The Vista October 10, 1991

Page 1

University of Central Oklahoma

The Student Voice Since 1903

THURSDAY October 10, 1991

Retired prof sues UCO, officials Seeks $10,000, alleges breach of contract HB 1017 allies moving ahead OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Supporters of House Bill 1017 appear to have the most ammunition heading into the home stretch of the long and intense political battle over the 1990 education reform and tax package. Those seeking repeal of the plan admit they are probably behind at this point in the campaign, mainly because the other side has the funds to conduct an extensive advetising campaign. "I would say we are behind. From evey poll I've seen, we've got ground to make up," said Dan Brown of the Oklahoma Taxpayers Union.

By Kathy Karr

Staff Writer A lawsuit has been filed against University of Central Oklahoma administrators by former UCO English professor Emmett Phillip alleging a breach of contract in a case involving the retirement of a UCO professor among student complaints of sexual harassment. Phillips retired early this year and an agreement was made, according to documents filed in the Oklahoma County District Court, to keep sexual harassment complaints against Phillips confidential. In the suit filed Sept. 30, 1991, Phillips contends that Dr. Clyde Jacob, vicepresident of academic affairs, violated the confidential agreement when he discussed the investigation and gave Phillips' name to reporters, and an article reciting the details

appeared in the Feb. 18, 1991 edition of The Daily Oklahoman. Phillips filed three courses of action, demanding an amount in excess for each of $10,000 plus attorney fees, all court costs and "for such other and further relief to which the plaintiff may be entitled and the court may deem just and proper." University president Dr. Bill Lillard; Dr. Joyce Mounce, vice-president of administration; the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges and Jacob are all named as defendants in the suit. According to documents filed in the Oklahoma County District Court, an agreement was reached upon Phillips' retirement to keep the investigation of sexual harassment confidential in order to ensure that Phillips could seek a position at another institution.

Phillips had been under investigation for sexual harassment since the early part of 1991, according to the petition filed in the Oklahoma County District Court. Phillips charges in the suit that by allowing his name to be revealed in the investigation, according to the suit, he suffered "public humiliation, embarrassment, threats, harassment and loss of employment opportunities all to his detriment..." "My feeling is that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it personally since myself and other administrators are named in the suit," said Jacob. "Questions regarding the suit should be referred to legal counsel." Lillard, when contacted, also referred questions to attorney Sheridan Mcafferty but Mcafferty could not be reached. V

Southern Baptists spread good news NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Southern Baptists hope a series of television ads will polish an image tarnished by squabbles within the denomination. Baptists will try to match the technical competence of public service announcements made famous by the Mormans ove the last 20 years, but the similarities end there, said Mark Coppenger, the new spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention here. "But we're not out to imitate them," Coppenger said. "We don't want to come off as Morman Lite." Baptist officers say the venture is part of a strategy to put before the public good news from the nation's largest Protestant denomination.

Principal released on pot charge

PAULS VALLEY, Okla. (AP).--The principal of Pauls Valley High School is free on bond today after being arrested while allegedly attempting to purchase two pounds of marijuana, prosecutors say. Bryan County District Attorney Thereas McGehee said authorities arrested Jack Hester, 41, on Monday and seized the marijuana and $1,600 they allege he was going to use to buy the drug. Hester has been principal at Pauls Valley the past three years after working in the Yukon school system as a teacher, coach and principal. Pauls Valley superintendent said he will recommend to the school board that Hester be suspended with pay until the case is settled. See WORLD WRAP back page

Homecoming Queen Candidates— From left: Jenny Parton, Jennifer Davis, Lisa Goodwin, Joanne Wong and Kristy Blackwood. (Photo by Mark Zimmerman)

UCO tosses player off team after arrest By Penny Owen

Staff Writer

University of Central Oklahoma starting quarterback Ben E. Morrison, Jr. was suspended from playing football Saturday following a public intoxication arrest earlier that morning. Sports Information Director Mike Kirk said Morrison was kicked off the team for several team rule violations, but would not say whether the public drunk arrest was a factor. The 22-year-old senior from Tulsa was hailed as a superb athlete promising to spearhead the team's offense this season, according to UCO's 1991 Football Media Guide. Two months later he faces charges of public drunk and giving a false name to a police officer.

Ben E. Morrison, Jr.

The incident occurred about 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning when an intoxicated Morrison got out of his car at the Brentwood Forest Apts. in Edmond, said Edmond police reports. Officer Boyd Mize stopped him for questioning and noticed a strong alcohol odor, slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.

When asked for identification, a belligerent Morrison gave the name of 'Thomas DeWayne Littlejohn,' according to the police report. The arresting officer recognized Morrison from a previous contact and took him to jail, where he admitted his true identity. After posting a $114 bond, Morrison was released that day. He will be arraigned later this month. A guilty plea to the public intoxication charge carries a $100 fine, while the false information charge assesses up to a $200 fine. Morrison's full scholarship has also been revoked, which means he will not receive his monthly check to support off-campus living expenses. However, since tuition has already been paid and the deadline for refund has passed, Morrison can continue attending class. Replacing Morrison as starting quarterback is Mark Reiland, a junior who transferred from West Texas State. V


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The Vista October 10, 1991 by The Vista - Issuu