Progress Report 1/6

PASS:

Benjamin Mallory’s defamation case against Ohio University finally came to an end last month when the Court of Claims of Ohio awarded him $25,025. This awarded amount likely will not cover all of Mallory’s legal costs, and it speaks to the judge’s interpretation of the validity of his suit. The court ruled in August that the former director of OU’s Department of Health and Wellness, Jeanine Woodruff, defamed Mallory when she inferred in a news article that Mallory was guilty despite a hung jury of his original trial in October 1998. The suit stems from a November 1997 incident in which Mallory and Audrey DeLong, then both OU juniors, had sexual intercourse in a James Hall shower after a night of drinking. Appellate judge Fred Shoemaker made the decision after two months of deliberation. Mallory had asked for the maximum $250,000.

FAIL:

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled Dec. 11 that Ohio’s public-school funding is unconstitutional — the fourth time the court has made such a decision. This decision requires Gov. Bob Taft and Ohio legislators to completely overhaul the current system, which many have claimed fails to ensure Ohio’s 1.8 million schoolchildren equal opportunities for equal education. But the ruling is ineffective. Unlike previous rulings, the court did not set any deadlines and did not keep jurisdiction in the case. Without a backbone to the decision, the governor and legislators have no reason to implement change. But the blame rests with the governor and legislature as well. The current school-funding system is weak, and all branches of government know the system is unconstitutional — four times now. The governor and legislators must make restructuring the public school funding system a serious priority and affect change. The entire government of Ohio has turned its back on this important issue. It is time they faced the problem and solved it.

FAIL:

Former Ohio University Police Chief Stephen Ramirez resigned from his position last month after being disciplined for sexually harassing a female co-worker. The woman filed her complaint after OUPD and OU Parking Services split and she was no longer under Ramirez’s direct supervision — a choice that illustrates the environment Ramirez fostered in OUPD. Ramirez stepped down only after the story broke in local media. In his Dec. 18 resignation letter, Ramirez said the allegations against him had created a hostile work environment and put unbearable strain on his family. OUPD must create a workplace where people feel comfortable enough to come forward with complaints.

PASS:

College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl acted correctly when she chose to implement recommendations suggested by the College of Communication Sexual Harassment Committee in response to an investigation of sexual harassment against journalism professor Patrick Washburn. The investigation found one instance of sexual harassment by Washburn when he showed a female student a nutcracker that was in the shape of a woman’s legs. The committee exists for the purpose of making such recommendations. Krendl was right to implement them. This decision is the first official action taken against Washburn since the investigation began.

HOMEWORK:

When Akron basketball guard Andy Hipsher made a game-winning three-pointer against Ohio on Jan. 30 last season in The Convo, he gave Ohio fans a 74-73 loss and an obscene gesture. These combined almost emptied the O-Zone against the taunting Hipsher. Despite the rush being controlled, the Ohio Athletic Department needs to make sure it educates  O-Zone fans of what the consequences of improper behavior can bring. With Ohio playing Akron and Hipsher again this Wednesday in The Convo, the Ohio Athletic Department needs to control the actions and behavior of the student section so the O-Zone is a positive for Ohio, not a black eye.