Three university police officers were injured during a protest on campus Friday that resulted in 22 arrests.
More than 200 demonstrators—most of them students—were on campus during the Board of Regents meeting. One of the items on the regents’ agenda was the university’s plan to require a class in cultural diversity for all faculty.
All of the 22 arrested were students. Twenty-one were taken to County Jail. Their attorney, Susan J. Keegan, said that she expected bail to be set at $500 apiece. The 22nd student, a 17-year-old high school senior, was released into his parents’ custody.
All of those arrested were charged with trespassing on state property after they refused to disperse. Twelve were also charged with resisting arrest. Ten were charged with assault after they allegedly threw rocks and bottles at university police officers.
The protest was organized by two newly formed campus groups, Students Against Racism and the American Student Organization.
“It just got out of hand,” said University Police Chief R. Barclay Peterson. “First they were gathered around the fountain at Central Mall. One group was chanting, ‘No more racism’ and the other was saying ‘Stop diversity.’ Then they started marching toward Regents Hall, where the regents were meeting. They were disrupting classes. When they were asked to disperse, all hell broke loose.”
“They should not have come at us,” said Jonathan Walterson, president of Students Against Racism. “We would have remained loud, but peaceful. We were doing what we believed in. The university must do more to promote diversity.”
Walterson, a junior journalism student, was one of those arrested. He was charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing.
Peterson gave the following account of the incident:
Peterson said he did not call extra officers in until the protesters started marching. Then, about 60 police officers, two of them on horseback, started toward the demonstrators.
Peterson said that his three officers were injured when they were hit by stones or bottles.
Peterson said the two groups began a rally at noon. The regents had been meeting since 8 a.m. and were on their lunch break in the Student Union from noon to 1:30 p.m. The first item on their afternoon agenda was the class requirement. Currently, students must take a class in diversity, but faculty do not.
Officer Andrea Wilson was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital with a gash on her forehead. She was the first officer hit, Peterson said. Officer James Nelson and Sgt. Jerico Turner were taken to Community Hospital with bruises they received from thrown items, Peterson added.
At about 1:15 p.m., protesters from both groups started marching to Regents Hall, where they hoped to meet the regents at the steps as the officials returned from lunch, Peterson said.
They never made it to Regents Hall.
Peterson said he called in the extra officers at about 1:20 p.m. because “the demonstrators just got too loud and rowdy. We asked them several times to disperse and go back to the fountain, where the rally was to be held, but they would not. They shouted at each other even louder, and some of them began throwing things.”
Until extra officers were called in, there were a half dozen officers watching the two groups. They were about 25 yards away.
Peterson said that the protesters were stopped midway between the fountain and Regents Hall, near the Liberal Arts Building.
He said that officers using bullhorns ordered the demonstrators to disperse.
Peterson said that the demonstrators refused.
By 1:25 p.m., the demonstration was at its worst, Peterson said. That’s when most of the protesters started shouting directly at the police and began throwing things at them, Peterson added.
Officer Wilson was hit in the head about that time, Peterson said.
He said that by 1:30 p.m., most of the demonstrators began to back off. Those who did not were arrested, he added.
Peterson said that the two officers on horseback were used to push back the crowds.
“The horses worked well,” he said. “The demonstrators were not afraid to push police officers, but they couldn’t push the horses.”
Peterson said that the protest delayed the beginning of the afternoon session of the regents meeting. The regents stayed in the Student Union until about 2 p.m. and then returned to Regents Hall, he said.
The regents did not take action on the new requirement. They decided to study the matter more and discuss it again at their next monthly meeting, which will be held May 16 in Regents Hall.
“We will continue protesting until the regents vote to mandate faculty training,” Walterson said. “We’re done negotiating with them. Now it is time to cause trouble.” Walterson said that there will be more rallies, not only at the next regents meeting but before then.
“We’re not against rallies,” Peterson said. “They can hold them all they want, as long as they get a permit from the university. But we don’t want them to get out of hand. We don’t want our officers hurt. They can rally, but other peaceful students also have the right to attend classes without being disrupted by shouting and violent demonstrators.”
The regents refused to comment on why they took no action Friday. “Until we make our decision on faculty training, we will not discuss it,” said regents president Clifford Eisel.
Brian Allen, a senior biology student and president of the American Student Organization, said his group will continue protesting, too.
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep the regents from caving into every demand that comes along,” he said. “Our faculty do not need additional training in diversity. Many of our faculty aren’t even from this country.”
Allen was one of the students arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest and trespassing. Thirteen of those arrested were from his group.
“The two groups never began fighting, but they kept screaming at each other as though they would begin a brawl at any second,” Peterson said. “There never would have been a problem if they simply would have moved back when we asked them. Instead, both groups decided to gang up against the police.”
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Second day lead
Police continue to search for the 4-year-old girl who remains missing since her parents left her home with a babysitter on tuesday night.
Police officers knocked on every door in the six block area around the house of the missing girl, Angela Melissa Norton, asking neighbors if they saw or heard anything related to the childs disappearance. Also, police continue to question the girl's parents and babysitter
Maria L. Norton, the mother, met with reporters gathered outside the home. "We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us. She has never been away from home without us, and we are certain that she must be terrified not to be in her own home. Please, anyone who has information, please let us know."
Police officers knocked on every door in the six block area around the house of the missing girl, Angela Melissa Norton, asking neighbors if they saw or heard anything related to the childs disappearance. Also, police continue to question the girl's parents and babysitter
Maria L. Norton, the mother, met with reporters gathered outside the home. "We are begging anyone who might have seen our daughter to please call the police or us. She has never been away from home without us, and we are certain that she must be terrified not to be in her own home. Please, anyone who has information, please let us know."
Sunday, September 23, 2007
IMPACT Class
Washington State University’s Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Assessment, and Prevention Services (ADCAPS) changed their alcohol and drug education class this year in hopes of better educating students on safe drinking habits.
Many students at WSU are cited with alcohol violations each year, especially those who are underage. Student Conduct notifies ADCAPS when students break the law and those students are required to take the IMPACT class. Graduate students and counselors run IMPACT and teach students safe ways to consume alcohol without causing injury to themselves or others.
When a student receives a violation they take an online survey about their alcohol consumption patterns. The survey helps ADCAPS determine if they will be enrolled in IMPACT or if they need to meet with a counselor one-on-one. According to ADCAPS, of the 500 to 600 students who receive a violation, about half meet with a private counselor.
As opposed to previous years where the classes were only available once a week, students now have three days each week to attend the class. Ginny Hauser, program assistant of ADCAPS, is confident that the improved program will decrease alcohol related problems in Pullman.
Hauser said that this year, before students take the online survey, they participate in a “pouring demo.” The demo is an IMPACT Orientation that shows students exactly how much one drink is. It teaches students the difference between types of drinks (beer, wine, hard alcohol, wine coolers, etc.) and the sizes of containers in which they are consumed.
According to Hauser, students then take the online survey and use their new knowledge to better answer the questions. Students are then asked to schedule an appointment with a counselor or sign up for the IMPACT class. With completion of the survey, students immediately receive personalized feedback about their alcohol use.
According to many students, in previous years the class has not been entirely effective. Twenty-year-old Heather Bromberg, a WSU junior, received a strike her freshman year and spoke with a counselor. Bromberg said that speaking with the counselor “scared me into not wanting to drink.” However, she received a second strike one year later. Bromberg wishes that she had been taught safer ways to drink as it is inevitable that many college students will consume alcohol. Bromberg said it is better to teach safety then abstinence.
This year ADCAPS wants to teach students how to “party safe, party smart,” Hauser said. The counseling service wants to educate students about how to be “safe and healthy, the goal is not to get minors into trouble.”
Counselors urge students who may have an alcohol or drug problem to contact Washington State University Counseling and Testing Services at 509-335-4511.
Many students at WSU are cited with alcohol violations each year, especially those who are underage. Student Conduct notifies ADCAPS when students break the law and those students are required to take the IMPACT class. Graduate students and counselors run IMPACT and teach students safe ways to consume alcohol without causing injury to themselves or others.
When a student receives a violation they take an online survey about their alcohol consumption patterns. The survey helps ADCAPS determine if they will be enrolled in IMPACT or if they need to meet with a counselor one-on-one. According to ADCAPS, of the 500 to 600 students who receive a violation, about half meet with a private counselor.
As opposed to previous years where the classes were only available once a week, students now have three days each week to attend the class. Ginny Hauser, program assistant of ADCAPS, is confident that the improved program will decrease alcohol related problems in Pullman.
Hauser said that this year, before students take the online survey, they participate in a “pouring demo.” The demo is an IMPACT Orientation that shows students exactly how much one drink is. It teaches students the difference between types of drinks (beer, wine, hard alcohol, wine coolers, etc.) and the sizes of containers in which they are consumed.
According to Hauser, students then take the online survey and use their new knowledge to better answer the questions. Students are then asked to schedule an appointment with a counselor or sign up for the IMPACT class. With completion of the survey, students immediately receive personalized feedback about their alcohol use.
According to many students, in previous years the class has not been entirely effective. Twenty-year-old Heather Bromberg, a WSU junior, received a strike her freshman year and spoke with a counselor. Bromberg said that speaking with the counselor “scared me into not wanting to drink.” However, she received a second strike one year later. Bromberg wishes that she had been taught safer ways to drink as it is inevitable that many college students will consume alcohol. Bromberg said it is better to teach safety then abstinence.
