September 1996

How to Have a Successful Freshman Year

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Anthony Says "Welcome"

An Exclusive Interview with the Student Association President Democrats Far Outnumber Independents and Republicans on B.U. Faculty A Guide to the Greater Binghamton Area

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September, I 996

Volume 10, Number I

Editorial: An introduction to the strange and wacky world of Binghamton University's premier publication

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Three-yea r-olds called for jury duty? A five-day erection?! ?! Read about it in Quibbles & Bits

Features An exclusive interview with new Student Association president Anthony J. Benardello

Alex Galitsky shows that diversity on the basis of political affiliation is not prized at Binghamton University Paul Torres gives some good advice on how to make the most of your (reslunan year at B.U.

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Nathan Wurtzel recounts the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in the 1995-' 96 school year

Amy Gardner and Teresa McGoff take you on a brief tour of Binghamton

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Next Issue • Our second annual special investigative report on tex1book bias • A review of Laura Ingalls Wilder 's "Words from a Fearless Heart" • Complete coverage of the Student Assembly elections • An update on the deposed VPMA situation

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Thursday, September 5 8 P.M. UU-103

SEl'TEMBER 1996

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BINGHAMTON RE V IEW

EDITORIAL

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The Review: What it Is, How it Got That Way and Why You Should Be Part of It

B

inghamton Review was founded in 1987 by a group of conservative students who decided to fight back against Binghamton University's growing tendency towards political correctness and politically biased policy decisions. We are entering our tenth year of publication and are currently a monthly news magazine consisting of investigative reporting, opinion pieces , and of course, a good deal of humor. Most of our funding comes from outside sources, such as the Collegiate Network and local advertising revenues .

There has been much recent confusion concerning the nature of our news magazine and the people who dedicate themselves to producing it each month. We have been branded as fascist, rac- ________ ~ iSl, sexist, .~ and basically anything else that has a negative connotation in present-day academia. Absolutely none of these adjectives describe us; they are blatantly false accusations perpetrated by the vocal leftists on campus. The individuals and groups who have generated these lies feel the need to lash out at us because we are the only voice of reason on campus. Besides, how could our magazine be sexist when the

two current editors-in -chief are female?

The truth about the Review is that the staff does maintain conservative ideals. yet we do not force them upon others. We are always willing to print any dissenting opinion sent to us ; in fact, those

zinc who respects the right for everyone to hold their own opinions .

For those not interested in writing, there are many other aspects of the production of our magazine that one could become involved with . We are always looking for people interested in layout, cartooning, photography, reporting, editing, publicity and advertising.

There are many reasons

for those interested in journalism to be a part of the Review. Although we do not publish as often as the mainstream campus news-

paper, we are a smaller organization , and therefore everyone on the staff of the Revi ew is able to playa more important role in each issue. There is also a great deal of opportunity for an individual to write on subjects of their own choosing.

Due to the fact that we are an ideological news magazinc, writers have more leeway to express their own opinions in print.

In conclusion , we en-

who disagree are encouraged to respond. Though our magazine is conservative, our staff is comprised of people with a multitude of ideologies, such as libertarians, moderates, and those who are generally fed up with the nonsense on campus . There is room for almost anyone on our maga-

courage anyone to stop by our meetings to find out what we are all about. We are always fun , always informative, and always

politically incorrect. Our first meeting this year will be on Thursday, September 5, at 8:00 PM in the University Union, Room 103 .

Hope to see you there!

- Amy Gardner and Teresa McGoff

"The Students Run the Show, Not Me" by Interview and Photograph Nathan Wurtzel

An interview with the new Student Association president

S

ince he was elected in April, SA president Anthony J. Benardello has made headlines for his tough rhetoric and no-nonsense approach to government. We caught up with Benardello on June 22 and had a talk about leadership, the removal of the VPMA and the future: DR: Let's go back to the spring and the elections. You are an outspokenwell, you call yourself a libertarianbut you're known on campus as a conservative.••

AJB: Well, I wouldn't want to say libertarian or conservative---I think of myself as more ofan Objectivist See, I even have a copy of Atlas Shrugged here on my desk.

DR: Dut if I walked up to someone and asked them who the most prominent campus conservative is, your name is probably going to come up•••

AJB: Probably, but I disagree with the terminology. The name does not fit me.

DR: Given that fact and considering that most college students are either apathetic at best or tend to be quite left-wing at worst, are you surprised that you won? Are you surprised that a centrist to conservative E-Doard is DOW in power?

AJB: No, I'm not surprised. I knew I was going to win. I knew as early as the summer before that things were chang-

ing on this campus. I'd seen it time and time again: people said they liked what I wrote and liked that I was outspoken.

Due to the fact that I'm a bit older, I wasn't afraid to take on issues. I am not surprised. As a matter of fact, I knew I was going to win. I was very confident.

DR: What do you think made the students vote for you?

AlB: I think it was a combination of things. I think it was a vote for'someone who believes in himself, someone who has shown leadership ability, someone who's willing to say the tough things that need to be said I think the fact that I have a lot of experience in the outside world-remember, I'm much older and I think that says a lot, that students are willing to trust someone who's not in their generation. I think they saw leadership and someone who's willing to take on the tough issues.

