COURTBOUILLON A DILLARD UNIVERSITY student production
12 March 2009
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Friday classes coming
DU slam dunks way to victory
NEWS Financial Aid director urges students to file as FAFSA deadline nears
NEWS
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Charley Steward Managing editor
For the first time since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, DU will resume Friday classes in the fall semester, Dr. David V. Taylor, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, has announced. The decision was made despite the results of a faculty survey that indicated 60 percent, or 24, of the 42 respondents preferred the current schedule. Instead of meeting twice a week on Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday for 75 minutes each period as is done cur-
DU students show off their talents in SGA’s pre-election showcase
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ETOUFEE
See Classes on Page 2
As spring break nears, thoughts turn to fun away International cuisine, tidbits about countries offered at DU event
OP-ED
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Dillard students share thoughts on Friday class in ‘Word on the Ave’
INDEX
Tierra Nash
David Pittman | Courtbouillon DU junior point guard Autrail Manning of New Orleans shoots a jump shot during the Dillard-SUNO game March 3 as David Manning, junior guard/forward of Dallas, looks on. The Bleu Devils beat the Knights 67-56. See Page 5 for more sports.
Spring break: nine days away from school, including weekends. A time when many student’s thoughts veer to vacations, parties – anything but school. And that time arrives effective Saturday for Dillard students. For New Orleans freshman Amy Tucker, a criminal justice
See Break on Page 2
8 Runoffs set today for 3 SGA slots
Campus news ................................................2 Etoufee ................................................4 Sports ................................................5 Editorial ............................................ 6-7
Brittany N. Odom Editor-in-chief
Michael McField, a senior business management major, was elected Mr. Dillard for 2009-10 in primary elections Monday, along with six officers of the Student Government Association, three of whom were unopposed. Less than 40 percent of the student body voted in the election. Of 851 students enrolled for spring, 329 voted.
A runoff is scheduled today in downstairs Kearny to decide who will be Miss Dillard, SGA president and vice president. Election results are expected to be released tonight, according to SGA President Crispus Gordon III, who said the organization didn’t expect to have to hold a runoff. Voting for individual Class Council officers will be held in April at a date yet to be announced, according to the SGA. McField garnered 59.4 percent of the
vote, or 189, on Monday to best junior Marcus McNeil for the position of Mr. Dillard. A candidates’ field of three was reduced to a field of two for the position as Miss Dillard. Psychology junior Carmelita Foster and biology/pre-dentistry junior Brandy Vincent received 42.9 percent (139 votes)
See SGA on Page 3
Campus&Local
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12 March 2009
COURTBOUILLON
March 31 deadline to apply for FAFSA
DILLARD UNIVERSITY Serenity on campus
COURTBOUILLON Volume 72, Issue 3
EDITORIAL STAFF
Gabrielle Boykin
Editor-in-chief .................... Brittany N. Odom Managing editor ...................... Charley Steward Sports editor .................... Jeannine Cannon Photo editor ......................... David Pittman Faculty adviser ..................Cleo Joffrion Allen, Ph.D., APR
BUSINESS STAFF Advertising manager ....................... Jazmine Boutte
CONTACT US News ..............dunews1@gmail.com Features .......... dufeatures@gmail.com Opinion ......... duopinions@gmail.com Sports ............dusports1@gmail.com Photos ............ duphotos@gmail.com
David Pittman | Courtbouillon Reflected greenery and wildlife offer a tranquil scene at Dillard’s duck pond recently -- which was needed particularly this week during midterm exams.
Classes FROM PAGE 1
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rently, a five-day week with classes scheduled Monday-Wednesday-Friday for 50 minutes and Tuesday-Thursday for 75 minutes will resume “with exceptions where noted and deemed necessary,” Taylor said. The provost was out of the country at press time and unavailable to discuss the possible exceptions cited in a letter to faculty dated March 2. He is expected to return March 19. Taylor’s letter said the change will bring closure to accommodations made for students and faculty following the reopening of Dillard University. “It has been almost four years since the hurricane,” Taylor wrote. “In almost all respects the campus has return to normal operations with exception to the scheduling
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The Dillard University Courtbouillon is produced by mass communication students at Dillard University. The Courtbouillon publishes seven issues per semester. Publication dates for spring 2009 are Feb. 5 and 19; March 12; and April 2, 16 and 30. If you have a story idea, news tip or calendar event, contact us at the numbers or e-mail addresses provided above. To advertise, contact our adveritsing manager.
