Ethiopia takes center stage at forum

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia took center stage at the World Leaders Forum on Wednesday, and many questioned his presence.

Mamdou Diaf, the Director of the Institute for African Studies at Columbia, responded "Why Meles? Because Meles is the point person in many of the global programs in which Africa is engaged."

Though globalization was the topic at hand, the conversation shifted to the Ethiopian political landscape.

One protester exclaimed that "Ethiopia cannot continue the way it is now because what we have is a very cruel minority-ethnic-dictatorship. The majority of Ethiopians are extremely disenfranchised and disappointed."

Still, many supporters came out to counter-protest Zenawi's appearance at Columbia. One of the protesters' contentions was the value of allowing Zenawi to speak at a renowned university.

A protester argued that Mr. Zenawi's presence at Columbia "just gives legitimacy to tyrants and dictators to come and present their image."

On the other hand, Mr. Diaf responded that Columbia is "providing an excellent forum for people who are against him to ask direct questions to Zenawi."

During the question-and-answer segment, most questions deviated from the topic of globalization. Yet, Zenawi made sure to respond to every request.

Mr. Zenawi stated that he "[welcomes] the engagement of students this afternoon. The fact that they cared enough to try to find out what is happening in Ethiopia."

A protester cried, "Columbia is free to invite [Zenawi]. but they have to tell the truth on the people [in Ethiopia], and I hope the president will tell the truth."

Where that truth lies is still up for debate, but the awareness for the troubles in Ethiopia brought by the event shows us that this is a question worth asking.

A number of other high-profile world leaders also spoke at Columbia over the past week. In case you missed any of the events, CTV News Executive Producer brings you this quick recap.

World leaders descend on campus

Starting out the week's events, the Earth Institute hosted a discussion of East African leaders concerning "The Challenges of the Drylands".

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero addressed students with regards to economic development in the twenty-first century.

Globalization in relation to the European Union was the focus of Jose Manuel Barroso's discussion. Barroso remarked, "I believe that Globalization can be a great thing for us in Europe and in the United States as well. In some cases, people are reacting defensively. They are thinking of losing some privileges; the West is declining, Europe is declining. We call that "declinologie," or the theory and doctrine of decline. It's only natural that others emerge, and this is not necessarily bad."

This year's World Leaders Forum conluded with a visit by Abdullah Gül, President of Turkey. Gul praised his nation's progress in establishing a free press and a vibrant economy. In the question and answer session, students posed the scenario of a Kurdish Aid ship heading toward Turkey, similar to the recent Aid dispute with Israel. "We are all equal before the law in Turkey, as Turkish citizens. There were many justified complaints because of the lack of proper democratic standards [in the past].  But, [whether Kurdish or not], we're part of the same country. Israelis and Palestinians are not the same people, and allow me to say, that Palestine is occupied territory. Israel has occupied Gaza, Gaza and the Palestinian territories do not belong to Israel," Gül explained.

If you wish to view the videos of the World Leader Forum events in their entirety, please visit us on our webpage at ctvnewsonline.com

Career Fair

Columbia students ironed their suits and their resumes this week for Columbia's annual Fall Career Fair. Columbia students and alumni gathered this week to meet representatives from industries ranging from finance to media to learn more about internship and job opportunities. If you missed this great opportunity or have any career-related questions, contact the Center for Career Education or stop by their offices in the East Campus building.

Columbia University case appealed to U.S. Supreme Court

Eminent domain is in the news this week. The owner of a storage facility in Manhattanville filed a case appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday. Nick Sprayregen, owner of Tuck-It-Away storage, is challenging the lack of due process in the eminent domain procedure of New York State laws, as well as the constitutionality of Columbia's expansion. With the upcoming gubernatorial election, this may not be the last we hear about eminent domain in New York.

Summer dining changes have transformed the ways that students can eat on campus. Reporter Chris Canales spoke with Scott Wright, Vice President of Student Services, and listened to some criticism from students.

