Filibuster

U.S. Sen. Bill Frist is working to curb filibusters aimed at blocking judicial nominations. Dr. John Vile, constitutional expert, says while this strategy is not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, it is a treasured tradition in the Senate. What is new about it is the application of the process to the judicial nominating process. "In part, Republicans are reaping that they sowed, in that, although they did not specifically filibuster, they bottled up Democratic nominees in committee when Clinton was in power. Democrats are now playing payback." The problem of these policies by both parties is that it leaves nominees in limbo and discourages capable individuals from accepting nominations, Vile adds.

Contact Vile at 615-898-2596.
jvile@mtsu.edu

Growing old behind bars

Dr. Ron Aday's new book, Aging Prisoners: Crisis in American Corrections (Praeger/Greenwood), is a tremendously useful resource for criminal justice professionals, health providers and policy makers who are dealing with problems associated with older offenders and prisoners. Aday, director of aging studies, examines recent trends in correctional systems that must address overcrowding, violence, health care and rising costs. He also deals with crime patterns among the elderly, problems associated with long-term incarceration and the possibility of an elderly justice system.

Contact Aday at 615-898-2693.
raday@mtsu.edu

Preserving potential

It's not that they can't make it in college ... it's just less likely that they will go to college because of environmental factors. The three-week MTSU "Gear Up" Institute is trying to make a difference--perhaps a lasting one in the lives of 43 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders from Pearl Cohn High School. "Gear Up" offers classes everyday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. in math, English, aerospace, mass comm, University 1010, and "Make a Difference." The students have individual mentors as well as teacher assistants with them throughout the day. A graduation ceremony is slated for June 27 at Pearl Cohn. Media welcomed.

For information, contact Stephanie Dunn or Dr. Catherine Stogner at 615-898-5522.

TR EXTRA

TOMORROW, June 19, 4:30 p.m.--Groundbreaking for the Emmett and Rose Kennon Sports Hall of Fame Building at MTSU (behind Murphy Center). Media welcomed.
JUNE 16-25: Camp Prism, June 16-25, is a collaboration between MTSU and Murfreesboro City Schools, in which children will work together in hands-on activities involving chemistry, biology, geology, math and more. Events will take place on campus and around the community, beginning around 8:30 a.m. Media welcomed. Contact Dr. Rebecca Zijlstra, coordinator, on her cell phone at 848-8960 or Linda Gilbert, M'boro City Schools, at 615-893-2313.
JUNE 16--JULY 3: The Jennings and Rebecca Jones Reading Academy that will be held at Bradley Elementary School in Murfreesboro. "The inability to read and write is a lifelong, crippling handicap," says director Dr. Nancy Crews. Contact Crews at 615-898-5630 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/~readacad. Media welcomed.