SOME SAY IT’S AN ART, SOME SAY IT’S A CRIME | Page 8
DAILY KENT STATER Tuesday, April 13, 2010 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Few showers HI 55, LO 41
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Source seeker: If you know someone who would like to share his or her memories of May 4, 1970, as part of our 40th anniversary coverage, please contact Stater editor Doug Gulasy at dgulasy@kent.edu.
Jury selection will begin early this morning Cody Francis
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Barker trial to begin today
LOCATIONS OF VIOLATIONS
Criminal Damage Motor vehicle theft Drug violation
Daily Kent Stater
BARKER
The trial of Adrian Barker, a suspect in the November beating death of Kent State student Christopher Kernich, is set to begin at 9 a.m. today in Judge John Enlow’s courtroom in Ravenna. The trial will begin with jury selection, a process that could take up the majority of the first day. If the selection process is speedy, the first day could include opening statements. Defense attorneys tried to stall the trial’s start, asking for further time to prepare evidence, but a motion for continuance was denied by Enlow late last week.
The defense argued that a T-shirt belonging to Glen Jefferson Jr., 21, of Mentor, who was also arrested in connection with the Kernich beating, was needed for DNA testing, which could not be done without the continuance. Barker’s attorneys also argued against the fairness of the “showup” process in which the defendant was identified. In the process, suspects are brought to witnesses and asked whether they are the person who committed the crime.
Criminal mischief
KERNICH
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See BARKER, Page 6
Nov. 30, 2009 Barker and Kelly are indicted for murder after Kernich’s death. Glen Jefferson is arrested in connection with the murder. Jefferson is charged with obstructing justice. Dec. 7, 2009 Barker pleads not guilty to two counts of murder. Bond is set at $1 million. March 10, 2010 Barker pleads not guilty to all charges during his arraignment, including two counts of murder and one count each of assault, tampering with evidence and obstructing justice. April 8, 2010 Court denies motion for continuance by Barker’s attorneys. May 4, 2010 Ronald Kelly’s trial set to begin in Judge John Enlow’s courtroom. May 25, 2010 Glen Jefferson Jr.’s trial set to begin in Judge Laurie Pittman’s courtroom.
May 4 scholarship under fire from group
Daily Kent Stater The May 4 Task Force wants the Honors College to rename four scholarships that were created in memory of the four students killed on May 4, 1970, and to create 13 new scholarships to honor all the students who were shot. “(The current scholarships) are not truly May 4 scholarships,” said Krista Napp, cochair of the May 4 Task Force.
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Nov. 15, 2009 Kent State student Christopher Kernich is assaulted at about 2 a.m. on the 200 block of East Main Street. Ronald Kelly, 20, and Adrian Barker, 22, both of Akron, were arrested in connection with the incident and charged with felonious assault.
Nick Glunt
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Task Force wants new standards
DUI
“I don’t know if the recipients even know what they’re receiving, what it’s in memory of.” The scholarships are the May 4 Memorial Honors Scholarships, awarded by the Honors College to mostly incoming freshmen. They are based on academic achievement. They provide recipients with four years of full in-state tuition, room, board and a book stipend. This makes them what the Honors College calls the “most prestigious scholarships” it offers. “I think we would all like more scholarships,” said Don Williams, dean of the Honors College, “but I don’t think we have that kind of money.” See MAY 4, Page 6
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Source: Kent State University Police records from August 20 2009 - January 1, 2010
Police target parking lots R-1 lots the site of drinking, drug violations Simon Husted
Daily Kent Stater Out of all parking lots at Kent State, Rockwell R-1 has more than double the number of alcohol violations than any other parking lot on campus, according to police records from last semester. Lt. Monica Moll, a shift supervisor who has worked for the Kent State Police Department for 14 years, said Rockwell R-1
“
We can’t totally shut the lot off because students and staff need the access.” Lt. Monica Moll Shift supervisor
attracts alcohol offenders because it is the closest parking lot to downtown and nearby houses. “That’s where they are hanging out,” Moll said. “That’s where they’re walking on their way downtown — to the bars. So it’s just natural where we’re going to find things.” Moll said police typically
catch the offenders when they try to illegally transport alcohol from their cars, especially in R-1’s case. It isn’t illegal when a person 21 years old or older transports a pack of beer from his or her car on campus, Moll said. But it does become a crime when the person is transporting an open container in public, providing alcohol to an underage person or is an underage person transporting alcohol. It is these offenses that are usually found in parking lots and not necessarily drinking that offenders get caught for. Although police officers patrol more in and around parking lots like Rockwell R-1, Moll said there isn’t much else police can do to reduce the number of alcohol
offenses. “We have to leave it (the R-1 lot) open to a certain hour because students like to work at Rockwell,” Moll said. “We can’t totally shut the lot off because students and staff need the access.” Police close the Rockwell R-1 lot at 10 p.m. on weekdays. Although most drug violations reported last semester share the same parking lots to alcohol violations, the crimes are not caught in the same manner. Instead of mainly getting caught transporting illegal substances from their car, drug violators are sometimes caught consuming them in parking lots. See PARKING, Page 6
Grad studies will be revamped Grad programs to be centralized Suzi Starheim
Daily Kent Stater In an attempt to centralize graduate studies, Kent State will combine its three graduate schools within the next academic year. Each of the 5,197 graduate students across the university’s campuses fall into one of the three different schools: the College and Graduate School of Education, Health and Human Services, the Division of Graduate Studies and the College of
Business and Graduate School of Management. Laurin Wolf, a graduate student in poetry writing, said her experience with the Kent State graduate program has been “soso” to this point. “It could’ve been more organized, especially when putting together the thesis and dissertation,” Wolf said. “There are a lot of people you have to go to if you need answers.” Wolf said she hopes to see the graduate program more streamlined in the near future. Robert Frank, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, said the main issue with graduate studies across the university is that
there is no consistency. “We don’t have a strong university standard and we need to look at that,” Frank said. Because of the lack of consistency, the Graduate Education Task Force was formed this February to unify all services for graduate education into one graduate college. Mary Anne Stephens, interim dean of graduate studies and member of the 12-person task force, said she hopes to see the unification benefit students. “Centralized functions give consistency in policies, procedures and standards,” Stephens said. “This is a fairly unusual model to have three separate schools.”