DADT

The Senate stalled a major military bill that would repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on Thursday. The policy, which currently prevents gay Americans from openly serving in the military, is gaining a lot of attention with the upcoming midterm elections. The expansion of LGBT rights is sought not just in the military, but also in the chapel. Earlier today, groups gathered at the Brooklyn Bridge to march for marriage equality. CTV News reporter Isabel Lopez was on hand and will bring you that story next week.

If you were in New York this summer, you probably heard about the spike in bedbug infestations citywide. But you may not know that Columbia University is already focused on keeping them at bay. Simone Foxman has more.

Keeping bedbugs at bay

They've been all over the city and they could be all over campus. And what they're looking for is you.

Lou Sorkin, an entomologist for the American Museum of Natural History, has been studying bedbugs for years, and has watched their population in NYC skyrocket.

"All the different stages of the bedbugs feed on blood, so all these - from the tiniest little bedbug to the adult bedbug - has to take a blood meal and the adults will continue to take blood after becoming an adult, so they'll take blood and mate and then you'll have more bedbugs...You can see the difference between the adult female and the newly hatched nymphs and almost right away they begin to feed."

Mr. Sorkin has also advised Columbia University on ways to educate residents and help prevent a problem before it's started. Bedbugs can live anywhere, in your beds, on your sofa, in your carpet, on your ceiling. And you may not even know you have them. Although their bites don't hurt, they still cause damage.

Jose Rosa and a team of administrators in the Housing Department have been looking for ways to make students more aware of the bedbug issue, and more likely to report a problem.

"It's not such a health issue, it's a mental issue. Worst case scenario would be if a student had an issue and it went unreported for some time that allows these bedbugs to migrate and fester and infiltrate the structure of the building and other residents therein."

"Right now, we're in a better place than a lot of the other universities and hotels in the city and a lot of it is the effort we've put in for this and the students that help us make sure the process is followed correctly."

That process includes precautions students can take to prevent infestations from spreading.

"Do not pick up any furnishings off the street. That's the number one way of transporting [bedbugs]...Am I concerned that we're going to have a serious outbreak? At this point, no. As long as it's being identified and reported to us, we'll react."

Only time will tell if students get the message.

Barnard Eyes Graduation Location

It's never too early to start thinking about graduation. President Debora Spar revealed her plans to reserve Grant's Tomb for Barnard's 2011 commencement earlier this week. The memorial is located on 122th Street in Riverside Park and would be considered an upgrade from last year's initial graduation location, Levien Gym. President Spar is hopeful, but is prepared to reserve South Lawn as a back-up location.

Now that the results for this year's student council elections for the Class of 2014 have been announced, the winning party begins work on their promises while other parties contend the results. Reporter Andy Seife investigates.

First Year Election Controversy

The Class of 2014 elected its student government representatives on Thursday in an election decided by four votes. Led by Presidential candidate Conan Cassidy, the fruit-themed Kiwi Crew claimed four of the five contended seats.

"On facebook in the space of about twenty minutes like thrity-forty friend requests just from people from my class; they obviously found out." said Conan.

The newly elected government meets with CCSC 2013 this afternoon to begin the process of discussing hot button issues including gender neutral housing, meal plans, and the academic calendar.

"By the time I get a plane home a 30-35 hour flight to my house, I miss Christmas," Conan observed.

The election also saw a bit of controversy. Runner-up Matthew Chou appealed to the election board stating that the kiwi crew broke campaigning rules by using Facebook. The appeal was rejected and Chou's email was sent to the Spectator, where it was seen by his vice president.

Vice presidential candidate Geneva Smith recalls Matthew's reaction to his article in the Spec. "And he's like, 'now I'm in the Spectator, so at least I got that out of it' but then I think it's funny that he rejected to be interviewed because he didn't want to be a 'sour grape' anymore even though he was quite sour about the election results."

As Class Representative Daphne Chen stated, "as far as Matthew challenging the party, it's totally his right to do that, we don't begrudge him at all."

Sports Roundup

In sports this week, the Columbia Football Lions roared their way to the first win of the season. Led by the running attack of Leon Ivery, Nick Gerst and Sean Brackett, Columbia outrushed Towson University by over 120 yards. Volleyball extended their win streak to eight with a win over Cornell, and the women's soccer team is off to a strong start this season, improving to 6-2 after a win over Cornell.