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Thcp 1 1 ^ Thursday, October 10, 2002 Vol. 28, Issue 8 Elon University Elon, NX. If it matters to you, it matters to The Pendulum. Disabled students face challenges Jennifer Guarino Editor in Chief Lauren Easop will never see the third floor of Alamance build ing. She’ll never stop by a profes sor’s office in the political science department. Each trip to class or to the din ing hall poses problems for this freshman, one of three students at Elon with permanent disabilities. Six steps up to a buildings become a challenge, not a hop, step and a jump. It’s a struggle to open heavy doors. "The bricks, cafeterias and doors really frustrate me getting around campus,” Easop said. “But I try not to let it get me down. I try not to let my balance troubles get in my way,” Easop underwent surgery for a shattered vertebra in 1999. During the surgery, nerves to her feet, ankles and legs were severed. While the nerves will re-grow slowly over the next six to eight years, Easop walks with a cane to stay balanced. She also wears leg braces and a knee brace. The brick walkways are one of Easop’s biggest challenges. “I don’t just trip on bricks, I all out fall,” she said. She would love to see all the bricks replaced with cement. “All the things that would make it easier for me, I don’t think will happen.” She knows there is not a solution to every struggle she faces. Easop said she relies on others to help her, especially carrying food in the din ing halls or opening doors. “Usually when I'm in Moseley Center it’s hard to open the door because I’m carrying things and the door is heavy and the handle is low,” she said. “When people see me, they help me as much as they can.” Although Easop faces chal lenges moving around campus, the university works to assist dis abled students. Sometimes this means moving their classes to the first floor, or arranging for first floor dorm rooms. Others factors are also considered when con structing or renovating buildings to follow guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1991. Elon has met or exceeded all mandates by the ADA. See ACCESSIBILITY p. 7 Community gathers Tim Rosner/Photography Editor At last weekend’s Festival of the Oaks, the community gathered along Williamson Avenue for the 10th annual event. Local children ventured to Kid’s Land for rides and entertainment. See page 10 for story. McBride spealcs on common reader Julia Smith Reporter James McBride, writer, com poser and saxophonist, enter tained students and faculty Thursday night in Alumni Gym with his thoughts on his book “The Color of Water.” McBride, author of the com mon reader, engaged the audience with his humor woven through readings from the book and sto ries about his family. One of 12 children, McBride wrote about growing up and his relationship with his Jewish mother. “The book has given me a peace about the world,” McBride said. “We have a lot more in com mon than we have differences.” His grandfather, a rabbi, came to the United States in 1920. He began to destroy his family phys ically and emotionally, and as a result McBride’s mother left home for Harlem at the age of 17. She then married an African- American and began her own family. When her husband died of cancer, she turned to her aunt for help and the door was slammed in her face. McBride’s father’s sister traveled to Brooklyn, N.Y, to help the family. His mother later remarried and she returned back home. McBride told the audience he never attended lectures when he was in college. “You have demon strated you know how to succeed by being here,” he said. “This is See MCBRIDE p. 9 Police chief clarifies complaints LaVeii Lovette Cuest Columnist Six months ago, I assumed office as the Chief of Police for the Town of Elon. I am still adjusting but find that things are going extremely well. It is not in my nature to respond to editorials or opinion columns, especially when they concern law enforcement and par ticularly, my department; howev er, because of recent contacts my officers have had with university students, I would like to clarify some information that was recent ly presented in an opinion column by Ryan Costello, "What to do and say if you are arrested by police,” in the Sept. 19 edition. While the gist of Costello’s article is right on the money, he tends to give his opinions and advice as absolutes. “What you say and what you don’t say to police is of the utmost importance.” TRUE. “What you say can be used against you...” TRUE. This is one of the Miranda Rights that is required to be given to all sus pects who are questioned about specific crimes while in custody, we do not have to give these rights to everyone before ques tioning, "... and may give police an excuse to arrest you.” FALSE. Police do not need an excuse to arrest; we need probable cause. “You do not have to answer any questions...” TRUE. “... and your best bet is to stay quiet, polite and respectful at all times.” Sometimes what you have to say will clear you of all suspicion; See POLICE p. 3 INSIDE Student Erin Lawless shares passion for volunteer work, page 12 Find out how Reel Big Fish spent their summer, page 17 Cross country makes strides after a suc cessful meet at ECU, page 22
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