1. Last year, the school spent $8,300 for office equipment. This year, it will spend 5 percent less. How much will it spend this year? $7,885
2. The spelling and grammar test was taken by 217 students. Thirty-seven failed. What percent passed? 82.95%
3. One out of 12 students at WSU are in the Greek system. What percent are in Greek system? 8.3%
4. Bruce Springsteen was born on Sept. 23, 1949. How old will he be in May 2016? 67
5a. The former assistant manager was demoted to sales clerk. His pay was cut from $12 to $8. What was the percent decrease? 33%
5b. The sales clerk was promoted to assistant manager. Her pay increased from $8 to $12. What was the percent increase? 50%
6. Last year, your property tax bill was $1,152. This year, it rose to $1,275. What’s the percent increase? 10.7%
7. Joe Smith wants to build a 2,500-square-foot house for him. The builder tells him it will cost $110 a square foot to build. How much will the house cost? $275,000
8. You and your four roommates have ordered a 16-slice pizza. Because you skipped lunch, it is agreed that you should have a 1/4 share of the total. The roommates divide the remainder equally. How much does each one get? 3 pieces
9. The Poynter Institute’s budget for computer programs jumped from $5,500 to $7,300. By what percent did it increase? 32.7%
10. Checkers at a grocery store earn the following salaries: $10,000, $12,500, $5,890, $16,453, $14,000. The median salary is: $12,500
Monday, October 26, 2009
Political Story - I-1033
Outline:
Initiative 1033 – what it is
poor timing due to economy
How it could affect WSU students - tuition costs
Quote from Shea
Nontraditional students - Quote from Allison
TAPOR – how 1033 is similar and its affect on public education in Colorado
Quote from Dr. Reyer
Daily Evergreen - interview with Michael Largent
Initiative 1033
Students and residents of Pullman express concern about the implications of Initiative 1033 on the Pullman community. I-1033 will appear on Washington ballots Nov. 3.
Initiative 1033, written by political activist Tim Eyman, is largely advertised as a “lower property taxes” initiative. I-1033 proposes an inflation-controlled state spending limit beginning in 2010. The spending cap for future years would be determined by state spending for 2009. Excess taxes collected would be returned to taxpayers as rebates.
Due to the current state of the economy, state revenue in 2009 is projected to be low and therefore is considered by some news sources to be a dangerous precedent to set for future years when the economy is in recovery.
Students at Washington State University may risk facing additional financial stress if the initiative does pass. According to an example student budget on the Financial Aid page on www.wsu.edu, the cost of tuition for the for the 2009-2010 school year is $7600 for in-state students and $18, 676 for out-of -state students. These costs reflect the fourteen percent tuition increase incurred this fall as a result of state budget cuts announced in May.
Tuition will raise another fourteen percent next school year, and working students like junior Shea McVaugh are concerned that passing I-1033 will cause students to pay even more for tuition when the state is caused to cut corners on education budgets yet again.
“I know that everyone is hurting financially right now, but even when you propose cutting taxes, we all still pay those costs, just in different ways,” McVaugh said. “Tuition is shooting through the roof and I'm in student debt up to my eyeballs. If it goes up much more I will probably have to take time off from school to save money.”
The I-1033 may be especially harmful to non-traditional students, like apparel merchandising student Allison Bottemiller, who has a 6-month-old son. Bottemiller and her fiancé both work part-time and rely on programs from the state to pay for childcare services through the university so that they can attend class and work.
“At this point, the child care expenses I wouldn’t be able to sustain on my own,” Bottemiller said. “I worry that an initiative like this is going to both increase my tuition and take away programs that I rely on to get by. I might not be able to finish my degree without them.”
Many news documents on I-1033 compare the initiative to Colorado’s TAPOR program, passed in 1992. TAPOR was similar to the I-1033 proposal because it was also a equation-based funding program. As a result, funding for public education in Colorado was heavily cut. TAPOR is largely considered a financial disaster for Colorado and was suspended in 2005.
