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Show 2 Sisnpost-Friday, May 6, 1988 ACLU fights unconstitutional church and state ties Ethan Yorgason News Editor Many people think of the American Civil Liberties Union as a bunch of godless communists because of the way they object to such things as prayer in public meetings, said the executive director of the ACLU in Utah. But, said Robyn Blumncr, the organization is merely trying to protect people's constitutional rights against the establishment of religion by the government. Blumncr spoke at yesterday's lively Honors Program Issues Forum. She said one of the main issues the ACLU works on in Utah is trying to prevent religious indoctrination in public schools. They were able to stop prayers in PTA meetings held in conjunction with programs that students performed at. Normally they have no complaints about prayers in PTA meetings because the PTA is a private organization. But, they felt prayers weren't appropriate when students were required to attend and participate. The ACLU also objected to a choral teacher who chose scripturally-bascd music 25 percent of the time. The teacher, however, refused to change and the ACLU is trying to decide what action to take. Blumncr said she does not object to religious subjects being taught in their historical context, but that Two-year grads get Scott Summerill Asst. News Editor , ' Weber State's Career Services office is now offering a job placement program for two-year graduates. Merlin Judkins, Career Services job developer, said there has not been a program available specifically for two-year graduates in the past. "Those students two-year graduates need help too," he said. According to Judkins, the program will use a computerized match-up system. He said the computer will scan the files and match the available jobs with qualified applicants. "Once the match is made," he said, "the student will be notified through the mail of the openings in their field." Steven Eichmeier, director of Career Service, said there were several problems in setting up the program; putting together a pool of employers, and building a pool of students. Eichmeier said the hardest part was selling employers on the idea. "It's difficult to convince people to get involved with new programs, no matter how good they are." Eichmeier said the new program is identical to the program offered to four-year graduates. The program will give applicants access to local, the choir teacher was not teaching it in that context. "When religion is taught for educational purposes we - - - -- - Robyn Blumner (Signpost photo: Hal Moore) placement program regional, and national recruiters, according to Eichmeier. The job listings also include those available through Job Service. Judkins said the program will allow students to set up a permanent file, complete with confidential letters of recommendation. "Faculty recommendations are vital," he said. "The best thing a student can have is a good recommendation from a professor or department chair." Another advantage of the permanent file, according to Judkins, is it will always be available, even after the student has left WSC. Judkins said the program is for two-year terminal students only and they should not enroll in the program until they are within two quarters of graduation. "Employers don't want to wait for a year to fill a position," he said. "They want people who are ready to go to work full time." The program requires an initial registration fee of $25. After registering, students will be mailed listings of job openings in their field. "They can receive up to 60 mailings the first year," he said. "After that, the student can renew the program at a reduced rate." (see PLACEMENT on page 3) have no problem with it," she said. "All we're saying is we don't want religious indoctrination being taught." The ACLU also tried to persuade the Salt Lake County Commission to use non-denominational prayers before meetings rather than the traditional Christian prayers. "We felt that it (the Christian prayers) disenfranchised those who were offended by a Christian prayer," Blumner said. Instead of using non-denominational prayers, the commission decided to invite a variety of religions to pray at the meetings. "We have a lot of separation (of church and state) problems in this state," said Blumner. "This is a unique state." She said that with the Mormon's history of being persecuted, there should be less problems in Utah. "The Mormons in particular should really be able to understand and sympathize with the people who object to these things (mixing of church and state)." An audience member asked Blumncr's opinion about the debate in the Signpost over whether LDS books should