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU: Kent State will consolidate its three graduate schools within the next academic year, creating a more centralized experienced for the university’s grad students. Stephens said the schools separated in 1973 and have remained autonomous. “What has happened over time is that our policies have all been operating pretty independently,” Stephens said. “Processes and procedures and all, even within the same institution, have begun to drift in different directions.”
See GRADUATES, Page 6
Page 2 | Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Daily Kent Stater
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
DAILY KENT STATER 240 Franklin Hall Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 NewSroom 330.672.2584 Editor Doug Gulasy dgulasy@kent.edu Managing editor Christina Stavale cstavale@kent.edu
TODAY’S EVENTS
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Have an event you want to see here? Send it to ahollow1@kent.edu by Thursday the week before.
News News team leader
n Building Fashion Show
Ticket Table Where: Student Center Lobby When: 10 a.m.
n Speaker: Ned Parks
Where: Student Center Room 306ABC When: 8 a.m.
n American Red Cross
Bloodmobile Where: Student Center Room 204 When: 11 a.m.
n M.I.S.A. meeting
Where: Business Administration Building Room 213 When: 5 p.m.
n Dynasty Drill Team
tryouts Where: Student Center Room 206 When: 6 p.m.
n Kent Political Union
meeting Where: Student Center Room 309 When: 7:30 p.m.
Regina Garcia Cano
n Yoga
Where: Student Center Room 310AB When: 8 p.m.
rgarcia1@kent.edu
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Kelly Byer
kbyer@kent.edu Campus editors
Students revamp Music Listening Center Michelle Bair
Daily Kent Stater Students who wish for a relaxing atmosphere in a food-friendly, “artsy” environment can go to the Music Listening Center on the second floor of the Student Center. It was once a “lost dead space,” until two semesters ago, when it was added to the budget of Kent Student Center Programming, said programmer Ashley Dill, a junior general studies major. “It’s been open for a long time,” she said. “But no one really came, so we are trying to re-vamp it.” Sydney Jordan, Student Center programming assistant student manager, said the thought of restoring the MLC was “a collaborative idea throughout the office.” She said some people think the room is only for faculty. “We just want students to know it is student-centered,” Jordan said. “We are taking baby steps to get it where it needs to be, and we plan to campaign early in the fall to find out what students are looking for.” She said people are allowed to eat in the MLC, and the couches are sectioned in a way that people can sit together in groups or in a segregated space for individuals who want some “alone time.” Kati Campbell, programming marketing manager, said they are in the process of incorporating artwork, poetry and music into the area’s general theme.
“We are trying to get rid of the misconception that it is a study hall room,” she said. “Our main goal is to make this place a fun hangout.” Dill said programming scheduled some art shows and are adding new magazines and furniture. “It’s a place where students can come chill out between classes,” she said. “They can do homework, talk with friends and listen to music. We have tons of records and tapes to look at.” Jordan said they are thinking about getting some board games, and they plan on launching a shop-board that is similar to “Etsy,” where students can sell their fashions and artwork. She said there is a large music selection, “from Miles Davis to David Bowie ,and some are pretty dated.” The MLC is currently involved in events that showcase different art. Earlier in the semester the MLC had “coffee hour,” with free pastries and coffee. In addition, there was a poetry show that featured a professor’s artwork, Jordan said. They also had an open mic for Valentine’s Day, where they hung up love letters from the book, “Other People’s Love Letters.” “The art education department will have a show May 3-7, featuring Kent students’ artwork,” Jordan said. “We have live music during art shows, and sometimes Kent music students come and play their instruments. A violinist came in once.”
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Jessica Brewsker, sophomore human development and studies major, works at the Music Listening Center on the second floor of the Student Center. She says that it was a good idea to add the records on the wall since it relates to the theme of the room.
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Most recently, pictures were added from Rock the Runway, and they plan to set up a “book swap, because library fines are hard to deal with,” Jordan said. “We have lots of plugs, seating and lighting … and we are looking into getting the equipment working properly.” Dill, Campbell and Jordan said students can charge their iPods and laptops, and there is a possibility of a new sound system.
“It’s a chill atmosphere where you can study if you want,” Jordan said. “A student pub for music and artwork on campus.” Contact on-campus entertainment reporter Michelle Bair at mbair1@kent.edu React to this story and more at
Kentwired.com
Manager Lori Cantor 330.672.0887, lcantor@kent.edu Advertising manager
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CORRECTIONS
Yahoo editor to talk on Web writing Senior Editor of Yahoo Chris Barr will be in Franklin Hall Room 340 today at 12:30 p.m. to discuss the evolution of writing. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and is open to all students and faculty. As Yahoo’s senior editorial director, he’s on the road talking about the recently published style guide, “The Yahoo! Style Guide: The Ultimate Sourcebook for Writing, Editing, and Creating Content for the Digital World.”
Student media 330.672.2586
Previously available only within Yahoo, this style guide was expanded for a broad global audience to guide in creating high-quality web content. Barr is also the founding editor-in-chief of CNet News, where he established the editorial vision and mission, built the senior editorial teams and developed some of the first Internet editorial and privacy policies. - Rabab Al-Sharif
The Daily Kent Stater recognizes the responsibility to correct errors that occur in the newspaper. When errors occur in the newspaper, corrections will appear in this space as promptly as possible.
Daily Kent Stater
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 | Page 3
OPINION
Page 4 | Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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ABOUT THE OPINION PAGE The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and may be edited for mechanics, Associated Press style and length without notice. Letters should not exceed 350 words and guest columns should not exceed 550 words.
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FAMOUS QUOTE “If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us, we’d all be millionaires.” — Abigail Van Buren
our
SUMMARY: Just before spring break, the university evacuated the Kent State Foundation and Development building because black mold was found. The university is now fixing the problem, but it turns out the mold could have been there for years.