March 31 is the deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and DU’s financial aid office has seven staffers available to help students get the job done. Michael White, director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, estimated 98 percent of Dillard students enrolled in fall 2008 received some form of financial aid to help pay the $13,000 in annual fulltime tuition (not including fees, room and board). The percentage includes the maximum 232 students to whom Dillard can provide federal work-study jobs, he said. FAFSA is a required appli-
of classes.” The provost said that since conditions underlining the need for adaptations no longer exist, “we need to bring closure and to move forward.” Dr. Alain Durocher, chairman of the Faculty Senate and assistant professor of religion and philosophy, said, “The faculty had room to express themselves and speak up.” He added that he holds no position one way or the other on the matter. Durocher said that after a discussion during the Feb. 18 General Assembly, faculty members were given the opportunity to decide what schedule would suit them best. He said he administered an academic schedule survey, to which 42 responded. Some 17.5 percent, or seven respondents, said they favored meeting once a week for three hours, and another 17.5 percent preferred meeting classes three times a week for 50 minutes each day.
Vallarta in Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas. FROM PAGE 1 Atlanta, Biloxi and Daytona also are frequent choices for lomajor, this is her first college cal African-American students. spring break, and she’s not sure For example, Rubila Smith yet what she and her friends will of Chicago, a DU sophomore do. political science major, said, According to Debbie Gibb “We’re doing the usual and goof the Student and Youth ing to the A [Atlanta].” Travel Association (www.syta. Panama City Beach expects org.), Panama City Beach, Fla., more than 150,000 spring breakand South Padre Island, Texas, ers this year, including those in remain top destinations for the town for MTVU’s annual spring college crowd. Also popular are break party, March 9-22. Breckenridge, Colo., Miami’s Nick Harris, a senior marketSouth Beach, Lake Havasu, ing major from New Orleans, Ariz., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and said, “People want to go there Las Vegas. Top destinations out- because that’s where the celebside the United States include rities are going to be.” Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Most college spring breaks
cation for all federal and some state and institutional financial aid. Both students seeking need-based aid and those interested in non-need-based federal loan programs should complete FAFSA each year. White also strongly encouraged students to apply for United Negro College Fund scholarships. He said Dillard students last year received less than 2 percent, or about $222,000, of the $14 million distributed. He said students often don’t apply for scholarships even though they meet the requirements;; don’t file by the deadline;; and don’t take advantage of financial aid professionals on campus ready to help.
One teacher against the change wrote, “This schedule of meeting twice a week is helpful to both groups…With such high unemployment rates, students need to work to fill in some of the financial gaps.” Other teachers supporting the status quo noted the opportunity for large chunks of time for out-of-class projects; for recruiting visits;; and for handling administrative duties such as committee meetings. A teacher in favor of the change wrote, “The students need more academic rigor. They graduate without the knowledge or skills to enter into the workforce with careers related to their majors.” The provost said in the letter that he had reviewed the survey and discussed the matter with DU President Marvalene Hughes, her senior cabinet and deans before the decision was made to resume the five-day week.
fall between March 8 and 22. That also appears to be when airfare peaks, according to Farecast.com, a travel search site. The Web site’s research found fares average $294 roundtrip to Las Vegas, $270 to Orlando, $314 to Miami and $350 to $500 for Mexico and the Caribbean. For the best value and choice bookings, reservations should have been placed three to four months ahead, according to Amanda Webb of STA Travel, but you still can plan plenty of last-minute trips. Flying on weekdays and staying four rather than seven days increases last-minute options for flights and lodging, Webb said. For those who aren’t inter-
ested in partying, some volunteer opportunities exist that can garner a student community service hours. Construction and cleanup projects in New Orleans sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and other groups are popular alternatives. Students at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., partnered with Lutheran Disaster Response to work in hurricanedamaged areas of Biloxi, Miss., and New Orleans over spring break in 2006 and 2007, and they’re returning this year. And if all else fails, there’s always a very familiar spot: “I’m going home,” said senior biology Sean Daniel of Dallas.
