'Loved' RA's job salvaged

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Paul Graziano

Graziano, a second-year resident assistant in the hall, said last night he has been reinstated as an RA, but declined comment on any other aspect of the situation. He did say he was "not sure" about future disciplinary sanctions against him, and that his residents are pleased that he's staying.

Graziano, 20, said Monday that he violated University of Arizona Residence Life policy by drinking two beers at an off-campus party and returning to the hall.

But he took issue with the department's plan to fire him and orally resigned Monday.

Manzanita-Mohave Hall Director Jordan Farrow said Graziano was "basically reinstated" yesterday by Residence Life Director Jim Van Arsdel and Area Coordinator Sharon Overstreet.

Farrow would not elaborate on the meaning of "basically," nor would he discuss any sanctions that could be passed against Graziano.

Van Arsdel and Overstreet refused to answer questions yesterday about Graziano's case.

Manzanita-Mohave residents and RAs rallied to Graziano's defense Monday, writing more than 30 letters and hanging three giant posters filled with messages condemning Residence Life and supporting Graziano.

But the letters "did not" affect the group's decision to let Graziano keep his position, Farrow said.

While most letters stated that Graziano is "a rock to lean on" and a role model, some called for a confession from the fellow RA who "betrayed" him by telling the hall director about smelling beer on Graziano's breath.

One RA, who asked not to be identified, posted a letter Monday denouncing Residence Life's previous decision and praising Graziano. The same RA said yesterday that she still stands by the messages in her letter.

"I don't think he should have been fired in the first place," she said. "I feel that Residence Life made the right decision (by reinstating Graziano), but I don't take back anything I said in my letter."

Her letter and others were still posted in the dorm's lobby last night.

Jody Spiller, a Manzanita-Mohave desk staffer, said "it's wonderful" that Graziano was reinstated.

"When I heard about it, I thought it was very hasty and not well thought out at all," she said.

Undeclared freshman Jackie Lewrenz last night reviewed the lobby letters, many of which expressed their love for Graziano. She said she was happy for him.

"He's always been a really nice guy to me and he's helped a lot of people who lived here," she said.

David J. Cieslak can be reached via e-mail at David.J.Cieslak@wildcat.arizona.edu.