The McGill Tribune Vol. 12 Issue 16

IM P O R T A N T IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO "OPT-OUT" OF THE STUDENT HEALTH PLAN! sra g

Sexual Assault Awareness Week The Features section focuses on sexual assault and related issues from personal, legal and practical perspectives.

See Features, pages 9-12

I n s id e T h isW e e k News: Scenes allegedly depicting sexual assault and intercourse offend Management carnival participants.

See page 3 Op/Ed: Pressure on the administration to change its sexual harassment policy is not sufficient: students as well must take responsibilityfor their own actions See ed itorial, page 6 Features: The trauma of sexual assault is often compounded by the unsympathetic or un­ helpful attitude of insti­ tutions - that should be helping the survivor.

See page 9 Entertainm ent: So many bands, too few venues... The Section eulogizes La Brique and Foufounes with one last waltz.

See page 13 Sports: Track stars Linda Thyer and Maeve Muldowney collect a pair of first-place finishes.

See page 16

F o r m o re in fo rm a tio n c a ll S u s a n N ic k e rs o n . V P F in a n c e .

3 9 8 -6 8 0 2

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

What's On

Page 2

The Department of History Speakers Series presents Prof. Thomas Keirstead speaking on “Geography of Power in Medieval Japan." 4:00 pm, Thomson House, 3650 McTavish.

The McGill Southern Africa Committee presents two films about women in Africa with question period to follow. 1:00-2:30 pm, Shatner 425. Free.

The Faculty of Musk presents Robert Silverman, pianist, as part of the McGill Alumni Series. 8:00 pm, Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Free. For info call 398-4547.

11:30 am Bronfman 426 or 4:30 pm Bronfman 301.

8:00pm, Pollack HaU, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Free. For info call 398-4547.

The McGill Southern Africa Committee presents “Apartheid Has Not Ended” and “No Easy Walk: African His­ tory From an African Perspective.” 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Shatner 425. Free.

The International Relations So­ ciety presents David Malone, Canadian Minister-Councillor at the U.N. 7:30 pm, ICAO, 1000Sherbrooke Sl W. For info call 398-6824.

The Faculty of Music presents a Master’s Recital by Hsin-Ju Chiu, pianist.

8:00 pm. Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Free. For info call 398-4547.

Quebec’s committee for the rec­ ognition of the rights of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic will have an in­ formation kiosk in the Shatner lobby today.

Thursday. January 28

Wednesday. January 27

The McGill Graduate Program Christian-Jewish Dialogue of f in Communications presents Jana Sawicki Montreal petition-signing to protest against speaking on “Foucault and Feminism and the desecration of synagogues recently in the Question of Identity” as part of their Montreal. 10 am to 2 pm, Leacock Build­ Speaker’s Series. 4:00pm, GPC (3465 Peel), ing. Or drop by the Newman Centre, 3484 room 202. Free. Reception following.

Peel St., every day between 9-5.

Take back the Alley! McGill Improv returns every Wednesday night at 7 :30 for superior comedic entertainment in the Alley.

Interfaith Discussion Group: Join a group erfstudents interested in meeting weekly for informative, informal discus­ sions on matters relating to belief, faith and religion. First meeting: How should we respond to racism? 12:30-1:30 pm, Birks Building, 3520 University.

The Marketing Club is bolding its first general meeting of '93 at 5:30 pm, Bronfman 426. All students welcome. Come hear the great agendaforthis semester! Free meal at Peel Pub for members.

Looking for a job in Management Accounting? CAPS and the McGill Ac­ counting Club are presenting two infor­ mation seminars on the CMA corporation’s “Rendez-Vous ’93" job interview program.

The Latin American Awareness Group presents lawyer John Philpot speaking on Cuba’s future: What Role Can Canada Play? Bring lunch. 12:00 pm, CD AS, 3715 Peel. For info call 398-5280.

The McGill Student Council meets at 6:00 pm in Shatner B09/10.

Volunteers and coordinators needed for SSMU Akohoi Awareness Week. Meeting 4:00 pm today, Shatner B09/10.

The Faculty of Arts presents Margaret Doody of Vanderbilt University speaking on “The Goddess, the Mother, and the Deep Pit: A Study of the Novel From Antiquity.” 4:00 pm, Arts Council Room (160) in the Arts Building. For info call 398-6558.

The Faculty of Musk presents a Master’s Recital by Hugh Cawker, pianist.

Friday. January 29 The McGill Graduate Program in Communications presents Dr. Jean-Paul Gilson (Brussels) speaking on “Faire du Sens de la Topologie de Lacan?” Talk will be in French. Free. 5:00 pm, GPC (3465 Peel), Room 203.

McGUl’s Caribbean Students’ Society is having a Cultural Display in the Shatner lobby from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.

There will also be a food sale in aid of charity for a hospital children’s ward.

The Yellow Door Coffee House presents live music followed by an open stage. Tonight: Robert Blaise and Martin Auger with Keith Donahue. Admission $2.00. Yellow Door, 3625 Aylmer. For more info call 398-6243.

The McGill Film Society presents “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” 7:30 pm, FDA Auditorium. Admission $3.50 non-members, $ 1.00members, children and seniors.

The Faculty of Musk presents a Master’s Recital by Victoria Pinrungton, soprano. 8:00 pm, Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Free. For info call 3984547.

Saturday. January 30 The Faculty of M usk presents Eugene Plawutsky (piano) and Michael Kilbum (cello). 8:00 pm. Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke St. W. Free. For info call 3984547.

The JewMi Women’s Project will be hosting Dr. Flame Cohen, spearing on “Choices and Conflicts: Jewish Practices and Feminism" , followed by a discussion period. 7:30pm, Hillel House, 3460 Stanley.

Everyone welcome.

Monday. February 1 The Folk Music Society meets every Monday at the Yellow Door, in the basement. Come check it out or call Stephanie at 845-7601 for more info.

The Biochemistry Department presents Stephen Ruez speaking on “Functional Expression of P-glycoprotein (mdr) in yeast cells.” 12:30-1:30 pm room 903 of the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building, 3655 Drummond.

McGill W.IJS.E. (Women in Sdence & Engineering) will be holding a General Meeting at 5:00 pm in Shatner423.

The James Bay Coalition meets every Monday at 4:30 pm in Shatner 435.

For info call 495-1482.

The International Relations So­ ciety will hold a general meeting at 6:30pm in Leacock 232. All are invited to attend.

Meningitis vaccinations for stu­ dents living in McGill Residences begin today. Other students should call CLSC for an appointment. For more info call Health Services at 398-6017 (MacdonaldCampus: 398-7992).

The Faculty of Musk presents a Master's Recital by Joanne Meyer (flute) and Allison Gagnon (piano). 8:00 pm, Redpath Hall. Free. For more info call 3984547.

Ongoing— The Red Herring is ready and willing to accept any and all funny and humourous material and writings in our mailbox and pigeonhole by the SSMU and Smoo desk and counter. Our office and HQ arc in Shatner 406, or you can call and phone us at 398-6816.

Mak actors aged 18-60 needed fora spring production of Christopher Fry’s “The Lady’s Not For Burning.” Auditions 6-10:00pm January 26-29. Call 938-1656 for info.

LATITUDES: the McGill Journal of Devloping Areas Studies is no w accepting papers and photoessays. Submissions should cover any aspect of developing areas stud­ ies. Place in Latitudes mailbox at the SSMU office. Deadline: Feb. 5. For more info call 847-0549.

C all for subm issions: New Womanist/Feminist Journal. Original, creative and diverse contributions from all women welcome. Deadline: Feb. 1 at the Women’s Union, Shatner 423. Call 3986823 for info.

Call for undergraduate papers for Historical Discourses. Submissions are being accepted at the History Dept, office in Leacock 625. This is your chance to be published! Deadline: Feb. 1.

Persons with disabilities: Ongoing support group for McGill students, faculty and staff. Call Peter or Donna at 398-3601 or 398-6009 for more information.

Do you or someone dose to you have AIDS? Please do not feel you are alone. AIDS Community Care Montreal offers the following support groups: HTV+ Men’s Group; HTV+ Heterosexual Men’s Group; HTV+ Women’s Group; Bereave­ ment Group; Family, Friends and Partners’ Group; Children's Play Therapy Group.

Call 939-0075. All calls confidential.

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The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1.1993

P ag e 3

News Management carnival skits offensive, claim students

BY SANCHARI CHAKRAVARTY Scenes including simulated rape and other sexist and offensive material from skits in the “Buns & Bellies” event in last week’s Fac­ ulty of Management winter carni­ val have left several students an­ gered.

Management Winter Carni­ val is an annual event composed of 25 activities, including a cancer auction and snow sculptures.

Competing teams presented the skits in one of the carnivals' activities last Tuesday.

One particularly controver­ sial scene involved a male student pushing a female student to the ground, forcing her to engage in simulated intercourse.

U1 M anagement student Lawrence Wilk found this scene shocking and disturbing. “ He picked her up and slammed her down,” he elaborated.

“You heard that ‘bam !’ [of her head hitting the floor.] If he wasn’t drunk, he probably wouldn’t have done that. That bothered me. People were drinking so much, they would laugh and accept anything.”

B utU l Management student and skit participant Audrey Fersten felt the scene was not offensive.

“It was a great opportunity to show off what you do in private,” she explained. “She [the woman involved] enjoyed it justas much as he did. She didn’t take it as abuse.

It was all in fun and je s t” Another scene from last week’s skits which many students found distasteful involved U1 Management students Jamie Watts and Treena Wong from a carnival team named “Obscene Cutlery”.

Watts wore boxer shorts with a protruding cucumber and Wong wore a bra with a short skirt Watts performed simulated oral sex on Wong and arose with his face covered in ketchup. He then simu­

lated removing a tampon from Wong’s vagina and flossed his teeth with the tampon’s string. “After I eat Chinese, I love a good fortune cookie,” he told the audience.

The carnival's co-chair, Mark Lewis, admitted the skit was in bad taste.

“It was the worst scene in all the events,” he explained. “No one was pleased by it and they [the team members] were not rewarded. I won’t deny it is racist and sexist.

Carnival is about having fun and people enjoying themselves. There is never a deliberate attempt to of­ fend anyone. Some people are un­ informed about the morals of soci­ ety. W hile people may have laughed, the general reaction was more ‘Oh my God!”’ Lewis argued the judging criteria had been made clear to participants.

“Originality, participation and creativity are emphasized, crudeness loses points,” he stressed.

But Watts defended he had originally felt crudeness would be rewarded. “U1 [students] go into this thing not knowing what to do,” said W atts, whose team was awarded last place. “I was just fol­ lowing last year’s carnival video. I was told the grosser things are, the better chance we have at winning. I think it was disgusting, but there were some pretty disgusting things besides our team. Things like that are jokes.”

When questioned about her role, Wong defended the perform­ ance.

“I have to admit it was in bad taste,” she remarked. “I am notoffended, because it was a joke.”

B utU l Management student Monica Andreny failed to see the humor in any of the event’s skits.

“I don’t see what is so funny about simulated rape or calling people ‘cunt’, ‘whore’, ‘douchebag’ or ‘slut’,” she said. “It’s like an Andrew Dice Clay [performance]

but ten times worse. At one time it got nauseating and I had to leave the room. It bothers me that while some people were disturbed, most people were laughing.”

Management U ndergraduate Society (MUS) President George Rizk offered his definition of the carnival’s goals.

“Carnival is not an event which doesn’t offend people, but that allows people to be offensive,” he argued.

Rizk was also involved in the controversy surrounding lastyear’s October issue of the faculty’s Commerce Communiqué, which came under fire for containing what many students perceived to be racist, sexist, and homophobic. At the time, Rizk, who had contrib­ uted to the issue, defended the magazine as a “comedy rag” and accused individuals who interfered in its circulation of engaging in censorship.

SSMU audit shows loss; profit needed to survive

BY RICH LATOUR D espite an approxim ate $200,000 reduction in Students’ Society (SSMU) losses for the last fiscal year, the society will have to reduce its deficit further— and even show a profit this year— in order to survive, an auditor warned SSMU Council last Thursday.

“This is not a good situa­ tion,” explained Phyllis Heaphy, a chartered accountant with Samson B élair Deloitte & Touche, to councillors. “W e’ve seen this coming for the past three years. If you [SSMU] go on like this, you’re going to be bankrupt. This is the year in which the situation must be reversed.”

According to the audit, which cost SSMU $35,000 to conduct, the society incurred a $ 13,449 loss in the last fiscal year, which ended on May 31,1992. This was down considerably from a $215,000 loss from the year before, but SSMU VP Finance Susan Nickerson was adamant in emphasizing the need for the society to turn a profit this year.

“W e c a n ’t go over by $ 13,000 anymore. We will need to make a profit of at least $50,000 to $100,000,” she explained to coun­ cil.

The need for SSMU— which receives approximately $850,000 out of its $2 million annual budget from student fees— to become profitable results from its incor­ poration last August At that point, the society became autonomous from McGill. As a result it can no longer rely on the university to provide financial support during rocky times.

Such times include the sum­

mer, when SSMU needs money to cover operating costs while wait­ ing for the university to collect and turn over student fees.

Auditor Heaphy noted the importance of ensuring that SSMU maintain a constant cash flow in the future.

“As long as McGill would lend up to $600,000, there was no worry,” she explained. “You were operating with this big parent on your back.”

SSMU General M anager Guy Brisebois, who arrived at SSMU last February, assured councillors the cash flow problem would be addressed. He said SSMU’s new accounting system will enable staff to keep monthly tabs on the society’s accounts.

SSMU had been using the McGill accounting system until its incor­ poration.

“The accounting system will make a big difference,” Brisebois told the Tribune. “We will be able to monitor on a regular basis.”

Nonetheless, the situation is being taken seriously by SSMU Executive Committee.

“We are in a situation where we have to cut back on operations and streamline in a way that we can profit. There’s nothing left for a rainy day,” said Nickerson, who added that the need for profitabil­ ity will likely result in a student fee increase for next year.

The huge decrease in last year’s loss from the previous year was facilitated by cutting the budgets of society activities and services, as well as council, office, Shatner Building, and food and beverage operation expenses.

But despite 1991-92 VP Fi­ nance Lev Bukhman’s attempt to

be as fiscally responsible as possi­ ble, the society incurred losses in other areas.

Heaphy argued SSMU must be as careful as possible in dealing with students’ money. She brought up an incident,caught in the audit, in .which a double payment was accidentally made to the federal government to account for GST— a $50,000 mistake.

“Sales tax authorities were paid twice. If by a fluke we didn’t catch it in the audit, those authorities would have had your money,” Heaphy said.

Heaphy also insisted that SSMU go after the $68,000 owed to it by Scott’s Food Services, which terminated its contract with SSMU last May 15, and noted the audit did not take into account the $2.8 m illion lawsuit launched against SSMU last summer by Polycuisine Ltd., for alleged breac h of contract In the meantime, Nickerson explained that SSMU owed McGill $600,000. Following its incorpo­ ration, SSMU paid the university by digging into its capital ex­ penditure reserve fund, but is cur­ rently negotiating to get the money back, and repay the university in installments over a period of five years instead.

“That is why we have to prom by at least $100,000 and build up savings at the same time,” ex­ plained Nickerson.

For her part, Heaphy was confident that SSMU has not been affected by financial irregularities which have plagued the Concordia University Students’ Association (CUSA)iriit? 1991-92.audit The auditors concluded that $50,000

was missing from CUS A accounts.

Explaining that auditors are tipped off to fraud when money simply cannot be accounted for, Heaphy noted this did not occur with SSMU’s audit Brisebois explained that safeguards exist at SSMU which

differ from those at CUSA. These include the requirement that all contracts be signed by him, and that cheques, petty cash requests and purchase orders be signed by a student executive and either him­ self or the Society’s comptroller, Jon Shifman.

A u d ito r H ea p h y w a r n s SSMU c o u n c il th a t b u d g et o v e r h a u l is c r u c ia l.

Sexual assault focus section PAGE 9

News Students mobilize to battle city over condo conversions P ag e 4

BY MICHAEL BRO ADH URST Students’ Society (SSMU) is preparing to lobby the City of Montreal to reverse its recent deci­ sion to lift the ban on condominium conversions, fearing that any re­ duction in available apartment units will restrict McGill students’ access to affordable off-campus housing.

Montreal is currently the only region in Quebec that prohibits the conversion of rental residential buildings into co-ownership build­ ings, or condominiums. Recently, City Hall proposed to change the policy, and landlords will now be allowed to convert their apartment buildings into condominiums.

At last Thursday’s SSMU Council meeting, the External Af­ fairs Committee (EAC) submitted a resolution to council that opposes the city’s proposed changes to housing laws. SSMU VP External Jeff Percival argued the new policy is damaging to student interests. “ [As] more apartments are converted into condos, the effect is a rise in the average cost of rent to a student,” he noted.

Percival emphasized the ef­ fects Montreal’s new policy will

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have on the student population.

“Rent is one of the cornerstones of accessibility to education, and if students can’t pay rent, then they can’t go to school,” he stated. “It’s equally as important, if not more important, than tuition fees.”

U2 Science student Arnold Kwok expressed hope that students will get involved, once they realize the effects of the changes the city is planning. “Just because they’re not citizens of the City of Montreal does not mean they’re nobody,” he stated.

Kwok and Chris Wrobel of the QPIRG Housing Project have been instrumental in building sup­ port for the resolution adopted by council last week.

Wrobel, who is a memberat-large of the EAC, authored the report on which the SSMU resolu­ tion is based. In the report, he noted the high turnover rate of student housing renders the student ghetto and the Plateau area ideal targets for condo conversion.

SSMU will sponsor a peti­ tion, to be widely circulated on campus, to raise student awareness of housing issues, and to create an unequivocal show of disapproval for the city’s planned housing by­ law changes.

