The Summer Barometer, July 1, 2015

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The Summer Barometer

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WEDNESDAY JULY 1, 2015 VOL. CXVIII, NO. 2

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Higher Education n

Oregon State University policies unchanged despite new Oregon marijuana legalization

By Kat Kothen

THE SUMMER BAROMETER

So recreational use of marijuana is legal in the state of Oregon – just not at Oregon State University.

A release from the OSU website, titled “Policy Regarding Marijuana,” explicitly states that even though Measure 91 will be going into action, none of the university’s policies prohibiting marijuana will be changing anytime soon.

“We are maintaining policies relating to marijuana,” said Steve Clark, vice president of University Relations and Marketing.

OSU policy and the OSU Student Conduct Code still “prohibit students and employees from possessing, using or selling marijuana in any form on any of the University’s campuses or facilities and during any University activities,” according to the OSU website.

Due to the university’s federal funding, federal rules surrounding marijuana, a Schedule I narcotic, apply to campus.

“Because we receive federal funding for research and financial aid we are required to follow federal laws,” Clark said. “Federal law continues to judge marijuana as an illegal substance. There’s a risk of loss of funds, we would not jeopardize that.”

While the university does not currently have any policies requiring mandatory drug testing, everyone at OSU has to abide by the federal Drug Free Workplace Act, according to Dave Blake, assistant vice president of OSU Human Resources.

Clark added that not only would the university risk losing funding, change in policy on marijuana would place university employees at the risk of federal sanctions.

“It’s a bit of a challenge being surrounded by an area where (recreational marijuana) is legal and we have to maintain a drug-free environment,” Blake said.

See policies | page 2

Measure 91 benefits K-12 public schools in Oregon n

Measure 91 sends schools large portion of recreational marijuana tax revenue

By Rachel Suchan THE SUMMER BAROMETER

Corvallis Schools could see an increase in funding from taxes on legalized marijuana.

According to a tax revenue estimate study funded by the legalization campaign, the legalization of recreational marijuana could produce an estimated $38.5 million in tax revenue in a single year. This estimate is just shy of Colorado’s reported $44 million in tax revenue during their first year of legalization.

Unlike Washington, which taxes marijuana sales at every stage of transaction from production to recreation, Oregon will be taxing marijuana sales at the producer level—meaning the growers will be paying the tax.

The estimated $38.5 million marijuana tax revenue will be distributed to various organizations within the state. Measure 91 allocates the tax revenue into six categories, including: Oregon Health Authority,

Mental Health Alcoholism and Drug Services, the Common School Fund, state police, counties and cities for the enforcement of the measure.

The Common School Fund receives the majority of the funds with 40 percent of the marijuana tax revenue, at least twice that of any other beneficiary.

Corvallis School Board member Vincent Adams is glad to see Oregon investing in its schools.

“Any additional funding to the state school fund is good news,” Adams said. “While the Corvallis School district has fared better than many in Oregon, we are only now recovering from the recession by refilling staff positions and restoring fiscal reserves. Investment in education has never been more important.”

The Common School Fund has been in place since Oregon became a state in 1859. According to the Department of State Lands, the school fund is currently comprised mostly of revenues from state-owned lands and waterways.

Revenue from the lands’ timber and mineral recourses, prop-

Q&A with MLB’s Andrew Moore

Sports, page 5

See Tax| page 2

Opinion: Confederate Flag offensive Forum, page 7

OSU students react to same-sex marriage legalization with pride n

U.S. Supreme Court ruling strikes cord in Oregon State LGBTQ+ community

By Anna Le

THE SUMMER BAROMETER

With decades of ruthless protests and hearings, a historical nationwide ruling to legalize same-sex marriage was made by the United States Supreme Court on Friday, June 26.

“The future me that will get married someday has been waiting for this since she was a little girl, even though she didn’t know it,” said Lauren Pittis, a senior in botany and sustainability.

With the newly implemented law, the remaining 14 states can no longer enforce the bans on same-sex marriage.

The law marks a life-changing moment that impacts the LGBTQ+ community.

Pittis, a member of the Pride Center at Oregon State University, felt that it is a step forward for change.

“It meant that our country is moving towards acceptance,” Pittis said.

“We are in no way there yet and I am worried about potential backlash and complacency that could fol-

low. But the fact that so many of my friends and peers can get married now, that was really exciting.”

Shelby Wanser, a senior in animal science who is also involved with the Pride Center, was filled with joy hearing the news.

“I woke up to my friends telling me the news on my first morning that we were in San Francisco for Pride. It felt unbelievable that same-sex marriage could suddenly be legal nationwide after such a slow state-by-state fight for years,” Wanser said. “I was so excited for all of my friends who could now get legally married in any state in the country. In fact, my friend was getting married to his now-husband in Michigan that very day.”

For others, the ruling caused an outcry on social media. Many of which considered moving to a different country.

