Concealed carry: Should you be able to have a hidden gun in public? OPINIONS, 4A
Santa comes to town early Consumers forced to endure Christmas season FEATURES, 6A
Tuesday November 13, 2012
The Daily Illini
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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871
Vol. 142 Issue 57
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Integrity statement resolution moves on U-C Senate to discuss whether to adopt proposal in December BY CORINNE RUFF STAFF WRITER
JONATHAN DAVIS THE DAILY ILLINI
Veteran and Parkland student Jose Gomez, president of the Student Veterans Association at Parkland, delivers closing remarks at the Veterans Day Ceremony in the Flag Lounge at Parkland College on Monday. Many speakers said they were happy to see veterans’ contributions honored.
Quinn expands program for military families DAILY ILLINI STAFF REPORT
A state program aiming to aid military families in buying a home for the fi rst time will receive more funding, Gov. Pat Quin n announced on Veterans Day. An additional $5 million will be allocated through a capital fund to the Welcome Home Heroes program. The program provides grants to military families to help them afford fi rst-time homeownership. The investment will enable the program to assist an additional 50 0 military families. “As we honor our Illinois heroes on Veterans Day, we
See HOUSING, Page 3A
Veterans honored at Parkland Speakers express support to all who serve armed forces BY ILYA GUREVIC STAFF WRITER
University of Illinois ROTC members made up the color guard that opened and closed for a Parkland College Veterans Day ceremony held at the campus’s Flag Lounge. Veterans from all five branches of the armed forces were recognized, and students and staff present held a moment of silence. The keynote speaker was veterans advocate “Mowhawk Man.” Mowhawk Man, who did not reveal his real name to attendees or The Daily Illini, is a supporter of the armed forces and a Ludlow, Ill., resident. He has spent 22 years on the road, crossing the country to
raise money for veteran causes and appear at events. During his speech, Mowhawk Man, who said he was inspired by his adoptive father’s service in the Vietnam War, voiced support for current and former members of the armed forces. He also praised veterans who are pursuing college degrees because he said they are continuing to serve their country by attaining a higher education. Mohawk Man also said the nonveteran backers of the military have a valued role to play. “With a simple smile and handshake, you make these veterans’ lives a better place,” he said. “With a simple thank you, you make them feel like their service is not in vain.” Kristina Taylor, coordinator of veterans and military personnel student services at Parkland College, said about 350 student veterans attend Parkland who benefit from GI Bill or state armed forces education benefits.
“It’s nice to have a ceremony to recognize veterans,” she said. “Often, they go unnoticed. People are surprised about how many we have.” Jeff Cox, Vietnam veteran and Parkland professor in computer science and information technology, also praised the event. “It was very nice to honor our veterans,” Cox said. “It’s not always been that way in our country.” Annette Dalton, of Fisher, Ill., is the sister of a fallen soldier and was also a guest at the commemoration. Her brother, Christopher Rudzinski, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Dalton said such events let her know that her brother’s memory continues to be honored. “It’s like when they play taps — it’s hard to listen anymore,” she said.
Ilya can be reached at gurevic2@ dailyillini.com.
After recent years marked by scandals within University administration, an Illinois Student Senate resolution to create a campuswide integrity statement will move on to the Urbana-Champaign Senate, following a move Monday by the Senate Executive Committee. Student senator Keenan Kassar, senior in Business, introduced the resolution to the committee at its regular meeting. “A couple months ago, I was looking to see if there was one integrity statement that was all-encompassing (for the University),” he said. “I did not fi nd that. Perhaps Chancellor Wise can create an ad hoc committee to draft a one-page statement.” Kassar said he has intentionally left the resolution broad because he did not want to impose his opinion on what the statement should encompass. He read the Purdue University statement to the committee as an example. “There are some things I would change (to the Purdue Statement), but it’s hard to disagree with any of this,” said Nicholas Burbules, general university policy chair and professor. “But that’s also the downside; to say something that everyone agrees with doesn’t really have power.” Burbules added that he wasn’t opposed to the idea and that the University could do a better job coming up with a unique statement. The executive committee moved to add the resolution to the December Urbana-Champaign Senate meeting for further debate and possible action. Committee members also discussed diversity efforts on campus. Chancellor Phyllis Wise is in the process of appointing a committee of faculty members to work with the University
See SEC, Page 3A
GEO says little progress made with mediator and ‘strike is on the table’ Members to cast vote on strike prospects BY LAUREN ROHR STAFF WRITER
The Graduate Employees’ Organization met at Wesley United Methodist Church on Monday night to further discuss the possibility of a strike. GEO spokeswoman Stephanie Sea well said this was an opportunity for members to talk about what a strike would mean for graduate assistants. She also said the meeting was the beginning of the next step in the strike process: a strike
INSIDE
authorization vote. A lt hough s ome GE O members voted at the meeting, members have until Thursday night to vote on the “concept of a strike,” Seawell said. If the vote passes, the GEO will form a strike committee, made up of its coordinating committee and a few other elected candidates. This committee will decide whether to issue a strike. From Tuesday to Thursday, members can vote at various polling places throughout campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or electronically from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. All votes will be counted Friday. Last month, the GEO fi led intent-to-strike paperwork with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board amid contract negotiations with
the University. This gave the organization legal permission to go on strike. Seawell said the vote is the next step in the process, which means “a strike is on the table.” However, members have said they do not wish to authorize a strike, as they would rather fi nalize the contract through mediation. “We want to settle this in the bargaining room, but in order for that to happen, we need the administration to talk to us about all of our issues, including tuition waivers ,” Seawell said. The GEO and University administrators met with a federal mediator Friday to discuss drafting a new contract,
See GEO, Page 3A
Salute to fallen comrades
STEVEN SENNE THE ASSOCIATE PRESS
Northeastern University ROTC cadets salute after placing a wreath at the school's Veterans Memorial during ceremonies on Northeastern's campus in Boston on Monday. Three new names were added to the memorial that honors students and alumni who died carrying out military duties.
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