In a phone interview with Dr. Susan Reyes, Pullman School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Reyes said I-1033 could be similarly harmful in the Pullman community.
“It could potentially impact the level of support that we’re able to access from our community through taxes, and force us to cut corners,” Dr. Reyes said.
Dr. Reyes said that at this time, the PSD is not taking any measures to encourage Pullman residents to vote a certain way.
The Daily Evergreen, the WSU student-run newspaper, has published various opinion articles on I-1033, all of which encourage students to vote “no”. An article published on Oct 6, written by Derrick Skaug, quotes Whitman County Michael Largent. Largent was quoted saying that I-1033 would “force local governments to prioritize services”
“We have to consider anything, but there will be drastic changes,” said Largent.
Largent was unavailable to comment on any specific programs that may be affected by the passing of the initiative.
Sources:
Dr. Susan Reyes, Assistant Superintendent 509-332-3144 (by phone)
Shea McVaugh, student (360) 550-2757 (by e-mail)
Alison Bottemiller, student (360) 302-1253 (in person)
Initiative 1033 – what it is
poor timing due to economy
How it could affect WSU students - tuition costs
Quote from Shea
Nontraditional students - Quote from Allison
TAPOR – how 1033 is similar and its affect on public education in Colorado
Quote from Dr. Reyer
Daily Evergreen - interview with Michael Largent
Initiative 1033
Students and residents of Pullman express concern about the implications of Initiative 1033 on the Pullman community. I-1033 will appear on Washington ballots Nov. 3.
Initiative 1033, written by political activist Tim Eyman, is largely advertised as a “lower property taxes” initiative. I-1033 proposes an inflation-controlled state spending limit beginning in 2010. The spending cap for future years would be determined by state spending for 2009. Excess taxes collected would be returned to taxpayers as rebates.
Due to the current state of the economy, state revenue in 2009 is projected to be low and therefore is considered by some news sources to be a dangerous precedent to set for future years when the economy is in recovery.
Students at Washington State University may risk facing additional financial stress if the initiative does pass. According to an example student budget on the Financial Aid page on www.wsu.edu, the cost of tuition for the for the 2009-2010 school year is $7600 for in-state students and $18, 676 for out-of -state students. These costs reflect the fourteen percent tuition increase incurred this fall as a result of state budget cuts announced in May.
Tuition will raise another fourteen percent next school year, and working students like junior Shea McVaugh are concerned that passing I-1033 will cause students to pay even more for tuition when the state is caused to cut corners on education budgets yet again.
“I know that everyone is hurting financially right now, but even when you propose cutting taxes, we all still pay those costs, just in different ways,” McVaugh said. “Tuition is shooting through the roof and I'm in student debt up to my eyeballs. If it goes up much more I will probably have to take time off from school to save money.”
The I-1033 may be especially harmful to non-traditional students, like apparel merchandising student Allison Bottemiller, who has a 6-month-old son. Bottemiller and her fiancé both work part-time and rely on programs from the state to pay for childcare services through the university so that they can attend class and work.
“At this point, the child care expenses I wouldn’t be able to sustain on my own,” Bottemiller said. “I worry that an initiative like this is going to both increase my tuition and take away programs that I rely on to get by. I might not be able to finish my degree without them.”
Many news documents on I-1033 compare the initiative to Colorado’s TAPOR program, passed in 1992. TAPOR was similar to the I-1033 proposal because it was also a equation-based funding program. As a result, funding for public education in Colorado was heavily cut. TAPOR is largely considered a financial disaster for Colorado and was suspended in 2005.
In a phone interview with Dr. Susan Reyes, Pullman School District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Reyes said I-1033 could be similarly harmful in the Pullman community.
“It could potentially impact the level of support that we’re able to access from our community through taxes, and force us to cut corners,” Dr. Reyes said.
