University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY April 12, 1994
The Student Voice Since 1903
Crime and punishment Caning sentence reveals differences between cultures, customs, crime By Carol Cole Mills Guest Writer Steps down the corridor terrify the young man, says his family. Every time he hears them it could be time — time for the Singaporean mandated caning of the American teenage backside of Michael Peter Fay. Sentencing of the 18-year-old Fay to six strokes of a rattan cane and four months in a Singapore prison for spray painting several vehicles sparked debates worldwide between human rights activists and those believing the caning could better be described as torture. "I understand where they're (persons advocating caning Fay) coming from, but I don' t know how anyone could watch (NB CTV' s) "Now" and still want the boy caned for anon-violent crime," said Fay's cousin,
Cindy Jones Santiago, an Oklahoma City resident. President of the University of Central Oklahoma's Singapore Student Association, Jackie Soh, said the caning is just as controversial among the Singaporean student population as it is in the rest of the country and even in Singapore. "The general consensus is that Michael Fay Fay committed the crime in Singapore, and he should have to abide by their laws and punishments," said Soh. "The crux of the controversy is whether the punishment is appropriate be-
cause it's not a violent crime." "Now" showed a martial arts expert demonstrating one stroke of the cane with a student specially padded for the demonstration. Even with padding, the stroke leveled the student who was not immediately able to get up. Fay's family is fighting the sentence, so far to no avail. One of their contentions is that Fay suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADM.) Fay was diagnosed in early puberty with the disorder and takes medication daily to control the condition. "Because of the disorder, the sentence is so much more severe," said S antiago. "He's become depressed and suicidal. We're afraid he may not survive the sentence." Dr. Peggy Kerr, assistant professor of psychology at UCO, said ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness and
inattention. "Even with medication, it (ADHD) can significantly affect behavior," said Kerr. ADHD is typically treated with stimulant medication and therapy, she said. But Kerr thinks this doesn't excuse Fay . "Our own prisons are probably full of people who have ADHD and other psychological problems. That doesn't excuse the fact that they committed the crime," she said. "We don't take our own criminals and excuse them for ADHD." Fay, examined by Singapore government psychiatrist Ang Ah Ling, found Fay was not suffering from any psychiatric abnormalities. American and Singapore politicians have become embroiled in the case, with President Clinton labeling the punishment "excessive." • See CANING, Page 5
•
FACing tHE pain: thefight against rape
Ordeal continues through rape exams By Janet Runge Staff Writer
This is part two of a four-part series about rape. The series is featured in the Tuesday editions.
Rape: The process after the crime. A study done at the Tulsa Institute of Behavioral Sciences states that four out of five women were too embarrassed to report a rape, and many don't. Dr. Lewis Irving, professor of sociology at the University of Central Oklahoma, said that a lot of women don't want the hassle of reporting, they don't want to go to court, and they don't want to submit to an exam.
"In a rape the person's body is the crime scene," he said. "As a person, your personage is gone because they're doing to your body whatever has to be done." "Judy" was the victim of an acquaintance rape two years ago in Oklahoma City. "I offered to give a friend of a friend a ride home," she said. "When we got to his apartment parking lot he tried to rape me." After being assaulted, "Judy" went straight to her parents and together they called the police. With police escort, "Judy" and her parents went to University Hospital, where the majority of rape exams are performed in Oklahoma County. They were met at the door by rape crisis volunteers. "They were wonderful," said "Judy." "They stayed with me the whole time and explained every procedure." Carol Cumbie, R.N.C.E.N., and assistant See RAPE, Page 4
Victims Are Almost 6 Times More Likely To Have An Exam If They Report Being Raped Within 72 Hours of the Attack Had Medical/Forensic Exam
89% No
38% No
Rape Reported After 72 Hours
Rape Reported Within 72 Hours
INSIDE TODAY Editorial 2 Letters 2 World Wrap 6 Around Campus 11 Comics 11
Two Cents
9
The Liberal Arts Symposium featured works from all kinds of students on campus.
Charley?
1
OUCO's music theater department is featuring a musical called "Where's Charley?"
Golf
8
UCO's golf team finishes fourth in the Kickingbird Golf Classic.