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News headlines for February 17, 2012

By Paul Smith

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has ordered a major revision in staff discipline, following a third sexual assault in a New York School in two weeks. In a letter sent home to parents this afternoon, Walcott wrote that starting from today principals can vet job applicants for records of misconduct. City Officials will also begin reviewing cases dating back to the year 2000 and will remove staff accused of sexual misconduct. Yesterday, Wilbert Cortez, a computer teacher at PS174 in Queens was arraigned on charges of molestation.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has promised to veto the bill legalizing same sex marriage, which he received this morning. On Monday, the senate passed the proposal, and yesterday, the assembly approved it 42-33. Christie says he wants the issue to be decided by public vote.

Jury selection began today on the trial of Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student accused of spying on his roommate Tyler Clementi, during an intimate encounter with another man. Clementi later committed suicide by jumping off George Washington Bridge. Ravi faces 15 charges and up to 10 years in jail. Lawyers will meet again next week to confirm jury members.

News of political infighting at the Vatican has overshadowed New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan’s promotion to cardinal this weekend. The revelations, nicknamed Vatileaks, speak of administrative disarray, including four priests under investigation for laundering money through official accounts. This morning, in a keynote address, Dolan told the Pope and his fellow cardinals, that they should spread the faith with joy, love and blood if necessary.  At St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, preparations are underway for Dolan’s elevation tomorrow. A new coat of arms now sits above his throne.