DePaulia (DePaul University, Chicago, IL), 1992-03-06

              N Features Opinion Hie Gulf War. One year later, Attraction of Swedish Bikini Marc Luzietti takes a look Team doesn't measure up acback and questions. cording to JJ). Irono. See Features, page 9. See Op/Ed, page 7. News Sports Hie history of Africans in the He Demons prepare for their former Soviet Union was dis- traditional showdown against cussed on Thursday. the Fighting Irish on Saturday. See News, page 5. See Sports, page 16. The Fest initiates new tradition with new name By Jennifer Tomshack Managing Editor DePaul students look forward every year to along standing spring custom, Bluesfest. This year, however, the tradition will change, starting with a new name, The Fest. "We wanted afresh beginning and something new after the disappointment last year because of the weather," said Amy Rasmussen, chairperson of The Fest '92. Last year's Bluesfest was marked by unusually cold, rainy weather for May and resulted in a low turnout. "We also changed the name because we didn't want to limit ourselves to just blues music," said Rasmussen. "We are looking at rock and alternative bands as well." DAB is trying to get a Chicago radio station to sponsor the May 15th event. "We will then be able to attract some bigger names for entertainment," said Rasmussen. Which bands will be performing has not yet been decided. Students have mixed emotions over the change in the name and concept. "I've been at the last two Bluesfests and had a great time. They've got a good tradition going and I don't think they should try to change it. It's really something to look forward to," said Mike Patterson, junior economics major. Despite some skepticism, Rasmussen is confident that students will connect The Fest with the old tradition. "Its the same event but better," said Rasmussen. "We are hoping our promotions will convey that." DePaul organizations will be given a table to sell items or set up carnival games with prizes. More food vendors from local restaurants will be present than last year. "Seminary is usually closed off for the event, but this year we are going to set things up in the street as well," said Rasmussen. "Possibly, we'll get a tent for people to sit and eat under." The beer garden will be run like it was in previous years, with a brewing company supplying the beer and a private security company to check the IDs of anyone wishing to enter. "We have to contain the drinking to the beer garden," said Rasmussen. "We want people to have a good time but we have to be responsible...and keep it from getting out of hand." The residence halls and security will be keeping the drinking in check at the event, but this may be one aspect of the Bluesfest tradition that will be hard to change. "Changing the name won't change much. People are still going to have their spring release," said Tom Schaefer, senior operations management major. The event will be held between 4-11 in U-Hall parking lot. The rain date will be Saturday May 16. DAB welcomes anyone who would be willing to help organize the fest. DePaul University's Official Student Newspaper Vol. 70, No. 17 DePaul University March 6, 1992 Over 150 people joined Campuses Organized Against Rape (COAR) in front of Munroe Hall Wednesday night in a candlelit vigil to protest their dissatisfaction with the university's policy regarding sexual assault cases. Carrying signs that urged "Break the silence," COAR members and group participants made speeches and circulated petitions. "We know at least one student in a position of authority in a residence hall who admitted to an RA (resident advisor) of committing rape before the position and pleaded guilty to have the charge reduced to battery. The university knew this and continued to employ him," said Carey Cranston, co-founder of COAR. Tom Gibbons, director of media relations, said that "the charge of rape has been thrown around, but the student plead guilty to the misdemeanor of simple battery, not rape." According to Jim Doyle, vice president for student affairs, the student has been reassigned to another area of the university. "It should be emphasized that the male student has never served as a resident advisor," said Doyle. "The case was reviewed (See Vigil, page 2) By Danielle Caffarello Human Rights Awareness Week was recognized by a series of consciousness-raising events sponsored by Amnesty International (AI) this week. "Human Rights Awareness Week is our own endeavor to bring about awareness of the human rights violations that are taking place in the world," said Chloe Keller, promotional coordinator of Amnesty International. Amnesty International is a student group here at DePaul who's goal is to see that people all over the world are not denied their human rights. To recognize Human Rights Awareness Week, AI coordinated several activities including a mock abduction and execution, a letter write-a-thon and a former prisoner of consciousness speaking. "The mock abduction and execution which was held in Stuart on Tuesday was performed in order to make people aware that in some places, especially Central and South America, these things COAR sponsored a candlelight vigil in front of Munroe Hall to demonstrate students' concerns regarding sexual assault. Human Rights Awareness Week raises consciousness do happen if one is believed to be anti-government," said Keller. The letter write-a-thon in Stuart on Thursday was a campaign to get as many letters as possible signed or written to the government officials who's countries are in violation of the universal declaration of human rights. AI was pleased with the results of the write-a-thon. "The turnout was great. At first it was slow, but it picked up. We've gotten a lot of letters signed," said Michelle Tennant, urgent action coordinator of AI. "Sometimes we feel the university is really apathetic, but it was great, today people really seemed eager to help out." The final activity in honor of Human Rights Awareness Week was a discussion with an exprisoner of consciousness from Chile, who is now an English teacher in Chicago. "We really feel that the community here at DePaul isn't aware of Amnesty's work, and what we do," said Keller. "Amnesty International stands for universal Photo by Samantha Holler freedom of rights and beliefs. It is a group working for equality of all people, based on the universal declaration of human rights." Keller feels that many students may have inaccurate perceptions about what the group does. "We are apolitical, we work for political prisoners who have been imprisoned for expressing thenideas in a peaceful way. We also work for maintaining freedom of expression," said Keller. "Everyone assumes that Amnesty International is a liberal organization, but it has nothing to do with being party affiliated, it has everything to do with being human," said Michelle Tennant, urgent action coordinator of Amnesty International. AI is active throughtout the year, promoting human rights awareness among students and others. "We continue to work for more awareness on campus, hoping to enlarge our group," said Keller. The next meeting will be March 12th at 6:15 in Stuart 224.