12 March 2009
Campus&Local
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COURTBOUILLON
Mr., Miss DU hopefuls show their talents Jeannine Cannon
from the movie “The Great Depression” as her talent. Two men and three women, As an off-campus student, the candidates for Dillard’s next Youngblood said she wants king and queen, began their to bring off-campus students campaigns Feb. 18 with the closer. She said she also wants 2008-2009 Mr. and Miss Dillard to increase community service Showcase in Stern Amphitheevents and make them accessible atre. to everyone as well as promote Elections for Mr. and Miss increasing student enrollment Dillard, along with Student as well. Youngblood performed Government officers, took “The Way” by Jill Scott. place Monday. McNeil’s “Take Pride” camThe showcase was hosted by paign focused on encouragthe 2008-09 Mr. and Miss Diling students to “fight from day lard and their royal court to let one.” He explained that faces the student body know who the and numbers are the key to getcandidates for the next Mr. and ting problems solved on camMiss Dillard were and why they pus. were running for the position. “I’m here for you,” McNeil About 50 people attended. said. “I am ready to give DU my Participants included Carall.” melita Foster, a junior psycholMcNeil recited a poem, ogy major of New Orleans;; “A Champion’s Creed,” while Brandy Vincent, junior biology showing a slide show of promimajor of Metairie; and Lauren nent figures such as Martin LuYoungblood, junior music and David Pittman | Courtbouillon ther King, Jr, Jesse Jackson and business management major of Carmelita Foster, a candidate for Miss Dillard, sits during her skit “Stereotypically Speaking” during the Mr. and Barack Obama. New Orleans, all of whom were Miss Dillard Showcase on Feb. 18. With her are, left, Shalesa Maxwell, a junior psychology major from Birmingham, McField’s platform, “Manurunning for Miss Dillard. Ala., and, right, Beatrice Flowers, a junior psychology major from Chicago. Foster is in a runoff against biology junior factured Servant: Man of StanParticipants seeking the title Brandy Vincent today. dards, Man of Service, Man of of Mr. Dillard included Marcus DU,” is geared towards being McNeil, a junior business major of New during the business attire portion of the an action, not just a title. the male “voice” for Dillard. He said Orleans, and Michael McField, a rising showcase. All the candidates said their Foster’s talent, a skit called, “Stereo- he plans to create a show on Facebook senior business management major of main purpose for running for the future typically Speaking,” explained just how called “What Women Want” To give the Los Angeles. king and queen was to try to unite the much being Miss Dillard means to her, men on campus an idea of what “eduThis year’s showcase, “A League of student body and encourage students to and how high heels and make-up are not cated women” really want out of the their Own,” was based on the 1940s era. become more involved in student activi- everything. In Foster’s eyes, her “flats” Dillard men. Each candidate represented important ties. are all she needs. McField said touted plans to increase figures during that time, including Rosie Foster’s platform included mentorVincent’s platform, “Sowing Seeds the male morale on campus and implethe Riveter, an aviator, a soldier, 1940s ships for local high schools and imple- of Passion and Harvesting Resilience,” ment a mentorship program for unfortelephone operator and a 1940s home- menting her “YOU Promise,” which is is based on building on Dillard’s legacy. tunate children. maker. explained on her campaign Web site. The He said Dillard has been known to be a “I am an image of you,” McField The showcase consisted of an open- YOU Promise offers community service university of unity, greatness and excel- said. ing act, the introduction of each candi- opportunities, promotes student engage- lence, and Vincent said students should McField performed a boxing skit date’s platform in business attire, a talent ment and encourages mentorship, im- “build on that and keep the tradition based on knocking down “MAN,” meportion, formal wear and a question- plementing her TEAM program: teach, alive.” She said students should inspire diocrity, apathy and negativity – three and-answer section. encourage, advise and mentor. “Unity is each other to bring togetherness back problems McField said Dillard needs to The candidates spoke on their inten- the cornerstone of any effective move- on campus. shed. tions for running and platforms clear ment,” Foster said. She said leadership is Vincent recited the ending speech
Advising scheduled for March 23-27 Advising for the summer and fall semesters has been scheduled for March 23-27, and students are being strongly encouraged to register with advisers before leaving for spring break. This semester marks the last period when there are no repercussions for not being formally advised, according to Dr. Carla Morelon-Quainoo, director of undergraduate studies. A new system called Jenzabar, set to go live in July, will allow only certain people to be able to give students access to register for classes, she said.
The director said advising offers many benefits to students: Advisers can answer questions about the program of study and course availability. Students can discuss progress in their major and learn about summer internships, research opportunities and graduate school. Conversely, she said, students who are not advised and fail to register early face the risk of not getting classes they need at the time they’d like. Morelon-Quainoo called faculty a student’s “bridge.” (Constance Edmond contributed to this report.)
