Single copies free The student newspaper at USF St. Petersburg
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Students paint Coquina Club mural
Log rolling: the
new campus activity sweeping students off their feet
p. 4
p. 5
Reichgelt ousted after complaint
By Samantha Putterman Staff Reporter
The university’s top academic ad m i n ist rator wa s ousted 14 months ago after a complaint that involved USF’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity. The sudden departure of Han Reichgelt, the regional vice chancellor of academic affairs, on Feb. 27, 2015, has been carefully managed by university officials, who for months have declined to discuss it. But emails obtained by the Crow’s Ne st la st week u nder Florida’s Public Records Law show that an unnamed complainant and the complainant’s attorney – also not named – were being consulted by Gerard D. Solis, then the university’s deputy general counsel. The evening before Reichgelt’s
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
Han Reichgelt resigned his highprofile post after just eight months.
departure was announced, the university’s media and public affairs manager in Tampa emailed top campus officials in St. Petersburg to recom mend t hat Reg iona l Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska not provide a statement to the news media. “Reporters can pull a quote from the Regional Chancellor’s letter to faculty/staff if they would like to include a quote from her,” wrote Lara Wade. The complainant’s name should be redacted from public records and remain confidential, Wade wrote. “I spoke with Gerard (Solis) and he will talk to the complainant’s attorney,” she wrote. “Gerard will recommend that the complainant not speak with reporters – he
believes the attorney will agree with this advice.” Reichgelt had been in his highprofile post for only eight months when Wisniewska announced that he had resigned, “effective immediately.” In an exchange of letters released by the university, Reichgelt wrote that he was “no longer confident that I can serve you and this wonderful institution with the level of quality that you and the institution deserve.” Wisniewska replied that his resignation was “in the best interest of this institution.” She told h i m he wou ld be transferred to a teaching post in the College of Business, and she directed him to “complete appropriate training as identified by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and
It took the university 13 months to supply public records requested by the Crow’s Nest shortly after Han Reichgelt was dismissed. Story, page 8. Equal Opportunity.” That training, she added, “is to be completed off campus.” Reichgelt is now a professor of information systems management. He is teaching online courses this semester and is scheduled to teach more this fall. In the past, he has declined to comment about his departure. He did not return phone messages over the weekend. The emails obtained by the Crow’s Nest – 13 months after requesting t hem under t he
Continued on p. 8
USF St. Petersburg Celebrates 50 years
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
On April 13, USFSP’s 50th Anniversary gala welcomed over 350 university and community members for a celebration with cocktails, fireworks and a performance by USF faculty band, Touch.
See story, page 5
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
News Briefs Tuesday, April 19 Special Event with General Ann Dunwoody (U.S. Army, Ret.) USC Ballroom // 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join USF’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy and the Kate Tiedemann College of Business while they host General Ann Dunwoody, the first American woman to be named a four-star general. She is now retired and sought-after as a public speaker for her experience in business, leadership and philanthropy. Free admission, RSVP required: usffdn.usf.edu/apps/rsvp/
Wednesday, April 20 Thinking Through ...Rights Nelson Poynter Memorial Library // Noon to 1 p.m. A look at “The ‘Notorious RBG’: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg & Gender Discrimination Jurisprudence” with Dr. Judithanne Scourfield McLauchlan. Free admission.
Friday, April 22 Town and Gown Winter Luncheon Harbor Hall Community Room // 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Special Collections Librarian, Jim Schnur and Sudsy Tschiderer university alumna and longtime staffer to reflect on USFSP’s 50year history. Town and Gown is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect the university with the community. The group holds luncheon meetings and events throughout the year that feature presentations by guest speakers. Admission is $20. To RVSP, contact Alexis Searfoss at 727-873--4519 or asearfoss@usfsp.edu
Saturday, April 23 Anniversary of the Death of William Shakespeare SLC2101 // 4 p.m.
Poynter Library gets new dean By Ryan Callihan Staff Reporter
Catherine Cardwell will begin her new appointment as dean of the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library on July 1. Cardwell will assume the position from Deborah Henry, who has worked at the library since 1988 and served as its interim dean for nearly a year. “I am pleased to announce that Catherine will join the USFSP community as part of our leadership team,” said Regional Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska. “Her extensive resume and leadership experience in both library and administrative areas will serve our students well.” Cardwell has worked as a librarian in Ohio for over 20 years and said the close-knit feel and diversit y of USFSP reminds her of Youngstow n State Universit y, where she earned her bachelor’s degrees in English and French. Though she has worked at a variety of positions and institutions, she didn’t always want to be a librarian. “When I started off as a freshman at Youngstown State, I was in engineering,” said Cardwell. “I (started) thinking that it wasn’t what I thought it was and it doesn’t
really interest me. I really loved English and learning languages, so I became an English and French major.” She went on to earn a master’s degree in French language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh, and a master’s in library science from Kent State University. Bringing a unique perspective to the university, Cardwell believes a library should focus on helping its attendants get the most they can from it. This idea allowed her to stand out among the other candidates. “I was really, really interested in how (USFSP) was moving forward,” said Cardwell. “The clear vision for its future, the connection to community, the major emphasis on student success and student engagement, and creating a wonderful experience for students.” Dr. Olivia Hodges, chair of the USFSP search committee, said in a university press release, “Catherine is a visionary who is highly innovative in her approach to teaching and learning. When you look at our strategic plan, she has the capacity to align her efforts to its goals and will enable the library to move to the next level. I believe she is a perfect fit.”
