(09/14/04 4:00am)
The Middle East Forum at Brandeis and the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies co-sponsored a discussion with Carlo Boccia, the director of homeland security for the City of Boston last Thursday in Usdan. The discussion focused on how the Sept. 11 attacks affected the way in which terrorist threats are dealt with in the Boston region and throughout the world. Boccia said he gathers and studies information provided by citizens to makes it easier for them to report any actions or people that may seem suspicious.Boccia is a distinguished expert in the field of homeland security. He is a graduate of The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., and has worked for the federal government for 33 years in a number of capacities. "We are training the public," Boccia said. "They need to know what to remember, and a friendly place to deposit that information. . .we want to convert information into action." Boccia said that everybody conducting business must pay attention to who their customers are and to take note of anything unusual. He said he was happy about the progress being made in Boston toward this front, but he also acknowledged the long battle ahead. "We are pleading with everyone to participate to make this a safer environment," Boccia said, stressing that the fight against terror is an ever-changing work in progress.According to Boccia, after the Sept. 11 attacks, Americans united and produced a robust response. But six months later, he said he heard complaints about long lines at airport terminals due to tightened security measures. He said it is these small inconveniences that make people reluctant to take appropriate measures to prevent terrorist attacks. Boccia said four main areas of security need to be addressed-inter-agency cooperation, specialized equipment, more hands-on training and communication. "The collaborative environment constantly needs reinforcement," said Boccia. In the event of a catastrophic attack like 9/11, communication between the police, hospitals and private organizations needs to be as open as possible."Boccia also addressed the political effects of terror. He said neither United States presidential candidate addresses the appropriate issues regarding terror because they are more concerned with a "quick fix." The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies is a non-partisan think tank dedicated to educating people on the threat of terrorism. Two Brandeis students, Marc Narotsky '06 and Jessica Goldings '06 were undergraduate fellows for the foundation this summer. Goldings is a news editor of the Justice
(09/14/04 4:00am)
Just want to let you know about a forum that occurred in New York City last Sat., Sept. 11th, concerning how 9/11 did not happen as reported in the media, and the massacre was not attributed to Bin Laden.Also, engineers testified as to how the buildings did not collapse, but were, in fact, detonated.Please consult the following websites for more inf:www.911truth.orgwww.septembereleventh.orgwww.cooperativeresearch.orgwww.nesara.us (See Dove Reports)www.infowars.comwww.prisonplanet.tv (articles on 9/11)Thanks,Taylor Jo Sea
(09/07/04 4:00am)
The administration has introduced more diversity-related courses to the curriculum in large response to racial incidents last year, according to Provost Marty Krauss.Krauss said that the Dusty Baker incident and the controversial visit by Daniel Pipes hurt the community and piqued interest in spreading tolerance and acceptance."On the academic side, I wanted to make proactive and constructive activities to bring us to the place we want to be in," Krauss said.The plan-outlined by the administration last January and developed by the Provost's Steering Committee on Campus Diversity Issues-also involves adding more diversity-related materials into existing courses in the future.Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe, who is chair of the curriculum subcommittee under Krauss' initiative, said he could not reveal as of now what existing courses will add new material in the future. But he said this effort is underway.Jaffe said a list of courses dealing more heavily with issues of diversity are posted on the provost and dean's office Web site. He said these courses are organized into three different categories -"Gender and Sexuality," "Religion, Race," and "Culture and Global Perspectives." According to Jaffe, at least nine new courses have never been offered before. He also said many courses offered in years prior would not have been included this year, if not for the provost's committee.A few of the listed courses include "Queer Readings: Before Stonewall," "Asian American literature" and "Introduction to African History."Jaffe said he is working toward creating additional new courses for the spring semester, including something about Latino experiences to be offered in Sociology, Islamic Arts and Race in American Cinema. He also said he wants to include other materials relating to conflict resolution and social justice."The goal is to have a Web site up by the fall and to have some sort of seminar or colloquium to teach people how to use it," Jaffe said. Community members expressed different feelings about the initiative to add more diversity into the curriculum.Shoshana Speiser '06 said she is happy the curriculum is being updated to include more diversity related material. But she said human interaction is the best teacher of diversity."Brandeis is a small school with limited course offerings, " Speiser said. "So any additional options I feel are welcome. However, what is learned in class does not substitute for practical experience and personal interaction."Ruodan Lan '07 agreed, saying that simply being a student at Brandeis-a place with people from numerous backgrounds-makes students more aware of diversity."I think it's necessary to have new courses dealing with diversity because there are so many nations and races in the world," Lan said.But some students felt that the administration plan was not the right way to deal with diversity issues on campus."It's a good idea but the problem is that the people who will take [courses with diversity] will be those who are already concerned with diversity," Yuval Simchi-Levi '05 said. "The University won't necessarily attract students who should learn more about diversity."Ben Wolinsky '06 agreed with Simchi-Levi, adding that it is not the role of the administration to control how the faculty teaches their courses."I have a major issue with the administration interfering with the instruction of professors who are experts in the material being taught," Wolinsky said.Prof. Susan Lanser (ENG), who is on the committee, said Brandeis was founded upon acceptance and that it would be hypocritical to turn away from such values. "We cannot pursue these goals without a broadly inclusive education in and out of the classroom and without a climate that fully supports the intellectual development and the personal well-being of every student," Lanser said.Professor Harry Mairson (COSI) agreed with Lanser, saying that discussing diversity issues is always necessary. But he was skeptical about using the classroom as a forum for this."Studying the big world out there is absolutely a good thing," Mairson wrote in an e-mail to the Justice. "Only, what *isn't* a 'diversity course'---maybe computer science? And is diversity to be studied, or had?"Krauss expressed anticipation for new and and updated courses and said she hopes that this initiative would help foster an exciting academic environment."I'm looking forward to an engaged and exciting academic year and continuing to provide our students with the richest and most challenging curriculum that we can mount," Krauss said.