SGA
In the runoff for SGA vice president will be Shaunessy Carr FROM PAGE 1 and Brandon Love, both sophomore political science majors. and 32.1 percent (104 votes) Carr polled 44.2 percent with respectively to get to the run- 144 votes while Love received offs. Music and business man- 41.7 percent with 136 votes. agement junior Lauren Young- Third-place Anthony Hingle, a blood received 25 percent, or psychology junior, got 46 votes 81 votes. (14.1 percent). Two junior females are in Six officers were elected a runoff to lead the SGA as Monday, three opposed. Unpresident. Psychology major opposed were political science Chavalier Sharps and public sophomore Rubila Smith for health major Jasmine Johnson secretary; sophomore accountgot 38.9 percent (126 votes) ing major Jasmi Brown, treasurand 32.7 percent (106 votes) er; and freshman biology major respectively. Accounting junior Terrance Moreau, historian. Cory Falade was third with 92 In addition to Mcfield, other votes, or 28.4 percent. new officers include:
• Parliamentarian: Ebony Wooderts, a sociology and criminal justice major, won outright with 210 votes, or 66.3 percent, against biology pre-med major Laderica McNairy, who got 33.8 percent, or 107 votes. • Chaplain: Linda Ramirez, a sophomore secondary English education major from New Orleans, won over Andrew Augillard, a business management junior. They received 208 votes (66.2 percent) and 106 votes (33.8 percent) respectively. Ramirez said she plans to continue to host Bible study at 6 p.m. Wednesdays in Room 105 Kearny.
Etouffee
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12 March 2009
COURTBOUILLON
DU students, faculty celebrate international cuisine Joy Ikechukwu Arepas: baked corn pancakes from Venezuela. Pelau: chicken stew in caramelized sugar with coconut from Trinidad. Guarana: a high-caffeine drink from a small red fruit from Brazil. And wagashi: traditional Japanese sweets that are healthful, including beans, potatoes, sesame and sugar. Such was the feast of international flavors, provided with tidbits about the countries where they originated, as part of the “International Dialogue and a Dish” event recently in Room 106 DUICEF. Seven Dillard University professors discussed their native lands and offered dishes from home as part of the event attended by about 40 people, mostly students in foreign language classes. Dr. Masako Dorrill, who teaches Japanese in Humanities, noted her homeland has more than 2,000 islands and 128 million people, the 10th-largest nation in the world. Dorrill, who brought the Japanese sweets, noted that her countrymen love President Obama, and many bought his best-selling autobiography. Rafael Ioris, who teaches history in Humanities and is from Brazil, recounted how Brazil actually bought the most slaves during the slave trade. He said Brazil is similar to New Orleans because it celebrates Mardi Gras and Carnival. Ioris brought the dish pao de queijo, cheese-puff
appetizers made with sour cassava flour. Dr. Nazar Mustapha, who teaches in business and finance and is from Lebanon, discussed the countries two major religions: Christianity and Islam. He said Christians call themselves “the Philippians” while the Muslims call themselves “Arabs.” In Lebanese government, the president of the country must be Christian while the prime minister must be Muslim. Mustapha prepared warak areesh, hot stuffed grape leaves filled with meat, rice and tomato. Other speakers and their dishes included: • Joanne Lozano, who teaches foreign language in Humanities and is from Venezuela, brought arepas. • Dr. Randy Peters, who teaches foreign language and is from Trinidad, brought pelau. • Jorgelina Garat, a teaching assistant in Humanities who’s from Argentina, brought panqueques con dulce de leche, a popular Argentine crepe dessert. She also discussed the drink mate, which she described as a drink to be shared rather than drunk alone. Other professors from other countries also brought additional dishes, such as Dr. Carla Morelon-Quainoo, who brought her husband’s Ghanaian jollof rice dish. Morelon-Quainoo also dressed in her native attire, as did three students. While only one foreign stu-
Pelau
Pelau, rice layered with meats and vegetables, is one of those dishes that really exemplifies Trinidadian cuisine because it is an admixture of various cooking styles. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3/4 cup sugar (white or brown) 1 3-pound chicken cut into eights, skin removed 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup pigeon peas, pinto beans, or black-eyed peas 2 cups water 1 cup coconut milk 1 bay leaf 2 teaspoons green seasoning 2 carrots, chopped 1/2 cup chopped parsley 5 scallions, stemmed and chopped 2 cups long-grain rice (not instant)
dent attended the event, Dillard welcomed seven international students in the fall, down from 11 the previous year and a high of 20 in 2004. Six international students are enrolled this spring. Meredith Reed, director of admissions at Dillard, is responsible for recruiting and enrolling international students, said the students come from all over the world, including France, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chile, and Trinidad and Tobago. Reed said she works closely with Hobson’s Publishing Co. to provide prospective international students with targeted and comprehensive information regarding Dillard. Hobson provides pamphlets, Web sites, and emails to prospective students to connect them with universities that meet their criteria. Through Hobson, prospective students are able to directly email faculty and staff of Dillard for further information. Hobson also provides Dillard with weekly information regarding prospective students’ requests. Reed also coordinates with other faculty and staff to travel to other countries and recruit students. Reed said 60 international students applied for the current academic year, but only three were enrolled. Nevertheless, she said, interest is high: During November 2008, nearly 8,400 requests were made for information about Dillard on the Hobson Website.
