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Volume 128 Issue 56
Wednesday. December 3, 2014
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Volume 128 Issue 56
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Kansan.com | Th
Ferguson sparks ra
WILL WEBBER
@wwwebber
Students gathered on the steps of Wescoe Beach on Tuesday afternoon to demonstrate their frustration with the response to the Ferguson jury decision made last week. The event was part of #KansasBlackOut week, which began Monday with a march.
Caleb Bobo, a junior from Chesterfield, Mo., coordinated the demonstration in order to increase visibility of concerned black students on campus and encourage conversation among all groups. Bobo's hometown is only 30 minutes from Ferguson, but he said he believes the issue affects society as a whole.
"I want people to see that there are students here on campus who are upset not only about the case itself, but about the response from the public," Bobo said.
While Ferguson coverage has dominated both news and social media outlets, Bobo emphasized the need for personal conversation and physical demonstration as a means to better understand and mitigate insensitive backlash.
"People are comfortable saying things on Facebook and Twitter that they wouldn't say to people's faces," Bobo said. "If someone does feel like that, I encourage them to come out and express those opinions, but posting on Facebook doesn't make you an activist, and I feel it's a cheap way to say something insensitive you wouldn't sav to someone's face."
There are several construction project new business school and the DeBruce dates.
DEREK SKILLETT
@derek_skillett
Constru
Throughout the fall semester, there have been a number of major construction projects happening on the University of Kansas campus.
These projects include the construction of two new dormitory buildings on Daisy Hill, construction of McCarthy Hall on Naismith Drive, construction of the Capitol Federal School of Business and construction of the DeBruce Center, the facility attached to
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Kansan.com | The student voice since 1904
Ferguson demonstration sparks racial conversation
WILL WEBBER
@wmwebber
Students gathered on the steps of Wescoe Beach on Tuesday afternoon to demonstrate their frustration with the response to the Ferguson jury decision made last week. The event was part of #KansasBlackOut week, which began Monday with a march.
While Ferguson coverage has dominated both news and social media outlets, Bobo emphasized the need for person-
Caleb Bobo, a junior from Chesterfield, Mo., coordinated the demonstration in order to increase visibility of concerned black students on campus and encourage conversation among all groups. Bobo's hometown is only 30 minutes from Ferguson, but he said he believes the issue affects society as a whole.
"I want people to see that there are students here on campus who are upset not only about the case itself, but about the response from the public," Bobo said.
The demonstration was originally planned for noon at Strong Hall to maximize visibility, but it was moved to Wescoe Beach because Strong Hall is not one of the University's designated areas for student assembly.
"These designated areas are designed to make sure classes can go and people can pass through," said Tim Caboni, vice chancellor for public affairs at the University. "We want students to hear their message, but also walk by and get to class without having their day interrupted."
"It takes 30 seconds to type #SupportFerguson and be done, and it's a good sentiment, but this carries more weight with a little time."
JACK MITCHELL Sophomore from Olathe
and racial matters in general, while two other students wrote the names of victims of police brutality in chalk on the sidewalk. The group mostly comprised black students initially, but students of multiple ethnicities joined in while passing.
Jack Mitchell, a sophomore from Olathe, had no prior knowledge of the event, but stood in solidarity after stopping to read the signs. Like Bobo, Mitchell saw a disparity between discussion on social media and in public settings.
"I think [public demonstration] is better because it's more active than 'Twitter,' Mitchell said. "It takes 30 seconds to type #SupportFerguson and be done, and it's a good sentiment, but this carries more weight with a little time."
The group briefly moved across Jayhawk Boulevard to take photos beneath the flag pole of Strong Hall, but emphasized the need to comply with University policies. The demonstration ended shortly after, and succeeded in fueling
JAMES HOYT/KANSAN
steps of Wescoe Hall on Tuesday to protest the Ferguson grand in.
KOUT EVENTS THIS WEEK
dnesday, Dec. 3:
are students are encouraged to post a selfie with and also post why they think Ferguson matters.
Hursday, Dec. 4:
and "why race matters" at the Ballroom in the
Friday, Dec. 5:
s participating in #KansasBlackOut will end the Washburn campus.
— Black Student Union Twitter account
sk force seeks to rtner with GaDuGi
ENNA HARFORD
ennaHarford
hancellor's sexual assk force is in the early of drafting a formal ship with advocacy such as GaDuGi Safe and the Willow DoViolence Center to recd to the chancellor. university will adopt the I practice by modeling cement after the White partnership statement, gela Murphy, co-chair肌 force.
n understanding that partnering with themices that don't have a of interest." Murphy
rs from GaDuGi and allow Center spoke at 7 task force meeting their roles with survive their current relation th the University. centers currently serveents and the campus, formal partnership will better support and connections, said Chriskila, the executive diff GaDuGi. The formal ship would not require in services.
ime we can streamline to survivors and creer access to support, ar" Heikkila said.
nters provide services
iversity doesn't, such
as 24/7 hotlines and support groups. GaDuGi representatives are also able to go to the hospital with survivors when rape kits are necessary.
"I don't know if [the University is] equipped to support survivors the way we can," Heikkila said. "We can provide a safety net."
A care coordinator, Sarah Jane Russell, was recently hired by the University to help students navigate University processes and collaborate with GaDuGi and the Willow Center to make sure students receive support, said Kathy Rose-Mockry, director of the Emily Taylor Center for Women and Gender Equity.
The task force is also discussing changing the reporting procedure of the University to include a phone call to an advocacy center so students have access to that support.
"We have always been good partners, and I intend for that to continue," Rose-Mockry said. "We serve as a bridge to make sure that all the right people are coordinating services."
Sunny with a 0 percent chance of rain. Wind NNE at 12 mph.
The care coordinator position is currently only funded for one year. Rose-Mockry said the position will be essential in the future because of its connections on campus and its collaborative nature.
Edited by Alyssa Scotti
HI: 45
L0: 27