Dr. Reyes said that at this time, the PSD is not taking any measures to encourage Pullman residents to vote a certain way.
The Daily Evergreen, the WSU student-run newspaper, has published various opinion articles on I-1033, all of which encourage students to vote “no”. An article published on Oct 6, written by Derrick Skaug, quotes Whitman County Michael Largent. Largent was quoted saying that I-1033 would “force local governments to prioritize services”
“We have to consider anything, but there will be drastic changes,” said Largent.
Largent was unavailable to comment on any specific programs that may be affected by the passing of the initiative.
Sources:
Dr. Susan Reyes, Assistant Superintendent 509-332-3144 (by phone)
Shea McVaugh, student (360) 550-2757 (by e-mail)
Alison Bottemiller, student (360) 302-1253 (in person)
Friday, October 23, 2009
Justice Story REWRITE
Police say sexual assaults at Washington State University are underreported and that reports recanted earlier this semester may lead the public to distrust victims in the future.
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, a public record of crime and incident statistics at WSU, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said students can take precautions against sexual assault, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Early this semester, many WSU students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted
Some students say this lack of clarity may have a negative effect on the campus attitude reporting sexual assaults.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
Another issue that is seldom spoken about on college campuses is men as victims of sexual assault.
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, such as Women’s Transit and the Women’s Resource Center, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct.” A full range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said. “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, a public record of crime and incident statistics at WSU, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said students can take precautions against sexual assault, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Early this semester, many WSU students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted
Some students say this lack of clarity may have a negative effect on the campus attitude reporting sexual assaults.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
Another issue that is seldom spoken about on college campuses is men as victims of sexual assault.
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, such as Women’s Transit and the Women’s Resource Center, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct.” A full range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said. “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hurricane Katrina photo description
Hurricane Katrina left New Orleans in a state of physical and emotional devestation. People left homeless in the aftermath of the storm crowded into line for bus transporation to the Houston Astrodome, clinging onto any belongings they were able to salvage in backpacks or plastic storage tubs. Their faces express the Residents stranded atop an apartment complex spray painted "Water is rising pleas HELP" into the wet blacktop and waved tattered American flags in an attempt to be rescued. A parking garage was used as a hospital for patients waiting for helicoptor transit from New Orleans. A nurse in crisp green hospital scrubs fanned a patient with her clipboard in an attempt to relieve some of the heat and humidity of the harsh New Orleans weather. Without electricity, dozens of wounded and ill lay on makeshift beds atop the concrete of the garage.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Finding trends in local government
This exercise is designed to help you track local government data through online search engines. We can use that data to find trends, interesting facts and, of course, story ideas. As you work on this exercise, look for potential story ideas.
Complete the exercises below and post the answers to your blog, including the three ledes. Provide answers for the questions or statements in italics.
I. State and local
a. Using the online resource www.census.gov, answer the following questions:
1. What’s the population of Whitman County? 41,664
2. Percent white? 86.6
3. Percent with bachelor’s degree? 44
4. Median household income? $36,538
5. Persons below poverty? 26.7
II. Drilling down into Census data: Housing
a. Google/unclesam is a powerful tool that let’s us search all “.gov” Web sites. Go to the search bar and type “Whitman County building permits.”
b. Click on the second link, “Whitman County QuickLinks.”
c. Under Business QuickLinks, click on “Building Permits.”
1. Find the annual construction costs for building permits for Pullman from 2004 to 2008. Report it for each individual year.
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 34,549,367
2006: 31,922,839
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2. What’s the most current construction cost for 2009? (Obviously the annual report isn’t yet available so look for the most recent month.)
August 2009: 7,170,166
3. Write a lede based on this information.
Residential construction in Pullman has dropped by more than 50% from 2007 to 2008, according to a census report on annual building permits.
