presumptive sanction for someone found guilty of any type of sexual violence is expulsion. If a victim wants to press charges, the case should go to Police & Safety or to Erie Police. Otherwise, according to Director of Residence Life Alice Agnew, if a case is to stay on campus it is the job of Residence Life to investigate it. If a victim drops the case, according to Title IX the university has an obligation to continue the investigation. Acknowledging a sexual assault is an important step for a victim. Come in and talk to someone, said Tobin. Its just like any other traumatic event. She added that, like any other traumatic event, mental side effects can occur such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and acting out. Dont be responsible for ruining someones college experience, said Tobin. If she says no one time, dont
ask again. In Does case, nothing happened to the male even though college ofcials did become aware of the incident through other sources. She didnt pursue it because she was more afraid of what would happen if it got back to the male who caused the problem. It does bother me a little bit, said Doe. I do warn my friends about it in case he or anyone else tries to pull something. Name was changed to protect identity of innocent. Caitlin Handerhan contributed to this article.
Sexual coercion Act of using pressure, alcohol, drugs or force to have sexual contact with someone against his or her will. Its persistent attempts to have sexual contact with someone who has already refused. Coercion includes: Verbal pressure: Begging, attery, name calling, arguing, lying or misleading Social pressure: Peer pressure or threat of social isolation Emotional pressure: Taking advantage of trust or intimacy in a relationship, threatening the loss of the relationship, making one feel guilty
NEWS
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MSG addressed students problems on campus at The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly forum.
The executive board for the Student Activities Council (SAC) also attended to give updates on what they have planned for the upcoming weeks, as well as take suggestions from the students on what they can do next. A point that MSG emphasized on is the opportunity forums like these present to the students, as they need to keep coming forward to the authority to get their voice heard. MSG President Richard Molloy said, Next forum, we are coming to the students instead, for the purpose of mass effect. Ideas discussed include moving the forum to Egan Dining Hall, a more crowded scenario. We hung posters up, we invited people via Facebook; Im not sure if its apathy from the students or if there are better ways to communicate with them, Molloy said. Vice President Brian Lombardo thinks that with the implementation of forums, students would take advantage of the chance to express their concerns. The biggest thing is to make sure that the students have exposure, which is why we give them the opportunity to come talk to us about their concerns, he said. Students were appreciative of the event, which gave them the chance to be heard. Sophomore Brendan Mortimer agreed. Events like this give us the chance to be heard; its great that we have the opportunity to talk to MSG about what changes we want to see in the school, he said. People should take advantage of this, because most just complain about what goes on in school, but dont tell anyone in power about it, said Mortimer. With events like this, they get the chance to say it to the student government instead.
cerned that there has been too little study on the effects of sucralose in water levels. In the spring we found approximately 150 parts per trillion in Lake Erie, junior Gregg Robbins-Welty said. One of the main reasons they applied for a grant to continue testing waters at Presque Isle is that they have, as of yet, only tested beach water. There are literally hundreds of substances that have limited negative impact from a human standpoint because they are eliminated from our bodies, said Parente on the lack of research existing about the environmental effects of sucralose. This means they are introduced into the environment without signicant modication and are polluting our aquatic ecosystems. The group is currently trying to nd better techniques and methods for detecting sucralose and also expand their testing area. Parente wishes to look into water samples coming into treatment plants and samples going out into Lake Erie for presence of the chemical as well. I am excited that my senior research project is one that may help preserve the environment locally, senior Juliane Harmon said. Parente agrees with Harmon, citing a quote from Dr. Seuss. Dr. Seuss summed it up best in saying: Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. Its not, Parente said. The study is on-going as Parente and the students continue to test for sucralose and its potential negative effects on the environment at Presque Isle.
Police Log
Saturday, Oct. 20 Liquor law violation Lot #4 Referred for discipline Monday, Oct. 22 Possession of controlled substance 3808 Briggs Ave. Referred for discipline
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NEWS
News Briefs
The ofce of Mercyhurst University President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., was used for the independent lm, The Underground Railroad.
