C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, F u l l e r t o n
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SPORTS
OPINION
Titan coach, alumna Eugenia Rycraw bids CSUF farewell Page 6
A close-up account of an immigration rally in LA Page 4
Local Pro-immigration Protestors Take Action By Dominic Kingdamo
Daily Titan Staff Writer
A
rally was held at the Federal Building in Santa Ana yesterday as part of the National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice. The day of action was conceived by the National Capital Immigrant Coalition, which sponsors the Web site www.april10.org. Events were organized by grassroots organizations across the nation, according to the Web site. Santa Ana city councilman Jose Solorio spoke to the crowd at the event. “Weʼre at a point in time where something does need to happen with respect to immigration,” Solorio said. The rally, the latest in a series of protests, marches and walk-outs around the city and country, was a peaceful demonstration held so people could speak out against proposed immigration legislation. Blanca Salinas, 32, waved a large Mexican flag in support of the demonstration. When asked why she was attending the demonstration, she replied, “papers,” referring to legal documentation to remain in the country. “We are not criminals. We are not terrorists. We are working people. We are paying taxes,” Salinas said. Salinas, a twelve-year employee of Albertsonʼs in Mission Viejo, missed work to attend the event. “I have 16 years in America,” Salinas said. “My children were born in America. We need papers.” Solorio spoke in support of border enforcement but
Songha Lee/Daily Titan
RALLYING TOGETHER: Benjamin Ramirez, left, and Yolanda Guzman Leon shout in protest for immigration rights Monday afternoon in front of the Federal Building in Santa Ana. Hundreds of demonstrators joined the rally to protest against the proposed immigration bill.
Science Symposium in a ‘Clast’ All Its Own Third annual event hosted by Natural Sciences, Mathematics Inter-Club in TSU today By Kirsten Alto
Daily Titan Staff Writer
F
or eight hours on Wednesday students will meet and greet, show off research and prepare for their future at the third annual Science Symposium in the Titan Student
Union. The 9 a.m. event, hosted by the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Inter-Club Council and Associated Students Inc., designed the symposium with three goals in mind. “The first [goal] was to offer the natural sciences and math undergraduates and graduates a way to prepare for professional conferences theyʼll be attending off campus,” said Brian David, council chair.
“The second goal is to give back to the CSUF community and show the quality of our studentsʼ work,” he said. The third objective is to enlighten people stopping by to see the work, he added. “All students will gain a better understanding of how the research conducted on campus has an impact on society in general,” council advisor Rochelle Woods said. Not only do they want the biology, chemistry/biochemistry, geology and math club students to learn from and meet other students, they encourage students from other majors to attend the event. “I know people from our organization will be there, and I hope we also get people from outside our group,” vice chair Van Buzzo said. The club members hope to meet people who might have an interest in the subject matter at hand even if they arenʼt interested SEE SYMPOSIUM = PAGE 2
Latina Organization Empowers Students By Noraly Hernandez
For the Daily Titan
Four women hold hands and form a square around two other women who unexpectedly jump up and trigger someone to shout, “Toaster!” causing the room to explode with laughter. Welcome to the successful ice-breaking portion of the Hermanas Unidas de California State University, Fullertonʼs
weekly meeting. Hermanas Unidas provide a support group for students who look to excel academically, through networking. Founded approximately three years ago, Hermanas Unidas is a chapter of a California organization for college students. The group reaches out to Latina women, providing members with a “healthy transition to and from the university,” as its constitution states. “I would describe Hermanas Unidas as
Free Money, No Takers By Melinda Alvarez
For the Daily Titan
Not many people would pass up an offer for free money, but thousands of college students do it every year. Scholarship money is offered in various branches
of learning that require certain qualifications, allowing college students to apply and win money to contribute toward their college education. However, many students are reluctant to apply for scholarships.
By Sean McCormick
For the Daily Titan
C
ountless sets of eyes gaze each semester at computer screens, as college students ask themselves the same question: Which professor will pass me as painlessly as possible? Cal State Fullerton is one of the largest users of RateMyProfessors.
