Student reacts to Cantrell indictment
Two students show for usually packed class
NWI Times
Mar 23, 2007
nwitimes.com/news/local/student-reacts-to-cantrell-indictment/article_485d6690-2460-5980-bf7a-c12176c4e2c8.html
HAMMOND -- Only two students showed up Thursday morning for Robert Cantrell's usually packed American Government class at Purdue University Calumet.
The 100-level course is a requirement for most degree programs at the campus, and 34 students are enrolled for the twice-weekly instruction.
One undergrad peeked into the empty Gyte Hall classroom and kept on walking just prior to the 11 a.m. class Thursday, but Nicole Ramirez, a freshman education student from Hammond, stepped inside.
That her instructor had been indicted on federal felonies by the U.S. Attorney in Hammond the day before was news to Ramirez. Cantrell, a connected long-time political operative in Lake County, faces 11 counts alleging fraud and tax evasion.
"I had no clue," Ramirez said. "I was sick and missed class on Tuesday."
Ramirez said she enjoyed studying under Cantrell last semester, learning about American government through 1877, and signed up for the second half of the course this year.
"We learn a lot from him," Ramirez said. "He knows a lot about history and makes the class real interesting.
"He uses local politics to illustrate what's happened in the past, and lately he's been talking about the upcoming elections in the area and how they relate to what's gone on before."
Wes Lukoshus, Purdue University Calumet assistant vice chancellor, said the university will honor Cantrell's contract to teach political science courses at least for the remainder of the spring semester because Cantrell is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.
No comments:
Post a Comment