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Break the mold: Inspect campus buildings
J
ust as students and employees were winding down from 10 weeks of classes and work, more than 100 of them learned they would be relocated for some time. During a routine cleaning process, black mold was found in two bathrooms of the Kent State Foundation and Development building. The building, which is located on the opposite side of Summit Street as the rest of campus, houses the Phone Center among other departments. In response, the university relocated all of the departments housed in the building to install new curb and drain tile and an air conditioning unit with a better filtration system. These new additions will prevent water from flowing directly into the building and the air conditioner will take care of anything else in the walls they might not yet be aware of. The university has done its job in responding to the situation. All departments have relocated to temporary offices until the building
renovations are complete — which the university hopes will be done by the end of the month. It’s the way the mold was discovered that we have a problem with. Tom Euclide, vice president for faculty planning and operations, said the lower level of the building flooded several times during the past decade. “We know that it’s been wet before and that it’s possible that mold was in there ever since,” he said in an interview with a Daily Kent Stater reporter. According to the Toxic Black Mold Information Center’s Web site, anywhere that has been affected by flooding, leaks or other types of water is a prime area for black mold growth. If the university knew the area had flooded in the past, why was it not routinely checked for black mold growth? They could have stopped the problem before it started. And it could have saved a lot of hassle — and money — with the renovations that are happening now.
Not to mention, black mold does pose health hazards, including allergic reactions and irritation. While we haven’t heard of any employees who have reported these symptoms, it was a possibility. Sure, the effects might not be life threatening, but it’s surely a pain to anyone who would have contracted them. Students and employees should be able to go to work without worrying about black mold — or anything — growing in the building. The university is fixing the problem, but it’s one that could have been prevented. In the future, the university should make an effort to routinely check out those buildings that have been affected by water damage. The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose members are listed to the left. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
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Don Wright’s VIEW DID YOU KNOW? On April 13, 1997, in Augusta, Ga., 21-yearold Tiger Woods won the prestigious Masters Tournament by a record 12 strokes. — History.com
Faith and famiglia ROME — Despite the difficulties of a language barrier, I knew I had my grandma’s cousin and her husband, Antonio, when he said, “Obama. He OK.” I’ve been hearing Barack criticized a lot lately for not getting anything done, so it was nice to hear some good Italian Catholics give him the OK. I came to Rome not knowing how to say “hello” in Italian, even though I’m more in touch with the Italian side of my heritage than any other. My grandmother’s parents were both Italians, and my mom’s side of the family has inherited all the trademarks: hand gesturing, loudness and a belief that everyone must always be hungry. I knew I wanted to call my grandmother’s cousin, Maria Teresa, who lives just outside Rome not far from my hotel. But I also knew they didn’t speak a word of English. So I spent last Monday and Tuesday drawing verb conjugation charts with the aid of an Italian phrase book I bought for 10 euros at the Termini train station. By Tuesday afternoon I felt confident enough with my Italian to call her to ask if I could visit. She said some things, including the word for afternoon, “pomerrigio,” and as I was looking it up she hung up the phone. Figuring she had given the affirmative, I caught the next train to her neighborhood and found her apartment. I explained that I taught myself Italian yesterday, and that they’d have to be patient with me. I brought out my drawing of what I understood to be the family tree and some pictures my grandma took when she visited Italy. She tucked them in an envelope for me with some money on the day I flew out of the United States. Maria, who looks to be about 60, drew a better tree, and I filled in the branches that lead to me. We discovered we were cousins twice removed. Once we had that settled the discussion turned to the pope
Ben Wolford and the embarrassing British and American “pedofili” priests. They don’t much care for Benedict XIV, and they hate Bush. They told me they approved of our new health care law as Antonio asked if I’d eaten. I said I hadn’t, so that was the cue to heat up everything in the fridge, cut up some cheese and salami, get out the wine, chop some salad, et cetera. And if you take a breath, they say “mangia” and push a plate forward. Just like grandma’s. And that’s why I love this country. When I was in Assisi on Thursday, I ate at a little place tucked away off the beaten path. The mother was our waitress, and grandma and the kids came over and had their dinner next to us. It was a real family operation. The matriarch complimented my Italian, so I told her my grandmother is from Italy, and she threw her hands around and exclaimed some happy things I didn’t understand — something about Italians being everywhere. She welcomed us into her home and let us eat right alongside her family. People here have a wonderful understanding of what’s important in life. They’re very rooted in their Catholic faith, in their communities and in their families. I’m grateful for those pillars in my life and the chance to see the country from which they came. Ben Wolford is a junior newspaper journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at bwolfor2@kent.edu. React to this story and more at
KentWired.com
Just a kid As I read The Associated Press article, “Grandmother: Boy terrorized adoptive family in US” I was first incredulous and then just simply angry. A woman adopts a young boy, from another culture and another country, one with which she is unfamiliar. She takes the boy into her home, calls him her son. Her son throws unusual (or so she believes) tantrums, abuses people and in general behaves so badly as to make his adoptive grandmother fear for her life. What does the woman do? She sends him back. She returns him like an unwanted dress that one would return to a department store. Indeed, one treats the clothes better; at least they get an escorted ride back to the department store and have a possibility of resale. This boy, not a dress, received no such courtesy. He was put on a plane back to Russia, where it has to be admitted, arrangements had been made for him to be picked up and taken back to the orphanage from where he had been adopted. This young boy was just 7 years old. Older than most children when he was adopted, it appears to me that he must
their
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Sonali Kudva have had problems with adjustment. Coming from Russia, he may have had language and cultural adjustment issues. The woman, a nurse, apparently just couldn’t deal with it. The boy was healthy, but the grandmother claims the orphanage lied to her daughter because they “wanted to get rid of him.” And just what did she and her daughter do to make him feel more wanted than the orphanage? Send him right back. It is appalling how some people treat other living beings with no respect, as little more than commodities to be used and discarded. It is no wonder that Russia wants to suspend foreign adoptions, pending investigations.
Thanks to people like this, others get a bad name and have to deal with more suspicion leveled at them. Adopting a child is a big responsibility. Having no idea of the legalities of the situation, I cannot comment on whether what they did was wrong, but ethically I can say this was offensive. Once someone adopts a child, they’re a parent. The child is their child. Making that initial decision is hard enough, but it has to be made after deep thought, with an understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a parent. And if one adopts a child from a foreign culture, the responsibilities multiply somewhat. This was a child. A tiny human being with emotions, hopes, confusions and fears. Shame on the woman for treating him like a tradable commodity. Sonali Kudva is a journalism graduate student and columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact her at skudva@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Is the concept of marriage distorted?