com, a Web site that allows students to share their experiences and rate professors in categories including: easiness of a course, helpfulness and clarity of a professor and whether or not the professor is “hot,” according to statistics on the Web site. CSUF is the 15th most frequent user of the program with 22,254 ratings. The Web site contains ratings for 5,793 schools and 736,561 professors, and it has more than 5 million total ratings. Students arenʼt the only ones using RateMyProfessors.com. CSUF professors, too, visit the Web site to see what students are saying about them. Some are skeptical about what they
find, but none seems to take the ratings too seriously. “Student opinions are valuable, but what fits one person does not fit another,” Sally Romotsky, a professor of English, said. Communications Professor Carolyn E. Johnson trusts that students will view the site much in the way she does. “I take it with a grain of salt,” she said. “Students are smart enough to know that the site is not always legit.” Also, the university has other ways of rating its professors. At the end of every semester students are asked to fill out an evalu-
OPINION
FACULTY FOCUS
JEFF KLIMA
SANDRA FALERO
Barroom pick-ups, physical contact, it all counts
SEE MONEY = PAGE 3
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ation of their professors, which is then used to make up a confidential profile in the universityʼs records. Professors are permitted to look at the feedback. “I donʼt think itʼs something for teachers to take stock in, particularly because every class is evaluated in a more professional way,” said American studies professor Allan Axelrad. “Every department has forms that address what is really going on, and those you get on a regular basis every semester have
SEE RATE = PAGE 3
INSIDE
CSUF American studies professor teaches, works on Ph.D.
a Latina-based organization that focuses on empowering and encouraging young Latinas, or anyone for that matter be it women or men, to become intelligent, strong, compassionate, well-rounded individuals,” said Jackie Romero, Hermanas Unidasʼ alumni liaison. Hermanas Unidas, which translates to “sisters united,” not only focuses on academics, community service and socializaSEE UNIDAS = PAGE 3
Wildlife Santuary Off-campus Resource Nature preserve open to public, interactive canyon tours offered By Jessica Horn
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Professors Graded For Classroom Performances Web site provides forum for students to glorify, gripe about instructors
SEE RALLY = PAGE 3
Cal State Fullerton is a strong advocate of providing an education in environmental and scientific studies. Case in point: the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary – owned and operated by CSUFʼs College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics – a 12-acre nature preserve located in Modjeska Canyon, approximately 24 miles from the main campus. The sanctuary is often used as a resource center for CSUF students, but is open to the public for use as well. Biology, geology and environmental studies majors utilize the sanctuary for handson experience but other majors are welcome. “Iʼve been a couple times, not so much to research, but more to get a general knowl-
edge of the area and its wildlife for my own satisfaction,” junior Heather Tomilowitz said. Academic tours of the sanctuary are offered to students from kindergarteners to high school seniors. Education tours are also provided for the public. Academic tours follow the requirements of the California Standards for Science Education, allowing the sanctuary to educate children in a more interactive and unique way than in the classroom. School tours range from two to three hours, said Karon Cornell, director of the sanctuary. Sanctuary tours trek hikers through nature trails where observers can experience the plants and animals of the canyon in their natural habitat. “Our facilities include a little natural history museum, two ponds, a small birdwatching porch and a small amphitheatre,” Cornell said. SEE TUCKER= PAGE 3
WEATHER
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Partly Cloudy High: 69 Low: 50
Mostly Sunny High: 74 Low: 55
Partly Cloudy High: 81 Low: 56
FRIDAY Rain/Thunder High: 70 Low: 54
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ON CAMPUS WEDNESDAY: “Juries and American Democracy” will be the topic of discussion in the Pollak Libraryʼs Rotary Club of Fullerton room from noon to 1 p.m. The program will feature experts discussing and challenging the role of juries in American democracy.
Iraqi Troops Moving Forward
RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi army troops took a crucial step forward when they moved out on a recent patrol in central Ramadi, rolling out in their own armored Humvees for the first time. Until now, this unit has mostly patrolled their small, relatively quiet slice of downtown on foot, leaving the worst parts of the turbulent city center to better-equipped U.S. troops. American commanders want Iraqi units to operate independently in the more dangerous downtown areas of Ramadi, about 75 miles west of Baghdad. But they lack equipment – especially proper transport. Though they have their own trucks, they rely heavily on U.S. forces to move around.
French Gov. to ‘Replace’ Law PARIS – After weeks of protests and strikes, President Jacques Chirac announced plans Monday to “replace” a law that would have made it easier for companies to fire workers under age 26. The deal represents a defeat for Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, who had insisted on the law as a means of reducing high unemployment rates among young people.
NATION Military Strike Still Possible WASHINGTON – While stressing that diplomacy is the first course for dealing with Iranʼs nuclear ambitions, the White House is not ruling out a military response and says “normal defense and intelligence planning” is under way. The White House, sensitive to President Bushʼs image as a war hawk, is trying to play down the possibility of a military strike on the country that Bush included among nations forming the “axis of evil.”
Wal-Mart Bank Opposed WASHINGTON – A parade of objectors spanning American business, unions and charities are going before federal regulators to make the case against allowing Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to expand its empire into banking. The first-ever public hearings on a bank application by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. are drawing a wave of opposition to the move by the worldʼs largest retailer. The company insists that consumers and retail banks have nothing to fear and is pledging to stay out of branch banking and consumer lending.
