Thursday, April 4, 1996 Prayer stirs controversy from PRAYER page 1 Zampetti has conducted several informal polls to gauge public opinion on the issue. The results indicated no clear majority of opinion. "The poll turned out...pretty much even for students who are for it and students who are against it. That's pretty balanced," said Zampetti. Chris Rizzo, director of student activities, brought up the possibility of an SGA open forum on prayer as a means of better gauging student opinion. "It strikes me that there isn't a real good feel for which way the wind is blowing on the issue," he said. SGA's stance on the issue is as sharply divided as public opinion. Zampetti has offered two motions asking for resolutions in support of a trial period without prayer at graduation. The second motion provided for an additional optional ceremony with prayer. Both motions were narrowly defeated. Since SGA cannot vote on the same motion twice, Zampetti would have to amend the resolution before it could be presented to the senate again. According to Zampetti, it will be difficult to adjust the terminology without sacrificing ideology. "i really don't know how much more I can compromise without losing the integrity of the original motion," Zampetti said. In need a a me? ' is Cbmingil One kickymale and female will win the . , ... ..... : . ,••••••••••••• • .9.4#1814100 1414, be posted Road" :FreecTutonno::'.lmthe Assistance Center 203 ILbary < 6014 HAVE A PROBLEM WANT ? l'wwn wrIMON . HEARD? Write Your student bailers and drop it 10 0n430400 truili addlused to 80 A, ATTN; POW Retotlono. FUNDED BY 50A Even if SGA does pass a resolution in favor of • cutting prayer, its effect .on administration policy cannot be predicted. Timothy Mallon, SGA president, believes that the administration would consider the resolution, but that a large outcry form the student body would have to be heard before action is taken. Zampetti is also doubtful that a resolution would accomplish its goal even if passed. According to Lilley, SGA's voice would be heard and heavily weighed by the administration during the decision-making process. "I would have to know what the arguments were and how they approached it," Lilley said. "I would certainly be respectful that SGA represents one aspect of our community...l would certainly be interested in what SGA thought, but particularly why they thought it." According to Zampetti, going to court would only be a last resort. he does plan to bring a new motion to the floor at the next SGA meeting. "Our first objective would be to not have to go to the ACLU and try to do something within the school," Zampetti said. "If need be, there are ways of filing against the school. I think that is the most extreme way of going about it" Save lives on April 10i i Blood Drive Wednesday, April 10 11:00 - 5:00 pm In the Reed Commons It's not too late for sophomores to be nominated to participate in the University Scholars Program. Third and fourth semester students with excellent academic abilities interested in undertaking independent study and research at the junior/senior level may be considered. Only as a Scholar can a student earn a Penn State honors degree. 7 - Sunday News Fiesta time! BEHREND-Penn_ State Erie, The Behrend College, will host its annual Cultural Fiesta on Tuesday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the glass-enclosed Wintergarde.n atrium in the Reed Union Building. "Celebrating a World of Change" is the theme of this year's program, which is designed to bring together the Penn State- Behrend and Erie communities in celebration of different cultures and lifestyles. This event is free and open to the public. The day promises to be a smorgasbord of ethnic traditions, customs, dishes, and entertainment. Several display tables will be featured, representing Greek, German, Latin American, African- American, and Malaysian cultures. Musical entertainment will be provided by a German street organist and an international improvisational band, Sangeta, featuring flutes, saxophone, percussion, and vocals. A variety of ethnic foods will also be available for sampling. This event is sponsored by the Penn State-Behrend Office of Student Affairs. For more information, please contact the Student Affairs office at 898- 6111. Student Events 4 - Thursday 8 - Monday Deadline for Student Events Calendar Information The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Last meeting of the semester for student chapter members Reed 114 5:00 pm Storyteller performance at Behrend Shanta, an African American storyteller, will perform at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. In the Reed Lecture Hall. The performance Is free and open to the public. Storytelling has served many functions for African people. For centuries, African cultures relied upon the Griot, or storyteller, to preserve the history of the civilization in a time when no records were kept. Storytelling also served to unite a common community through shared experiences and helped to clarify the values of the culture. Combining her own creative spirit with African folktales and contemporary African-American perspectives, Shanta's stories are about peace, empowerment, healing and self discovery. She seeks to instill pride, respect, and an understanding of people of African origin and their many contributions to society. She also explores the enduring strength, energy, love an courage of women. Shanta's performances include stories, visual elements, poetry, chanting, and music from numerous instruments of African origin. Thanks in part to the recent collaboration between Behrend's Health and Wellness Center and the Erie County Health Department, AIDS testing will be provided totally free of charge. Testing is done by appointment through the Health and Wellness center, 898-6217. 5 - Friday Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Band/Choir Room 6:30 - 8:00 pm German Club 12:30 pm Reed 114 Biology Club Reed 3 5:30 pm 9 - Tuesday Eco-Acdon Reed 114 12:00 - 1:00 pm 6 - Saturday Easter Egg Hunt Reed Commons 10:00 -12:00 10 - Wednesday Blood Drive MVO - 5:00 pm Reed Commons SGA Reed 112 5:15 pm Page 3
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers