Monday on the Street: Government leaders and social media
Matthew Reisen | October 2How can social media benefit government officials, as far as transparency and accessibility, for the general population?
How can social media benefit government officials, as far as transparency and accessibility, for the general population?
A panel of experts conducted a review on the effectiveness of law enforcement civilian oversight, presenting their findings at the 22nd National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement conference in Albuquerque. “Police oversight has gained substantial attention. It helps to promote democratic and respectful policing,” said Joseph De Angelis, an assistant professor of criminology and sociology at the University of Idaho.
The UNM Black Alumni Chapter honored 15 Sports Hall of Fame inductees, and gave Trailblazer Awards to Attorney Raymond Hamilton and retired judge Tommy Jewell on Friday. Many of the distinguished former Lobo athletes who received awards at the ceremony went on to play football, basketball and track and field for professional teams, later becoming educators and coaches as well as making contributions in their communities.
The second Black Lives Matter panel meeting of the semester, “Black Lives Matter at UNM: Campus Climate in the Age of Colorblind Politics,” is set for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the SUB Lobo A and B to discuss how to make campus more inclusive for black students and faculty. Gary Allison, a BLM panelist, said colorblind politics denies the impact of race and discrimination, suggesting issues have been solved when data in the areas of employment, housing, education and healthcare show the opposite.
Senators at last week’s Associated Students of UNM Senate meeting voted 14-6 to separate presidential and vice presidential elections from senatorial elections in a move meant to increase exposure, voter turnout and election equity. The change indicates a stark contrast for how candidates in future elections might run for the positions, as each winning presidential candidate dating back to at least 2011 has belonged to a slate — a group of candidates running together under a shared agenda — and usually, the president’s slate has generally dominated a particular election.
The first Graduate and Professional Students Association event of the semester, in partnership with the UNM Alumni Association, took place Thursday night in the SUB ballroom. Called Café GPSA, the initiative was created with the goal of guiding students through graduate school and teaching them about networking and interpersonal communication skills, and introducing them to active workers in the community who can offer their personal testimonies.
The UNM Hospital labor coalition held an informational picket on Wednesday to demand fair raises for all UNMH workers. The coalition consists of three labor unions: District 1199 of the National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees, Communications Workers of America and Committee of Interns and Residents. Together, the unions represent most of the workers providing bedside care, from housekeeping to resident doctors, said Lorie MacIver, district president for 1199.
According to a UNM HSC press release, a new drug,tested at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is showing potential to help patients with advanced mastocytosis, and possibly many other types of cancer. The drug, called midstaurin, extended the lives of those with advanced mastocytosis, an average of 28 months longer than patients receiving the current treatment, according to the press release.
According to a UNM HSC press release, HSC will become part of a network of universities that will conduct clinical trials of drugs and treatments for children. This is all possible thanks to a new four-year, $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the support of the UNM Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC).
According to a UNM Health Sciences Center press release, HSC is leading a coalition of local health care and educational institutions to create “Main Street” jobs in Albuquerque, by buying and hiring locally in a strategy to keep more money in the area economy. The coalition, called Healthy Neighborhoods Albuquerque, is made up of six “anchor institutions”: UNM HSC, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque Public Schools, First Choice Community Healthcare and the City of Albuquerque.
In the ongoing debate over whether or not to abolish UNM’s official seal — which some call offensive for essentially glorifying the conquest of indigenous people — another important part of the University’s population was asked to provide insight. A forum on Wednesday provided UNM alumni the opportunity to voice their opinions.
Gary Johnson and Jill Stein are two names that voters are discussing as an alternative to the major party nominees, but New Mexico voters have another option as well. Socialist Presidential Candidate Gloria La Riva visited UNM Tuesday to inform students that she’s actually on the ballot in New Mexico.
This year, the Associated Students of UNM, Lobo Spirit and Student Special Events have partnered with University Communication and Marketing to bring students a modern take on the classic homecoming dance. Silent Lights, as it’s being called, will take place Thursday in Zimmerman Plaza from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. It has the unique distinction of being the University’s first attempt at a silent disco.
Beer and liquor sales raked in $40,000 for the UNM Athletic Department in the Lobos’ season-opening football game in early September, with a net profit of around $20,000 on the night. Though it’s too early to tell how liquor sales will fare in future games, Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations Brad Hutchins, said the University is optimistic. “Concessions were positive after one game, and we look forward to selling more in the future,” he said.
“Happy Days Are Beer Again,” read the powerpoint. The classroom resembled a brightly lit lounge, with its loosely spaced tables and small bar. Steve Fye stood at the bar polishing glasses in a massive white chef’s hat.
The National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement held its 22nd conference this week, focusing on confronting systemic injustice. APD Forward — a community coalition working to reform APD — and the Albuquerque Civilian Police Oversight Agency outlined their plan for creating effective police reform within the Albuquerque Police Department.
Have you ever wondered what happens to those disassembled and stripped bikes that remain locked to the rack for days, weeks or months on end? The Physical Plant Department, in collaboration with UNMPD, is in charge of removing abandoned bicycles, as well as bicycles that are unsuitably secured at or near building entrances, handrails or locations other than designated bicycle lockers or racks.
The duck pond, the quad, the rose gardens, Johnson Field — UNM Main Campus contains some of the most scenic and useful outdoor spaces in the city. From yoga to APD recruitment to weddings and much more, these locations host a wide variety of functions for students and the Albuquerque community alike. Students, faculty, staff and off-campus organizations in particualr use these venues for the sharing of ideas and a diverse array of events.
On Sept. 23, the UNM LBGTQ Resource Center hosted a roundtable discussion in honor of Celebrate Bisexuality Day. The LBGTQ Center opened its doors at noon and hosted an hourlong discussion, inviting a diversity of students, both traditional and nontraditional, to participate — regardless of sexual orientation.