DO IT YOURSELF Creative Campus plans sessions on hands-on projects CULTURE PAGE 6
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Serving the University of Alabama since 1894
Vol. 119, Issue 40
NEWS | LAW SCHOOL
Former Attorney General speaks at law school Gonzales spoke briefly to the crowd and then opened up the floor for questions from the audience. Joseph Siegelman, a third year law student and the son of By Chandler Wright the former governor, asked about Contributing Writer Gonzales’ knowledge of inconsisFormer U.S. Attorney General tencies that existed during his Alberto Gonzales spoke at the father’s trial. “I don’t interject myself into University of Alabama School of Law last night and answered those decisions,” Gonzales tough questions about the pros- said. “That is the responsibilecution of former Alabama Gov. ity of the Office of Professional Responsibility. I don’t know the Don Siegelman.
Don Siegelman trial topic of discussion
intricacies of this case, but I get asked questions like this a lot, and I always answer the same: No one lobbied me to move forward or stop with this investigation.” Siegelman was convicted in 2006 of seven charges of bribery and mail fraud in connection with Richard Scrushy, the founder and former CEO of HealthSouth. According to al.com, U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of
Michigan sent a letter to Gonzales in July 2007 requesting, “documents and information concerning the prosecution of former Gov. Don Siegelman.” Gonzales resigned in September 2007. “I felt compelled to ask Gonzales these questions,” Joseph Siegelman said. “I feel the Alabama press has failed to report on things that have been going on.” Siegelman was not the only
“
I don’t know a lot about Alabama’s immigration laws, but I do think that our states are trying to appease their constituents. — Alberto Gonzales
student who raised questions about his father’s case. A number of other students also asked Gonzales pointed questions
about his knowledge of any wrongdoings in the case. “I was really honored to see everything that my classmates said, as well,” Siegelman said. “Many of them, because they know me, have shown an interest in the case, but I never thought they’d be compelled to confront the former Attorney General of the United States with such questions.” SEE GONZALES PAGE 5
NEWS | STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
CULTURE | KENTUCK
UA SGA leaders outline changes to code of ethics
Kentuck Festival of the Arts returns for 41st year
Amendments to last year’s policy passed By Melissa Brown News Editor
The Student Government Association has adopted new amendments to its ethics bill that outline minor and major violations that will result in specific sanctions if committed by SGA members. SGA Attorney General Ashley Vickers said the ethics bill, which was added to the Code of Laws during the 20112012 academic year, lacked effectiveness and wasn’t enforceable because the original language lacked specifics. “What we kind of saw a need to do in my office and throughout SGA is create specifics for our ethical expectations, rather than just stating, ‘You should be ethical,’” she said. According to the bill, which was authored by Vickers, the new amendments define “minor” and “major” violations. Minor violations include “MIP [minor in possession], MIC [minor in consumption], MIL [minor in lounge], Possession of a Fake ID, Academic Misconduct, or any action which is unbecoming of a member of the SGA.” SGA members who commit minor violations will be required to complete 10 hours of community service in addition to hours required by University, local or federal
laws. Minor violators will not be in danger of expulsion, suspension, barring from future office or suspension of pay, according to the bill. Major violations include “DUI, Public Intoxication, possession of any illegal drugs, assault, theft, or any action which irreparably harms the image, mission or success of the SGA.” Under a major violation, SGA members would be subject to minimum sanctions, including 20 community service hours and disqualification for any end-of-theyear awards or accolades. Violators could also face suspension or expulsion from office, withholding of pay, removal of parking privileges or permanent expulsion from SGA. Vickers said including these specifics in the bill would benefit SGA members and UA students. “This is kind of a safeguard for the SGA for years to come and also holds us to a higher standard, rather than just adding fluff to the document,” she said. “That’s what I wanted to do, to give this some teeth and make ourselves accountable to students.” Members will sign a waiver stating that if they are referred to Judicial Affairs for any violation, Judicial Affairs then has the right to inform the SGA advisor who will then notify the attorney general.
Submitted
Submitted
CW | Austin Bigoney
Submitted
More than 400 local artists to participate By Kristen Feyt Contributing Writer Ranked in the “2012 Top Ten Fairs and Festivals,” the Kentuck Festival of the Arts will return this year with 265 booths and more than 400 artists. The festival, in its 41st year, will take place Oct. 20 and 21 and
feature artists ranging from folk to contemporary. The festival originally began as a celebration for Northport, Ala., in 1971 and was so popular that it eventually grew over four decades to become the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. “Every year, Kentuck is a mix of favorites,” Jan Pruitt, executive director of Kentuck, said. “It’s going to be more of the same great
stuff we always have, with a few new great features put in.” This year, the festival will feature an acoustic stage for musicians not only to perform their music, but also to teach the audience how to write and compose their own songs. Other interactive demonstrations include basket making, woodworking, blacksmith demonstrations, jewelry making, as well as free hands-on art
making for children. “Visitors return every year because Kentuck is strictly an arts festival, one that ensures quality through a jury process to determine the artist that will be featured in the festival,” Pruitt said. Sarah Earnest, a senior majoring in graphic design, has attended every year since she was young. SEE KENTUCK PAGE 2
SEE ETHICS PAGE 2
SPORTS | FISHING
Alabama’s fishing team nationally recognized since 2006 founding Team hopes NCAA recognition will come By Collin Ciepiela Contributing Writer Looking for a leisurely day on the water? You won’t find it as a member of Alabama’s competitive fishing team. This little-known UA team competes for national accolades year in and year out, and it’s not football. The club fishing team has been collecting awards er • Plea s
er • Plea
ap
ecycle this p
ap
er
since its establishment in 2006. “We, as a team, have competed very well in the past few national championships and have placed numerous top-5 finishes in other large tournaments,” Dustin Connell, threetime University of Alabama Angler of the Year, said. The team won the first national championship in its inaugural season of 2006 and recently has had many top finishes. The 24-member team took fourth place in the College Bass National Championships in July
INSIDE today’s paper
and placed fourth at the SEC FLW College Championship, qualifying the team for the national championships in the spring. Like any other sport, there is a system of ranking the top teams nationwide. The Association of Collegiate Anglers system is recognized as being the most efficient and accurate, according to head angler Logan Johnson. Alabama is currently ranked ninth out of 500 teams. The team’s events also often get broadcasted nationwide.
The main networks to tune in and watch are NBC Sports and ESPNU. The team will compete Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. on NBC Sports. “I would have to say that the media exposure that we receive has to be the most exciting part about it,” angler Keith Kirkley said. “The tournament that stands out to me the most is the recent national championship at Pickwick Lake, where our team received a lot of television time.”
Briefs ........................2
Sports .......................8
Opinions ...................4
Puzzles......................7
Culture ...................... 6
Classifieds ................ 7
Submitted
The UA fishing team has been collecting awards since its SEE FISHING PAGE 2 establishment in 2006.
WEATHER today
Clear
79º/59º
Thursday 75º/46º Chance of a thunderstorm
cl e recy this p se