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AU in the News

Showcasing AU programs, professors, students and alumni in the news
Weeks of June 21 - 27

AUSOC on cutting edge of journalism trend
Budget and staffing cutbacks at media outlets across the nation have lead to a dearth of investigative journalism. But nonprofit journalism organizations are beginning to fill the gap left by commercial media pointed out Jeffrey Brown, a media issues reporter for PBS's NewsHour with Jim Leher. "Recent projects include the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University," Brown said about the School of Communication's newest venture. (6/24/08)

Come to terms with informal writing
In her opinion piece for Newsday, American University linguistics professor Naomi Baron wrote that although most teenagers rarely edit their text messages before sending them, it should not be assumed that cell phones and computers are the cause of informal writing. “What has changed is social attitudes,” she said. “If we don't want students to use "cuz" or "LOL" in their formal writing, it's our job to stop them. But it is also our responsibility to come to terms with the kind of language we wish to model for our progeny. (6/22/08)

Being colorblind and ageless
Senators Barack Obama and John McCain have appeared to be avoiding the issues of race and age during their presidential election in order to maintain a strong following in their race to the White House, writes Allan Lichtman, a professor of history at American University, in an opinion piece for the Jewish Daily Forward. “Obama does not want to upset his favorable situation by raising touchy racial issues that could undermine his standing with white voters,” he said, adding that McCain has more an incentive to address the age issue, but the campaign has opted out to prevent any political damage. (6/26/08)

Using your resources
When starting a business, it’s always a helpful tool to have a network of other entrepreneurs to offer insight, the Washington Business Journal reports. “For the newer entrepreneur, [a networking group] has tremendous value and is an opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and just kind of swap stories," said Bob Sicina, executive in resident at the Kogod School of Business at American University. "And then oftentimes they're a good entree to sources of money." (6/24/08)

Presidential strategies
As reported by NBC News Network, the presidential campaign has begun a new phase and strategies for the two presumptive contenders have been set; however, Sen. John McCain has been presented with a new challenge after Sen. Barack Obama compared a McCain presidency to that of a third term with George W. Bush. American University professor James Thurber said the main goal is for McCain to carve his own niche. “McCain is having problems getting out of Bush's shadow because he has to appeal to the base of his party,” he said. (6/22/08)

Punishment for crimes against humanity
Advocates for victims of the Darfur crimes believe that if the United States will denounce global human rights abuse, there should be legislation to make the offense illegal under U.S. law, according to the Associated Press. However, because the offense is broad, “the specific intent requirement of group destruction is dauntingly difficult to establish,” said Diane Orentlicher, a co-director of American University's Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, who noted that crimes against humanity does not always mean genocide, and distinction is necessary. (6/24/08)

AU in the News Archives