Print Edition of The Observer for Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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The independent

To uncover

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the truth

Notre Dame and

and report

Saint Mary’s

it accurately

Volume 51, Issue 18 | Wednesday, September 14, 2016 | ndsmcobserver.com

Notre Dame, ESPN deliver oral arguments Indiana Supreme Court to rule on case concerning access to Notre Dame Security Police records Observer Staff Report

The Supreme Court of Indiana heard arguments from attorneys representing Notre Dame and ESPN on Tuesday, the latest development in an ongoing case hinging on the status of Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) as a public or private agency. Like police departments across the state, NDSP responds to, investigates, interrogates and arrests individuals for crimes such as robbery, rape and assault, ESPN attorney Maggie Smith

said, according to an audio recording of the oral arguments available on the Indiana Judicial Branch’s website. “But unlike all the other police departments in the state, including those at public universities, Notre Dame wants to keep all the records of their police department secret and insulated from the public accountability that all of the other police departments in the state have,” Smith said. Notre Dame attorney Peter Rusthoven said when see ESPN PAGE 3

LINDSEY MEYERS | The Observer

SMC professor names new parasite after Obama By SYDNEY DOYLE News Writer

In 2008, retired Saint Mary’s biology professor Thomas Platt was granted a two month sabbatical from the College. He used that period of time, between January and March, to study parasites in Malaysia. That’s where he discovered the parasite he named Baracktrema obamai after President Barack Obama. Platt stayed and conducted his research at Universiti Putra in Malaysia, where he spent his

time dissecting turtles. Platt said he has devoted the bulk of his life to studying the parasites of turtles, and this is where he made his now-famous discovery. “During the course of those dissections, I found what I was absolutely certain was a new species,” Platt said. “And I knew that as soon as I saw it.” The new species of parasite was found in the circulatory system of the lungs of turtles. The parasite is measured to be two inches long and thinner than a stand of hair. The parasite was

found in two species of turtles: the Black Marsh turtle and the Asian Box turtle. Platt said as a taxonomist, it is his job is to discover, name and categorize species for other scientists can use them in research. He said his goal is simply to increase human awareness of what is living on Earth. “What I’m attempting to do is add to our knowledge of diversity on the planet,” Platt said. “If somebody then utilizes the see PARASITE PAGE 5

ND to turn over finances in suit Observer Staff Report

The University will be required to turn over evidence showing financial support received by Notre Dame from the family and businesses tied to a former academic coach who allegedly harassed a Notre Dame student, according to an article from the South Bend Tribune. The lawsuit, filed Oct. 30, 2015, alleges the University employee coerced the student into a sexual relationship with her daughter, according to court documents.

An order was filed in the St. Joseph Circuit Court last week, and Special Judge Michael Scopelitis ruled today that Notre Dame must turn over certain records that show the financial ties between the former tutor’s family and the University, the Tribune reported Tuesday. Earlier this month, the lawsuit claimed the University employee had previously harassed a different student, but that the University had failed to see HARASSMENT PAGE 3

Faculty weigh in on proposed core curriculum By MEGAN VALLEY News Writer

The Core Curriculum Review Committee released its final report Aug. 31, after taking feedback on a draft report released last November. The proposed changes would reduce the number of required math and science courses and modify the requirements related to the arts, humanities and social sciences. According to the report, if the changes are accepted, they will be the most significant changes to the core curriculum

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in more than 40 years. In order to take effect, the Academic Council and University President Fr. John Jenkins will have to approve the proposal. “The old requirement was two math, two science and now it’s one of each plus one more of either — so it indicates a bit of a decrease,” mathematics department chair Jeffrey Diller said. “No one likes to see their own area deemphasized. That said, there seems to be a ton of interest see CORE PAGE 5

VIEWPOINT PAGE 6

LINDSEY MEYERS | The Observer

SCENE PAGE 8

MeN’s SOCCER PAGE 16

FOOTBALL PAGE 16


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