At The Very Least: November
By Drift on Nov 1, 2007 in At The Very Least
Flagler’s Club Unity Appeals Denial
Flagler College’s administration again denied the application of Club Unity, a group supporting acceptance of gay, lesbian and transsexual communities.
The rejection of the club came from Dean of Student Services Daniel Stewart, who said, “(The club’s) purpose does not fall within the realm of the mission of the college.”
Variations of the group have been trying to get approved since 2004.
Organizers sent an appeal to Flagler President Bill Abare, who said on Oct. 17 that he would bring it up again before the cabinet, who will vote on a recommendation.
Sophomore Bobby Webb of Wallingford, Pa., a member of Change Flagler College, an advocacy group at the school, said his organization supports the club’s right to be on the 2,350-student campus.
“They wanted to work with this administration,” Webb said. “The group is trying to help individuals who feel neglected or ignored by the college. There are a lot of people who care about this issue.”
He said a petition with 160 signatures has been submitted on the club’s behalf.
“(Club Unity) has the right to a presidential appeal,” Webb said.
In April, the club’s application process was the subject of a Gargoyle story written by student Julia Redemske. The handling of the story’s editing provoked street demonstrations and cries of “censorship” by students.
Shutting Out Art?
Three St. Augustine artists were charged with selling art works downtown then had the charges dismissed after challenging two city ordinances by claiming the city violated their First Amendment right to free expression.
The defendants, painter Gregory Travous, leather sculptor Jack Chuites and art quilter Helena Sala, face up to a $500 fine for each violation.
Their attorney, Thomas Cushman of St. Augustine, grouped the cases together and argued that city ordinances prohibiting sales of certain items in certain downtown spots are “arbitrary, capricious and vague” and therefore unconstitutional.
But the court’s ruling now forces the City Commission to consider repairing the loophole that County Judge Charles Tinlin found in the ordinance that allows police officers to decide what is art and what is not.
Tinlin ruled that the Plaza ordinance is “an unconstitutional restriction of (the artists’) freedom of speech or expression as guaranteed under the First and 14th amendments to the Constitution.”
City Plans Crackdown on Vandals, Graffiti
Scribbled symbols and cryptic phrases written on the walls of public and private properties over the Oct. 12-14 weekend have city officials calling for increased enforcement and more public awareness of the vandals.
City Manager Bill Harriss said there’s been a noticeable increase. He counted 20 instances that week alone.
He’d like to see more vigilance by residents.
“We need more eyes out there. If you see someone walking around with a marker, that’s a clue,” he said.
He said graffiti helps to destroy the quality of life in St. Augustine.
Police said they’ve arrested one man on a criminal mischief charge not related to the graffti. But he admitted to three instances of graffiti and said his two companions also did some.
Detective Sgt. Barry Fox, speaking for St. Augustine police, said they didn’t want to release the man’s name yet since he’s only been detained and not yet charged.
“It’s juvenile behavior,” Fox said. “There’s a case every three days (on average). Two (of the 15 reported to police) are from spray paint. They say stuff like, ‘Just beautiful,’ and ‘Scrub light,’ and ‘Spasta’ and, on a restaurant, ‘Food dank look away.’ On a truck was one word, ‘Poor’ and on a wall, ‘The government doesn’t care for you.’ We’re working to get them stopped. Right now, it’s case by case.”
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