LOCAL
NHL’s Robitaille to Retire LOS ANGELES – Luc Robitaille, the highest scoring left wing in NHL history, will retire at the end of the season, the Los Angeles Kings said Monday. The 40-year-old Robitaille, the Kingsʼ career leader in goals, will hold a news conference Tuesday to discuss his decision. Robitaille has 15 goals and nine assists in 62 games this season, his 19th in the NHL. Reports compiled from The Associated Press
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The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSUF System. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free. Copyright ©2006 Daily Titan
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FAIR WEATHER FISHING
Santiago Palacios, left, fishes for trouts with his brother Jesus at the Santa Ana River Lakes, Sunday afternoon.
FACULTY FOCUS By Lori Martinez
Daily Titan Staff Writer
“My favorite TV show of all time would have to be “Xena: Warrior Princess. Itʼs what got me excited about thinking about television in a cultural setting,” said Sandra Falero, teacher of American Studies at Cal State Fullerton and current graduate student. As both a student and a teacher Falero often doesnʼt leave room for spare time. “Spare time? What is this? Iʼm still a graduate student, so spare time is in short supply, but I love to go to comedy clubs when I can. I actually donʼt get to watch much TV anymore,” she said. Falero grew up with her family in Hawthorne before moving to Corona at the age of 12. “Iʼm really close to my mom. Sheʼs been an inspiration to me since day one. She was born during the revolution in Cuba, literally, and she came to the U.S. in 1969 when she was about 11. Thatʼs a really difficult age for a girl. So when I have difficult times, I remember that Iʼm from some pretty strong stock,” Falero
Sandra Falero American studies Professor said. She grew up with two younger brothers. “They both love Seinfeld so much that much of their conversations consist of references to the show. I guess thinking about TV is sort of a family thing for us,” Falero said. After high school in Corona, Falero earned her bachelorʼs degree at Cal Poly Pomona. She continued her education at Cal State Fullerton, earning her masterʼs degree. Currently she is enrolled in the Ph.D. program at Claremont. As a part-time faculty member of the American Studies Department, Falero teaches Introduction to American Popular Culture and Television and American Culture. “I think students enjoy courses that discuss popular culture because they already know some of the language and history of entertainment, and they can feel confident voicing their opinions about it,” Falero said.
“Itʼs easy to say that TV, films and novels are all just silly forms of entertainment; that they donʼt mean anything or that they are mind numbing. But if you look up close, youʼll see that while youʼre being entertained, youʼre also being sold ideas, values and products. Itʼs important to think about how entertainment is connected to the political realities of everyday life. How one shapes the other,” she said. While Falero always knew she wanted to be a professor, she was surprised at how much she loved teaching. “I really love research. I was one of those people that rarely talked in class. I did my little work in the corner, so I was really surprised that I enjoyed it so much,” she said. Faleroʼs specialization in television, fan cultures, audience studies and warrior women is evident in the various popular culture mediums that she indulges in. “The last movie I saw was ʻBrokeback Mountain.ʼ Itʼs one of those films that stay with you long after youʼve watched it. I highly recommend it. I read ʻSex, Drugs & Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifestoʼ by Chuck Klosterman. I found myself liking parts of it and rolling my eyes at other parts. It has its moments,” she said. While Falero loves discussing and teaching American popular culture, if she had to choose another profession it would still encompass her pop culture roots. “If I were to do anything else, Iʼd probably want to write for a magazine or maybe even something more creative like free-lance photography,” Falero said.
SYMPOSIUM FROM PAGE 1 in basing their career on it. The science and math club students hope to have an even better turn out this year. “This year we implemented several new aspects in hopes of increasing attendance and bringing notoriety to the event,” David said. “I could really go on forever with the work that must be done to organize an event like this.” The event will feature many points of interest like posters from students on research and experiments, student talks, informational displays on the clubs attending, as well as prizes and raffles throughout the day. Prizes will be given to best speaker and the student with the best poster. This yearsʼ motto is “See Science in Action.” Dr. Marcelo Tolmasky is the keynote speaker for the event. “This symposium will be the best so far, and each year we hope to keep growing,” Buzzo said.
THURSDAY: The AfricanAmerican Resource Center is hosting a town hall-style public forum, “Who is Responsible for the African-American Poor?” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Titan Student Union. THURSDAY: Titan baseball will take on UC Davis at 7 p.m. on Goodwin Field, the same venue for games two and three on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Free admission for students. THURSDAY: ASI Productions presents two free screenings of “Memoirs of a Geisha” at the TSU Titan Theater at 6 and 9 p.m. THURSDAY: Grammy nominated band Volumen Cero will perform in the TSU Underground at 12 p.m. FRIDAY: Be in the TSU Underground at 1 p.m. for ASIʼs table tennis tournament. FRIDAY: In Ian Arthur Swansonʼs play “Curse of the Flightless,” Anna is forced to keep trying new things because horrible things happen to people she cares about when she stops. It opens at 8 p.m. and will run through April 29. For more information call (714) 278-3371.