FEATURES
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year, and needs future members to be willing to become leaders in the years after he leaves. While the founders have a clear vision of what they would like the club to be, they still need the support of the student body to make this a reality. Students and staff interested should email Spacht at dspacht93@lakers.mercyhurst.edu or contact him on Facebook.
Spacht and his father work together to make their own beer.
intelligence major Thomas Frank has entered his beer in several competitions, with most recent achievement placing second in the Southern New England Regional Competition. Frank taught himself how to brew by reading online and in books. Frank, however, was inspired by family visits to breweries around the country.
class of 2012, has become actively involved with SafeNet since her time at Mercyhurst. Browns work with SafeNet began her freshman year at Mercyhurst, when she completed an internship with the organization for her social welfare minor. She decided that was where she wanted to be after graduation. As part of the outreach support staff, her duties include creating outreach events for Erie campuses and young adults, counseling, and organizing conferences and other events to raise awareness for domestic violence. Working directly with survivors has shown me the huge difference that social services can make in peoples lives, helping them to get through lifes hardships and come out on the other end, said Brown. For more information on SafeNet and their programs, please visit www. safeneterie.org. Students who need assistance for domestic violence can go to the Counseling Center or call the condential SafeNet Crisis Hotline at (814) 454-8161.
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FEATURES
Borders funds girls to Even on such a small scale such as orga- continue their educanizing a leadership seminar, a task I thought tion.
was going to be very easy, must be culturally sensitive. When planning activities for the girls, I am realizing I cannot do ice breakers which would require the respondent to answer something like What is your favorite movie? or What was the best vacation you took? because these things are an impossibility in Haitian life. When assigned this as one of my tasks as an intern, I immediately thought back to the summer camps, group activities, orientations and training sessions I have attended that required the obligatory ice breaker session or two. Most activities I originally brainstormed to use have been deemed slightly too culturally rst world to be used. I havent even set foot in Haiti yet, and the reality check being delivered to me is immense. In recalling her previous visits to Haiti and South Sudan, Sister Marilyn conveyed to me a school system where learning is taught by the instructor writing on the board, with students reading the phrase aloud and copying into their notebooks. Her impression was that not much is done for fun and school days, while supremely valuable, are not geared toward exciting the students and inspiring their empowerment. The idea to run a week long leadership conference came from this assessment. It is Sister Marilyns experience that anything outside of the normal school day would be beyond thrilling for the girls. While I tend to dread the hand holding of the human knot or other ice breakers I am forced into, these girls respond with the utmost enthusiasm. Even though my ight from Miami to Port-au-Prince will only be 60 minutes, I am just beginning to get a grasp of how much of a world away I will be. I am so excited to travel to Haiti and to experience, learn and appreciate a culture so different from our own. Stay tuned to learn more about Caitlins trip to Haiti in upcoming columns.
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By Alejandra Zeron
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst University English Department is resuming its annual tradition of the Lumen creative arts magazine by urging students to submit their own creative works. Lumen is a hard-copy publication composed of students poems and works of ction and designed by student graphic artists. It includes an interactive CD-ROM compiling literary pieces, music and dance clips, full color art and moving graphics from the English, music, dance, art and graphic design departments. Over the winter break, the editorial board will choose the best
Online
www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment
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pac.mercyhurst.edu photo
Students from both the Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre and SoMar Dance Works will be presenting works that pay tribute to freedom of expression, creativity and movement.
has to grow on you. The rst time you listen to it you are going to hate it on general principle. However, when you listen to it again, you are hooked. The thing I really liked about his album was the sound variety it had when you got into the really specic punk genres. It is normal to listen to an album and have a feeling that all the songs sounded the same. This is not the case with this album. Every song intro is different and inviting for you to listen to the rest of it. Knife in the Water, for example starts off with this really nice drum rhythm. It is dancey in a way, but then the heavy distortion of the sliding power chords hits you. In addition, there is Wet Blanket. It is a good example of how big sound can be when achieved with only three people. Like I stated before, this album is not for everyone. However, if you are a fan of garage rock punk, or noise rock, this album is denitely worth a listen.