DR: How is the new E-Doard getting along so far? The SA has been paralyzed the last few years, in part because members of the Executive Doard couldn't put their personal differences aside.

AJB: We're getting along great. This is a dream come true: we have four people who are really on the same sheet of music.

There are some differences on how certain things ought to be done, but we agree on 99 percent of the issues and it's wonderful to see four people working together as one for the betterment of all students.

DR: The first action of the Executive Board, which occurred just a few houn after the beginning of your terms, was the enforcement of the Judidal Board decision which in effect says that because it is an Don-democratically elected office, the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs was not legitimate. What the E-Board did was implement the J-Doard decision by removing the SA Executive Doard privileges of the VPMA. Some have charged that the four of you made this decision yourselves without the input of other students. How do you respond to this?

AJB: First of all, you're wrong in saying that we took away the VPMA's Executive Board privileges. There were none. The SA constitution states that the Executive Committee shall consist of four members: the president, the executive vice president, the financial vice president and the academic vice president. That's all it says...

DR: AU right, then you can say that they were de facto privileges.••

AJB: Conferred to them, by whom I have no idea, but in the constitution or Bylaws Four there is nothing that equates·! the VPMA as an Executive Board member. There is nothing that says the VPMA has SA office space, a seat on the Assembly or a stipend equivalent to that of an E-Board member. The Judicial Board did the right thing-tbey interpreted the constitution correctly and like any executive branch we have to enforce the

SEI'TII\IDER 1996

••••••••••••••••••••••••• decisions of the judiciary, whether we like them or not. The new E-Board knew this was something that had to be addressed. In our first official meeting on the 19th of May, we decided that the VPMA was unconstitutionaL It does not represent all students, it was a polarizing office and it was the right thing to do for the students. That office has done nothing good for the students-it promotes disunity and separatism. It does not promote unity in any way, shape or form and it was the right thing to remove it on those counts.

SA PRESIDENT cess and ' one person. one vote,' which is what the civil rights movement of the ' 60 's and Martin Luther King were all about, they would let all the students vote for the VPMA The Student Association is a government of the students, by the students and fqr the students.

This means all students and we' re not going to compromise on that.

5

run their lives. There are other things that we are working on. Rules and Expectations of the university is a major issue. We are working with the SA attorney because we have reason to believe that these rules and expectations violate the constitution and Bill of Rights of the United States as well as the constitution of the state of New York ..

BR: All of them?

BR: In tbe past, tbe multiculturalists bave sbown themselves to be very vocal and willing to violate almost every written and unwritten rule of decency to get wbat they want. Tbe administration has caved in to tbeir demands repeatedly, as bave past Executive Boards. Are we going to see sometbing different this year when the multiculturalists begin protesting tbe decision?

AlB : Well, I will teU you one thing : the Executive Board will not cave or compromise on this issue in any way. shape or form, either with the multiculturalists or the administration, We are charged with enforcing the constitution of the Student Association and it is a job we take very seriously. Do we e"-peet the usual multiculturalist antics?

Sure, they'U take over a building or something and that 's fine, Let them.

The students are tired of that. The multiculturalists don't want to play by the democratic process like the rest of us have to and when they don 't get their way, they tl)' intimidation tactics, But I think they know that they can' t intimidate me. I do expect them to use the old multicultural playbook: take over buildings; rant, rave and cry racism . If they truly cared about the democratic pro-

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BR: What else has tbe E-Board worked on this summer and what can we expect next year in the SA? AlB: Right now, we ' re working on a proposal to bring full-blown cable television to campus for just a few more dol-

lars a year per student. We want to bring more sports channels. more music channels and morc movie channels to campus. I think this is something every student will appreciate and sometlling lhat they deserve. It will make life better for all the students and that's what this thing is all about, showing the students that the SA is here to make their lives bener. not to tell them what to do or to

AlB: Well, quite a few. Most of the disciplinary hearings rely on preponderance of the evidence and the students have no legal advice. Basically, it's a slam dunk for the administration, they control everything, A student doesn 't even have a right to counsel. which I believe is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment. I think that this process is unconstitutional. And many times students have their rights violated by Public Safety, They have come in and done things that violate the Fourth Amendment, like unreasonable search and seizure without warrant or anything.

We want to press the administration to reform these rules and expectations, We don ' t want students' rights to be abridged in any way, shape or form ,

BR: Last year, a new SA constitution was soundly defeated by the students.

Will there be another proposed constitution this year and, if so, will it contain some of your campaign promises which devolve the SA and give power back to tbe communities?

AlB: I have every intention of writing another constitution that does exactly that. I've spoken to community leaders and students really seem to want to keep their hall representative-they don't want to see only two or three per community like I had proposed. Like [said.

