Crystallising Time
The Shadow of Conquest
The Never Ending Story
Droll 'Observations': Roman Ondák's Comi
The Work of Art: AAANZ 2016
Thinking Colour: University of Oxford
CAA 104th Conference
Image-Space-Body: AAANZ 2015
Situation: Idea: RMIT University
Waste: University of South Australia
Brook Andrew: NGVA
Terry Smith: Talking Contemp Curating
Claire Lambe's Libidinal Economy
The Okayama Art Summit: Okayama
Philippe Parreno: ACMI
J.B. Blunk: Blum & Poe
Louise Hearman: MCA
Sovereignty: ACCA
Tokyo: Critic's Guide
Painting. More Painting: ACCA
Life Inside an Image: MUMA
My East Is Your West
Patricia Piccinini: Meet Graham: Geelong
Endless Circulation: 5th TarraWarra Bie
Cameron Robbins: Field Lines
Spaces for Reflection: Natasha Johns-Mes
8th Australian Pacific Triennial of Cont
Open Source Thinking
Helen Johnson: Sutton Gallery
Melinda Harper: Heide Museum of Modern
Pierre Huyghe: TarraWarra Museum
Lou Hubbard: West Space
Concrete: MUMA
Emily Floyd: Heide Museum of Modern Art
Stuart Ringholt: Kraft
Doctor Doctor: The Emergence of the Prac
Anxious Times: Strategies of Doubt
Simon Horsburgh: Forthcoming and Untitle
Julie Blyfield
Snap Freeze
Katie Pye: Clothes for Modern Lovers
St Sebastian: Fiona Tan
Animal Love: Kate Ellis
Academic Teaching
'Doctor Doctor: The Emergence of the Practice-led PhD',
Un. Magazine Vol 7 No. 1, 2013
Sophie Knezic
Over the last decade, with the securing of art schools into university frameworks, has come a new development in advanced degrees; the birth of the studio-based Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). In many ways this was an inevitability, part of the increasing tertiary accreditation of visual arts/studio arts courses over the late 20th century. In Australia, initially existing as diplomas in the 1970s, these studio-based courses evolved into the Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) degrees during the 1970s as the baseline qualification for aspiring professional artists, supplemented in the early 1990s by the development of the Master of Fine Art (MFA). For the last 20 years across the country, the MFA has been considered the definitive qualification for the practising contemporary artist; a two-year postgraduate degree with variable components but essentially leading to a final exhibition accompanied by a short (approx. 10,000) exegesis or thesis, both externally examined. The MFA has acted as the default 'terminal' degree; the last academic exit point before artists enter the professional sphere. But in less than 10 years, the ground has shifted once again, making way for the studio PhD, often referred to in contemporary nomenclature as the 'practice-led PhD'. More than previous tertiary qualifications, this new degree is mired in a raft of issues pertaining to academic concepts of research, knowledge, and the generally ambiguous relationship between contemporary art practice and academic institutions and discourses. It is perhaps with this degree, that the chequered and mercurial relation between contemporary studio practice and academia is most lucid.
The PhD first emerged in the universities of the Middle Ages but its current paradigm as a structured research enquiry only developed in German universities in the 19th century. The 19th century doctorate fostered a model of research based on a specialised discipline, opposed to the notion of common erudition.[i] The legacy of this model is that in academic disciplines such as the sciences and the liberal arts, the PhD exists as the forum in which to stage an inquiry into a specialised field of knowledge: to research – gather and analyse data in order to trial hypotheses, test theorems or develop new perspectives on extant knowledge – with the singular aim of creating an original contribution to a defined research field. How does this translate into the field of art practice? Firstly, there are greater variations with the practice-based PhD model – in terms of percentage weighting between the exhibition and dissertation, the length of which can range from as little as 15,000 words to 50,000, (unlike the standard length of 90,000-100,000 for traditional academic PhDs) that may raise eyebrows as to the equivalence between doctorate degrees with such discrepancies in thesis length. But of more gravitas is the studio doctorate's whole raison d'etre.
One of the achievements of the practice-led PhD is that it represents an acknowledgement of the research inherent in artistic labour; that it validates art as research. This is a recent perspective; partially influenced by the Bologna Process – the policy framework developed in 1999 standardising higher degrees conferred by European universities. Before the 1990s, creative art activity taking place within art schools was not explicitly recognised as research. It was only with the amalgamation of art schools with universities (taking place in Australia from the 1990s onwards), that art practice, framed within the context of higher degrees, was recognised as research activity. With its new status as research, art began to accrue academic benefits, not least funding (more on that later).
According to British artist and academic, Judith Mottram, doctoral study in the studio arts is essentially about forging new disciplinary territory – a knowledge base specific to art and design that is not art criticism, history or theory proper.[ii] The jury is still out on what 'practice-led research' might mean; a discourse charting experiments into materials or studio procedures, or a historical or theoretical discourse that is motivated by studio activity or both? In his discussion of creative practice as research, Timothy Emlyn Jones refers to artist-scholar Donald Schon's distinction between knowledge on reflection and knowledge in action.[iii] The idea of knowledge through action posits intelligence in the act of making which collapses the practice/theory divide. The development of a kind of specific artistic research forged through the amalgam of thinking-making and post-work analysis elaborated in relation to relevant research fields, represents a new type of knowledge and may well describe what the practice-led PhD attempts to do.
But for the American art historian, James Elkins, the idea that studio work produces new knowledge is problematic. He observes, 'In order for "the production of new knowledge" to make sense as a justification for PhDs in art, it would be necessary to have a university-wide consensus about the expression new knowledge.'[iv] But I'd surmise the concept of new knowledge is being continually contested and debated in other disciplines as part of the general discussion of what constitutes good research. It seems that Elkins is not opposed to studio-based PhDs; but rather the loose bandying of the terms 'research' and 'new knowledge', which he believes are an awkward fit for most studio artists. The impetus behind the usage of the terms 'research' and 'new knowledge' is simply economic – that universities receive institutional revenue based on the hierarchy of degrees, with more money directed towards faculties with PhD students than with undergraduates. Implementing PhD programs is a way of faculties generating cash. Elkins believes studio art faculties or schools have adopted the lexicon of research as a means to this end. This is a cynical view, one which may describe Australian university art schools which enrol large numbers of PhDs; but it's not the case for faculties which only enrol a few, where the costs of administering PhD candidates far outweigh the departmental revenue received. But the pragmatics from the artist's perspective are advantageous: as a concomitant of art viewed as research, practice-led PhD candidates are eligible for government scholarships in the form of Australian Postgraduate Awards (also available at a MFA level but as a three-year stipend ideally suited to PhD research). For artists accustomed to low and erratic incomes, this is an undeniable dimension to the attractiveness of the practice-led PhD.
In the sciences, the supervisory model of the PhD is hierarchical; often with a chief researcher who nominates multiple PhD candidates as well as their topics, gathered under the aegis of a broader enquiry, each researcher part of a collaborative project. Often questions of authorship are blurred with chief researchers or investigators claiming credit for the research outcomes, or published research papers credited with up to hundreds of authors. A Melbourne-based artist and academic we shall name Dr X* believes that although this model would not be a good fit for artistic research, a mode of PhD research that occurs with a level of collaboration between several artist-scholars investigating related topics under the supervision of a chief researcher, would be a more effective model than the present one.
This would certainly work towards resolving an existing problem with the current mode of supervision; the hiatus that exists when the supervisor's realm of knowledge and studio practice are too far removed from the PhD candidate's burgeoning area of research knowledge for them to offer anything more than basic references, editing of chapters or mere encouragement. Several candidates I have known have been extremely frustrated with their supervisor's inability to offer them much more than this. Building a research cluster would create opportunities for more consolidated multi-faceted kinds of artistic research and sophisticated dialogue.
One of the principal reasons for embarking on PhD research in traditional disciplines has been the desire to enter academia, and some at the helm of administering practice-led PhDs view this motivation as the fundamental one. More than half of the artists I have known enrolled in practice-led PhDs also teach in the tertiary sector part-time. Others would like to. This vocational urge is understandable, and in one way it is ultimately validating that a doctorate finally exists to mark the advanced research degree equivalent to other disciplines; the conferral of recognised academic status. However, the irony remains that the studio-based PhD has emerged precisely at a time when the broader tertiary climate is more constrained than ever. Since the introduction of student fees through the Higher Education Contribution Scheme in 1989 and successive reductions in federal funding over the last 30 years, especially the Howard Government's savage cuts in 1996, the tertiary sector has been shorn of an adequate and stable funding base.
In April this year, the Federal Government announced a decision to slice $2.3 billion from the higher education budget, redirecting these funds towards what it regards as more worthy sectors, namely primary and secondary education. As a result of this, over the next four years, the University of Melbourne (the institution with which I am affiliated) will see approximately $100 million in research funding scrapped, as well as $50 million withdrawn from teaching support. While undergraduate numbers in art schools have steadily increased over the last decade, academic positions have not. PhD enrolments across the academic spectrum have also surged; between 2000-2010, doctoral enrolments across all Australian universities expanded by 68%, from 27,966 to 47,066.[v] The trickle down effect for art schools is not appealing: it's likely there will be both scarcity of secure academic positions simultaneous with intensification of workloads, enlarged class sizes and increased numbers of advanced degree enrolments, inevitably impacting on the nature of supervision: the frequency and depth of dialogue established between candidates and their supervisors.
According to Dr X, another problem is the way in which artists – especially young artists – enrol in a BFA, then an Honours year, then a MFA which they either complete or upgrade to a PhD, in one straight trajectory. 'You see these students who refuse to leave the place – they might be 28 or 30 before they finally graduate and their art career has never been outside the institution.'[vi] Associate Professor Barb Bolt, also an artist and academic, agrees this is of concern, 'These people never get out and test themselves. There's always a sense in which they've been cosseted within an institutional framework. That's a very undesirable thing.'[vii]
She thinks that the ideal PhD candidate is someone who has been out of an art school for a long time, has developed a mature practice yet has found an emerging desire to frame it in within the parameters of a specific research enquiry, often in order to challenge their practice and deepen it in ways beyond what may be possible within a more conventional gallery-based career. Another ideal candidate, she suggests, is someone who has straddled both studio art and another discipline gained through separate academic experience and wants to situate their research at the intersection of both.