(08/31/04 4:00am)
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder addressed approximately 800 first-years last night at Spingold Theater Center about his novel, Mountains Beyond Mountains. Orientation leaders, Roosevelt Fellows and Brandeis faculty and staff also attended."I'm sure you've learned by now that there's no free lunch, but there is a free book," said University President Jehuda Reinharz in describing this year's Helen and Philip Brecher New Student Forum novel selection, the committee that funds the event each year.Kidder spent time documenting Paul Farmer's life in Haiti - a doctor, Harvard professor, renowned infectious-disease specialist, anthropologist and recipient of the McArthur grant - who since 1982 has been working in Haiti on a program, Partners for Health, to provide effective treatment of diseases like tuberculosis and AIDS.Kidder said Farmer's achievements and viewpoints made him interested in writing the book.Reinharz added the book was chosen partly because of Farmer's strong will and commitment to social justice."[The novel] talks about the kind of radical change in incidents that seem almost insurmountable," Reinharz said."The story of Farmer's life to me is like an adventure," Kidder said. "He spends more time on planes in coach going to Haiti than in Boston."Kidder described how he would struggle to keep up with Farmer on 11-hour hikes when he was making house calls."If I said that not enough people would follow his example and that there's not enough to make a difference, he'd say he wouldn't care," Kidder said. "He'd say you're saying these lives mean less than others..."When a first-year asked if Farmer's medical expertise could have been better utilized if he had focused less on individual attention to patients than more on saving as many lives as possible, Kidder defended Farmer's attentive approach."I think the whole genius of the thing is to pay attention to that individual," Kidder said. "If you go the other way you run the risk of looking at patients as pins on a needle, and you make errors...by caring for the individual patient you get to do something for the whole world."First-years had the opportunity to stay behind after the speech and get their books signed by Kidder.
(08/31/04 4:00am)
The University completed a feasibility study this summer for building a parking garage to increase available spots and accommodate first-years who wish to have cars on campus, according to Brandeis administrators."If we had a parking garage on campus, then I, nor anyone else, would have an issue with freshmen having cars on campus," said Jean Eddy, the senior vice president for Students and Enrollment.According to Associate Vice President Dan Feldman, the study evaluated X-lot and G-lot as two possible locations for three different garage models. "The goal is creating a much more pedestrian environment in the heart of the Brandeis campus... and getting rid of a lot of the little [parking] lots that are scattered across campus," Feldman said.University President Jehuda Reinharz said that while he is trying to raise money for the garage, he does not know when enough funds will be collected to begin construction.Reinharz restricted parking to first-years in the fall of 2002 in an attempt to keep the campus more open to pedestrians. He said the construction of the Shapiro Campus Center and the Great Lawn also eliminated 150 previous parking spaces."We simply have insufficient space at present to accommodate every car on campus," Reinharz said.According to Eddy, the decision to restrict parking to first-years also originated from a significant parking crunch. But she said the administration does not plan to impose parking restrictions on other classes in the future."We certainly didn't feel that we had any recourse but to restrict some people from parking," Eddy said. "It's not uncommon on many college campuses for freshmen to not be allowed to have cars on campus."Eddy said students favored a more attractive campus over increasing parking spaces when the plan for beautifying the campus was presented a few years ago in an open forum.When asked if she had surveyed students recently whether they would prefer more green space or more parking, Eddy said, "I have not had the forum to ask them directly, but you are going to have a different conversation when you talk about parking versus green space." Eddy said that places like the Great Lawn used to be parking lots, and in the past, "It was pretty clear that students were looking for that [places to hang out], and looking for the campus to be prettier."Eddy said first-years can appeal the parking policy via a special committee composed of herself, Director of Admissions Deena Whitfield and Director of Public Safety Ed Callahan. She said there must be a compelling reason for an appeal to be granted - like a medical disability.Whitfield said about a dozen parking waiver requests were made last year about and half of them were granted. Despite the parking restriction, Eddy admitted that there were still significant problems with parking on campus. "The parking crunch is getting worse," Eddy said. "More students are bringing cars."Both Reinharz and Eddy say that there are no further plans restrict parking on campus. "I've not been part of any more conversation about restricting cars on campus for sophomores," Eddy said. "That has not been under consideration.
(05/25/04 4:00am)
To the Editor:Investigations like "Some CAs turn a blind eye to violators" in the April 27 issue should be saved for forums where a reader expects a slanted view, not held up for everyone who expects to see actual news. Furthermore, this article has no news qualities for two reasons. First, it is not news that students who attend your university and happen to become CAs break rules. They are college students like everyone else at Brandeis, and along with underage drinking, smoking and partying comes a certain disdain for the rules. Second, the article does not convey all sides of the issue. The writers should have provided us with the information that no CA was willing to speak on the record.The article has holes and weaknesses that should have been detected during the editorial process. I find it hard to believe that at a major university's newspaper there are no editors who would be looking for all of these things from an article. I must commend the writers of this article for their investigation job, but I must reiterate that their job went unfinished. By printing this unfinished article you have provided your audience with inadequate information, forcing them to lean toward one view. In doing this you have also failed as proper journalists. In closing, I suggest that you strongly consider the many messages that you send by providing one-sided articles in the form of news.-Aviron ShemtovSharon, Mass.