2 cups cubed fresh calabaza or butternut squash 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper, whole 1/2 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon butter
Heat the oil in a heavy pot or skillet. With the heat on high, add the sugar and let it caramelize until it is almost burned, stirring constantly. Add the chicken (or meat) and stir until all the pieces are covered with the sugar. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Drain the pigeon peas and add them to the pot along with the rice, water, and coconut milk. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, stir until well mixed, cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. The pelau should be moist at the end of the cooking time.
Recipe from CaribbeanChoice.com
Jollof Rice Jollof Rice is among the best known of West African dishes not only because it is delicious and easy to prepare, but because the ingredients are readily available in Western countries! Its origin, however, remains a bone of contention between several West African nations. There are many regional cooking variations— this version is my mother’s! 500 g (1 lb) lean beef or chicken Salt and ground white pepper, to taste Vegetable oil for frying 1L (1-3/4 pt) stock or water with 3 crushed stock cubes 3 large onions, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped 2-3 chillies (hot peppers), finely chopped 4 large tomatoes, blanched, peeled and blended or mashed 45 g (3 tablespoons) tomato paste 250 g (8 oz) each of assorted chopped vegetables, e.g. carrots, green beans, mushrooms and capsicums (sweet or bell peppers) 500 g (1 lb) long-grain rice Lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs to garnish Cut meat or chicken into 5 cm (2 in) cubes or small pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cover and allow to stand for 1-2 hours. Heat oil in fry-pan and fry the meat or chicken pieces until brown. Remove meat from oil and add to the stock in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Simmer on low heat until meat begins to soften, then remove from heat. Drain excess oil from fry pan leaving enough oil to fry onions, garlic and chillies (hot peppers) until golden. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, half the combined vegetables and 250 mL (8 fl oz) of stock from the meat mixture. Stir well, adjust seasoning and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. Add this vegetable sauce to the meat mixture in the saucepan and simmer gently. Finally, stir in the uncooked, long-grain rice. Adjust the seasoning again, cover and simmer slowly on low heat for about 15 minutes. Arrange the remaining vegetables on top of the rice and continue to simmer until the rice absorbs all the stock, softens and cooks, and the meat is tender. It may be necessary to sprinkle additional water mix to help the rice cook. If so use small amounts at a time of approximately 250 mL (8 fl oz) lightly salted water. Serve hot, garnished with chopped lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs.
Recipe and photo from: GlobalGourmet.com
12 March 2009
Sports COURTBOUILLON
DU ladies, men victorious at Bleu Devil Classic Jeannine Cannon Sports editor After several losses, the Lady Blue Devils and the Blue Devils defeated the Xavier Gold Nuggets and the Gold Rush during the First Annual Bleu Devil Classic Feb. 28 at the UNO Lakefront Arena. More than 1,500 Dillard and Xavier supporters attended. The girls won 49-48 after nine straight defeats by Xavier, and the boys won 72-65. The Lady Blue Devils (5-13, 9-21) and the Gold Nuggets (13-5, 22-8) were neck-and-neck from beginning to end, but at the end, the Lady Blue Devils prevailed with a one-point win. With 3:48 left, Ariel Mitchell made a shot to give the Lady Blue Devils a 47-45 lead. Seconds later, Lauren Daniel made both shots on the free-throw line to increase the ladies’ lead 49-45. At the end, Xavier’s last three-point shot was not enough to defeat the Lady Blue Devils. The Xavier Gold Nuggets had defeated the Lady Blue Devils nine straight games before the Lady Blue Devil’s long-awaited win. This game was an important game for the ladies, especially the seniors. “This was HBCU vs. HBCU,” senior Meaquell Lewis said. “We showed everyone that we are just as good as Xavier.” Mitchell led the Lady Blue Devils with 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior Joslyn Greenard, playing her last Dillard/Xavier game, contributed eight points and nine rebounds. Jasmine Grant led the Gold Nuggets with 10 points. Meanwhile, the men’s Blue Devils (8-10, 11-17) defeated the Gold Rush (11-7, 19-11) after losing seven straight games. The Blue Devils were having a hard time getting shots in the first half and ended it with a 25-33 trail. The second half began to look similar to the ladies’ game as the Blue Devils’ trail became a tie at 33 with a little more than 15 minutes left. With nearly 2: 40 left, David Manning shot a three-pointer to break a tie at 60. He later shot four free throws at 1:20 to give the Blue Devils a 67-61 lead. It was Manning’s free throws, making 14 out 15, and Cornice Wingate’s two free throw shots that secured the win for the Blue Devils. Manning led the men with 30 points and five rebounds. Autrail Manning scored 12 points while Joshua Mitchell and Kenyon Harper added seven points to the board. Olumide Olafioye led the Xavier Gold Rush with 25 points and Kelechi Okoroha scored 14 points and had 8 rebounds. The Blue Devils also won their first playoff game March 3 against LSU-Shreveport 67-56.
