News in Brief

California to consider taxing marijuana

A bill has been introduced into the California state legislature that could legalize the sale of marijuana, provided it is taxed and regulated in the same manner as alcohol.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco introduced the bill last Monday, pointing to the widespread belief that marijuana is one of California's biggest cash crops.

Supporters have also mentioned other potential benefits, such as freeing up law enforcement officials to focus on more serious crimes and eliminating backyard marijuana plots, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

One of the biggest incentives is that taxation of marijuana would generate new revenue for the Califonia state budget, which recently announced a $42 billion deficit.

However, those opposed to the plan express concern that it would increase the number of adults with drug dependency and use among teens, as well as the possibility of people driving while high.

So far the White House has not commented, according to the LA Times, although a transition Web site says Obama is not in favor of marijuana legalization.

Cab fare decreases hurt Baltimore cab drivers, help riders

Starting last Sunday, cab rates in Baltimore dropped 55 cents from $2.20 to $1.65. The flat rate from downtown hotels to Baltimore-Washington International Airport also dropped from $30 to $22.

While this provides a respite for consumers in a troubled economy, cab drivers now face increased challenges, especially since recently their dues and insurance costs increased by $6 a week.

Taxi rates are regulated by the state Public Services Commission (PSC). Starting in 2005, rates have been altered twice a year, once in March and once in September, based on whether gas prices have changed by more than 20 cents since January and July, respectively.

Cab drivers held a protest on Feb. 25 outside the PSC's offices in Baltimore and outside City Hall.

Baltimore has about 1,700 licensed cab drivers but only 1,151 taxicabs.

Economic crises hit historically black universities

Historically black colleges and universities are encountering especially difficult challenges in the current struggling economy.

Many students at these institutions qualify for financial aid. Sometimes as many as 90 percent of the student body is eligible, placing a greater financial strain on the schools than at predominantly white universities.

The United Negro College Fund, which supports these institutions by helping to provide financial aid, has experienced a 10 percent decrease in the amount of money donated to them in 2008, limiting its resources to help its 39 member colleges and universities.

Some schools are struggling just to function, like Morris Brown College, which narrowly avoided having its water supply shut off for the second time this school year.

Historically black institutions generally have smaller endowments, meaning they rely more heavily on tuition and fees.

In an economy where many people can no longer afford college, enrollment is vastly down. The students who are attempting to enroll are facing a credit crunch when they apply for loans.

College newspapers face staff cuts, budget setbacks

Across the country, college newspapers are seeking ways to cut the costs of their production and circulation.

Some of the main strategies include switching to online publication for Fridays and cutting the pay of staff members, for those staff members who are typically paid a certain stipend.

For some papers, ad sales are the only source of revenue.

As these flag, the papers are forced to make sacrifices.

The affected newspapers range from major universities to smaller state schools, but all face the same predicament.

Among those making publication changes or cutting staff are New York University, University of California-Davis, University of California-Berkeley, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ball State University, Boston University, Middle Tennessee State University, Syracuse University, University of Utah, San Jose University and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

NYU protesters offered deal, probation

The 18 students who were suspended from New York University last week for their involvement with the Kimmel Center protest and occupation were offered deals last Wednesday.

The conditions laid out would allow the suspended students to return to class on Monday. Students who chose to reject the terms would be given a judicial hearing date.

The students would remain on disciplinary probation for the remainder of their time at the University and would not be eligible to serve in a number of student leadership roles, including those of residential advisors, peer counselors, orientation leaders, peer ambassadors or student senators.

In earlier negotiations, the students had been threatened with expulsion. While some have expressed relief that the penalties have been lessened in this offer, others are still displeased that the University did not negotiate with them during their occupation of the Kimmel Center.

It is thought that damage caused to the University during the protest could cost as much as $80,000.

Elementary school offers experimental furniture

Marine Elementary School in St. Croix, Minn. is implementing a new way of utilizing classroom furniture. Their desks and chairs are adjustable, allowing students to stand, lean or sit as they choose throughout their classes.

Abby Brown, one of the teachers at Marine Elementary, designed the desks and chairs with help from a local ergonomic furniture company. Swinging footrests under the desks further increase the comfort and freedom offered.

Both students and teachers have expressed the opinion that this increased flexibility, aiding concentration. Researchers also hope that it might help burn some calories, a major advantage for a generation growing up with rising obesity rates.

It also seems to help students stay awake and alert more than traditional desks do.

The teachers at Marine Elementary said they are very optimistic about the possibility of helping their students succeed through this simple classroom change.

Humanities departments in need of financial assistance

Given the current financial crisis, the value of a liberal arts education seems to be decreasing.

The widespread theory is that a liberal arts education in the humanities does little to prepare a student for a vocation, and so enrollment in humanities courses has been decreasing, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Humanities college degrees have fallen to about eight percent, according to the Humanities Indicator Prototype, a database established recently by the American Academy for Arts and Sciences.

This figure has been relatively constant for the past decade.

Humanities enrollment has suffered in times of financial crisis before.

It reached its lowest point during the recession in the 1980s.

Currently, however, Richard Freeland, the commissioner for higher education in Massachusetts, wants to place greater emphasis on the ways a humanities education can aid a student in the professional world.

The skill sets developed in the humanities that he mentions include writing and analytical skills as well as ethical consideration that are becoming important as science advances.

Anthony Kronman, a professor of law at Yale, agrees that the humanities are facing hardships but does not adhere to Freeland's idea of marketing the humanities because of the challenges posed by the current economy.