MARCH 19, 1993 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 3

'Blinky' sues Wooster for biased prosecution

by Martha Pontoni

AKRON BUREAU

Jeff Klavel, known in Wooster as "Blinky the Clown," was found innocent of public indecency by of jury of eight people. Klavel is now suing the City of Wooster, its police department, and the officers involved for $800,000.

According to Klavel, on May 3, 1991 he was walking in Spangler Park in Wooster, gathering moss for a floral arrangement when he was misidentified as a flasher suspect the police were looking for. Klavel identified himself as gay to prove that he would have no reason to flash women. The police let him go. But three months later, on August 16, police arrested him for public indency, saying he was masturbating in the public restroom that night.

When the case finally got to trial on November 19 of that year the arresting officer, Det. Neil Jones, was questioned about what he saw that night. Klavel's attorney asked Jones to describe Klavel's penis and how he was masturbating. Jones could not describe Klavel's penis even though Jones was established as a "trained observer"

Klavel's attorney continued to question Jones on why he felt that Klavel was masturbating and not urinating. Jones answered that "I used to watch my college buddies masturbate in the shower all the time." But because he could not identify the shape of Klavel's penis, the jury did not believe

Jones had actually seen what he said he did.

As a result of the arrest, Klavel lost his business, "Blinky's Workshop," his home, lover, car, and became estranged from his family. Klavel now lives in Mobile, Alabama. It took him over a year to gather all the information he needed for his lawsuit and to pay the attorney fees in the criminal case which were over $4,000. He also need a $1,500 retainer for his lawsuit.

"Gay people think that just because they are gay they have to walk into the court room and plead guilty. It was the police officers' word against mine, and the jury believed me," says Klavel. "It took me a long time, but now I'm ready to fight back."

Klavel is suing the City of Wooster, Police Captain Richard Lander, Det. Neil Jones, Det. Steven Glick and the Wooster Police Department for conspiracy, malicious prosecution and numerous civil rights violations. Depositions are being taken now and a court date has been set for July 27.

Wooster city officials have indicated they think this a frivolous lawsuit and are indignant about spending tax dollars to defend themselves. Klavel says it was frivolous to spend tax dollars arresting him for something he didn't do.

Klavel also invites other who have been falsely arrested to call him in Mobile so he can help in fighting back. His number is 205-432-4050.

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U of Akron student senators call anti-gay stance 'diversity' School and student presidents support gays

by Sandra Perron

The University of Akron's Associated Student Government (ASG) again showed its inclination to discriminate against the gay community. This time, it was done behind closed doors. Previously, in September, debates and initial resistance about the sponsorship of openly-gay bodybuilders Bob and Rob Jackson-Paris to appear on campus and the final withdrawal of funds from the program from ASG sparked heated discussions and eventual campus-wide support for the program.

On February 11 a bill was presented to the ASG senate to sponsor retired Marine Lt. Col. David Hackworth to speak against the issue of lifting the ban on gays in the military. The bill, sponsored by Mark Witt and Natasha Halasa, stated "The University of Akron exists to facilitate free and open expression of ideas, that the issue of gays in the military is an important policy issue and Col. Hackworth has expert knowledge of the issue. ASG desires to be active in making it possible for University of Akron students to have access to diverse viewpoints." Because of previous objections, the funding request of $500 was dropped from the bill.

Senator Halasa withdrew her sponsorship during the debate and Senate Chair Denise O'Dell immediately cosponsored the bill. The issue of Col. Hackworth's lack of personal experience was raised as was the "diversity" of a one-sided viewpoint. [Hackworth opposes ending the ban.] Senator Mark Witt insisted that it was a question of free speech and there needed to be a conservative counter-balance to the liberal programming provided during this school year. The bill was tabled until the next meeting.

Gay and Lesbian Student Resource, the school's gay and lesbian student group was informed of the bill and took action by attending the senate meetings, writing let-

ters and calling the ASG office to express their feelings. The senators supporting the conservative bill, along with the College Republicans, resorted to "dirty politics." On the meeting of the 18th, they disqualified three senators who had been appointed to replace those unable to serve for various reasons, and, while the president was attending a funeral out of town, passed the bill.

The alternatives left to GLSR were to petition the recall of the senators, or bring a discriminatory suit in the court. The gay student group continued to direct letters and calls to the ASG office.

On March 1 the bill was vetoed by ASG president Matt Weaver. In Weaver's letter to the senators he asserted that if the bill was actually one expressing both viewpoints he, and his Cabinet, would readily agree to it. He stated, "This precedence (rejected sponsorship of the Jackson-Paris program) set by the senate implies one of two things: 1) ASG does not support those who advocate homosexuality, 2) that the ASG Senate feels that homosexuality is not an issue to be addressed by our government. In either case, it is the President's, as well as the Cabinet's opinion, that ASG should in no way support Col. Hackworth, who opposes gays, for this would be hypocritical of our government." Weaver also remarked that the anti-gay sentiments of a few senators did not reflect the student government as a whole.

Peggy Elliot, president of the University of Akron, was irate about the narrowmindedness and underhanded tactics of the senators. She is said to be drafting a letter about the incident, which will voice her opposition to the proceedings and restate her opinion on the matter of diversity within the university community. GLSR is relishing the victory and gearing up to counter the anti-gay sentiment which is visible on the campus.

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