OFF CAMPUS WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: Pablo Francisco spins his own brand of comedy with pinpoint accurate impressions of everything from Spanish soap operas to a movie trailer with our Governator starring as a tortilla boy on the run. His new CD, Pablo 3, boasts loads of new material he is sure to weave into his act at the Brea Improv this weekend. Show times are on Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets cost $22 at www. improv2.com/brea.html. SATURDAY: The Laguna Canyon Foundation hosts a wilderness restoration project every third Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at one of the various parks in Laguna. Call Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. at (949) 923-2235 or visit www.lagunacanyon.org for information on current activities. SUNDAY: Easter! If you would like to submit an event to Out nʼ About please e-mail news@dailytitan.com
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for the most part because I think a lot of students donʼt work hard and FROM PAGE 1 get crappy grades and then rate the professor poorly.” RateMyProfessors.com requires carefully worked out questions that no class enrollment to post ratings. Romotsky – who has served on are relevant to teaching.” Although it has received heavy the University Personnel Committee, skepticism, other professors see which reviews human resource poliRateMyProfessors.com as a posi- cies – said that while commentary is tive outlet for students to voice con- useful to professors, feedback from cerns and share their such a wide range experiences in the of students complicates the task of classroom. “I take it with finding a critique “Students should a grain of salt. that stands out glarbe able to go online Students are smart ingly enough to and evaluate their warrant a response. professors,” said enough to know Students using Matt Haskins a prothat the site is not fessor of American the Web site to always legit.” studies. skate through their Others, still, say college career may Carolyn E. itʼs hard to determine find success in the Johnson how valid informashort run, but some Fullerton Professor tion on the Web site contend what students donʼt know is because users have now could hurt no way of knowing what type of student posted the them in the long run. Added Romotsky, “Youʼre not information. “You donʼt know what kind of taking classes to learn what you student the person is on there,” said already know, youʼre taking classjunior accounting major Katherine es to learn about what you donʼt Danzig. “I donʼt think itʼs accurate know.”
FROM PAGE 1
tion, but also aims to raise awareness about Chicano and Latino issues. “Last year for example, we worked with an organization known as RACE, which stands for Researchers and Critical Educators, on an educational forum on the unconstitutional deportation of Mexican Americans in the 1930s,” senior co-chair Patricia Cruz said. Networking is another important aspect of the organization. “Being part of [Hermanas Unidas] has allowed me to spend more time on campus getting to know all the great resources we have,” Romero said. “It also has allowed me to meet new people in other organizations and to network with others.” Membership requirements for Hermanas Unidas include being a registered student, a $30 membership fee, 12 hours of community service, 15 hours of study hall hours per semester and participation in selected social events for active members. Interested students who wish to join the club but are unable to fulfill membership requirements may still join if they pay membership dues. But they will be considered inactive members and will be unable to vote or participate in certain activities. “The girls are very welcoming and because we have an open door policy, everyone and anyone is welcomed,” said Karina Magana, Hermanas Unidas academic chair. “Find out for yourself if you think Hermanas [Unidas] is for you,” Magana said. “It is worth it in the end and there are many rewards … but a lot has to do with what each person puts in and wants to get out of the organization.” Hermanas Unidas meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the Titan Student Union in the Bradford A/B Room. Interested students may attend the weekly meetings or contact co-chair Brenda de Luna at delunabrenda@yahoo.com.
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RALLY FROM PAGE 1
also said that current legislation doesnʼt address the need for guest-worker programs. “I think it is time for some sensible legislation that creates more law enforcement along the border,” Solorio said. “But I think itʼs also time to consider guest-worker programs or some other balanced approach to deal with the reality that [there are] people that want to work in this country. Iʼm here just asking our national leaders to look for sensible legislation that would try to bring some type of solutions to the problems that we have regarding immigration in this country.” The rally, which ran from noon to 1 p.m., ran smoothly according to Sgt. Lorenzo Carrillo, public information officer for the Santa Ana Police Department. “Weʼve been working with the organizers and theyʼve been very cooperative,” he said. “We have not received any complaints. Again, the whole crowd was very peaceful and very orderly. They stayed into the legal compound of the Civic Center.” Overall the crowd consisted of men and women, young and old, groups of students and families with small children. Several speakers voiced their opinions amidst chants of “Si se puede” meaning “Yes we can.” Teresa Gonzalez, 38, and her son, Diego Gonzalez, 12, attended the rally. Diego, who was translating for his mom said, “Sheʼs rooting for all the people who come here, who work and want to get a decent life.”
