PROFESSORS AGAINST BOARD’S INVOLVEMENT WITH COSBY
University officials have criticized the Board of Trustees’ handling of the negative Bill Cosby news and Chairman Patrick O’Connor’s participation in a lawsuit involving the former student.
The Inquirer reported that when it asked Temple about Cosby’s lawsuit involving former university employee Andrea Constand in 2005, the university issued a statement that said once the lawsuit was settled, it deemed the issue was resolved for the time being.
When the Inquirer asked if the university had a “formal process for evaluating misconduct complaints against trustees or senior administrators in 2005,” the university answered through a statement that it has one “comprehensive policy for the handling of such matters when they arise in the university community.”
David Adamany, former president of the university and current law professor, told the Inquirer that the Board should have never dealt with the issue, and no one on campus has been talking about the case.
“I have not heard among my colleagues on the faculty one word mentioned about it in a department meeting or in a casual conversation,” Adamany said. “I teach graduate and undergraduate courses, and if it were on people’s minds, some student would have mentioned it to me. I have not heard a peep.”
Fellow Temple law school professor Marina Angel told the Inquirer she knew Constand and thought she was credible. She also wrote the university’s sexual harassment policy in the early 1990s.
“They did what they always do; they ignored it and blamed Andrea,” Angel said of the board’s actions.
-Steve Bohnel
STUDENTS REMINDED ABOUT UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Stephanie Ives issued an email memo to students advising them about the Good Neighbor Initiative and ways to prevent sexual violence, along with drug and alcohol abuse.
Ives said community members and neighbors of students “are being impacted by late-night parties, alcohol, loud music, trash and disorderly conduct by Temple students and their guests.” She added these actions might violate the university’s Student Conduct Code, and asked students to review the Good Neighbor Initiative.
She also said students should review Temple’s two policies concerning alcohol abuse and sexual violence: “Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking” and the “Student Drug and Alcohol Policy.”
Ives said students should contact Temple Police at 215-204-1234 if they feel someone “dangerously under the influence of drugs or alcohol” so they can receive medical assistance. He added students should review the Student Conduct Code to see what instances fall under the medical amnesty policy.
The Wellness Resource Center and Tuttleman Counseling Services can also provide information and support to students who need it, Ives said.
-Steve Bohnel
ADMINISTRATION URGES FANS TO USE ‘SOUND JUDGEMENT’
Athletic Director Pat Kraft, Student Body President Ryan Rinaldi and Cherry Crusade President Samuel Forman advised the Temple University Community to make “sound judgements in all actions, including messages on clothing and behavior at the stadium and on campus.”
Last week, several students wore “F–k Penn State” shirts in preparation for Temple’s season opener against the Nittany Lions, which the Owls won 27-10. “F–k Penn State” banners were also hanging on the outside of several students’ apartments near Main Campus.
“Our actions speak volumes,” the email read. “As fans, we need to be respectful as we allow our football team to show the tenacity and grit on the field that, as Temple Owls, we take pride in every day.”
The message also asked students for feedback about how Temple’s gameday experience can be improved upon.
“Take mental notes about what you see being done well, and where we can improve, so we can make any needed adjustments,” the email read. “We want to carry this excitement throughout the season and your feedback will be crucial to that effort.”
-Steve Bohnel
STUDENTS, FACULTY SUPPORT BERNIE SANDERS FOR 2016
Supporters of 2016 presidential candidate Bernie Sanders met near the Bell Tower to rally and decorate Temple’s sidewalks and campus with chalk.
The event, titled “Chalk the Campus!” was led by Temple University for Bernie Sanders, a Facebook group dedicated to the Democrat’s run for president next year. Students, faculty and community members signed the sidewalks around campus with #FeeltheBern and “Bernie 2016.” Afterward, the group discussed future events concerning the organization.
-Steve Bohnel