The new dean’s responsibilities at Nelson Poynter Library will include overseeing operations, working with university leadership, connecting with the community, while ensuring the needs of student and faculty are met. “One of the things that has always interested me about library science is teaching, learning and bringing resources into the lives of people,” Cardwell said. “One of the things that people think of the
library is almost as (a place) ‘where the books live,’ but libraries are so much more than that.” Cardwel l said she pla ns to digitize and archive The Weekly Challenger as one of her first big projects. The local African-American family owned newspaper has been in print since 1967, and will be added to the library’s historical collection.
University brings the herd to City Hall By Jason Saab Staff Reporter As par t of t he universit y’s Student Government Day, seven USF St. Petersburg students spent the day at St. Petersburg City Hall last week to get a look of the inner workings at local government. They began their tour with a g reet i ng f rom Mayor R ick K riseman and Deput y Mayor K a n i k a Toma l i n i n t he Cit y Council chambers. They sat in a panel discussion with Kenny Irby, the city’s director of community intervention; Leah McRae, the director of education and community engagement; and
Assistant Chief Luke WIlliams of St. Petersburg police. The officials described their jobs and what they do for the community. The students then went to a Youth Services Committee meeting which included a City Council agenda rev iew giv ing t hem a chance to watch local government in action. They listened to a proposal for a new community outreach program called “Circles,” which is designed to help people escape poverty through their own work and government assistance. From there, students had a second panel discussion with Richard Anderson, the manager of
Join USFSP’s Shakespeare Society to celebrate the 400-year anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. students. Free Admission. St. Pete Earth Day 2016 Williams Park // 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join the St. Petersburg community in the historic Williams Park to celebrate Earth Day, hosted by Chart 411, a local nonprofit organization. The group focuses on green businesses, environmental advocacy and family-oriented activities to support the planet.
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
On July 1, Catherine Cardwell will begin her appointment as dean of the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library. After 20 years of working as a librarian, she emphasizes student engagement and community connections.
Jason Saab / Crow’s Nest
USFSP students partake in a panel discussion with St. Petersburg’s City Manager, Richard Anderson (left), Wayne Atherholt, cultural affairs director and Susan Ajoc, community services director.
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
On April 14, Mayor Rick Kriseman and Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin met with seven USF St. Petersburg students, who spent the day at St. Petersburg’s City Hall to learn more about local government.
staffing and development; Wayne Atherholt, the director of cultural affairs; and Susan Ajoc, the director of community services. Anderson gave the students an idea of what he looks for in applicants, including tips on how to create a memorable resume. Finding a job is easier when you already have one, no matter what it is, he said. “I can’t tell you how many people’s part-time jobs turned into their careers.” After lunch the students chatted with council members Darden R ice a nd Ji m Kennedy about
transportation issues. They joked about “thrill hill” and the famous hump on Third Street S and 15th Avenue where generat ions of motorists have gone airborne for a second or two. The students then moved to a final panel discussion with the rest of the council members. The day ended with a questionand-answer session featuring the deputy mayor and a proclamation from the mayor naming April 14 as University of South Florida Student Government Day in the city.