David Pittman | Courtbouillon
In photo above, senior forward Joslyn Greenard of Fort Worth, Texas, shoots a free throw in the Bleu Devils Classic ladies’ game Feb. 28 as the XU Gold Nuggets wait for the rebound. Greenard contributed eight points and nine rebounds. In photo at right, freshman guard Lauren Daniel of New Orleans shoots a free throw, bringing the Lady Bleu Devils to a two-point lead towards the end of the game. In photo below, Lady Bleu Devils freshman guard Cheyney Hill of Luling prepares to block as a Xavier Gold Nugget shoots.
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Opinion&Editorial
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COURTBOUILLON
Crime everyone’s fight One-hundred seventy-nine: That’s the recorded number of murders in New Orleans by the end of 2008, according to official reports. Once heralded as a “mixing pot” of ethnicities, ideals, religions and traditions, people once held their heads high, proud to be citizens of the colossally unique city known as New Orleans. In a September 2008 article from Foreign Policy, a webzine from The Washington Post and Newsweek, New Orleans was among five cities labeled as “murder capitals of the world.” Also on the list were Caracas, Venezuela;; Cape Town, South Africa; Moscow, Russia; and Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby. Officially branded with the highest crime rate in the country in a report by the federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans has become known more for its streetside slayings and shoddy police than for the things that once made it so culturally known: the music, the food, the fun. Even the fun seems to end on a bad note. Mardi Gras is a prime example. While the city was crowded with tourists and in Mardi Gras fever to celebrate the last day of the carnival season, six shootings happened. In the Garden District alone, a shooting left seven people wounded, including a 20-month-old child. Later that night, as city and state officers and the National Guard were announcing the end of Mardi Gras and clearing out the French Quarters, gunshots rang out and officers found the body of a 21-year-old man on a sidewalk. NOPD Superintendent Warren Riley was only blocks away when the incident
happened. If Riley and his officers were in the area at the time of shootings, why wasn’t a suspect found? Furthermore, why did the shooting even happen? Probably because they were too busy walking in a group like they were a marching band for a nice Times-Picayune photo-op. Socio-economic factors play heavily into the crime problems that plague this city. About 20 percent of people were living below the poverty line in New Orleans in 2008;; longtime studies have shown that crime rates are higher in cities with high poverty numbers, especially among African-Americans. New Orleans is majority African-American. Weak enforcement and little community support for a “crime-free” city have also earned the city its infamous label. The NOPD has fewer officers post-Katrina. Overcrowded prisons have forced the DA’s office and judges to give lighter sentences, releasing criminals back out onto the streets. Citizens also are to blame. Neighbors and others turn a blind eye when crimes are committed; suspects are left free to roam the streets because everyone is afraid to speak up. Communities don’t take action, don’t advocate for a city that’s not a murder capital. So here’s a challenge all of our readers: Stand up. When you see something, report it. Make your voice heard and say enough is enough. Shout it out to those on a local level and scream until you’re heard in Washington. Make your wants and wishes heard – a wish for a stronger New Orleans, a better New Orleans.
Letters to the editor Questions, comments or concerns? Voice them!! Letters to the editor should be no longer than 250 words. Send your letter along with your name/title, address, e-mail address, phone number and classification/major if you are a student to: duopinions@gmail.com or mail to: Dillard University, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122 Room 146 Cook Center.
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The Courtbouillon is published by the students of Dillard University. Views expressed on the opinion pages are those of the individual writers, and not those of the administration, faculty or student body. The Courtbouillon reserves the right to edit all writings for space and libel.
