The Student Voice of Montclair State University Since 1928 Volume XCIV, Issue 2
THEMONTCLARION.ORG
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Buono Gets Scandal-ous
From Jest To Arrest
MSU To Visit Obama
Ethan Fria News Editor
A “prank” was taken too far on Saturday night when a student was approached from behind by two freshmen, one of whom held an unidentified object against the back of the victim’s neck while the other searched his pockets, according to a campus-wide email sent by the University police department. Gerhard Patterson, 18, of Shamong, and Benjamin Izlar, 18, of Asbury Park, have been charged with criminal attempt and robbery. They were served a warrant, arrested, processed and released after making bail, according to Lieutenant Kieran Barrett.. The suspects were arrested on Sunday around 3 p.m. and their first court appearance took place on Tuesday night in Little Falls Municipal Court.. In such matters, University Police reserve the right to press charges on the suspects. Lt. Barrett denoted the case as out of the ordinary. “This is an unusual case in the sense that we rarely see people joking about serious offenses. The victim in this case feared imminent danger and it is certainly not a laughing matter or a joke,” said Lt. Barrett. Because the victim spoke to the suspects after they tried to rob him/her, the identification of the suspects was easily obtainable. After the email was sent out, the police confirmed several sources in regards to the identity of the suspects. The suspects themselves later showed up at the station and turned themselves in. Students around the campus were astonished at hearing the news—that astonishment bordered on amusement once the details were released. Nevertheless, it is no laughing matter, Barrett says. “This is a crime—it is not for us to interpret intention. You can’t just say ‘just kidding’ when it comes to a defense of crime.” Jest continued on Page 5.
Catherine Mack Contributing Writer
Buono reaches out into the crowd at her rally.
Ethan Fria News Editor State Senator Barbara Buono brought some celebrity flair to her campaign when she brought actress Kerry Washington to Montclair State for one of her political rallies on Sunday. With the gubernatorial elections only eight weeks away, this rally was key in garnering support for the progressive platform that Buono and her running mate, Milli Silva, who is also Washington’s cousin, represent. Tom Giblin, an assemblyman representing New Jersey’s 34th District, was
in attendance. His opening speech gave full support to Buono’s campaign before welcoming to the school Kerry Washington, the Emmy-nominated star from the ABC drama Scandal. Hoots and hollers of Olivia Pope—the lead character of Scandal—were heard from the crowd as Washington took the podium. She attacked Christie on his policies regarding education, pro-choice and equal marriage, among other hot topics. Many New Jersey residents were skeptical as to why Washington was com-
of their member initiation, also known as the pledging process, and have been taking part in for many years. The reorganization has eliminated the practices of social probation, or students being prohibited from speaking to people outside of their organization, wearing uniforms in a workplace on campus and marching on campus. Students pledging Greek organizations are expected to “act appropriately for relevant activities in the
Barack Obama has been committed to encouraging interfaith cooperation and community service since his inauguration. He has noticed that many social changes originate on college campuses. Encouraging individual students and organizations to be a part of this campaign, he began the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge as an annual conference to promote the ideal of people of all faiths working together to better the community. The religious organizations on campus are taking a trip to Washington, D.C. for this conference. Specific delegates from each of the interfaith organizations on campus alongside different faculty members were chosen to attend. This trip is a unique opportunity to interact with experts and officials who are committed to community service within interfaith organizations. The event is designed to aid both campuses trying to get interfaith organizations started and those with longstanding organizations. The event is designed to celebrate the work currently occurring on campuses as well as providing students with opportunities to develop skills in interfaith cooperation and community service that will carry on throughout their lives. The participants will be able to tell stories about what they are doing on their campuses, learn about how to run their organizations more smoothly and celebrate ongoing work so they will be ready to return to campus, inspired to take the president’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus challenge to a higher level. Weaam Ali, a delegate from the Muslim Students Association, said, “I am really excited and just don’t know what to expect. I did not suspect that I was ever going be chosen to attend this event,
Greek continued on Page 5.
Faith continued on Page 5.
The Montclarion | Jordan Manglona
menting on how the state was being run even though she was born in New York and lives in California. The top comment on a northjersey.com article about the event said, “Hey Kerry, go back to LA and stay out of our business.” Students in attendance were of a different persuasion. Abigail Charles, a psychology major, said, “I think [Washington] did a good job connecting to everyone in the audience. The fact that she’s a celebrity allowed for more people to Rally continued on Page 5.
It’s Not Greek To Me
Greek organizations participating in the Greek Fair.
Kelly Potts Staff Writer Greek Life will be undergoing many huge changes during this semester. These changes include putting restraints on many things that are part of each organization’s initiation process and suspending pledging for the Fall 2013 semester to try and give Greeks an opportunity to develop their process, values and academics. In a letter sent to faculty and staff at the beginning of this semester, Dr. Karen
Pennington stated, “Toward the close of the 2012-2013 academic year, a group of University administrators gathered to discuss the state of the Greek (fraternity and sorority) community.” At this meeting, many changes to the system were made after administrators closely assessed the processes and rituals that Greek organizations have their new members go through each semester. The changes include removal or tweaking to many things that Greek organizations consider part
The Montclarion | Lynka Tanaka
News, p. 3
Feature, p. 7
Opinion, p. 15
A&E, p. 20
Sports, p. 24
People You Should Know at MSU
Girls Who Love Football
An Assault To Comedy
The Drama of The Emmy Awards
Is The Big Apple Big Enough?
A list of mustknow contacts for any MSU student, transfer, freshman and returning ones alike.
The art of the pratical joke is an art that has never died.
Could the most glorified franchise in all of baseball be potentially taking a back seat to their city rivals in the upcoming future?