November 8, 1997

State University at New Paltz is roiled by controversy over conference on women's sexuality that was held on campus; conservatives, outraged by conf, call on college president Roger W Bowen to resign, contending that he acted irresponsibly in allowing New Paltz to play host to women's studies conference that featured sessions on sadomasochism and sex toys; Gov Pataki calls it outrageous that state money was spent on conference; faculty members defend conf, and assail criticism as attack on university itself and free speech; photos (M)

New York Yankees send pitcher Kenny Rogers to Oakland Athletics and swallow $5 million of his contract in exchange for utility player Scott Brosius; owner George Steinbrenner comments; photo (L)

United States immigration court, in first such move of its kind, reportedly has granted asylum to German woman member of Church of Scientology who claimed she would face religious persecution in Germany; her lawyer, John E Lund, says case is not part of orchestrated effort by church to publicize its claims of discrimination by Germany, which views Scientology as group dedicated to bilking parishioners, not as religion (M)

Fred Meyer Inc will acquire Quality Food Centers Inc and Ralphs Grocery Co in separate deals that will create fourth-largest chain in the nation; acquisitions, for $2 billion in stock, will create a chain with more than 800 stores in 14 states, with annual sales of $15 billion and cash flow of about $1.15 billion (L)

Labor Department reports unemployment rate fell to 4.7 percent, Oct, lowest rate since 1973; reports average hourly wage rose 6 cents, to $12.41; gains spur inflation fears, but analysts say Federal Reserve is unlikely to respond by raising interest rates because of financial turmoil in Asia; Pres Clinton cites gains in urging Congress to set aside fears that restoring broad Presidential trade authority would ultimately cost American jobs; graphs (M)