Higher Ed Notes

Questionable artwork pulled from exhibition

A student art display was pulled from a University of Texas at Austin art exhibit last month after some students complained it was racially offensive.

The exhibit's curator, Nathan Heiges, removed the display, titled "Black Threat Barbie," which showed a black mannequin holding a syringe and gun inside a pink box.

University of Texas at Austin student Roy Stanfield, the piece's artist, said his creation's purpose was to criticize society's view of minorities.

Heiges said the display did not have any text explaining the artist's purpose. The chair of the African-American Culture Committee echoed the opinion that a purpose statement was needed and added several committee members were offended by the work.

Toledo students told to pay up or face expulsion

University of Toledo students who owe the university $200 or more in tuition bills will be expelled if they do not pay up.

Letters were sent last Wednesday to students with debts to the university, ordering them to pay their bills or start up a payment plan by tomorrow.

If they do not comply, students will be dropped from classes and they would not be able to sign up for future terms until their bills were paid. Administrators said 1,700 students owe money and the university may lose up to $1.4 million in unpaid tuition.

Camera found in Tufts men's room

Tufts University police removed a hidden camera found in a men's library restroom last week. A student reported to police he saw a person trying to start up the camera and battery pack.

The bathroom is listed on the Website, www.cruisingforsex.com, as a top spot in the Boston area for homosexual sex. The library's director said it has increased surveillance around the restroom. The facility has also been vandalized repeatedly in the past including the removal of stall doors and divisions between urinals.

Va. Tech students aid sick classmate

Virginia Tech is holding a five-kilometer run to help raise money for a student who needs a bone marrow transplant. Patcharee "Ann" Hensirisak was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma two years ago.

The men and women's cross-country teams and the graduate student association are among the student groups sponsoring the event. Home Depot also helped fund the race, paying for T-shirts.

Organizers said they have raised about $2,000 so far and are looking to get another $1,000.

Northwestern student protests breakfast move

Willy Bailey handcuffed himself to a railing in the Allison Hall cafeteria near the apple juice fountain. A food service manager asked him to unlock himself, but Bailey said he never bought the key. University police tugged the handcuffs off Bailey. Students shouted "Free Willy" and cheered the protester as he left the cafeteria. Bailey said he ate nothing but salt and a vitamin C pill since last Tuesday.

- Compiled from U-WIRE reports by Daily Staff Reporter Robert Gold.