Wrobel, who has been active in opposing condominium conver­ sion in Montreal for several years, argued the city is merely “putting a band-aid on a deep wound” and that the process of “gentrification”

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

CKUT climbs back up on CBC’s mountain

BY RAM RANDHAW A

that is already taking place in the McGill ghetto will spread into other areas currently populated by stu­ dents. He defined gentrification as the process by which urban areas are “renewed” with an influx of new wealth into a community. “ T his process we call gentrification is often considered by architects and urban planners to be a positive thing,” noted Archi­ tecture Rep. to council Greg Shron.

“In this case, however, it is not in the best interests of McGill stu­ dents for this process to be en­ couraged.”

Mary-Margaret Jones, a co­ ordinator of the McGill Sexual Assault Centre, expressed concern about the effects that the proposed changes would have on student safety. She claimed that if the city allow ed conversion, students would likely be forced to live fur­ ther from campus and would be­ come more reliant on the metro system and other forms of transit to commute to campus.

“The metro is as dangerous as the streets,” argued Jones, stressing that students might be reluctant to travel considerable distances to get to McGill.

“There’s no proof that there will be this insurgence [of wealth], so there may not be the rise in the tax base that the city anticipates,” she added.

The City of Montreal will be holding public hearings on the is­ sue in the next two weeks.

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Nearly five months after its lease agreement with the CBC ex­ pired, McGill’s campus and com­ munity radio station CKUT 90.3FM has finally renegotiated a contract agreeable to both parties for rental space on CBC’s Mont Royal an­ tenna tower.

CKUT’s agreement to pay $3,250 a year for placing its own antenna on the leg of CBC’s tower expired at the end of last August, and will now be replaced with a 250 per cent fee increase, leaving CKUT with a bill for $8,500 per year. This figure represents a compromise be­ tween CBC’s initial request for $10,560 and CKUT’s offer of $4,597.50.

In addition to a rent increase, CBC had demanded a share of rev­ enues from sub-carrier frequencies, which are those other than 90.3 that CKUT owns and leases out to third parties. Strongly opposed to releas­ ing revenues from its sub-carriers, CKUT’s station manager Pat Dillon and board of directors chair Rebecca Scott appealed to the National Campus Radio Association for as­ sistance in dealing with CBC. “The arrogance on the part of CBC is that we’re just a little kissmy-ass radio station, that we’ll have no choice but to pay what they ask,” remarked Dillon.

CKUT funding coordinator Janice Fike explained that in order to accommodate the negotiated in­ crease, the station wouldhave to cut from other areas.

“The only fixed amount in our budget is from the student fees,”

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she said. “The annual funding drive and advertising revenue, our other main sources of funding, vary from year to year.”

Threatened with being taken off the air, Dillon and Scott ap­ pealed to the City of Montreal, Member of Parliam ent David Berger, and several community or­ ganizations.

“We sent letters to every­ body... anyone who could give them [CBC] the frontal we needed,” said Dillon.

Their efforts paid off when Berger called the station in late December to look into the problem.

After receiving information from Dillon, the MP promised to call CBC. The next day, CKUT received a fax from CBC explaining the sta­ tion would not be taken off the air, and that CBC was no longer asking foraportionof sub-carrier revenues.

“This was a monumental vic­ tory for us,” stated Dillon.

It has long been understood that sub-carriers belong to the sta­ tion that owns the frequency, and no one else has any right to them.

For the first time, this will be writ­ ten into CKUT’s contract. “This will help community stations across the country - it sets a precedent that they can use,” Dillon said.

Although satisfied with the result, Dillon was displeased with CBC’s renegotation approach.

“The gun that was to our head had to be taken off before we started to negotiate, but it took MP David Berger to say ‘bugger off’ before CBC would buckle down,” she stated.

Scott was concerned that CBC treated CKUT poorly because of the station’s low profile as a campus and community station.

“I never felt they treated us with much respect,” she argued.

“We had to fight to even get them to negotiate with us at all.”

The CBC’s chief of real es­ tate and management, André Watier, refused to comment on the negotia­ tions.

“It’s a private matter with CKUT, our customer, so we don’t have any comment,” he told the T ribune.

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News Residence fees to be boosted next year The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

BY RAM RA N D H A W A

Last Monday, the Univer­ sity Residence Council (URC), an advisory group composed of the p re sid e n ts and d irec to rs o f McGill’s residence halls, voted in favour of a 2.5 per cent increase in residence rental rates. The increase must be approved by the residences sub-committee of the Coordinat­ ing Committee on Student Serv­ ices (CCSS), the Budget Planning Group (BPG), and McGill’s Board of Governors before it can be im­ plemented in September.

Even if the proposed 2.5 per cent hike goes through, however, M cGill’s residence rates will still be among the lowest of major Ca­ nadian university residences.

Gardner Hall President Eric

Hoffstein explained the increase is necessary to maintain the serv­ ices provided to residents. “The bottom line is that there is no way to keep prices down with cutting back on services,” said Hoffstein.

Early last semester, the URC had to decide whether to maintain current services. Cutting back or adding to the services would have m eant drops or significant in­ creases in the rental rates, whereas maintaining the same level en­ tailed a minimal increase. Services such as heat and food are included in the rent of all residents except for those in Solin Hall.

“Our response was that we wanted the same level of servicewe didn’t wish to cut back, and there was no need to a d d ,”

Hoffstein explained.

The increase reflects a con­ tractually obligatory wage increase for residence employees. “We were told that the increase was needed because the contract with the union says that employee wages must be increased by 2.5 per cent,” said Hoffstein.

Hoffstein remarked the URC was satisfied with the proposal.

“Every year, Bishop Mountain Hall continuously works rat cutting back costs,” he noted. “All of us [ in the URC] are confident that [director of residences] Flo Tracy and Kin Mow [residences man­ ager] have examined the costs thoroughly and that 2.5 per cent is the absolute minimum increase possible.”

Students in residence paid

an increase of 3.5 per cent last year.

According to Mow, when constructing the budget adminis­ trators make every effort to keep rates competitive with other Ca­ nadian university residences. “Last year, the energy cost increase for us was from eight to 10 per cent, but we didn’t increase fees by that much because we have to remain competitive,” he elaborated.

Energy consumption, em­ ployee salaries, and raw food costs comprise approximately 80 per cent o f the total budget.

According to the residences preliminary budget, the rental rate proposed for 1993-94 in the co-ed residences will bring the rent to $4,674 per year. The rent at sev­ eral other residences ranges from

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5

$4,456 for the 1992-93 year at the University of Guelph, with a pro­ jected seven per cent increase, to $5,333 for this year at Queens, with an expected increase of six per cent. Increases for this year range from 2.72 per cent at McMaster to eight per cent at the University of Western Ontario.

Mow emphasized that the interests of both students and the residences were carefully weighed during budgetary planning.

“The budget was prepared based on the current economic condition, keeping in mind the university, the students and the rates at other similar residences,” he explained. “I would say it is a good budget, and it’s a responsi­ ble budget. We try our best to provide the best service.”

Feminism seeking a permanent place in McGill academia

BY JENNIFER LAING Sparse male attendance at last Friday’s colloquium on feminism and academia has left some or­ ganizers of the event disappointed.

The McGill Centre for Research and T eaching on W om en (MCRTW) gathered together four

distinguished Montreal scholars to speak on the topic of ‘Engendering Knowledge:The Impact of Femi­ nism on the Academy’ and had hoped to attract a sizeable male audience.

However, organizers were encouraged by the high turnout of participants who do not regularly

attend MCRTW functions.

M CRTW D irecto r Peta Tancred was pleased by the over­ flow crowd and believed the event had been successful.

“We could have filled the room one and a half times over,” noted Tancred. “People were still coming to the centre until the last

K rofeseor T a lly a n d c o llo q u iu m p a r tic ip a n t d iscu m fem in ism 's r o le in a ca d em ia .

/

Come in and ask your waiter about our

NIGHTLY SPECIALS

minute asking for tickets.”

MCRTW invited professors Gregory Baum of Religious Stud­ ies; James Tully of Philosophy and Political Science; Roger Keesing o f A nthropology; and R ose Sheinin, academic vice-rector of Concordia University, to address the general theme of feminism’s influence on their work and on the academic mindset.

Respondents from the femi­ nist community were invited to comment on the speakers and en­ courage discussion.

Tancred noted that there is a need for feminism to be integrated within the mainstream academic curriculum.

“The aim of the event is to open the discussion of feminism to a larger [non-feminist] audience,” stressed Tancred.

The focus of the conference was purposely placed on the male speakers and their views.

M cG ill VP A cadem ic William Leggett chaired the dis­ cussion on the impact of women in academic administration and dis­ played a certain sensitivity towards male domination in academia.

“We’ve met the enemy, and it is me,” stated Leggett.

O bservations from male

speakers concerning the inclusion of feminism within their disciplines were well received.

“Many feminists aren’t able to comment about academia be­ cause they are outside of it,” Tancred explained. “Therefore, the emphasis is on men who are com­ menting from within.”

Tancred hoped that over time, feminism will be accepted and integrated within academia.

Poignantly, the location of the conference in the Faculty Club ballroom was significant.

“The Faculty Club was lib­ erated in stages, and the ballroom was the final place to allow women, so this is a very appropriate place for this event,” Tancred said.

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Op/Ed

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1 1993

E d itorial Confronting harassment at all levels It is so easy to blame the McGill administration for its inadequate and antiquated sexual harassment policy. However one has to credit the administration's apparent acknowledgement that there may be a problem with its policy through the recent formation of a Senate Working Group which will review and perhaps recommend modifications to the policy.

Clearly, the present harass­ ment policy needs an overhaul.

Those on campus who actually brave the formal process as it stands (eight went through it in 1991-92), face a system whose hearings are inconsist­ ent with the grievance procedures set out by the Charter of Student Rights. In addition, the outcome of such cases are in the ultimate hands of one arbiter: Principal David Johnston. There is no provision for appeal, nor is there even a responsi­ bility on Johnston’s part to explain the rationale behind his decisions.

This is lot of power for one person to hold.

There exists a lot of potential for the Working Group to initiate change, and bring McGill's sexual harassment policy in line with present realities.'Hopefully the Group will take its task seriously, and do whatever is necessary to compensate for the fact that it is not a full-blown Senate committee.

But situations have arisen which make it inaccurate to continu­ ally blame the F. Cyril James

I

Building administrators for the continuing incidents involving sexual harassment on campus. Students must also take responsibility for their actions.

One good example of students taking the matters into their own hands when the administration failed to do so is the formation of a support group in Molson Hall, called Concerned About Residence Environ­ ment and Safety (CARES). The group came together following an incident last semester when some hall residents drew graphic obscenities on the doors of their fellow neighbours, and got away with a mere slap on the wrist from residence administrators.

The creation of CARES is a definite step in the right direction for McGill's residences: with its approximately 1,300 students, residence has a huge potential for proper education concerning these sensitive matters. The problems of intolerance in residence have to come out in the open, and be dealt with in a manner consistent with the policies of McGill University, of which resi­ dences are a part. In turn, residence administrators should not fear this approach.

On the contrary; led by their director, Flo Tracy, they should promote and encourage openness and willingness to deal head-on with the issues concerning harassment, in the interests md welfare of the students whom they serve.

Last week's incident at the

McGill and race relations Institutionalized racism manifests itself in university in a variety o f ways, including lack of culturally diverse curricula and the lack o f people o f colour in the faculty and student population.

Furthermore, incidents of blatant racial harassment are not uncom­ mon.

However, unlike many other Canadian universities, there rem ains no formal race relations policy at M cGill which concerns itself and deals with issues of racial discrimination and harass­ ment.

In an attempt to address these issues, a variety o f students have com e together to form the tentatively titled Ad-hoc Com m it­ tee on Race Relations. W e have designed a brief survey (which appears on page 19 o f this issue of the Tribune ) in order to encour­ age student participation in discussing friture initiatives which

Comment would work towards the formation o f aformalized office to address the issues of racial prejudice, discrimination and harassment at McGill. Thus, in order to effec­ tively gauge student concerns and opinions on these issues, it is crucial that you, the student, take a few minutes to com plete this survey.

If you are at all interested in participating in this process, we will be meeting again on Thursday February 4, 1993 at 6 pm at Thomson House. For m ore information, please call Aleem Lakhani at 398-3756 or Ruth Promislow at 398-2700.

Chaplaincy Service

AD-HOC CO M M ITTEE ON RACE RELATIONS

$ McGill The Human Quest f o r God

Dr. Gregory Baum Faculty o f R eligious Studies Lecture fo llo w e d by qu estio n p e rio d a n d discussion

Tuesday, January 26, 1993 7.30 p.m.

Leacock Building, Room 232

Faculty of Managements skit night (page 3), which featured dangerously sexist and extremely offensive skits depicting sexual domination of men over women to the apparent laughter of a drunken audience, also serves to remind us that students have to share a burden of the responsibility in dealing with the attitudes concerning sexual harassment.

Said Treena Wong, the U1 Management student involved in one of the skits: "I am not offended because it was a joke."

OK, so what was the essence of this joke? What was the big deal?

Wong was involved in a skit in which fellow student James Watts simulated oral sex on her, emerged with his face covered in ketchup, flossed his teeth with a tampon string, and said to the audience: "After I eat Chinese, I love a good fortune cookie."

Funny?

The fact that this Watts-Wong duo placed last for being to o offensive is no consolation, espe­ cially when Management Under­ graduate Society President George Rizk defended the carnival as being an event which allows people to be offensive.

But at what cost, George?

Where does students' responsibility fit into the equation?

To coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Week, the Tribune has dedicated this week's features section to the issue

(pages 9-12). Planning for the section had been in the works for two weeks; the timing of last week's Management incident was merely coincidental.

This special section is meant to help clarify this complex issue that finds its roots embedded in the attitudes of society at large. Features editors Max Dodd and Katie Robson strove to assign articles based on a variety of experiences and concerns dealing with sexual assault. They are intended to help clarify the reality of the situation for as many people as possible: administrators, students and staff, both male and female.

One only needs to read the survivor's account (page 11 ) to realize the degree to which this problem can affect people. One must look past the mere numbers and statistics of the annual report of the sexual harassment officers to Senate (which will be presented to Senate next week) and attempt to calculate what is widely thought to be the impossible: the realities involved from the perspective of survivors of sexual assault But only through the efforts of administrators and students alike to educate themselves and each other, the incidents deemed "funny” by some management students at its skit night at this year's carnival will hopefully be deemed "abhorrent" by them in time for next year's.

RICH LATOUR

The more things change...

Clinton is in. Bush is out.

Rah rah rah. Massive crowds paraded through the streets of Washington D.C. The President, isolated from his worshippers by bulletproof glass, made an inspirational speech full of quotable, predictable catch-phrases. The celebration lasted for hours, and is now over.

Back to the real World, whatever that means.

The new U.S. President is young, energetic and intelligent, or at least that is what the propagandist media would have us believe. He is hip. He is an idealist. But I fear he has been made too big for his own boots.

Clinton, like many politi­ cians, has graciously let us in on his noble goals. He wants to create a universal health care system among other social programs. He wants to inspire the country and the world out of the recession once and for all. He wants to drastically reduce the massive government deficit.

Unfortunately, as anyone with limited funds is no doubt painfully aware, you cannot possibly spend and save the same dollar. Spending the economy out of recession and the society out of its mire are completely Contradictory goals to that of deficit reduction.

On top of his virtually insurmountable domestic

Comment challenges, Clinton seems to have already failed on the international front. The soap opera that is the conflict with Iraq has been recalled for another season due to its remarkable ratings. Clinton has no refreshing world vision which promises to deal effec­ tively with such immense and complicated issues as ex-Soviet bloc arms sales and an aggressive new China. Clinton’s only foreign policy to date has been to say that America will not be pushed around. That is all we need: another “America first, America is right, damn the rest of you if you don’t go along with it” kind of president.

It has become painfully obvious that politicians are no longer as popular as they once were. Maybe it is because we know an unhealthy amount about them, their personalities or lack thereof; mostly thanks to the technological age.

Needless to say, if Clinton fails to live up to everyone’s expectations—i.e. that he is actually the Messiah—we are in for a serious letdown.

BARNABY CLUNIE U2 ARTS

M c G ill

Tribune Circulation: 13 000 Editor-In-Chief Rich Latour Assistant Editors-In-Chief Chris Alam Mady Virgona News Editors Benoit Jacqmotte Jane White Features Editors Max Dodd Katie Robson Entertainment Editor Kate Gibbs Sports Editor Alison Kom Network Editor Alex Usher Photo Editors Eric Boehm Akos Hoffer Production/Layout Managers Aubrey Kassirer Doris Lee Production Assistants Barbara Erdelyi, Quyhn Tan, Jonathan Wasserman, Tiffany Welch Publications Manager Helene Mayer Typesetters Adrian Harewood Colin Lynch What's On Coordinator Jennifer Ralston Cover Photo Geoff Gibson Stair David Abitbol, Mika Bareket, Brendan Bissell, Michael Broadhurst, Uri Caihat, Sanchari Qiakravaity Bamaby Clunie, Fatima Entekhabi, Geoff Gibson, Wayne James, Glenda Koh, Jennifer Laing, Cherie Payne, Jeff Percival, Ram Randhawa, James Robar, Andrew Ross, Lizzie Saunderson, Yvonne Schut, Eric Stein, Adam Stembergh, Charles Thomas

The M cG ill Tribune is published by the Students' Society of McGill University.

The Tribune editorial office is located in B01A of the William Shatner University Centre, 3480 McTavish St, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1X9. Telephone 398-6789 or 398-3666. Letters and submissions should be left at the editorial office or at the Students'Society General Office. Deadline for letters is noon Thursday. Letters must be kept to fewer than 351 words.