In China, it would seem way too early for someone of my age to talk about marriage. However, I’m in America, a country that is accustomed to early marriage. Recently, people in my hometown were shocked to learn that several purported affairs between famous Hong Kong artists were true. The artists admitted during press conferences that they had secretly married. One couple disclosed they are now in the process of ending their four-year marriage. The artists defended that they kept their relationships secret to protect their careers and the divorcing couple claimed it was an amicable split. Aside from that, not much detail was provided. Part of the controversy surrounding these recent revelations was just how out of place seemingly compulsive marriages are in China. To me, it was no surprise that in America, where quick Las Vegas-style weddings are not only heard of, but often glamorized, divorce is so common. It stands to reason that reckless marriages should die out as quickly as they first emerge. According to the Americans for Divorce Reform estimation, 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the U.S. will end in divorce. By comparison, the 33.8 percent divorce rate in Hong Kong is relatively optimistic. And, even then, Hong Kong’s rate is at an all-time high, as people are more open to western ideas and the concept of gender relations has possibly distorted.
Josie Ho Guest columnist
Experts explain that a main reason of the high break-up rate in the U.S. is the individual freedom Americans so love to pursue. If love and family cannot bring people happiness and safety, some may reason that divorce is their only choice. It seems to me that children and family members are not often taken into consideration in this selfcentered objective. On the contrary, China is a nation that stresses family ties and family responsibility. To many of us, the belief that “marriage is a matter of only two people” doesn’t always apply. Instead, we realize that more people are influenced and affected by the success or failure of a relationship than the two. Despite the cultural differences, the everchanging social climate and the concept of relationships play a role in the maintenance of a marriage. Consider new obstacles to today’s relationships: Economically independent women feel more confident of their abilities to support themselves. Long working hours threaten the ability to spend time with significant others. Add to that child-
lessness, separate bank accounts and threats of infidelity, and it is easy to see just how challenging any relationship can be. Generations of our past have frowned on divorce, but this generation seems to embrace it. However, the developments are not only for the worst. Could it be that people aren’t losing faith in love, but rather we are just becoming more open-minded toward gender relations? To some, divorce doesn’t mean a loss of faith in love. Instead it just gives them a new hope for marriages of higher quality. To me, marriage is a solemn decision for two people to enter another critical life stage together. Along with the ring, responsibilities are also slipped onto the hand. Although the mutual ties will be gone after the signature on the divorce agreement, a permanent scar will never be washed away. So, think precisely before making any life-changing promises to your beloved; otherwise, what may now seems to be a rosy romance could turn out to be a heart-breaker.
The above column by Josie Ho was originally published April 7 by the University of Kansas’ University Daily Kansan. Content was made available by UWire.com. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Daily Kent Stater
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 | Page 5
Collaboration courses bring students together Different majors work as a team Ryan Stainbrook
Daily Kent Stater The School of Library and Information Science is working with other colleges and majors to create collaboration classes where students with similar majors can interact. “I think they (collaboration classes) are really important,” said Richard Rubin, director of the School of Library and Information Science. “It gives students a chance to see how other people do things.” David Robins, an assistant professor who helps teach one of the collaboration classes with architecture information and visual communication design students, thinks the classes help students learn how to collaborate. “I think the classes are important
POLICE BLOTTER The blotter is a record of charges filed by the police. The listings do not represent convictions or reflect guilt. It is the Daily Kent Stater’s policy to publish on-campus and off campus arrests, charges and incidents of interest to the public.
CITY
FRIDAY n Christopher Walters, 25, of Kent was charged with driving under suspension at the 600 block of Franklin Avenue. SATURDAY n Tucker Kallmeyer, 21, of Akron was charged with public intoxication at the intersection of West Main Street and Franklin Avenue. SUNDAY n Austin Marshall, 27, of Ravenna was charged with assault at the 200 block of Franklin Avenue.
CAMPUS
FRIDAY n Criminal mischief was reported at Lake Hall and Centennial Court A. n Criminal damage was reported at Rosie’s Café. n Brandon O. Hazzard, 18, of Radford, Va.,
because in a job situation you have to be flexible,” Robins said. “If you want to be valuable to an organization you have to be able to work with all different people.” Robins also mentioned knowing how other people do things in the workplace can make things easier. He said learning how to work with people in different fields can be helpful, especially earlier on in a person’s career. “We want people to know how to do both sides of the equation,” Robins said. “You want to know what people need in order to do their job.” Robins said the students are starting to realize how similar the two fields are and how important it is to understand how the other one works. “I think they have been very successful in their collaborations,” Robins said. “Within the groups I see a lot of good communication going on.” Professor Carolyn Brodie works with students in library and informa-
tion science and VCD majors on creating picture-book art. “The Marantz Picture-book Collection for the Study of Picture-book Art was opened in the School of Library and Information Science in Dec. 2008,” Brodie said. “Since the opening of the center, SLIS faculty and Visual Communication Design faculty have explored collaborative ideas.” After the faculty collaboration, they then pick different students from each program to help design the picture book. “It’s important for students to get the experience while they are in school,” Robins said. “ Any knowledge that you can gain about different things can help you.”
was charged with underage drinking at the Leebrick S-37 lot. n Robert E. Kearney Jr., 18, of Durham, N.C., was charged with underage drinking at the Leebrick S-37 lot. n Caleb E. Layer, 21, of Tiffin was charged with furnishing alcohol to an underage person at the Senhauser Drive S-37 lot. n Ryan R. Olsson, 19, of Chagrin Falls was charged with underage drinking at the Senhauser Drive S-37 lot. n Kathryn M. Thiele, 19, of Budd Lake, N.J., was charged with underage drinking, possession of drug paraphernalia, a miscellaneous drug offense and fake identification at the C Science lot.
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SATURDAY n Theft was reported at Eastway Center. n Disorderly conduct was reported at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Franklin Hall. n Criminal mischief was reported at Lake Hall. n Melissa J. Schroeder, 19, of Sandusky was charged with underage drinking at Centennial Court A. n Jeremy S. Barren, 18, of Cortland was charged with underage drinking near the intersection between Senhauser and Petrarca drives. n Emily E. Weinberser, 18, of Chesterland was charged with underage drinking at Fletcher Hall.
