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THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013 • OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331

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Women’s basketball faces usc in first round of pac-12 tournament

VOLUME CXVI, NUMBER 98

Celebrating Islam, dispelling prejudice A close look Muslim Student Association educates campus on Islam, responds to misconceptions

One common fallacy asserts Muslim women have no rights. Bayann Gonda, a sophomore math major and MSA member, said the hijab — the traditional headscarves and modest dress that many By Kate Virden Muslim women wear — is a matter The Daily Barometer “Islamophobia” is the irrational of choice. “You don’t wear it because you fear of Muslims. As a result of the post-9/11 world, many misunder- have to,” Gonda said. “You do it standings about Islam have resulted when you’re ready, solely for the in an epidemic of fear surrounding sake of God.” Her experience wearing the the religion. The Muslim Student Association Hijab on campus has been cordial, at Oregon State University is dedi- because the OSU community welcated to sharing the truth about comes all cultures and religions. Islam with the campus commu- Similarly, Mekaoui finds OSU a beautiful community and campus nity. The MSA Vice with an abundance President Hugo of understanding Mekaoui shares You don’t wear and a desire to learn the mission statement, “We strive to it because youhave about Islam. She says it is morremove the darkto. You do it when ally wrong to critiness of misconception and replace it you’re ready, solely cize someone based with the light of for the sake of God. on appearance. knowledge.” Another misThe group orgaconception about Bayann Gonda nizes several events sophomore, math major and MSA member Muslims is they’re each year, which all terrorists. are open to anyone “Many people of any religion. They do a Fast-a- look solely to the media for beliefs Thon during Ramadan in the sum- and want to stay in a bubble of mer and will host a comedy night ignorance,” Gonda said. during spring term. MSA recently Both Mekaoui and Gonda have hosted the popular Night of the been pulled out of airport security Crescent with almost 200 attendees. lines and separately checked with The event included a live fashion pat-downs. show with traditional Muslim dress, “At the end of the day we’re all a guest speaker and delicious food. the same,” Mekaoui said, who is The fashion show was meant originally from Paris. “We all desire to help disband the “us vs. them” peace and respect,” mantra instilled in many minds Mekaoui understands the mishannah gustin | THE DAILY BAROMETER after Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, by conceptions society places on identifying and upending common Hugo Mekaoui, vice president of the Muslim Student Association, has See ISLAMOPHOBIA | page 2 misconceptions about Islam. initiated activities through his position to teach OSU about Islam.

Rosoff still in race n

Elections committee finds nothing wrong with Rosoff’s meeting last Friday The Daily Barometer

Yesterday, the Associated Students of Oregon State University elections committee found nothing wrong with Nick Rosoff’s meeting last Friday in the Native American Longhouse. A member of the committee had concerns that Rosoff’s meeting may have gone against the sanctions issued by the committee last Thursday. However, after a short discussion of the details, the committee decided not to take action. The committee also heard Rosoff’s appeal of last week’s charges and sanctions. The committee decided to remove two of the minor offenses, but did not lift the sanctions issued against Rosoff. Rosoff was found guilty of one major and five minor elections violations last Thursday by the committee. He was charged with beginning to campaign before April 1 and with distributing campaign materials before then. Rosoff’s sanctions do not allow him to begin campaigning before April 6. The committee also discussed minor changes to the election packet, like prohibiting campaigning in Snell 149. The elections committee will meet again March 12 at 6 p.m. in MU 206. The Daily Barometer

news@dailybareomter.com On Twitter @baronews

Local boards under state legislative review OSU considers options as legislature looks at bills for institutional boards at the University of Oregon, Portland State University