Comments of individual opinion must be no more than 501 words. All letters MUST contain the author's major, faculty and year, as well as a phone number to confirm.

Letters without the above information will NOT be printed. Other comments can be addressed to the chair of die Tribune Publication Board and left at the Students’ Society General Office.

Views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the M cG ill Tribune or the Students’ Society.

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Op/Ed

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 11993

Cynically D ead Something is definitely up. For those of us bom after the break-up of the Beatles, there is a brand new feeling in the air. Hope seems too. strong a word, or perhaps simply an exhausted one. But there is definitely a new optimism abounding which is more reminiscent of James Monroe’s Era of Good Feelings than Ronald Reagan’s Era of Good Lighting.

I recently returned from a McGill trip to Washington, having witnessed the Clinton Inauguration firsthand. We were a busload of 48 young and eager Canadians and Landed Immigrants, seeking escape from the dreary political landscape in our native land through a rendezvous with the man from Hope (not to be confused with the man from Glad, whose own political career stalled with the swell of anti-albino sentiments in the late ‘70’s.)

Now you can call it slick, or sentimental or what ever you like, but I must admit that the pageantry and atmosphere of the inauguration left me with one heart-felt feeling: Thank God it wasn’t Bush.

It’s hard to imagine how different the mood would be if Bush had won re-election. Consider what the 1992 Republican Inaugural Gala might have entailed: instead o f proto-mogul Barbara Streisand laying waste to the repressive “Rock-A-Bye-Baby” (A 20/ 20 exposé entitled “Ring-Around-theRosey: the Plague Chant” has been rumoured) and one-time talented person Michael Jackson singing one for his “good personal friend” Ryan White (whose bones Jackson is currently attempting to purchase), we would have been treated to Randy Travis, Pat Boone and Arnold Schwarzeneger toasting the divinely ordained defeat of the “girly-men.”

Thankfully, with Clinton's official coronation, the cynicism which maiked the Eighties can finally be laid to rest And “America’s Reunion” is not the only harbinger of a general cheering-up.

David Le Herman, who was to the Eighties what H.L. Mencken was to

ent

GROUNDZER0

BY ADAM STEKNBEKGH the Twenties, is leaving grumpy, greedy New York for greener pastures and an earlier bedtime.

CBS has promised that the move to LA will mean bigger stars on Letterman’s new Carson-slot talkshow. Now instead o f Crispin Glover’s interpretive dances and Cher’s verbal parries, we can look forward to insights from star-of-themoment Shannon Doherty and clips of star-of-a-few-moments-ago Tom Selleck in the title role of Oliver Stone’s new conspiracy-theory biopic, McKinley!

Closer to home, Toronto’s ridiculously opulent SkyDome was hailed in the Eighties as the Ballpark of the Future, until Baltimore’s ridiculously quaint Camden Yards was crowned the new Ballpark of the new Future. What could be more symbolic of the shift towards a new optimism than a ballpark which recalls the days when people left their doors unlocked, everybody knew your name, and Coke still contained real cocaine?

The SkyDome now sits as a sort o f temporal oddity, its spacious, sometimes-roofed interior echoing with the distinctly unoptimistic call o f “Italian Ices! Get your low-insaturated-fat Italian Ices here!” The Blue Jays had to go out and win the World Series just to save face.

Yessir, something is definitely amiss. Out of the inauguration, with all of its shiny new optimism, comes a sentiment which even the most jaded, world-weary. Doily-editing nay-sayeT cannot refute: things could be worse. Alright, it’s not exactly Hallmark. But with all the recent calls to “Fight the Real Enemy,” we can all stand proudly and say that we have seen the enemy, and he is retiring to Houston.

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P ag e 7

Letters to the Editor G enerosity...

About 5,000 McGill students are preparing to graduate in 1993. We are busy studying, searching out fu­ ture job possibilities, or applying to graduate schools. But we are probably not spending a lot of time thinking about how to give something back to McGill.

For 45 years, the alumni/ae of McGill have given millions of dollars to the Alma Mater Fund. Their gen­ erosity has provided support to scholarships, emergency loans for students, books for the library, as well as student and faculty projects.

This alumni generosity has benefitted each of us in one way or another during our years at McGill.

CLA SS A C TIO N / GRADUACTION is a graduating class effort. Students in each faculty and school choose projects and invite their classmates to help make those projects possible.

Last year, over a third of the graduating class pledged gifts of $131,733 in the next three years.

This year, members of the Class of ’93 will be contacting their fellow graduating students to invite them to join this tradition by making a three-pledge in support of their faculty or school. The goal for the Class of ’93 is $140,000.

CLASS A CTIO N ’9 3/ GRADUACTION 1993 is our first opportunity as alumni/ae to join in making the university an even better place for generations of students to come. Please be a part of it!

Trkia Silliphant University Chair, CLASS ACTION ’93/GRADUACTION ’93 U3 Film & Communications

In credible...

I find it incredible that you would even bother to write three articles/comments on what I consider “a flippant little piece”. I find it even more perplexing that you would en­ gage in exactly the same base name-calling you seem to abhor.

I never wanted to be the polite, proper New Brunswick establishment boy I am. I don’t buy into that shit. If the Trib does, then practise what y ’all preach.

I ’d rather not talk about the Pillar anymore, but one comment more couldn’t hurt. I thought the use of the line “widening gyre”, appro­ priated from Yeats’ poem the Second Coming was rather ridiculous in context. I am also gay/bisexual/ whatever. Hence, my anus is a wid­ ening gyre. Both a rebuttal to what I considered a poor piece, and a humourous anecdote on my own predicament.

You plead for constructive­ ness, well, then go pontificate for something asinine, like the Gazette. I have no vested interest in abiding by antiquated rules of social decorum perpetuated by the anal-retentive of this school.

When you author a piece, you take responsibility for it, for better or worse. If I cried foul every time someone called me a “rouing heap of pig flesh”, the column of the Daily would be forever clogged with my sobbing paroxysms.

Instead, I choose to write, however eloquently or uneloquently about issues that concern me. I also delve into humour. As a fan of poor taste, I see nothing wrong with being

a nasty bitch.

When we go out into the big, bad w orld, and away from our mommies and daddies, we have to put up with all sorts of deprecating shit. I for one am not going to pander to the overblown and all too fragile egos at McGill.

For the record, I am not white, I am of Arab descent. I am no more misogynist than any of you, and I recognize the problem. I do not play golf, but do enjoy bondage games, I will not recant, and I am rude, so get used to it.

Any more questions?

James Alexander Forbes VIII U2 Arts

M iso g yn y...

Re: The Pillar Magazine arti­ cles Ho w can one ans wer to a charge of “misogynist! ” (or “racist! ” for that maner)? Obviously a “No I ’m not!” doesn’t cut it. However, an appraisal of the structures of oppression implied by such an attack warrants greater merit.

Now (hypothetically) if I were to write a review of The Pillar Magazine, it would seem reasonable that I would include critiques of the features. Not only does the “Features” section prestigiously command top billing on The Pillar’s tableof contents, but it also extends over more pages than any other section.

However (no longer hypo­ thetically), what am I to do if all of the features are written by women? Should I abandon my project because of the genitalia of those authors? Would this not be a blatant example of tokenist sexism?

Further, what might one say of the members of the “Real Women” organization, or anti-abortion lobby­ ists who possess female anatomy? Are these women misogynists or femi­ nists? Can we determine this strictly by virtue of their womanhood?

Feminist poet/spoken word artist Taylor Jane Green (who was interviewed by The Pillar last year) w rote a poem called “ Sleeping Beauty”. In Sleeping Beauty T.J. focussed on pro-feminist men: “...he sees:/ he is not the patri­ archy/ men are not the patriarchy/ and that if we continue the current injus­ tice, unconsciousness + polarization/ between the sexes” we will lose any chance at co-existence.

Clearly pro or anti-feminist/ woman aftitudes are not determined by one’s sex: it is a question of awareness. However, if anyone wishes to m aintain the position that a person ’s bodily makeup determines what kind of a person someone is, you will find happy company with the Ku Klux Klan & National Front (Nazi) move­ ments.

Men (and especially white men) benefit from systems of oppression like patriarchy. But consciousness raising about one’s contribution to (and subsequent refusal to participate in) systems of oppression is often hampered by the ignorance of others.

Thus when a man critiques a literary piece written by a woman, it is extremely superficial to simply dis­ miss it as an expression of misogyny.

And what might be said of those who affrontingly belittle the repug­ nance of misogyny (and thus also belittle the experiences of those whose lives have been marred by misogyny) by carelessly pronouncing it upon

those whose opinions they disagree with?

Glen Harris U3 Arts

Sm oke...

In view of the Tribune’s Jan. 19th piece, “Smoke gets in your eyes- why not quit?” it is important to note that Student Council can make an important contribution along these lines in the Union.

On the weekend and on weekdays (ev en in g s) th ere are sim ply no non-smoking places in Shatner. A per­ son cannot listen to jazz or talk to friends without being inundated by smoke.

The only solution is to make the Alley totally non-smoking or at least have it off-limits to smoking once the cafeteria closes. The usual argument about lost income will be brought up, but even if this were true, priority should not be given to tobacco over health. And right now, smokers have a monopoly in the Union, nights and weekends.

Shloime Perel McMaster U. Grad Student

C oordinating Pass/Fail...

As a result of a motion made by the student Senators at the December meeting of Senate, a Working Group is presently being formed to study the pos­ sibility of an optional Pass/Fail grading system for elective courses.

According to the studentproposal, undergraduates would have the option during Drop/Add to designate one elec­ tive course (per year) as Pass/Fail. This would mean that the final percentage grade calculated by the professor in that course would be converted into a Pass or a Fail on transcripts and would not enter into the GPA. In this way, students would be able to take electives in any field without being concerned by the potential effect on their GPA. If you have any comments or con­ cerns about this proposal which you would like to have considered by the Working Group or, if you would like more information, please leave me a note at the Students Society general of­ fice.

Bryan Good Science Senator

Hews

P ag e 8

The McGill Tribune. January 26 - February 1.1993

News Briefs Smile! You're on student review...

A customer service review of several administrative offices is underway, following an initiative from the VP Academic's office. The Student Customer Service Committee will examine the offices of the registrar, admissions, residence and cashier from a student perspec­ tive.

“We’re supposed to look at effectiveness and user-friendli­ ness,” said Students’ Society (SSMU) VP University Affairs Monique Shebbeare, who sits on the committee. “We had one meeting [in December] and already a lot of things came up.”

Shebbeare did not disclose the topics discussed at the meeting.

Like all cyclical reviews, the deliberations are held in confidential sessions.

More student input for the review will be sought through informal workshops with different student groups. Surveys are also being considered.

Catching up with M cG ill’s QPIRG McGill’s Quebec Public Interest Research Group (QPIRG) has filled seven vacancies on its board of directors. According to Hafiz Maherali, a QPIRG volunteer coordinator, seven directors were acclaimed in its November elections. One of the seven has since resigned, though Maherali said the organization has yet to receive a formal letter of resignation.

Due to the recent executive shuffling, QPIRG has decided not to participate in the upcoming SSMU elections referendum, to which it had previously committed itself. The referendum would have asked students to renew or refuse the $3-a-semester fee contribution each full-time student makes to QPIRG. The referendum has been postponed indefinitely, according to Maherali, because of “the late addition of board members, and given the time needed to keep up with our programs, we felt it would be an overextension of our resources.”

However, Maherali did not rule out areferendum for the spring of 1994.

Le déclin de la population francophone à M cGill At last Wednesday’s Senate meeting, Political Science Profes­ sor Sam Noumoff questioned whether McGill is prepared to take

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Financial outlook goes from bad to worse

VP Administration and Finance John Armour presented the financial report for the year 1992-1993 at last Wednesday’s Senate meeting. He first remarked that Senate’s financial review came very late, since most expenditures for the academic year had already been made. He recommended that Senate review the financial report before the summer.

History Professor Robert Vogel later pointed out that Senate’s review of the annual report had been late in coming for the last 25 Shifman cleared from legal suit against SSMU years.

Armour told Senate that for the budgetary year 1992-93, well In the continuing saga of the $2.8 million lawsuit brought over $12 million of the operating budget will have gone to debt servicing and reduction. This represents close to five per cent of the total operating budget, an amount he considered an enormous drain on « the university.

Armour also reported that provincial funding for McGill’s « X operating budget for the year 1993-94 has recently been cut by $4 Jt • million. This two-to- three per cent cut was introduced too late in the u budgetary process to be included in planning. As a result, McGill will e u add to its debt next year rather than reducing it, as had previously been « planned.

Armour noted that while some officials in the provincial w government acknowledged McGill’s debt problem was partly due to £ provincial underfunding during the 1970’s, the ministry did not possess the funds to increase McGill’s grant Armour remarked that, with this in mind, McGill “can’t keep chopping faculties and bringing SSMU C om p troller Jon S hifm an them back nine months later.”----------------------------------------------

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against Students’ Society (SSMU) by Polycuisine Ltd. for alleged breach of contract, the society’s comptroller, Jon Shifman, has been dismissed as a co-defendant Shifman had been named as adefendant with SSMU in the civil suit initiated by Polycuisine’s lawyer Reevin Pearl. On November 19, a Quebec Superior Court Justice ruled in favour of lawyer Jon Feldman’s appeal to dismiss the motion naming Shifman as a co­ defendant Pearl has appealed Shifman’s dismissal to the Quebec Court of Appeal.

When asked to comment on his release from the suit Shifman appeared satisfied. “I’m very pleased,” he stated. “I’m totally optimis­ tic that the original decision will be upheld.”

Reevin Pearl refused to comment on the record, and the Tribune could not reach Feldman.

action against an apparent decline in the university’s francophone population.

VP Academic William Leggett explained the francophone enrollment at McGill has declined from 27 per cent of student popula­ tion five years ago to 19 per cent this year.

Several reasons were put forth to explain the decline. Leggett noted that in 1991 there were 594 fewer francophone CEGEP appli­ cants than in 1985. The acceptance rate to admission offers from francophones has risen from nearly 45 per cent ten years ago to nearly 52 per cent this year, he added.

Leggett also noted that according to CEGEP advisors he had spoken to, more francophone students are seeking higher education outside the province. McGill’s declining proportion of francophone students is similar to trends observed at Concordia and Bishop's Universities.

In response to concerns regarding what measures McGill is taking to maintain its francophone links, Leggett explained that McGill adheres to a common ethics code concerning recruitment practices in CEGEPs, and thataggressive campaigning among francophoneCEGEPs would alarm other universities.

Leggett did point out, however, that the Faculties of Arts, Science and Management have all made efforts to attract new francophone students,explaining the Arts and Science Faculties held a May information session in Redpath Hall.

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The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1.1993

Features

P ag e 9

Assault survivors find institutions unsupportive

BY CHERIE PAYNE For many survivors of sexual assault, dealing with hospitals, uni­ versities or the police may be a traumatic experience in itself. In an effort to be supportive, institu­ tions may simply be patronizing, and in an effort to be thorough and objective, they may seem accus­ ing.

Sarah B. (not her real name) recounted her experiences in get­ ting help after a sexual assault two years ago.

“I was taken to a major Mon­ treal hospital,” she stated. “The nurses there told me that because I was assaulted by my boyfriend I shouldn’t be so upset. I had been hit in the face, and the doctor who treated the abrasions asked me how the argument started. He asked what I had said and done to provoke him [the boyfriend]. I felt he was judg­ ing me.”

Mary-Margaret Jones, cocoordinator of the McGill Sexual Assault Centre (MSAC), said that Sarah B. ’s reaction is unfortunately typical of many survivors’ experi­ ences. She maintained, however, that on an individual basis, repre­ sentatives of institutions are for the most part empathetic; troubles stem from the tension between the de­ sire to offer sympathy and the need to acquire evidence.

“The actual questioning of the survivor of the assault is very difficult and upsetting,” Jones noted. “On a one-to-one level, the police are usually very support­

ive.”

Counsellors at sexual assault centres understand the difficulties a survivor may encounter. Dot Wojakowski, the other MSAC co­ ordinator, explained the process of help available at the Centre.

“There are two priorities for the survivor of sexual assault: sup­ port, which is crucial, and receiv­ ing in fo rm atio n ,” said Wojakowski.

The Centre is committed to providing counselling and is very careful about which therapists they recommend to survivors.

“Sometimes the therapy ses­ sion is more traumatic than being in denial,” Wojakowski asserted.

“We like to recommend social workers as the best therapists for survivors of sexual assault.”

The Tribune spoke with a counsellor at Le M ouvem ent Contre le Viol et L ’inceste who said that typically, anyone who comes to their offices will be taken to a room where they “can feel safe”. They will be advised to see a doctor, and phone numbers of pri­ vate doctors will be given. The Centre also provides victims with counselling to help them deal with the experience.

In Montreal, survivors of assault should seek medical help from Montreal General Hospital if they are anglophone, and Sacre C oeur or N otre D am e if francophone. At the hospital, the victim will be examined for inju­ ries, the presence of STD’s, or pos­ sible pregnancies. It is also the

duty of the doctor(s) involved to examine the patient for evidence of assault which can be used to support the claim of violence.

Unfortunately, in Montreal, the problem of language may hinder such efforts to provide as­ sistance. The Tribune phoned Montreal General Hospital to ask about the procedure for getting help after a sexual assault. There was no answer at the emergency rape number. After calling the general emergency line, this reporter was transferred to another department, and was put on hold.

After a few minutes the Trib­ une was connected with a woman who spoke only broken English. It was explained to her that someone needed to talk about sexual assault and rape. She asked what was meant by rape.

Difficulties of this sort are not usually encountered at McGill Health Services. One can simply drop by to see a nurse at the Powell Building without an ap­ pointment. As long as one does not arrive around lunch, they are ac­ cessible.

On other levels, McGill’s attitude towards sexual assault and/ or harassment seems less accessi­ ble. McGill’s official policy is that sexual assault is not tolerated. In 1986, the Board of Governors adopted Regulations Concerning Complaints of Sexual Harassment.

Officially, the University is com­ mitted to prompt action when a complaint is lodged.

There are four assessors to

Sexual Assault Awareness Week event schedule There will be an information table staffed by MSAC volunteers in the Shatner Building lobby all week (January 25-29).

Tuesday, Jan u a ry 26 2-3:30pm: Women’s Safety: Attempting to Prevent Sexual As­ sault; Tandem Montreal, Fiona Deller (Walk-Safe), Amy Ridley (Coalition Against Sexual Assault) ; room 302 Shatner Building.

W ednesday, Jan u ary 27 “The Sluts and Goddesses Video Workshop, or How to be a Sex Goddess in 101 Easy Steps” (a film by Annie Sprinkle); to be shown repeatedly throughout the day. Women’s Union, room 423 Shatner Building.

4-6pm: Women’s sex talk (Women only); Women’s Union, room 423 Shatner Building.

Thursday, Jan u ary 28 Cyclathon to benefit MSAC

in the lobby of the Shatner Build­ ing (all day).

12-2pm: What can Men do to Prevent Sexual Assault?; Paul Johnson (Walksafe); room 435 Shatner Building.

2-4pm: Group discussion: dispelling the myths about sexual assault; MSAC Outreach Volun­ teers.

7:30-9pm: Panel discussion on sexual harassment policy at McGill; Prof. Pat W ells, Lisa Lifshitz, Fiona Deller; room 132 Leacock Building.

Friday, Jan u a ry 29 Cyclathon continues in the Shatner Building lobby. llam-12:30pm: Images of Racism and Sexism in the Media; Shakti; room 310 Shatner Build­ ing.

12:30pm-2:30pm: Healing after Sexual Assault: feminist/ho-

listic therapy, (Women Only); Sarah Kaplan, M.S.W., P.S.W.; room 310 Shatner Building. l:30pm -2:30pm : Im pact Theatre skits about sexual assault and sexual harassment; the Alley.

Four films will be shown on the weekend as part of Une Vision Différente, a non-violent film fes­ tival co-sponsored by the Montreal Women’s Centre and held at the four universities in Montreal. The following films will be shown in Leacock 132. Admission is free.

Saturday, Jan u a ry 30 2:30pm.: Moonstruck 4pm: M aria Chapdelaine (French) Sunday, January 31 2:30pm: A League of Their Own 4pm: Steel Magnolias

deal with complaints who deter­ mine whether or not a claim of sexual harassment or other assault is strong enough to be passed on to Principal David Johnston. Cases can be prepared with the help of law students from McGill’s Centre for Sexual Assault clinic. These students have regular office hours, and the Centre is very helpful about setting up appointments outside of these times.

However, the process of pressing charges of sexual assault at McGill has its flaws, according to critics. Principal Johnston is the last person to examine the cases, and he has the final word as to whether or not an investigation will ensue.

Wojakowski explained that once Johnston has made up his mind about the case, complainants cannot demand an explanation of his choice. Johnston is not required to explain his decision o f whether or not to continue with an investi­

gation.

A review of the sexual har­ assm ent p o licy is cu rren tly underway, following the formation of a subcommittee designed to ad­ d ress th is issue. M onique Shebbeare, Students’ Society VP University Affairs, sees the crea­ tion of this subcommittee as a posi­ tive step towards policy reform.

“In order for any progress to be made, we need a body whose entire mandate is to deal with this issue,” she said. “This subcommit­ tee will be soliciting a broad range of opinion from students, faculty, and staff."

One change in particular is viewed by Shebbeare as essential to reform.

"It is key that the advocate's function of support be separate from that of judgement. At the moment, one assessor provides both. Com­ plainants need someone to be on their side; there needs to be support built into the system.”

THE LAW 'S DEFINITION O F SEXUAL ASSAULT: A ssault m eans the In ten tio n al use o f force on an o th er person against h e r o r his w ill. Touching, slapping, kicking, p u nching o r pushing are a ll exam ples o f assault It is also an assault to threaten to use force. For instance, i f som eone threatens a physical assault, this can b e an assault even It th e th re a t Is n o t carried out.

I f a person a ttem p ts an assault b u t Is p re v e n te d from carrying through, h e o r she can nevertheless b e charg ed w ith a tte m p te d assault o r a tte m p te d s exu al assault Kissing, fondling, sexual Intercourse, an a l intercourse a n d o ra l sex are a ll exam ples o f sexual assault, I f d o n e w ith o u t con sen t

MCGILL UNIVERSITY'S DEFINITION O F SEXUAL HARASSMENT: S exual harassm ent is u n w an ted atten tio n o f a sexual nature, o ften w ith an u nderlying e lem e n t o f th rea t o r coercion. S exual harassm ent m a y occur b etw e en em p lo ye r-e m p lo y ee , b etw een professor-student, o r b etw een s tu d e n t-s tu d e n t M e n o r w o m en m a y harass one another; sam e-sex harassm ent m ay also occur.

S exual harassm ent occurs w hen: — iacceptance o r rejectio n o f sexual advances Is a con d itio n o f education o r em p lo ym en t; — acceptance o r rejection o f sexual advances affects grades, perform ance evaluations, o r any academ ic o r personnel decision th a t concerns the victim ; — unw elcom e s exu al advances interfere w ith w o rk o r create an in tim id a tin g , h o stile o r offensive environm ent.

S exu al harassm ent Is N O T a relationship o f m u tu a l consent.

S exual harassm ent is N O T a hu g b etw een friends.

S exual harassm ent is N O T m u tu a l flirtation.

Features One survivor's account P ag e 10

T his piece, w ritten by a U2 M cG ill student, is intended to provide an insider's account o f what happens during and after a sexual assault. The student w ishes to share her experience so that others may better understand: abuse does not end with the assault itself, nor is it only inflicted by the assaulter.

It wasn’t as if I ’d never met him before; in fact. I ’d been acquainted with him for an entire semester. I didn’t think much of him; although I was impressionable, he left nothing of an impression. He was quiet and intro­ verted, and so perhaps I felt obligated to introduce myself. If spending a sub­ stantial amount of time with someone constitutes friendship, then yes, we were friends.

We each played the same var­ sity sport for our university; he on the men’s team, I on the women’s. That Friday, as was the custom, there was a party after the game. Once there, the two of us got caught up in a conversa­ tion about justice; he wanted to be a lawyer. The fact that he knew what he wanted to do intrigued me.

When he offered to show me around the house, I accepted the invi­ tation. With the showing of each room he gradually established my trust. The last of the rooms was the bedroom. We entered and he locked the door after him. No longer were people present; I was not in the company of friends. It was just him and I. I commented on the law texts which lay scattered on his desk, and in response, he asked if he could kiss me.

I told him that I had a boyfriend but he kissed me anyway. Afraid of being a tease and terrified of being a slut, I searched for an ex it The advantage was his, be it size, weight or experi­ ence. I told him ‘no’; he retaliated with ‘yes.’

Three times I tried to get to the door and three times he threw me back on the bed. He was strong, strong enough to pick me up, remove my clothes and pin me down. Though I was silent I continued to resist. He spoke throughout the two-hour ordeal, perhaps to comfort himself. His words were sickening and his body suffocat­ ing.

He fantasized while I was trau­ matized. He raped me and then he re­ defined me. In a matter of minutes, he had objectified me, and as if his disease were contagious, I then objectified myself. I became ‘she.’ I gathered my clothes and he asked when he could see me again. I fumbled with the lock as he lay in bed. Stumbling through the door­ way, I heard his last words; “It’s not safe to walk home alone!”

His abuse continued for five months. I received threatening phone calls, sometimes as many as six a day.

His message was simple; he was watch­ ing me.

I confronted him during prac­ tice one afternoon. His friends ex­ changed jokes while I told him to leave me the hell alone. He acted as though I had imagined the whole situation and even offered to help me find out who was behind the harassment In the weeks that followed, I

had no appetite. I lost weight, I blacked out, and I found myself waiting for him to call so that I might attempt to sleep.

I went to a counsellor and his car was vandalized. He assured me that it was a coincidence. M y car was vandalized only days later. I sought administrative action, but it was un­ dermined by his academic record, which appeared to be untarnished. It was only whenhe graduated and began law school that I became aware of his tendencies toward aggression.

He had raped before, only no­ body had reported him. Two of these ‘nobodies’ were my friends. Given to­ day’s statistics, it is likely that you too may be a ‘nobody.’ Until the crime is reported, you don’t ‘exist.’

I realize that this anonymous contribution may be construed as cow­ ardice, but there is a reason why I have chosen not to disclose my name. It is not because of the stigma imposed upon ‘victims’; I am a survivor.

It is because I feel the need to protect both my family and friends- not from me, but from themselves. I be­ lieve this to be rational, as such knowl­ edge would only result in unnecessary grief. Interpretit as you will, but please, do not judge.

I ’ve been told that hindsight is 20/20. Not so. To regret my conduct on that particular evening would be to regret being a woman.

I do not.

Shortly after this incident, the student underwent counselling.She has since begun to counsel other victims o f sexual assault.

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The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

Pornography, power and sexual assault Comment

BY MAX DODD It seems that the m ore we ad­ vance as a species, the m ore respect w e accord our primitive urges. Por­ nography feeds into this by offering millions of films, books and m aga­ zines w hich feature the sexual esca­ pades o f D ick and Jane. Yet this prim itive front is deceptive; with the focus on biological sex rather than gender, these anonymous characters c a n b e se e n to re p re s e n t Every W oman and EveryMan. If this is so, then how does pornography, as a form o f media, affect the way men and women see each other— and themselves?

At its very essence, pornogra­ phy is about power: the pow er o f the body, of lust, o f sex and occasionally the pow er o f one person over an­ other. P om is to be distinguished from erotica, w hich Gloria Steinem describes as “passion or yearning for aparticularperson.” Generally, love, or even affection, is not considered to be part o f the ‘pornographic’.

Pornography separates sex from procreation. In doing so, it be­ com es both valuable and dangerous.

W hile many of the images stress female captivity and objectification (p o rn o g ra p h o s , the Greek root of the word, m eans ‘writing about prosti­ tutes’), they also em phasize a wom­ an ’s right to have sex without being relegated to a purely biological role.

Y et on either side o f the issue, w om en seem to lose. W hile those who support pornography endorse the degradation o f women by con­ sidering such images to be accept­ able, those who are against it seem to cast women in the role of the eternal victim. This is not to say that the two positions are o f equal merit. The latter is only degrading in the psy­ chological sense; the form er can lead to the violence o f 'snuff films' in w hich w omen are killed or maimed.

Few picture this type o f image when they think o f pornography; the m ore widespread idea is that of the Playboy Bunny, always ready with a com e-hither glance. However, even H u stler, w hich sells as many copies as P layboy, has featured a woman completely bound, gagged and spread on a car top, over a caption that reads, in part: ‘to be stuffed and m ounted.’

At the bottom o f the photo? A sign, bearing the words ‘Beaver Season’.

This all too-common image violates the humanity and dignity of women as a whole. Such pornogra­ phy, as scholar Helen Longino has shown, implicates women in their own destruction, for it suggests that the status of 'female' is enough to justify degrading treatment.

Similarly, as pornography like this is recognized and blithely ac­ cepted as ‘ju st another facet’ o f soci­ ety, the role o f degraded object re­ mains a viable one for women, be­ cau se it rem ains ‘th in k a b le’. If women retained a higher status, such treatment would be almost univer­ sally abhorred.

M any studies have attempted to explore the link between pornog­ raphy and sexual violence. However, it remains difficult to establish a d i­ rect connection. Research does show that after Denmark decriminalized

the sale of pornography, there was a slight rise in the num ber o f rapes, but this study is in no way definitive.

Another project, carried out in 1984 by psychologist Neil Malamuth, d id prove that pornography causes behavioral changes related to aggres­ sion against women. The m ore m en were exposed to ‘aggressive pornog­ raphy’ (featuring violence), the more they began to see women as ‘objectsto-be-victimized.’ This led to an in­ crease in aggressive behavior. H ow ­ ever, as this aggression could be linked to other factors, M alam uth’s study was also deemed inconclusive.

It seems that the o nly conclu­ sion one can draw from these studies is that an active disposition towards violence, coupled with the viewing o f pornography, could trigger an in­ cident in which aggressions are ex­ ternalized. Obviously, the process of socialization is extremely important, as it affects how m en see women.

Not all males see such m aterial and com mit assaults; m ost people take what they need and let it go.

In fact, pornography can in­ fluence the viewer in a num ber of positive ways. For example, it can help those who are inhibited to dis­ cover their own sexual potential, act­ ing as a stimulant o f sorts. Its propo­ nents also argue that it is a way for violent urges to be safely acted out.

In addition, pornography can serve as a catalyst for discussion, for the prescribed role o f EveryW oman and EveryM an resigns both sexes to their ‘place.’ W hile the majority of the violence is directed against women, the eroticization o f dominance and submission hardly provides m en with alternatives to aggression.

Pornography has many subtle shadings, some o f which are only now beginning to emerge. Film m ak­ ers like Lizzie Borden, for example, offer the sexual experience from a w om an’s perspective. Despite the standard images, there exists a wide variety o f pornography which caters to the individual rather than the mass market.

Clearly, a fundamental shift in attitude is an important component o f change. W om en who don’t buy pornography should investigate it; otherwise, die dom inion of the m ov­ ies- and the domain o f w om en’s bod­ ies- will remain governed by a select group o f men.

Pornography m ust be brought out o f hiding, m ade a subject of com ­ m on conversation. By covering the more violent material with brown paper wrappers, we serve to create a category for it that keeps its audience select and private. This repression allows those inclined toward female mutilation and child pornography to rem ain protected; they are not en­ gaged in public discussion, but fos­ ter their desires in secret.

The controversy over censor­ ship continues to rage, with many divided between ‘sexual equality’ and the ‘freedom o f speech’ which grants women a voice. M ust they choose? The separation o f sex from procreation was abrilliant first move.

But how far have w omen come if they are still relegated, within porno­ graphic material, to the submissive ‘fem ale’ role? Gender barriers must be crossed. It is tim e for intelligent choices- and exceptional sex.

Features Resource list for survivors of sexual assault The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

BY JEFF PERCIVAL

The facts speak for themselves.

One woman is sexually assaulted every seven minutes in North America. One in three women is sexually assaulted at some point during her life.

On university campuses, one in seven women will experience acquaint­ ance or date rape, which is the most common type of assault on campuses.

McGill is no exception to this pattern.

The following organizations are there to help survivors of assault or those who would like further information.

McGill Sexual Assault Centre (MSAC): This campus-oriented cen­ tre is funded by the Students’ Society and offers counselling, support groups, and accompaniment services to hospi­ tals, police etc. As well, MSAC offers information and prevention seminars and acts as a resource and referral centre. MSAC is one of the chief par­ ticipants in the Sexual Assault Aware­ ness Week. Its number is 398-2700, its office is #410 in the Shatner Building, and its office hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

Montreal Sexual Assault Cen­ tre: The main sexual assault centre in Montreal has a 24-hour crisis line (9344504) for victims of sexual assault. As well, they provide public education programs, court accompaniment, and medical assistance. Counselling serv­ ices are immediate if the assault oc­ curred within the last 48-72 hours; otherwise, the waiting list for counsel­ ling can last up to a year. If you are just seeking information, the non-emer­

gency telephone number is 934-0354.

They also offer services for survivors of incest

Mouvement Contre le Viol: A community organization funded par­ tially by the provincial and federal governments, it offers individual and group counselling, information and prevention seminars, and general pub­ lic education. They offer services for sexual assault and incest survivors and can be reached from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at 278-9383.

Montreal General Hospital—

P ag e 11

Rape Emergency Line: The Montreal General’s 24-hour crisis line can be reached at 934-0356 during the day and at 934-8090 evenings and week­ ends.

Trêve pour Elles: Offers coun­ selling and support groups as well as medical, police and court accompani­ ment. Trêve Pour Elies can be con­ tacted at 251-0323.

for STDs, HIV or pregnancy, McGill’s Health Services can be contacted at 398-6017.

SOS Conjugal Violence: This service is intended for survivors of conjugal violence. They can offer in­ formation and give referrals to nearby shelters. Their 24-hour hotline is 1800-363-9010.

McGill Counselling Services:

The Women’s Centre acts as areferral centre which can give listings of women-centred therapists. Their tel­ ephone number is 848-4781 and they

398-3601.

McGill Health Services: Should the survivor wish to be tested

Women’s Centre of Montreal:

are open from 9am to 5pm on week­ days.

Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault—YWC A: This support group org anized by the YWCA c an be re ached at 866-9941.

In addition to the above listings, information on self-defence courses can be obtained from the Montreal Assault Prevention Centre (284-1212).

For further information on sexual as­ sault issues, contact the McGill Coali­ tion against Sexual Assault at 3987777.

F ro m victim to su rv iv o r

BY LIZZIE SAUNDERSON According to PerspectiveMagazine, more than one in four women will experience a form of sexual assault in her lifetime. The majority of these women will be assaulted by someone they know, many within the sanctity of their own home.

The circumstances surrounding a woman’s assault experience, cou­ pled with her individual identity, will determine her response to the event. In other words, the way women deal with sexual assault depends on who they are.

“Someone who is 15 and some­ one who is 65 are going to have similar reactions, but they will vary based on their age and life experiences,” com­ mented Debby Trent, coordinator of the Montreal Sexual Assault Centre for Victims. The centre, a non-profit

community organization, was created 12 years ago to respond to the basic needs of women who had been sexu­ ally assaulted.