This 'dual ability' seems to characterise the artist who pursues doctoral studies. According to Bolt,
'In order to do a PhD, you need to be operating at a high level in your practice and you also need to be operating at a high level in terms of your ability to read and theorise in a discursive form. The way people get considered into a PhD program is based on their ability to do both. A traditional scholar, say an anthropologist or scientist, just has to be good in their field – they only have to research, test their data then write up the results. Whereas practice-led PhD artists have to be incredibly literate in both realms.'[viii]
While that may be stating the obvious, the dedicated and close engagement with academic discourses such as fine art history, theory and philosophy, and the framing of a studio practice within that, focused on a singular research topic, has consequences. Dr John Abbate, the first artist to graduate with a studio-based PhD from the School of Art, VCA, University of Melbourne, in 2004, believes it's been an important way of giving intellectual credibility to art – that the studio doctorate has served to change a common view of artists lacking the potential for intellectual rigour. Looking back, he describes his doctorate as 'the most stressful thing I've ever done in my life.'[ix] I'm sure most artist-doctors would concur, but I'll wager this is not just because of the scope of the project. For myself and for other artist-PhDs I have conversed with over recent years, it is because such labour necessarily entails a kind of subjective splitting; doing a practice-led PhD means continually shunting between the thinking/making artist; the active academic researcher; and the somewhat detached analytic observer of both. It is this last persona that is perhaps the hardest to assume and yet the most pivotal to drawing conclusions from the period of research. Then there's the articulated topic of research itself; which may commence as a finely chiselled question but inevitably shifts, proves elusive or decomposes into something else altogether. The obligation to produce a new contribution to knowledge hovers as an intangible pressure. As a friend and recently conferred doctor remarked, doing a practice-led PhD 'was analogous to trying to hit a moving target'[x].
This is what makes the practice-led PhD such a complicated project, and in many ways schizophrenic. Personally, there's been more than one moment when I've lamented enrolling in a studio PhD, believing a PhD in art history, although demanding, would have been much more straight-forward than the peculiar and somewhat undefined hydra that is the practice-led PhD. But then I wonder if that's because a considerable period of my candidature has been gobbled up by the demands of lecturing, necessitating separate research into a plethora of topic areas unrelated to my PhD, leaving less time overall for both relevantly directed research as well as the kinds of freeform rumination that extends and dallies in unexpected areas, forming webs of associations quintessential to inquisitive artistic thinking.
But I am certain that the niche area I am in the process of carving out is one that would never have emerged if the PhD had been built around an a priori topic situated in the field of art history. The unbidden permutations of topic – the wayward digressions – are a rich part of the unanticipated trajectory that forms the practice-led PhD. The development of a doctorate that puts art practice in dialogue with other disciplines, that creates links with other research communities, and most importantly, delineates a space for art to generate new kinds of knowledge and new zones of research is I think, in the final analysis, a progressive thing. It's early days yet; the practice-led PhD is still in its infancy, but with adequate resources and enthusiastic minds it's likely to develop in robust ways. With its bipartite structure of exhibition and dissertation, however, the degree will always be irreducibly complex: for the hybrid artist-scholar a pressured, exhilarating although at times ambivalent undertaking.
* This artist and academic wishes to remain anonymous.
Image caption:
Sophie Knezic, The Shadow of Conquest, 2013, cast and extruded acrylic, water, dimensions variable
[i] See Mick Wilson, 'Four Theses Attempting to Revise the Terms of a Debate', in Artists with Phds: On the New Doctoral Degree in Studio Art, James Elkins (ed), New Academia Publishing, Washington DC, 2009
[ii] See Judith Mottram, 'Researching Research in Art and Design', in Elkins, ibid
[iii] Timothy Emlyn Jones, 'Research Degrees in Art and Design', Timothy Emlyn Jones in Elkins, p. 33
[iv] James Elkins, 'On Beyond Research and New Knowledge', in Elkins, ibid p. 115
[v] The Changing PhD: Discussion Paper, The Group of Eight, ACT, March 2013
[vi] interview with Dr X, May 2013
[vii] interview with Associate Professor Barbara Bolt, May 2013
[viii] ibid
[ix] interview with Dr John Abbate, May 2013
[x] Sarah CrowEST, An Unaccountable Mass: Bothersome Matter and the Humorous Life of Forms, PhD, Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University, September 2012
© 2016 by Sophie Knezic


'Peace Clock' Reset After US Nuke Test
US Teen Who Broke Caymans Quarantine Talks About It
Miners Trapped for 9 Days Request Pickles, Sausages
This Woman Can't Convince the Government She's Alive
Art Installation Up for Just Minutes Wins Design Prize
Anthropologists Recount Grisly Tale of Conquistador Era
Stolen Copy of World's Most Expensive Painting Is Found
Players in Strict Quarantine Before Aussie Open in 'Revolt'
Missing Teen Survives in Snow Cave
A Michelin Star First in France
Man in Wheelchair Pulls Himself 800 Feet Up Skyscraper
Student Fails University Exam for Not Wearing Mask Properly
World /
Latest Stadium Upgrade Is to the Colosseum
A retractable floor will be added, covering tunnels that fighters used to pop up on cue
By Bob Cronin, Newser Staff
Posted Dec 29, 2020 5:26 PM CST
Stock photo. (Getty/BarryKearney)Stock photo. (Getty/BarryKearney)
(Newser) – A modern ballpark typically serves a US city for 20 to 25 years, a sports economic expert says, per USA Today. Rome's Colosseum, by contrast, was used for four centuries, so it's not surprising that the place needs some work. Italy is now launching a renovation that will restore and preserve the Colosseum's technology, the Smithsonian reports, and give visitors a better idea of what it felt like for a gladiator to stand in the center of the arena. "We want to give an idea of how it was, and we are seeking proposals from around the world," the Colosseum's director said, per the Times. The deadline for design proposals is Feb. 1, and completion is projected for 2023, per the BBC. When the work is finished, "the arena will be used for high culture, meaning concerts or theater," its director said. There are no plans for fighting to the death.
The centerpiece will be a new, retractable arena floor. In its heyday, the place had a wooden floor covered in sand. Under the floor were tunnels used to enable animals and fighters to dramatically appear in the right spot of the arena. The technology included ramps, pulleys, and ropes, as well as a sort of elevator that took caged lions, bears, and leopards above ground—all in the name of drama. "The hypogeum allowed the organizers of the games to create surprises and build suspense," a researcher said, per the Smithsonian. "A hunter in the arena wouldn't know where the next lion would appear, or whether two or three lions might emerge instead of just one." Replicas of the underground mechanics will be installed. The project is "a major technological intervention that will offer visitors the opportunity to not only see the underground rooms ... but also appreciate the beauty of the Colosseum," Italy's culture minister said. (Read more Colosseum stories.)


Explore Jackson Hole
WYOMING TAX BENEFITS
One of the most Tax-Friendly States in the U.S.
Below is a list of top 10 tax benefits offered by Brian Jones, a Senior Vice President at Bank of Jackson Hole, why it's good to own a home in Wyoming
No state income tax: With no state tax on personal or corporate income, "you have more disposable income," Jones says.
Dynasty trusts: In Wyoming, you can shield your real estate from federal estate taxes for up to 1,000 years through a dynasty trust. "You can establish a trust in Wyoming for the benefit of your family or other beneficiaries," Jones says. "You can transfer your real estate into a limited liability company or family partnership and then put that into the "dynasty trust", which can continue for a thousand years." As a result, multiple generations can make use of and enjoy the property, without having to pay estate taxes or worse, having to sell the property in order to pay the taxes. A key point to remember: The trust must be administered in Wyoming.
No inheritance tax: "Wyoming can collect a very limited estate tax, which is tied to the federal estate tax credit, but you have to have a very large estate before that would kick in," Jones says. "But in general, Wyoming doesn't collect any inheritance tax."
No state gift tax: "Somebody who owns property in Wyoming can "gift" that real estate to their heirs without having to worry about paying a state gift tax," Jones says.
No tax on out-of-state retirement income: "A lot of people in Jackson Hole use Wyoming as a second home," Jones says. "They have retirement income that comes from other states where they may be a resident. Wyoming doesn't tax that retirement income that"s earned outside of Wyoming, which is certainly beneficial."
Low property taxes: "Wyoming has very low property taxes compared to other states," Jones says. "The taxes that you do pay here are based on the assessed value of the property." For Teton County, he says, the rate is 1.2 percent of a property"s assessed value. The rate for the city of Jackson is 8/10 of 1 percent.
No excise taxes: When you fill up your car"s gas tank or buy a bag of groceries in Wyoming, you won"t pay any state tax on your gas or food.
No tax on mineral ownership. "A lot of states charge owners a tax on their mineral ownership, but Wyoming does not," Jones says. "If you own minerals, you won"t pay a tax on it like you would your home.
No intangible taxes: Wyoming doesn't make you pay a tax on financial assets like stocks and bonds.
No tax on the sale of real estate.
JANE FOLGEMAN REAL ESTATE, INC
Jackson, WY 83001
jane@folgeman.com
Jane Folgeman Real Estate, Inc. is a Boutique Realty specializing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Our entire focus is on educating and delighting out Customers and Clients so that they are empowered to make informed decisions when navigating the often tricky world of the Jackson Hole housing and investment marketplace.
© 2016-2021 Copyright - Jane Folgeman Real Estate, Inc. All rights reserved.