III. Federal grants and insurance
Who needs government? Well, Whitman County certainly received some federal help last year. But we want to know how much.
a. Go back to the QuickLinks main page and click on something called “Consolidated Federal Funds Report.”
b. Under ‘Available Data,’ choose 2008 and Geography. Click ‘Submit.’
c. On the next page, choose ‘Washington’ and ‘Yes’ on County. We want ‘All Fund Types.’
d. On the next page, choose Whitman County.
1. How much did Whitman County farmers receive in Crop Insurance? $134,236,720
2. How much did Whitman County receive in grants? $122,982,596
3. Name three of the grants: 1) Airport Improvement Program 2) National Estuary Program 3) Trio-Student Support Services
IV. Health Care in Whitman County
a. Let’s take another big national issue: Health insurance. Return to the Quick Links page.
b. Under People Quick Links, locate “2005 Health Insurance Coverage.”
c. Choose Washington and then ‘Submit.’
1. Which two counties have the highest percent of uninsured people? King County, Pierce County
2. What’s the percentage in Whitman County? 9,118
V. Population
Is Whitman County’s population growing? Let’s look at population trends.
1. Type “Whitman County population” into Google Uncle Sam. Which federal or state agency comes up first in the Google list?
2. Click on the first listing, which takes us to the Office of Financial Management’s profile of the county.
3. On the profile page, click on “Population, Change, Marriages and Divorce.”
a. What’s the total population change in Whitman County from 2000 to 2007, according to OFM? 1,960
b. What’s the natural increase? 1,324
c. Explain the difference between “total change” and “natural change.” Total change includes people who moved into or out of the area, natural change counts only births and deaths.
4. Go back to the Google search results for ‘Whitman County population.”
5. Choose the second result, which should take you to Whitman County page.
6. Under General Information, click on “Whitman County Overview from the Choose Washington website.” (Should be Web site, right?)
7. Under “County Data,” click on Population.
a. Based on this projection, how many people will live in Whitman County in 2025?
46,786
Spokane City Council Agenda
1. The city of Spokane provides all its City Council information online. Google “Spokane City Council.” Choose the second Google result, which will take us directly to the Council’s home page.
2. Let’s look at the Sept. 14 agenda. Under ‘Current Agendas,’ choose Sept. 14.
3. What’s the number of the ordinance that would create a new alcohol-impact area?ORD C34475
4. We want to know more about this ordinance. In fact, we want to see the actual document. Under the ‘Services’ tab at the top of the page, scroll down to ‘Documents and Forms.’ Navigate to ‘City Clerk Records.’
5. Type in the keyword ‘alcohol.’ That will bring up the actual ordinance. We have several different listings for the same ordinance. So, under ‘Sub Type,’ find the ordinance designated ‘SMC.’
6. Click ‘View’ and open with Adobe Acrobat.
7. What will the ordinance do? Write a lede based on the City Council’s approval of this ordinance.
An ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council on Sept 14 created an alcohol impact area that restricts the sale of alchohol within designated areas of the city. The ordinance is an effort to decrease public inebriation and improve public health and safety.
Whitman County Agenda
1. The Web site www.whitmancounty.org provides the agendas and minutes for the meeting of the county’s commissioners. Navigate to the commissioners’ page.
2. Open the current agenda.
a. According to the agenda, what meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.?
3. Review the minutes from the Sept. 21, 2009, meeting. Find the H1N1 report.
a. How many confirmed cases in Whitman County?
b. How many doses of vaccine will be available in Washington state?
c. How many in Whitman County?
d. What is Dr. Moody’s suggestion on how to distribute?
e. Write a lede based on this information.
Complete the exercises below and post the answers to your blog, including the three ledes. Provide answers for the questions or statements in italics.
I. State and local
a. Using the online resource www.census.gov, answer the following questions:
1. What’s the population of Whitman County? 41,664
2. Percent white? 86.6
3. Percent with bachelor’s degree? 44
4. Median household income? $36,538
5. Persons below poverty? 26.7
II. Drilling down into Census data: Housing
a. Google/unclesam is a powerful tool that let’s us search all “.gov” Web sites. Go to the search bar and type “Whitman County building permits.”
b. Click on the second link, “Whitman County QuickLinks.”
c. Under Business QuickLinks, click on “Building Permits.”
