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PAGE 2 OCTOBER 1992 THE CyWNON —— SUFFER THE CHILDREN: VOICES HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR by Laurl Elliot CANNON STAFF WRITER He sits in the large oak chair, like a small king upon his throne, feet not yet reaching the floor. His pulse races, heart pounds as he answers questions. Facing his adversaries, he states his case. The scene above is not a fictional tale. This was the case of Gregory Kingsley, a Florida 12 year old suing his natural parents to relinquish parental rights so that he may be adopted by his current foster parents. Gregory's case enlightens the plight of our nation's neglected children. According to USA Today, nearly 2.5 million children were reported abused or neglected in 1990, up 25% since 1976. In a system of few options for children, Gregory has found a forum - the courts. Court allowed him to take a measure of control over his life. The question facing the nation is, should we generate a legal precedent allowing children to sue parents? Like many before him, Gregory is a casualty of a dysfunctional family and of our child protective system. He lived with an abusive father, spent only seven months in eight years with a mother he rarely heard from when they were apart. Opponents to litigation fear a substantial increase in cases presented to the court. They feel that ultimately, children would be harmed by the separation of parental protection. Opponents also point to the failure of one system - child protective services - to protect these children. Another such failure is not unrealistic. Rather than run the risk of separating families, opponents believe that the child protective system is the appropriate target of legal wrath. Supporters of child litigation state that using the legal system may be the only option for neglected children to feel safe, healthy, and loved. They say that if the §»•*• **\\ to find a timely substitute, then children should be offered a forum for their voices. If families like Gregory's cannot offer the basics of love, and safety, and if the state also fails them, then they should be given an opportunity to speak for themselves in a court of law. Having won his right to sever parental ties, Gregory has set a precedent. Having personally seen the 'system' that was put in place to protect children, Gregory's steely determination is to be applauded, lb be placed in an adult arena to face his former abusers must have been terrifying. Victoriously, Gregory unknowingly opened doors for children all over this nation, neglected children who have finally won a voice. With hope for society's future, may the children's voices ring loud and clear. Research material: Watertown Daily Times USA Today Phil Donahue Show HIV INFECTION RATE HIGHER FOR STUDENTS THAN RECRUITS AUSTIN, Texas (CPS) - University students show a higher incidence of HIV infection than military recruits, said a speaker at the second annual Summer HIV Prevention Institute for Colleges and Universities. \Studies show that one in 500 university students is HIV positive said Carolyn Parker, executive director for Texas AIDS Network. A recent survey issued at the International Conference on AIDS said nearly half of U.S. Army soldiers admit to hazardous sexual practices, such as failing to use condoms, the Daily Texan reported. Although many universities in Texas have AIDS awareness information available through student health services, AIDS needs to be discussed in all areas of campus life, Parker said. \The AIDS issue needs to be addressed in other areas, like history and English, because it's a phenomenon that can no longer be ignored in their writing and teaching,\ she said. The number of deaths from AIDS already exceeds that of the Korean and Vietnam Wars combined, she added. The AIDS institute was held in late July. COMING SOON TWELVE ANGRY JURORS PRESENTED BY THE JCC DIONYSIAN PLAYERS, TO BE HELD IN THE McVEAN STUDENT CENTER THEATRE. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. Fri. Nov. 20, 7:00 PM Sat Nov. 21, 7:00 PM Sun. Nov. 22, 2:00 PM TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY DIONYSIAN CLUB MEMBER Wild Kfngdom Distributed by Tribune Media Services What do ya man? THE CANNON STAFF BRIAN BECKER GENERAL MANAGER KELLY PARKER OFFICE MANAGER APRIL ANNE YOUNG TECHNICAL EDITOR GIDGET Q.V. RAFUS C0-SP0RTS EDITOR JUUE BEACH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LAURI ELLIOT MANAGING EDITOR ELAINE TIAMFOOK TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE MARK ROUNDS C0-SP0RTS EDITOR MARY KINNE STAFF ADVISER THE CANNON welcomes the submisson of news items, advertising, letters, and other special correspondence, but we reserve the right to edit or refuse any or all such submissions. The views and opinions expressed in this Publication do not represent the official views of Jefferson Community College or THE CANNON.
