Fast
Forward
Wednesday April 15,1992 Vol. CXVII, No. 57
Weather
Today's weather: clouds in the morning, but clear skies in the afternoon. Highs in the low 70s, and lows in the high 50s. Similar temperatures Thursday.
Inside
‘Newsies’ is flat, formulaic musical
Even a lively score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman can't keep this generic, "Oliver!" wannabe film from boring the audience. Robert Duvall gives a lifeless performance.
Diversions, page 9
Rap rumors are unfounded
The organizer of a rap song "On the Way to the NBA" said Harold Miner will not be involved in the project. Miner says he hasn't decided where he'll play next season.
Sports, page 24
Indians were no better than Spain
Are the Spaniards to blame for the millions of Indian deaths following Columbus' discovery? Or did the bloody nature of the indigenous peoples justify the actions of its conquerors?
Viewpoint, page 12
Newspaper of the University of Southern California
Jeffrey Yakublk / Dally Tro|an
Planning for the fall
Dianna Ho, a junior majoring in psychology, is advised about LAS courses. Today is the last day the advisement tables will be available in Founders Park.
Students debate consolidation of minority groups
By Lisa Braverman
Staff Writer
Tempers flared at a meeting Tuesday night held for students to voice opinions about the much-rumored consolidation of the three minority offices under the umbrella of the Office of Student Affairs.
Student Senator Shabazz Moye mediated the open debate. Early in the meeting he said he had extended an invitation to James Dennis, vice president of Student Affairs, but that Dennis had declined.
Moye said he had met with Dennis, who told Moye there would be "drastic restructuring" within Student Affairs. He said the purpose of the debate was to solicit student response to possible changes before there was a meeting between the a Student Senate committee and Dennis.
Dennis was able to attend, however, walking in after about 30 minutes of discussion that had included complaints regarding the proposed cuts, and about Dennis' methods of dealing with students.
(See Forum, page 7)
Greeks face nationwide reforms
Chapters take action against specific issues
By Julie Yamamoto
Assistant City Editor
Greeks at USC aren't the only ones having their activities monitored and curbed by new administrative policies.
From Stanford to Pittsburgh, Greeks across the country have faced disciplinary action and policy reform this school year.
"There's been a degree of freedom in the past, in Greek systems and on campuses in
News Analysis
Nicola Conti / Dally Trojan
The Minimum Standards policy has led to closer scrutiny of behavior in fraternity and sorority houses since its implementation.
general," said Jeff Shields, area coordinator for the Office of Residential and Greek Life.
"The tolerance has changed for those freedoms and allowances. It's becoming more restrictive . . . Behaviors that were once accepted are no longer (ac-
cepted)," Shields said.
Since Greek communities are highly visible, they have had to institute strong self-govern-ment, and in the process have tried to discourage outside supervision.
But each house has a unique residential and social atmosphere, making it difficult to
come up with a uniform policy.
"I think that some groups start a tradition of behavior that attracts students of similar interests, whether it's getting good grades or drinking to excess," said James Dennis, vice president for Student Affairs.
University administrators said that the 14-point Minimum
Nicola Conti / Dally Trojan
Greek organizations are feeling pressure to reform from university administrators all across the country, not just on 28th Street, The Greek Row.
Standards policy for recognition of fraternities and sororities has been beneficial. The standards include grade point average minimums, building maintenance requirements and party regulations.
"Academics is a main priority, followed by how we socialize," (See Greeks, page 2)
Senior overcomes odds
Truman Scholarship winner came a long way in 17 years
By Felicia Kit
Staff Writer
For senior Cynthia Bell, the road to higher education has been long and tortuous.
Running away from home at age 17, she has since had two children and a failed marriage.
The future looks bright, however, now that Bell has received a $30,000 Truman Scholarship to help her through graduate school.
Bell, 34, and Susan Schnell, both juniors at USC, were among 79 winners of this year's Truman awards, given to exceptional students who demonstrate a strong desire to enter public service.
Bell, a sociology major, said she did not know 17 years ago that she was heading toward a future in public service.
Bell graduated from Palisades High School in 1975 and enrolled at West Los Angeles Junior College. Back then, she and her dad fought all the time, Bell said. That summer, before her first semester of college, Bell ran away from home.
"I was the rebellious one — not clearly a delinquent, but surely capable," Bell said.
With only a car and some money, she depended on friends as she "bounced from house to house," until she turned 18 and was able to rent an apartment closer to home.
She kept in touch with her family, calling her parents every day and visiting her younger brother at school often to let them know she was all right.
Bell said she left home because she wanted to take control of her life.
"I wasn't sure where I was going and I was angry," said Bell. "I didn't know what I wanted to do because I felt I wasn't thinking for myself."
(See Bell, page 7)
Administrators drive cars provided by USC
Fringe benefits offered by university
By John April
Staff Writer
Parking Lot 5, on the corner of Childs and Watts ways, is the president's lot, reserved for cars driven by top administrators and paid for with university money.
An observer at Lot 5 might see Christian Markey Jr., vice president of general counsel, stepping into an Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Royale LS, or Anthony Lazzaro, vice presi-
dent emeritus, driving off in a blue Ford Taurus.
About 14 university officials, including University President Steven Sample, the provost and many vice presidents, are the recipients of this fringe benefit, or "compensation," which is written into many of their contracts. But while many administrate Cars, page 5)
UCLA leases cars / 5