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Security in campus safety system By Sara Al-Mutawa Crow’s Nest Contributor A man exposed himself and touched another person in the USF St. Petersburg parking garage, according to a crime bulletin posted on Feb. 24 by the university’s police department. Images produced by the garage’s security cameras helped investigators find the suspect, but the incident left students wondering if the campus is unsafe. “We have identified the suspect and forwarded the case to the state attorney to review prosecution,” said Chief David Hendry of USFSP’s Police Department. Despite the occurrence, the UPD’s Uniform Crime Report indicates a 28 percent decrease in crime from last year. While police are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, after a crime like this occurs, security is tightened. Criminology student Rachel Erickson said that although she felt concerned after hearing about the incident, the consistent visibility
of university police officers is comforting. “I see more cops around the school, I see them patrolling the area more,” Erickson said. “Their presence is definitely known on campus and I think that makes people feel a bit safer.” Hendry said the department increases patrols and security in the area, then notifies students, faculty and staff in the event of an incident. Along with the noticeable security measures, Hendry said there are other, less obvious precautions. “We’ve replaced the lighting in the garage. It’s now LED lighting, it’s much brighter,” he said. “That helps in terms of being able to see who’s around you and things like that. Other things we do on campus (include) trimming shrubs and making sure the lights are functioning and that keeps the physical space safe.” UPD also offers to escort any student who feels unsafe. “We’ll come and give you a ride to the garage or wherever on campus that you need to go,” Hendry said. Hend r y re c om mend s t h at
students add the UPD number to their cell phone contacts in case of an emergency, to report suspicious activity, or if they feel unsafe. “I live right down the street so if I ever felt unsafe they would help me,” Erickson said. “Just knowing their office is right around the corner kind of helps.” Hendr y sa id he t hin k s t he decrease in campus crime has to do with students reporting suspicious activity. “This is a police department that’s here for the entire campus, and you should feel free to call each and every time, right then and there.” Hendry suggests walking in pairs or groups and letting someone know that you’re leaving point A and going to point B. “It’s not just the police department, it’s a community effort,” Hendr y said. “That’s what we preach. If you see something, say something.” USFSP Police Department can be contacted at (727) 873-4140 or police@usfsp.edu.
USFSP Police Chief David Hendry recommends taking these precautions: • Be alert to your surroundings • Lock your bike with a U-lock • Lock your residence hall room • Leave your purse in the trunk, not the front seat of your car
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
Chief David Hendry was named director of police services at USF St. Petersburg in 2013.
If you SEE something, SAY something
Caleb Maddix: St. Petersburg’s 14-year-old author and entrepreneur By Elisa Duka Crow’s Nest Contributor While most 14 year olds play video games and learn how to flirt, Caleb Maddix is on his way to becoming a millionaire by the time he turns 30 and is currently writing his second book. At the ripe age of six, Caleb already knew what he wanted out of life. “I thought it was normal to know what you wanted to do,” said Caleb. “When I was asking my friends and they were clueless, I thought something was wrong with them.” He now travels the globe to give motivational speeches at schools and events. His father, Matt Maddix, 41, travels with his son to speaking engagements and is an author and motivational speaker himself. But above all, Caleb said, his father is his mentor. “As Bill Gates built Microsoft, my dad built me,” said Caleb. In fact, it’s hard to catch them apart. The duo makes videos on YouTube together, some motivational, others showing how they make their own carrot juice. Caleb said his dad has shaped his mindset on entrepreneurship. “My dad definitely taught me a lot about sales, but I’m also a natural born entrepreneur,” said Caleb.
“I knew he needed to learn habits young and not at age 12,” Matt said, who gives his son $20 for every selfhelp book he reads and writes an essay to reflect on. Spending a lot of time with his son and being his mentor is important to Matt. When Caleb was in kindergarten, Matt wrote him motivational letters to read during lunchtime. “Every day, all of his friends and teachers would gather around him, reading the letters I’d write.” As the saying goes, like father, like son. The young founder and CEO of Kids 4 Success, an organization that motivates kids to get on the right track, said there’s one quote he lives by: “The gun that kills most people is the ‘gonna’ – people always say ‘I’m gonna write a book,’ and they never do it.” Ca leb, aut hor of “Keys To Success For Kids,” loves books. He’s been interviewed by successful authors and entrepreneurs Grant Cardone and Gary Vaynerchuk. When asked if there’s an age limit for success, Caleb replied, “Not in 2016… maybe back in 1930.” He said that modern technology allows ideas to spread easily and efficiently through social media,
Courtesy of Caleb Maddix
At 14, Caleb Maddix has written a self-help book, “Keys to Success for Kids,” and is working on his second. He gives motivational speeches around the country and started his own company, Kids 4 Success, which helps motivate kids with motivational videos and weekly accountability check-ins with Caleb.
and has helped him gain more than 3,000 followers on Twitter. Caleb also added that people can get an education on the Internet – particularly from motivational videos on Youtube. “I’m not gonna go to college. I have the network, I’m gonna have my business built.” While he completes his homeschool assignments, which his dad oversees, Caleb takes online
bu si ne s s c l a s s e s at C a rdone University, run and taught by Grant Cardone. Caleb is interviewed several times a day through Skype, phone or in person. He wakes up earlier than 5 a.m. on most days to go to the gym with his dad. For Caleb, reaching his full potential is simple – he doesn’t accept the word “no.”
That just makes him want to do it more.
