college shorts

Author: Jamie Fuller and Anthony Adragna

Columbia hunger strike finally ends for bread

On Nov. 16, seven students and a professor who waged a 10-day hunger strike at Columbia University finally broke fast with a small meal of bread. The strike was being held to protest certain administrative policies regarding academics, administration and the proposed Manhattanville expansion. On Nov. 21, the strikers revoked all demands except for those regarding the expansion project. The strikers requests remained unheard after they broke fast, a measure they took after the Coalition to Preserve Community told them to stop because of health reasons. On Friday morning before the end of the hunger strike, the strikers and the administration issued a joint statement to the campus and community.

"The administration recognizes the deep seriousness of the student strikers' commitment to institutional changes that will reduce the marginalization experienced by some of our communities and enhance inclusiveness for all," it stated. "The students recognize the strength of the administration's commitment to advancing change through the channels that represent the interests of the whole Columbia community."
- The Columbia Spectator


Writers strike brings uncertainty to interns

The Writer Guild of America (WGA) strike that began Nov. 5 is affecting not only those who work in Hollywood, but also college campuses nationwide. Students who planned internships with WGA writers are now having to look for internships elsewhere. At Boston University, four students out of the 65 participating in the Spring 2008 internship program will be affected by the strike. BU's database of companies includes ABC, E! Entertainment, Fox Sports, Paramount Pictures, Home Box Office and Miramax Studios. However, there are enough scripts in backlog that interns should have something to work on, even though no new material is being generated. BU program director Bill Linsman is optimistic is that the strike will not have too large of a negative impact on internships. However, he does not see a rosy future for those in the entertainment industry.

"In my opinion, the strike is going to last a long time," Linsman said. "It's going to be harmful to the writers. It's going to be harmful to the producers."
- The Daily Free Press


UPenn professor pleads guilty to manslaughter

On Nov. 26, former University of Pennsylvania Professor Rafael Robb pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his wife last year.

Once tenured in economics at the University of Pennsylvania, Robb killed his wife, Ellen Robb, while she wrapped Christmas presents last Dec. 22.

After beginning to discuss a trip his wife planned to take with their daughter, Robb grew angry. After being pushed by his wife, Robb confessed that he "just lost it."

Police officials believed Robb staged the scene to look like a robbery, after bludgeoning his wife to death with an exercise bar. That weapon has never been found.

Ellen Robb was known as a doting, stay-at-home mom who died at their home in Upper Merion Township, outside of Philadelphia. The couple was estranged and slept in separate bedrooms.

Rafael Robb faces no more than seven years in prison for his wife's death. He claimed to have been in Philadelphia during the time of the crime.
- CNN.com