(04/27/04 4:00am)
Leonard Bernstein founded the Festival of the Arts as a forum to debut his new piece of music. Now, 52 years after the original founding, Kristen Sergeant (GRAD), accompanied by Jennifer Honen (GRAD), paid tribute to him in a small and intimate recital last Friday.Sergeant opened her performance with I Hate Music, a song cycle about a child's desire to sing and not worry about all of that music stuff. Sergeant eloquently sang of the little girl's desire to stop practicing and her body language and crisp delivery had the audience laughing in all of the right spots. She followed with "Take Care of This House" from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, a show Bernstein wrote in 1972 with Alan Jay Lerner in an attempt to criticize the Nixon administration. The song itself is about the sacred ground that is the White House, but as Sergeant described, "it can really be applied to any place that has a lot of meaning to someone." Sergeant gave an excellent performance of the piece. Quite often very high treble sopranos can come off sounding breathy and light, but Sergeant gave a full, supported performance that created a strong sound. For her third piece, Sergeant performed two love songs: "Extinguish My Eyes" and "When My Soul Touches Yours," both of which are poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. Sergeant's flowing legato performance enhanced the messages of love delivered by the poems. Furthermore, her smooth phrasing allowed the audience to understand each word that she was saying, adding to the mood Rilke meant to create in her writing. "La Bonne Cuisine" is a series of French recipes from Emily Dumont's La Bonne Cuisine set to music. Sergeant's performance of the series was fast, fun and staccato, a very big style shift from the previous piece. While some of the humor of singing recipes was lost in the French, it was still very entertaining to listen to. Next, Sergeant performed selections from Mass by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) and Bernstein. Schwartz's influence was very prevalent in the second selection "I Go On," where the accompaniment bore a distinct resemblance to "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin. Both pieces added to Sergeant's already excellent performance. Sergeant closed with "Piccolo Serenata," another legato piece she performed beautifully with her powerful soprano voice. Overall, the recital was an excellent display of the wide varieties of music that Bernstein wrote in his life and each was performed incredibly well with meticulous attention paid to each song and performance. Although it might have been one of the smallest audiences, it was one of the best performances of the Festival.
(04/27/04 4:00am)
The Justice Editorial Board would like to say goodbye to our four graduating seniors. We wish congratulations to them and thank them for their time on the board during their Brandeis careers. They will each be deeply missed.Jeremy Hamburgh has been on board over two and a half years following a lengthy term as an assistant in the sports section. He served as sports editor and as associate editor during his time, and has truly been a center of gravity for this board. A voice from editorial boards of the past, Jeremy never loses sight of tradition nor vision for the future. He is a trusted and admired individual. Jeremy's gift for articulation as a writer and speaker is remarkable and will be missed in our pages and in our meetings. We have no doubt that he will flourish next year at Brooklyn School of Law and in the future. When it comes to the Justice, Jeremy always wants to be on top and never fails to rise to the occasion. Evan Lerner has spent the shortest time on our board, but has certainly made his mark. As a columnist, his words challenged us and made us examine how we view our school and ourselves. Evan came to our board as forum editor during a time of crisis and has been a stabilizing force for our paper ever since. He is a gifted writer and innovative thinker who is not afraid to offer controversial opinions, but is also is equally accepting of the opinions of others. His eagerness to step up in whatever capacity he can whenever he is needed has made a lasting impression. GeneWatch Magazine is lucky to have his talents as their editor next year. Live long and prosper, Evan.Andrew Meyerson has served as photo editor for over a year, and has been a major contributor in making the Justice a finer product for the Brandeis community during his time as editor and in the entirety of his four years as a photographer. Andrew has consistently gone above and beyond his duties, and he is always willing to be a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to lean on. His enthusiasm, creativity, sense of humor and resolution has made him an irreplaceable asset to this board. With an almost dizzying style, Andrew's work has become a trademark. He is a pillar of strength to this board and to his community, as his abilities as a communicator and mediator are exemplary. As a fifth year graduate student he won't be rid of us just yet, and we are thrilled to get one more year of his time, his energy and his low-carb convictions. Elana Margulies has served on the editorial board for a whopping three-and-a-half years as features editor and then as associate editor. Elana made great strides in continuing to strength The Justice Alumni Association over the past year as well as to offer guidance and insight to the board as the "grandmother" figure. After spending the second semester of her junior year in Madrid, Elana returned to the board with worldly insights and continued dedication. We marvel at her responsible attitude towards the Justice and at the diligence she shows in all aspects of her life. Elana seems pensive at times and consistently keeps an even and open mind, though we're sure that deep down there's a devil waiting to break out. We wish her the best of luck in pursuing a successful career in journalism, though we're sure she won't need it. We also would like to offer our congratulations to past senior editors Jackie Hendries, Devorah Klein, Shaw Lupton and Rob Siegel. Best of luck to them and to the entire Class of 2004.
(04/27/04 4:00am)
To the Editor:I would like to highlight a significant inaccuracy in Stephen Heyman's April 20 column "Horowitz' ad reject solely on policy issue" concerning the Editorial Board's refusal to print David Horowitz's advertisement. In the column, Heyman claims that in its decision not to print the ad, the Justice was wrongly accused of "harboring a liberal bias" and that the Editorial Board "would have rejected an ad from an opposing viewpoint with the same justification." So then, Mr. Heyman, why did your paper print an ad paid for by Jewish Voices Against the Occupation on page 16 of the Oct. 1, 2002 issue entitled "Jewish Voices Against Israel's Occupation of Palestinian Territories"?When I read the ad, I was thoroughly disgusted at both the content and the fact that the Justice Editorial Board would print such an opinionated, slanderous piece against Israel and Israelis. When I questioned some Justice staff, they responded that it was their Editorial Board's decision as to which politically motivated ads are fit to print. As the editor, would you have printed this ad considering its content? Again, this was not published as an op-ed piece or within a column, but instead was an advertisement. Besides the fact that I can contest every point in it, the ad is political in nature and sponsored by a liberal organization, thereby disproving your contention that accusations of the pro-Horowitz ad students were "baseless."And you may ask, "how do you know about this ad?" In response, I actually saved a copy of the ad and have used it before in several presentations on college campus media bias, along with several other Letters to the Editor that I have written in response to what I deem as anti-Israel articles in the Justice over the years. Therefore, I urge the editors of the Justice to remember the actions of their predecessors and to be truthful to their readers. Please continue to do your best to include both sides in the news and forum sections, but ban political advertisements entirely. Unfortunately, despite your assurances, you were one-sided this time.-Jonathan Waldstreicher '04former vice president, ZaHaV
(04/27/04 4:00am)