Check out Caleb’s videos and learn more about him on Twitter: @CalebMaddix and Snapchat: calebmaddix13
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Board Games you should totally play (but definitely not Monopoly)
Settlers of Catan: 4 players // 3-4 hours The concept of this game may seem boring, but it’s not. Picture this: you are a leader of settlers v ying for resources on an island with three other tribes. You will trade and race to build up enough settlements and cities to earn the victory. There are a ton of great expansions to liven up the game after you’ve played it a number of times. The real fun is when you trade with friends and form alliances. By the end of the game, you find out which player is beating everyone else. This revelation results in the rest of the players forming a trade embargo against the individual in attempt to make them lose.
Ultimate Werewolf: Up to 75 players // >2 hours Werewolf is a game all about lying. There are two teams: villagers and werewolves. Each night, the werewolves pick a villager to eat, and each day the villagers elect one person to be eliminated –who they hope is a werewolf. As the total number of players dwindle down, the two teams’ only goal is to outlast the remaining competitors. As players get elected to be taken out of the game, their pleas become increasingly frantic. The werewolves have to be cunning in who they accuse, and to be wary of anyone getting suspicious. It is a great party game that will get a lot people talking and laughing.
Sheriff of Nottingham: 3-5 players // 60 minutes. This is another game of deceit. A prince is coming to town, and the players want to make a quick profit by selling goods in the city, but first they must get their goods through the city gates. During each round one player becomes the sheriff and is tasked with detecting and keeping out the contraband, unless of course, he wants to take a bribe. As players try to smuggle goods through the sheriff, they may try to pay a bit extra to win some favors. Should you be an honest merchant? Or win by being a dishonest and filthy rich purveyor of precious stones? You decide.
USFSP is now rolling on logs By Quan Jones Crow’s Nest Contributor T here’s a ne w ac t iv it y on campus: Log rolling. The sport started during the logging era in the 1800s as a way to keep rivers from jamming. Log rolling competitions quickly grew in popularity and has made its way to universities throughout the country – and now USF St. Petersburg. The Campus Recreation Aquatic Program recently introduced the sport, which involves two participants, each on one end of a log, in a body of water. The competitors fight to stay on top by sprinting and kicking the log in attempt to cause their opponent to fall off. Courtney Kraemer, USFSP’s Aquatic program coordinator, tried log rolling for the first time at the 2015 National Intramural Recreational Sport Association National Conference. She was instantly hooked. Since then, Kraemer and Tam Mai, the program’s graduate assistant, have been committed to
bringing log rolling to the Coquina swimming pool on campus for students to try it out. Log rolling is a slippery activity that requires balance and speed. There’s a learning curve, but once the log-roller gets the hang of it, standing up becomes a little bit easier. When there are only a few participants, the lifeguards help novice log-rollers by stabilizing the log so they have a better chance at hanging on. “I think it’s a lot of fun and it offers a different workout,” said Autumn Hollowell, a a USFSP student and lifeguard at the swimming pool. Lifeguards eagerly wait to teach students, faculty and visitors every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m and 4-7p.m. The instructions start with the basics on how to mount the log and then (hopefully) stand up, the rest is all personal technique. “(Log rolling) is a unique opportunity that many have yet to hear of which generates more intrigue,” Mai said. “Our log roll can also be
Tamiracle Williams/ Crow’s Nest
USFSP student TJ Broecker improves his speed and balance by participating in an individual round of log rolling, a water aquatics activity introduced by Campus Recreation Aquatics Program.
used by individuals of all skill levels and requires no previous training or certifications. People may choose to compete against someone else or improve their skills alone.” Some students have stopped by
to check it out, but they still have yet to try it. Ryanne Koerner, a freshmen in marine biology said she’s “never done it before, but it looks fun.”
Spring celebratory Holi Hai Festival By Evy Guerra Crow’s Nest Contributor Colored chalk of blue, pink and green were thrown in the air as USF St. Petersburg students celebrated the Indian festival of love and the start of spring – Holi Hai. Henna body artwork, Bollywood dancing and Indian food filled the University Student Center lawn on Sunday, April 18. The event was hosted by the student organization South Asian Association. SAA founder and president Radhika Dang has coordinated the event for three years. “This year’s planning has been a
little bit easier. I’m trying my hardest to try to make SAA more independent since we’ve gained a good amount of recognition,” Dang said. USFSP student Brielle Haynick joined SAA last year after seeing the club’s booth at the university’s beginning of the semester, Get On Board Day. “They were one of the booths that really caught me eye; they seemed so welcoming,” Haynick said. “I like just being involved, and since we’re a small group we get to do what we want.” SA A practiced t heir da nce three times per week all semester. Although the music abruptly
Courtesy of Nicole Carroll
The South Asian Association hosted the Holi Hai Festival on Sunday, April 18 on Harborwalk. The Indian celebration of spring and love offered henna tattooing and featured Bollywood dance performances.