TUCKER FROM PAGE 1
Photos By Songha Lee/Daily Titan
YOUNG & RESTLESS: Alejandra Chavez, 6, wears a Mexico headband at the immigration protest in Santa Ana, Monday afternoon (above); from left to right, Lizette Liceaga, 9, and siblings Ruth, 10, Joe, 5 and Michelle Alvarran, 3, joined the protest held in front of the Santa Ana Federal Building against the proposed immigration bill, HR 4437.
There were a number of signs and flags, both Mexican and American. A young boy was holding a homemade sign that read, “Give me amnesty or give me death.” “I was proud today that people had American flags, that people were here to be part of the democratic process,” Solorio said. “Iʼm hopeful that not just people in Orange County, but people throughout the country will understand that people are here because they want to work and they want to make a difference in this country.”
MONEY FROM PAGE 1 “Students think that the competition is a lot harder than it is,” said Stephen J. Stambough, political science and criminal justice assistant professor. Stambough, who heads the Cal State DC summer internship program, said 37 students applied for the internship in which there were 22 financial awards available for students. These awards made it possible for students to complete their internship in Washington, D.C. “We get good applicants, but we donʼt get as many as we should,” Stambough said. He said that the internshipʼs substantial commitment might explain the low number of applicants. Also, this is the first year the internship has been offered, he said. Emeline Yong, assistant dean for student affairs, said studentsʼ wonder why they should spend extra time applying for scholarships if it interferes with their grants or other forms of financial
The natural history museum at the sanctuary has preserved a few different specimens on display including: a mountain lion, squirrels, a bobcat, a horned owl and more. Live specimens, such as frogs, birds and turtles, can be observed in the ponds and on the observation deck. The sanctuaryʼs hiking trail also leads to the entrance of the Cleveland National Forest, where more open space for recreational activities and hiking trails are located. Many lectures, workshops and special events are hosted at the sanctuary to get the community involved, including the recent “Birds of Prey” workshop, where live birds were shared with the audience and audience members learned what to do after finding an
abandoned bird. The sanctuary is also a spot for special celebrations. “People can rent it out for weddings. We had one there earlier this year,” said Doug Colby, director of development. Colby oversees fundraising for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, which partly raises money for the sanctuary. The sanctuary is a nonprofit refuge that depends solely on donations because there is no admission fee. A couple of renovations are on the to-do list, including building a sensory garden as well as a larger amphitheatre, Colby said. Sanctuary memberships are available ranging from $20 to $100, with the profits going toward maintenance and bird feed. The sanctuary is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding major holidays. For more information on the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary visit www.tuckerwildlife.org.
ulty e-mails to remind them to aid. She added that this is the main keep students informed. Financial Aid has a book listfactor for low scholarship applications. ing every scholarship offered at a She said that she has noticed a particular time. The scholarships decrease in the number of students are listed in detail as well as the applying for scholarships, but she criteria and the amount of money has also seen one to be awarded. student apply for “Scholarships 15 scholarships. are considered “[The] bottom line a resource for “[The] bottom line is students have students to use is students have to feel itʼs worth toward their eduto feel it’s worth cational expenses,” their time and it is an opportunity for their time and it is said Deborah S. free money, but it is an opportunity for McCracken, director of Financial also good for your free money.” Aid. resume even if it In the Utilization is only $500,” Yong Emeline Young of Federal and said. State Financial Aid Yong has used Asst. Dean for Funds 2004/2005 many different tacStudent Affairs tics to get the word annual report, there out to students. was an estimated She obtained an $4 million available for students e-mail list of students with a G.P.A of 2.5 or high- through scholarships at CSUF. An er from Admissions and Records estimated 2,000 students received and sent those students an email money at an estimated average about scholarships available. amount of $2,000. Yong also handed out a flier This report does not show about scholarships for every stu- how many students applied only dent in her department that made how many received money from the Deanʼs List and she sent fac- scholarships.