The Asian journal, Monsoon, hosted a forum entitled "Globalization and its costs in Asia" in conjunction with the International and Global Studies Program (IGS), The Consilience Program and the Schiff Fellowship Group of Professors N. Menon and B. Ngan on Wednesday.The event featured a panel of five professors, including Gary Jefferson (ECON), Serkan Bahceci (ECON), Seyom Brown (POL), Sarah Lamb (ANTH) and Richard Lyman (East Asian studies). Each speaker was given 15 minutes to present the issue of globalization in Asia according to his or her specialization, after which each addressed questions from the audience. According to Editor in Chief of Monsoon and coordinator for the event Benjamin Ngan '05, the goal of the event was to spread awareness to not only students, but to all members of the Brandeis community about globalization, because many do not know about how it has affected those abroad."The goal of our event is to gather members of the Brandeis community," Ngan said. "We also wanted a diversity of speakers, so that is why we had five professors from different departments."Elliot Veloso '04, Monsoon's senior editor of Global Issues and the moderator of the event, agreed with Ngan, adding that he was particularly surprised by the scope of opinions on the issue."We wanted to promote a forum where professors and students can discuss the various cultural, economic and social issues involved in this subject," Veloso said. "What struck me was how divergent the opinions were regarding the issue of globalization. Many people either supported or opposed it, and these views promoted spirited discussion especially during the question and answer period."According to Veloso, the diversity in faculty represented a wide range of perspectives on the issue.The talk began with Prof. Jefferson, who stressed that inequality, both in terms of costs and benefits and labor standards, is one feature of globalization in which people must focus upon when discussing the issue."Some issues that regard costs for China may constitute benefits for other countries," Jefferson said. "Something that is a cost for Japan is something else for another country. In addition to this inequality, there is also the challenge China faces in relation to U.S. supremacy."Bahceci agreed with Jefferson that things that people in Asia may see as negative may, in fact, be positive for the global economy.Taking a somewhat opposing approach was Lamb, who raised the issue of families in India who suffer directly because of the effects of globalization.More specifically, according to Lamb, the concept of a nursing home is unnatural to Asian families, who are used to living very intimately. According to her, children would live with their parents and grandparents until their deaths, but with the infiltration of globalization, children run off to work and school, and grandparents are sent away.Lamb also spoke of Western children as compared to Asian children in their contrasting upbringings. In the West, Asian parents and grandparents are disconcerted by the unavailability and independence of the youth. In the East, however, children would always be around their families.According to Ngan, the event was successful because of the dialogue it sparked, and because of the good advertising they did for Monsoon."I think I am satisfied with how the event went in terms of fulfilling our expected goals," Ngan said. "The audience was surrounding our speakers and engaging them into positive and provocative dialogue. I also know that quite a number of our audience have not heard of Monsoon prior to the event, but they do now."Veloso agreed with Ngan, adding that not only was the general response positive, but the very diverse dialogue was indicative of success."The hope was that students and faculty could promote spirited discussion regarding globalization, and I feel that it was successful," Veloso said. "The general response from the participants has been positive.
(04/27/04 4:00am)
Nearly 1,200 accepted students visited Brandeis last week for the annual open house, according to Director of Enrollment Deena Whitfield. This event coincided with Bronstein week and The Festival of the Arts.Both days began with breakfast and a speech by University President Jehuda Reinharz, who invited visitors to attend classes and tour the campus. There were many other activities and events during the open house on Wednesday and Thursday."The party on the lawn and the inflatables on Wednesday were planned by the Student Union," Whitfield said. "Admissions collaborates with student groups, clubs and organizations, but we plan everything else."Question-and-answer sessions were held, as were specific sessions about pre-health studies, mid-years, multi-cultural issues, theater, campus architecture and financing a Brandeis education.Devra Barter, a prospective student from Denver, thought Brandeis did an excellent job in coordinating activities, especially in comparison to other colleges."The sessions were really good-it was good that they had faculty and students," Barter said. "I went to Emory last weekend and it was not as well-structured."Robert Marx '06, a community adviser in Massell Quad, found the programs to be exciting, except for a few which seemed less well organized."The coffeehouse and Lizzy's were really cool because they gave a glimpse into the aspects of other life on campus," Marx said.One qualm many hosts had was paying for their pre-froshs' meals. While pre-frosh were instructed to bring money, some students felt it was rude that to ask them to do so."It is kind of inconsiderate for the hosts," said Rebecca Reiman '07, who hosted a pre-frosh. "But at the same time, hosts do not have to provide the meals; the pre-frosh were told to bring money."Amy Fischer of Nashville, Tenn. was accepted early decision to Brandeis and agreed with Barter that the University had planned ahead for the event."Everybody that I met has been so nice and friendly," Fischer said. "I think Brandeis did a really good job. Everything is easy to find and everyone has been eager to talk [to me]. I do feel more prepared for next year. I talked to a lot of people about classes, which is more useful than hearing people talk in a forum."Fischer said she visited Brandeis before, mostly in conjunction with visiting her sister, Elizabeth '05. But this time her hostess was Robyn Goldstein '07. Both Elizabeth and Goldstein are on the swim team, which Fischer said she plans to join. She said she met other accepted students at a swim team party and exchanged e-mails with some to keep in touch over the summer. She said she thought staying with a student was better than just visiting with parents, whom she feels would hinder the experience."When you are by yourself and stay with a student, you see more," Fischer said. "If you're parents are paying for college, then they have a right to come [with you] though."Daniel Wolfe, also from Denver, agreed with Fischer's sentiments."[My parents would] probably ask more questions, but it's good to be on my own,"Wolfe said, "I think events were pretty good and well-planned, especially the student panel Thursday. I really enjoyed everything. I had a great time this weekend and I am coming here next year."Wolfe was not hosted by a first-year or sophomore. Instead, he stayed with a senior in Ziv Quad, something he attributes to the fact that he decided to attend the open house too late. Many current students regarded the accepted students' open house as the "clincher" for their decision to attend Brandeis."When I came to the accepted students weekend last year, it made me really sure I wanted to go to Brandeis," Josh Rosenthal '07 said.There were other reasons why accepted students said they were considering Brandeis. Fischer wanted to attend a smaller school in New England."I'm coming [to Brandeis] to break away from the bubble in Nashville," Fischer said. "Most everyone has not heard of Brandeis because if you cross the Mason-Dixon Line, you're a weirdo."Barter, who was accepted into the mid-year class, was attracted by a community she believes will tailor well to her religion."I really like the Jewish community here," Barter said. "I like the size, and I like how the people are friendly-that's definitely a plus."Marx said he hosted potential first-years out of his admiration for the University. "I hosted because it's a really good way [for the person] to see what student life is like," Marx said.