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SA PRESIDENT

it's the students who run the show, not DR: As I recall, that was in a certain me or the SA. So we're going to stay well-read campus magazine. •• with one per hall, which I believe works out to about five for each community. AJB (laughing): Yes, that was in BingThen we're going to have to talk to Off hamton Review [April, 1996]. It's a Campus College and see if they're will- very good plan and it allows students ing to give up some of their represen- to basically decide where their student tatives. For one thing, they are a very activity fee goes, which comports with apathetic community and for another, my platform of giving more power it's hard to see why they deserve more back to the students. Another thing representation than College in the might be to have a referendum and try Woods or Dickinson or any other com- to reduce the student activity fee. I munity on this campus [aCe has 22 think it is way too high and I think a representatives]. So, like I said, it's up lot of the money is wasted. I am fisto the students, but I think it's a more cally conservative, if that's what you fair distribution of power. want to call it, and I don't believe in spending money unless it's absolutely DR: Is there any chance the SA might necessary, so I would like to see fees cut its budget and let the students keep reduced. more of their money?

DR: Do you have any future politiAJB: I would like to do that. One of cal plans? the things I'm looking at is a plan proposed by Joseph Hury, a very, very in- AJB: Within 25 years, I have every intelligent young man, called the SAYS tention of being the president of the system ...

United States. In fact, I guarantee it.

SEPTEMBER

DR: What would you want students, especially new students, reading this interview to know?

AJB: First, I'd like to welcome them to the university. They've done very well by choosing Binghamton University-it is well respected and has a good reputation in the academic community. Next, I'd like to let them know that, for the first time, they have a Student Association willing to work for them rather than against them. By for them, I mean including all students on this campus and being tolerant of all points of view. In years past, we have had very divisive people on the Executive Board and on the Assembly. This year we have a unified Executive Board and I'm hoping for a unified Assembly, as well. I encourage them to get involved and stop by the Student Association to voice their opinions whenever they feel it necessary. That's my job, after all, to get.students involved and to listen to their concerns.

Have You Been Written Up

By Your RA? If SOl call a Student Association Ombudsperson for free advice on universi1y legal proceedings An Ombudsperson will ensure that your rights are respected

x2020

1996

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Binghamton University's faculty is not diverse when it comes to political affiliation By tudents at BU have a variety of classes to choose from , taught by professors of diverse backgrounds, races, and colors. It might be interesting to examine the political affiliations of some of these professors, in order to gage the level of ideological diversity which exists at our university. An analysis of public voter registration records for some of Binghamton University 's professors registered in Broome County clearly shows that the faculty is dominated by Democrats.

Of the nine departments surveyed, three had only one faculty member who was registered as a Republican, and four additional departments had no Republicans at all (refer to table for complete data). In total, the results for the nine departments show 91 Democrats (76%), 8 Republicans (7%), and 20 Other (17%). On the other hand, according to a survey conducted by u., the national college magazine with the highest circulation, (including on our own campus), 55% of college students consider themselves conservative, while only 35% consider themselves liberal. Certainly, merely the fact that the vast majority of BU's faculty members are registered Democrats does not necessarily mean that they all indoctrinate only left-wing ideology and propagandize liberal ideas. Most ofBU' s faculty are outstanding professors who teach their courses with as little bias as possible, and do not penalize students with opposing views.

S

Alex Galitsk y

Department

Democrat

Republican

Other

History

11

o

5

Political Science

6

1

2

English

24

Economics

8

2

2

Philosophy

6

1

0

Anthropology

10

o

4

Psychology

13

o

3

Sociology

5

o

2

Geological Science

8

3

BIN GHAMTON REVIEW

•••••••••••••••••••••••• Yet. we arc living in the subjective world. and there arc very few things that can be taught with no bias at aU. One can imagine this with the Following hypothetical situation: the class is 20th century American History. On the multiplechoice test the students arc asked the fol100,;ng question : Which is true about the 1980 's? The choices arc a) the rich got poorer. Ihe poor got poorer; b) the rich got poorer. the poor got richer; c) the rich got richer. the poor got poorer: d) the rich got richer. the poor got richer. While nobody would question that the first two choices are wrong. the right answer, whether it is c) or d). might depend on professor's political perspective. If the professor is more liberal the correct answer would most probably be c). If the professor is more conservative the correct answer would most probably be d).

This might not be the resuit of a purposeful bias on the part of the professor, but instead a resuit of the evidence that the professor is mosl likely to show in class.

These are dependent upon which publi-

No

DIVERSITY

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cations the professor looks at, which in tum might depend upon the professor's ideology.

Many professors deliberately try to hide their ideology in order to appear more fair to everybody and facilitate discussion. But the uncertainty can only hurt the students.

It seems that despite the apparent diversity among Binghamton's facuity. the intellectual diversity of BU 's professors leaves much to be desired. The university is committed to ensure "equality of treatment and opporturtity on the campus regardless of race, sex, color, marital status, disability. or Vietnam-era status." What about political orientation?

Haven't we heard enough about diversity on this campus? For years, BU's admirtistration has been trying to institute yet another requirement, which is supposed to make all students multicuitural. Thomas Sowell , a prominent conservative spokesman in the Af-

The DeC/ine, the Deception. the Dogmas writes. "Is there any evidence that colleges that have gone whole hog into multiculturalism have better relations among the various groups on campus?