12 March 2009
Chris Brown/Rihanna domestic violence case prompts dialogue, warning against denial Jeannine Cannon
Sports Editor The Chris Brown/Rihanna story has been one of the most talked-about news stories in the United States recently, certainly among young African-Americans. Fans all over want to know if the young “ladies’ man” really beat singer/girlfriend Rihanna. It later was reported that she took Chris Brown back after her 21st birthday and is currently staying with him in Miami. The latest report says the “happy couple” is married although Brown has been indicted on two felonies in connection with the incident and faces up to nine years if convicted. Can you believe it? Why would Rihanna take back someone who allegedly beat her? Was she smart by agreeing to reconcile? Women all over the world go through what Rihanna is going through every day. According to the Bureau of Justice statistics, one in four women in the United States will experience some kind of physical abuse by a spouse, former spouse or date. Unlike Rihanna, not many women report being abused by their spouse or significant other. Common excuses for not leaving a woman’s abuser include “I love him” or “It was my fault, anyway.” College students especially are at risk for abusive relationships. A friend of mine who volunteers at a women’s shelter in Atlanta said most of the
Jeannine Cannon Sports Editor
women there who went to college ended up dropping out because of abusive boyfriends accusing them of infidelity. Insecurity in a college relationship is common. College students expect many things out of the college experience, meeting new people, acceptance by peers, college parties and new relationships. College also can be a stressful time, having to go by a strict schedule, dealing with the many assignments given by professors and the continuous peer pressure. The last thing a college student wants is to deal with suspected infidelity from his or her significant other. The insecurity and hurt usually causes that person, especially men, to build up anger until they finally explode. Here are the statistics on relationship abuse from the Bureau of Justice: • Thirty-two percent of
college students report they have experienced dating violence by a former partner. • Twenty-one percent of college students report they have experienced dating violence by a current partner. • Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest rate of intimate violence, nearly three times more than any other age group. When you really think about it, these numbers still are low. These numbers mean some women refuse to report their abusers. The main reason for this is “battered woman’s syndrome.” According to psychologists, women with early stages of battered woman’s syndrome will not report being abused and usually are in denial about the beatings. The second stage occurs when the woman begins to blame herself for being abused. In this stage, she will try everything to keep her spouse or significant other happy;; most of the time, nothing works, and she continues to get beaten. It is not until the third and fourth stage that a woman realizes her attacks are unjustified. A victim of abuse should not have to wait until she is almost lifeless. College women have enough to worry about without having to worry about being beaten by someone she loves. So women, please: Stop the denial, and get out of abusive relationships before it’s too late.
12 March 2009
Opinion&Editorial COURTBOUILLON
WORD ON THE AVE: How do you feel about going back to Friday classes? LaDerica McNairy: Sophomore biology pre-med major, Dallas
Anthony Hingle: Junior psychology major, New Orleans
“I feel that by reinstituting classes on Friday, it will prevent students from participating in campus activities. I also feel that classes on Fridays will take away the muchneeded break that is required for students to function properly and be successful.”
“A well-balanced student knows how to have fun and still get his or her work done. Without Friday classes, I believe a student has more time to have fun and do their work.”
Roanna Stroman: Senior mass communication major, Atlanta
“It will enable students to be more active on campus and their education.”
18 QUESTIONS The column “18 Questions” is a popular one with many Dillard students, who may ask questions serious or facetious, insightful or inane. It is named after the year the university was founded,1869. The following questions were compiled by writer Jazmine Boutte from the offerings of various students recently. If you have a question, send it to Boutte at ducourtbouillon@gmail.com . 1. Why does Dillard only have one graduating term when most, if not all, other schools have a fall and a spring graduation? 2. Will Dillard ever get a football team again? 3. Why is the volleyball team trying to throw another Greek event? They didn’t learn from the first LAME one? 4. Why are we constructing new buildings and haven’t fixed Straight and Camphor/Hartzell halls? (You can’t attract students if they don’t have a place to live!) 5. Why have raccoons become the new cats on campus?! 6. When will the Rihanna and Chris Brown situation blow over?! 7. Why did we have to purchase tickets for the Dillard vs. Xavier game at the arena? Don’t
we give Dillard enough money? 8. Why are those of us who will never see the recreation building, except as alumni, paying fees for it? 9. Why does it seem like many students hate the SGA? 10. Why does the Senior Council announce meetings the day before and wonder why no one shows up? 11. Will freshmen be allowed to stay in the Gardens again? (This answer should be NO for so many reasons!) 12. Will there be seniors from the Class of 2009 working at Dillard next year? They are hiring! 13. Why is the DU Athletics Department trying to add a track and field team when we have neither a track nor field? 14. Why did Wild Wednesdays become once a month like First Fridays? 15. Why does the grill serve the same stuff as Kearney? 16. Why did National Panhellenic Council change probate to the fall? 17. How do we go about reviving the yearbook? 18. Why does the library close so early?
