Ramifications for Native Americans

The pending Supreme Court decision in the University of Michigan AA case could adversely affect financial aid for Native American students and events such as this weekend's MTSU Powwow, which raises scholarship funds, says Dr. Kevin Smith, faculty adviser, Native American Studies program. "Tennessee is often remembered for the Trail of Tears and the forced removal of native populations to Oklahoma. The MTSU Powwow is designed to change the negative stereotype of Tennessee by [celebrating] native cultural heritage and supporting Native American students in their higher-education goals." The court's majority opinion may determine if those ideals can be realized, Smith adds. MTSU's American Indian Festival will be March 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and March 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., MTSU Livestock Center; $6 for adults; $3 for children. Media welcomed.

Contact Smith at 615-898-5958.
kesmith@mtsu.edu
and visit http://www.mtsu.edu/~powwow.

Coerced patriotism?

The Utah Senate passed a bill that would require junior high and high school students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Opponents say this kind of forced participation promotes teasing and bullying. Any time we force people to do things, we have problems, says John Sanborn, associate professor, social work, who works with adolescents. "Do we want children reciting the pledge while showing disrespect for the flag, for teachers or towards students who are different?" he asks. "Is coercion the best way to foster good citizenship?"

Contact Sanborn at 615-898-2685.
jsanborn@mtsu.edu

Foster care limbo

According to some reports, more than a half-million children in the U.S. remain in foster care--and soon orphans will outnumber adoptions. Debra Simpson, director of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, says the foster care system needs to be re-examined. "Too many children are left in foster care without the hope of being adopted because their biological parents refuse to surrender their rights. These children may never know the joy of belonging to a real family and all that a 'family' means." Simpson recalls working with a foster child who was "in limbo for months and months."

Contact Simpson at 615-904-8318 dsimpson@mtsu.edu

SOUND BITES FROM MTSU: Access http://www.mtsu.edu/~proffice/audio/audio_clips.html.
First Topic: Dr. William Ford speaks about the economic effects of a war with Iraq.
Second Topic: Students, teachers and alumni of Homer Pittard Campus School are celebrating their 75th anniversary.
Third Topic: Dr. Jette Halladay talks about the upcoming MTSU production of "A Woman Called Truth," a play about African American heroine Sojourner Truth, which director Halladay calls both spiritual and historical.

TR EXTRA: THURSDAY, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., Black Alumni Achievement Awards Reception, Alumni Center, honoring Wendell Porter, Chantel Grimes Bridgeman, Rodney Bennett, Mary McClain and Erik Foster. For information, call Sherrie Murray at 615-898-2987. Media welcomed.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, Feb. 27, 28 and March 1, 7 p.m., "A Woman Called Truth," a drama about Sojourner Truth, MTSU Tucker Theatre, $10 adult, students free with MTSU ID. Call 615-898-2640.
FRIDAY, Feb. 28, 10 p.m.-midnight, Recreation Center, "Up 'Til Dawn," fund raiser for St. Jude Children's Research Center. Activities will include a spirit dance, St. Jude patient remarks, the band 24/7, blow-up games, Karaoke, and more; $10 donation at the door. For more info, call 615-904-8270. Media welcomed.