Courtesy of Deanna Marinello
Colored chalk was thrown in the air to celebrate Holi Hai – a festival of sharing love.
stopped during the middle of their performance, Haynick said she was still pleased with the result. “I think it went well even with the difficulty in the middle of the song. We improvised really well and just finished it,” she said. “Everybody did really great.” Freshman Victoria Hernandez never heard of the Holi Festival, but decided to attend the event anyway. “I thought it was a lot of fun and a great way to express someone’s culture,” Hernandez said. Dang grew up in New York City.
Each year her temple would hold a Holi celebration filled with dances and lots of colors. “To me, this festival holds a great place in my heart,” she said. “Ever since I moved to Florida, I haven’t gotten to experience that again, so it was a big deal for me to start something up on this campus – it allows me to share those same joys that I experienced as a little girl.”
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Coquina Club dons new mural By Devin Rodriguez Staff Reporter The Coquina Club – known as the campus’ mysterious, once-bustling “recreation space” has been vacant and essentially abandoned for years. While not as popular as it once was, the club is still considered a recreational area. The building is adjacent to the pool and packed with billiards tables, arcade machines and T.V. sets. To liven up the space before it gets remodeled, USF St. Petersburg graphic design students have been painting a mural on the interior south wall. Ian Thurau, Jennifer Holcomb, Patrick Henderson and
Rachel Clemson have worked on the mural piece for the past four months. The project was scheduled to be completed by April 11, USFSP Week, but has taken longer than expected. The wall is currently about 95 percent finished. Holcomb described it as “an abstract wave pattern with chalkboard circles weaved into the design. At the center there is a hand lettered piece typeset in a white circle.” Students are invited to draw in the chalkboard circles to add to the mural. “The Coquina Club is for everybody,” Holcomb said. “It’s a space for students to relax, and we wanted to give those students an outlet to
leave their own mark and really make the space theirs.” Ann Wykell, coordinator of places, spaces and public art at USFSP, helped organize the effort. She said the mural will be an everevolving concept and may require a new student team to update the artwork in upcoming semesters. Wykel l has a lso schedu led a pop-up outdoor lou nge on Bayboro Harbor lawn. The event aims to encourage students to use the campus’ recreational facilities and will feature food, refreshments, sidewalk chalk art, games and music. “Students can see the potential in that space (Coquina Club) now, the mural has really brought that out,” Wykell said. “And all of those areas are connected, it’s one big relaxation and recreation corner.” This was the first mural created by the graphic design students, and Holcomb said the project was a lot of work. “It was daunting to start,” she said. “But we are happy with the final product and what we all accomplished.”
Devin Rodriguez / Crow’s Nest
The Pop-up Outdoor Lounge will be held on April 26 at Bayboro Harbor side lawn from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Graphic design student, Jennifer Holcomb, re-touches the mural that she created with her classmates Patrick Henderson, Ian Thurau and Rachel Clemson. The team began the painting in January.
Continued from front
Devin Rodriguez / Crow’s Nest
As of last week, the mural was about 95 percent complete. The “abstract wave pattern” symbolizes where the Bayboro Harbor meets the campus grounds.
The Coquina Club is open to the public and connected to the campus pool, both are available to students during operational hours.
Coquina pool hours
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Coquina Club hours
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
University holds fundraising gala
Devin Rodriguez / Crow’s Nest
USFSP student Kelly Stefanski (right), the university’s senate pro tempore Angela Wilson and study body president Jozef Gherman attended the “USF St. Petersburg Celebrates 50!” gala event on the Bayboro Harbor lawn.
By Devin Rodriguez Staff Reporter I n c e le br at ion of USF St . Petersburg yearlong 50th anniversary, the university hosted a fundraising gala at the Bayboro Harbor lawn on April 13. Over 350 community partners, alumni and donors attended the outdoor event at $150 per ticket. Guests enjoyed dinner, cocktails
and dessert along with a performance by the USF faculty band Touch, who play jazz and classics on iPads. There wasn’t a specific amount of money raised during the celebration, as the event itself was part of a university-led general fundraising initiative.Meanwhile, USFSP has raised over $6 million in the 2016 fiscal year, according to Casey
Crane, communications officer for the university. A number of individuals were recognized and awarded at the end of the night including Dr. William “Bill” Heller, dean of the College of Education, as the longest-serving campus executive. Graduating senior Victor Sims received the new alum award.
Courtesy of USF St. Petersburg
Dr. Bill Heller, dean of the College of Education, accepted an award for being the longest-serving campus executive at USFSP’s 50th anniversary fundraising gala event on April 13.