Contact library and information reporter Ryan Stainbrook at rstainb1@kent.edu. React to this story and more at Kentwired.com
Alexandria L. Carmigiano, 18, of Geneva was charged with underage drinking and possession of drug paraphernalia at Fletcher Hall. SUNDAY n Criminal damage was reported at Manchester and Fletcher halls. n Disorderly conduct was reported at the TriTowers Rotunda and McGilvery Hall. n Theft was reported at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Wright Hall and Korb Hall. n An open alcohol container was reported near the intersection of South Lincoln and East Main streets. n Vincent G. DiBacco, 19, of Euclid was charged with disorderly conduct at Verder Hall. n Kristen A. Campobenedetto, 21, of Strongsville was charged with disorderly conduct at Centennial Court C. n David C. Harmon, 19, of Mansfield was charged with underage drinking at McGilvery Hall. n Mary E. Morand, 19, of Loveland was charged with underage drinking at McGilvery Hall. n Daniel R. Caraballo, 19, of Cleveland was charged with underage drinking at Dunbar Hall. n Bradley T. Wood, 20, of Stow was charged with underage drinking at the sidewalk near McGilvery Hall. n Seth F. Rose, 19, of Barberton was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia at Prentice Hall.
WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE
TESSA BARGAINNIER | DAILY KENT STATER
Kent City Firefighter Todd Gavriloff burns the dried vegetation behind the Recreation and Wellness Center Monday afternoon. Each spring, the department creates a controlled burn of the protected prairie to make way for new growth. Firefighters light the fire with road flares and monitor it until it is extinguished.
Page 6 | Tuesday, April 13, 2010 From Page 1
PARKING Police target parking lots “Sometimes you’ll find that with marijuana just because it’s outside, and it’s really hard not to get caught smoking pot in residence halls,” Moll said. “The rooms are so small, you realize it doesn’t take much for the guy next door to smell marijuana — even if you have a fan and you put stuff under the door.” Parking lots may offer a secluded environment for alcohol and drug violators, but some students who regularly use the campus parking lots said the amount of police who patrol campus parking lots make illegal activity risky. “I cannot say I would ever want to be drunk in a car parked on Kent State’s campus with all the police around there,” said Carli Claar, a sophomore English major who regularly parks at the Ice Arena S-36 lot. Laura Davis, Claar ’s friend, agreed. “They don’t know the risk they’re taking,” said the freshman music major who regularly parks in the S or C-Science lot. The only outstanding difference between fall semester and past semesters is the increase of motor vehicle thefts because Honda Civics have recently been targeted for their engines and other parts. Moll said in past semesters, the campus might get only one motor vehicle theft report. This past fall semester, three Honda Civics between the model years of 1998-2000 were reported stolen, a problem that has hit counties across Northeast Ohio. Contact safety reporter Simon Husted at shusted1@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Daily Kent Stater From Page 1
MAY 4 May 4 scholarship under fire from group Williams said the scholarships cost about $17,000 a year per scholarship, which amounts to about $68,000 per year to cover the four of them. This does not mean Williams is rejecting the proposal. Williams said he hadn’t reviewed the letter extensively and had yet to make an appropriate response. “When a student writes me a letter to complain about a teacher,” Williams said, “I don’t tell the newspaper that I get it or what it says. I also won’t tell them how I reply. This isn’t that different.” Members of the May 4 Task Force believe scholarships named for the events of May 4, 1970, should be awarded based on activism, not academFrom Page 1
GRADUATES Grad studies will be revamped The task force had its first meeting March 9 and plans to meet at least once more this semester to set a time frame for the re-unification of the three schools. “It’s really trying to decide what functions of graduate education should be centralized, and what parts of graduate education should remain at the local level,” Stephens said. The task force is first focusing on standardizing functions of the school like graduate admissions, program reviews, student progress and graduate committees for thesis and dissertation orals. While a definite time frame has
ics. Napp said she hopes these proposed scholarships would include involvement in the May 4 Task Force as a requirement. Nora Rodriquez, the other May 4 Task Force co-chair, said she doesn’t think the Honors College should be required to fund the 13 proposed scholarships. Instead, she said, the university itself should fund them. However, the co-chairs said they don’t have any specific monetary value in mind for the proposed scholarships. The current scholarships are funded by the Honors College, the Office of Residence Services and the Kent State University Foundation. Twenty Honors College students have held the scholarships since their creation in 1990. Williams said the scholarships are the only full-ride scholarships the university still offers. The May 4 Task Force offers not been set for the merging of the schools, Stephens said she thinks it will move fairly quickly. “I would imagine by the time we start recruiting next spring that we should have the re-unification pretty much in place,” she said. Frank said he expects a report from the task force by the end of the semester. “The issues we have to address and how complicated it is will determine the time frame,” he said. Unfortunately, Frank said the merge may not be accepted across the entire university. “There is not universal agreement that this is a good idea,” he said. “The fundamental issue here is the same we have anytime an organization thinks about centralizing or decentralizing. When you centralize it, you get certain advantages, and when you decentralize
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its own May 4 Commemorative Student Activism Scholarship, funded by the proceeds of a 1995 performance at Kent State by folk band Peter, Paul and Mary. The scholarship awards $1,500 based on a reflective paper on May 4, 1970, but can be split for $750 to two students instead. Mark Evans, director of student financial aid, and Honors coordinator Deborah Craig met with the May 4 Task Force in January to talk about the scholarships. Evans suggested compiling their thoughts into a letter. Evans and Craig received letters in March. “Just drop the name (of the current scholarships) and call them the Honors Scholarships, if you want,” Napp said. “They’re definitely not May 4 scholarships.” Contact student politics reporter Nick Glunt at nglunt@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com it, you get certain advantages.” Faculty tend to operate independently and might take issue with the unification, Frank said. But Stephens and Frank both said they hope the re-unification will make Kent State a more recognized university for graduate studies. “Universities’ reputations are influenced very heavily on the quality of their graduate education,” Stephens said. “So we want to put a single face on graduate education here and have a unified message that we have one graduate college and we have many graduate programs.” Contact academics reporter Suzi Starheim at sstarhei@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
DKS
From Page 1
TRIAL Barker trial to begin tomorrow In a statement to Kent police immediately following the incident in November, a witness identified a “white man” who knocked Kernich to the ground before he was repeatedly kicked in the head by a “dark-skinned black man,” who was identified as Ronald Kelly, 20, of Akron. The witness then changed his statement after being brought to where Barker and Kelly were being held, saying that it was Barker, who is black with a “lighter” skin tone. Published reports over the weekend suggested the defense could use the fact that Barker could have been misidentified as Jefferson, the third member of the party who is white and was wearing a white shirt, like Barker. Patrolman Michael Lewis of the
Kent Police Department said in a testimony at a pre-trial hearing last week that officers determined that witnesses were “possibly making the mistake that Mr. Barker is a white male.” Barker’s attorneys may also use the witnesses’ intoxication at the time of identification as a possible defense, as some of the witnesses admitted to drinking heavily the night of the assault. The trial could continue for two weeks or more with almost 100 witnesses called by the prosecution and the defense combined. Or, if Barker and his defense team or the prosecution opt for fewer witnesses or agree to a different plea on lesser charges, the trial could end earlier.
