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Students to convey message in silence

LesBiGay hosts event to raise gay awareness

By Megan Finnerty
Asst. Campus Editor

Today, the National Day of Silence, serves as a reminder to Kat Zappavinga, a junior in the School of Liberal Arts, of why she came out of the closet in the first place.

"The more silent the queer community is, the more I feel it gives permission for us to be oppressed," she said. "The day reminds me to be thankful for my voice and to stand up for myself and bring some justice for the unnecessary deaths."

The deaths she is referring to, which the day is meant to recognize, are those of members in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community who were killed for their sexual orientation.

The day of silence, according several students who are participating today, is also to remind people of the silence in which many in the homosexual community live. They feel as though they cannot "come out" and reveal their sexual preference to their friends and family.

On Purdue's campus, the importance of the day is felt acutely by some who are planning on observing in silence today. Michael W. King, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts, said he feels as though negative stereotypes and comments about homosexuals prevail, but that by remaining silent with others, he can help increase awareness.

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Hunger strikers feel dizzying effects of their protest

Today is the 10th day of the anti-sweatshop student hunger strike, and the physical effects of not eating are kicking in.

Liz Wolthausen, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts, is one of the hunger strikers who is feeling the effects of the action.

"Our morale — it's been strengthened, though our bodies are weakened," she said.

Wolthausen drinks water, juice and takes a multivitamin every day. She said that the hunger strikers have been weighing themselves every few days. Wolthausen estimated that she has lost between seven and eight pounds.

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Council reviews rise in utility rates

Members of the West Lafayette City Council are still in opposition over a decision to increase Wastewater Treatment utility rates over the next three years.

Despite one councilor's efforts at the West Lafayette City Council meeting Monday night to send the ordinance to committee, it passed 4-3 on its first reading and will be read and voted on again next month.

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