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Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960
INTOLERANT SPEECH
T
he line between separation of church and state is always fuzzy when it comes to religionʼs free exercise inside the walls of state-funded institutions. Such is the case with a lawsuit filed last month by Ruth Malhorta against the Georgia Institute of Technology. She claims that her religious adherence to a strict fundamentalist Christian ideal compels her to publicly denounce the acceptance of homosexuality, which is in direct violation to the schoolʼs anti-discrimination policy that bans intolerant speech. This is part of a growing movement among self-proclaimed members of the religious right to denounce public acceptance of homosexuality, claiming that to deny them the right to do so violates their First Amendment freedoms of both the free exercise of religion as well as speech. In effect, enacting rules that protect homosexuals from discrimination is discriminatory toward Christians. Many of these groups are also suing for the right to exclude homosexuals from student-organized clubs. Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states, claiming that Christian groups have a constitutionally protected right to protest the lifestyles of others, however in California a similar lawsuit would almost certainly fail. Legal experts cite a prec-
edent set in 2000 that granted the city of Berkeley the right to deny public money to the Boy Scouts of America because of the groupʼs discriminatory policies. Thus a university, another public entity, would have the right to deny funding to student groups that exclude homosexuals. The universities should deny funding to student groups whose purpose is to exclude others. Since everyone pays into the public coffers, the money that is doled out through public institutions shouldnʼt go toward discrimination. However, as unpalatable as it may seem, the Georgia Institute of Technology should allow Malhorta to continue with her anti-homosexual speech campaign. Instead of shielding students from speech that might offend or shock them, the university should allow students to engage in open and public discussion of any topic that the students deem worthy of their time and thought process. They would be ensuring that there were no First Amendment violations on behalf of the university. At the same time it is more than likely that students who donʼt adhere to a fundamentalist Christian point of view will write Malhorta off as a bigot. Allow students to make up their own minds and to think for themselves – isnʼt that what people are supposed to learn in college?
OPINION
O P I N I O N @ D A I LY T I T A N . C O M
The Count is All Relative Jeff Cares
Fellas and ladies let me mouth this. My column is about sex. It has always been about sex and/ or the pursuit of sex, even Jeff Klima when I was talking about Humor school parking Columnist enforcement or racial tension. I want to help the sexless attain sex, I want to keep the sexified, well, sexified, and most importantly, I want to use the word sex in print as often as I frigginʼ can. Having advanced the rationale that all my past columns have been about sex, and stating that all future columns, veiled or not, will be about sex, let me put your fears aside and assure you that this column will indeed, be
about sex. More specifically, it is about saying no to sex and those of us foolish enough to do so. Lamentably, in my long and illustrious career I have found myself on a few occasions declining the advances of another. Now I am predominantly talking about the advances of women, but to be fair, I have had to rebuff the occasional dude. The reasons are not important – well, the reason I turned down the guys is that Iʼm not, to put it politely, a bandit of ass. That being said, I am incredibly flattered that dudes would want to get jiggy wit it… nah nah nah nah nah nah nah! Long story short, despite being an oft miserable and vicious looking fattie, I have declined sex to women. What is important to me however in the frame of this article, is that those women still count. In the annals of time and sexification, few things seem as revered as a guyʼs list of conquests. There may be a feminist or three out there who disagree with the
notion that men count women as conquests, but fortuitously for all my column is something of a beer commercial and only hot, nonfeminist women prescribe to it. That being said, we men treasure our countings of women successfully seduced and hold its number as one of personal worth and value. If you are a guy and you donʼt, you belong outside menstruating with the feminists. That being said, I must now add the notion that the bigger the number, the more whorish we feel and the more we like it. Obviously yes, at some point that number can get too big and we end up in addiction clinics, but there are a lot of women between you and that clinic. Just ask Wilt Chamberlain. In order to experience growth in the sex department, particularly the statistics division of the sex department, you must keep having sex. If you have a girlfriend, that number becomes stalled. This is not conducive to when your chick eventually leaves you for
the basketball team, so as a sort of buffer, we men – and women! – need to be able to count all the yutzes that have come begging for our “bits” and were sent away hungry. This little idea of mine should not specifically apply to all the taken guys and gals either. Single guys with self worth issues should be able to count “noʼ” as a notch in the bedpost, as should people made flaccid by an excess of liquor and hermaphrodites terrified of their meaty secret being revealed. I sit rapt at my computer, composing this with frenzied hands jogging at the letters of my keyboard, eager to commit this idea to print, before I forget it in a drunken haze. One can only hope, that when they erect (tee-hee) a statue of me in some park, beside some high school, that that statue have one hell of a smile on its face, basking in all the sweet, sweet times I looked at some foxy chick in a crowded bar and just said “no.”
Editorial Board Philip Fuller, Opinion Editor Nicole M. Smith, Executive Editor Kim Orr, Managing Editor In deference to the paradigm established by venerable Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, unsigned Titan Editorials strive to represent the general will of the Daily Titan editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the view of the university.