(04/27/04 4:00am)
To whom this may concern- As a visitor at your University, I happened upon a copy of your campus newspaper, "The Justice". I understand that the name is a play on the whole Brandeis theme, but nevertheless, I must admit I was turned off by it. Newspapers are, by their very definition, meant to be impartial means of relaying news, leaving room for opinions within forums and editorials. Not only did I find that your newspaper had numerous articles with slanted views, but I feel that the title would lead an impressionable, possably uneducated, youth to lean in the direction of the editor or opinion writer's views. Investigation's like the one highlighted by its first page position (Some CAs turn..) should be saved for forums, where a reader expects a slanted view, not held up for everyone who expects actual news to see. Furthermore, this article has no news qualities for two reasons. First, it is not news that students who attend your University and happen to become CAs break rules. They are college students like everyone else at Brandeis, and along with underage drinking, smoking and partying comes a certain disconcern for the rules. Second, the article does not convey all sides of the issue. The writers, who admitted to their literary inadiquacies with quotes like "all the damn time" (p.5), should have atleast provided us with the information that no CA was willing to speak on record, if in fact they attempted to speak with one. This article gave the points of views of a small number of students, whose reliablity must come into question in the same way an employee's complaints of a boss would be, and Resident Directors, who the article shows have failed in their job, although it never comes out and says as much. Obviously the article has holes and weaknesses that should have been detected during the editorial process. I find it hard to believe that at a major University's newspaper there are no editor's who would be looking for all of these things from an article. I must commend the writers of this article for their investigation job, but I must reiderate also that their job went unfinished. By printing this unfinished article you have provided your audience with inadaquate information, forcing them to lean towards one view. In doing this you have also failed as proper journalists. In closing, I suggest that you strongly consider the message that you send with your name, as well as the many messages that you send by providing one-sided articles in the form of news. I appreciate your time, thank you and good luck in your quest for a truthful and prosperous school paper. Aviron Shemtov
(04/20/04 4:00am)
On Sunday night Brandeis students were granted a rare delight when Hollywood writer and producer Marshall Herskovitz answered students' questions after a free screening of his latest film, The Last Samurai. This question and answer forum was fascinating for all those with any interest in film, and it is always beneficial to listen to people who have made a name for themselves in a difficult industry. Herskovitz, who has produced hugely successful movies and shows, such as Legends of the Fall, the multi-Academy award winning Traffic, and television's Emmy award winning My So-Called Life, was affable and forthcoming. He talked about the process of filmmaking, that it remains the same whether "you have four dollars or 100 million." The process "is very humbling," Herskovitz confessed, and it involves many people blundering along. It is those collaborated blunders that ultimately create the movie.Herskovitz has been in the movie business long enough to know what makes the audience tick. When the first draft of The Last Samurai hit his desk, he knew that the movie was too aloof for American people to become personally invested in the storyline. A Civil War veteran in Japan struggling with his destiny is not too gripping to the average American movie-goer, so Herskovitz changed the script to where the audience could get involved with the on-screen relationships. Love and death should never just be taking place on screen, Herskovitz claimed, but in every audience member as well, because if you do not feel the loss, the movie will not be a moving experience. Herskovitz touched on the magic of movie making, painting it as an ever-changing and nearly improvisational art. Throughout the drafting and filming of The Last Samurai, there was debate about a kiss between Tom Cruise and the female protagonist. On the fateful day, the directors and producers were still not sure whether the kiss would remain part of the movie, but told the two actors to try it anyway. When they saw it from behind the camera, the entire production crew was taken aback with the passion of the moment, and decided to leave it in. It was a moment, Herskovitz recalled, where everyone just said "wow," and that part of the movie virtually edited itself into the final product.Despite the international success of the movie, Herskovitz was extremely forthcoming in regard to the main criticisms of the movie. Some of it can be attributed to being misperceived by American audiences, he claimed, although he acknowledged that perhaps they could have done more to explain the climactic unfolding of the movie. What many people viewed as an implausible ending could have been explained with the lengthening of one scene, but that posed other issues involved with that scene. The scene could be thought of as an illustration of the myriad of problems facing movie-makers with each and every scene.As a successful producer of both television and film, Herskovitz was an excellent resource to hear about the work behind both mediums. As a producer on television, one is given the title executive producer, and consequently become the king of the project. Often, the executive producer writes the pilot for the show, directs it and is in charge of virtually every aspect of production. When working on movies, a producer becomes subject to the creative whims of the director, and is there primarily to help the director's vision become a reality. Furthermore, there is a vast difference in the allocation of both time and money for the two forms of entertainment. With television, everything is done "bam-bam-bam," and crews are often under-funded. Conversely, studio movies offer nearly infinite resources, huge budgets and virtually as much time as is needed. As a result, movie-making "moves at a glacial pace," subject to the whims of many different people, be it stars wanting to take a vacation or directors wanting to re-shoot a scene 30 times. To hear someone who has entrenched himself as a successful Hollywood producer, in an industry that is so difficult to succeed in, was a true delight. Herskowitz was a very honest and gracious speaker, and hearing about his trials and tribulations was truly a privilege.