Or is it precisely on such campuses that separatism and hostility are worse than on campuses that have not gone in for the muiticultural craze?" This is something to think about at Binghamton University. What if Harpur College Council consisted not ofa vast majority of liberals? What if it consisted of more conservative professors? Who knows. maybe we would not have a problem ,,;tlt diversity requirement at all. The imbalance of Democratic and Republican professors on this eampus, and many others, is a problem. The students do not get the full spectrum of ideas. The Democratic party is "of the many one"the magnet of allegiance of the faculty on this campus. Where is the diversity?

rican-American community, in his re-

A lex GalitsAy is a junior majoring in political science and history.

cent book Inside American /:."clucQlion:

Visit the New SA Web Page http://www.sa.binghamton.edu All groups can now obtain space on the SA Web Server, including a web page and e-mail accounts For information on the SA Web Page, contact Mark Bloch at x6503 or email satech@server.sa.binghamton.edu

Good advice for your first year from someone who ~ just been there

By Paul Torres

I

t was the beginning of the college ex perience for me, in September 1995. :rhe long awaited, and often far-off future, experience of college which was always looming "on the horizon", was suddenly here. As a freshman at Binghamton University, I embarked upon a path sometimes referred to as the "best years of your life." These years are what you make of them, or rather what you do with them.

By September, all freshman have experienced that first move from home to the college dorm. You ' re starting to learn that college life is quite different from home. The food is certainly not the same. You can be the judge of whether it's better or worse. There is a lot of freedom to be enjoyed. You have the ability to do more of what you want to do, pursue what you want to pursue, and morc

often than not, when you wish to pursue it. Binghamton University has much to offer. especially to those who seek out the opportunities.

As far as classes go, don 't worry too much about your major, at least not yet.

Simply search for, and then concentrate on, whatever strikes you. However, do not aimlessly take classes to simply fulfill requirements. In fact, anything you do in an aimless manner is a \\'3stC of your time. Be sure you're always getting something out of what you' re studying, even if it's merely the knowledge that you'll never study it again. In reality, the earlier you know just what you wish to study the better off you 'll be. That is if you' re lucky enough to discover this early.

When it comes to relaxation and fun , it's not the best, but there's still plenty to do. Movies play on campus every week. They're not always worth seeing,

and the films could be better lit, but they ' re more often lhan not their worth the three dollars. Off campus movies are always playing at the local malls. Getting there that isn 't always convenient.

In fact, some might find getting around a little inconvenient, but it's not that bad.

On campus you'll find a billiards hall, video games, and a bowling alley. The bars are always worth a try for some fun.

Ifbars aren't your thing don 't worry not everyone hangs out at the bars. Playing a sport can often give you something to do, whether you 're on a team or involved with intramurals. One can take advantage of the two campus gyms ' facilities almost anytime.

Student organizations on campus are abound with opportunities to " get invalved." We've been told all too many times to "get involved." My advice is never be too shy to do so. It 's very easy to join organizations. They' re always looking for new members. Most importantly getting involved gives you the chance to network with people. You get

to meet others who share your interests.

Your contribution to these organizations also improves upon the school communit)' in general.

It 's probably also worth mentioning that the weather here is not always picture postcard perfect. In fact, it hardly ever is, except perhaps for those long months in a "winter wonderland" that we will all share and enjoy so much. The cold weather and snow are notorious for simply hanging around. The storms that passed through last year were of a degree of severity you don't always see in places like New York City.

All in all, I'm sure most freshman will come to like Binghamton, or at least not despise it with a passion. It 's not a bad place at all, but its got it quirks, just like any other place. For city dwellers, at least enjoy the fact that you study at a school amongst the mountains, leaving all the plagues of urban living behind.

Palll Torres is a sophomore who has not yet decided on a major.

ThB YBat In RBViBW A look at the ups and downs of the '95-'96 school year

By Nathan L. Wurtzel

P

or sure, life is never dull at Bing hamton University. Last year, in particular, highlighted a conservative revival, a diminished tolerance among students for multiculturalist extremism, an increasingly hostile university administration and repeated questions about the safety of the university community.

ton University quietly asked him to step aside, lest his presence in the election allow an extremist to win. Fears of this increased in the spring, when the popular Dave Siegel, who was then the executive vice president ofthe SA, declared his candidacy, as did Jessica Flores, the intelligent and well-spoken, though politically extreme, president of the Latin American Student Union. A victory for Politics, Politics, Politics.â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Flores appeared almost certain, as the presence of both Benardello and Siegel ith a rush and a push and the in the race was thought to have the probland that we stand on ;s ours. able effect of splitting the crucial fraterThe haunting voice of nity-based off-campus vote, as well as Morrissey from the mid-'80's foretold moderate and conservative strongholds the school year that was 1995-'96 for ofNewing and College in the Woods. campus moderates and conservatives.

