Talking about Euro economics
Acknowledging that “there is a common assumption amongst Europeans that Americans know absolutely nothing about Europe,” Anthony Smallwood, head of press and public diplomacy and spokesperson for the delegation of the European Commission in Washington, D.C., spoke to approximately 35 students Wednesday morning in the Learning Center to provide insight on the economic policies of the European Union. Smallwood spoke of the EU’s achievements in donations to third world development, the launch of the Euro, and the strength of European social and health infrastructures. He also discussed Europe’s challenges: unemployment, the need for competitiveness and innovation in the workplace, and conserving energy and minimizing climate change, which he deemed a “European obsession.” The event was sponsored by the Jean Monnet Chair in cooperation with the Miami-Florida European Union Center of Excellence.
– Stephanie Genuardi
Columbian peace law discussed
In an event sponsored by the Columbian Students Association, Elvira Maria Restrepo, a visiting professor of international studies, spoke on the topic of the Justice and Peace Law Thursday afternoon in the UC. The law, which was adopted during Columbian President Alvaro Uribe’s first administration and revised in 2006, aims to dismantle, demobilize and disarm the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia right-wing paramilitary. Restrepo stressed to the approximately 10 students in attendance that the legislation is not a transitional law in that it does not grant amnesty or pardon, but does offer a reduction in the minimum prison sentence and requires full confession and reparations to victims. “Achievements to date are many,” Restrepo said of the effectiveness of the law. “But it is too soon to tell.”
– Stephanie Genuardi
Fit club on safe spring break
Cane Fit Club kicked off Destination: Safe Spring Break 2008 on the University Green Monday with free giveaways, informative pamphlets and hands-on activities. Information was offered on sexual assault, sexually transmitted infections, the risks of alcohol and drugs, body image and counseling opportunities. Students were able to rock climb, have their caricature drawn by an artist, participate in a condom relay and take a test to find out how their bodies rated in sexiness according to health habits such as exercise, alcohol and tobacco intake, water consumption and sleeping patterns. The University of Miami Police Department set up a booth as well to promote safety awareness and provide information on fake IDs, DUIs and other common college age offenses.
– Nina Ruggiero
Consequences of being McLovin’
An information session on the consequences of possessing false identification was hosted by the William W. Sandler Jr. Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education Wednesday at the Rathskeller. UMPD officer Manuel Medina spoke to students about Florida state laws concerning the production and possession of fake IDs, both of which are considered felonies. A felony is potentially punishable by a permanent criminal record, a cash fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 15 years and revoked driving privileges for up to one year. This offense is highly enforced by the University of Miami student code as well.
– Nina Ruggiero