Maroon

              The Maroon ESTABLISHED 1923 VOL. 74 NO. 7 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1995 Loyola University New Orleans Smith raises Freeport questions on Loyola Day By DOMINIC MASSA Staff writer At a Loyola Day panel designed to reflect on the history and traditions of St. Ignatius Loyola, discussion turned to the university's future, particularly its controversial relationship with Freeport-McMoßan. Following an address on Jesuit education by the Rev. Bernard Knoth, S.J., university president, Marcus Smith, associate professor of English, one of three faculty responders to Knoth's address, raised several ethical questions about the university's relationship with Freeport-McMoßan. The company's environmental record and mining operations in Indonesia have been the subject of much debate on campus. "Like Ignatius on the road to Montserrat and Manresa, Loyola University is at a crossroads," Smith said. "Which direction should we take? Do we accept questionable means to attain a good end, or reject those means for fear it will corrupt that good end?" His comments came at a panel held Oct. 9 in Nunemaker Hall entitled "Shared Vision: Jesuit Spirit in Education." The other two responders to Knoth's address were Teri Kline Henley, assistant communications professor, and Theodore Quant, director of the Twomey Center. Smith outlined the allegations against Freeport- McMoßan, which surfaced in a report by the Roman Catholic Church of Irian Jaya. "There is evidence that Freeport epitomizes the culture of savage capitalism," Smith said. "At the same time, they have tried mightily through philanthropy to give something back as good corporate citizens." Smith said he is encouraged by questions raised by students and faculty on campus over the issue. He agreed with those who have suggested a forum to discuss the issue, "much like an Ignatian examination of conscience." Smith said that such an examination of conscience must not be postponed. He chastised the university administration for not pondering the issue more closely. By DAN OBARSKI Marcus Smith at a panel on Loyola Day. Computers need upgrades, experts say By ANGELA DRISCOLL and JENNIFER LEVASSEUR Staff writers As schools across the nation are enhancing their computer technology to meet the ever-increasing demands of students, Loyola is moving with them, but lags behind in the race, according to campus computer experts. Over the past few years Loyola has upgraded sets computers at different times. The computers located in the Writing Across the Curriculum lab were upgraded three to four years ago and use Macintosh computers with Microsoft Works 3.0. Allen Sparks, director of academic computing, said, "We have a fairly old stock of computers." In contrast, Biever, Buddig and Cabra, have newer Macintosh models outfitted with Microsoft Works 4.0. Ten new computers were purchased right before the new semester began for a total of $24,000. But, there are always problems when new systems don't agree with old. While multiple versions of software are available, they are not usually compatible with each other. Often the older software does not read, or is not capable of reading, the transferred information from the newer equipment. For example, students using the computers in the residence hall labs often have trouble printing or continuing their work in the WAC labs. Although there are ways around the problems, these routes are often inconvenient. The problem lies in the ever changing Report details alcohol and drug offenses By NEAL FALGOUST Assistant News Editor A report by the Student Affairs office shows that drug use on the Loyola Campus is a persistent problem. The report, prepared by Vicki McNeil, associate vice president for student affairs, and Alex Becking, assistant discipline officer for Residential Life, outlined a number of drug and alcohol related offenses which occurred during the 1994-95 academic term. During that period, 37 drug- and alcohol-related cases were reported to the University discipline program. Of those, 33 students were involved with alcohol violations and four students were involved in drug use. Those statistics were comparable to the 1993-94 term, which showed that 38 cases handled through the office. But the past two years have shown a 52 percent increase from 1992-93, during which time 25 cases were reported. One student mentioned in the report was involved with binge drinking at a sorority function. She was hospitalized because her blood alcohol level was dangerously high. The student's parents were contacted and she was required to receive counseling berfore she could reenroll for classes. The sorority that was involved was required to go through an organizational hearing and was expected to provide an educational program to its pledges. Furthermore, the sorority was temporarily suspended from sponsoring social programs. In a separate incident, a student became intoxicated and contacted Knoth to examine multicultural committee's report By DOMINIC MASSA Staff writer With a decision on the proposed Office of Multicultural Affairs weighing heavily on the university's agenda, the man faced with making that decision, the Rev. Bernard Knoth, S.J., university president, will spend a large portion of his time reading the report prepared for him on the issue. The Committee on Multicultural Affairs' 18-page report offers a complex study of the racial composition of the campus and the effectiveness of the university's response to minority concerns over the last 20 years. The committee presented its findings to Knoth's predecessor, the Rev. James Carter, S.J., on May 12. With many major issues taking up his first 100 days, however, Knoth has postponed the issue. But those involved in the process say he has indicated that he will take a close look at the recommendations in the report by November. "When we last met with Fr. Knoth on Sept. 18, he had only read the report," said Doreen Simonsen, reference librarian and co-chair of the Committee on Multicultural Affairs. Simonsen said the delay is understandable, particularly with the president facing so many important issues during the first months of his tenure. "With the library budget and parking Hunger Relief By joy christina de matteo LUCAP feeds the homeless during a recent visit to Lafayette Square for its Hunger Relief Program. See SMITH, Pg. 6 See REPORT, Pg. 8 See DRUG, Pg. 5 See COMPUTERS, Pg. 3 Race for time W'.'.i J As election day |;j;i approaches, we profile I::/ Roemer and Landrieu. I M Pg.3 ■ Still Going Soccer team remains undefeated on the home field. Pg. 9 Balkan Ghosts of ethnic cleansing attempt to rebuild their world. Pg. 15