The theory of ‘Rape-Trauma Syndrome,’ on which the centre’s ap­ proach is based, stresses that the trauma experienced by survivors of assault consists of two phases: disorganiza­ tion and reorganization.

Quite simply, the primary phase is one in which the individual’s life is completely disorganized immediately following the assault. The latter phase consists of regaining control of one’s life through reorganization.

“The victim will suffer differ­ ent kinds of trauma on a physical level, on an emotional level, and on a con­ crete level”, remarked Trent. “The physical level is relative to the severity and manner in which the victim was hurt. The result is often loss of appe­

tite, disturbances in sleep and nausea.”

According to holistic therapist Sarah Kaplan, the survivor may be prone to eating disorders, addictions and self-destructive behavior. Kaplan’s approach, however, is different from Trent’s in that it deals with the con­ frontation and role of women in apatriarchal society.

The emotional impact of an as­ sault consists of a variety of feelings.

Denial, guilt, anger, fear and the feel­ ing of having made a wrong and ir­ revocable decision are but a few.

“Most victims feel as though the assault were written across their forehead,” asserted Trent.

The crisis period may last sev­ eral weeks, months or even years. Dur­ ing this time, survivors may alter the environment in which they live, rear­ ranging furniture or changing the crowd with whom they associate.

“You can never be the same after the sexual assault experience,” affirmed Trent. “You cannot live your life as if it did not happen.”

Much of the battle faced by the survivor is waged in the effort to over­ come the myths surrounding assault.

Both therapists noted that society tends to hold the victim responsible for the assault, and as the survivor is a member of society, she may internalize the blame.

The fear is that the victim’s behaviour will not only be judged by those around her but that she will also scrutinize herself.

“I feel it is my duty to educate,” Kaplan maintained. “The best form of revenge for the victim is to get healthy.

In so doing, the message to the of­ fender is evident, ‘You did not break m e’.”

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rhe McGill \bhintcer Bureau and the eer Bureau ^ Montreal are hosting their hi-amtal symposium •j|on Wednesday, January 27th, from 10 AM to 3PM in the Ballroom of the Shatner Building. \^rk>us organizations will be present Big Brotbef^Sister, Le Bon Dieu Dans La Rue, Reading Gouncfl for literacy, Hospitals, Arts and Groups, Food Banks and Community Centers, y o u h o v e s p o r e t im e ?

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Representative to Board o f Governors Senators SSMU Executive Daily Publications Society Board o f Directors QPIRG Board ofDirectors

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12 p.m ., W ednesday, February 10, 1993

« For more information, please leave your written request with the CRO j c/o SSMU desk in the William Shatner Building * or phone 398-6816 and leave a message

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P ag e 12

The McCiif tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

Features Sexual assault and the law: an uncertain future LEGAL ANALYSIS

BY DAVID ABITBOL Recent legal developments re­ lating to sexual assault are indicative of how far this area of law has ad­ vanced. Early rape law considered sexual assault to be a crime against a woman’s father, which had the effect o f equating women with personal prop­ erty.

The bias, however, was usually in favour of the accused. This has been said to have occurred because male lawmakers identified more readily with the defendants than with the complain­ ants.

Consequently, such lawmakers were concerned with the possibility that m en m ight be brought up on false charges. These concerns led to anumber

of legal rules which provided special­ ized treatment for those accused of sexual offenses.

One such example was the ‘com­ mon law corroboration rule.’ This re­ quired the court to inform jurors of the dangers of a conviction based on un­ corroborated evidence.

Another rule stressed that a complainant had to have made a ‘hue and cry’ at the onset of the assault; otherwise she had no case. While a clearly audible protest could bolster the complainant’s credibility, its ab­ sence could be considered evidence against her.

Neither of these rules remains in the law today. The recent enactment o f Bill C-49 seeks to address issues in further need of clarification and im­

provement C-49 was introduced in 1991 by Federal Justice Minister Kim Campbell after die Supreme Court of Canada struck down the existing ‘rape shield’ law, which precluded the introduction of evidence of a complainant’s prior sexual history. The consent provisions in this legislation were bom out of a greater awareness of the issues and difficulties surrounding acquaintance or date rape.

McGill Law Professor Patrick Healy pointed out that the enactment of Bill C-49 makes it much more diffi­ cult, even technically impossible, for an accused to introduce evidence of the victim’s past sexual conduct Further­ more, he pointed out that the legisla­ tion is ambitious in that it extends criminal law to cover types of conduct that may not have been previously cir­ cumscribed.

One ex ample of this is theCriminal Code (section 273 (2) (c)) which states that if the victim is induced to engage in sexual activity due to the accused’s position of “trust, power or authority,” true ‘consent’ cannot be obtained.

The new consent provisions work to restrict the circumstances where the accused could claim an hon­ est though mistaken belief that a victim had consented to sex. Consenthas been defined for the first time in Canadian law as the “voluntary agreement of the complainant to engage in the sexual activity in question.”

Thus an accused could presum­ ably not use his honest belief that con­

sent had been obtained as a defence to a charge of sexual assault if, for in­ stance, the victim was in­ capable of consenting due to intoxication, or if the victim expressed disa­ greement with the sex act “by words or conduct”.

The accused would have had to have taken “rea­ sonable steps...to ascer­ tain that the complainant was consenting”.

The consent pro­ visions in these Criminal Code amendments are seen as the most contro­ versial aspects of the leg­ islation. H ealy q u es­ tioned the effectiveness of the elimination of the defence of self-induced ^ intoxication as a cause for a mistaken belief that the victim consented, as it “makes it possible to convict someone in absence of a guilty mind.”

McGill law student and former vice-president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women Jodi Whyte is uncertain that the new provisions eliminate entirely the “honest but mistaken b elief’ defence.

“There are too many loopholes due to the broad language of Bill C-49 and we’ll have to wait and see how it is interpreted...I’m not sure that it de­ mands absolute consent,” said Whyte, who ran a women’s assault centre in the Northwest Territories.

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help?

Healy believes that “future liti­ gation in this area will focus on the provisions’ constitutional validity” in­ sofar as itunfairly effects an accused’s ability to mount a defence. It will also focus on the lack of clarity about some of the terms. What is entailed by a position of “trust, power or authority”?

Exactly what level of intoxication is necessary to preclude one’s ability to consent?

“Hopefully, the first few inter­ pretations will be made by enlightened judges-so as to set the tone,” said Whyte. “However, there are enough judges on the bench who would want to find the loopholes.”

Both Whyte and Healy pointed

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out that the Defence Attorney Associa­ tion, among other groups, did not like BillC-49. Despite the fact that changes were made to the bill, the outrage re­ mains.

And the outrage, suggested Whyte, could influence some judges.

“Judges have to be sensitized to the issues, and the way the system is set out now, you can’t force it on them,” com­ mented Whyte.

It remains to be seen just how effectively this new legislation will protect victims of sexual assault. In the meantime, Canadian society, afflicted by the occurrence of a sexual assault every 17 minutes, waits with concern and trepidation.

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1.1993

P ag e 13

Entertainm ent P h ish cohesive despite im pending R ift

BY ERIC STEIN What was the last concert you saw where the drummer played a vacuum cleaner, the band bounced on trampolines while playing, and every­ one in the audience fell to the floor simultaneously for no apparent rea­ son? Chances are the band you were seeing was Phish. And chances are you were blown away by their per­ formance.

In December, Phish made its first Montreal appearance since 1989, playing at Le Spectrum. The show provided many Montrealers with their first glimpse of the eclectic stylings of this quartet. Drawing on a wide range of influences, Phish blends classic rock, jazz, blues, funk, country, latin, psychadelia and many other musical styles into a streamlined, modem hy­ brid sound.

The hallmark of the band’s sound is Trey Anastasio’s unique gui­ tar playing. However, keyboardist P ag e M c C o n n ell, b a s sist M ike Gordon, and drummer Jon Fishman all play equally important roles in shaping the music.

Despite its ten-year histoiy, the Vermont-based band has only recently

entered the realm of mainstream suc­ cess. It signed a major record deal with Elektra Records in mid-1991, has released a highly successful al­ bum, and has toured extensively throughout North America and Eu­ rope with such rock luminaries as Santana. They continue to sell out three- and four-thousand seat theatres and on New Year’s Eve played to a sell-out crowd of over 7,000 in Bos­ ton.

With their fourth album, Rift, due out in February, it seems that Phish is on the way up. In an exclusive interview prior to their December 13 concert, Gordon explained the new album is the best yet.

Gordon believes Rift is differ­ ent from earlier releases in a few nota­ ble ways. 1992’s Picture O f Nectar was an especially diverse album with thejazz instrumental “Magilla”, coun­ try flavoured “Poor H eart”, latintinged “Landlady”, and the rip-roar­ ing, straight ahead sound of “Tweezer” and “Chalkdust Torture”.

Said Gordon of Rift::”ll ’s more integrated. The different styles are mixed together within each song rather than between each song, like on ‘N ec­ tar’. I think it’s a little bit mellower in

general and I think the songwriting shows some more maturity. It’s also the first album that has an outside producer— Barry Beckett.”.

Beckett is known for his work with Dire Straits, Bob Dylan, Etta James, Hank Williams Jr. and Bob Seger.

To acquire a full understanding of Phish one must experience one of their shows. The band often rewrites a tune whilethey jam. The instrumental sections of songs like “Harry Hood”, “Reba”, and “David Bowie” become monumental musical journeys that transcend the standard “four-minute pop song.” Gordon terms such musi­ cal exploration “environment simula­ tion.”

“I ’m really into different states of consciousness and I ’ve never taken any powerful drugs or anything, so I d o n ’t re a lly k now about hallucinogenics. An example I like to use is sometimes, when the music is flowing and the groove is just right, I get this uplifting feeling, sort of like the feeling of flying. And I ’ve real­ ized that it isn’t just like the feeling of flying but it is the feeling of flying because it’s really just your own per­ sonal sensory perceptions that create

the feeling,” explained Gordon.

Metaphysics aside, there is an­ other important aspect to consider about the Phish experience. The band has heightened the visual aspect with a state-of-the-art light show and syn­ copated dance steps. F ish m an ’s vacuum cleaner playing also adds an ■element of levity to each show.

“It’s all just in the effort of making it fun for the band and the audience in different w ays” said Gordon.

During the “Big Ball Jam” au­ dience participation is brought to a new level as three large beach balls are thrown into the audience and bat­ ted around. While Fishman provides a beat, each member of the band fol­ lows a different ball, playing a note each time it is batted. In this way, the audience becomes part of the musical process, virtually controlling the band.

Phish also has a series of musi­ cal signals that they use to communi­ cate with the audience and each other.

Originated by Gordon, this “secret language” is an ambitious and crea­ tive concept that takes two form s. The first is a series of signals that the audience knows and responds to in a certain way. These signals command

the audience to do things such as turn around or fall to the floor. It is quite remarkable to see a theatre of 3,000 people drop to the floor in the middle of a song for no apparent reason.

Since much of their audience is made up of ‘Dead Heads’, a common misconception is that Phish is a Grate­ ful Dead-type band. Many people make this comparison without really understanding its connotations.

“The other guys in the band are pretty sick of it,” said Gordon. “But I can see that there are reasons for it which make sense. W e jam a lot and the set lists change from night to night so a lot of people travel around with us seeing a whole string of shows.”

So with more and more people discovering Phish, and their concerts selling out faster than they can an­ nounce them, what are the next steps for the band?

They are currently considering a project involving their “Gamehenge” saga (a multi-part song suite) perhaps as a concept album or even on Virtual Reality. In the meantime, they are kicking off a North American tour with the release of Rift, which should bring them to the Montreal area in April or May.

BY NIKA BAREKET B ack in S eptem ber, Scott McCord joined McGill ’s best known live band, Whetherman Groove Tube.

In a recent interview with the mem­ bers of the band, McCord, along with, A.J. Pen, Jamie Shields, Rob Stephens and Dan Kurtz, we talked about that and oh, so much more.

Tribune: Who wants to ex­ plain the name of the band?

Rob: The second part is Old English spelling of “To be”. The sec­ ond part is from “the whether doth man groove”. I can’t remember the rest o f it. We were throwing around some Shakespeare.

Dan: There’s a funny coinci­ dence because Groove Tube is also a play from the 60s.

Jamie: It was also made into a movie with Chevy Chase.

Tribune: How is your tape sell­ ing?

Scott: Moderately. W e’re in a bit of a dilemma because it features our old singer— Tribune: Andrew Peters. Can you tell m e something about him?

A .J.: G ood guy and good singer. W e had our parting of the ways. He used to write the lyrics and we would write the music. But that's changed drastically in the last five months. It’s a lot more of a group effort now.

Tribune: So who writes the lyrics now?

Dan: E verybody. U sually someone comes in with a germ of an idea, and then from there we work on it. It usually ends up sounding like something quite different than what we started off with.

Tribune: W hat do you write about?

Dan: Personal experiences.

Not so much “I did this one day”, but «notions. W e have a number of tunes that just sort o f tell people— not order people to do things, but ask them to look at themselves m ore or less. Get involved.

Rob: We have some fun songs too.

Dan: Before Scott joined, and Andrew was writing the lyrics we were all concentrating much more on the musical side of things. The lyric writing is a new thing for the instru­ mentalists, and I think it’s having an effect on our music as a whole. W e’re now much more conscious of the whole synthesis of lyrics and music.

Before, our stuff was really busy mu­ sically. The songs are more homog­ enous now.

Tribune: Do you ever argue about a final song?

A.J.: Only because we care so much about a song. I ’m not arguing with Rob because “Rob’s a jerk”.

Rob: It wouldn’t be that good if I would say “I think it should end this way”. It’s good that we all have such strong opinions, because then w e’ll argue it out until we come to a compromise, or leave it for another day when we can give it a fresh start.

It makes for a much m ore creative— A.J.: Vibrant.

Rob: —yeah, vibrant process.

W e trust our crowd a lot too. We know that if the crowd really likes something, then w e’re doing some­ thing right.

Tribune: Name some of the bands that influence your music.

A.J. : I listen to a lot of stuff that the other guys listen to, but the main difference is that I listen to a lot of Genesis and Devo.

Jamie: I like to listen to a lot of funk. We all expose each other to different music. Like Rob, he listens

to Bad Brains, Fugazi and things like Funkadelic. I ’d never even heard o f them before I got in­ volved with this band. I like early Kiss.

Tribune: I t h as to be asked— what do you think of the Seattle “scene”?

Rob: Seattle I like. I like Pearl Jam a lot. I guess just becauseof the singer (Eddie Vedder), who our manager just got drunk with the other day,butdidn’tknow who he was.

Tribune: What do you think of Soundgardcn?

Rob: I like them a lot. I think I actually saw them in Seattle on a business trip with my dad many years ago. Chris Cornell is really cool.

Tribune: Tell me about it!

A .J.: H e’s got a voice that puts Geddy Lee (of Rush fame) to shame.

Tribune Do you like Geddy Lee? A .J.: No, but h e’s got a real high voice, (to Rob)What do you think of the Seattle fashion scene?

Rob:(w earing flannel and a choker) Well, I personally hate it.

Tribune: I can see that.

Dan: I ’ve gone into my anal classical jazz phase. No, I listen to less of their alternative stuff, and I like my Tower of Power. Hmm...it’s hard to say. I took the histoiy of jazz course.

Scott: I don’t want to try to bullshit anything. My listening ca­ pacity has expanded over the last few years because I ’ve seen bands like the Phantoms and the Bourbons (Taber­ nacle Choir). They brought every­ body’s awareness back to where they were coming from. It’s cool to see a band that does their own thing with nothing sampled. It’s based on pure talent. Just recently I ’ve spent a lot of

E rie B o eh m

Get Into the Groove Tube

F o u l in fa ir W ea th er a ie a G r e a v e T ube time listening to blues and soul sing­ ers. The Isaac Brothers are one of my favorites.

Tribune: W hat is your audi­ ence mostly like?

A.J.: Deadheads and Thrash­ ers.

Tribune: W hat would your ideal audience be like?

Jamie: Anyone who likes us. All our fans are really great Tribune: So you don’t feel se­ lective o f your audience?

A.J.: No. We appreciate the people who come o u t W hat’s inter­ esting about the Deadheads, well not Deadheads, but for lack o f a better term, is that they tape our shows and play it for their friends.

Dan: You get ten people who for three hours are at the front o f the stage, which is the best feeling. Sta­ tion 10 is actually the best because they’re about ten inches from you.

Rob: W e’ve started a mailing list which shows how diehard some people are.

Tribune: Do you have any groupies? .AJ: We prefer to call them “friends”.

Tribune: How often are you on the road?

Dan: W e’ve got two weeks off now. February could turn out to be an insane month. Between February and the first of March we could have as many as Fifteen gigs. With the excep­ tion of one, all are on the road.

Tribune: That’s a lot. How do you manage with school?

All: School?

Dan: Well, if you do what I do, and take English— Tribune: I do.

Dan: W e’re all in such a mindset that we’re active all the time.

I play bass every day. You get into a mindset where you have to acknowl­ edge how much work you have to do.

You have to force yourself.

Tribune: I ’m tap in g over “Erotica” for the interview, by the way.

All: a bunch o f cheers and clap­ ping.

Whetherman Groove Tube are playing at G ert's on Tues. Ja n . 26.

Tickets are $5 a t the door or at Sadie’s.

Their tape is available at Phantasma­ goria.

P ag e 14

Entertainment

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February

1

1993

Solid pop without the egos After the show I had a chance to talk to Maury and Sean.

A little bit late, heading off to Tribune: Did you Club Soda, one of the only decent­ find there was a lot of pres­ sized music venues left in the city, I sure to play well while re­ wasn’t too sure what to expect. I had an cording a live album? interview lined up with this band Fall Maury: Not once Down Go Boom, andhaving only heard we were in it and hit the a couple of their songs and read only a groove. little about them, I was feeling defini­ Tribune: And to tively unprepared. pick the songs to play?

