Josh Robison, Staff Writer and Summer Yates, Design Editor

Students, staff and community members packed into NMC for the premiere screening of “Sin By Silence,” a documentary based heavily on the research by Sociology Professor, Dr. Elizabeth Leonard.

“I was so shaken by the encounter [of meeting these women] that I couldn’t leave it behind,” Leonard said.

The film chronicles the true stories of women incarcerated for killing their abusive partners, and the sorority-like sisterhood that has formed through parallel testimonies. One of the film’s key figures, Brenda Clubine, was present to share more of her story first-hand.

“I was called every name I could possibly be called, and I was timed when I went to the grocery store,” Clubine said.

Clubine founded Convicted Women Against Abuse, describing it as a support group dedicated to helping imprisoned women break the silence about abuse. Through letter campaigns, media coverage and senate hearings, CWAA has actively pursued educating the judicial system. Some of the members have found favor with the courts, including Clubine. She was released from prison last October; just one week after a parole officer deemed her “a threat to the public.”

“[One week I’m facing life in prison,] and the next I have a judge telling me ‘good luck,’” Clubine said, laughing.

The screening was followed by a discussion panel featuring Director/Producer and Vanguard Alumna Olivia Klaus, Editor and Communication Professor Ann-Caryn Cleveland, Executive Director of the Nicole Brown Foundation Denise Ballester, Clubine and Leonard.

Audience members were handed red flags as they walked in, a symbolic representation to not ignore warning signs in relationships.

“I wish so badly I’d have seen someone or had someone in my life that could have held that flag,” Clubine said.

Among the viewers was notable social justice advocate Denise Brown. Brown’s sister, Nicole Brown, was the victim in the controversial O.J. Simpson Trial. After the event, Brown urged audience members to take action.

“Get involved… don’t get complacent. When you’re complacent, people die,” Brown said.

Many students were inspired by the film’s message of action.

“I realized that I am not protected from abuse, even in this Vanguard bubble,” junior Anika Wiebe said. “No one deserves to be abused.”

Klaus became interested in the subject of domestic violence when she discovered a close friend needed a place to stay.

“You always hear about domestic violence, but it’s something that happens to someone else,” Klaus said. “It would never affect me.”

Many students were shocked as Leonard described the recent legislative decisions regarding battered women’s shelters in California.

“The budget wasn’t cut, it was eliminated,” Leonard said. “A lot of money that was going to shelters…has dried up.”

Leonard was referring to the $20.4 million that was eliminated from The California Department of Public Health’s Domestic Violence Program by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2009.

President Carol Taylor described her expectations that the film would have on viewers.

“[I expect] they will commit to be a voice for those who have no voice…and make a difference,” Taylor said.

The Sept. 2 screening kicked off a two-month, nation-wide tour with both Klaus and Clubine. Events have been scheduled in states with the documented domestic violence rates.

Dessa D’Aquila, Guest Reporter

The Math Department has been downsized this year due to budget cuts that were suggested by the WASC committee last spring. Since then, the department has been cut down to one third of its size, which has raised many questions about its future.

One of the first changes that many math students noticed this fall was the absence of Professor Brandon Smith. With Smith gone, Arthur Lee, the department’s Chair, became the only full-time Math professor.

The downsize has caused speculation among students, who questioned whether the Math Department was here to stay. There was also concern for the freshman and incoming students.

“I’m more worried for the underclassmen that they won’t get the classes they need to graduate on time,” senior Carly Rozell said.

Senior Emily Cotton also commented that the downsize will make it “harder for the freshman and sophomores to get the classes they need.”

Along with a smaller selection of math classes being offered, the sizes of these classes have become an issue.

In the past, Vanguard has been flexible with the 10 person per class requirement.  If the rule is always enforced, this could mean a lot for a department of 11 people.

There has been speculation about an imminent removal of the department completely. But Lee clarified that its downsizing does not mean elimination.

“[There is] no official cancellation” he said, “We’re still here.”

Although the Math Department is functioning as it always has, its future is in the hands of the board and the student enrollment levels. Lee commented, “I do feel like it’s going to be around; it’s just a question of how long.”

While low enrollment levels hang Math at Vanguard in the balance, Lee pointed out the benefits of such a small department.

“We can kind of tailor to what [the students] need,” he said.

The students are also confident in the department, especially in the quality of its instruction.

“The professors know their subject matter and teach it well,” Cotton said.

And even with the downsizing of an already small department, junior Kevin Gilbert is one of many students who maintains optimism.

“[I] haven’t given up on the Math Department,” he said.

While the students appear satisfied with the overall quality of the Math Department, some disagree with the department’s decision to cut back.  Some students even think there are ways to expand.

“I think that downsizing [the Math Department] won’t bring any more majors and won’t bring anymore money to the school. I think they need more math teachers,” Rozell said.

Lee also suggested changing up its marketing strategy to appeal more to incoming and perspective students.