be displayed more prominently in WSC's bookstore than other Christian books. Because the bookstore is trying to make a profit, she saw no problem with the way the books are presently displayed. "If the student bookstore maintained exclusively an LDS inventory, we would have a problem," she said. There would also be a problem if the library (which is not out to make a profit) displayed LDS books more prominently than other books, she said. Blumner noted the ACLU often gets a bad reputation because of some of its clients. "When the ACLU takes a case, we take it on principle only," she said. "That's why we end up representing some of the most heinous, odious people." Salaries (cont'd from front page) The average salaries for people in math coming out of college with a Ph.D. are what Weber's paying associate professors. I think salaries at Weber are a factor that's going to have to be dealt with. It's a problem in math, I know that," said Burke. Burke, now an associate professor in Montana State University's math department, saw a 14 percent salary increase when he moved. Burke also blames part of the problem on the legislature. "Legislators overlook the economic value of higher education. They pay it lip service, and pretend they're really for it. But they don't support it," he said. In addition, Burke felt excessive teaching loads and lack of research time were problems he faced at Weber. "Weber has to support faculty members to continue to. research in the areas they're interested in," he said. A number of Weber's faculty members see the salary gap as a problem, but decide they want to stay at Weber. Dr. Craig Oberg, a microbiology professor, said, "I'm pretty satisfied here, so far." "Oberg enjoys the freedom he has at a college. "In industry, you're assigned tasks and pressured to work on things you might not be interested in. Here, in research pursuits and other academic pursuits, you have a lot of freedom to do what you want" In addition, Oberg said he enjoys the stimulation of teaching classes. "I like interacting with the students a lot." "I don't do it for the money. I've been offered jobs at twice the starting salary I received here. I would like to try to stay at Weber and weather the financial storm," he said. Summing up his opinion of the problem, Vaughan said ,"As a group I don't think the faculty are anxious to leave academia. They're still motivated. Unfortunately, some do because private employers often can provide them a fair salary that allows them to remain in the area." "On the other hand, regardless of how much an individual loves teaching, after a point, inequitable salaries will become intolerable, and faculty will be forced to leave. The quality of the teaching will be effected, and ultimately, the students and the college are the ones who will suffer," he said. The Signpost Staff! Editorial-Advertising-Production - Spring Quarter 1988 '. Editor-ln-Chlef Contributing Writers Production Staff Chris J. Miller Mickey Deck Brian Bouwhuis Managing Editor Donna Brown Kentt Hepworth Reva Smith Joe Francis Kristen Olsen News Editor KaDiryn Ward Andrea Plwnley Ethan Yorgason Photo Editor Curtis Spackman Sports Editor Larry Jensen. Eric Swedin Blaine Bringhurst Chief Photographer Marisa Wesnitzer Entertainment Editor Judd Bundy Distribution Yun Hid Pak Photographers S. Leroy Sturgeon Weekend Editor Matt Butler JeJJBybee David R. Allison Hal Moore Advisor Sign-Off Editor Graphic Artists P. harry SLahle JaNae Barlow Michael Chrislensen Assistant Advisor Special Projects Editor Advertising Manager Franceen Jones Katy Frandsen Jolet Olsen Secretary Copy Editors Sales Representatives Leisel Wayment Marylin Blakely David Burns Debbie George BryanWilley Publisher Susan Walker Staff Reporters Randolph Scott Assistant Editors Tony Butler Mike Butler Ray Eldard Corai Lou Glenn Donna Green Lynn Martineau Mark Hadley Scott Summerill Charles Harrington Pete Tesch Debra Luby Jill Titensor Karen Packham The Weber State College Signpost is published every Monday. Wednesday and Friday during fall, winter and spring quarters, and once a week during the summer quarter by the WSC Department of Communication. Editorial content appearing In this publication is that of the staff or guest contributors and does not necessarily reflect the view of Weber State College in general. The Signpost is distributed free of charge and is available by subscription for $9 per quarter. The Signpost offices are located In the Union Building in U.B. 267. Mail correspondence should be sent to: WSC SIGNPOST Weber State College Ogden. Utah 84408-2110 Editor-in-Chief 626-7121 Advertising Department 626-6358 News Department 626-7105 Entertainment Department 626-7105 Sports Department 626-7983 |