Film: East side of the 1500 block of Vine Street
Director | Producer | Screenwriter
Born Oct. 3, 1896 in Los Angeles, CA
Died July 6, 1969 of emphysema in St. John's Hospital, CA
Leo McCarey was a "frustrated songwriter" who rose to become one of a Hollywood's leading filmmakers.
McCarey was best known for writing, directing and producing the film "Going My Way," which won him two Academy Awards in 1944. He won his first Oscar in 1937 for directing "The Awful Truth."
He attended Los Angeles High School and, upon graduation, took a job as reporter in the sports department of the The Times, after which, at the bidding of his father, he reluctantly enrolled in USC law school.
But for McCarey, who had favored a career as a "songwriter, cartoonist, actor and writer," a legal career held no interest.
While practicing law he began writing songs. He sold his first—"Why Do You Always Sit on Your Piano?"—for $2.50. He wrote 30 more, including a collaboration on the score for the movie "An Affair to Remember," which he also produced and directed.
His first job in the motion picture industry was in 1918 as a script clerk to Universal Studios' director Tod Browning, who was making the picture "The Virgin of Stamboul."
He spent several years at Universal until producer Hal Roach offered him a job. Four years later he was vice president of Roach's film company.
Through the 1920s he directed a number of Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chase comedies. In the 1930s he directed "Roadhouse," "Duck Soup," Six of a Kind," "Ruggles of Red Gap" and "The Milky Way."
His most widely praised picture was "Going My Way," a story about two priests, played by Barry Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby, which he wrote, produced and directed.
Other pictures he produced and directed include "The Bells of St. Mary's," "Good Sam," "Rally Round the Flag Boys" and "Satan Never Sleeps.
— Doug Shuit in the Los Angeles Times July 6, 1969
More stars in...
Mabel Normand
Irene Dunne
1937 Best Director The Awful Truth Win
1939 Best Original Story Love Affair Nomination*
1940 Best Original Story My Favorite Wife Nomination*
1944 Best Motion Picture Story Going My Way Win
1944 Best Director Going My Way Win
1945 Best Director The Bells of St. Mary's Nomination
1952 Best Motion Picture Story My Son John Nomination
1957 Best Song "An Affair to Remember" from An Affair to Remember Nomination*
* A joint nomination shared with other people.
Share a thought about Leo McCarey
Did you ever meet Leo McCarey? Share your memory.
Which other stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame have connections to Leo McCarey?
Are other places in the world important to Leo McCarey?
Does Leo McCarey deserve this star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?


St Laurence Lanzarote - "a wonderful diversity of culture and language in which we rejoice"
Fr Peter prepares for the mass at Nazaret
The Anglican parish of St Laurence in Lanzarote offers a welcome to the many visitors to the island, as well as being a warm home for the English-speaking residents and "swallows". Like so many of our parishes in Europe, members and visitors come from a diverse range of backgrounds and yet find a common home and a sense of family in our churches.
There are three congregations in St Laurence parish, in Puerto del Carmen, Nazaaret and Playa Blanca. From 4 - 6 November I was on the island for a parish "check-up". Besides meetings with the priest, the Revd Fr Peter Ford OGS and the Church Council and Churchwardens, there were three Sunday eucharists, and a confirmation.
Years ago, a "mystery worshipper" wrote a review of the services in Lanzarote saying they were "dinified, warm, convivial and joyous". Thankfully these words still describe the feeling at the eucharists on that weekend visit. It is heartening to see growth, both with young people in Nazaret, and with adults, including the confirmation candidate in Puerto del Carmen.
Confirmand Diane (3rd from right)
Labels: Gibraltar Archdeaconry
New Chaplain for Venice and Trieste
Italian mass in London, a reversal of my usual Sun...
A new Bishop of London - Bishop Angaelos! Axios!
St Laurence Lanzarote - "a wonderful diversity of ...
St Thomas Becket Hamburg pilgrimage to Rome


What is Agnostic Theism?
Atheism and Agnosticism Logic
Key Figures in Atheism
Atheism Myths and Misconceptions
Other Religions Atheism and Agnosticism
Believing in God, but not Knowing God
by Austin Cline
Austin Cline, a former regional director for the Council for Secular Humanism, writes and lectures extensively about atheism and agnosticism.
Many people who adopt the label of agnostic assume that, in doing so, they also exclude themselves from the category of theist. There exists a common perception that agnosticism is more "reasonable" than theism because it eschews theism's dogmatism. Is that accurate or are such agnostics missing something important?
Unfortunately, the above position isn't accurate - agnostics may sincerely believe it and theists may sincerely reinforce it, but it relies upon more than one misunderstanding about both theism and agnosticism. Whereas atheism and theism deal with belief, agnosticism deals with knowledge. The Greek roots of the term are a which means without and gnosis which means "knowledge" — hence, agnosticism literally means "without knowledge," but in the context where it is normally used it means: without knowledge of the existence of gods.
An agnostic is a person who does not claim [absolute] knowledge of the existence of god(s). Agnosticism can be classified in a similar manner to atheism: "Weak" agnosticism is simply not knowing or having knowledge about god(s) — it is a statement about personal knowledge. The weak agnostic may not know for sure whether god(s) exist but does not preclude that such knowledge can be obtained. "Strong" agnosticism, on the other hand, is believing that knowledge about god(s) is not possible — this, then, is a statement about the possibility of knowledge.
Because atheism and theism deal with belief and agnosticism deals with knowledge, they are actually independent concepts. This means that it is possible to be an agnostic and a theist. One can have a wide range of beliefs in gods and also not be able to or wish to claim to know for sure whether those gods definitely exist.
It may seem strange at first to think that a person might believe in the existence of a god without also claiming to know that their god exists, even if we define knowledge somewhat loosely; but upon further reflection, it turns out that this isn't so odd after all. Many, many people who believe in the existence of a god do so on faith, and this faith is contrasted with the types of knowledge we normally acquire about the world around us.
Indeed, believing in their god because of faith is treated as a virtue, something which we should be willing to do instead of insisting on rational arguments and empirical evidence. Because this faith is contrasted with knowledge, and in particular the sort of knowledge we develop through reason, logic, and evidence, then this sort of theism cannot be said to be based upon knowledge. People believe, but through faith, not knowledge. If they really do mean that they have faith and not knowledge, then their theism must be described as a type of agnostic theism.
One version of agnostic theism has been called "agnostic realism." A proponent of this view was Herbert Spencer, who wrote in his book First Principles (1862):
By continually seeking to know and being continually thrown back with a deepened conviction of the impossibility of knowing, we may keep alive the consciousness that it is alike our highest wisdom and our highest duty to regard that through which all things exist as The Unknowable.
This is a much more philosophical form of agnostic theism than that described here - it is also probably a bit more uncommon, at least in the West today. This sort of full-blown agnostic theism, where belief in the very existence of a god is independent of any claimed knowledge, must be distinguished from other forms of theism where agnosticism may play a small role.
After all, even though a person might claim to know for sure that their god exists, that doesn't mean that they can also claim to know everything there is to know about their god. Indeed, a great many things about this god may be hidden from the believer — how many Christians have stated that their god "works in mysterious ways"? If we allow the definition of agnosticism to become rather broad and include a lack of knowledge about a god, then this is a sort of situation where agnosticism is playing a role in someone's theism. It is not, however, an example of agnostic theism.
What is Agnosticism? A Short Explanation
Agnosticism for Beginners
What is Agnosticism? Index of Answers and Resources
Religions That Believe in One or More Gods
Main Differences Between Atheists and Agnostics
What Is the Definition of Weak Atheism?
Strong Agnosticism vs. Weak Agnosticism: What's the Difference?
What is Atheism? What isn't Atheism?
An Introduction to Atheism and Atheists
Got Faith? The Connection Between Faith and Theism, Religion, Atheism
Dictionary Definition Agnostic Theism
Agnostic Atheists: Dictionary Definition
Relationship Between Agnosticism and Religion
What Is the Difference Between and Nonbeliever and an Atheist?
Atheism for Beginners
What is Pragmatic Agnosticism?


Our staff advocate for student involvement as we recognize its value in personal and scholarly success. Join your fellow students by participating in a recognized student organization; volunteering; or even launching your own student group.
At Syracuse, we encourage you to fully engage in campus life. Getting involved in one of our student organizations and professional associations is a great way to connect with other students, gain valuable leadership experience, and have fun.
Student involvement is valuable to both personal and scholarly success. Join your classmates in our Student Bar Association to volunteer for service activities and to take an active role in shaping the College of Law experience, and explore the many ways to participate and make an impact.
How will you get involved? Browse the organizations in the list below.
Starting a New Student Organization
Don't see a student organization below that captures your interest? Consider starting a new one! If you would like to start a new student organization, here are the steps:
Set up an appointment with the Director of Student Affairs (Suite 220 | 315.443.1146) to discuss the organization and review the approval process.
Assemble at least 15 students to support the creation of your new student organization.
Select and confirm a faculty advisor.
Fully complete the Student SBA Addendum.
Draft a constitution or bylaws.*
Submit the completed Addendum and organization constitution to the SBA Secretary.
After you have fully completed the above steps, you will be scheduled to appear at the next meeting of the SBA. You will be asked to present the purpose, goals, objectives, and intent of your organization. The SBA may ask follow up questions based on your presentation. Please review the organization recognition guide [PDF].
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 315-443-1146, or lawstudentaffairs@law.syr.edu
*The constitution must contain (but is not limited to) the following information:
A. Purpose. Describe the purpose of the organization.
B. Membership. A statement of open membership to all Syracuse University College of Law Students who have paid their activity fee; and further that the organization shall not discriminate regardless of race, color, sex, handicap, age, or political and religious affiliation in any of its policies, procedures or practices.