1. Find the annual construction costs for building permits for Pullman from 2004 to 2008. Report it for each individual year.
2004: 21,793,767
2005: 34,549,367
2006: 31,922,839
2007: 31,922,839
2008: 14,007,013
2. What’s the most current construction cost for 2009? (Obviously the annual report isn’t yet available so look for the most recent month.)
August 2009: 7,170,166
3. Write a lede based on this information.
Residential construction in Pullman has dropped by more than 50% from 2007 to 2008, according to a census report on annual building permits.
III. Federal grants and insurance
Who needs government? Well, Whitman County certainly received some federal help last year. But we want to know how much.
a. Go back to the QuickLinks main page and click on something called “Consolidated Federal Funds Report.”
b. Under ‘Available Data,’ choose 2008 and Geography. Click ‘Submit.’
c. On the next page, choose ‘Washington’ and ‘Yes’ on County. We want ‘All Fund Types.’
d. On the next page, choose Whitman County.
1. How much did Whitman County farmers receive in Crop Insurance? $134,236,720
2. How much did Whitman County receive in grants? $122,982,596
3. Name three of the grants: 1) Airport Improvement Program 2) National Estuary Program 3) Trio-Student Support Services
IV. Health Care in Whitman County
a. Let’s take another big national issue: Health insurance. Return to the Quick Links page.
b. Under People Quick Links, locate “2005 Health Insurance Coverage.”
c. Choose Washington and then ‘Submit.’
1. Which two counties have the highest percent of uninsured people? King County, Pierce County
2. What’s the percentage in Whitman County? 9,118
V. Population
Is Whitman County’s population growing? Let’s look at population trends.
1. Type “Whitman County population” into Google Uncle Sam. Which federal or state agency comes up first in the Google list?
2. Click on the first listing, which takes us to the Office of Financial Management’s profile of the county.
3. On the profile page, click on “Population, Change, Marriages and Divorce.”
a. What’s the total population change in Whitman County from 2000 to 2007, according to OFM? 1,960
b. What’s the natural increase? 1,324
c. Explain the difference between “total change” and “natural change.” Total change includes people who moved into or out of the area, natural change counts only births and deaths.
4. Go back to the Google search results for ‘Whitman County population.”
5. Choose the second result, which should take you to Whitman County page.
6. Under General Information, click on “Whitman County Overview from the Choose Washington website.” (Should be Web site, right?)
7. Under “County Data,” click on Population.
a. Based on this projection, how many people will live in Whitman County in 2025?
46,786
Spokane City Council Agenda
1. The city of Spokane provides all its City Council information online. Google “Spokane City Council.” Choose the second Google result, which will take us directly to the Council’s home page.
2. Let’s look at the Sept. 14 agenda. Under ‘Current Agendas,’ choose Sept. 14.
3. What’s the number of the ordinance that would create a new alcohol-impact area?ORD C34475
4. We want to know more about this ordinance. In fact, we want to see the actual document. Under the ‘Services’ tab at the top of the page, scroll down to ‘Documents and Forms.’ Navigate to ‘City Clerk Records.’
5. Type in the keyword ‘alcohol.’ That will bring up the actual ordinance. We have several different listings for the same ordinance. So, under ‘Sub Type,’ find the ordinance designated ‘SMC.’
6. Click ‘View’ and open with Adobe Acrobat.
7. What will the ordinance do? Write a lede based on the City Council’s approval of this ordinance.
An ordinance passed by the Spokane City Council on Sept 14 created an alcohol impact area that restricts the sale of alchohol within designated areas of the city. The ordinance is an effort to decrease public inebriation and improve public health and safety.