(03/30/04 5:00am)
To the Editor:As a senior about to graduate from Brandeis, an institution that has always prided itself on being both politically active and open-minded, I am outraged by the lack of respect that has been shown for the Brandeis Republicans' "Conservative Coming Out Week." To make things clear, I personally choose not to affiliate myself with either the Democratic or the Republican parties, and thus my bias lies with neither side. However, as we near the end of a difficult year in which our community has been confronted with controversial issues dealing with race and religion on our campus, I am appalled to see that we have yet to learn our lesson. Regardless of the defining characteristic (be it race, religion, or political party), minorities on the Brandeis campus should not feel threatened as an individual or as a group. Offensive remarks have been written on the "Conservative Coming Out Week" posters, club leaders have been harassed at their table in Usdan and I have heard snide comments passed between students while walking on campus. While the Brandeis Republicans do not expect everyone in the community to agree with their views, the least they deserve is the community's respect-a respect that all other student clubs demand. I laud the Brandeis Republicans for their effort to make their presence known on campus, and I urge my peers, professors, administrators and University staff members to give them the respect they deserve, and the freedom to speak in an open forum without risk of reproach or reprisal.-Michelle Battat '04
(03/30/04 5:00am)
After much debate, the sex magazine H-Bomb, the brainchild of two Harvard undergraduates, was awarded a $2,000 grant on March 21 to fund start-up costs for its first issue, which will likely feature photos of nude Harvard students, according to The Crimson. According to Matthew Mahan, president of Harvard's undergraduate council, the $2,000 grant was based on the estimate that 4,000 of Harvard's 6,600 students will read the magazine's first issue.In addition to nude photographs, the magazine creators hope to have essays, artwork, fiction and poetry in their magazine. At the meeting on March 16, sophomore Christina Adams proposed an amendment to eliminate funding for H-Bomb. "I don't think it is right for us to fund a magazine that has rape fantasies," junior Aaron Byrd , who co-sponsored the amendment, said. Byrd referred to the proposed table of contents presented at a March 16 meeting between faculty adviser Marc Hauser and the Committee on College Life (CCL). The contents included "a controversial fictional piece about female rape fantasies."The amendment failed six to 28, with four abstentions."It's hardly our role to decide if we like the content of this, but not that," junior Josh Barro told The Crimson. Barro and others were concerned about any form of censorship.The proposed contents of the magazine include an "expos on the demented sex life of the Harvard band," a photo essay of art and porn, and an article promoting abstinence. The two student creators of the magazine, junior Camilla A. Hrdy and sophomore Katharina C. Baldegg, were not in attendance at the meeting. Some CCL members preferred to set guidelines that H-Bomb would have to break in order to lose its Harvard stamp of approval. Others were concerned that Harvard's free speech policies were inconsistent, as sexual artwork has been allowed to be displayed in Harvard-sponsored art exhibitions. Associate Dean Judith H. Kidd told The Crimson she received "thousands of calls" about H-Bomb. She said she worries that posing in the magazine could give students "exposure that in 20 years they'd wish they hadn't gotten."But Hauser claimed that H-Bomb is a literary effort, responding to "pressing issues dealing with sexuality that needed a forum for discussion." He told The Crimson that the magazine has been misrepresented by the media. - Compiled by Jonathan Krisch
(03/23/04 5:00am)
The Senate granted $699 of the originally requested $999 to the MARK Auto Show, an event that will feature cars of any Brandeis students and staff that choose to enter. A money request from the Brandeis Reform Chavurah, to cover the costs of clay, food and drink, and serving utensils for the Empty Bowl Project was tabled a week as were requests from Students for Environmental Action (SEA) and a Multicultural Seder by the Religious Pluralistic Society. Up to $200 was granted to PBUS for their Pep Rally. The Religious Pluralism and Spirituality group requests $350 to repay a loan to a dean for the multi-cultural seder. After several hours of debate and numerous attempts to make the request an emergency, the senate tabled the SMR until next week. After abruptly getting up and denouncing the Senate over the length of their proceedings for the seder request, Greer Hauptman, Senator for Charles River Quad, got into an argument with Senator for the Class of 2007 Jenny Feinberg. After Greer left, several senators attempted to impeach her. Seeing that there was not enough support to go into executive session to discuss impeachment, the motion made in order to impeach was objected to, and after much debate, withdrawn. A motion to censure Hauptman failed, but a point of information by Feinberg hinted that Hauptman was going to resign. A motion to censure Senator for Off Campus Residents Bryan Lober for leaving during the middle of a vote and other actions did not pass. Senator for Class of '04 Teddy Tarallo made colorful remarks about the housing process towards the end of the meeting in open forum.- Compiled by Andrew Katz
(03/23/04 5:00am)
After meeting and reviewing the candidates, this board endorses Joshua Brandfon '05 in this week's election for president of the Student Union. We can say with confidence that students will benefit from his leadership in a second term.Brandfon has exuded professionalism and responsibility in a trying year for this university. His accomplishments while president and as treasurer are vast and admirable. Since taking office, Brandfon has led the fight in protecting student anonymity in pass/fail classes, made capital improvements like the Usdan game room and Club Resource Center and overhauled Student Union finances. His track record, as well as the relationships he has fostered with the Administration, club leaders and students, attest to his deft leadership and motivation in taking the Student Union forward. The board arrived at its endorsement after inviting all four candidates in this race to its weekly editorial meeting. Only one, Deniz Cordell '07, did not accept this invitation. The candidates that met the board answered a similar series of questions; a conclusion was reached after analyzing their comparative responses and their track records in the elected positions they currently hold.We felt compelled to endorse a candidate after the presidential debate in the Shapiro Atrium last Thursday. While an important forum, the sparse attendance-many in the audience of less than forty were either Union officials or staff of this newspaper-illustrated a severe level of student apathy toward campus issues.This apathy, which Brandfon plans to address in his second term, limits awareness of Student Union affairs, new academic policies and other campus issues that would benefit from greater student input. With the initiatives Brandfon prescribes, the student body will be more astute in facing the challenges that await.Brandfon, in his own words, "sweats the small stuff." It is this dedication to producing concrete results that improves the experiences of Brandeis students and makes Brandfon deserving of another year as president of the Student Union.
(03/23/04 5:00am)
How many closeted Republicans exist at Brandeis? This week, they will finally have a chance to make their identities known. Conservative Coming Out Week, sponsored by the Brandeis College Republicans, starts today and runs through next Tuesday.Why would the Republicans schedule such a week? The group's leaders, Jordana Luks '04, Adrienne Camire '04 and Sarah Chopnick '04, say their goal for the week is to raise awareness about conservative issues that are often suppressed on campus. The Republican club is not homogeneous, the three said. They never release "club stances" on any issue, except that the club supports President Bush. The social issue of the year, which seems to be gay marriage, elicited a "no comment" response from the Republicans. "It's an emotional, personal issue, decided on an individual basis," Camire stated.It's not easy to be a Republican on this campus. All three believe that suppression of the conservative voice has gotten worse during their four years at Brandeis. "Republicans are embarrassed on this campus," Luks said. "People will make fun of you." Luks recalled that during her American Government class during her first year at Brandeis, her professor announced that the Supreme Court had come to a decision on the election and that Bush would officially be the next president. "There was complete silence in the room, and I started to clap," Luks remembered. She said the professor told her later that she was "really brave."The three are disappointed with the labels that are often attached to those with different views. "Republicans are often related to anti-woman, anti-minority, pro-killing and pro-destroying the environment," Camire stated. Luks has been called a "fascist" and plainly told that she's "evil." Luks knows of somebody who received death threats because he was in favor of the war in Iraq.While the Democrats have a bulletin board in Usdan, the Republicans do not. "Our office was taken away without notice during the move from Usdan to Shapiro [in 2002]," Camire stated. When they did have an office, she said, Republican paraphernalia was often destroyed, signs were ripped off and destroyed, and walls had been vandalized.Hayley Tozeski '04, president of the Brandeis College Democrats responded to the bulletin board issue, saying, "the Brandeis Democrats have had that bulletin board long before I got here, and I don't know the original process."According to Chopnick, "people who claim to be open-minded are only that way to those who share the same ideas." Tozeski said this is not always the case. "We are at an extremely liberal school," she said, "(but) those who are knowledgeable are receptive to alternate points of view."She thinks that the week is "a great idea" that will "really fulfill a needed dialogue" on campus. "The Republicans are pretty inactive, and a lot of people who agree with their viewpoint don't have a venue," Tozeski said. "These events should garner [the Republicans] support."Institutionalized problemWith a voice so small, it is hard to counter the Democrats' domination of the campus. As Tozeski said, "Any time when you're in the minority, it is difficult to voice your opinion."But the problem goes beyond individuals in the student body, Republican club leaders said. They believe that anti-Republicanism is an "institutionalized problem" at Brandeis."We are trying to get money, trying to attract people, but the Administration only supports certain ideas," Camire said.Even in classes not related to politics or social issues, Luks has experienced many negative comments about conservative ideas, whether it is "a snide remark, or a tirade by a professor."Luks believes that over 90 percent of professors in the Politics department are registered Democrats. "This creates a big impact on the character of the school," she said. "Students look up to professors."Prof. Steven Berg, chair of the Politics department, responded to Luks' claims. "I have no idea about the political preference of my colleagues, nor would I ever ask," he said."Some things you have to expect," Tozeski responded. "Anytime you take politics in a liberal state, professors will publish and express their views. That's what they do. If a professor feels that President Bush is wrong, he is entitled to voice his opinion," she said. Tozeski said she has never heard of professors putting down a student for having a different opinion. "Students have ample opportunity to express their opinions," she said.Luks, though, said that she has had conferences with professors where she had to assert, "I know you don't agree with my position, but this is a well-written paper." This scares students from writing their real views when grades are at stake, Chopnick added.Camire recalled that last year, during the anti-war and pro-war rallies, "a lot of professors cancelled class so students would protest." According to her, some professors then yelled and called pro-war students "freaks" as they walked around carrying an American flag. "Of course," Camire said, "it doesn't apply to everyone; most professors are respectful and very supportive." Luks agreed. "If you build a personal relationship with a professor, you can explore both viewpoints; I've had amazing conversations with professors," she said.Trips, speakers, debatesThe events of Conservative Coming Out Week are targeted at people with interests in diverse subjects. "People might hate some events, but at least they are exposing themselves to something new, something they usually don't hear on this campus," Camire said. To begin the week, about 20 members of the Republican club will take a trip to a local shooting range. They will learn about firearm safety from the Gun Owners' Association League (GOAL). GOAL is a Massachusetts branch of the NRA that works with youth on gun safety and proper techniques.On Wednesday, a member of GOAL will come to Brandeis to speak about the Second Amendment-the right to bear arms-answering such questions as why someone has the right to own a gun, and why one would want to exercise that right.Also on Wednesday, the Republican s will set up a table in Usdan with information about Bush's re-election campaign, along with items supporting local Republican candidates for office. On Thursday at 4 p.m., the Shapiro Atrium will house a debate between the Republicans and the Brandeis Democrats on the issues of national security and foreign policy.Over in Boston on Thursday, President Bush will make a stop at the Park Plaza Hotel. In support of the president's visit, Bostonians are planning a rally in Boston Commons; some Brandeis Republicans plan to join in. The events continue after the weekend with a networking night on Monday, Mar. 29. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healy, Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy, Waltham Republicans Chair Michael Squillante, Massachusetts House Speaker Tom Finneran and others were invited to the event, though their attendance is not yet certain. This social event will allow students to meet Republicans from the area; students will have an opportunity to talk freely about careers and political involvement at the local level. The week culminates with a Mar. 30 speech by David Horowitz, a prominent conservative writer and best-selling author of Left Illusions: An Intellectual Odyssey. During the 1960s, Horowitz was a leader of the "New Left," editing Rampart's Magazine, an influential left-wing journal. But he withdrew from politics, dissatisfied with radical American policies, and returned in the '80s as a conservative. In 1988, Horowitz created the Center for the Study of Popular Culture, which distributes literature on defending a free society and the dangers of the anti-American left. In 1990, former President Ronald Reagan presented Horowitz with the Teach Freedom award. Future RepublicansWhile over 100 students currently belong to the Brandeis College Republicans, Luks believes that more "people are out there; the number of Republicans is probably bigger than it shows." When closeted Republicans are confronted about their views, Camire doesn't want them to say "no comment" in fear of ridicule. Likewise, Luks said she hopes that closeted Republicans will stand out and say, "this is who I am, and I am proud." She said she wishes for the day when students will be able to "support Bush without shame.""There is enthusiasm out there and people are excited," Camire said. "We will be a presence on campus for a week."In the future, the club "will continue to promote Republican issues, support President Bush, bring a presence to this campus and make [itself] heard," Camire said. Brandeis students can look for the "Students for W" campaign to continue through the election in November.The group will also hold registration drives with the Democrats. "It is important to get out and vote, regardless of party," Camire said.Luks feels that the demographics are changing at Brandeis. In the past, roughly 10 percent of Jews have voted Republican, but she said she thinks it will be more like 20 to 25 percent this election. With more diversity at Brandeis in the future, Luks hopes that the Brandeis community will reflect the national averages.Social stancesWith many women and Jews, two groups usually associated with voting for the Democratic Party, the Brandeis Republicans are not the average sampling of conservatives. To be a member of the club, "one doesn't need to subscribe to every issue of the Republican Party," Luks said. "We don't go down a GOP list and follow all their policies," she said. Meetings are usually held every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Shapiro Atrium, where club members essentially participate in a forum. They discuss conservative news, recent events on campus, comment on interesting books or articles and vent to each other."The main goal of the club is for real debate and open communication," Camire said. "Let's hear both sides of various issues.