C. List of Officer Positions. Each organization must have at least two officers, including:
i. A President or Chair who will serve as the liaison between the organization and the Office of Student Affairs. This person will be the primary contact for all things relating to the student organization.
ii. A Treasurer or financial officer who will be the primary contact for the organization's budget. This person will be responsible for signing all reimbursements and tracking the budget progress of the organization.
D. Method for electing officers.
E. The need and function of the Faculty/Staff Advisor.
F. A statement regarding the supervising authority and an agreement to comply with SU and College of Law Policies & Procedures, along with federal, state and local laws.
G. Process for amending the constitution.
H. Use the available sample constitution [DOC] as a guide.
Student Organization Financial Forms & Guides
Financing Workshop [PDF]
Orders and Reimbursement Guide [PDF]
SU Employee Expense Reimbursement Form [XLS]
Basic Budget Template [XLS]
List of Student Organizations
Honor Societies Student-Run Journals 2020-2021 Student Organization Leaders
American Constitution Society
The mission of the American Constitution Society is to harness the values of compassion and respect for each individual, and to re-incorporate them into American law and politics, in order to build a stronger and more decent national community. We seek to restore the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice to their rightful—and traditionally central—place in American law. We want to strengthen the intellectual underpinnings of—and the public case for—a vision of the law in which these values are paramount. Our goal is a rekindling of the hope that by reason and decency, we can create an America that is better for us all.
Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association
We in APALSA strive to advocate for the Asian Pacific American community in the College of Law and beyond. We work to bring attention and understanding to Asian and Asian American issues and culture, and to provide an academic support system for all students to connect with the APALSA community.
Our mission is to:
Create a community of support through shared goals
Ensure a method of communication and collaboration between law students and fellow organizations
Promote Asian Pacific American causes and changes in the legal community
Act as a liaison between students and Asian Pacific American attorneys
Encourage the pursuit of a legal education and career for underrepresented groups
Black Law Student Association
The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is a professional organization committed to furthering the academic, professional, and cultural needs and goals of Black, indigenous, persons of color (BIPOC) students at the college of law.
As an affiliate of the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA), the largest student-run organization in America that has over 200 chapters at law schools throughout the country, representing almost every ABA accredited law school, plus several non-accredited law schools.
Our chapter focuses on articulating and promoting the needs and goals of BIPOC law students to effectuate change in the legal community. We are organized to empower students with the knowledge and resources to be successful students, mentors, and professionals in the legal community and we have an extremely supportive alumni base. BLSA's mission is to strive for excellence and balance within the legal community through professionalism, respect, and hard work as a cohesive unit. BLSA has various resources to aid your academic success and hosts a variety of social functions for non-academic enjoyment. In the past, BLSA has been awarded organization of the year due to its outstanding community involvement.
Further, BLSA has participated in a variety of community service projects, the Annual Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition along with numerous other competitions, and BLSA highlights its achievements through its Annual Black History Month Dinner
Catholic Law Student Association
The goal of the Catholic Law Students Association is to build fellowship and bridge divides that would otherwise separate College of Law students.
Corporate Law Society
The Corporate Law Society's mission is to provide every student with a look into the depth that corporate law practice covers. We strive to put on events that show students various practice areas while also providing alumni engagement. Corporate law can include both transactional as well as litigation and we hope to help students realize their potential in whichever practice their interests take them. By engaging as many students and alumni as possible we hope to form a larger and stronger Syracuse network in the corporate setting.
Criminal Law Society
Disability Law Society
Disability Law Society is an organization of Syracuse University College of Law students who are working to create and support a positive climate toward disability that values individual difference.
Our goals are:
To raise awareness about disability within the College of Law and greater Syracuse University community.
To support students who have disabilities; who are interested in pursuing a joint degree related to disability studies; and/or who are
To provide information and assistance to students, faculty and staff members in the COL and SU community regarding disability; and,
To provide COL students the opportunity to volunteer in the disability community of the local Syracuse community.
Entertainment & Sports Law Society
The Entertainment and Sports Law Society is open to all Syracuse law students who possess a sincere interest and dedication to the professions of entertainment law and sports law. ESLS organizes an annual student-run Symposium, which welcomes experts from across the entertainment and sports sectors.
Family Law Society
We've all sat through Thanksgiving dinner…it's easy to see why Family Law is a growing dynamic, encompassing Adoption Law, Elderly Law, Poverty Law, Disability Law, Divorce Law, Wills & Estates, Child Welfare, and much, much more.
The Family Law Society collaborates with the Center for Family Law and Social Policy to familiarize and to introduce students into the field of Family Law. Through luncheons with family court judges to guest speakers, lectures, seminars, workshops and volunteer activities in the Syracuse community, we provide students with the opportunity to explore the many different facets of Family Law.
We welcome all College of Law students interested in learning more and becoming involved with family law issues. We're saving you a seat at our table!
All Syracuse University College of Law students interested in learning more and becoming
involved with family law issues.
Family Life Law Student Association
The Federalist Society
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is an organization dedicated to bringing a conservative and libertarian perspective of the law to the College of Law. The Society brings speakers to campus and conducts other activities to debate and receive different perspectives about various legal ideals.
First Generation Law Students Association
The First Generation Law Student Association (FGLSA) seeks to build a community of first generation law students facing similar obstacles during their law school careers. The FGLSA offers students an opportunity to connect with other students from a variety of backgrounds, gain mentors during the critical first year of law school, build a support system within the Syracuse University College of Law, and network with other first generation law students and attorneys who have successfully navigated many of the issues that first-year law students currently face.
We will work to make the transition into law school easier for first generation law students, identify the challenges that first generation students face, and develop tactics that incoming students can apply to overcome the unique obstacles that they may encounter. We will provide opportunities for first generation law students to build relationships with other current and former first generation law students at Syracuse University College of Law. All students are welcome to join.
Food & Beverage Law Association
The Food and Beverage Law Association was created to provide a space for education and resources for students interested in legal careers in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.
Our goal is to expose students at the Syracuse University College of Law to the wide variety of legal topics embodied within the food and beverage legal industries themselves, from intellectual property to corporate law. Members will be given opportunities to learn about the industries themselves and the legal complexities within through conversation, film, and speakers. Members will be permitted to collaborate and be given access to documents and resources related to a career in this field. All students are welcome to join.
Intellectual Property Law Society
IPLS seeks to:
Promote the progress and understanding of science and the useful arts at the Syracuse University College of Law
Increase interest in the broad field of Intellectual Property Law
Expose students to the basic tenants and cutting edge of Intellectual Property Law
Connect students with Intellectual Property practitioners to provide a realistic understanding of a career in Intellectual Property Law
Engage with IPLS student members, the College of Law general body, and the broader Syracuse community regarding all areas of Intellectual Property Law
International Law Society
The Syracuse University College of Law International Law Society (ILS) is student founded organization dedicated to the education and involvement of the student body in the international legal community. ILS provides opportunities for students and faculty to engage with international cultures and legal systems.
Through film screenings, open discussions, and guest lectures ILS aims to provide a forum for students and faculty to engage with both topics and members of the international legal community. Additionally, ILS aims to give back by raising awareness of international issues and running fundraisers to donate to two charities, chosen by the society each year.
Italian American Bar Association
JD Beyond
Foster community within existing and future JDi classes:
-Identify and enhance ways to connect the individuals that make up this program.-Welcome new students to the program, including connecting incoming students with existing JDi students/alumni and resources for mentorship and other support.
Act as liaison between JDi students and the on-campus community by:
-Working with on-campus student and faculty leaders to advocate for and facilitate access to School of Law extracurricular activities and other on-campus services.-Striving to innovate creative technology based logistical solutions that support that access.
-Fostering a sense of cultural connection between the JDi students and the residential community.
Increase understanding and acceptance of flexible technology-based education within the legal education community at large.
Form the foundations for a subset of the Syracuse Law Alumni community consisting of JDi alumni willing to support incoming students relative to the inherent challenges and opportunities associated with flexible legal education.
Consistent with the innovative culture of Syracuse College of Law that brought the JDi program to fruition, strive for innovation in the legal profession at large to leverage technology to increase access to legal services in general and especially within underserved communities.
Jewish Law Students Association
The Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) is open to all students regardless of religious affiliation. JLSA is a cultural, social, educational, and religious organization that reflects the varied interests of the Jewish student community of the Syracuse University College of Law. JLSA members participate in various cultural, social, and religious events and have an opportunity to meet and interact with members of the larger Jewish community in the University and Syracuse Area.
Korean Law Students Association
We in the Korean Law Students Association (KLSA) pursue a mission of providing a platform for the Korean community in the College of Law to academically support and professionally network with fellow students and alumni in the legal field. We strive to celebrate our cultural identity as we experience the undertakings of law school, and we work towards maintaining a memorable connection and environment with one another.
In KLSA, our mission is to:
Embody a community of acceptance and support through shared experiences
Facilitate communication and collaboration between the College of Law community
Promote Korean causes and efforts in the legal community
Latin American Law Students Association
The Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA) is a student-led organization created with the purpose of creating a space for law students of Hispanic and Latino descent at the College of Law where they can connect with other students of a similar ethnic and linguistic background. Our goal is to foster an environment of unity among our members and also to create a network of support to ensure the academic and professional success of one of the most underrepresented groups in the legal field.
In order to do so, we host social events to help our members get to know each other, invite speakers from outside the Law School to give talks on different topics, partner with legal organizations in the city to expose our members to attorneys in the field, and partner with other organizations in the College of Law with similar interests and affinities to ensure that all voices are heard.
Mental Wellness Society
The purpose of this organization is to provide an open network for students who are conscientious of any mental health, physical health, or issues with addiction to have a group of fellow students and staff for support. MeWS main goal is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and addiction and to make a forum available for these students to voice their concerns, discuss these issues with fellow students and staff, and to and to listen to and refer those suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues that may affect one's work while a student or member of the College of Law.
Sober events will be held by MeWS as an alternative to the traditional "bar" based activities of other organizations. MeWS strives to listen to students in times of need or as a backbone of healthy living while a student in law school. This group will take a lead in helping reshape the discussions around issues outside of basic physical health that are often hidden during a student's tenure due to the environment and competitive nature of law school.
All members are entitled to privacy of any information that is shared at events or meetings of MeWS. Privacy is a duty of membership; it implies a responsibility in all the members to maintain confidence in the organization. MeWS will also provide assistance and support to any member seeking additional resources on or off campus.
Middle Eastern Law Student Association
Our mission is to provide a safe and educational space that supports Middle Eastern law students and create awareness for the issues the community faces.
National Security Students Association
The National Security Student Association (NSSA) creates a learning environment in which students participate in meaningful discussion on emerging challenges in national security law and policy.
Outlaw is an organization for queer; gender, romantic, and sexual minority (GSRM); and HIV-affected members of the College of Law community, as well as their supporters and friends.
Our mission is to foster an inclusive and welcoming queer community at the College of Law by connecting ourselves within and beyond our campus. As a social, professional, and intellectual home to prospective, current, and past members of the College of Law community, we aim to provide a consistent and sustainable network of support. We sponsor numerous educational and social events throughout the year that unite us with each other and in solidarity with other underrepresented communities on campus.
Phi Alpha Delta (Carmody Chapter)
Phi Alpha Delta Law (PAD) unites students, faculty, and alumni in professional service and social activities. PAD encourages members to promote the ideals of liberty and equal justice under the law, to stimulate excellence in scholarship, and to foster integrity and professional competence. With almost 200 chapters in the country, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity has prominent members in the legal and political community illustrating its purposes of professionalism and integrity in their careers. As one of the largest organizations within the College of Law, we enable our students to develop skills of service to other students, the College of Law, the community, and the profession.
In addition to the contacts and bonds that our members form, the benefits of membership include: participation in a mentoring program with second and third-year law students, personal assistance and advice about test-taking and outlining skills, discounts on restaurants, Bar preparation courses, and everyday needs; as well as recommendations for programs and tracks not readily known to all College of Law students. After law school, all PAD members are offered admission to the United States Supreme Court Bar after 3 years of practice,
The Carmody Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta at Syracuse Law accepts applications throughout the year and recruits and initiates students in the fall and spring semesters. Students are required to pay national dues and maintain good academic standing in order to participate.
Pro Bono Advisory Board
The origin of the term "pro bono" comes from the Latin phrase pro bono publico, which means "for the public good." In the legal profession, pro bono services are performed by an attorney for free or for a substantially reduced fee to assist people with limited means. As leaders, attorneys have an ethical responsibility to their communities, and often, a professional obligation, to perform pro bono work. Syracuse University College of Law's Pro Bono program is designed to provide professional engagement opportunities to students and to serve the community. To that end, the College of Law uses Rule 6.1 of the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conducts a framework for the Program.
The Syracuse University College of Law Pro Bono Program is a student-lead initiative that supports connections between law students and legal volunteering opportunities in the community. Our goal is to connect you with opportunities to perform pro bono service, which is overseen by an attorney. Typically, these attorneys work for one of the local legal aid organizations. Participating in pro bono is great for giving back, networking, learning about the community, and getting a feel for different practice areas.
The College of Law and the Pro Bono Advisory Board ("PBAB") work hard to find as many opportunities as possible. These include legal pro bono and community service activities. The Board will communicate these opportunities to the student body through regular emails. There is a General Interest Meeting every fall where every student can hear more about different opportunities at the College of Law and in the greater community.
The College of Law, Pro Bono Advisory Board, Student Bar Association, and other student organizations provide many community service opportunities as well. These may include volunteering at an animal shelter, blood drives, food drives, GED Tutoring at Auburn Correctional Facility, and many more. Student organizations host various community service and pro bono opportunities as well. Be sure to connect with them directly to let them know of your interest. Students are encouraged to create new opportunities for pro bono and community service.
South Asian Law Students Association
The South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA) at the College of Law seeks to promote and improve the university's diversity initiative. The organization holds events to promote and educate South Asian culture by events. Some of these events that promote and educate about South Asian culture have included a movie night where a South Asian movie is played and Indian food is served, Diwali celebration, and Henna night. All currently enrolled students are encouraged to join in celebrating South Asian culture.
Syracuse Animal Legal Defense Fund
Syracuse Public Interest Network
The Syracuse Public Interest Network, ("SPIN"), is a student-run organization at the Syracuse University College of Law committed to fostering the careers of students who intend to advocate for the public interest. Through a variety of programming, SPIN seeks to instill a sense of passion for pro bono efforts and community service in the students at the Syracuse University College of Law, as well as create a public interest network for students to connect with alumni, practitioners and the community.
SPIN raises money to provide grants for College of Law students with SPIN Fellowships, who are employed during the summer in the public interest legal field. Broadly defined, public interest employment includes public service, government work, judicial clerkships, and Fellowships. Public interest organizations tend to represent people and issues that might otherwise lack meaningful representation in the legal system. The necessity of such representation cannot be emphasized enough; because without public interest organizations, the nation's legal system would serve only those who can afford counsel.
Public interest practice is often considered work done in pursuit of individual or group concepts of justice, equity and advancing the public good, rather than for purposes of commercial or personal gain. Public interest practitioners strive to remedy social and legal injustices, consistent with their values and political perspective. By supporting students who would otherwise be financially unable to accept positions in the public interest sector, SPIN increases legal services to those who cannot afford to hire an attorney themselves.
Syrian Accountability Project
The Syrian Accountability Project (SAP) is an internationally recognized cooperative effort between activists, non-governmental organizations, students, and other interested parties to document war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of the Syrian Crisis.
The project aims to produce non-partisan, high quality analysis of open source materials and to catalogue that information relative to applicable bodies of law; including, the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and Syrian Penal Law.
The SAP primarily creates documentation products in a narrative and graphical format, as well as a quarterly and annual trend analysis of ongoing crimes. Furthermore, the SAP publishes issue-specific white papers. Its clients include the Syrian National Council, United Nations, U.S. Department of State, and the International Criminal Court.
Veterans Issues, Support Initiative, & Outreach Network (VISION)
Veteran's Issues, Support Initiative and Outreach Network (VISION) was created with the aim to better serve the local veteran population in Syracuse and the surrounding areas. VISION provides veteran legal support and services, community outreach, and veteran policy research to support various veteran issues. VISION strives to better connect the College of Law with our veteran population.
Women's Law Student Association
Women Law Students Association provides a forum for the discussion and advancement of women in legal education and the legal profession. It creates a graduate network to enable women in the legal profession and in law school to learn from and support one another, and to address societal impacts of women on the law.
Syracuse University College of Law Welcomes 13 LL.M. Students for Spring 2021
In January 2021, the College of Law welcomed a new group of 13 students enrolled in our Master of Laws (LL.M.) program. "Despite the continued barriers and uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this new spring cohort includes foreign lawyers representing the legal systems of five countries," says Assistant Dean of International Programs Andrew S. Horsfall. "These students will join the 11 returning LL.M. students who began their studies in this past fall and spring, along with three visiting scholars."
View all College of Law News
A Conversation with Justice Clint Bolick
Lunch time seminar with Justice Bolick regarding education reform. DINO BBQ to be served as well. More»
View all College of Law Events


IT operations director
Melanie has been part of the VolkerWessels UK group since 2000. She originally joined Fitzpatrick Contractors Ltd (now VolkerFitzpatrick) in 2000 and today, she works centrally for VolkerWessels UK, from their head office in Hoddesdon.
Melanie leads a multi-disciplined team of ICT specialists, who work collaboratively to deliver successful projects and ongoing technical support across all five of VolkerWessels UK's business units. Since joining, she has been instrumental in creating a shared ICT service and driving a continuous improvement programme across all ICT functions.


Entertainment News | Karen Clark
Watch As Spike Lee Reacts To His Oscar Nomination
FINALLY! After having been snubbed for multiple films, Spike Lee has finally received an Oscar nomination for best picture and director for BlacKkKlansman. Read More: 2019 Oscar Nominations Are Out! It's been 30 years since Lee's first film debuted and he's finally getting the recognition from the Academy that he deserves. BlacKkKlansman earned a total of six nominations. Watch […]
Entertainment News | Jodi Berry
Nominees for Academy Awards Best Picture Announced
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled nominations for the 90th Oscars this morning. For the complete list of nominees click here The Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 4. Jimmy Kimmel will host the show. Read also: TBS & CNN Sued For Racial Discrimination Clap […]
Entertainment News | foxync Staff
Oscars Flashback: Watch Beyonce Tell Oprah About Her Embarrassing Wardrobe Malfunction
Beyonce has come a long way from worrying about her dresses fitting her perfectly on the red carpet. These days, she has teams to make sure that there isn't even a hair out of place. But it wasn't always like that for the queen, as this amazing throwback video from The Oprah Winfrey Show shows. Back […]
Hottest Oscar Couples!
These couples are so hot together, they set the red carpet on fire at the Academy Awards!
National | foxync Staff
NEWS ROUNDUP: Serena Williams Falls To Karolina Pliskova In U.S. Open Semifinals…AND MORE
Williams doesn't leave this year's U.S. Open empty-handed, she broke tennis legend Roger Federer's record, winning an extraordinary 308 Grand Slam matches.
NEWS ROUNDUP: Judge Orders Genetic Testing For Alleged Prince Heirs…AND MORE
Following legendary singer Prince's death, several people have come forward claiming to be related to him in an effort to get a piece of his fortune. So far, 30 individuals who have filed court documents claiming to be related to the singer have been denied. Judge Kevin Eide, who is overseeing the case, is now ordering […]
Girl Scout Troop Still Waiting For Money From Oscars Cookie Sales
The girl scout troop that raised over $65,000 in cookie sales at the Oscars are still waiting for the money. The Academy and Girl Scouts of America are reportedly in the dark.
Will You Boycott The Oscars….Even Though Chris Rock Is The Host?
As we countdown the days until the Oscars, we started to wonder. Should we boycott the event completely or support it because Chris Rock is the host. You KNOW he's going to have some jokes abotu #OscarsSoWhite. You KNOW he's going to call some people out. There could be some really big moments for Chris. […]
NEWS ROUNDUP: Academy Addresses "Straight Outta Compton" Oscars Ticket Controversy, New Film Delves Into Obamas' Romance…AND MORE
Straight Outta Compton's Oscars snub was one of the factors that brought attention to the Academy Awards' lack of diversity and stirred up a lot of controversy; but after word spread that the film's cast members were not invited to this year's ceremony, it added fuel to the #OscarsSoWhite fire.
NAACP Image Awards | foxync Staff
In The Era Of #OscarsSoWhite, The NAACP Image Awards Matter More Than Ever
With the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite inspiring dialogue around the White-washed Academy Awards, the NAACP Image Awards are even more important.
Janet Hubert Bashes Jada Pinkett Smith for Boycotting Oscars
For the second consecutive year, actors of colors did not get the nod for an Academy Award in major categorys. On Oscar night, the only brown people onstage will be presenters, The Weeknd, and host Chris Rock. There are calls in the entertainment industry to boycott the Academy Awards, Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith […]
Chris Rock Calls Oscars "The White BET Awards," Jada Pinkett Smith Contemplates Boycott
Actress and producer Jada Pinkett Smith took to social media to express her disappointment


Firs Fleet Reproductions
>> Historic
>> Modern
>> Contemporary
>> Other boats
>> Cross sections and halfhulls
>> Miniature models
>> Prestige editions
>> Special orders
H.M.S. Surprise
1794, England
Corvette, captured from the French fleet, recaptured the H.M.S. Hermione from mutiny and made famous in "Master and Commander".
Originally, she was a French navy corvette named "Unité", built in Le Havre in 1794. She was the lead ship of her class and was armed with 24 eight-pound guns.
She was ...
She was captured in 1796 in Bona (Algeria) by the British Royal Navy frigate H.M.S. Inconstant and was renamed H.M.S. Surprise and re-armed with 28 guns.
In 1799 she famously recaptured the H.M.S. Hermione in Puerto Cabello (Venezuela) whose crew had mutinied. Captain Edward Hamilton leading a boarding party sneaked into the harbour, boarded the H.M.S. Hermione and sailed away under heavy Spanish gunfire.
She is currently famous thanks to the novel of author Patrick O'Brian which relates the feats of Captain "Lucky" Jack Aubrey which were filmed in "Master and Commander".
Since 2004 her replica is berthed in the Maritime museum of San Diego.
First Fleet Reproductions © 2013


Faculty and Staff Notables — January 2023
Kyle Sears
Dr. Robbie J. Marsh, assistant professor of special education, co-presented the following studies with colleagues and doctoral students from Georgia State University, the University of Tennessee and the University of Nevada Las Vegas at the Teachers for Children with Behavioral Disorders Conference held Nov. 17-18 at Arizona State University: "Barriers to the Implementations of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports," "Reading, Writing, and Incarceration: Juvenile Justice Educators' Views on Literacy Instruction" and "Project PRIASER: Exploring the Perceived Value of an Interdisciplinary Preparation Program to Support Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders." Dr. Marsh also presented "Using Community-Building Circles to Develop School-Wide Positive Behavior Support" at the Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support conference held Dec. 8-9 at Georgia State University.
Dr. Katherine Perrotta, assistant professor of middle grades and secondary education, presented "They were here: Promoting historical empathy with student documentary film research about a historically Black cemetery in the Southeast" and "Censorship and the case of Dr. Jessie Wallace Hughan" at the annual conference of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) College and University Faculty Assembly in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Perrotta also presented at the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources poster session at the NCSS conference about her grant-funded project, titled "'Same storm, different boats': Using a Teaching with Primary Sources Network Album to Teach about the COVID-19 Pandemic."
Dr. Elaine Thurmond, assistant professor and co-director of early learning and development, received the 2022 Pinnacle Award in the Education Category from Live Healthy and Thrive Youth Foundation Inc., an award-winning, 501(c) Atlanta-based nonprofit organization dedicated to children's health and wellness. The Pinnacle Awards, which recognize local leaders in Atlanta who give back to the community, were presented at the 12th annual Pinnacle Awards and Scholarship Gala held Dec. 3 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center.
Dr. Jim Vander Putten, associate professor of higher education, authored a paper, titled "The Research Impact of Articles Published in the Journal of College Student Development Viewed Using Altmetrics," in the journal Innovative Higher Education. The study investigated journal-level research impact in higher education and student affairs. Six articles published in the Journal of College Student Development between 2007-2021 accounted for 67% of the journal's research impact as measured by 17 social media platforms using @Altmetrics.
Dr. Sahar Hasim, assistant professor of biology; Dr. Linda Hensel, professor of biology; and Dr. Megan Pannell, assistant professor of biology, advised several students who received research grants from Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society. Katherine Freel and Deborah Roh received $750 for "Enhancing Antimicrobial Effect of Titanium Through Surface Modifications for Use in Titanium Implants." Dr. Masoud Mahjouri-Samani of Auburn University was a collaborator on the project. Sahar Anis Ali and Jheel Patel received $550 for "Impact of Ultraviolet Light and 3D Coated materials on the growth of Candida Species." Dr. Dorina Mihut, associate professor of mechanical engineering in Mercer's School of Engineering, was a collaborator on the project. Priscilla Kya Haywood, Abdulraheem T. Kaimari, Ren Elliot Thigpen and Priya Rajendra Patel received $385 for "Identification and Sequencing of Mutant Bacterial Strains Deficient in Biofilm Production Pathways Inhibited by Novel Lead Compounds." Shelby Blanchard, Evan Floyd, Anjali Patel and Kya Haywood received $360 for "The Patent Pending HEFY Assay: A Novel Assay for Biofilm Inhibition in C. parapsilosis and C. albicans." Abdulraheem Kaimari, Dontavious Jones, Ryan Brownlee and Emily Colton received $300 for "Novel Lead Compounds demonstrating anti-biofilm properties in S. aureus," and Rachel Thigpen and Daniel Mendoza received $300 for "Assessing the relationship between the biofilm formation pathway and expression of collagen-binding proteins in Streptococcus mutans OMZ175 strains using novel competitive inhibitors." Dr. Hasim is the faculty adviser for Mercer's chapter of Tri Beta.
Scot J. Mann, associate professor of communication and theatre, served as adjudicator for the Society of American Fight Directors Skills Proficiency Test for Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, Roosevelt University, the University of Central Florida and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. The test allows candidates who pass to add official stage combat certifications to their professional resumes. Mann also taught a theatrical firearms safety course with Drama Inc., a premier film acting studio in Atlanta. At Mercer, Mann directed "Premier Performances," as well as recent community favorite "Mercer Haunts."
Dr. Erin McClenathan, assistant professor of art history, presented a paper, titled "L'illusion limitée: Researching Rapport in Le tombeau des secrets," on Nov. 17 for the International Society for the Study of Surrealism's 2022 virtual conference Tous les elements: Todos los elementos: A Periodic Table.
Dr. Rachel Schaff, assistant professor of media studies, co-authored "Nothing Else Besides a Father: Logan and the Paternal Melodrama" in Screen 63, no. 3 (Fall 2022): 367–385. Dr. Schaff also authored "#The Holocaust on Social Media" on Nov. 28 for The Edge, the online publication of the Park Center for Independent Media.
Dr. Lee Troupe, assistant professor of mathematics, won the Dick and Emma Lehmer Prize for best talk at the 53rd West Coast Number Theory conference held Dec. 16-19. His presentation, titled "An Erdős-Kac theorem for sums of proper divisors," summarized a recent paper co-authored with Dr. Paul Pollack of the University of Georgia that has been accepted for publication in the Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society.
Dr. Bryan J. Whitfield, professor of religion, published a commentary on Hebrews 2:10-18 for the website Working Preacher for the first Sunday of Christmas on Jan. 1.
Dr. Natasha Laibhen-Parkes, clinical assistant professor, was a panelist for a virtual alumni panel on Formation of Scholars presented to Ph.D. and DNP Students on Nov. 12.
Caroline Moore, clinical instructor, authored "A Year in the Life of U.S. Frontline Health Care Workers: Impact of COVID-19 on Weight Change, Physical Activity, Lifestyle Habits, and Psychological Factors" in Nutrients Journal, Vol. 14, Issue 22.
Dr. Charles Anthony Smith, clinical assistant professor, was a panelist for a virtual alumni panel on Formation of Scholars presented to Ph.D. and DNP Students on Nov. 12.
Dr. Linda A. Streit, professor of nursing, was invited to contribute a quarterly column to Georgia Nurses Association publication Georgia Nursing. This effort coincides with Dr. Streit's sabbatical work associated with documenting the history of nursing and the more than 120 years of prominent influence by Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in advancing the profession. With the recent update to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials, nursing programs are expected to include nursing history in undergraduate and graduate curricula. Her inaugural column for January is titled "A Five-Room Dwelling, Three Beds, and a Commitment to Serve: The Tabernacle Infirmary in Atlanta, Georgia."
Dr. Ajay Banga, professor, received a 40,000 Euro grant from Merck KGaA in Germany for the project "Long-acting dissolving microneedles with polymeric nanocarriers."
Dr. Clinton Canal, assistant professor, co-authored, with graduate student Tanishka Saraf, "FPT, a 2-aminotetralin, is a potent serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT1D receptor agonist that modulates cortical electroencephalogram activity in adult Fmr1 knockout mice" in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, 2022 Dec. 6, DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00574.
Dr. Nader Moniri, professor and associate dean for research, and alumna Dr. Ashley Rizzo authored "Omadacycline for management of Mycobacterium abscessus infections: A review of its effectiveness, place in therapy, and considerations for use" in BMC Infectious Diseases. Dr. Moniri and graduate student Priyanka Karmokar authored "Oncogenic signaling of the Free-Fatty Acid Receptors FFA1 and FFA4 in human breast carcinoma cells" in Biochemical Pharmacology.
College of Professional Advancement
Dr. Hani Q. Khoury, professor of mathematics, was invited to speak about his book Giving Up Is Not An Option: Memoirs of a Palestinian American at Georgia Southern University on Oct. 26. The event was sponsored by the Department of Political Science and International Studies and the Arabic Language Program. Dr. Khoury was also invited to speak about his book in four different sessions at the 15th Annual Convention for Palestine in the U.S. held Nov. 24-28 in Chicago, Illinois. The convention was attended by more than 3,500 participants. Dr. Khoury spoke about recent developments in Israel and Palestine on Dec. 2 to an audience during the weekly breakfast meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. His short essay on "What is Forgiveness?" was published Nov. 22 in Changing Lives with Faith, Hope and Love, Vol. 5, Issue 9, a monthly publication of First Presbyterian Church of Marietta.
Dr. David Lane, professor of counseling, had his eighth children's book, I Have Questions, Lots and Lots of Questions: A True Story of Christmas, published on Nov. 4.
Dr. Jacqueline S. Stephen, assistant professor, director of the Office of Distance Learning and instructional designer, authored "Persistence of Nontraditional Undergraduate Online Students: Towards a Contemporary Conceptual Framework" in the Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. The article introduces a modified contemporary persistence model predicated on existing frameworks and informed by recent research into nontraditional undergraduate students enrolled in online courses and programs.
Mercer Engineering Research Center
Brandon Anderson, mechanical engineer, gave a presentation, titled "EC-130J Aileron Widespread Fatigue Damage," at the 38th Aircraft Structural Integrity Program Conference held Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Szabolcs Blazsek, visiting associate professor of economics, had 13 co-authored papers accepted for publication in A or B journals in 2022. They include "COVID-19 active case forecasts in Latin American countries using score-driven models" in Mathematics, "Non-Gaussian score-driven conditionally heteroskedastic models with a macroeconomic application" in Macroeconomic Dynamics, "Anticipating extreme losses using score-driven shape filters" in Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics, "Non-path-dependent score-driven multi-regime Markov-switching EGARCH: empirical evidence" in Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics, "Robust estimation and forecasting of climate change using score-driven ice-age models" in Econometrics' special issue on "Econometric Analysis of Climate Change," "Score-driven location plus scale models: asymptotic theory and an application to forecasting Dow Jones volatility" in Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics, "Intertemporal choice experiments and large-stakes behavior" in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, "Conservatorship, quantitative easing, and mortgage spreads: a new multi-equation score-driven model of policy actions" in Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics, "Signal smoothing for score-driven models: a linear approach" in Communications in Statistics – Simulation and Computation, "Score-driven stochastic seasonality of the Russian rouble: an application case study for the period of 1999 to 2020" in Empirical Economics, "Co-integration with score-driven models: an application to U.S. real GDP growth, U.S. inflation rate, and effective federal funds rate" in Macroeconomic Dynamics, "Multivariate Markov-switching score-driven models: an application to the global crude oil market" in Studies in Nonlinear Dynamics and Econometrics and "Prediction accuracy of volatility using the score-driven Meixner distribution: an application to the Dow Jones" in Applied Economics Letters. Dr. Blazsek also co-presented "Score-driven threshold ice-age models: Benchmark models for long-run climate forecasts" at the Hungarian Economic Society Annual Conference, "Score-driven threshold ice-age models: Benchmark models for long-run climate forecasts" as a research seminar at the Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, "Anticipating extreme losses using score-driven shape filters" at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences Summer Workshop in Economics and "Score-driven location plus scale models: asymptotic theory and an application to forecasting Dow Jones volatility" at the 14th annual meeting of the Society of Financial Econometrics at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Carol Springer Sargent, associate professor of accounting, co-authored the following three papers: "Predictors of success in information security policy compliance" in the Journal of Computer Information Systems, "DFW in gateway course not always a graduation problem: A study in Intermediate Accounting I from 2007-2018" in the Journal of Accounting Education and "Internet of things (IoT): From awareness to continued use" in the International Journal of Information Management. Dr. Sargent presented two papers, along with co-authors, at the 62nd Annual International IACIS Conference on Nov. 7. Both papers, titled "Barriers for using blockchain in supply chains: a literature review" and "An exploratory study in blockchain knowledge, perceptions, overconfidence, and optimism," addressed issues with blockchain. The second paper was accepted for publication in Issues in Information Systems. Dr. Sargent also advised students Adrian Butts, Marissa Enlow and Nick White, who won third place in the 12th annual Bill Mulcahy III Atlanta Auditing and Advisory Case Competition for their solution to implementing crypto currency into a retail firm. The case included using data analytics to identify the enterprise risks of accepting crypto assets and addressing ways to reduce those risks creatively. Additionally, Dr. Sargent and Ashley Herman, associate director of career management services, conducted Mercer's inaugural "Meet the Firms" accounting event, where students learned professional skills, obtained internship opportunities and practiced networking. Forty tables set up in the Presidents Dining Room hosted 40 students and 40 professionals conducting "speed interviews" of five minutes each. As students moved from table to table during the event, they gained experience with a wide range of different firms and different interview styles.
Dr. Alireza Sarvestani, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, co-authored "Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) of vitrimers" in Polymer Testing, 2022 Nov 24:107877.
Sharon Bradley, digital and scholarly resources librarian, was elected chair of the Special Libraries Division of the Georgia Libraries Association for 2023.
David Hricik, associate dean for faculty research and development, presented a lecture on ethical issues in intellectual property practice at the 27th annual University of Texas School of Law Advanced Patent Law Institute in October. He also presented lectures on ethical issues in patent prosecution and ethical issues in patent litigation at the Berkeley-Stanford Annual Patent Law Conference in December. Additionally, he presented a virtual lecture on ethical issues in patent practice at the Dallas Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section in December.
Karen J. Sneddon, interim dean and professor of law, and David Hricik, associate dean for faculty research and development, co-authored "Take a Memo to the File" in Vol. 28, Issue 2 of the Georgia Bar Journal.
Dr. Ibolja Cernak, professor of pathophysiology and neuroscience, was interviewed by Ines Serra and Maria Rosa Ferreira for the MEDizzy Inspire Project. MEDizzy Inspire consists of a series of interviews with people who are making breakthrough discoveries, medical procedures and research in the medical field to serve as inspiration for medical students and young health care professionals. The project aims to inspire young people and show them that the most prominent people from the world of medicine were also students who had the same doubts, questions and problems.
Dr. Alice Aumann House, senior associate dean for admission and student affairs and professor of family medicine, recently completed a yearlong certificate program from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) called "Leading Physician Well-being." Dr. House was one of 120 physicians selected from a national pool to participate in this program, which was created to provide leadership development, training in physician well-being advocacy and performance improvement project skill-building. She developed a project, called "The Creation of a Faculty and Staff Wellness Advisory Council: Addressing the Unique Wellness Needs of the Medical School Faculty and Staff," and presented it to her peers at a final project showcase in November.
Dr. Edward C. Klatt, professor of pathology, along with Carolyn A. Klatt, assistant dean for faculty affairs and development and associate director of library and information science, Kim Meeks, director of library and information science and associate professor, and sponsored medical student Summer Scholar Avery Stokes, presented the poster "Diversity of Student Resource Usage for Examination and Clinical Skills Preparation" at the International Association of Medical Science Educators Virtual Conference held Dec. 3-6. Dr. Klatt, along with Dr. Richard O. McCann, associate dean of admissions and professor, and sponsored medical student Summer Scholar Monica Mohanty, presented the poster "Holistic and Mission Based Admissions Process to Support Rural Health in Georgia" at the International Association of Medical Science Educators Virtual Conference held Dec. 3-6. The Summer Scholars Program provides first-year medical students the opportunity to participate in a research project.
Dr. Anthony J. Kondracki, assistant professor, gave an oral presentation, titled "The Association Between Smoking Intensity Status in Pregnancy, Adverse Maternal and Infant Birth Outcomes, and Postpartum Depression Among PRAMS participants: A Mediation Analysis," at the American Public Health Association annual meeting on Nov. 8 in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Kondracki was first author on the project, along with Dr. Kimberly B. Roth, assistant professor; Dr. Bonzo Reddick, professor and chair; and Dr. Jennifer L. Barkin, professor and vice chair, in the Department of Community Medicine.
Dr. Anne Montgomery, assistant professor and biostatistician, and rural health sciences Ph.D. candidate Stephanie Basey were invited speakers at the National Winter Meeting of the County State Territorial Epidemiologists' Occupational Health Surveillance Subcommittee in Atlanta. They presented results of their statewide farmers' mental health study and fielded questions from the audience.
Staff and Administration
Dr. Danielle Buehrer, vice provost for institutional effectiveness, was elected to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees by majority vote of the College Delegate Assembly at its annual meeting in December. Elected to the Class of 2025, she will serve a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023. The SACSCOC Board of Trustees guides the accrediting agency's work as well as implements the accreditation process.
Tony Kemp, associate vice president for events and special programs, worked with Georgia high school theatre programs in October to judge one-act play competitions in Regions 2-A, 4-AA, and 5-AA. The winners of each of those regions moved on to state competitions in November.
Johna A. Wright, global education programs coordinator, was selected as a member of the Eurasia Foundation's 2023 International Disability Advocacy Resource Exchange (iDARE) program cohort. iDARE is a virtual exchange for people with disabilities across the U.S. and Russia, in which three participants from each nation are selected. The program strengthens cultural and professional ties between both countries by promoting collaboration and dialogue surrounding accessibility, inclusion and employment. Participants connect with overseas peers who champion the experiences of people like themselves. They then work together in international pairs to transform newfound insights into action by implementing small projects throughout Russia. Projects address everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities, including disability and employment, mapping accessibility and inclusive spaces, disability and the pandemic, and more. Concurrently, the Eurasia Foundation will support the production of a documentary film centering the experiences of participants and highlighting their personal journeys. With an emphasis on shared values and cooperation, iDARE helps to foster an environment of inclusion and partnership throughout the international community of people with disabilities. Wright also was selected to participate in the 2023 Virtual Exchange Academy hosted by the Stevens Initiative and the Aspen Institute. The Virtual Exchange Academy prepares education and exchange leaders and practitioners to participate in the innovative field. This six-week training teaches foundational elements of virtual exchange planning and implementation. Participants get a comprehensive introduction from experts through pre-session reading and coursework, and during live sessions that include presentations, small group activities and more. After the training, participants will be better positioned to adopt this powerful global learning tool.
Do you have a story idea or viewpoint you'd like to share with The Den?
Get in touch with us by emailing den@mercer.edu or submitting this online form.
faculty notables
Kyle is senior director of media relations at Mercer. In addition to being the primary media contact for most academic and administrative units of the university, he serves as editor of the Mercerian alumni magazine and News@Mercer e-newsletters, and he coordinates hometown and university news releases.
School of Music alumnus manages talent, tours for top music institute


Home Industry insights Industry News NXP to acquire Marvell's Wi-Fi connectivity business
NXP to acquire Marvell's Wi-Fi connectivity business
NXP to pay $1.76 billion in cash for Marvell's Wi-Fi and bluetooth/BLE combo solutions portfolio.Captures premium valuation and unlocks substantial Marvell shareholder value.
Marvell (NASDAQ: MRVL), a leader in infrastructure semiconductor solutions, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which NXP will acquire Marvell's Wi-Fi Connectivity business in an all-cash, asset transaction valued at $1.76 billion. The acquisition encompasses Marvell's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology portfolios and related assets. The business employs approximately 550 people worldwide and generated roughly $300 million in revenue in Marvell's fiscal 2019. This transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of NXP and Marvell and is expected to close by calendar Q1 2020, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Marvell anticipates that this divestiture will enhance its gross and operating margins upon closing. Marvell has a previously scheduled conference call to review its first quarter of fiscal 2020 financial results on Thursday, May 30, 2019 and will address all questions regarding this transaction at that time.
"NXP has built a broad consumer footprint and an optimized platform for IoT applications, making it an ideal home for our innovative Wi-Fi technology and team," said Matt Murphy, president and CEO of Marvell. "At the same time, this transaction yields a premium valuation and substantially higher economic return for Marvell shareholders while accelerating our transformation into a leading infrastructure supplier spanning 5G, data center, enterprise and automotive Ethernet applications."
Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release, including those concerning the divestiture, the expected benefits of the divestiture and the timing of the closing of the divestiture, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results or events could differ materially from those anticipated in those forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks including: the risk that the proposed divestiture will not be completed, the risk that Marvell may not realize the anticipated benefits of the divestiture or that such benefits may take longer to realize than anticipated and other risks associated with the divestiture. Marvell undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this press release. Other potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially are disclosed in Marvell's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available from the SEC website, www.sec.gov.
POET technologies announces a strategic collaboration with ADVA for highly integrated 4x100G solutions


Del HC | Vehicle even if occupied by only one person would constitute a 'public place' and wearing of mask therein would be compulsory
A mask is a `Suraksha kavach' for preventing the spread of the corona virus.
Published on April 8, 2021 April 16, 2021 By Bhumika Indulia
Delhi High Court: Prathiba M. Singh, J., while addressing the issue with respect to wearing masks while travelling alone in a car held that:
A vehicle which is moving across the city, even if occupied at a given point in time by one person, would be a public place owing to the immediate risk of exposure to other persons under varying circumstances. Thus, a vehicle even if occupied by only one person would constitute a 'public place' and wearing of a mask therein, would be compulsory.
Petitioners challenged the imposition of Rs 500 for non-wearing of face masks while travelling alone in a private car.
Analysis and Findings
The three broad issues to be addressed by the Bench are:
What is the ambit of the power to issue guidelines under the provisions of Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act and DMA?
Whether under the guidelines which have been issued under the April Order by the DMA and June Notification, wearing face masks is compulsory even when an individual is travelling in a privately owned car. If so, in what manner is the face mask to be worn?
iii. Whether the Executive Magistrates who have issued the challans and imposed the fines of Rs 500 each were properly authorised in law?
Bench noted that EDA confers power on both the State and Central Government to prescribe regulation as may be necessary for both the purposes of the prevention of disease, as well as, the spread of disease. Central and State Government are empowered under the DMA to take all such measures as it deems necessary for the purpose of disaster management.
High Court in the present set of facts and circumstances was concerned with the Order issued by DDMA in April and the Regulations of 2020.
The above-said Order specifically recorded that the spread of Coronavirus could be reduced substantially by wearing of face masks. In view of the same wearing of face masks was made compulsory for any person moving in a public place.
Petitioners submitted that in the above-said order, a specific direction existed for compulsorily wearing a face mask while in a personal or official vehicle and the was conspicuously absent in the Regulation of 2020.
High Court expressed that:
The wearing of a mask is in the nature of a measure which is necessary for controlling the spread of the Coronavirus and the directions in respect of wearing of face masks can clearly be issued under the provisions of the EDA and the DMA.
"…The April Order and the Regulations of 2020 have to be interpreted in the context and background of the pandemic, and not in isolation thereof."
Bench also highlighted that the wearing of masks is necessary irrespective of whether a person is vaccinated or not.
Coming to the April Order, Court stressed upon the fact that the order made it unequivocally clear that any person moving in a personal or official vehicle "must" wear masks "compulsorily".
The said order doesn't distinguish between whether the person is travelling alone or with any other occupants in the car.
Further elaborating the importance of wearing the masks in the car, Bench elucidated that, when the car is occupied by more than one person, there can be no doubt that masks ought to be worn by each of the occupants. Since the occupants of a car could be persons who may have been exposed to the virus at any point in time and may be temporarily occupying the car, the fact that they would be sitting in an enclosed space, especially with windows rolled up makes them extremely vulnerable if they do not wear the masks. Thus, multiple occupants in a car, in any personal or official vehicle would have to compulsorily wear the masks.
Whether if a person is travelling alone in a car, should he/she wear a mask?
Bench while answering the stated issue, expressed that the Regulations of 2020 specifically state that they are being issued "to enforce the directives" and "to impose penalties by way of fines for a deterrent effect.
What Constitutes as a public place?
'Public place' may be defined differently in various enactments, depending on the context.
Supreme Court in its decision in Gaurav Jain v. Union of India, (1997) 8 SCC 114 examined the scope of 'public place'. It was held that for a place to fall within the purview of this term, it need not be public property and could even be private property which is accessible to the public.
Kerala High Court's decision in Malathi v. State of Kerala, 2020 SCC OnLine Ker 308 observed that the term 'public place' has to be understood in the larger context.
Now coming to the earlier question, Bench stated that A person travelling in a vehicle or car even if he is alone, could be exposed to the virus in various ways.
While explaining more on the above, High Court expressed that if a person is travelling in the car alone, the said status is not a permanent one. It is merely a temporary phase.
There are several possibilities in which while sitting alone in the car one could be exposed to the outside world. Thus, it cannot be said that merely because the person is travelling alone in a car, the car would not be a public place.
Exercise of powers
High Court noted that the definition of authorized persons being inclusive and expansive in nature, District Magistrates are vested with powers to further authorize any officers to issue challans.
Court directed the authorities concerned to take all requisite measures for the enforcement of wearing of face masks as compulsory in the context of the pandemic.
While concluding with the decision Bench held that all the four Petitioners in the present cases, being advocates/lawyers ought to recognise and assist in implementation of measures to contain the pandemic, rather than questioning the same. Advocates as a class, owing to their legal training have a higher duty to show compliance especially in extenuating circumstances such as the pandemic. Wearing of masks cannot be made an ego issue. Compliance by advocates and lawyers would encourage the general public to show greater inclination to comply.
In view of the above discussion, the petitions were dismissed. [Saurabh Sharma v. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, 2021 SCC OnLine Del 1530, decided on 07-04-2021]
Advocates before the Court:
For the Petitioners:
K.C. Mittal, Joby P. Varghese, Saurabh Sharma and R.P.S Bhatti.
Devesh Singh, ASC, GNCTD with Sukriti Ghai and Manas Bhatnagar, Advocates Farman Ali Magray, Sr. Panel Counsel.
Shobhana Takiar, ASC, GNCTD; Bhagavan Swarup Shukla, CGSC with Sarvan Kumar, Advocate.
T.P. Singh, Sr. Central Govt. Counsel; Sanjoy Ghose, ASC Rhishabh Jetly, Advocate for GNCTD.
Devesh Singh, ASC, GNCTD with Sukriti Ghai and Manas Bhatnagar, Advocates
Previous storyLive | 8th NLUO Bose & Mitra & Co. International Maritime Arbitration Moot, 2021
Next storyITAT's power to grant stay: Is the Supreme Court decision in Pepsi Foods the last word?
Divorce petition allowed on the grounds of cruelty and adultery
By Saba Published on August 1, 2017
COVID 19Hot Off The PressNews
BREAKING | Allahabad HC shall remain closed for 3 days to combat threat of Corona Virus; Premises at Lucknow and Allahabad both to remain closed
By Bhumika Indulia Published on March 18, 2020 April 1, 2020
Case BriefsTribunals/Commissions/Regulatory Bodies
NGT pulls up State of Kerala for delinquency in formulating the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 for appointment of staff
By Saba Published on December 1, 2017