Contact public affairs reporter Cody Francis at cfranci1@kent.edu. React to this story and more at KentWired.com
Daily Kent Stater
For information about placing a Display ad please call our offices at 330-672-2586 or visit us at 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
CLASSIFIEDS
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 | Page 7
Classified ads can be placed by FAX at (330) 672-4880, over the phone at (330) 672-2586 or by e-mail at ksuads@yahoo.com. If you fax or e-mail an ad, please be sure to include run dates, payment info and a way for us to contact you.
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Pregnancy Center of Kent. Here to Help (330) 839-9919
Want to make a difference for Kent State University? Consider working for the PhoneCenter! Applications are being accepted for full-time students who want to gain useful job experience in a professional, fun work environment. We offer flexible scheduling for students, evening and weekend work, and pay $8/hr. For an application and/or further information, contact Nicole at phonecenter@kent.edu or leave a message at 330-672-0404 today! NIGHT CLUB NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS ARENA Sports & Entertainment Complex (Formerly Mustang Salliz) 1543 Streetsboro Plaza Drive 44241 Apply in Person Mon, Tues & Wed 4pm to 8pm Facebook@KentArena.com Lawn Fertilization Company seeks employee. Must have valid Ohio drivers license 4 points or less, please call 330-688-3389 Window Cleaner wants helper. Flexible hours, must have experience. 330-459-0266 Attendant for female w/ disability. Part time hours mornings, weekends, and summer. Able to drive van. 330678-7747. Landscape worker needed. Must be available 7:30-3:30. $8/hour. Must have own car. 330-622-1103 DANCE TEACHER WANTED - dance studio needs dance teacher for ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and contemporary classes. Please contact Aurora Rose Dance Academy. 330-995-3262 or 440-343-7115 Part-Time Work Assembly, packaging, flexible hours, can work around schedule, $8-8.50/ hour. Call 330-626-2400 or apply www.allianceindustrial.jobs High end tanning salons and smoothie & bubble tea bar now hiring part & full time. Flexible hours. Minutes from KSU. 2 locations. Apply in person 9349 State Route 43, Streetsboro or 1632 Norton Road, Stow. Barrington Golf Club Seasonal servers, meals and uniforms provided, competitive wages, apply in person 350 N Aurora Rd Aurora EOE COLLEGE PRO is now hiring painters all across the state to work outdoors with other students. Earn $3k-5k. Advancement opportunities + internships. 1-888277-9787 or www.collegepro.com
FREE ANTI-VIRUS Dell Laptops $369 Duo Core XP Pro 330-297-1491 Portage Electronics, Ravenna
Ladies’ Night at Empire every Thursday 6:30-9 pm Free Henna Body Art Empire 135 E. Main St. Kent www.empirekent.com
The sisters of Alpha Xi Delta would like to congratulate Jessica Tinfina for being sister of the week!
Buyer Beware! We make every effort to screen for fraudulent advertising, however, we cannot guarantee the veracity of the advertisers and their messages in this section. It is important for consumers to respond to any advertisement with the utmost caution.
Field Jacket found on campus - contact Peggy 330-672-5822.
Whitehall East Townhomes - 4 or 5 bedroom leases, with 3 bathrooms, great rent options with all inclusive plans. Some newly rennovated, all units washer/dryer and dishwaher included. Call or text today 330-9904019. www.whitehall-east.com 4-BEDROOMS SUMMER OR FALL $1200 includes most utilities and washer/dryer. (330) 714-0819 Spacious 2&3 bdrm apts @ Holly Park. Gas heat paid Sign up now for fall and receive $100 off first 6 months based on a twelve-month lease. (330) 678-0823 Now leasing for fall. 2br apt $699750 a month includes gas, water and trash. Many great amenities. Hurry in now, before you get locked out. (330) 673-8887
The Academic Success Center is accepting SI Leader, Peer Mentor, and Tutor applications until Monday, April 19th for Fall Semester 2010. SI Leaders are needed for courses in the areas of Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Math, Psychology, and Sociology. Peer Mentors (tutors) are needed for Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Economics, and Study Skills. Tutors are needed for courses in the area of History, Psychology, Seven Ideas, Sociology, and Writing. You must have a 3.0 GPA and be available to work 8-12 hours per week. Starting Pay: $8.50 To apply or for more information, visit 207 Schwartz Center or www. kent.edu/asc Questions? Call 330-672-3190
NOW LEASING FOR FALL 5,4,2,1 bedroom Houses. Efficiency. Good Location Near KSU. Call (330) 554-8353
By Nancy Black and Stephanie Clement
Today’s birthday (4/13/10) Don’t shy away from your desire to make a difference. Focus on your objectives and go after them! Bold, passionate action works better than ruthlessness. You’ll gain recognition if you take a few chances this year. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Now accepting applications for summer and fall! Studios, 1&2 bedrooms still available-Hurry In! 330-678-0746 **Summer and Fall Specials** Furnished/unfurnished studios, 1&2 bedrooms, Call now 330-678-0123
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5. Co-workers think today’s all about them. That’s funny ... you thought it was for you! Don’t try to change their direction. That would be futile.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7. There’s a big difference between duty and capitulation to the demands of others. Your mission is to handle the situation with grace and firmness.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7. Part of you wants to be in the spotlight, soaking in that applause. Another part of you just wants control. Package your act with enthusiasm.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7. Emotional inspiration gives a push to a creative project that had stalled out. Bring associates into the mix to add flavor and spice.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7. Transformation is a good thing. You find that you’ve been wanting something new, and now you feel creative enough to take on the challenge.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7. Ease into group activities. Your enthusiasm can carry events forward if you reserve it for the right moment. Act like there’s no pressure. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 6. You may want to be ruler for a day. Start with your partner and demand support. Be prepared to either shell out significant cash or revise your goal.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 6. You may have a problem getting all of your homework done on time. A close friend boosts your motivation by providing a reward. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 6. Your persuasive talents work beautifully now. Others may respond negatively at first, but a short conversation achieves near-total agreement.
