Access to education, bar exam pass rates lead news

Stetson made news this week for access to and affordability of higher education, video game violence, Common Core state standards, and bar exam pass rates. Notable national and local placements include Forbes, Huffington Post, Daytona Beach News-Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Yahoo! News, The Ledger and SCOTUSblog. Top stories for Sept. 27-Oct. 3 include:

Top Stories

  • Stetson President Wendy Libby offers her perspective on access to and affordability of higher education in a Huffington Post op-ed.
  • As one of 228 signers of a letter to the American Psychological Association regarding a resolution on violence in media, Chris Ferguson, associate professor and chair of psychology, offers his opinion in Forbes. Ferguson further explains the issues in his op-ed featured in the Huffington Post.
  • The Christian Science Monitor and Yahoo! News quote Law Professor Louis Virelli in the Oct. 2 story, “California outlaws ‘revenge porn.’ Not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.”
  • Chris Colwell, professor of education and director of undergraduate teacher education, provides his opinion on high school standardized testing and the Common Core State Standards in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
  • Law Dean Christopher Pietruszkiewicz is quoted in the Sept. 27 Sunshine State News article, “Stetson Leads Florida Bar Exam Pass Rates, Others Trail Behind.” The News also ran in the Daily Business Review in Miami.
  • Law Professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy is cited in SCOTUSblog’s Sept. 27, roundup regarding looking ahead at oral arguments in McCutcheon v. FEC.

Other Stories in the News

  • Alicia Schultheis, professor of biology, is quoted in the Daytona Beach News Journal about the implementation of new learning technology in the biology department of Stetson University.
  • With the appeal of the Stand Your Ground Law regarding Marissa Alexander’s trial, Joe Bodiford, adjunct professor of law, provides his opinion in the Florida Times Union.
  • Kevin Kearny, an award-winning guest director for Stetson University’s Theater Arts Program, comments in the West Volusia Beacon about the upcoming show titled “An Evening of Improv”.
  • In light of a recent car accident that resulted in a pedestrian’s death, David Tirella, adjunct professor of law, offers his opinion on the new texting law and more in the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
  • In regards to a state attorney refusing testimony, Charles Rose, professor of law, offers his opinion in The Ledger.
  • According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, T. Wayne Bailey, professor of political science, marks fifty years teaching at Stetson University.
  • In The Daily Princetonian, Professor of law Peter F. Lake offers his opinion on a new book, written by Randall Kennedy, exploring affirmative action as “positive” discrimination.
  • Law Professor Peter Lake spoke with the Sept. 29 Daily Princetonian for the article, “Kennedy ’77 discusses benefits of “positive discrimination in new book on affirmative action.”
  • The Oct. 2 Pinellas County Schools Newsroom reports that Stetson and the Pinellas Education Foundation are partnering so that “Students learn about U.S. Constitution at new Finance Park exhibit.”
  • Law Professor Charles Rose spoke with the Sept. 30 Ledger for the story, “Impact of State Attorney’s ‘Death Letter’ Characterized as Irrevocable.”
  • Law Visiting Professor Rachel VanLandingham is quoted in the Sept. 26 Politico article, “Chuck Hagel’s sexual assault panel may be too late.”
  • Adjunct Law Professor David Tirella spoke with the News-Journal for the Sept. 30 story, “Family of Port Orange woman killed in crash upset driver only gets ticket.”
  • Adjunct Law Professor Joseph Bodiford spoke with the Times-Union for the Sept. 27 story, “Appeals court orders new trial for Jacksonville’s Marissa Alexander in case attracting ‘Stand Your Ground’ attention.”

Alumni in the News

  • Pam Stewart, newly appointed education commissioner of Florida, discusses the Common Core State Standards and other problems of public education, according to Ocala.com.
  • Bartow Attorney Don Wilson is featured in the Monday Profile of the News Chief and The Ledger.
  • Attorney Blake P. Hampton joined the law firm of Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A., according to PRLog and Naples News.
  • According to TC Palm, Bobbie Baugh displayed her king grasshopper quilt along with other art at the juried art show of Elliot Museum and Arts Council.
  • James Sheehan, author of The Alligator Man, begins his book tour next year, according to TLC.
  • Law alumnus Jean Pierre Espinoza is featured in the Oct. 2 Ledger article, “Lakeland Lawyer Offers a Last Hope for Residents Facing Deportation.” Law Professor Catherine Cameron is also quoted regarding he former student.
  • Law alumnus Alain Rivas is mentioned in the Oct. 1 Watchlist News article, “Skubiak & Rivas, P.A. Reports on Newly Created Statute 316.305 Pertaining to Florida’s Texting and Driving Law That Takes Effect October 1, 2013.”
  • According to the Oct. 1 Naples News, Law alumnus and attorney Blake P. Hampton has joined the law firm of Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A. as an associate of the firm. The Sept. 30 PRLog also mentions the news.
  • The Oct. 3 WatchList News announced the addition of Law alumnus Brett H. Sifrit as a new associate attorney at Farr Law Firm.
  • Law alumnus Stephen Page has joined Gunster’s business litigation team as a shareholder out of the Stuart and West Palm Beach offices, according to a firm announcement.