Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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vol. 94, No. 86 University of South Carolina www.dailygamecock.com Today’s Weather This Week: Sunny all week into the weekend. Highs in the low 90s. Inside This Issue spouignt takes a took at USC’s Water Ski Club. see Page 6 Online Poll Do YOU AGREE WITH TVE DEATH PENALTY? Yes, all criminals should die. Yes, major felons (rapists and murder ers) deserve death as a pun ishment. •n/ I’m not sure how I t /O feel about the death penalty. tNo, I don’t believe in the death penalty. — Next Week’s Poll WHAT'S YOUR LEAST FAVORITE RADIO STATION n Columbia? Cast your vote at www.dailygamecock.com. Results will appear next Wednesday. Quote of the Day “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stu pidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” — Albert Einstein Tuition hikes imminent ----v'> $6,00(1- -f$~ $4,000 -p-■% $2,000 - -J'- -§£ Key In-state Out-of present tuition students state •Red indicates students tuition with a 10.4 percent increase Ann Marie Miani/Tbe Gamecock Board of trustees' executive committee suggests 10.4-percent tuition increase by Cristy Infinger The Gamecock In order to compensate for state budget cuts of more than 5 percent, the executive committee of the USC Board of Trustees has proposed a 10.4-percent tuition increase, which would go into effect in the upcoming fall semester. Final approval will be considered by the entire board of trustees Friday. The university has already provided precautionary measures to deal with this cut, such as increasing the 2001 freshman class by 500 students and cutting some classes. With many students still deciding what university to attend in the next four years, higher tuition might not be what USC needs right now. “I could see how this proposed tuition increase might cause someone to look at other schools,” said third year student Ellen Jones. “Possible students might move USC down their priority list when considering their choices,” Jones said. “If [students] are trying to choose between two schools, and one is cheaper, they might choose the less expensive one.” Some students might not be able to afford a tuition increase of 10.4 percent. “Coming from a family of four children, who will all be in college out of state at the same time as of next fall, any raise in tuition will be hard on us,” said third-year student Erin Morrison. “Having to unexpectedly pay a higher tuition means less for each of us when it comes time to buy books and pay for other expenses.” For in-state students, tuition could be raised from the relatively low $3,798 to $4,160, a difference of nearly $400. In addition to a raise in tuition, plans for a raise in the prices of other fees, such as housing, could also affect students. Luckily for some students, the sudden increase wouldn’t affect their financial situation. “I am on an academic scholarship, so I don’t really care how much tuition goes up,” fourth TuiTlON see page 2 Students debate drinking age limits by Darryl Green The Gamecock President Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush, was recently arrested for attempting to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol in Texas. This was her second citation in a matter of months. Jenna, 19, broke Texas law which, as in all states, sets the minimum age for consumption of alcohol at 21. Her recent run-ins with the Jaw have sparked outrage among young adults on both sides of the issue. Many feel her actions were reckless and irresponsible and that she deserves whatever punishment the courts exact. Others, however, have taken aim at the laws that prohibit young adults from purchasing and consuming alcohol. Many say the fact that 18- to 20-year-olds are allowed to vote or be drafted for war — but not drink — is both unreasonable and unjust. USC students have strong opinions about the issue. Not surprisingly, many disagree with the minimum drinking age of 21. “I hate it. 1 think it’s ridiculous that we can do anything adults can do except drink,” argued Lindsay Mauldin, a 20-year-old psychology maior. Ben Ratterree, a graduate student enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, agrees. “I think it’s wrong how you can tell a guy he can die for his country, but he can’t have a drink. It’s just wrong.” Bronwyn Dedekind, a sophomore from South Africa, said, “In my country, young adults are allowed to Drinking seepage: Aaron Hark/The Gamecock Concert-goers carouse at the Elbow Room. The recent run-ins with the law of Jenna Bush, daughter of President Bush, have sparked debate among USC students over the legal drinking age.