“There were a lot of angry people saying they wanted to move to Canada, which is a bit hilarious since Canada has had marriage equality in this regard since 2005,” Pittis said.

A couple of hours after the Supreme Court ruling, the White House was colorfully illuminated See MARRIAGE | page 2

Arturo Segesman discusses equality Forum, page 7

2•Wednesday, July 1, 2015

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MArriage n Continued from page 1 in honor of an “unwavering commitment to progress and equality,” according to a statement from the White House.

“I thought it was awesome,” said Jeff Baxter, a graduate student in history. “It showed the nation that the White House is in support of LGBT people. It became more of the Rainbow House rather than the White House.”

With millions of posts on social media, like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, people are showing their support of the nationwide decision by tagging #LoveWins.

With the historical ruling by the Supreme Court, Baxter, Pittis, and Wanser all agreed that it is one step closer for equality and it could only move forward from there.

“We as a nation have a lot more to do, but I think we are going to start doing more now that marriage between samesex couples is legal across the nation,” Baxter said. “Showing someone what it is like for others and educating them is more effective than berating them and telling them they are wrong.”

All three also agreed love does in fact win, and although some may not agree, it is important to see other people’s point of view.

“I would tell them that love is love, no different than the way they love people in basics, and that we all love people in our own way,” Pittis said. “So why is one love worse than the other?”

Anna Le, news reporter news@dailybarometer.com

Tax n Continued from page 1 erty taxes and lease fees are compiled into the Common School Fund, and a portion of the invested fund is distributed to all Oregon K-12 public schools twice per year.

A c c o rd i n g to the Department of State Lands Fact Sheet, Corvallis’ 2015 share of the fund amounted to $919,188 prior to the marijuana tax—enough to finance 11 full-time teaching positions.

The incoming 40 percent tax contribution to the Common School Fund will directly benefit Corvallis’ school districts and could be a good boost for

policies n Continued from page 1 While employee regulations remain for the most part clear, rules regarding student conduct introduce more haziness into the relationship between the university and marijuana.

A situation may arise in which a student legally consumes marijuana off-campus then comes to campus still intoxicated. Could the student still get in trouble for marijuana consumption?

According to Student Conduct and Community Standards Director Carl Yeh ­­– yes and no.

“If there is a university official that discovered marijuana use on campus, more than likely a report will be generated and the situation will be handled through student conduct,” Yeh said.

But just because a student conduct report is filed does not mean the student would, or could, receive a citation from law officials outside the university system.

Yeh said the new law brings a difficult and new situation with a lot of remaining unknowns.

“My guess is it will look very similar to how alcohol is regulated, in terms of how we

COURTesy of BEverly park

The First United Methodist Church on NW Monroe Ave showed its declaration of inclusion June 26.

courtesy of shelby wanser

Many gathered at the Pride event at San Franscisco’s City Hall to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling June 26.

courtesy of shelby wanser

Observers took notice of one of many floats at the Pride event this past weekend in San Francisco, California. local public schools.

“I would love to see it targeted to our 5th year program to help our high school students get to college early” said Corvallis School Board Vice Chair Tom Sauret. “Every little bit helps.”

Within a year of the legalization of marijuana sales in Colorado, more than 15 million dollars in tax revenue was distributed to public schools via grants, used for rebuilding and renovating schools in needy districts.

The tax is not expected to directly benefit universities.

Rachel Suchan, news editor news@dailybarometer.com

handle it,” Yeh said.

Student organizations, including sororities and fraternities registered as voluntary student organizations, will continue to be individually accountable under the student conduct code.

OSU’s ban on recreational marijuana extends beyond just HR and student conduct.

Policies regarding the drug limit academics and research as well.

“We can not promote marijuana, we cannot engage in research about its cultivation and distribution,” Clark said.

If an OSU student completes an internship dealing with marijuana, university policy mandates that the student would not receive credit for the internship.

“Having a student receive credit for a class that was an internship program that was about marijuana sale, distribution or cultivation or industrial hemp, we deemed that to violate the spirit and purpose of federal law,” Clark said.

Clark said that if marijuana were to become legal under federal law, the policies regarding marijuana and Oregon State would be revisited.

Kat Kothen, editor-in-chief news@dailybarometer.com

Advocates say legal pot is about justice

By Conrad Wilson OPB

Oregon will be the fourth state in the country to allow recreational marijuana, after Washington, Colorado and Alaska.

Though some have taken to planning parties as the law takes effect Wednesday, other backers of legalization said Tuesday that Measure 91 is about criminal justice reform.

“Legalization of marijuana in Oregon is in fact about justice,” said David Rogers, executive director of the ACLU of Oregon. “The war on marijuana has been carried out with staggering racial bias across the country and the same is true here in Oregon.”

Rogers, speaking at a press conference on the looming legalization, said blacks and whites use marijuana at about the same rates.