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Five-year grants up for grabs
COURTBOUILLON
12 March 2009
Hobley jersey retired at Classic
DU student Cedric Blair in Spain as ‘08 recipient Thelisia Davis Sophomores have until March 16 to apply for the Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious programs for minority students interested in international affairs. Students must have a 2.7 or greater GPA and be in good financial standing with the university, according to Lynn Strong, director of undergraduate research. DU student Cedric Blair of Modesto, Calif., a junior economics and finance major, was one of the 14 cohorts selected nationwide in 2008. He currently is in Seville, Spain, as part of the Council on International Educational Exchange and will return at the end of the semester. Blair is the sole recipient from Louisiana and one of six from an Historically Black University, Strong said. So far, Strong said she expects at least two applicants this year from Dillard. Through the program, created 15 years ago and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the United Negro Fund’s Special Programs Corp. enhances U.S. national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence and international service among a broad, representative cross-section of the America citizenry, according to the Web site (www.uncfsp. org). The goal is to have fellows come out proficient in a foreign language and ready to compete in the global marketplace. These opportunities are offered through a five-year, sixcomponent program, including a sophomore Summer Policy Institute; junior year study abroad; junior Summer Policy Institute;; Summer Language Institute;; an internship; and a graduate degree program in international affairs. To learn more about the program, go to www.uncfsp. org/IIPP. To learn more about studying abroad, contact Strong at 816.4446 or lynnstrong@dillard.edu.
David Pittman | Courtbouillon Mattie Hobley, third from right, the widow of DU alumnus and former coach Billy Ray Hobley, and nephew Elijah Hobley, fourth from left, hold Hobley’s old jersey, No. 23. Hobley, who also played with the Harlem Globetrotters, was honored during halftime at the 2009 Bleu Devil Classic. A scholarship has been created in Hobley’s honor. At left are Athletic Director Kiki Baker-Barnes and President Marvalene Hughes.
Five to compete in DU’s first Miss F.A.T. Pageant Kristi Coleman Five Dillard students have registered so far to compete in the first Miss F.A.T. Pageant, rescheduled from Feb. 26 to 7 p.m. April 2 in downstairs Kearny Hall. The term “F.A.T.” stands for “fabulous and thick,” and the idea of the pageant to motivate woman size 12 and larger came from the comedian Mo’Nique, according to Iesha Ison, the Social Committee Chairwoman of Gamma Sigma Sigma, which is sponsoring the event. Ison said the purpose of the event is to encourage individuals who may receive ridicule about their weight and to help larger women feel a sense of comfort in their own size. She identified the competitors are being: • Latasha Bell of Chicago, a senior psychology major. • Shaunessy Carr of St. Louis, a sophomore political major. • Chrishira Perrier of New Orleans, a freshman theater ma-
jor. • Damalia Simon of New Orleans, a sophomore mass communication major. • Rubila Smith of Chicago, a sophomore political science major. Participants must be at least a size 12, of good character and show confidence, Ison said. The competition will include four rounds: an intro, talent segment, personality and style and a formal wear segment. All participants are expected to perform a joint community service project before the pageant. The winner will receive a certificate for dinner for two at Zea’s restaurant, a bouquet of roses, and a crown and sash. All participants will receive certificates. Admission is $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Door prizes will be awarded, with a special intermission door prize planned, Ison said. For more information, call Ison at (773) 744-4970.
Officials say mold problem addressed; DU students disagree Jessica Forest The recurrence of mold is the latest in a series of maintenance problems in Williams Hall, following earlier issues with lack of hot water and air-conditioning malfunctions. Officials say the problem has been addressed, but mold has begun to reappear in at least one dorm room of the 61 rooms currently occupied. In August 2008, when residents were beginning to move into Williams, mold was found in closets in several rooms. Jennifer Taylor, the Williams Hall desk assistant who receives complaints from residents, said recently no one has complained since the issue was first addressed. “Once the issues of mold were brought
up the rooms were treated, and the students were moved out. No further reports were made,” she said. She encouraged any student who finds mold in their rooms to report it to the front desk so that maintenance can be called to fix the problem. Despite the lack of complaints about mold this semester, mold remains present in at least one room. Brandi Clay of Lafayette, a sophomore education major, had to be reassigned because of mold in Room 234-A. She said, “When I moved into Room 234-A, I immediately inspected the room for any discrepancies, and I found mold behind the closet.” Clay said the residence adviser was called, and she was assigned another room.
However, Shaunessy Carr of St. Louis, a sophomore political science major, said she’s still contending with the problem. She said she found mold in her shower area, reported it and maintenance cleaned it immediately. However, she said, “Weeks later, the mold appeared again because it wasn’t cleaned thoroughly.” Renovations to Williams Hall have been completed, but hot water and air conditioner problems still exist, students report. Williams residents also report being given an official apology from Facilities for the inconvenience students have been experiencing. Experts say that living with mold can cause several health conditions such as sore/hoarse throat, flu symptoms, nosebleeds, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.