Issue 31, Volume 121
Thursdy, October 4, 2012
Summitt files affidavit, claims forced retirement Lauren Kittrell Sports Editor
Preston Peeden Associate Editor Former Lady Vol sports information director Debby Jennings' lawsuit against the University of Tennessee and athletic director Dave Hart was amended Wednesday. The changes were made in response to refutations made by a UT official against the original suit's claim that Hart informed women's basketball head coach emeritus and coaching legend Pat Summitt that she would not be coaching the Lady Vols during the 2012-2013 season In her complaint, which was filed in federal court by attorney David A. Burkwalter, Jennings claims that part of her dismissal came from her protesting Hart's "discriminatory" actions towards Summitt and other older employees. The amendment was made to include a sworn affidavit from Summitt, corroborating Jennings' claim that a meeting occurred between herself and Hart in which his desire for Summitt's eminent retirement were made clear. According to Jennings, this meeting took place on March 14, a day before the team traveled to Chicago for the NCAA tournament. "During this one-on-one meeting, Dave Hart indicated to me that I would not be coaching the Lady Vol Basketball Team in the next school year (2012-2013), and that he planned to name Holly Warlick
as the head coach," Summitt said in the affidavit. Following this meeting, Summitt told several people, including Jennings, of Hart's intentions. Summitt also swore that she met once more with Hart following the March 14th meeting to claim that she had "misinterpreted what he said." In the complaint, UT Vice Chancellor of Communications Margie Nichols is quoted as saying that Jennings' claims were "absolutely not true," and that it was "Pat's idea to become head coach emeritus." Nichols statement was refuted in Summitt's affidavit. "Dave Hart told me I would still have an office in Thompson-Boling Arena and my title could Head Coach Emeritus," Summitt swore. "This was very surprising to me and very hurtful as that was a decision I would have liked to have made the season after consulting with my family, doctors, colleagues, and friends and not be told this by Mr. Hart. I felt this was wrong." In response to Summitt's meeting with Hart, Jennings sent an email to him stating her opposition to his decision. "I respectfully ask you to please reconsider this decision as it is no in the best interests of the University, and also, in view of Pat's condition is discriminatory and wrong," Jennings said in the missive. In response to her message, Hart dismissed her claims. "The email you sent me at 12:52 a.m. regarding Coach Summitt is so inaccurate on so many levels that it does not warrant a meaningful response," Hart said. Summitt coached for 39 seasons, winning eight national championships and compiling a record of 1098 wins to 208 losses.
File Photo • The Daily Beacon
Pat Summitt speaks during her retirement press confrence on April 19.
VolAware Fair increases stress awareness Manuela Haddad Contributor Chair massages, stress balls, manicures, therapy dogs and inflatable play areas: just a normal day in college, right? Maybe not, but that’s what yesterday looked like for students who attended the VolAware Street Fair from 10:00 to 4:30 on Pedestrian Walkway. The event was held to promote mental health and to raise awareness about mental health issues. There were booths from different organizations lining the walkway, and several were giving out prizes and free food. Though the fair was full of games, prizes and other lighthearted fun, its purpose was to bring awareness to a serious issue. Between classes, homework, social lives and planning for future careers, college students face plenty of stress. Krystal Barnes, an associate member of the Campus Ministries Council, said that taking one’s mind off of work for a bit can really help with stress. “Taking a break, even if it’s a five minute break. Talk with a good friend. Contact family. Doing something they (students) enjoy,” Barnes said, listing options that can help students de-stress. “I’m hoping that they’ll learn to handle stress. Hopefully, they’re able to cope better with their stuff,” she said. Pam Spindel is an Assessment and Observation Counselor from Cornerstone of Recovery, an alcohol and drug recovery center. She expressed a desire to help bring more awareness to the problems which stu-
dents face. “(I hope) that they’ll become more aware with the issues, especially with young adults,” Spindel said. “If they need us, we’re here.” Spindel acknowledged the common negative connotations associated with receiving aid for mental health, or admitting substance abuse problems. “One of the first things people say when they come up here is ‘I don’t drink,’” she said. Spindel also noted that the college social environment is a big culprit when it comes to alcohol abuse with students. “It’s the very first time they get away from home … what do they do? Party,” she said. In light of the recent PIKE suspension, which gained national attention after one student was hospitalized with a dangerous blood alcohol content level, this is something students can’t deny. Spindel said that having more events like this fair would bring more awareness to these issues, and hopefully reduce the stigma surrounding the idea of asking for help. Barnes and Spindel may be glad to hear that at least two students walked away from this fair having gained some useful information. Gray Coppernoll, undecided freshman, said, “They gave us a lot of stress tips. That was pretty cool.” Natalie Farris, another undecided freshman, enjoyed the activities. “I really like the one (booth) down there. It was about eating disorders. They gave us an activity to Tis Patron • The Daily Beacon do. (At another booth) they mentioned aromatheraAbdelrahman Abdelwahed, freshman in buisness, and Dakota Brown, freshpy,” she said. men with pre-professional interests, make their way out of the zorb at the VolAware Street Fair on Oct. 3.
Ragamala set to impress Gabe Quistorff Staff Writer
Jessica Vinge Staff Writer
• Photo courtesy of Ragamala
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Classical South Indian dance form is being brought back into the twenty-first century on UT’s campus tonight. The Indian American Association and the Cultural Attractions Committee, a committee of the Central Program Council, have arranged for the Minneapolis-based Ragamala Dance group to make a stop at UT during its touring season. As part of Diversity Week on campus, the dance will give viewers insight into what classical Indian dance and music is like. “This is the first time the Cultural Attractions Committee has brought Ragamala to the University of Tennessee,” Elaina Spiekermann, Chair of the Cultural Attractions Committee and senior in logistics, said. “Every year, the committee votes on which dance or musical acts to pursue, and this year we decided Ragamala fits our mission to bring culturally diverse and talented acts to campus perfectly.” Ragamala, acclaimed as one of the Indian diaspora’s leading Bharatanatyam ensembles,
is comprised of six dancers, a violinist, a mridangist, and a vocalist. The dance company will perform a classical Bharatanatyam dance, tying in the true grace, purity, and tenderness of the dance. Bharatanatyam is the oldest and most comprehensive form of Indian dance. Cultural Attraction’s Committee Executive Press Secretary, Sarah Kim, is excited about the performance. “Artistic Directors Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy celebrate the beauty and traditions of Bharatanatyam while infusing it with their own contemporary ideas,” Kim said. Cultural Attractions Committee chair member James Ballard, a sophomore with a preprofessional interest, explained the relevance of Ragamala. “Our main concern was making an event like this topically accessible to students, but Ragamala solved that problem,” Ballard said. “We’re using this as an opportunity to bring a culture to Knoxille that is severely underrepresented in the area.” On Ragamala’s website, Ragamala.net, Ranee and Aparna Remaswamy make a statement about the dance form and their infusions of the dance. See RAGAMALA on Page 3
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