Whitman County Agenda
1. The Web site www.whitmancounty.org provides the agendas and minutes for the meeting of the county’s commissioners. Navigate to the commissioners’ page.
2. Open the current agenda.
a. According to the agenda, what meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m.?
3. Review the minutes from the Sept. 21, 2009, meeting. Find the H1N1 report.
a. How many confirmed cases in Whitman County?
b. How many doses of vaccine will be available in Washington state?
c. How many in Whitman County?
d. What is Dr. Moody’s suggestion on how to distribute?
e. Write a lede based on this information.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Is it libelous?
Why or why not?
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
- No, because it is a direct quote that is attributed to someone. It was a defamation spoken by Karen Smith, not something that the author of the story came up with.
ACTUALLY - not libel because the subject of libel is dead.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
- No, because she the Weekly World News is not considered a credible news source. Also, Megan Fox is a public figure.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
- Yes, because although he's saying "in my opinion", stating that someone is a mudering rapist is a statement of fact.
1. “Up until the day he died, he was a brilliant writer. But the drugs made him a thief, a pimp and a liar,” said friend Karen Smith, who was with Johnson at the time of his death.
- No, because it is a direct quote that is attributed to someone. It was a defamation spoken by Karen Smith, not something that the author of the story came up with.
ACTUALLY - not libel because the subject of libel is dead.
2. “Megan Fox is a man!” Headline on Weekly World News Web site
- No, because she the Weekly World News is not considered a credible news source. Also, Megan Fox is a public figure.
3. “In my opinion, Kevin is a murdering rapist.”
- Yes, because although he's saying "in my opinion", stating that someone is a mudering rapist is a statement of fact.
Justice Story: Recants May Contribute to Underreporting of Sexual Assault
Outline
1. Lede – night of partying – sexual assault
- reality of underreporting
2. Assualts on campus this fall
- recants
3. Recant quote “atmosphere of women as liars” Chastain
- nothing bad happens here
4. Office Petlovany quote
- Safety/Fire report stat
- precautions? Are they taken?
5. Mary Anderson “false reports” quote
- negative effect on campus
- underreporting stats
6. Men as victims
- why they won’t report
- resources for men
- closing quote from Chastain
A typical college weekend of beer pong and binge drinking may seem harmless, but for some a night of innocent partying can take a nightmarish turn. In reality, sexual assaults on college campuses are shockingly underreported and WSU is no exception.
Early this semester, many Washington State University students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes that sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said that there are precautions against sexual assault that can be taken, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said that it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as ten percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct”. A full-range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said, “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Contacts:
(all these interviews were conducted in person)
Jared Chastain (360) 708-9217
Officer Mike Petlovany (509) 335-8548
Mary Anderson 509-335-1856
1. Lede – night of partying – sexual assault
- reality of underreporting
2. Assualts on campus this fall
- recants
3. Recant quote “atmosphere of women as liars” Chastain
- nothing bad happens here
4. Office Petlovany quote
- Safety/Fire report stat
- precautions? Are they taken?
5. Mary Anderson “false reports” quote
- negative effect on campus
- underreporting stats
6. Men as victims
- why they won’t report
- resources for men
- closing quote from Chastain
A typical college weekend of beer pong and binge drinking may seem harmless, but for some a night of innocent partying can take a nightmarish turn. In reality, sexual assaults on college campuses are shockingly underreported and WSU is no exception.
Early this semester, many Washington State University students felt a twinge of panic as they received late-night text messages alerting them of assaults on campus. The three attacks, though recanted just days later, brought the reality of sexual assault uncomfortably close to home.
Although the WSU campus newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, reported on the alleged assaults and the subsequent recants, it was never made clear why the reports were recanted.
“The recants definitely breed an atmosphere that considers women to be liars,” senior political science major Jared Chastain said. “On the other hand, when no one comes forward at all, we have this false sense of security. Like, ‘See? Nothing bad happens here.’”