They are a three player outfit, Maury: Well, w e’d that could be Peter Paul and Mary or already recorded seven Nirvana. Maury LaFoy on bass and songs, back in November, vocals and Sean Kozey on drums and but we wanted to be sure to the third Graham Powell on guitar and give people their money’s vocals, is self-described as falling be­ worth. tween the cracks of society. Two of Tribune: How them go to McGill and they were re­ FUGR; S ea n K o z e y , G raham P o w e ll, a n d M a u ry L aF oy many albums have you put cording a live album at Club Soda last enough that you get to know a lot of for a while like this, since high school. out so far?

Saturday. people, and so, when your tour, your We don’t really want a fourth member.

M aury: W e’ve put out two in­ Arriving at the club, the open­ see people you know. When you’re Most of the subtleties of an extra in­ dependent tapes, the first with nine ing band—Good Cookies—had just playing in some dumb club with a strument are lost live, and when we are songs and the second with six. W e’ve started playing. If ever there was a dumb manager for almost no money, recording we’re thinking about thelive got about forty songs though. band with an identity crisis, this was it. it’s nice to look out and see some aspect.

Tribune: Why haven’t you re­ Its six members each play a variety of friends.

Maury: As long as we can get corded more? instruments and sing. Between every Tribune: What about the music away with three, great.

Maury: Mostly for financial song at least two people would have to scene in Montreal, especially with the Tribune: (Pointing to a bunch reasons, though we also feel we’re still change roles, and invariably one or closures? of guys who keep interrupting the in­ evolving. more of the players would sit off stage Sean: The live scene is hurting. terview) Who are those guys?

Tribune: Why a live album for a while. I ’m all for bands that like There are lots of great bands and good Sean: Oh, those are T he now? to try out various types of music, but stuff happening, but nowhere to play.

Waltons. They stopped by on their way Maury: Itwas just aconvenient Good Cookies didn’t know if they were W e’re lucky to have come earlier, be­ to Halifax to Toronto. We went to high time for us and the engineer, as well as a Seattle, country, folk, punk, or Celtic cause we got some chances. It’s im­ school with them back in Regina. There being financially viable. We also band. Though there were a few good possible for starting bands to play some­ was this place called the Venue where wanted to finish the project we started individual performances, including the where like Club Soda. People forget, a couple of bands played all the time. back in November. drummer on violin(with the more or though, that Montreal, in terms of the Them and us.

Tribune: Why the three man less rhythm guitarist on drums), they English is only 500, 000 people. Eng­ Tribune: What do you think of format? Have you ever thought about a came across as simply confused. lish bands should promote in the French the cameraderie in Canadian music? fourth, maybe keyboards?

People were quick to hit the media. I mean, we’re an English band, Sean: Well, the scene is small Sean: Well, we’ve been together relatively small dance floor once Fall but we all speak French. You should try to reach both communities. Me, Mom and Morgentaler is a good exam­ ple. They bridge the gap, if there is one.

I don’t want to go making up imagi­ nary gaps.

Tribune: (This question asked as one of the openers leaves with a girl he picked up-)What do you think of the bands that are into the pick-up or groupie thing?

Sean: That’s awful man. on v ta tt oun o ffic e r Maury: LAME. Can you print - le u td io tu t / te n a n t ù u u that in big letters? in t£ c S & a tæ n tc U ld ia f - wlar r av r ntitr ruw td oSean: It’s like people think r vu r ww they’re a different person just because - e e n d a n e e n ftn o tc c U o n they we’re on stage.

Maury: I know an act, that will - s tu d e n t p U c u v a a c e A , e tc .

O fte n , 1 0 c U H r S p t K , t M O H r ÿ l l remain unnamed, and after their show, it’s disgusting. It’s like take a number.

Sean: If people want to, that’s their business, but on a personal level, no.

Tribune: One last question: who is the Elvis Costello fan?

Sean: We all are. We all lis­ tened to the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks and all that. XTC was prob­ S t u d y o n th e J fr e n c h U liv ie m ably one of our biggest influences.

Poeple say we have a western sound, whatever that is. You wouldn’tguess it Earn up to one fu ll year o f transferable Canadian University credits from our influences. w hile studying on the French Riviera, near Nice.

Tribune: Anything else you want to say?

Sean: Yeah, I ’m tired.

Université canadienne en France o ffers: B Y G E O F F G IB S O N

Down Go Boom took the stage. After the stage-crowding, instrument-chang­ ing ballet of the openers, the platform seemed roomy to say the least. FDGB hit their stride quickly, playing a good mix of solid fast songs right off, thro wing in a cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Ra­ dio Radio’ just to keep everyone on their toes.

The relatively older crowd got right into it, filling the dance floor. For no apparent reason, a large number of dancers spontaneously took to the stage during a song about two-thirds of the way through through the set.

The band, while without stage antics—even with all that space to roam—seemed very into the music and to be enjoying themselves immensely.

They must have mentioned at least ten times during the ninety minute show that they were recording a live album, of course invoking a loud response from the audience every time. Every­ one wants to listen to a live album and be able to say, “hey, that’s my yelp!”

Positioned at various strategic positions around the bar, all six mem­ bers of Good Cookies could be seen discussing the finer points of music with attractive women.

FDGB’s music was original. A few influences could be spotted, but they sounded a bit like Rush, with tight breaks, changes, endings and solid baselines, though a small country tinge and some big -time pop influences made sure they held their own identity. The music was very song oriented, with lots of vocal harmonies, and was not centered on solos.

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The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

DISCLAIMEI

BY ANDREW Y EH T h e W e s te rn G a z e tte

Neptune The N orthern Pikes Virgin Anyone who’s looking for the next Snow in June won’t have to wait for the next bizarre forecast The Pikeshave decided not to mess around with Mother Nature or their formula for a musically balanced piece.

As the anticipated follow-up to their 1990 radio-friendly release, Neptune showcases the unique ver­ satility of the band.

The Pikes’ strength is found in their songwriting and all three guitar­ ists collaborated when they penned tunes for this album. Because of this, the listener gets to see the maudlin country-like influences and the in­ tense guitar moments all channelled together. Based on other efforts, the end product is predictable to all ex­ cept the greenest neophytes.

Out of the three lyricists, Bryan Potvin appears to be the one who has advanced the most. Bearing most of the writing responsiblities with each venture, he’s on quite a pace. From the optimistic “Hopes Go Astray” to the comical ditty “She Ain’t Pretty”, Potvin exhibitsa Firm grasp on the concept of the catchy pop-rock song.

H e’s struck again with ‘Tw ister” plenty of growling guitar, layered three part harmonies, with just lin­ gering hint of piano dancing around.

A glimpse of his sensitive side is seen in “Believe” (And I’ll ask myself why/ No I can’t believe it’s true/ After three million fights/ I ’m still in love with you), which is not too syrupy and just right dor those lazy snowy afternoons.

#

Entertainment

lay Semko (he of the steady bass voice and guitar) has composed songs from the sim pleclaim s of ‘Teenland" to the sappy romande “Kiss Me You Fool.” His crowding achieve­ ment on Neptune is “World’s Away,” a gentle ballad about the séparation of two people and their thoughts on the future.

A special appearance by Margo Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies fame enhances the calm feeling of pure lone­ liness. “Chain of Flowers” has Timmins creating a sweeping wave of warmth, blendingin withSemko andMerlBryck beautifully.

For a variation from the norm, Bruck has thrown in huis version of a blues-meets-hoedown in “Black Cat.” The only nagging twinge about Neptune could be their apparent fear of taking a step into the innovative. Be­ sides a maturing that is evident in the majority that is evident in the majority of the tracks, it’s the same recipe.

Then again, as the title suggests, perhaps they’re aiming at something that’s out of reach. For now.

Eon Void Dweller Sony Music When examining the space-age cover of this release, I was initially attracted to the neat-o-colors. Kinda Tron-like.” and “Deep Thought Edit” listed neatly beside each track.

Gadzooks. The REMIX ALBUM. After my initial ventricular fi­ brillation, I realized, hey, there have been similar bands that had put out generally respectable remix albums (New Order’s Substance 1987 and Erasure’s The Two Ring Circus, to name a couple).

Sure, loyal fans will defend the originals, saying “first is best.” Some­ how, rehashing the ol’ faves just seems to make them...longer.

And. in this pitiable case, un­

bearable.

Eon (which could be short for “Every Odd Noise”) has jammed this compilation full of those squiggles and beeps not unlike those emitted from our computers on a busy production day Monday.

Wailing sirens and cackles of laughteT introduce us to “B asket Case.”

Wait though, that's just “The White Coat Mix”...giggles and a drum beat open “The Black Coat Mix.” Ridicu­

lous.

Throughout the audio assault I followed the list of songs provided.

What a convenience. Not that I could (or cared to) differentiate between them anyway.

Do you suppose they mixed the entire album just to screw up the track­ ing on the listener’s CD player?

Eon has plopped itself firmly into that aseptic genre of modem mu­ sic, the world of techno! How dare I

classify it with New Order! Eon cer­ tainly has no substance or technique...

It’s not hard to hold particular contempt for Void Dweller. Hypnotic rushes of meticulously programmed rythms with snippets of spoken verse supposedly relevant to the titles are little to be excited about. One can only hope that La Brique, with its new rave-techno music danceteria format avoids dwelling on this musi­ cal void.

Students’ Society Internal Positions Judicial Board 5 Upper Year Law Students The Judicial Board of The Students' Society acts as the final authority on the interpretation of the Constitution an d By-Laws as well as acts of Students' Council an d any student group recognized by Council. These five positions a re o p en to law students who, during the a c a d e m ic year, will b e in third or fourth year or pursuing a graduate d e g ree in law.

McGill Tribune Editor The McGill Tribune is published weekly by the Students' Society. The Tribune is a tabloid sized newspaper with the purpose of informing th e members of the Students' Society ab ou t campus issues, events an d activities. The Editor-in-chief shall appoint an d supervise a large student staff of writers, editors, photographers an d production people. Applicants must live in Montreal during the last tw o weeks of August to prepare for the first ssue during registration w eek in September. An annual stipend is given.

SSMU Students’ Handbook Editor The Student Handbook will b e given to every student a t McGill during registration in September. This book will include material a b o u t McGill, Montreal, the Students' Society an d other campus groups with particular attention paid to helping new students orient themselves to McGill an d Montreal. The editor must b e in Montreal over the summer, a n d is allocated a stipend (subject to review by Students' Council).

Old McGill Yearbook Editor Old McGill is the hard-cover, 368 p a g e yearbook covering the entire school year, It will include photographs of all McGill graduates of the year as well as other relevant material as the Editor sees fit. The Editor shall appoint an d supervise a large staff including writers, photographers, section editors and layout people. Applicants must b e willing to atten d a 3-day work­ shop in M arch or April, a n d are allocated an annual stipend.

Red Herring Editor The Red Herring is McGill's only intentionally humorous magazine. The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the im m ediate editorial staff, dealing with the Students' Society, making sure deadlines are kept, readings of the constitution, organizing weekly Scrabble tournaments an d keeping the RCMP busy.

SSMU Speaker of Council The Speaker of Council will b e a student-at-large who knows Robert's Rules of Order. In addition to that mastery, you would plan an annual Council seminar and retreat, chair th e SSMU General Meetings and advertise Council decisions an d m eet­ ings.

R E D H E R R IN G C O N T E ST S Jim m y H offa O bituaries Write Jimmy Hoffa’s obituary as "accurately” as you can and tell everyone what really happened to the old boy. Entries should be no more than 250 words. No cement jokes, please.

Food & Beverage Commissioner The Food & Beverage Commissioner will oversee with the V.P. Finance all food 81 Beverage operations.

Chief Returning Officer (CRO) The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) of the Students' Society elections, by-elections an d referenda during the school year. He or she will appoint a Deputy CRO through the normal application process as well as hire clerks to supervise e a c h poll, and coordinate a group of volunteers known as Elections McGill. The CRO will b e paid a basic minimum w a g e plus 25% only on election days for cam pus-wide electrons.

C O M M IT T E E S

Urban L e g e n d s Tell us you favourite urban legend, college myth or tall tale. Try to keep it under 500 words. No "dead baby" jokes, please.

Communications Committee 3 Students at large This com m ittee is comprised of the President, the Vice- President of Internal Affairs, the Program Coordinator, tw o Councillors, an d three members-ar-large. The main objective of the com m ittee is to foster communication b e tw ee n the m em bership-atlarge an d the Students' Council an d committees.

Environment Committee 2 Students at large

*Funny Photos Look! There, see? You roommate’s gagging on some Fruit Loops.

It’s funny, so take a picture before you give him the ol’ Heimlich.

Black & white pictures only. We’re running this in conjunction with the Photographic Society, so you have to submit your pictures to them in Shatner B06 by March 5th. No f-stop jokes, please.

This com m ittee is to coordinate and oversee all Students' Society programs, activities, and bbbying efforts designed to pro­ te ct the environment, and to ensure the continued developm ent an d implementation of relevant Students' Society policies.

Food & Beverage Committee 2 Students at large The Food an d Beverage Com m ittee is responsible for reviewing policy and recomm ending a n d /o r acting on suggestions a n d /o r complaints m a d e regarding the food service provided to students.

Policy Review Committee 3 Students at large This com m ittee consists of SSMU President, 3 Councillors the General M anag er and 3 Students-at-large. The m an d ate of the com m ittee is to review all previous policy inscribed in the SSMU policy m anual an d to recom m end changes to council.

D eadline

Entering

Photo contest: Bring entries to Shatner B06 by Friday, March 5th.

Other contests: Drop off your entries in our mailbox near the SSMU desk in the Shatner building, or at our office in Shatner 406,

by Monday, March 15th.

Questions? Answers? Jokes? Call us at 398-6816!

The deadline for submitting any other funny business is March 15th!

P R IZ E S • P R IZ E S • P R IZ E S • P R IZ E S • P R IZ E S

Tribune Publications Board 2 Students at large The Tribune Publications Board is responsible for m anaging a n d controlling the finances a n d legal affairs of the McGill Tribune a n d for guaranteeing that the objectives of the Tribune are met.

William Shatner University 2 Students at large Centre Committee The William Shatner University Centre Com m ittee is responsible for establishing long term plans for the William Shatner Univer­ sity Centre, including renovations, expansions an d leases. The William Shatner University Centre C om m ittee is also responsible for dealing with any issues pertaining to the operation of the William Shatner University Centre.

Deadline is Feb. 12,1993, 5 pm.

Pick up an application at the SSMU counter, Shatner Bldg.

Call Ju lie , V.P. Internal at 398-6799 for more information.

*

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1.1993

Sports T h y er th w a rts , M uldow ney m ulches

BY CHARLES THOMAS “I ’ve never heard so many ‘old’ jokes in one day,” quipped sprinter Jamie Cohen last weekend as the McGill Track Team competed in the Sherbrooke Invitational Track and Field Meet.

Cohen was refering to Jimson Lee and Allan Tissenbaum, two al­ most thirtysomething sprinters who returned to the men’s team after a nearly seven-year hiatus to bolster the men’s performance.

Meanwhile, the reigning monarchs of women’s university track in Quebec, Maeve Muldowney and Linda Thyer, once again performed regally.

Thyer, a third year medical student (and academic All-Canadian last year), ruled the women’s 3000m, taking first

place in 9:52.47. Also impressive was Muldowney who led from start to fin­ ish in the 1000m, winning the race in 2:57.57.

“Linda and Maeve had very good performances,” stated head coach Dennis Barrett. “Linda has now at­ tained two CIAU standards; in the 1500m and the 3000m, and Maeve ran a tough race leading wire-to-wire,” he said. Meeting the standard guarantees the runner a spot at the CIAU national championships.

Muldowney, who is completing her Masters in French Literature (she also is an Academic All-Canadian) was happy with her placing in the 1000m but was less enthusiastic about her 1:41.25, fourth place finish in the600m.

“I got caught playing tactics in the 600 [metres], so the time was very

slow, but [in the 1000m] I decided I had to go out there and do the work,” Muldowney said. “Either you die or you fight for it,” she remarked.

Kelly Fallon, who this season is running indoor track for the first time, was a pleasant surprise for the team with her third place finish in the3000m race.

Although McGill’s men had no gold medal winners, the well balanced team is showing more depth than was expected of them early in the season.

The addition of Lee, who is back in school to complete a second degree in Information ManagementSystems; and Tissenbaum, who is completing his degree in Medicine, adds credibility to what was originally a one man sprint­ ing team.

“Jimson and Allan coming back

is a big plus; we now have a legitimate sfirin ting team in addition to Jamie Cohen who is looking very promising at this point in the season,” explained Barrett.

The trio formed the backbone of McGill’s surprising men’s 4x200m relay team which posted a CIAU stand­ ard time of 1:31.65. On his own, Lee took the bronze in the 300m in 35.54 seconds, again attaining the CIAU standard.

Other athletes perfoming well were Francois Léonard, fourth in the men’s 600m in 1:22.65 and Jacqueline Neufeld, fifth in the women’s 600 metres in 1:41.65.

Assistant coach Malcolm Balk believes that the runners must do some fine tuning if they are to take medals home from the provincial champion­

ships. “A lot of runners have already gone to a higher level but people are still settling for second best,” Balk said. “W e’ve got to start believing that we’re competitive,” he added.

Try as they might, McGill will have a hard time dethroning the current provincial champion Sherbrooke team which was solid in all categories.

“I think Sherbrooke has more depth— we don’t have pole vaulters or shot putters...It’s going to be tough for us, but compared to last year, we are going to hold our own and be competi­ tive,” claimed Barrett.

The track team will compete at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York this weekend.