The bill’s goal is for 40 percent of Oregon students to receive a high school diploma, 40 percent to earn a community college degree and 20 percent to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher. The separation of university control into local boards would potentially negate the system’s goal. The establishment of institutional boards could create more By Jack Lammers The Daily Barometer competition between the schools. “The boards will bloat needs on students,” said Universities rely on strong central leadership to make investments and prioritize projects. Currently, the pros- Associated Students of Oregon State University President pect of institutional boards has a spot on the Oregon State Amelia Harris. “These boards would not be in the best Legislature’s agenda and, if passed, could reshape the interest for students, because they bring in another level of management and could sway how structure of major Oregon universities. the university runs. Our 40-40-20 goal “These boards of directors could won’t be possible if we have boards change the leadership and receive You have to look at governing institutions with complete regional buy-in,” said Jock Mills, OSU the hand you’re being authority.” government relations director. Instead of having projects prioritized Right now, Oregon State Senate Bill 270 dealt and decide what’s by the State Board of Higher Education proposes institutional boards for Portland in the best interest of and OUS, the institutions would vie for State University and the University of their own needs before the legislature. Oregon. The boards would effectively the university. “Establishing institutional boards at localize responsibilities now delegated multiple universities presents potential to the State Board of Higher Education. Ed Ray for increased competition among and Universities currently make recomOSU President between universities for scarce resources mendations to the Higher Education in Salem,” Mills said. Coordinating Committee tied to the On Tuesday, the Oregon State Senate Oregon Education Investment Board. The language remains unclear in spots of the bill. Education and Workforce Committee held a public hear“When all is said and done, we want the option to deter- ing for the bill and heard from Joe Robertson, president mine whether it is in our interest, and the interest of the of Oregon Health and Science University. Robinson compeople of Oregon, to have a board at OSU,” Mills said. “We mented on OHSU’s institutional board, created 18 years will not be able to make this determination until the bills ago. He said the boards should have access to capital, clarity have been passed and we have engaged in conversations of mission and nimbleness to adapt to the institutions’ with the campus community.” needs. The boards will control the dispersal of money from The proposed 11 to 15 member boards, ideally com- revenue bonds, given to the school from the state. prised of members looking out for the best interests of the “It’s essential for us to have the ability to do what we want university, would play a role in decisions regarding capital with revenue bonds,” Robertson said in his presentation projects for the university, missions for the institutions, and to the committee. “The legislation was crafted specifically appoint or remove university presidents. for OHSU.” A few obstacles stand in the way of deciding on instituRobertson emphasized the importance of unbiased tional boards, including expected turnover of board mem- board members who put the institution first and have no bers, specifications on who will make up the board and how special interests or ulterior motives. the autonomy provided by the boards will affect the Oregon “There should not be designated positions or factions on University System goals. One example of interference with the board,” Robertson said in the meeting. “The members OUS involves Senate Bill 253 establishing a “40-40-20” goal for the universities. See REVIEW | page 2 n

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at religions n

Religious Studies Club takes a comprehensive approach to study religious diversity By Dacotah Splichalova The Daily Barometer

For students who are interested in learning about and celebrating the diversity of religions at Oregon State University and throughout the world, the newly founded Religious Studies Club just may be the engaging extracurricular activity for them. The club is a non-devotional and non-denominational organization dedicated to creating a community of students and faculty mentors, partnered together in the academic study of religion. The members aim to support and learn from one another within a space of intellectual and spiritual exploration through philosophical inquiry and discussion. With an inclusive philosophy, the Religious Studies Club focuses on investigating scholarly issues and creating a collegiate community committed to interreligious values and study. The Religious Studies Club is sponsored directly by and works closely with the School of History, Philosophy and Religion. The club seeks to partner with organizations on campus and desires to connect with the commuSee RELIGION | page 2

ASOSU House hears two bills n

One change of language in statutes passes with no opposition The Daily Barometer

The Associated Students of Oregon State University House of Representatives heard two new bills and passed one during its weekly meeting last night. A bill changed language in the ASOSU statutes which referred to a congressional clerk and a congressional secretary, to referring only to a congressional clerk, as there is no congressional secretary. Michael Robb, who has been a representative the longest, said during the House of Representatives’ first year there had been both a secretary and a parliamentarian, but because the position couldn’t be filled it was forgotten. Taylor Sarman, congressional clerk, said he felt he could do the duties of both positions because he had been all year. The bill passed with no opposition. The House also heard a bill that would peg compensation of SafeRide employees to a percentage above minimum wage. Currently SafeRide employees are paid $9.25 an hour. The bill would make employee pay be 7 percent higher than the minimum wage. If passed, this would mean employees would be paid $9.57 an hour. Drew Desilet, ASOSU organizing adviser, said the bill would have a financial impact of an increase of $4,900 annually if passed. The bill will have its second reading next week. The house also heard from two task force directors and an announcement about upcoming elections meetings. The ASOSU House meets again March 13, at 7 p.m. in MU 211. The Daily Barometer

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