Enjoy spacious 4&5 bedrooms duplexes with 2 full baths. Great condition, great location, A/C, W/D, dishwasher, deck, garage. $350/ bedroom includes all utilities. 330808-4045 GREAT PRICES! GREAT PROPERTIES! 3, 4 & 5 bdrm properties starting at $1000/mo. Call Rich at 330-807-6090 Now Leasing for Summer and Fall. 2 BR Apts. Heat, Trash & Water pd. Pool, Pets welcome, $665-$725. Close to KSU 330-673-5364 NO WATER BILL! NO GAS BILL! 4&5 Bedroom duplex available for fall starting at $330/mo! Each side has 2 bath, W/D. Dishwasher, deck, garage, etc. Close to campus and on bus route. Last one I have available! Call Sweeney (740)317-7294. Stow: 2 & 3 bed townhomes with one car garage. Pets welcome, 10 min from KSU. Prices $665-$850 call (330)686-2269.
All real estate advertised herin is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information. KENT/BRIMFIELD. Newer 3 & 4 Bdrm duplexes. 1 car garage. $900-$1100 per month. 330-338-5841 or 330329-1118 kentarearentals.com Kent near downtown and campus 2 bedroom apartment, all utilities paid except electric, $350/bedroom + security deposit. (330)676-9440 Apartments for Rent: 3 bedroom apartment Half of a home. Living Room, kitchen,bath. No pets. One bedroom available now $330/ month. 330-673-8505 1 bedroom apartment in a house. Kitchen, living room, bath. Separate entrance. No pets. One year lease. Available in August. 330-673-8505 University Townhomes 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and microwave included. 1 year leases available. Call 330-501-9239 for more information. Kent- 3&4 bdrm townhouses for fall, $375/room includes gas & trash 330678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt. com Kent- efficiencies for fall, starting at $250/month includes ALL UTILITIES 330-678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt. com Kent- 2 bedroom for fall, starting at $250/room some include some utilities 330-678-3047 or BuckeyeParksMgmt.com
Tutors/SI Leaders Needed!
horoscope
Aries (March 21-April 19 Today is a 7. A super-demanding individual wants to control your every move. This leaves no room for creativity. Just do what you’re told. You get your turn later.
Available now. Nice 2 bedroom apartment. Close to downtown. Mature tenants, non-smoking, no pets. $650 + utilities. 330-688-1187. Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex. LR and Family Room, W/D, A/C, $960/ mo, Available July (330)630-9285.
STUDENTS Go to www.kentcribs.com for more rental listings!
Kent- Quiet 1, 2&3 bedroom. $500, $590 and $750. 330-677-5577
Nice 5 Bedroom House, (330) 6975170
Available Fall: Triplex, each unit 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath, large yard. $800. (440) 953-8687 www.yourhomerental.com
1 & 2 bedroom apts. All utilities included except electric AND we have ample parking! Call to schedule your tour today. (330) 678-0972
Available Fall 2010. Act now! Looking for 5 responsible students for newly renovated university townhome. Call after 8pm (440) 622-3630.
NOW LEASING FOR FALL 1 block from KSU Beautiful newly redecorated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse apartments $325/student 330-687-6122
Very Clean, quiet 2 bedroom, 1 bath, gas, heat, water, appliances included. Available May 1. 330-760-1884
Available 08/01. Large 2 bedroom, Clean, $650 including utilities. Near campus. 330-626-7157
1 or 2 bedroom, Kent. 927 S. Water. $500 includes trash & water. Near campus & on bus route. Parking, big yard, & porch. Chris 330-221-4411
Now Leasing for Fall. Kent 4 bedroom house. 330-626-5910
3 Bedroom House, Kent - 927 South Water $750 includes trash & water. Near campus & on bus route. Parking, big yard & porch. Chris 330221-4411 2 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment $585/ month + deposit & electric.Heat, water and trash included (330) 312-0066 or (330) 968-4930 Two bedroom, 1.5 bath condo, updated, all appliances, FREE HEAT. One block to KSU. Units available starting in June. No Pets. 330-9573083. Available in Fall! 3 bedroom units close to campus. Well-maintained starting at $800/month. Call today 330-329-2535 Ravenna. 2 bedroom apartment, 1 bath. Includes water and trash. $500/ month. Willing to lease for semester. 330-703-1525 2 Bedroom upstairs apartment. Close to campus. $500 +utilities. 245 Cherry St. 330-677-9684. Ask for Mark after noon. Rooms for Fall 1 block from campus. $350/mo includes ALL utilities, cable and internet. Non-smoking house. Chris Myers (330) 678-6984 Great campus condo. 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath. Available August. Call Dr. Miller at (330) 618-7764 Duplexes available for Fall semester beginning August 1. East Summit, across from campus. 3 bedrooms, Washer/Dryer. $345/ person plus utilities. 216-407-6703
LANDLORDS! Get your rental listed for FREE on www.kentcribs.com. Call 330-6722586!
Kent—Nice House Close to Campus and Downtown, 6/7 people, Available Fall 330-297-6539 Available For Fall Huge 4 bedroom units in great condition. Deck, garage, large yard, washer/dryer hook up. $275/bed includes water and trash. (330) 6124057 Three Bedroom House on Lincoln, Call Josh at 419-357-4897. Very close to campus. S. Lincoln St. condo, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, no pets, heat included, $725/month. 216-524-0745 4 bedroom, $1375+ utilities, pets welcome. Available now. 330-3880325 FALL—1 Bedroom Apartment. $425/ month all utilities included. 1 year lease. NO PETS. 330-678-3489. 3-4 Bedroom Duplex, Very Clean & Efficient, Less than 1 mile from KSU, Quiet Location. Available August, $900, free water. Brian (330) 802-4000
GET IN EARLY! 2 subleasers needed for 2 bedroom, 2 bath Pebblebrook apartment. Available May 23. Lease ends August 15, but available for renewal. Call Adam 330-524-5430. Taking Summer Classes? Need a room? One room open in house on College Avenue with two female roommates, available May 17-August 8. $400 + utilities. E-mail kpickere@kent.edu if interested. $400/month everything included. May 16- August 25. WiFi, Central air, and TiVo. Call 419-202-4859. Close to Franklin Hall.
