City council meetings have been unusually packed with people concerned about race relations and Champaign’s use of force policy since an African-American teenager was killed by a police officer’s gun. The city of Champaign has been in uproar since the policy was introduced. The use of force policy was released on Oct. 1 and shortly after, on Oct. 9, Kiwane Carrington died by the weapon of Police Officer Daniel Norbits. This incident has caused a mountain of controversy in the Champaign area concerning race and the police. (more…)
Theft on Campus November 16, 2009
When Anthony Wang returned to the locker room at Campus Recreation Center East after a stress-relieving workout, he was shocked to see his wallet, cell phone, backpack and sweatshirt missing. Theft is one of the most frequently occurring crimes on campus, said Lieutenant Skip Frost of the University of Illinois Police Department. Although he believes theft is handled professionally by the UIPD, students who have been victimized disagree. (more…)
Skip Frost, UIPD Lieutenant November 16, 2009
Police officers are expected to uphold public laws and protect the safety of citizens. Often the police are blamed for not doing satisfactory work. Lieutenant Skip Frost of the University of Illinois Police Department says, “There’s two sides to every story.” He says the police’s side has often been neglected in the public eye. (more…)
Cora Beem, Associate Director of the Police Training Institute November 16, 2009
Cora Beem the associate director of the Police Training Institute in Champaign holds her ground in the classroom, completely comfortable with all eyes on her. She gazes steadily at the newest class of police recruits and congratulates those who have been named squad leaders. (more…)
Acquaintence Sexual Assault November 16, 2009
On September 13 students at University of Illinois received a crime alert about a report of sexual assault. When an incident of sexual assault occurs between strangers, like this example, the public is warned. However, 85 percent of cases are acquaintance rape. This means victims are usually assaulted by someone they know. Public sexual assault cases, while important to know about, are not the prevalent model. (more…)
Champaign City Council October 29, 2009
When the Champaign City Council was called to order on October 20 the chamber was stuffed with people of multiple ethnicities, official looking people, nervous people, young people, old people and sad people. Following typical protocol, the mayor proclaimed the meeting open for audience participation. At this time dozens of community members approached the council for a turn to speak their mind on the serious issue of a black community member being shot and killed by a white Champaign police officer. (more…)
Zina Bhaia October 6, 2009
Zina Bhaia was born a healthy baby in Baghdad, Iraq. Forty-five days later doctors discovered she had polio, which left her with scoliosis and paralyzed her left leg. Despite this disability her parents, who are both teachers themselves, pushed her to go to school as she grew up. Bhaia admitted she is a shy person and said of her parents, “I owe them for who I am today.” (more…)
Registration Reservations October 6, 2009
Choosing new classes each semester inspires mixed feeling around campus. Beginning on April 6, 2009, University of Illinois students have been tackling the registration process. Although using the school website to pick courses has been modified many times over to improve the simplicity of signing up for class, there are still obstacles that every student has a chance of encountering. The registration process, while similar for everyone, affects each individual uniquely. (more…)
The Best Kept Secret On Campus October 6, 2009
The University of Illinois possesses some of the most accommodating programs and facilities for its disabled community. Those who are physically challenged are glimpsed around campus just like any other college student. They are visible to the public eye, but a slightly less known fact is that many of these students live together. (more…)