Benardello, however, paid little attenEmboldened by their partial victory in tion to the pundits. Assembling an imthe long fight against an ideologically pressive campaign staff and blitzing the extreme "diversity" requirement, the "si- students with electoral information, lent majority" emerged from their hid- Benardello surprisedjust about everyone ing places last year to assume the respon- but himself by winning a narrow pluralsibility for driving campus political de- ity in the March elections. Flores, who bate. By the end of the year, centrist/con- ran an error-free but uninspired camservative ideas were the ones under dis- paign, finished a close second and Siegel, cussion, not the extremist and racially who proved not to be as popular as addivisive policies of the past. The coup vertised, brought up the rear. In the April de grace occurred in March and April, runoff, Benardello ran another impreswhen moderate, conservative and liber- sive campaign and defeated Flores by a tarian candidates won all six major of- comfortable eight point margin. fices in the Student Association elecThe vice presidential elections foltions. In addition, a most definitively lowed the same theme. In the battle for non-democratic and extreme proposed executive vice president, Christopher constitution was rejected by a decisive Abdoo, a member of the SA Judicial margin. Clearly, last year was the begin- Board and a relative newcomer to camning of Binghamton University's "Age pus politics, faced Brent Landau, a of Reason." highly experienced Assembly represenWhen he declared his intention to run tative. Though Landau did not have the for Student Association president at the extremist reputation of his friends in the beginning of the school year, Anthony multiculturalist movement, his associaJ. Benardello was given little chance to tion with some of these personalities win. Even his friends and supporters in proved costly as Abdoo won the race by the conservative movement at Bingham- a seven point gap.

W

Incumbent financial vice president Erik Kopelman faced no serious opposition in his reelection bid Off Campus College facilitator Nicole Johnson ran a belated write-in campaign, but only received a handful of votes as Kopelman was returned to office with an impressive mandate for continuity. He won by a 66 point landslide.

The most high-profile race next to that of the presidential election was the struggle for academic vice president.

Incumbent Jeff Golant was weakened by a series of personal attacks at the hands of multicu1turalist extremists, the most notable ofwhich was an obviously forged memorandum linking Golant's name to a bigoted two-page document of attacks against ethnic groups (more about this later). Golant'sopponent, Asian Student Union academic vice president Aristotle Ngaseo, shamelessly took advantages of these unfair attacks, but his prowess on the stump was not as impressive as his ability to sling mud. Though many feared that the personal attacks on Golant would cost him the election, student voters, many of whom tired quickly of Ngaseo's arrogant and often incomprehensible platform, returned the beleaguered incumbent to office by a surprisingly wide fourteen point margin.

In other races, incumbent vice president for university programming Andy Hollander was reelected by an eighteen point landslide against his clearly overmatched opponent, Felipe Ayala. In a close race for student representative to the Binghamton University Council, Austin Graff vanquished his opponents Jeff Wiesel and Rob Levy by a small margin, though the proper designation of a "winning margin" was later unsuccessfully challenged by Wiesel. Graff,

SEI' IT"-'IIlER

1996

I

YEAR IN REVIEW

••••••••••••••••••••••••• whose own conduct in the election was never in question , was ultimately declared the official winner by the SA Judicial Board.

Stlldents handily defeated a proposed constitution in the April runoff. If approved, this constitution would have legitimized the office of vice president for multicultural affairs and granted it ex-

crazy to believe that he did it." Despite this opinion, the case is still open and the university administration ad.1mantly refuses to clear Golant's name.

As the scandal continued, multiculturalist leaders organized a poorly attended rally, which received immediate condemnation from both student groups and the Harpur College Council. Workshops organized by the administration to " fight hate speech" were held in empty rooms-typically only three or four people attended each.

In the end, it became increasingly obvious that the entire incident was a hoax, most likely perpetrated by a few multiculturalist leaders for the dual purpose of making themselves appear relevant and simultaneously scuttling Golant's reelection bid. In the end, they failed at both: Golant won his race by a large margin and muiticulturalist leaders further isolated themselves fTom the mainstream.

Perhaps the defining summary of the incident was provided by Rossie, who called the hoax "a lame, amateurish diatribe, the work of an individual or individuals devoid, equally, of principles and rudimentary writing skills. " The same

ecutive powers without allowing for universal suffrage. In addition, elements of the proposed constitution further drew power from students and granted it to the Student Association. Knowing extremism when they saw it, student voters ensured that the proposed constitution fell hundreds of votes short of what was needed for approval.

The Memo

P

anctcmonium erupted at the March 5 meeting of the Student Assem bly when then vice president for multicultural affairs Yumeris Morel distributed a three-page packet she claimed had appeared in her mailbox earlier that afternoon. The first page of the packet was a memorandum, presumably written by academic vice president Jeff Golant, which described the next two pages as "a little something for your next issue." The "little something" on the next two pages turned out to be strings of bigoted invective attacking cultural and ethnic groups on campus. The presumed intended recipient of the packet was Nathan Wurtzel, then the editor of Bingham/on Review, though the name on the cover page was blacked out.

Though the predictable response of outrage from muiticulturalistleaders was vocal and immediate, few on campus believed that Galant had authored the packet. The writing itself was a far cry from Golant's well-known style and the academic vice president '5 views on race and culture. though different from those of multicuituralists, had already been widely publicized. Don Chier, an investigator for Public Safety, was immediately satisfied that Galant was not the author, telling Press & Sun-Bulletin columnist David Rossie, "You 'd have to be

BINGHAMTON RE V IEW

11

• •••••••••••••••••••••••• might be said of multiculturalists, who may have unwittingly contributed to their own demise by perpetrating the myth of The Memo.