Roommate needed for summer on North Lincoln. 330-990-6694
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 6. Guard your own time and space in order to maximize accomplishments today. Respond to a creative question, then go back to your own work. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 5. You don’t have the power to make an executive decision today. You do have the energy to carry out orders from above. Do this cheerfully. A bonus is possible.
Daily Kent Stater
Page 8 | Tuesday, April 13, 2010
YOUR LIFE Features editor: Melissa Dilley • E-mail: mdilley2@kent.edu
ON THE WEB AT KENTWIRED.COM
The As graffiti gains acceptance in the art world, local graffiti artists explain their own controversial works, philosophies and place within Kent’s art scene.
on the wall Ryan Sheridan
Daily Kent Stater
When you see graffiti, what do you see? Its critics would say you’ve either taken a wrong turn toward an urban eyesore or, as some local graffiti artists argue, a clear path to an undercover artist’s public canvas.
EMILY HORNE | DAILY KENT STATER
“I actually try to make pieces of art,” said a self-confessed graffiti artist, or tagger, under the alias of Valis. “Others just want to show that they’ve been there.” The majority of Kent’s graffiti can be seen downtown while standing along the West Main Street bridge. It runs along a cement wall that follows the Cuyahoga River, stretching as far as the eye can see. The painting extends to beneath the overpass. And it is a favorite spot for Valis as well as another tagger who paints under the alias of Mr. X. “I personally enjoy the look of graffiti on the infamous wall by the river park,” X said, who was influenced to paint after seeing it in other cities and countries. “Kent isn’t Hudson, and I’d hate to see (the wall) turned blank, gentrified and full of cute, old lady shops and security cameras.” X said he loves Kent and doesn’t paint to destroy it. Rather, he wants to keep the city unique, rebelling against the threat of strip malls and billboards that he calls “unwanted eyesores.” “When graffiti makes some ‘concerned citizen’ angry, it has served a purpose: to pull them out of their everyday routine and make them look at their environment in a different way,” he said. “Graffiti is a way (that) an individual can directly influence public property in a world where privacy, individuality and control over your surroundi n g s a re b e c o m i n g more regulated.”
Ancient Canvases Graffiti’s origins go back 30,000 years to the Paleolithic Period when paintings would appear on cave walls. Archeologists believe they were representations of goddesses, magic and selfportraits. In ancient Rome, graffiti appeared on the walls of public restrooms where it served
several purposes. “It would tell you where you could find prostitutes, or even jokes,” said Andrew Dolan, a graduate assistant who teaches a survey course in the Art Building. “It’s very old,” he said. “However, I don’t know if you could necessarily say that it’s an art form.” The neon colors and bubbled letters of modern graffiti grew out of New York City’s hip-hop culture in the early 1980s. Just as there were battles between who could rap the fastest, there were battles between the five boroughs of who could paint the largest tag in the shortest amount of time. “Throw-ups,” as they were referred to, were mostly found on subway cars. X said he adopted this retro style in the lettering of his own tags. “I appreciate good, wild style graffiti with solid letter structure as well as traditional 1980s ‘subway art’ style pieces,” he said.
Famous Offenders The art world, consisting of critics, museum curators and artists alike, has recently embraced certain graffiti pieces and even accepted them into their galleries. A British tagger, who works under the name Banksy, has received international acclaim for his use of satire and social commentary in his tags. Over the course of the last 10 years, Banksy’s work has shown up in cities all over the world. Using themes of commercialism, homophobia, poverty and war, it is a form of street art that uses stencils. One of his most famous pieces can be found on the West Bank barrier that separates Israel and Palestine. It depicts an image of a young child digging through the wall with a small shovel and pail. “His art work seems to be very subversive to me,” Dolan said. “I don’t know if he’s necessarily trying to be recognized in the same vein as a fine artist.” Though Banksy’s intentions aren’t clear, the art world has decided to save and protect his work in a place that won’t get painted over the next day. Banksy’s attempt at leaving one of his canvases at the Tate Gallery in London was successful when the museum decided to keep it and add it to their permanent collection. “Graffiti definitely has a place in the art world,” X said, “and many taggers do gallery work eventually.” X said he wants his tags to convey humor or important song lyrics. “I often put a quote or funny message next to a piece,” he said, “perhaps a lyric that’s been stuck in my head or a funny phrase I can look back on and remember. Occasionally I do themed pieces, but mostly I just try to convey a
style that’s goofy like me and a tad free-form.”
Worth the risk?
Dolan said the intentions of modern graffiti have become ambiguous. “There’s a large debate about whether graffiti is art or vandalism. You have people who are trying to be more artistic and consider their aesthetics,” he said, “but I think you also have groups of people who are using graffiti for things like gang activities, marking territory or even just getting their name out there.” X said it’s his love for art and putting his skills into practice that motivates him. “I love playing with letters so, to me, it’s more of a typography puzzle,” he said. “I’ve always done art and definitely incorporate art into my technique, fills and color schemes.” T h o u g h g r a ff i t i ’ s a r t i s t i c merits may be forever debated, there’s one thing about it society has agreed upon: its legality. In all 50 states graffiti is considered vandalism, and local Kent businesses are not immune to it. In February, the exterior of Woodsy’s, a musical instrument retailer in downtown Kent, and two of its delivery trucks were tagged with an unknown symbol in navy blue paint. “The fact that it happens is a problem, but it’s not like it occurs continuously,” said Lt. Jayme Cole of the Kent Police Department, in a February interview with the Daily Kent Stater. X said he doesn’t view his tagging as a serious crime. “I’m not setting people’s stuff on fire or breaking out businesses’ windows,” he said. “Getting caught is no longer part of the thrill. As I have matured, so has the way I paint and the way I approach it. You aren’t going to see my shit on churches, cars, houses, white picket-fenced neighborhoods or government buildings.”
Fighting the Future
Dolan said Banksy is a rare example in the mainstream acceptance of graffiti — one that probably won’t happen on such a level to other taggers. “He’s almost a superstar, but I don’t know how much room there is for more Banksys,” he said. “I would say if you have a lot of talent artistically, then probably going the traditional route might prove more fruitful.” X said he doesn’t dream of fame, but rather enjoys the process of his temporary paintings. “Even if the graffiti is only up for a brief time, the action of doing it is satisfying,” he said. Contact features correspondent Ryan Sheridan at rsherid1@kent.edu.
React to this story and more at KentWired.com