Student speed skater speaks

BY URI CARNAT O n M onday, January 16, speed skater S teven G ough {so u n d s like cough) jum ped on a plane with the other m em bers o f C anada's national speed skating team and headed to ju st outside Hamar, Norway, fo r the world team speed skating championships.

Gough, a third-year History student, started speed skating twelve years ago, and came to M cG ill to train a t the N ationalTraining Center inM ontreal.

H e recently fin ish ed fo u rth at the C a­ nadian Championships. The Tribune caught up with the N ew Brunsw ick native as he was frantically packing, trying to m ake the team flight.

T ribune: How did you get into speed skating in the first place?

Gough: Originally, I took it up to improve my hockey. My mother worked with the head coach o f the Fredericton club, and I started what I thought would be powerskating.

T ribune: Why did you keep at it?

Gough: I guess I was good at it.

I started competing at the end of my first year, and by the end of my second, I finished second in the province in my age group. I was encouraged by my success and stuck with it.

T ribune: At what point did you begin to think seriously about the sport?

Gough : Probably when I moved into Junior in 1987. Unfortunately, I developed mono that year, which set mebackatot-Thenextsummer, though, I stopped playing baseball and soccer and started training for short track full time. The next year, I attended my first national trials , and got my first really good results. I finished third in Junior, and finished 12th and 17th in the whole country.

That year, Gough beat his cur­ rent teammates Fred Blackburn and Mark Gagnon, ’92 Olympic silver medallists.

T ribune: What made you de­ cide to attend McGill?]

Gough: The National Training Center is here in Montreal. It seemed liked a natural choice. I knew the Uni­ versity was good, I had a few friends from home who were coming here, but honestly, I really came to Montreal for the skating.

T ribune: How about the ad­

justment upon arriving, athletically and academically?

Gough: I found the atmosphere at McGill suprisingly stressful. Every­ one else was so worried about school, and I didn’t really fit in with that atti­ tude. For me, a bad night of skating concerned— and still concerns— me more than scratching for a couple of extra marks.

Skating-wise, I found it very difficult. When I arrived here, I was well below the calibre of skating of the National Team members. I had a lot of technical im provem ents to make (Laughs). I stiU have a lot of technical improvements to make.

Gough trains six times a week, about four hours a night, including travel to the distant training site at Centre Claude Robillard in northern Montreal.

T ribune: What about balanc­ ing school and skating?

Gough: In my first two years, I seemed to be doing a sporadic job of both. This fall, school suffered a little for me to get where I wanted in skating.

T ribune: Do you see the two as mutually exclusive?

Gough: For me that’s the case, although there are people who can do both. It’s more in my head. I just endup thinking about skating all the time. I don’t like looking for excuses when I don’t do well, though. I ’m a very com­ petitive guy, but I ’m coming to grips with the fact that I can’t study full time and skate as well. People ask me how I manage to skate and go to school. I look at it that I ’m not managing that well. I went from A ’s in high school to mediocrity here.

Tribune: At what point did your skating start to improve?

Gough: Around January-February, ’92. The top guys were away at the Olympics, [where the men won a team and individual silver and the women captured the team gold]. That gave me a chance to get it together myself, a chance to get back to basics, to find myself at practice, not worrying about how fast the other guys were skating. I think it was a good time for me.

T ribune: Were you surprised with your success at the recent Cana­ dian championships?

Gough: Not totally. My biggest

S te v e G ough (fa r r ig h t) sp r la ts h is w a y a a to T eam Camada problem was skating well in competi­ tions. I had been skating well in prac­ tice, and I really pulled it together for, the competition. In one year, I jumped from 18th to 4th. It was weird, though.

After that weekend, I had virtually assured myself of aplace in the top 10, regardless of what happens the rest of the year. It was like my goals were achieved halfway through the year.

My goal now is to stay in the top five and go to the world individual champi­ onship in March.

Gough m ust requalify fo r this competition, with another set o f Cana­ dian trials early in March.

T ribune: Who did you look up to as a young skater?

Gough: I’ve always looked up to the best. Mark Lackie [a fellow N.B. son and world record holder in the 500m.] was peaking when I started competing nationally [the two are now teammates]. Other than Mark, I ’ve al­ ways looked up to who was skating well at the time. Now, though, while still respecting those guys skating faster than me. I ’m looking more to myself for inspiration.

T ribune: So will we see you in ’94?

Gough: Maybe. If I skate well and make it to the world individual championships in China this March, then I’d be maintaining my rank. I want to put in a good summer, keep working, improving. There’s a spot for me now. I ’m going to have to see how much I want it.

Synchro a smooth second

BY TRIBUNE SPORTS STAFF

The McGill Synchro Team met some tough competition from the Uni­ versity of Toronto at the OWIAA R anking M eet held last w eekend at McMaster University in Hamilton, coming in second overall with 67 points to Toronto’s 87 points. Despite the results, many goals were achieved and the team is looking forward to the OWIAA championships in Toronto in three weeks.

McGill swept the Novice fig­ ures category with Sarah Stone, Jacinthe Brosseau and Melinda War­ ren placing first, second and third, re­ spectively. For Stone, a newcomer to synchronized swimming this year, the finish was especially exciting. “I ’m shocked to have done so well, but to be honest, any one of the three of us could have won,” she commented.

In the intermediate figures cat­ egory, Yvonne Schut placed second, repeating her November performance, while Wendy Pollard slipped to eighth.

“It was an off-day for me unfortu­ nately, but figures are usually my strong

suit, so I’m confident that I ’ll be back on top at championships,” said Pol­ lard. Teammate Nathalie Audet, who placed fourth at the meet in November, was unable to compete last weekend due to medical school exams, but will be back for championships, which should increase McGill’s strength in the intermediate figures.

Senior figures was perhaps the most difficult category, with three Ca­ nadian national team members com­ peting for the University of Toronto, who easily took first, second and third.

McGill’s Karen Whiting and Jerrilin Spence placed sixth and seventh re­ spectively, close behind competitors from Queen’s.

Coach G erry D ubrule was pleased with the outcome of the figures event. “We are traditionally strong in figures, and I think we showed that again this weekend. The girls swam very well, and I feel our standings can only improve,” she said.

McGill’s two entries in the solo event placed high in the field of eleven.

Spence earned second place behind

SEE SYNCHRO, PAGE 18

The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1.1993

Sports

P ag e 17

COOP

S p o r t s N o te s B-Ball Redmen M artlets g e t airborne Last weekend, both the Redmen and Martlet basketball teams flew out to Manitoba for som e fresh competition. On Friday night, the tw o M cGill teams squared o ff against Brandon University, with the Martlets winning 82-67 against the previously ranked w om en’s squad and the Redmen losing by a score o f 82-60. Jane R oss popped in a career-high 26 points and had 16 rebounds for the Martlets. Todd M cDougall led the Redmen with 16 points, and Bruce Bird and Jon Campbell added 10 each.

On Saturday, M cG ill’s fortunes were reversed, as the Martlets fell to ninth-ranked University o f Manitoba 84-78 after the Redmen had defeated Manitoba 90-75. In the w om en’s gam e, Jane R oss paced the Martlets with 20 points, closely follow ed by V icky Tessier with 18.

R ookie Ricky Varisco led M cGill with 20 points, and Todd M cDougall and Bruce Bird both netted 15 points and six rebounds each.

The Martlets had been unbeaten in 13 games and are now 18-2 overall.

“Just because you’re ranked fourth doesn’t mean you ’re going to beat a number nine team,” said Martlet head coach Chris Hunter. “But w e have a score to settle with them now. W e’re looking for a little payback when they com e here [on Feb 10].” The women w ill host firstranked W innipeg on Feb. 13.

Martlet co-captain Jane R oss has been named athlete o f the week by for the QUBL. Both teams w ill play at Bishop’s on Friday and at Concordia on Feb.2.

Nordic skiiers slosh am id the slush Last weekend, M cG ill’s Nordic Ski team com peted in its first intercollegiate com petition in at least four years. A s there is no intercol­ legiate Nordic skiing in Quebec, the team com petes in Ontario com pe­ titions that also feature som e local ski clubs.

A t Friday’s Polar Bear Relay at Carleton University, the M cGill men placed eighth in a slushy 4 X 2km relay in a field o f 17.

On Saturday and Sunday, the team competed in the Nakkertok Invitationals. In the 10-km Classic event, Mary Beth Burton came second in the Junior W om en category. On the m en’s side, Loius Helbig placed 14th and Marc Benoit cam e 18th. The team’s next competition w ill be a Coupe de Quebec race on Jan 30-31.

Swimmers sink Sherbrooke The M cGill Swim team competed at Sherbrooke’s dual m eet last weekend and had a host o f first-place finishes. The Martlets trounced Sherbrooke 126-82, with first-place finishes com ing from Alyson Byrd (200m back), Louise Venne (100m back), Meaghan Smith-W indsor (200m free), Rebakah Young (200m IM) and in both relays.

The Redmen swamped Sherbrooke 102-64, with firsts by Leo Grepin (400m IM, 200m free), Craig Perfect (50m free), W ade Mitchell (100m fly), M icheal Groves (100m free), David Foltin (100m back), and the 4 x 50m relay.

Redmen hockey loses and ties in T O .

On Friday, the men lost 3-2 to University o f Toronto. Dave V ecchio and rookie M ike Buffone scored for M cGill, as Patrick Jeanson made 30 saves in the game.

On Saturday, the Redmen tied York University 3-3, despite a overtime segm ent M cG ill’s goals came from Marc Vigneault, Stacey McGregor and Todd Hanrahan. Jeanson made 36 saves. The Redmen w ill play at Waterloo on Saturday and Wilfred Laurier University on Sunday.

Hockey M artlets suffer scoring scarcity The wom en ’s hockey team lost two gam es last w eek, scoring only two goals in the process. On W ednesday, The Martlets lost 13-1 to CEGEP S t Laurent, with Brenda Benson scoring for M cGill.

On Saturday, the wom en lost to UQTR 7-1 as A lyson Fournier put M cG ill on the scoreboard. The Martlets w ill host B ishop’s on Jan. 29.

The last M cG ill-B ishop’s match-up resulted in a 7-0 victory for the Martlets, their only win to date.

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The McGill Tribune, January 26 - February 1,1993

P ag e 18

Sports McGill Badminton smashes way to second

BY J A N E S W AYNE The third o f four provincial badminton tournaments was held last w eekend at Trois-R ivières.

While hoping to defeat first-place Laval and take a provincial champi­ onship for the first time since 1991, the McGill squad succeeded in so­ lidifying its stranglehold on second place overall in the standings, de­ spite a rash o f injuries which kept team p h y sio th era p ist B ruce McElroy busy throughout the day.

Université de Montréal woundup in third place, host Trois-Rivières was fourth and Sherbrooke came in fifth.

U nbelievably, this tourna­ ment marked the seventh in succes­ sion that McGill has taken the sec­ ond spot. While the team has hand­ ily b eaten Sherbrooke, T roisRivières and Montréal over the past two years, overcoming perennial powerhouse Laval has proven to be a greater challenge. However, the differential between the two teams has closed in recent tournaments and a first place tournament does not seem far away.

“This tournament shows how firmly planted w e are in the top two in Q u eb ec,” said coach Frank McCarthy. “Four years ago McGill badminton was the also-ran o f the league. Now, if all goes well we challenge legitimately for first. “

Overall, McGill took one gold and two silvers in the five-event tournament. Robbyn Hermitage con­ tinued her dominance o f the Quebec singles circuit, although she encoun­ tered a few problems in matches against her Laval rival, needing three games to defeat her in the final.

Hermitage has yet to lose a match in her university badminton career.

In m en ’s d o u b les, D a v e Meijer and Bruno Dion settled down after a shaky start and fought their way into the finals The pair played superbly in winning the opening game o f the final, but eventually lost in three games in a tension filled match which lasted nearly an hour.

Silver was also achieved in mixed doubles, as Sanjay Gandhi and Julie Bastien cruised undefeated into the finals. The duo had success with Gandhi’s back-court smashing and Bastien’s ability to cut shots off at the net, and were seeking to re­ gain the gold they won in the open­ ing tournament o f the year. How­ ever muscle cramps hindered Gan­ dhi’s performance in the final and the team had to settle for second.

A n u nfortun ate in cid en t brought the wom en’s doubles to a premature end for M elissa Gordon and Maryse Filion. During the warm­ up prior to their semi-final match against Montréal, Filion suffered a

sprained ankle and was not able to continue. The two had enjoyed a great tournament as they regained the form that allowed them to win the McGill invitational tournament in October. Although she was un­ able to walk, let alone play, Filion stayed on the court so as to not default and lose a crucial point.

In the event which has tradi­ tionally posed the greatest prob­ lems for McGill, Manny Gavalas was able to win one o f four tough m en’s singles matches and thus qualify for the semi-final against the eventual winner from Laval.

M cGill’s Derek Holt then stepped in and after a strong start, suc-

cumbed to the Laval rival in two games.

Only one provincial tourna­ ment remains before the OntarioQuebec Challenge Cup, a new event that will pit the best Quebec players against their Ontario counterparts.

In each event, the top two teams from each province qualify. The tournament will approximate the CIAUs since Ontario and Quebec, along with British Columbia, are the powerhouse provinces o f uni­ versity badminton. The team could potentially qualify to compete in four o f the five events at the Chal­ lenge Cup, to be held in late March in Ottawa.

Synchro second at Mac C O N T IN U E D

F R O M

P A G E

1 7

Toronto’s Bonnie Arges, while Cyndy Schwartzenhauer came in fifth. With a margin o f only a few points separating each o f them from the next spot up, both Spence and Schwartzenhauer are hoping to place higher at the championship meet.

In the duet com petition, M cGill entered three routines.

Schwartzenhauer and her partner Brosseau won third-place behind Toronto’s duets and were extremely

happy with their performance. As S ch w artzen hau er com m ented: “W e’re swimming against national team swimmers from Toronto, but they’re not really our competition, so we feel that, finishing third, we did the best we could have done.”

TheduetofWhiting and Schutplaced seventh, which was disappointing, as they had expected to finish in the top five, but they feel it’s simply a matter o f endurance, which can be built up over the next three weeks.

The tandem o f Stone and Naomi Wyman, both first year swimmers,

finished ninth in the field o f 12.

Finally came the team com­ petition, where McGill shone last year. This weekend, however, they took second place with a score of 68.00 to Toronto’s 69.33, and were followed closely by Queen’s, who earned 67.33 points. Some team members felt that Toronto did not swim the better routine and that the marks were unfair.

“Being frustrated by the marks is going to make us work harder in practice, so that at cham­ pionships, we can prove we de-

serve first place,” said Brosseau.

Coach Janet Gillis saw the meet as a learning experience and a chance to feel out the competition.

“I was nervous going in, knowing that Toronto had four national team members, and I didn’t know what to expect. But I’m very pleased be­ cause the areas we didn’t do very well in, specifically duet and inter­ mediate figures, can and will only get better, whereas I believe that Toronto has reached the top and doesn’t want to improve, so w e have the potential to overtake them.”

The Students’ Society of McGill University Winter Carnival ’93 Wishes to thank Via Route for their conttribution, making our 1993 Winter Carnival the Best Ever!

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The McGill Tribune. January 26 - February 11993

Sports Martlets miss in volatile volleyball

n u i t n û iM iiv ii This q uestionn aire is d esig n ed to appraise your o p in io n s and attitudes ab ou t racial inequality in a u niversity cam p u s environm ent. T h e su rvey is co m p letely a n on ym ou s, s o p lea se an sw er all q u estio n s to accurately reflect y o u r op in io n s, and n ot w h a t y o u think p e o p le m ay w an t to hear.

Your participation is greatly v a lu ed and appreciated. Thank you.

1. STRONGLY DISAGREE 2 . SOMEWHAT DISAGREE

3. NEUTRAL 4. SOMEWHAT AGREE

5. STRONGLY AGREE 9. DO NOT KNOW

Please circle the number (corresponding to the SCALE identified above) which you feel most accurately represenfs-your opinion about the following statements.

S E C T IO N

I

01. In general, white and non-white students are treated equally in the classroom environment.

Non-white students speak up in class more often than white students do.

U O F M ONTREAL 3 M C G IL L _________ 2 _ C O N C O R D IA 3 M C G I L L _______2

BY ANDREW R O SS

The McGill Martlets Volley­ ball squad hosted the Concordia Sting­ ers on Sunday, looking for their first Quebec league victory this season.

After grasping a 2-1 lead in sets, the Martlets lost their grip on the match and fell in five.

The Martlets hit the wood at Currie Gym on the heels of a tough 32 loss to perennial powerhouse Université de Montréal the previous Wednesday, looking to take out a Concordia team that appears fallible by comparison.

Sunday’s match began on an even court, with both Martlets and Stingers taking each other to long rallies. Tough blocking and capitali­ zation on serves bought the first set for Concordia, 15-10, but the Martlets exploded in the second.

Volatile volleyball was the or­ der of the day as the Martlet six strung together an 8-2 lead and crushed the Stingers 15-6 to even the match.

Martlet momentum moved on in the third butconsecutive two-touch fouls narrowed their margin. Fortu­ nately, a 15-12 victory was achieved, leaving the Martlets one set away from their first league victory this season.

Failure to hold service was fore­ most among the errors which allowed Concordia to strike back. The Martlets’ fourth set was as one-sided as the second, but this time it was they who were trampled on— at one point losing 4-12— by a score of 10-15 after a comeback attempt.

1 2 3 4 5 9

031 Teachers give white and non-white students different feedback.

1 2 3 4 5 9

04, Racist illustrations and humour have been eliminated from textbooks 111 used in universities.

1 2 3 4 5 9

05

Non-white males receive more teacher attention than white female students.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Most courses do not include ethnic and race-related issues in their curriculum.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Racial stereotypes of academic performance are still prevalent in the classroom.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Non-white students students constitute more than 10%of total classroom enrolment.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Ethnic and racial jokes are a thing of the past in university classrooms.

