MINARET UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1933
THE
Vo l u m e 7 7 N u m b e r 9
•
October 22, 2010
•
ut.minaret@gmail.com
•
minaretblog.com
•
theminaretonline.com
Reckless Driving Leads to Parking Garage Wrecks Questions Remain Over Who is Responsible After Accidents Occur By RICHARD SOLOMON News Reporter
So far this semester, there has been over 12 accidents in both West and Thomas parking garages. Charles Mascenik has been working at the University of Tampa for over 17 years. As the director of Campus Safety and Security, Mascenik has seen a never-ending flow of vehicle accident reports. “It’s a recurring thing. The number increases every year as enrollment increases. More students means more cars,”said Mascenik. With many commuters and residents driving and enrollment at an all time high, parking is a concern to many UT students, and accidents in the parking garages are not an unknown occurrence. Senior Marcello Gerez is no stranger to coming back to a beat up car. “My car was hit while it was parked in West [Parking Garage]. The core of it was hit, I had no idea what happened or even when it happened. It could have been hit at dawn for all I knew,” said Gerez. Mascenik blames the problem on students who are in a rush. “All these last minute people come in, commuters and residents, and they’re all looking for these close parking spaces. The fifth and sixth floors of West are vacant every day but people would rather ride Abby Sanford/The Minaret around than park up there.” With many commuters and residents driving and enrollment at an all time high, parking is a concern to many UT students, and accidents in the [See Wrecks, 2] parking garages are not an unknown occurrence.
‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Debate Continues Days After Repeal By TRINITY MORGAN Special to The Minaret
Attorneys for the Obama administration objected to an injunction proposed by a California Federal Judge. The ruling had immediately halted the military’s current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. California Federal Judge Virginia Phillips, who previously declared the policy unconstitutional, said that the policy makes recruitment even more difficult because it deters men and women who would otherwise join the military. This could potentially be detrimental during wartime when the military can use all the manpower available; the policy is especially cumbersome overseas when
qualified men and women are being sent home because of their sexual orientation. The White House attorneys, however, disagree with the injunction despite President Obama’s efforts to lift the ban. Federal attorneys said that the immediate
[
could “irreparably harm the public interest in a strong and effective military.” The Justice Department asked Judge Phillips to overturn her ruling and to do so swiftly, “given the urgency and gravity of the issues.”
]
“Everyone has to give up something to be in the military, and that’s just one thing gay people have to give up to join — their right to be open about it.”
- Sarah Novio, UT Junior
injunction of a law that has been in effect for 17 years is too abrupt a change, deeming it “enormously disruptive” and potentially hazardous for combat operations because it
NEWS Speaking Center Plans to Improve Verbal Skills
[Page 4]
policy is unconstitutional. He also criticized president Obama saying, “The President of the United States has no military experience, no impact with the military…and has made this decision because of a political promise to the gay and lesbian community.” On the issue’s relation to the Senate, McCain said, “Absolutely I will filibuster or stop it from being brought up until we have a thorough and complete study on the effect of morale and battle effectiveness.” Gay rights activists who cheered when Judge Phillips issued the injunction are planning to protest the Justice Department’s proposed stay of the injunction. Ashley Olen, a senior at the University of Tampa majoring in education, says that the idea of hiding one’s sexual
Former presidential candidate John McCain gave his opinion during Arizona’s Channel 12 Sunday Square Off. He criticized Judge Phillips ruling that the
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
[See Repeal, 5]
COMMENTARY
‘Zebratown’ Author Greg Donaldson Visits UT
Only Teaching Tolerance is Not Enough; Prioritize on Respect
[Page 7]
[Page 12]