TUESDAY,SEPT.11,2001
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 3A
Hillel members support Israel protest
By J. R. Mendoza Kansan staff writer
Israel was justified in withdrawing from the World Conference on Racism in South Africa last week, said KU Hillel members.
The United Nations-sponsored conference ended last weekend, but the United States and Israel left the conference halfway through in protest of efforts to single out Israel for criticism.
While original references condemning the "racist practices" of Israel and Zionism — the movement to establish and maintain a Jewish state — were removed from the final declaration, a reference to "the plight of the Palestinians" remained.
think Zionism was racist.
"It's a philosophy that Jews deserve a homeland," Shafer-Landau said. "It's about a desire to have access to land. I think it's nationalistic in that they're trying to create a nation."
She said it was unfortunate the conflict occurred at the conference.
"It's not helpful to single out one country because there are other countries who have problems with racism," Shafer-Landau said. "Using that as a platform to criticize Israel destroyed the opportunity for all countries to discuss racism within societies."
"I see both sides if they stayed at the table to counter criticisms," Shafer-Landau said. "But no matter what they might say they might not get anywhere."
She said she agreed with Israel and the United States for pulling out of the conference.
She said she was glad the United States supported Israel.
Andrew Zidel, Minneapolis, Minn., senior and Jewish campus service corp fellow for Hillel, said Israel made a good decision to withdrawal from the conference.
"I think it was a well-needed political move," Zidel said. "I think they had a right to boycott."
The way the U.N. conference treated other issues angered many rights activists.
Indigenous rights groups, angry about sections of the final declaration they considered "a racist assault upon indigenous peoples," called for a mass walkout.
Dalits, known as India's "untouchable" caste, were furious that a section condemning discrimination against
them had been successfully blocked by India.
Valentino Almeida, Bombay, India, doctoral student in chemistry and president of KU Cultural India Club, said he didn't agree with either side about the caste system in India.
He said the caste system was not as prevalent.
"The intensity is dying down," Almeida said. "It definitely was better than what it was. It's there but not totally eliminated."
"It depends on place to place," Almeida said. "The government gives more privileges to untouchables in big cities. But in smaller cities it's different."
The Associated Press contributed to this
Contact Mendoza at 864-4810
story.
GTA coalition, administration resume talks
The Graduate Teaching Assistants Coalition and its supporters gather in the Caruth-O'Leary lobby before Monday's conference. Members of the KU administration held negotiations with the GTAC to discuss the University's current employment contract with GTAs.
Student teachers seek pay raises, dental benefits
JOHN NOWAK/KANSAN
By Eve Lamborn Kansan staff writer
Ongoing contract negotiations resumed yesterday between the Graduate Teaching Assistant Coalition and the University of Kansas.
After recessing for the summer, the two groups met yesterday and continued working toward a new contract for graduate teaching assistants at the University.
Amy Cummins, president of GTAC, said the coalition wanted to negotiate a higher minimum wage for GTAs that would compare to peer institutions, as well as a more complete benefits package to included dental coverage, which was not in the current contract.
"We are the one category of KU employees without dental insurance," she said.
senior, came to the meeting to show her support for GTAs.
Katie Bartlett, Chicago
"I've had awesome GTAs here at KU," she said. "Some
times even better than my professors, and they are integra to my experience here at the University."
Cummins said the spring semester ended with friction between the two groups, but she was hopeful about making progress this semester.
"I'm quite fired-up about the school year," she said.
The GTAC signed a three-year contract in 1997. The group submitted a new contract proposal last September, and the University presented a counter-offer last March.
Carol Tracy, GTAC member from Lawrence, said the group rejected the University's counter-offer last spring because the proposed salary was too low.
"We felt their proposal was much lower than the GTAC's proposal," she said. "We've done some research over the summer, and we're asking them to reconsider the proposals we've made."
Todd Cohen, assistant director of University Relations, said the University had no official comment while negotiations were still ongoing.
Ryan Malashock contributed to
Contact Lamborn at 864-4810
this article.
Gamma Week focuses on minorities
Sorority aims to raise diversity awareness
By Jeremy Clarkson Kansan staff writer
Festivities for
Members of Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority said they want to make students more aware of minority issues with the fourth annual Gamma Week: Making a Change Through Awareness.
"I think we need more programs for women on campus."
Festivities for Gamma Week, which is part of Hispanic Heritage Month, began early yesterday morning with a breakfast in front of Wescoe Hall and will conclude Friday night when Janet Murguia, vice chancellor of public relations, will speak about women in diversity, said Rosie Lopez, Lyons senior. Murguiia is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Multicultural Resource Center.
Rosie Lopez
Vice president of
Sigma Lambda
Gamma
Lopez, vice president of Sigma Lambda Gamma, said that this week was important for the sorority and that she was excited about the events.
"I think we need more programs for women on campus." Lopez said.
Anissa Vitale. Shawnee senior, said she was optimistic about the events. She said she had prepared most of the activities.
She said she also wanted use the week to try to create more unity among minorities.
"We are a strong group of women and we are just forging ahead, regardless of the obstacles," she said.
During the week, members of Sigma Lambda Gamma are accepting donations for breast cancer research and giving out ribbons, because next month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Thursday marks the fourth anniversary of the Sigma Lambda Gamma chapter at the University of Kansas. Members of the sorority will meet at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Frontier Room in the Burge Union.
Contact Clarkson at 864-4810
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