(03/23/04 5:00am)
To the Editor:As a senior about to graduate from Brandeis University, an institution that has always prided itself on being politically active and simultaneously open-minded, I am outraged by the lack of respect that has been shown for the Brandeis Republican's "Conservative Coming Out Week". To make things clear, I personally choose not to affiliate myself with either the Democratic or the Republican parties, and thus my bias lies with neither side. However, as we near the end of a difficult year in which our community has been confronted with controversial issues dealing with race and religion on our campus, I am appalled to see that we have yet to learn our lesson. Regardless of the defining characteristic (whether it be race, religion, or political party), minorities on the Brandeis campus should not feel threatened as an individual or as a group. Offensive remarks have been written on the "Conservative Coming Out Week" posters, club leaders have been harassed at their table in Usdan, and I have heard snide comments passed between students while walking on campus. While the Brandeis Republicans do not expect everyone in the community to agree with their views, the least they deserve is the community's respect - a respect that all other student clubs demand. I laud the Brandeis Republicans for their effort to make their presence known on campus, and I urge my peers, professors, administrators, and university staff members to give the Brandeis Republicans the respect they deserve, and the freedom to speak in an open forum without risk of reproach or reprisal. Michelle Battat, '04
(03/16/04 5:00am)
Garnering more than $200 million in its opening week, Mel Gibson's film about the death of Jesus, The Passion of the Christ, has profited enormously from its controversial buzz. As a campus with a particularly large Jewish population, it seems appropriate for Brandeis to examine the claims of anti-Semitism in the film. Chaplains Fr. David Michael and Rabbi Allan Lehmann provided a forum for students and community members to learn about the film and voice opinions at the discussion held Tuesday night, "Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ: Inspiring or Incendiary?-Catholic and Jewish Responses." During the discussion, Prof. Rueven Kimelman (NEJS) and Prof. Philip Cunningham, a Catholic scholar and adjunct professor of theology at Boston College, presented their views of the film in terms of accuracy, societal impact and its significance to Christian-Jewish relations.Cunningham began the discussion with a short speech. He spoke first about the violence in the movie. He described the inundation of brutality as emotionally draining. He also depicted the film as presenting a polarized world of good versus evil. Next, he mentioned how he was struck by the number of historical errors in the film. One of the inaccuracies involved the crucifixion itself. In the film, Jesus was nailed through the palms. But documented Roman crucifixions reveal the common practice was to drive the nails through the wrists, not the palms. It is also unlikely that Jesus carried the cross, which probably weighed close to 300 pounds itself.Most of these details derived from Christian artistic depictions of the crucifixion rather than historical methods. Another inaccuracy, according to Cunningham, was the portrayal of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate as a sympathetic leader when he was in fact described as ruthless in many historical documents. On the other hand, Ciaphas, the High Priest of the Jews, is portrayed as vindictive. Jews in general are not presented in a favorable light throughout the film. Cunningham clarified that this is due to the fact that the script is based mainly on the visions of the Passion seen by the 19th century nun, Ann Catherine Emmerich, in which Jewish characters are negatively portrayed. He said that emphasis on Emmerich's visions, rather than the gospels, undermines the proclamations of Vatican II, which made many important reforms in Catholicism, including condemning anti-Semitism.Kimelman spoke next about the impact of the movie. "The most significant impact," he said, "is that people are excited about it at all." Kimelman went on to explain how the controversy sparked by the movie is a sign of progression.Fifty years ago, most Christians would have taken the content for granted and most Jews would have been living with the images for years. Kimelman said the truly remarkable thing is the split in Christian opinion and the fact that it is possible to hold a session on the topic. He then presented a list of statements proclaimed by a group called the Christian Scholars, which made such revolutionary assertions, such as the statement, "Jews did not kill Jesus." He also expressed how the movie can have different meanings for different people. Jews may go into the film looking for anti-Semitic comments, while Christians may identify with Jesus and feel he is suffering for all their sins.Following the speeches, Lehmann and Michael led a question and answer session with the audience and the speakers. Many audience members asked questions about the religious background of the film, including why Jesus was executed, if the use of demonic figures in Judas' demise was accurate and why the Jewish mob chose to eronate Barabbas, a murderer, instead of Jesus. The speakers also fielded questions about the film's impact on Jewish-Christian relations. Both Kimelman and Cunningham felt it is necessary that both Christians and Jews learn more about the New and Old Testaments because education is the key to fostering Christian-Jewish relations.
