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Graduate student Rachel Schwaller speaks to those assembled for the demonstration in front of Wescoe Hall. The group gathered on Monday to protest the death of teenager Michael Brown, who was killed in Ferguson. Mo
'HANDS UP'
ALLISON KITE
@Allie Kite
A small group of KU students, staff and faculty gathered for a demonstration called "Hands Up. Walk Out" on Wescoe Beach yesterday in honor of Michael Brown, the 18-year-old who was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Mo., on Aug. 9.
The demonstration was part of a national movement organized by Hands Up United, a group that was formed in response to the Ferguson protests. The group has posted a list of demands on its website (www.handsupunited.org) including more accountability for officers' actions, release of those arrested during protests and transparency in police and justice departments across the country.
"It's just trying to raise the voices of people of color, especially black people concerning what's been happening around Ferguson," Gwynn said. "It's raising a conversation that's necessary and isn't talked about enough, and unless we continue talking about, the conversation around it will die out and no change will be made."
As the demonstration went on, more and more members of the community joined. There were about 50 protesters by the end of protest. Those participating put their hands up, demonstrating the nonviolent pose that witnesses have said Brown held when Officer Darren Wilson shot him. Police have said Brown attacked Wilson.
Megan Kaminski, an assistant professor in the department of English, created the event Aug. 24, when she discovered the University did not have a Hands Up United protest scheduled.
"I had some friends in other parts of the country who talked about going to events like this and I looked to see if there was an event like this happening at KU and I saw there wasn't one," Kaminski said.
As part of Monday's event, attendees were invited to stand up and speak about what happened and what they believed. Kaminski said she believes the issues raised by Brown's death are relevant to students.
Katherine Gwynn, a senior from Olathe, said events like "Hands Up, Walk Out" are important because she believes Americans live in a systemically racist society, and these events help point out issues that she thinks need to
"I think sometimes in a university community,we can
"Knowing that I was going into that and knowing that today should have been Mike Brown's first day at class, it made me feel like something needed to be done," Kaminski said. "We needed to get together and create an environment where people can come out and talk and share their frustrations."
SEE SUPPORT PAGE 7
Attendees included both faculty and students who stood in solidarity with Michael Brown.
Kaminski added that she felt she needed to do something as an educator.
be changed.
Assistant theatre professor Darren Kanady speaks to demonstrators in front of Wescoe Hall on Monday.
JAMES HOYT/KANSAN
Sorority recruitment breaks record
MARIA SANCHEZ
@MariaSanchezKU
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Recruitment for this fall is at an all-time high for sororites at the University of Kansas. Associate Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Center, Greek Life and Leadership Programs, Amy Long said over the last three years, registration and participation from students has been increasing by at least 100 students a year. In 2012, 805 women started the recruitment process and in 2013, 932 women did as well.
BEN LIPOWITZ/KANSAN
Members of the University's Kappa Alpha Theta sorority chapter run down to a bus on Mississippi Street on Friday, August 22.
Elizabeth Erker, a senior from Omaha, Neb. and president of Chi Omega, said her chapter was pleased with the large number of participants.
"We were really excited that so many possible new members were able to have such a positive experience," Erker said.
According to Long, 1,038 women registered for sorority recruitment this fall and 1,000 officially participated.
The Panhellenic Association has increased its social media presence with its use of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
"The Panhellenic Association and Panhellenic chapters have taken a very proactive marketing approach in the last two years to increase interest," Long said.
"Each chapter posted a YouTube video about their chapter for women who were interested," Long said.
In addition to social media, the Panhellenic Association used guidebooks and events to better inform both interested and skeptical women on the experiences involved with sorority recruitment.
As a senior, Erker said her
initial motive for rushing at the beginning of her college experience was the sense of family.
"I felt as though it was an opportunity to shrink the larger college community that is KU and to find a smaller
community that I could be a part of $f_{c}$ Erker said. "Sort of a smaller home away from home"
Long also said she thinks women seek out sororities for a sense of community.
"I believe that women
are finding value in the experience. It's great to see that this experience is still relevant and seen as something important to a woman's college years,"
Following a decision by the University Judicial Board Appeals Panel made on Friday which removed Senate leadership from office, 2013-2014 Student Senate Vice President Emma Halling has taken the role of acting student body vice president. Senators will meet this Wednesday to elect an interim vice president.
Senators who aren't eligible include those who were on-campus senators and now live off campus, those who have graduated, and anyone who was representing a specific school and no longer belong to that school. The entire Jayhawkers coalition is also not eligible to vote, according to Halling.
Halling cited Student Senate Rules and Regulations 1.6.1.1.1. when explaining why the Jayhawkers couldn't vote in the Wednesday meeting. The rule states that:
Interim Senate vice president to be elected Wednesday
"Any student found guilty of an egregious offense by the Elections Commission shall be prohibited from participation in elected or appointed positions within Student Senate for twelve calendar months."
Halling said in a statement released Monday that Senate operations will continue as planned meaning student groups will still be able to apply for and receive funding.
SEE RECRUIT PAGE 7
The senators voting on Wednesday will be those who served last year and are still eligible for their seats.
At Wednesday's full Senate they will also vote to approve the executive staff.
The Elections Commission will also meet Tuesday to set the rules for the upcoming re-election.
CLASSIFIEDS 9
CROSSWORD 7
CRYPTOQUIPS 7
OPINION 4
SPORTS 10
SUDOKU 7
Miranda Davis
All contents, unless stated otherwise, $ \textcircled{c} $ 2014 The University Daily Kansan
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