pac.mercyhurst.edu photo
Taylor Little Theatre Friday Oct. 26, 2012 - 2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Language: French (with English subtitles)
OPINION
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The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Depending on the politics of the hospital she might or might not be offered a morning after drug to induce menstruation and thereby prevent pregnancy. If she has family or friends shes willing to call, they wait outside. There was no one this young woman would call. Her family was 150 miles away, her new roommate did not have a car and she did not want the school to know. When she was nally released midmorning, I drove her back to the dorm in oversized, donated sweats and dropped her off. I never heard from her again and nothing ever came of her case. Thats not unusual. The woman from the grocery store returned to North Dakota with her husband. The single mother could not afford
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
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The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
OPINION
The Mercyhurst University production of Camelot was the talk of the town this weekend, lling the theater every night. Seniors Kirstan Orgel and Matthew Tolbert captivated audiences with their portrayal of Queen Guenevere and King Arthur, respectively.
No offense to those from Erie, but the only thing going for you was Millcreek 6...
- Caitlin MacBride
What many may not know is that Erie does not show many independent lms or must wait to receive them. When The Artist, The Iron
The Parkhurst Culinary Cab is extremely popular with students, especially during the late-night hour. Too bad the overpriced food is almost too expensive for a college budget.
The trash cans on Briggs and Lewis are lling up with residents garbage bags that should be taken to the dumpsters. This isnt the place for overowing garbage cans. Raccoons and skunks will appreciate it, though.
...Romney had not come across any qualied women he could appoint to this cabinet...
- Jaslyne Halter
that for things, but some of the things Romney said during this last debate literally blew my mind. The general discord when it comes to the governor and women went even further during the debate. Romney not only couldnt answer
SPORTS
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Sophia Damasceno and Lindsey DAndrea display their ribbons after their show at WVU.
tionally, DAndrea won High Point Rider of the Show for her performance. Even though there were only two of us representing Mercyhurst, we held our own. I think it showed that, even though we are a very small team, we are denitely a force to be reckoned with, DAndrea said. DAndrea has always been connected to horses, and has developed into a passionate equestrian. I have been involved with horses my whole life. It all started when my little sister got horse riding lessons for her birthday. She became involved in the sport, then before I knew it, my mom, older sister and myself were in riding lessons together, said DAndrea. We then got our rst horse, named Dee Right Flight, when I was
It was a tough loss, but we all realize that we have to forget about it and focus on the next opponent. The team is just really excited to get back out there, have a good week of practice and get ready to play Edinboro, Kimball said. Mercyhurst still remains in the postseason picture, despite the loss. The Lakers maintain a conference record of 4-1 going into their next game, against Edinboro Universitys Fighting Scots, who currently have an all-time series lead over the Lakers, 5-3. It should be a good game. Edinboro is a tough team, they always play hard, and so we have to be ready, Kimball said. Read the full story online at merciad.mercyhurst.edu
to play, Ciampa said. Ciampa plays a major role on the ice for the Lakers. As a goaltender, she is the last remaining defense against the opponent, and she does it well. In the game on Saturday, Ciampa stopped 24 shots on the net in the victory over the Golden Knights. Although ranked an impressive number two in the nation, Ciampa is modest about her performance. Personal stats like that are misleading in a team game, because really it is a reection of the hard working team in front of me, said Ciampa. I just focus on doing my job the best that I can, the same way everyone else is expected to do their job to help us be successful as a team, because thats what really matters. The Lakers last set of home games will take place this Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Mercyhurst Ice Center. The Lakers will face-off against tenth-ranked team, Minnesota State.
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Sports