A March Most Foul

O

ctober saw the unthinkable im age of a busload of students from Binghamton University headed to the Million Man March in Washington. Through money raised by the Black Student Union and the Caribbean Student Union, about four dozen students attended the event hosted by Louis Farrakhan, who is noted for his racist, sexjst, homophobic and antiSemitic beliefs. More than one student echoed then sophomore Adam Rosen's thought that it was "disgusting and abhorrent...for my fellow classmates to have participated in an event...which helped to legitimize an anti-Semite and bigot like Farrakhan."

Despite repeated protests from students and a well-publicized press conference held jointly by the Jewish Student Union and the Review, most student leaders and administrators refused to condemn the event or its student partici-

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Former VPMA Yumeris Morel's role in the hoax undoubtedly played a part in the mainstream's increased hostility to muiticuituralil1s last year

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pants. Only academic vice president Jeff amusing if it weren't so pathetic, came Golant and then presidential candidate from university vice president for student Anthony 1. Benardello had the courage affairs Rodger Summers, who characterand decency to stand publicly against this ized Huffman as "the target of a smear odious scandal, a fact that students un- job."

In an ironic twist, a Nexis search of doubtedly remembered when they elected Huffman's articles, written during her the two to office the next spring.

Ironically, an ofthand comment by internship with The Amsterdam News, then Black Student Union president revealed that she had used "lynching" Katrina Huffman overheard at the press in her own writing. conference by then sophomore Barry Hakim: "Those Jews need Jesus and they Crime on Campus know it," signaled a controversy to come roposal to upgrade the status at the end of the school year. of Public Safety from peace of cers to police officers met with The Speaker of the Louse opposition from multiculturalists who t the end of the school year, the feared that armed police officers would Commencement Advisory begin shooting minority studen~­ Committee selected Katrina spite the lack of any evidence of tension Huffman to be the student speaker at between students of color and armed digraduation. A few weeks later, Huffman visions at the other three SUNY centers. became the center of controversy when Faced with what appeared to be overshe assailed SA representative Dana whelming student opposition, which was Bulkenstein with the proposition that garnered primarily through the use of a "putting a Jew in an oven" is rhetori- questionably conducted ''public opinion" cally equivalent to the use of the word poll, university president Lois B. DeFleur "lynching." Slowly, stories began to sur- came out against the proposal, though face: Jewish Student Union member she told the Review in an exclusive inAdam Rosen recalled that Huffman had . terview that she saw "worrisome" asked him if he was friendly with changes in campus safety-changes Yitzhak Rabin's assassin (imagine the which someday might require the procontroversy if Rosen had responded by tection of armed police officers.

These worrisome changes would ·asking Huffman if she was friendly with James Earl Ray)~ and School of Man- manifest themselves in February, when agement student Lee Markiewicz re- at least three people suffered deep vealed that he had filed a report with wounds when they were slashed with a Public Safety, complaining that he single-edged razor blade at a National thought Huffman had referred to him as Pan-Hellenic Council dance at Newing "Jew boy" during an exchange.

Dining Hall. Vice president Summers An observer might think that any of later told the press that the worst injury the above four incidents might lead the received was a cut "less than an inch long University administration to consider ap- on someone's arm," though sources at pointing a different speaker, one with Binghamton General Hospital told the some character and sensitivity, to say the Review that more than 100 stitches were least. However, at Binghamton Univer- required to close the deep incisionssity, the same achninistration that refused many in the head area. Summers later to clear the name of Jeff Golant, despite claimed he never saw a Public Safety the total lack of evidence for his pur- report on the incident, but Doug ported bigotry, immediately declared Bonawitz, chairman of New York State Huffman innocent, despite the over- University Police Local 1792 told the whelming evidence in support of her Review that one was in preparation only purported anti-Semitism. The most char- hours after the incident. How Summers acteristic response, which would be expected people to believe that he was

AJ

A

1996

•••••••••••••••••••••••• disseminating information without an official report is a question remaining to be answered.

In rare agreement, Pipe Dream and the Review both condemned Summers and the administration for trying to sweep the incident under the rug.

Though Summers denied being involved in a cover-up for the sake of the image of the university, saying "it really makes my blood boil when I hear that," it could be said that Summers was speaking from a distinct perspective from those who were put in harm's way. After all, he, unlike the victims ofthe slashing, at least had plenty of blood left to boil.

Figures released by Public Safety in February showed that the university had good reason to fear for its image--crime had increased 42% in one year, including an 81% increase in violent crime. lYPically, when contacted for comment

by WBNG-TV after the Review publicized these crime figures, administrators would only repeat the mantra that Binghamton University is a "safe campus." However, the American Association of Public Colleges and Universities reports that Binghamton University has attained a top ten position nationally in crimes per capita.

