Purdue Best Bets
January 16, 1998
JOURNALISTS: Here are ideas for two news stories and a list of newsworthy Purdue events
during the next two weeks.
Roe vs. Wade: 25 years and still standing
It was Jan. 22, 1973, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a woman's right
to an abortion. Twenty-five years later, Roe vs. Wade has proven durable, although
watered down, says a Purdue expert on politics and women's studies. "The Supreme
Court has decided that states can put in place burdensome delays, but the right to an abortion
is still protected under the right to privacy," says assistant professor Patricia
Boling. Meanwhile, the controversy over abortion continues. "Even among women, there's
a diversity of opinions," she says. "However, when it hits home, surveys have shown
that women will support a sister or daughter's decision to have an abortion, even
if personally opposed to abortion themselves." Boling teaches about the decision
to today's young women and notes that many of them have an almost nonchalant attitude about
the right to an abortion, after having grown up with it. CONTACT: Boling (765) 494-3711;
e-mail, boling@polsci.purdue.edu
Purdue expert: Distrust may doom the Euro-dollar
With the planned changeover to a single European currency set to take place in January
1999, a Purdue expert says tough decisions and distrust will make it difficult. Gerald
J. Lynch, associate professor of economics in the Krannert Graduate School of Management, spent the past nine months in Europe studying the proposed "Euro" currency.
"The Europeans must decide who will determine how much money is available and what
the interest rate will be," he says. "And with one central bank, where will it be
located and who will control its growth?" Lynch says suspicion and mistrust are more widespread
than just a historical conflict between Germany and Italy. "Throughout Europe, there
is not a great deal of popular support for the euro," he says, "although most governments plan to move ahead." CONTACT: Lynch, (765) 494-4388;
e-mail, lynch@mgmt.purdue.edu
Events
Monday, Jan. 19.
Affirming the Dream III; A Day of Service. 9 a.m.-noon. About 200 Purdue students
and staff members will assist 20 Greater Lafayette nonprofit agencies as a way to
celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is an official university holiday. Following
the day of service, participants can attend a luncheon in the Krannert Drawing Room,
Krannert Building. Contact: Kathy Reynolds, Diversity Resource Office, (765) 494-2117;
Nancy Wada-McKee, Office of the Dean of Students (765) 494-1259 or (765) 427-8773
(mobile phone on Jan. 19); or Lisa Heinhold, Meredith Hall, (765) 494-2532
Monday, Jan. 19.
The Dream Is for Everyone. 7 p.m. Fowler Hall, Stewart Center. An evening of song
and celebration to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Performances
by the Vision of Hope community choir, the Jahari Dance Troupe, the New Directional
Players and a mass community choir. Contact: Derrick Williams, event organizer, (765) 495-1606
Thursday, Jan. 22.
Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture. 7 p.m. East Faculty Lounge, Purdue Memorial Union.
The Department of African-American Studies presents a lecture by Franklin Breckinridge,
state president of the NAACP. Contact: Leonard Harris, director, African-American
Studies and Research Center, (765) 494-5680
Jan. 21-23
Purdue Ag Forum: The annual forum invites Indiana business leaders, professors and policymakers to present sessions focusing on agriculture, education, technology and economics. The three-day event is titled "A 2020 Vision of Rural Indiana." All sessions will take place at Stewart Center. On Friday, Jan. 23, the "Ag Forecast" at 9 a.m. in Loeb Playhouse will feature a panel of industry leaders debating the future of agriculture. CONTACT: Dave Petritz, (765) 494-8494; e-mail: David_Petritz@ces.purdue.edu
Friday, Jan. 23.
The annual Ag Fish Fry. 11:30 a.m. Purdue Armory. This year's theme is "We're Off
... To See the Wizard," with Fish-Fry variations on the characters from "The Wizard
of Oz." Contact: The Ag Alumni Association office, (765) 494-8593
Saturday, Jan. 24.
Eighth Annual Purdue Jazz Festival. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Stewart Center, Memorial Union
and Elliott Hall. More than 70 high school jazz bands will join for a day of jazz
competitions. The festival ends with a concert at Elliott Hall of Music. Contact:
Jennifer Tucker, (765) 496-2697; e-mail, tuckerj@concentric.net
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
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