Nohemy Martinez/Daily Titan
Takinʼ It To The Streets: An estimated 500,000 people converge on downtown Los Angeles to protest congressional actions that seeks to tighten security along the boarder
One Student’s Experience Marching For Immigrant’s Rights By Nohemy Martinez
Daily Titan Staff Writer
It was March 25, the day of the protest against anti-immigration bill H.R. 4437. At 8:30 a.m. my parents knocked on my bedroom door, “Are you coming with us?” my mom asked. “No, I am leaving at 10:30; Iʼm taking the train,” I replied. “The news on the radio just reported more than 100,000 protesters have shown up already,” she said. I rushed to turn on my TV and as I was flipping through the channels I noticed that there were no news reports or mention of the largely anticipated protest taking place in downtown Los Angeles. I crawled back into bed but a few minutes later I was up and ready to go. It wouldnʼt hurt to show up a few minutes early, I thought. My parents, who were dressed in white T-shirts, drove off a few minutes before me. Before they left I asked why they were both wearing white, and they replied, “Youʼre supposed to as a sign of peace.” I put on a white T-shirt, grabbed both my digital and video camera, and drove off toward the Norwalk Metro train station. I parked my car and headed
toward the ticket booths. Confused as to what route I should take I began to follow a small group of people walking in from the parking lot who were also dressed in white T-shirts. Before I could even reach for my wallet to pay for the train ticket two police officers approached me. “Itʼs free today,” one of the officers said. I thanked them and began toward the train. I walked down the stairs toward the loading dock and stood in a crowd of approximately 70 people in white T-shirts. I no longer felt any sense of confusion. The train toward downtown Los Angeles was an experience in itself. The train we were boarding was empty upon its arrival, but when we departed the only space available was between my face and the sliding doors. More astonishing was the site of more than 75 people waiting at each stop after that, the majority of which would have to wait for the next train available. During our hour-long ride toward downtown I met a group of students from UC Riverside and some other local high schools. The leaders of the groups shouted chants heard through every cabin of the train. “Si se puede! Si se puede!” the crowd said in unison. When we approached our des-
tination I was shocked to see the Magazine saying, “If you are here number of protesters flooding the illegally and you want to fly the streets of Los Angeles. A sea of Mexican flag, go to Mexico.” white covered the downtown area. Good news, Mr. Goode. We are The numbers were estimated to be in America and it is not a crime more than 500,000 people. nor is it anti-American to proudly There hasnʼt been any other pro- display the flag of the country to test, including the anti-war pro- which your heritage corresponds. test during the Vietnam era that The radio stations – the majorhas brought so many generations ity of which were Spanish-lantogether. I saw a large number guage broadcasters – that initially of children, seniors, physically organized the rally urged protesters to display disabled people, their patriotism and even pets by carrying who marched the There hasn’t been any the American entire way along other protests ... that flag, which the protest route. have brought so many the majority of Some peogenerations together.,” ple who had people did. Nohemy Martinez no reason to be Throughout Daily Titan Staff Writer politically active the protest before this bill the radio DJʼs was introduced, onsite made found themselves walking side by sure that things remained peaceful side in support of their parents, by asking protesters to be responsible and keep the streets of Los children and friends. There was a large array of Angeles clean in order to avoid national flags displayed by many further controversies. Problems did arise however of the protesters, the majority of which were United States flags throughout the following days despite heavy news coverage that with the high school protests primarily focused on images of the taking place across the nation. Throughout the week, images of Mexican flags. The display of the Mexican flag kids – and I say kids because the has received so much criticism reality of the situation is that they that Virgil Goode, a Congressman are not well aware of the repercusfrom Virginia, was quoted by Time sions of their actions – were shown
that portrayed them as unruly and uninformed of their motives. In addition to the images, the media refrained from labeling the students as young adults or teenagers. They were simply labeled as “people” and “protesters,” which give a bad name to the rest of the peaceful marchers. Just because the studentsʼ method of protesting was unacceptable does not mean that thgeir intentions should be ruled out. They are teenagers who, probably for the first time, are in agreement and in support of their parents and who should be acknowledged because they will be directly affected by H.R. 4437ʼs passing. I am not saying their behavior was condonable but we have to realize that we have just witnessed something remarkable; as young as they are, they did succeed in being recognized. We must also realize that they are capable of making a strong impression when their limits are tested. It has only been a few weeks since the bill was first introduced into the public forum but I have already noticed that, whether or not the reform is made, people will continue to suffer from exploitation by Americaʼs corporations. Immigrants have helped businesses keep wages low and have
also helped reduce the number of businesses that outsource their labor. By keeping wages low, Americans are able to purchase items at cheaper cost, keep interest rates low, and control inflation. If H.R. 4437 passes the idea of “one job for every person” wonʼt necessarily be easy to execute. The people will demand higher wages to complete the awful jobs that people are currently being paid minimum wage to perform. Many businesses in turn will outsource to other countries and exploit their citizens in search of cheaper labor. Republicans, who initially worried that their support for H.R. 4437 would diminish the number of supporters, they now believe that the reform will eliminate their competition, specifically the minority vote. Ed Gilespie, a White House adviser, told Time Magazine, “The Republican majority rests too heavily on white voters and current demographic voting percentages will not allow us to hold our majority in the future.” It appears that the reform movement, which once was labeled as an usher toward a stronger economy and labor force, may turn out to be a movement toward a restriction on cultural transformation and demographics.
