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Volume 128 Issue 48
Monday. November 17,2014
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Kansan.com | The student voice since 1904
WORTH THE WAIT
Douglas County begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses
GEORGE MULLINIX/KANSAN
Vicki Buchanan and her daughter Sheena Grigsby wipe tears during Vicki and Angie Crowley's wedding inside Douglas County Courthouse. Angie and Vicki were one of the first same-sex couples to be married in Kansas on Nov. 13.
MIRANDA DAVIS
@MirandaDavisUDK
By the end of last week, 24 same-sex couples had applied for marriage licenses in Douglas County after the clerk's office began issuing marriage licenses Thursday.
Eleven couples petitioned to have the three-day waiting period waived, according to the clerk's office. Typically, those filing for a marriage license have to wait three days between applying and the county issuing the license, but Chief Judge Robert Fairchild waived the waiting period for all couples who petitioned, according to the clerk's office.
The marriage application paperwork now states "Party A" and "Party B" as a way to include all couples. The application used to say "man" and "woman."
Angela and Jennifer Schaefer from Gardner were one of the three couples who got married at the courthouse Thursday. They brought their 10-week-old son to the courthouse for their marriage. The couple has been together for nine years and wanted things to be squared away for their son.
"Jen actually beat cancer this year, and we've actually fought a lot of battles together and think that having everything set up legally is important;" Angela Schaefer said.
Anne Steward and Angela Robinson from Overland Park also got married at the courthouse Thursday. Many
ing same-sex marriage license applications last month, but stopped after an order was filed preventing the county from giving out applications and licenses.
"This has gone really well today; it's like the stars have aligned."
Lawrence rather than the closer Wyandotte County to fill out their application.
They were lighthearted and
On Thursday, once they heard Douglas County was issuing marriage licenses without any problem, they came to
ANNE STEWARD Overland Park resident
gimmed and excited as they completed the process. The two said they always planned to get married, but never really expected it to happen in Kansas. Now that they
could, they chose to petition the three-day wait period; the two wanted to ensure their marriage license couldn't be taken away from them.
"You know, it's not like we rushed into this," Steward said. The wait has been a long one. While filling out their application, the two realized that they now have a new anniversary date to celebrate after 12 years of being together.
For Steward and Robinson and most other couples, the process took less than an hour. Robinson was noticeably excited about how calm today was, after such a long fight for this moment.
"This has gone really well today; it's like the stars have aligned." Steward said on Thursday.
Edited by Yu Kyung Lee
University groups seek partnership in sexual assault policy
MCKENNA HARFORD
@McKennaHartford
The following groups are working with the University to address concerns about how the University handles sexual assault, including beginning discussions, looking at sexual assault training programs and taking advantage of current resources.
Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations at the University, said the task force and the sexual assault panel the Chancellor hosted in September are also examples of how the University has been involved with the national "It's On Us" campaign, which encourages universities to take a serious look at sexual assault policies.
SEXUAL ASSAULT TASK FORCE
The sexual assault task force is reviewing the student rights and conduct code for possible amendments to make student and University responsibilities more clear, as well as researching affirmative consent policies.
"It's important because from a University standpoint there's ambiguity about jurisdiction," said Angela Murphy, co-chair of the task force. "We want explicit ways to lay out University responsibilities and student responsibilities under the code."
It has reached out to the University community for any suggestions and have spoken with local advocate centers about
partnerships and making students aware of those resources.
TITLE IX ROUNDTABLE
The Title IX Roundtable is looking at short-term responses to concerns on sexual assault. They are hoping to do this by working with campus groups to coordinate value statements and create action plans for how to handle sexual assault.
"Students want to see immediate action to protect their safety and well-being," said Emma Halling, co-chair of the Title IX Roundtable and a senior from Elkhart, Ind. "They want to know that there's ongoing work."
GREEK SEXUAL ASSAULT
TASK FORCE
The Greek sexual assault task force has met with Greek members to start working on a sexual assault program that would be a part of the new member education. They are also looking to partner with the University and with houses to combat the issue together.
"We are student-run and student-led, but we don't want to isolate ourselves and the University can support us and offer resources," said Maggie Young, one of the founders of the Greek task force and a senior from Olathe. "We are looking to people who have more knowledge and experience."
Edited by Alex Lamb
International Education Week comes to campus
MARK ARCE
@mark_arce13
Several offices and organizations at the University will be hosting events and programs during International Education Week, which runs this Monday through Friday. International Education Week is a joint initiative between the Departments of State and Education that began in 2000 and "is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide," according to the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Alison Watkins, the communications director for KU International Programs, is helping coordinate this year's International Education Week. Watkins was able to sit down with the Kansan and talk about International Education Week and why people should participate.
KANSAN: What's your role in International Education Week?
WATKINS: My office is sort
of the clearing house. We remind all the area studies centers, the libraries or anybody else who might be interested and say, "Hey Nov. 17 to 21, that's International Education Week this year; what events do you have going on? What events might you want to plan?" And give them a heads up and ask them to send us all of the details — time, date, place and a description. We put together the calendar and share it on our website and also with the University.
KANSAN: What do you think about International Education Week?
WATKINS: There is so much going in the University with international events, programs, lectures, all sorts of things that run the gambit. So it's a wonderful opportunity to have a week and say, "Hey here's the spotlight on all of the great things that the University is doing." Pay attention, attend an event and maybe they learn something about another culture or another
SEE WEEK PAGE 2
First-year experience coordinator for International Student Services Steven Sweat,center, poses with members of the International Leadership Team.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CLASSIFIEDS 11
CROSSWORD 6
World at KU celebrates students scholars from around the globe
To celebrate the U.S. International Education Week, the University has planned several different programs for international and domestic students to attend. One of these events, World at KU, an annual reception held by
CRYPTOQUIPS 6
OPINION 4
MINSEON KIM
@minseonik94
SPORTS 12
SUDOKU 6
Tonight from 4-6 p.m. in the Kansas Union ballroom, international students, scholars and professors will have an opportunity to socialize, as well as celebrate their contributions in
the International Student Services, formally recognizes and celebrates international students and scholars at the University.
At the event, Sweat will
Charles Olcsee, director of International Student Services, will welcome students at this event by reading a roll call of nations the list of all the countries represented at the University. Approximately 125 different national flags will be on display.
bringing the world to the University.
Don't Forget
"It's a fun way to see we are all here together and celebrate the fact that this group is really bringing the world to the University of Kansas," said Steven Sweat, programming and first-year experience coordinator at International Student Services.
Eat more queso.
SEE WORLD PAGE 5
All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2014 The University Daily Kansan
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