Rest assured, it will be a cold day in helL or a clear day in Binghamton, before DeFleur, Summers and friends place this dubious honor alongside Binghamton University's top ten "Best Buy" positions in Money and U.S. News & World Report.

Questions about safety will undoubtedly persist into the coming year. One major issue is pending legislation in Congress which will force public universities to be more open and honest about crime on campus. This is bad news for Summers and friends, but good news for students.

A

nd that's the way it was.

Nathan L. JVurtzel is a graduate student in the Department ofPsychology. He is a past editor-in-chief of Binghamton Review.

Y@ur Guide t@ BinghÂŽlmt@n A look at where to eat, drink and be merry in Parlor City

By AIllY L. Gardner and Teresa McGoff

B

y now you've heard the rumors about the Binghamton metropoli tan area-too hot in the summer. too snowy in the winter, rain 250 days a year. and not hing fun to do. Here's the bad news: the stuff about the weather is true. However, there are many ways to keep busy during your spare time. so close those te:l.1books and get going!

ian food, there is an array of places to chose from . The Olive Garden, located on the Vestal Parkway, is recognized for its delicious breadsticks and pasta. Two particular campus favorites, know for their affordable prices and good food, are Pino's and Tony's, located on Conklin Avenue in Binghamton and at Endicott Plaza, respectivel y. Less known to students but equally tasty are Cortese on Robinson Street in Binghamton, and Little Venice in downtown Binghamton.

Everyone loves a good pizza, and tilere are many places to choose fro m. There are the traditional favorites, Pizza Hut and Domino's. Both of these restaurants have several locations throu ghout the area. A short walk from campus there is a choice of Portobello's and Nirehi's.

Also near campus, in the Vestal Plaza, one can find Mario's, which has not only .â&#x20AC;˘ pizza but a va- ~ riety of Italian ~ dishes. All of ~ these places de- ..[ .

0 lIver to campus. ~ Although it Jl is impossible to ~

Shopping Binghamton may not be New York City or Long Island, but there are plenty of places to shop. The Oakdale Mall, in Johnson City. hosts a variety of stores for all of your needs. Traditional department stores, such as JC Penney and Sears can be found in the Mall, along with other favorites like Structure and Express. The Town Square Mall in Vestal features Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Binghamton 's downtown is home to Boscov's, a major department store. You can also find several small shops in the Metrocenter.

The most convenient place to shop for campus dwellers is the Vestal P laza, located five minutes away from the university. Its highlights include K Mart and Grand Union.

Other places for food shopping include Wegmans, located near the Oakdale Mall, and several Giant Markets dispersed around the town.

ton, there are 8

Restaurants The Town Square Mall has several places to satisfy your appetite. Pizzeria Uno's for the !lalian lover, TGI Fridays is known fo r its va riety of cuisines, and Old Country Buffet for those with a large appetite.

For those looking for some good ltal-

some great attempts made by Bagel Factory in the Vestal Plaza and the Foundiy Plaza, Bagels Plus in the Town Square Mall ,

and Port-o-Bagel on Vestal Parkway.

In and around Oakdale Mall, you can select from several different places. Located inside the Mall is Ruby Tuesday 's and The Villa. Across from the Mall are Chi-Chi's and Carmella's.

For coffee lovers, there are two coffeehouses to choose from. The Lost Dog Cafe, on Main Street in Binghamton, and Java Joe's, on State Street in Binghamton. Both these places also have delicious dessert menus.

Entertainmen t Movie lovers will not go unsatisfied in Binghamton; the Student Association offers cheap movies in the lecture hall every weekend. Both Town Square and Oakdale Mall house Sony movie theatres. On Vestal Avenueyou will find the A rt Theatre, which shows non<ommer-

find a New ~ York City bagel ~ in Bingham- ~

Wegmans is a mammoth one-stop supermarket located across from Oakdale Mall in Johnson City

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cial and foreign films, and monthly live performances of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. For those of you who choose to stay in, there are three Blockbuster Video stores and a video store in the University Union. The Forum Theatre, in downtown Binghamton, hosts plays, orchestras, and other cultural events.

If you like to mix alcohol and sports, go The Sports Bar on State Street in Binghamton, the Strike Zone on Court Street in Binghamton, or Edigan's in the Foundry Plaza in Binghamton.

For trivia wizards, Tom & Marty's, located on State Street in Binghamton, is the place to go. Located a few doors down is Uncle Tony's, another campus favorite.

Bars If the bar scene is your thing, several establishments occupy the area. If you like dancing, you can try the Eclipse on Front Street in Binghamton, The Rathskeller and The Shark located on State Street in Binghamton, and West Side Cheers on Main Street in Binghamton .

Aifusi c

Music lovers will find an array of stores to shop at. The Oakdale Mall is home to two CD and tape stores, The Wall and Record Town. If you' re at the Town Square Mall, you should stop in Coconuts for your music needs.

If it's used CD's and tape you ' re looking for ~ stop in at Music City . . . . . .II1II..., f on Main Street in Bing• ~ hamlon. ~. Live music is abundant in the area. The Broome County Arena occasionally brings in headliners. The Student Association also brings bands to campus. Last year we had stars such as Dave Matthews and Barcnaked Ladies come to campus. There is also a variety of local bands that play at The Campus Pub. ManyofUlese bands can also be found at local bars, such as The Taz and West Side Cheers.