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Phil Gordon/Daily Titan
Titan Great Bids Farewell to CSUF Hardwood Former star player, coach ready to take next step beyond Fullerton hoops By Christen D’Alessandro
Daily Titan Staff Writer
A Cal State Fullerton basketball legend is saying goodbye. After spending a great amount of time and leaving her mark on the womenʼs basketball program at Fullerton, first as a player and then a coach, Eugenia Rycraw is leaving it all behind. Rycraw recently announced that after four seasons, this past season was her last as a Titan coach. “Itʼs going to be a big loss because of how well she helped us during the games,” senior center Amber Pruitt said. “She would see things that the other coaches wouldnʼt because she played that position so well.” Perhaps one of the greatest players in Titan history, the 6-foot-2inch Rycraw originally didnʼt take interest in the sport. “I touched a basketball for the first time the summer after my eighth grade year and thought it was pointless to try and throw a ball through a hoop that was in the air 10 feet tall,” Rycraw said. Originally from New Jersey, Rycraw attended high school there for two years before spending her last two years at Crenshaw High School in Southern California. Maryalyce Jeremiah, current head coach of the womenʼs basketball team at CSUF, went to a Crenshaw High basketball game to recruit another player and saw Rycraw play for the first time. From that point on, Jeremiah stayed in-touch and convinced Rycraw that Fullerton was the
place for her. Although Rycraw had other offers from Houston, Oregon and UC Santa Barbara, she chose to be a Titan. She said she understood what loyalty meant because Jeremiah was very persistent in the recruitment process, trying to get her to play for the Titans. “It was already pre-destined by God for me to be here at Cal State Fullerton,” Rycraw said. Rycraw was named Big West Conference Freshman of the Year as a Titan in 1987.
“It’s going to be a big loss because of how well she helped us during the games. She would see things that other coaches wouldn’t because she played that position so well. Amber Pruitt Titan Center
By the time she was a senior, four years later, she was named Big West Player of the Year and Big West Conference Tournament MVP. In her four years at Fullerton her teams improved from 18 victories her first season to a school record of 25 by the time she was a senior. The only two times the womenʼs team has ever been to the NCAA
tournament was during Rycrawʼs playing career. She still holds eight career records and 10 single-season records. A few of Rycrawʼs career records as a Titan include points scored, rebounds, blocked shots and scoring average. Her 428 career blocked shots is a Big West Conference record and was the NCAA record up until last year. Rycraw has recorded more career points than any other Titan basketball player in the history of the school. “Sheʼs one of the best post players Iʼve ever coached,” Jeremiah said. At Fullerton, Rycraw was able to score more than 2,000 points and pull down 1,000 rebounds while being the only male or female CSUF player and one of 95 players in NCAA history to achieve that feat. She was among the first Titan athletes to be inducted to the Titan Athletics Hall of Fame in November 2005. “I give God all the credit for that because thereʼs no way I couldʼve just done that by myself,” Rycraw said about her various accomplishments as a Titan. After college, Rycraw continued to play two years of professional basketball overseas for Japan Airlines. In her first year in Japan, she helped her team take fourth place in the league, when they had been 10th place the previous year. Rycraw was also named the leagueʼs “Shot Blocker of the Year.” In Japan, Rycraw distinguished herself as one of the few women basketball players who could dunk a basketball. While in Japan, she would dunk
in warm ups to intimidate her opponent, but never dunked in a game because she didnʼt want to risk missing the shot. When she returned to the United States, Rycraw played professionally with the WNBAʼs Los Angeles Sparks for a season. She joined Jeremiahʼs coaching staff four seasons ago. “She is a tremendous role model for the team,” Jeremiah said. With Rycrawʼs help, the wom-
enʼs team took third place in the Big West Conference this past season, which was their highest finish and the first .500 record in conference for the team since Rycrawʼs last season as a player in 1991. “As a team, those are very significant things,” Jeremiah said about the teamʼs finish this season. As a coach, Rycrawʼs specialty is working with the post players. “I like interacting with the athletes and seeing them develop and
grow as people and as athletes,” Rycraw said. She will be with the program until the end of this month. Rycraw said that she felt like God was leading her in a new direction, and although she will miss coaching, sheʼll still put on basketball camps during the summer. “Iʼm going to miss her terribly,” Jeremiah said. “Sheʼs just part of my heart.”
Phil Gordon/Daily Titan
IMPRINTS OF A LEGEND: As a coach, Rycraw taught players like Titan juniors Ariel Adams and Charlee Underwood the proper techniques of the game. As a player, Rycraw was a dominant force for the Titans.