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Segregation is no relic from the past By Moriah Parrish Staff Reporter
Editor-in-chief
SAMANTHA PUTTERMAN
Managing Editor
EMILY TINTI
Creative Director
GABRIELA MENA
Copy editor
CAITLIN ASHWORTH
News Editor
JASON SAAB
News Assistant
JEFFREY ZANKER
Arts & Life Editor
DEVIN RODRIGUEZ
Arts & Life Assistant
RYAN CALLIHAN
Staff Reporter
MORIAH PARRISH
Photo editor
TAMIRACLE WILLIAMS
Advertising/Web manager
JESSICA JAGODZINSKI
Distribution Manager
DENNIS GEYER
adviser
ROB HOOKER
Mission Statement: The Crow’s Nest is committed to providing its readers with news relevant to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and its surrounding comm unity. The Crow’s Nest abides by the highest ethical standards and focuses on stories that help readers make informed decisions on current issues. We take seriously the public’s trust in our news reporting and strive to uphold the highest standards of reporting as defined by the Society of Professional Journalists. The views expressed—both written and graphic—in the opinion section of The Crow’s Nest do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit letters to the editor to crowsnesteditor@gmail.com. The Crow’s Nest reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, day time phone number, and e-mail address. The Crow’s Nest is provided free by the Activities & Services Fee, and advertising. The Crow’s Nest neither endorses nor takes responsibility for any claims made by our advertisers. Because of high production costs, members of the USFSP community are permitted one copy per issue. Where available, additional copies may be purchased for 10 cents each by contacting the newspaper’s editor in chief or managing editor. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or subject to university discipline. The Crow’s Nest office is located at: Student Life Center 2400, University of South Florida St. Petersburg 140 Seventh Ave. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 873-4113 Press run: 1,000 Copyright 2014 St. Petersburg, FL
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Last I checked, the year is 2016. T hat ma ke s t he la nd ma rk 1964 Civil Rights Act, signed into law under President Lyndon B. Johnson, 52 years old. The Supreme Court unanimous decision in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case, which declared “separate but equal” facilities didn’t work in reality and the segregation of schools to be unconstitutional, is now 62 years old. Millennials marvel at footage of 74-year-old presidential candidate Bernie Sanders protesting racial discrimination as a young man alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All of these events seem like memories of a distant past shrouded in shame – a time we’d all like to soon forget. Because 16 years into the 21st century, we’ve moved past that as a society, right? Sadly, it appears not. On April 4, the United States Department of Education opened a civil rights investigation to look into whether the Pinellas County School District systematically discriminates against black children, according to the agency. The federal involvement in the county was in response to “Failure Factories,” a yearlong investigative series by the Tampa Bay Times that published in five parts last year from August through December. “Failure Factories” traced the decline of five elementary schools in St. Petersburg’s black neighborhoods: Melrose, Campbell Park, Lakewood, Maximo and Fairmount. Unbelievably, the school board voted to end its decades-long
integration procedures back in 2007. These previously successful strategies included bussing children across the county to schools far from the neighborhoods in exchange for a balanced school system. The district had established quotas for the racial makeup of the population of each school, and in doing so, children attending the schools experienced diversity and a more even distribution of well and poorly behaved students. The school board ended these benefits so students could attend schools in their neighborhoods and not have to travel so far to get an education. When the idea was met with outcry, the board promised that schools in the more impoverished areas of the county would receive extra benefits to counter the deleterious move. The proposed fix would grant schools more federal education money, more experienced teachers and expanded special needs programs. Over the past eight years, as the schools have inevitably deteriorated, the promises made by the board have failed to come to fruition. The result? De facto segregation. The still-obvious separation of the city of St. Petersburg, stemming from the unequal housing in suburbs back in the early 20th century, has led to a modern disparity. In fact, what once were average scoring elementary schools have become five of the worst in the state of Florida. So bad, in fact, that Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, declared the district guilty of “education malpractice” in his visit to the schools last fall. As the Times outlined, the schools and the students are experiencing a vicious cycle. A d ispropor t ionately h ig h number of students with violent and insubordinate behavior histories now make up the student population.