WSU Police Officer Mike Petlovany says he believes that sexual assault and rape are “extremely underreported” on campus. According to the 2009-2010 Cougar Annual Safety/Fire Report, just three cases of forcible rape were reported on campus in 2008.
“I have no doubt that there are many more incidents that occur that we just never hear about,” Petlovany said.
Petlovany said that there are precautions against sexual assault that can be taken, such as coming and leaving parties in groups, avoiding walking alone at night, and monitoring alcohol consumption.
“Some people do take precautions and are aware of the risk,” Petlovany said. “But some make themselves easier targets.”
Mary Anderson, the WSU Women’s Resource Center program coordinator, said that it’s important the recants are not considered “false reports” since reasons behind them are still not public knowledge.
“If they are thought of as false reports, there is a negative effect on campus,” Anderson said. “People do start to dismiss other reports, and considering the difficulty that victims already have in coming forward, we do not want the situation worsened.”
Anderson said that although the WSU police have no way of recording unreported cases, national statistics imply that as few as ten percent of sexual assaults are reported.
Anderson said that societal standards don’t allow men who are victims of sexual assault to report crimes against them.
“Sexual assault absolutely does happen to men,” Anderson said. “But in our society, women are expected to be victims, while men aren’t allowed to be.”
While there are several resources on campus available for women to take preventative measures against sexual assault, there are few comparative resources for men.
WSU Recreation is now offering a Men's Violence Prevention class as part of the Wellbeing program. According to the online description, the class includes a discussion of how men can “better limit and prevent violence and sexual misconduct”. A full-range of self-defense skills tailored for men is also taught.
Women’s Transit, a program that provides rides for women who would otherwise walk alone at night, is also open to members of the gay and transgender community.
“These people are struggling between two communities, and with a multitude of identities,” Chastain, who is a Women’s Transit volunteer, said, “I fully support the decision to provide safe alternatives for people at risk.”
Contacts:
(all these interviews were conducted in person)
Jared Chastain (360) 708-9217
Officer Mike Petlovany (509) 335-8548
Mary Anderson 509-335-1856
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sentence editing
1. The guest speaker is Kimberly Robertello, a clinical assistant professor at Washington State University who teaches courses in human anatomy and biomechanics.
2. The group decided to start a voter registration drive for the Nov. election to help qualify more students to vote. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
3. “How many people are serious about going so we can reserve hotel rooms for everyone?" PRSSA President Tara Wyman asked.
4. “It's not always the most fun thing to do on a Wednesday night, but once I graduate I’m going to reap the rewards,” Parker said. “Nothing gets you further than contacts in the field.”
5. Candidates Derrick En’Wezoh, ASWSU representative and Jason McConnell, GPSA representative, wanted to share the chairman position.
6. Representatives proposing to go against the grain are often intimidated due to what appears to be a unified front again them.
7. A rush of new Homecoming ideas from the Student Entertainment Board meeting Monday constructed a bright path for Homecoming 2009 and discussed ways to improve participation level.
8. Director of Student Affairs, Joshua Hart highlighted the lack of volunteers and asked the executives to sign up.
2. The group decided to start a voter registration drive for the Nov. election to help qualify more students to vote. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.
3. “How many people are serious about going so we can reserve hotel rooms for everyone?" PRSSA President Tara Wyman asked.
4. “It's not always the most fun thing to do on a Wednesday night, but once I graduate I’m going to reap the rewards,” Parker said. “Nothing gets you further than contacts in the field.”
5. Candidates Derrick En’Wezoh, ASWSU representative and Jason McConnell, GPSA representative, wanted to share the chairman position.
6. Representatives proposing to go against the grain are often intimidated due to what appears to be a unified front again them.
7. A rush of new Homecoming ideas from the Student Entertainment Board meeting Monday constructed a bright path for Homecoming 2009 and discussed ways to improve participation level.
8. Director of Student Affairs, Joshua Hart highlighted the lack of volunteers and asked the executives to sign up.
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