Monday, September 25, 2006.
For those of you who are new to the De Anza College campus, here are some notable events that you missed last school year:
On Sept. 1, 2005, De Anza became the 8th “smoke-free” community college in California. Although there were no penalties in place to deal with those who ignored the rule, De Anza smokers were instructed to puff in designated areas. The smoking policy was purposely designed to have a grace period with no penalties Starting today, the no-smoking policy will be fully enforced.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived at De Anza on Nov. 10, 2005 for the first of two scheduled speaking engagements at the Flint Center. De Anza students, faculty, and community members protested outside of the Flint Center during both of Powell’s speeches. The demonstrations turned violent during the final night of Powell’s visit with police clashing with protesters.
In February of 2006, a movement to impeach then De Anza College Associated Student Body Senate President Anna Callahan and Executive Vice President Bernardo DeSeabra failed to bring about their removal. During the Feb. 15, 2006 DASB Senate meeting, many student senators removed their signatures from the original petition. “I’m here to serve the people, not the Senate,” DeSeabra said.
In 2005, De Anza staff member Alexandre Hochstraser was arrested and charged for the murder of his live-in girlfriend, Dolores Gonzales. During a preliminary hearing on May 24, 2006, the prosecution presented a taped conversation of a man telling his mother, “I killed Dolores.” The voice on the tape is believed to be that of Alexandre Hochstraser.
On May 26, 2006, Tony Suen was elected as the new De Anza Associated Student Body President. Suen said that the goals for his administration would be to improve communication between the senate and students, and to advertise open forums for students to discuss policy changes with senators. Suen’s running mate, Yessenia Ramirez, took over the job of DASB Executive Vice President.
June 5, 2006 – Gay Pride Week controversyThe same week that Gay Pride Week events were taking place on campus, La Voz published an opinion article titled, “Gay pride events fail to make homosexuality normal.” The newspaper received harsh criticism from many students and instructors on campus, and was sharply criticized by readers on La Voz Online. Drag queen “Nova Starr” spoke about the article during a Student and Faculty Drag show on June 6.