Teachers are stretched thin, and quit often. Bullying – serious enough to send students to the hospital – is a regular occurrence. Elementary school students threaten one another with murder and rape. As more educators jump ship from the schools, the students experience inconsistency in tutelage and discipline, exacerbating the problems. A dog-eat-dog environment breeds more violence. This is, by no means, a one-solution situation. The issues are layered one after another, and digging to the root of the problem will take time, effort and added funding. There exists, though, alternative methods of teaching that I see as being a perfect fit for this ordeal. In the 1970s, when integration of schools was new and teachers struggled to undo generations of prejudice, social psychologists were asked for help. One group, led by prominent social psychologist Elliot Aronson, developed a program of “jigsaw” learning. Instead of having students compete for good grades and for the teacher’s limited attention, the method calls for acts of mutual interdependence. Students are given small pieces of information individually, but must combine
these into a whole to understand the concept. Their performance throughout the process determines how they are graded. Creating scenarios where students must work together as a team encourages them to see commonalities over differences and fosters empathy and compassion – the opposite of bullying. The perfect project to kick this off? An after-school community garden program. It would keep children occupied and focused on something bigger than the problems they face in a school day. It’s a small start, and would require volunteers and a budget, but it would at least be a Band-Aid on the wound for now. It is unrealistic to expect novice teachers to have a firm grasp on these ideas and how to properly execute them. But if the school board would stick to its promises and incentivize experienced, seasoned educators to work at the schools, this lost ship could still be turned around. Read the Tampa Bay Times’ five-part “Failure Factories” invest igat ion here: ta mpabay.com/ failurefactories Moriah Parrish, a junior majoring in psychology, is the staff reporter. She can be reached at parrishm@ mail.usf.edu
Is it ‘America’ or ‘The United States of America?’ By Indhira Suero Acosta Crow’s nest Contributor I ’m f r o m t h e D o m i n i c a n Republic, and one of the things that surprised me when I arrived in this country was he a r i ng pe ople call The United States of America by the name “America.” Signs like, “ We l c o m e t o America” and “God bless America” made me feel confused. I also heard a few presidential candidates saying on national
television, “In America, we think..;” newspapers that wrote, “America votes for its next president on Nov. 8” and some of my professors and classmates saying, “America is a country that…” T h is c aug ht my at tent ion, because in the Dominican Republic I wa s t au g ht t hat “A mer ic a” is the name of a whole continent —divided among North, South, Central America and the Caribbean— and that “The United States of America” is only one of its 35 countries. I also remember my primary school teachers telling us the continent received its name in honor to the navigator Américo Vespucio
and that North America is made up of The United States, yes, but Canada and Mexico, too. Its other territories consist of Bermuda, Greenland, Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Meanwhile, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama form part of Central America. South America has the twelve sovereign states, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. It also has other dependencies such as Aruba and Curacao. It’s not just the Dominican Republic, it would likely be the
same with other countries. For example, if someone in Argentina asks a girl from California, “Where are you from?” And she responds with “America,” I’m pretty sure the Argentinean would probably ask, “But, from what country, The United States?” According to Merriam-Webster, the word America is defined as “either continent (North America or S. America) of the western hemisphere; the “Amer-i-cas,” the lands of the western hemisphere including North, Central, S. America & the W. Indies,” or the “United States of America.” Meanwhile, one of the most influential Hispanics dictionaries
Continued on p. 6
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS...
misc.
Want to comment on a story or a campus issue? Get it off your chest with a letter to the editor. The Crow’s Nest welcomes letters from students, faculty and staff. Send your letter to Ann21@mail.usf.edu. Letters which may be edited for length, clarity and taste, must include the writer’s name and telephone number (though the number will not be published) Continued from page 6 — Panhispanic Dictionar y of Doubts — def ines t he United States of America as a country of America, with Washington D.C as its capital and its demonym as “estadounidense (United Statesian in English).” One definition of America that particularly amused me was, of course, from Urban Dictionary, “A country that claims the name of an entire continent to itself alone for no compelling reason. Mexicans, Colombians, Brazilians they’re Americans too.” You’re probably asking yourselves “How should I refer to my country, then?” Well, websites like “USA is Not America” suggest that when you want to refer to The United States of America; to do it as “U.S.” or “the States,” or whatever you want, but not only as America. I think those names are fair enough, especially with all the other countries that make up this vast continent.
As well, the site gives a few examples of some wrong and correct uses of the term America. The most powerful ones: Wrong: America is my country and I love it. Right: The United States is my country and I love it. Of course, I know that just by writing this article The United States isn’t going to stop calling itself “America.” The term’s employment is based on ideological and historical aspects that are deeply rooted in the mentality of the people in this country. But to me, education is a powerful tool – one that could help us work toward creating a better world, for everyone. Indhira Suero Acosta is an international graduate student in journalism and media studies. She can be reached at indhirasuero@mail.usf. edu
Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 4, Book 7
Sudoku #1 3
© 2013 KrazyDad.com
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
When a fly lands on the ceiling, does it do a half roll or a half loop?