B-Metsfir>1 basemall Brian Daubach records a

putout enroute to a victory over the Bowie Baysox

Books If you are looking for a good book to read, Binghamton offers a multitude of shops to choose from . Barnes & Noble has a large variety of books to browse through, while waiting for a movie or just shopping in the Town Square Mall . If you happen to

1996

•••••••••••••••••••••••• be in the Oakdale Mall , visit Walden books or Coles.

Used book stores can reveal a treasure trove of literature. Fat Cat Books on Main Street in Johnson City sells new and used science fiction as well as comic books. Keep an eye out for library book sales as well.

Recreation Binghamton has two professional sports teams. The Mets, the AA affiliate of baseball 's New York Mets, play at Binghamton Municipal Stadium on Henry Street. The Rangers, the minor league version of hockey 's New York Rangers, play at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena on the corner of Stuart and State Streets. Seats are not expensive and generally available, especially for the Mets.

There are many opportunites to participate in winter sports, such as skiing and ice skating, through various clubs and organizations within the University. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are a plethora of parks to visit. Otsiningo Park is located off of Exit 72 on Route 17. There is a paved paUl\vay circling the perimeter of the park, providing an arena for rurmers and rollerbladers alike.

Large fields provide a bounty of areas for sports and picnicking.

Rec Park is surrounded by Beethoven Street, Seminary Avenue, and Laurel Avenue on Binghamton's West Side. One of Binghamton 's famous carousels (free rides!) is located here, as are tennis courts, basketball courts, and atheletic fields.

Chenango Valley State Park is located on Route 369 in Chenango Forks.

TItis is a good spot for fishing, biking, and hiking enthusiasts.

Of course, for those lacking transportation and/or motivation, there is always the lovely N alure Preserve, located immediately to the south of campus.

Amy Gardner and Teresa M cGoffare coeditors-iN-chief of the Review. Amy is a senior majoring in PPL, and Teresa is a graduate stlldent in th e f)epartm ent of Political Science.

SurEMDER

1996

••••••••••••••••••••••••• Stand for (Liberal) Children On June I, a coalition of groups held something called the "Stand for Children" rally on the Mall in Washington D.C. Despite claims that the event was nonpartisan, observers felt that left-wing groups took every advantage of the opportunity, making it a "Stand for Endless Government. " One man attite rally held a sign that read: "All children are born liberal; only the blessed stay titat way." [Washing/on TIllles Weekly, June 16, 19961 Thanks, Dad A " lighthearted" g reeting card yanked from the shelves of stores in Canada in June read: "Happy Father 's Day from your loving daughter... and thanks for not drowning me at birth because I wasn ' t born male .. .they do that in some countries." [Ne wsweek, June 24, 1996]

QUIBBLES

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15

BINGH AMTON REVIEW

From the Pakistan Womyn's Center The supreme court of justice of Pakistan bas ruled that male doctors may not perform autopsies on dead women. saying it shows disrespect for the deceased.

In an interesting choice of words, the court wrote, "The dead body is laid on a table in a naked condition where male members of the medical stafT have free ingress." [Reason , July 19961 And Barney is... Guilty!

In PlymouUl, Massachusetts, Anthony VaITasso, who is three years old, was called for jury duty. When his mother insisted that he was a bit young to be deciding cases, city officials made her bring little Tony to see them in person.

In the past, Plymouth has called dead people, pets and even a building for jury duty because of incorrect census information. For the record, Anthony thought 0.1 . did it. [Reason. July 1996]

Give Him a Gold in Geography Wade Miller of Sante Fe, New Mexico, called the office for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta to get tickets for the volleyball tournament. When Miller gave his address as New Mexico, the agent told him that they couldn 't sell tickets outside the United States. He then asked for the supervisor, who told him to try the Mexican Olympic Committee or the committee for wherever New Mexico was. For the record, it 's in the United States. [Reason , July 1996] This is a Stick-Up! In Melbourne, Australia, burglars broke into an impotence clinic and stole drugs that can cause a five-dayerection .

The Melbourne police spokesman has confirmed that his department is looking for "someone who is very embarrassed or very tired." [Newsweek, July I, 1996]

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INC.

Culturally Incorrect Pursuit

BINGHAMTON

!""

tJN IVERS ITY

Thinks "Waiting to Exhale" sucks

Spells women correctlywithout the "y"

Thinks wearing a red ribbon is a cheap way of expressing compassion

Is tired ofbcing told what to think

Believes the First Amendment protects all points of view

Believes that they have contacted the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt

Refers to themsclf as simply "an American"

Thinks chicks and money arc cool

Find another person who fits these descriptions . Then report them to your OA. He or she is culturally incorrect and has no place at our fine university. They are fit only to join the Review.

INSTRUCfIONS:

BINGHAMTON REVIEW Binghamton University P.O. Box 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

Nonprofit Org. US . Postage PAID

Pennit 61 Binghamton, NY