1 2 3 4 5 9

The classroom climate may affect how non-white students view themselves.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Nowadays, teachers are informed about discrimination against people of colour.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Nowadays, teachers try to make their teaching bias-free.

1 2 3 4 5 9

One way to support non-white peoples in the classroom is to include within the main curriculum writers who are non-whites.

1 2 3 4 5 9

M a r tle ts d is p la y p a a e h t h a t b r a a g h t t h e a i c la s e r th a a e v e r t a v i e t a r y .

In the deciding fifth set, points were awarded every play regardless of serve, and every mistake was re­ flected by the scoreboard. The two teams fought at the net and Concordia snatched the lead at 12-11, leaving the Martlets fluttering, 15-11, and losing the match’s sets 3-2.

Martlet coach Rach&le Béliveau did not enjoy the déjà vu quality of the game, an allusion to the five-set loss to Université de Montréal the week before.

“The game was like that on Wednesday,” she explained. “These last two league games are the first in which we have won sets this season.

On one hand it was a step further. On the other, it’s hard to lose. ” Emphasizing the team’s per­ formance as a group, coach Béliveau was happy with the Martlets’ recent play, if not their losses. “We needed a good job from everyone, and we got it,” she said “We made a couple of stupid mistakes, but since last year we’ve really improved.”

Martlet power-hitter Jillian King thought the team played well overall.

“Last time we played Concordia we lost 3-0. Today it went down to the wire. [The difference] was a couple of mistakes in rally, but we’re very equal teams,” she con­ cluded.

Captain Maryam Moayeri ex­ pressed the prevailing Martlet am­ bivalence about the loss and looked to next season as the culmination of two seasons of building a competitive squad.

“I’m happy yet disappointed at the same time [regarding die loss]. In a way this is a breakthrough for us.

We have to learn how to win it all together. And that comes with expe­ rience, which we should have next year.”

1 2 3 4 5 9

Only non-white teachers can best teach courses on race-related subjects. 1 2 3 4 5 9

16

19

What we learn in the classroom is what we will reproduce in the labour force.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Inequality issues are compromising academic freedom.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Ineqauiity issues are compromising the quality of education.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Ethnic and racial jokes are acceptable when shared amoung friends.

1 2 3 4 5 9

iNof Not saying anything when one hears he a racist remark is as good as having made the remark yourself.

1 2 3 4 5 9

Problems of prejudice and discrimination will solve themselves out over time and does not need any policy or program intervention by a university.

1 2 3 4 5 9

---------------------------------- S E C T I O N

I I ----------------------------------------

01, Have you experienced or witnessed any formof racial inequality on campus?

YES

NO

ll||t If yes, please explain your experience(s) or observation(s):

What, if anything, do you believe needs to be done to ensure the elimination of prejudice and discrimination on campus?

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S E C T IO N

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01. Your faculty/department: 0 | | Your year of study (ex. U1, MA2, Ph.D3): 03l Your gender (FEMALE or MALE): ____ Are you a person of colour? (YES OR NO): P l e a s e d r o p th is o f f a t b o x e s l o c a t e d a t t h e K io s k . T h o m p s o n H o u s e o r th e M c C o n n e ll B u ild in g L o b b y , M c L e n n a n L ib r a r y lo b b y .

am pleased to present the Fifth Annual Report of the McGill University Ombudsperson for Students for the reporting period September 1st, 1991 to August 31st, 1992, in accordance with the Terms of Office as approved by the Senate and the Board of Governors (copy attached).

The past year has proved to be an exciting and challenging one for the Ombuds Office. We moved to new premises at 3534 University in January, 1992, and after the usual complications are now well settled in this new location. The office provides a safe neutral meeting place where students can feel assured of confidentiality. The establishment of this office ensures that students have easy access to the University Ombudsperson. The acqui­ sition of a computer for the office has allowed for more efficient statistics and record keeping. However, the most important addition has been the services of Jackie FeeOwen. Jackie's warmth, cheerfulness and efficiency have added immeasurably to the smooth operation of the Ombuds office.

During 1991-92, I continued to reach out to as many students as possible in all departments and facul­ ties. I have tried to make my presence known on campus in order to increase the community’s awareness of the office of the ombudsperson and the services it provides.

I have once again worked co-operatively with sev­ eral student organizations. I have maintained an excellent working relationship with the McGill Students’ Society and some of its affiliates. I had the opportunity to partici­ pate in Macdonald College’s orientation program. I continued to serve on the Advisory Board of Nightlineand assisted in their training program. My co-operative rela­ tionship with the McGill Legal Information Clinic has continued over the past year. Their expertise has been invaluable in assisting students with grievances and appeals. It is extremely helpful to me to know that their advice and guidance is only a phone call away. Together we have provided an increasing number of students with the advocacy and assistance they requested.

Discussion of Cases nce again this year (1991-92) there was an increase in the number of students who requested service from the Ombudsperson. This can be seen in more detail in the statistical summary and tables which follow.

Cases are divided into three main categories: (1) Requests for information, referral and consultation.

(2) Complaints against a member of the University fac­ ulty, staff or an entire department, which can be handled by the student himself/herself after consul­ tation with the Ombudsperson.

(3) Complaints which require the personal intervention of the Ombudsperson.

It is important to note that numbers do not tell the whole story, for one case may be settled in one interview ormayrequireweeksormonths of intensive intervention.

The proportion of graduate students requesting help from the Ombudsperson seems to be increasing.

Cases involving graduate students tend to be complex and often difficult to resolve. At times, the student is unwilling to take the necessary steps to bring the com­ plaint into the open as she/he fears this will negatively affect both her status as a student and futu re job possibili­ ties. As a result, several serious situations are never resolved and the student looks back at her/his career at McGill with dismay.

Manyg raduate complaints require consultation with the Dean and/or Associate Dean of Graduate Studies or with the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

The Academic Administrators whom I have ap­ proached about problem situations have generally been both co-operative and helpful. Although we have not alwaysagreed on the appropriate solution to the problem, we have usually been able to discuss the issues in a thoughtful and forthright manner.

Complaints regarding Admissions to both graduate

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and undergraduate programs generally require both in­ formation and referral. They are often cleared up quite quickly when the student gains access to a decision making officer, although the result is not necessarily their admission to the University. Reasons for their refusal are often what is needed to help the students clarify their future options.

A wide range of academic and non-academic con­ cerns have been brought to my attention during the 199292 year. These can be seen in the statistical summary which follows.

Discussion of Selected Issues ie mandate of the McGill Ombudsperson includes the responsibility to bring to the attention of the University those issues and concerns which require fur­ ther attention by the University.

I am grateful for the efforts made by Vice-Principal Leggett with regard to the issues raised in last year’s annual report. His prompt attention to these serious concerns has hopefully led to some amelioration in the problems discussed.

Ombudsperson for Staff s can be noted in the statistical portion of the report, I have been approached by a number of members of the University staff for advice. The statistics do not reflect the total number of staff who contacted me as it was only after receiving a number of such calls that I started to include them in my records.

Itappearsthattheappointment of an ombudsperson to handle staff complaints would be a most useful under­ taking. I have discussed this with Linda Christensen, Director of Human Resources, who expressed her inter­ est in exploring this further. All other Quebec University Ombuds offices provide services to their University staff members. A very disenfranchised population of staff includes temporary employees. As well, those employed as part time faculty to teach on a sessional basis seem to have little or no recourse when their hours are shortened or their services terminated without notice. Although these university employees clearly do not fall under my mandate, I try to refer them to appropriate services when they contact me. I would strongly urge that University seriously consider the possibility of appointing an ombudsperson for staff.

Exam Schedules problem which was brought to my attention by many students related to exam schedules. It appears that, particularly during mid term exams, students find themselves scheduled for three or four exams on the same day. Sometimes, more than one of them are even scheduled for the same time period. The authorities are usually willing to reschedule those that are scheduled for the same time, but they reschedule them for the same day which just adds pressure to an already overloaded sched­ ule. No one I contacted seemed to feel that three or four mid terms on the same day constituted a serious enough problem to warrant intervention. I do not know what the solution is, particularly since students often take courses in more than one faculty. However, I do feel that the problem is serious enough to warrant an investigation and hopefully some changes can be made.

The final exam schedule should also be arranged in such a way as to ensu re that no student is required to write more than two finals on any one day.

This year, there were also some complications which arose as a result of final exams being scheduled on the last two days of Passover. These are holidays during which observant Jews can neither travel nor write. It is hoped that this problem can be avoided in the future.

Course Withdrawal with Refund Dates ver the past few years the dates for refunds for withdrawing from some or all course has been set earlier and earlier. Government regulations have added to this problem. However, there have been some situations which required adjustment which was not forthcoming.

Admissions Info/Referral

Graduate*

1 13 6 20

11 65

151

V is itin g

ConL Ed. 11 43

9 113 29

Data M issing

Other

P rofessor

Staff

A ll Program s

3

0 0 0

0 0 4

0 0 0

21 175 54

7

0

4

0

250

0 2

0 4

1 3

Table 2: Intervention by first contact date A dm issions

Info/Ref errai

Complaint 4

63

5

No Intervention

17

112

49

Intervention Required or Not

21

175

54

Required Intevention

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Table 3: Problem Type by Faculty I Info/Referral Ü Complaint

E3 Admissions

A

A

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OMBUDSPERSON FOR STUDENTS Terms of Reference

TheroleoftheOMBUDSPERSONFORSTUDENTSis toreceivecomplaintsfromthestudentsandtotryandresolvethosecomplaints throughinformal negotiationswithaviewtoavoid,themoreformal grievance procedures alreadyexisting at the University Appointment

The OMBUDSPERSONis appointed by the Board of Governors onthe recommendation of ajoint Senate/Board committee, onequarter ofwhose members will bestudents Working Conditions

TheOMBUDSPERSONis appointedfor atermoffiveyears.

TheOMBUDSPERSONisamemberoftheMcGill Facultyrespectedbystaffandstudents. ThehalftimeOmbudsperson'sappointment is subject toafixedformulafor meritIncreases equivalentto50%oftheUniversity's averageacademicmerit, unless theacademic halfappointmentis higher. Wheretheacademic half is higher, theOmbudsperson's half appointmentmeritcomponentwill follow.

Office Facilities

TheOMBUDSPERSONis provided withaseparateOffice, appropriatesecretarial supportandon-going answering phonefacilities.

Functions

TheOMBUDSPERSONis an impartial arbitrator, as freeas possible fromconflict of interest situations.

TheOMBUDSPERSONinvestigates, at the request ofany memberofthestudent body, anycomplaintthat mayarise betweenthat studentandthe University oranyonein the Universityexercisingauthority.

TheOMBUDSPERSONbringshisorherfindings andrecommendationstotheattentionofthoseinauthoritybythemostexpeditious means possible.

TheOMBUDSPERSONinvestigatesanyapparentinadequaciesinexistingUniversityprocedureswhichmayjeopardizethenghtsand liberties of anymembers of the Universitycommunity.

TheOMBUDSPERSONformulates recommendationswhich arenot tobeconstruedasformal policy.

TheOMBUDSPERSON, if required bybothparties, mediates disputes between grieving parties.

Confidentiality

The OMBUDSPERSONtreats all complaints inaconfidential mannerwhere appropriate with the utmost care and respect for the individuals concerned.

The OMBUDSPERSON has access in accordance with lawtoall official files and information as are required tofulfill his or her functions.

Scope

Inquiries made bytheOMBUDSPERSONtomembers oftheUniversity receive respectful attentionandare treatedwithreasonable promptness. , .

The OMBUDSPERSONdoes not make University policy or replaceproper legal channels; heor she acts solelyin anadvisory and intermediary role. , .

The OMBUDSPERSON exercises no powers that are beyond the legal scope of the University. He or she can only make recommendations regardingactions or policywithinthescopeofthe University.

Annual Report

Table 1: Problem Type by Faculty Undergrad.

TheOMBUDSPERSONprovides awritten report of theactivities anddecisions ofhis or herofficeannuallytothe Senate.

This annual reportindicates theprogress of theOMBUDSPERSON’Sofficeandindicates any recommendationsfor improvement

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?

9 8CT>

•c

&

C 111

Graduate*

Undergrad.

Male Female GfOU£_ Missinq Data Missinq Data Both Genders

73 76 2 0 0 151

V is itin g

C onL Ed. 30 35 0 0 0 65

9 11 0 0 0 20

co

P rofessor

Staff 2 1 0 0

2 5 0 0

0 3

0 7

8 i <8 CO £

1 CO 0o

0

2 2 0 0 0 4

i £• 8 03» 5 “■

A ll P rogram s

Data M issing

O ther 0 0 0 0 0

1 “>

0 0 0 0

118 130 2 0

0 0

0 250

Table 4/2; Problem Type by FacuIty All Programs Admissions

21

Complaint

175 54

Info/Referral

250

All Problem Types

For example, a married student (with children) whose husband was suddenly transferred to another city, and who was thus forced to withdraw one day after the deadline, was charged full fees, including student fees.

Another student who withdrew a week late due to emer­ gency circumstances which left her without the neces­ sary funds to continue her education was refused any special consideration. This past year the final date for withdrawal with refund was Sunday, Sept. 22,1991, or Sunday, January 26,1992 for the winter term. It appears that extenuating circumstances should be considered, particularly in relation to total withdrawal from the Univer­ sity.

Student Run Health Insurance Plan uring that past five years, nothing has caused as much turmoil and concern among students (and their parents) calling the Ombuds office as the newly instituted health insurance scheme. The situation was aggravated by instituting the plan in January and sending bills out separately from the regular fee statements. Part time students were particularly annoyed and pointed out that they are ineligible for the services they wish but included in this plan without their consent. I met with the people concerned in administering the plan and hope that some changes are being made which will resolve this problem. I realize that this comes under the jurisdiction of the Students' Society but since the billing came from the cashier’s office many parents considered it a “ McGill Problem.” It most certainly was an “ Ombuds" problem in April and May 1992.

Students with a Disability his year, once again, I dealt with a number of disabled students who were having difficulty coping with the University bureaucracy and what they considered the University’s lack of concern for their rights and their special needs. I worked closely with Mrs. Aikens on these concerns, some of which were resolved to the student’s satisfaction, some of which were not. I am delighted that the University has decided to hire a full time person to handle these serious issues and hope that Peter Cooperman's energy and expertise will help disabled students gain their rightful place at McGill. The issue of the location of the office on the third floor of the Powell Building remains a troublesome one. It appears some­ what paradoxical that the office of the co-ordinator of services for disabled students is inaccessible to the physically disabled. I would like to suggest that an exten­ sive educational program is needed throughout the cam­ pus in order that staff, administrators, faculty and stu­ dents increase their awareness of the complex needs of these students. Only then will McGill become the “ kinder, gentler” place it professes to be.

Harassment everal students have come to me to discuss issues of harassment, both sexual and other forms. Most of them do not want to take action as they fear the repercus­ sions of doing so. They simply want a sympathetic listener who will give some advice about how best to cope. Those who are prepared to go forward I refer to the Sexual Harassment Officers, if their complaints fit into that category. Several students have come to complain about our sexual harassment policy as they feel it leaves them unprotected and without an advocate. I strongly support the student initiative for a review of our policies and procedures in this area and for ongoing student participation in the establishment and review of the Uni­ versity’s sexual harassment policies and procedures.

Many Canadian Universities have instituted new policies

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over the past two or three years and I feel it is time for us to take another look at all available data, and if it is felt warranted, then to amend our policies to reflect the new knowledge and experiences in this serious problem area.

Unwelcome sexual advances create a hostile environ­ ment, one which shakes the very underpinnings upon which the University is based.

Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons ur association is growing as more colleges and universitiesacrossCanadaappointOmbudspersons.

Together we struggle to develop new and better ways to help our constituents solve their problems. The support and encouragement we give to and get from each other helps to keep us on track. In Quebec, we meet regularly to share ideas and concerns. In these days of tight budgets and cost cutting, tensions run high and Ombuds offices are kept busy, The back up we provide for each other is invaluable. The tragedy which occu rred this year at Concordia University reminds us of our vulnerability, and the need for developing support systems within our institutions.

We also m aintain ongoing co n tact w ith Ombudspersons at our sister universities in the United States. Last April we held a joint Canadian-American Ombuds conference in Columbus, Ohio which proved to a most informative experience. Our meetings inevitably result in new ideas and new challenges.

CONCLUSION he past five years have taught me that the ombudsperson wears many hats. Itis sometimes our function to simply listen and offer respectforthe feelings of the person who has come to consult us. The student may “just want to be heard" and may decide to take no further action. With other students it may be necessary to conduct a fair, prompt, impartial but thorough inves­ tigation and then try to resolve the matter as quickly and calmly as possible. For others a g devance or appeal may be the next step. What is important is that we provide responsible options from which the student can choose The ombudsperson has the designated responsibility to help those students who come to us for assistance. Our power may be intangible but we have a valuable role to play in ameliorating conflict. By establishing the office of the ombudsperson, the University has clearly stated its commitment to remedy inequities wherever possible.

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”Ombudsmen act as counsellors, investigators, mediators andshuttle diplomats.... Successful practi­ tionersareverypatient (because theycanneverdecide anything), andtheynevergiveuponaproblem, so they mayappeartobesomewhatstubborn, albeitpolite. ’’ I begin my sixth year as Ombudsperson for Stu­ dents at McGill with energy and enthusiasm. I feel confident that natural justice will prevail and that the University community, faculty, staff and students will move forward hand in hand to accomplish the goals of the University... to provide a superioreducation for all in climate of co-operation and mutual respect.

Respectfully submitted, Annette Werk, Associate Professor, Ombudsperson for Students.

'M . Rowe, Practice and Perspective, The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1988.