7 9 6 6 1 8 7 4 7 5 1 8 9 5 7 4 1 2 7 3 5 4 8 3 1 6 7 7 9 8 4 5 4 7 3 6
crowsneststpete.com
Apr 18- Apr 24, 2016 | Volume 50 | Issue 29
Full story of dismissal still a mystery Continued from page one
Person who complained isn’t named in records
Public Records Law – show that Solis draf ted t wo options for Wisniewska’s letter to Reichgelt. “My expectation is that the second template will be likely be used (sic) given Dr. Reichgelt’s stated intention to resign,” Solis wrote. Solis also drafted the letter that Wisniewska sent to faculty and staff to announce Reichgelt’s departure. The emails show that university officials briefly explored the possibility of filling Reichgelt’s position with the candidate who was runner-up to him in the selection process. “Since it has been less than a year, are we able to reach into the pool and offer the other strong candidate the position of Regional Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs?” asked Chitra Iyer, regional associate vice chancellor for administration, in an email to Solis and Jose Hernandez, the university’s chief diversity officer and Title IX coordinator in Tampa. “If we have passed the time frame within which to do that, is there a possibility to obtain an extension of that time frame?” “I have not seen anything that prohibits or permits this, but I will keep checking,” Solis replied. Psycholog y professor Mark Durand, who was regional vice chancellor of academic affairs in 2005-2007, has been interim vice chancellor since Reichgelt’s departure.
In a faculty survey last spring, Re g ion a l C h a nc el lor S oph i a Wisniewska drew pointed criticism from two professors for the way she handled the sudden departure of the campus’ top academic administrator in February 2015. The professors skewered her for not explaining why Han Reichgelt, the regional vice chancellor of academic affairs, was ousted just eight months after he was hired. “The firing of the RVCAA was handled very poorly,” wrote one professor in the comments section of the survey. “We demand an explanation as to what happened.”
“I am still unclear as to the firing of the RVCAA,” the second professor wrote. “The lack of communication only raises more questions and suspicions.” L i k e a l l c om ment s i n t he survey, their observations were anonymous. Now, more than a year after Reichgelt was dismissed, the full story of his departure remains a mystery. Wisniewska a nd top assistants have declined to discuss it, saying the university does not discuss personnel issues. Reichgelt, who now teaches online courses
As this document shows, the Crow’s Nest made its public records request on March 18, 2015, and revised it on April 28, 2015. This document was sent to the newspaper on Feb. 18, 2016, and the records were released on April 15, 2016 – 13 months after the initial request.
in the College of Business, has also declined to comment. More than 1,600 pages of emails to a nd f rom Wisniewska a nd Reichgelt in the two weeks leading up to his resignation were released to the Crow’s Nest last week under Florida’s Public Records Law. They reveal that he was ousted after a complaint that involved USF’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity. But the complainant is not named and the particulars of the complaint are not spelled out. The Public Records Law has been in the Florida statutes since 1909, and it is one of the most sweeping records laws in the country. But it took more than a year for the newspaper to obtain the emails. On Ma rch 18 , 2 015, t h ree weeks after Reichgelt’s abrupt resignation, the Crow’s Nest made a request under the Public Records Law for copies of the email correspondence between Reichgelt and other university officials from the beginning of that semester until his termination. It revised the request on April 28, 2015, seeking only the emails between Reichgelt and Wisniewska i n t he t wo we ek s b efore h i s departure. In the months that followed, the newspaper repeatedly inquired about the status of the request and then the status of its payment to cover the cost of reviewing and producing the emails. On Feb. 16, 2016, Lori Mohn McNenney, lega l ad ministrative specialist for Gerard D. Solis, USF’s general counsel, advised that it would take an estimated 11.51 hours to review Wisniewska’s 691 emails and black out any material that was exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Law. At her hourly rate of $23, she said, the cost would be $264.88. McNenney also estimated that the cost of reviewing Reichgelt’s 63 emails would be $24.15.
After receiving the estimate on Feb. 18, the Crow’s Nest quickly agreed to pay the total estimated cost of $298.03 and submitted the necessary paperwork on Feb. 19. But it took weeks to get the payment processed through the Office of Student Life and Engagement in St. Petersburg and the USF cashier’s office in Tampa. The payment was not received unti l March 30, according to McNenney. On April 4, Samant ha Putterman, the Crow’s Nest editor-in-chief, wrote university officials to complain that the university was dragging its feet on the public records request. “We have inquired – repeatedly – about the status of the request and then the status of our payment, both of which have languished in the university bureaucracy,” she wrote. “In reply, we have gotten vague promises and stalling. “Chapter 119.07 of the Florida Statutes is clear: Public records custodians must respond to requests in ‘reasonable time, under reasonable conditions.’ “ To q u o t e F l o r i d a’s F i r s t A mend ment Fou ndat ion, t he ‘Public Records Act requires the (government) agency to acknowle d ge re que s t s prompt ly a nd respond in good faith.’ “Furthermore, case law has established that unreasonable delay is the equivalent of refusal to comply with the law. “The universit y has not responded in good faith. Its delays are unreasonable. Its representatives have chosen to drag this out in the hope that we will abandon our request. We will not. “By this letter, we renew our request for you to obey the law and promptly supply the records.” The university released the records on April 15.
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