This year ADCAPS wants to teach students how to “party safe, party smart,” Hauser said. The counseling service wants to educate students about how to be “safe and healthy, the goal is not to get minors into trouble.”
Counselors urge students who may have an alcohol or drug problem to contact Washington State University Counseling and Testing Services at 509-335-4511.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
In-Class Summary Lead
A 20-year-old man died yesterday after he smashed his car into a utility pole on Broad Street in Moscow.
John Frazier was killed instantly when he lost control of his car and was thrown through the car's windshield. Frazier neglected to wear his seat belt and was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit while the roads were slick from rainfall. The impact crushed the front of the car, in which Frazier was the only passanger.
John Frazier was killed instantly when he lost control of his car and was thrown through the car's windshield. Frazier neglected to wear his seat belt and was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit while the roads were slick from rainfall. The impact crushed the front of the car, in which Frazier was the only passanger.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Summary Lead example
Seattle Times
September 18, 2007
Fed makes aggressive half-point rate cut
The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate for the first time in four years, starting with an aggressive half-point move to prevent a steep housing slump and turbulent financial markets from triggering a recession.
September 18, 2007
Fed makes aggressive half-point rate cut
The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate for the first time in four years, starting with an aggressive half-point move to prevent a steep housing slump and turbulent financial markets from triggering a recession.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Three Pitches
Dear Editor:
Alcohol is often a problem at major universities such as Washington State University; but how effective are the alcohol education classes that students are forced to take after receiving a strike in eradicating alcohol use among minors?
At WSU students are allowed three strikes when it comes to activities that go against student conduct rules. If the receive three strikes they are expelled from the university unless they repel. However, after one strike students are forced to take an alcohol education class.
I would like to investigate if this class even prevents alcohol use by minors as many people who take the class end up getting a second and even third strike. I would like to write an article on how effective the class is and if there are other programs available for preventing alcohol related problems. I will speak with people in the Office of Student Affairs as well as students who have attended the class.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
When asked what they miss most from home, many college students say their favorite pets. So why not have a furry companion at school?
The Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman has many household pets that are waiting to be adopted. By adopting animals, people have a constant companion and they save the life of an animal in need. Not only are animals from the humane society much cheaper than animals from a breeder, they also come with up-to-date shots and they are spayed or neutered.
My article will show that positive and negative sides of adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder. I will interview people from the humane society, a local breeder, and a student who has adopted an animal.
Thank you for your time,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
Many students at Washington State University use the Student Recreation Center on a regular basis and know how to use the equipment correctly. However, there are also students who are afraid to use certain equipment because they do not know the proper way to use them or they do not know what to do in order to meet their fitness goals.
The Recreation Center has personal trainers available for students to get one-on-one training from a knowledgeable source. The personal trainers cost a lot more per session than most college students are able to afford.
I would like to research how many students pay for the service, as well as find out from students how much they would be willing to spend on a trainer. I would interview trainers and a manager from the Recreation Center to see if they have anyone available to show students how to use equipment for free.
Thank you,
Sarah Ducharme
Alcohol is often a problem at major universities such as Washington State University; but how effective are the alcohol education classes that students are forced to take after receiving a strike in eradicating alcohol use among minors?
At WSU students are allowed three strikes when it comes to activities that go against student conduct rules. If the receive three strikes they are expelled from the university unless they repel. However, after one strike students are forced to take an alcohol education class.
I would like to investigate if this class even prevents alcohol use by minors as many people who take the class end up getting a second and even third strike. I would like to write an article on how effective the class is and if there are other programs available for preventing alcohol related problems. I will speak with people in the Office of Student Affairs as well as students who have attended the class.
Sincerely,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
When asked what they miss most from home, many college students say their favorite pets. So why not have a furry companion at school?
The Whitman County Humane Society in Pullman has many household pets that are waiting to be adopted. By adopting animals, people have a constant companion and they save the life of an animal in need. Not only are animals from the humane society much cheaper than animals from a breeder, they also come with up-to-date shots and they are spayed or neutered.
My article will show that positive and negative sides of adopting a pet instead of buying one from a breeder. I will interview people from the humane society, a local breeder, and a student who has adopted an animal.
Thank you for your time,
Sarah Ducharme
Dear Editor:
Many students at Washington State University use the Student Recreation Center on a regular basis and know how to use the equipment correctly. However, there are also students who are afraid to use certain equipment because they do not know the proper way to use them or they do not know what to do in order to meet their fitness goals.
The Recreation Center has personal trainers available for students to get one-on-one training from a knowledgeable source. The personal trainers cost a lot more per session than most college students are able to afford.
I would like to research how many students pay for the service, as well as find out from students how much they would be willing to spend on a trainer. I would interview trainers and a manager from the Recreation Center to see if they have anyone available to show students how to use equipment for free.
Thank you,
Sarah Ducharme
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