“But blacks are more than twice as likely in Oregon to be cited or arrested for marijuana than are whites,” he said.

Oregon Democratic Congressman Earl Blumenauer has long advocated for the federal government to regulate marijuana

like alcohol. And he said Oregon could be a model for those changes.

“We’re in the midst of a dramatic change all across the country,” he said. “New states will be voting on (marijuana).

The federal government, over the next five years, will be modernizing based on what you’ve seen.”

In Oregon, adults 21 years and older will be allowed to use and possess pot. But buying it will be tricky because a functional retail market is still months away. Lawmakers are still in the process of deciding on when exactly that market could open, and how much to tax marijuana.

As the law stands Wednesday, Oregonians will be allowed to carry up to an ounce of marijuana in public, but can have more at home — a lot more: up to 8 ounces of dried marijuana, four plants, 72 ounces of liquid products or 16 ounces of edibles.

Members of the cannabis industry will be keeping a close eye on federal law, even as the Oregon market opens. They say they’ve been treated unfairly because even

in states where some form of marijuana is legal, they cannot access banking services.

They also want a change in federal law to allow tax exemptions for businesses selling pot.

“Both those concepts have broad, bipartisan support, and we’re confident that things can happen in this Congress to make a difference,” Blumenauer said.

“We’ve got this crazy patchwork at the federal level, leftover vestiges of a failed policy of prohibition that simply doesn’t work.”

Advocates of Oregon’s new law claim it will also allow police to put resources where they’re needed.

Leah Mauer, founder of Moms for Yes on 91, said right now adults across the state are being arrested for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

“Under Measure 91, all those law enforcement resources will be freed up to focus on violent crimes and issues that I feel far more strongly about as a parent.”

Signs of drug resistance in NW gonorrhea cases

By Jessica Robinson OPB

Public health officials say the rise in cases of the STD gonorrhea has continued unabated this year in much of the Northwest.

Now there’s a worrisome development: evidence of drug resistance in some cases west of the Cascades.

Dr. Matt Golden with the Seattle STD/HIV Prevention Training Center recently sent a memo out to providers about gonorrhea. He said since last year his office has discovered 25 cases resistant

to the drug Azithromycin.

“The concern here is that we’re using two drugs to treat gonorrhea to stave off resistance in many ways. And Azithromycin is one of those two drugs,” Golden said. “So to see this one — the microorganism become resistant to the drug is a problem.”

He said the resistant cases so far have all been in men who have sex with men.

In Oregon, drug-resistance has also been detected in some lab tests from the Portland area.

Gonorrhea remains fully

treatable in the U.S. But cases immune to the other main drug used to treat gonorrhea have been found in parts of Asia and Europe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizing the risk, recently changed its guidelines to avoid treating patients with Azithromycin alone.

Public health officials say it’s normal for STDs to go through cycles. And the Northwest’s rates still tend to comparatively low historically and compared with other parts of the country.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015•3

Civic Stadium declared total loss

The company’s world headquarters is just outside of Beaverton, in unincorporated Washington County, with some facilities inside city limits.

Also in its news release, Nike announced that Knight’s son, Travis Knight, 41, was named to the Nike board on Tuesday. Travis Knight is the current chief executive officer at Laika animation studio in Hillsboro. Laika has produced three feature films since Travis Knight took over the company in 2009: “Coraline,� “ParaNorman� and “Boxtrolls.� Each was nominated for an Academy Award in film animation.

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Bowerman, in 1964. The company changed its name to Nike in 1971 and has become a global leader in athletic apparel and footwear. The company made $30.6 billion in revenue this year, according to the company, a 10 percent increase during last year.

Today’s

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Swoosh the power to elect three-quarters of Nike’s board.

Swoosh will have its own board of directors, which will act as its governing body and determine how the shares are voted and managed, Nike said. That board will have four members, including Knight, who will hold two votes. Other members include Parker and two other Nike directors: Alan Graf, executive vice president and chief financial officer at FedEx; and John Donahoe, president of eBay. Each will hold one vote. “Phil founded Nike to serve athletes. That vision and inspiration continues to drive our success today around the world,� Parker said. “I have been privileged to work with Phil for over 35 years, and Nike’s exceptional management team and I are committed to building on Phil’s vision to drive the next era of growth for Nike.�

Knight ran track at the University of Oregon and for med Blue Ribbon Sports with his coach, Bill

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Nike Inc. Chairman Phil Knight said Tuesday that he would step down as chairman of the company he cofounded more than 50 years ago.

Knight, 77, made the announcement in a press release on Nike’s website on Nike’s website, saying it was time to take a step back. “For me, Nike has always been more than just a company — it has been my life’s passion,� Knight said. “Over the years, I’ve spent a great deal of time considering how I might someday evolve my ownership and leadership of Nike in a way that benefits all of our stakeholders. Today, we have taken a number of important steps that will continue to promote Nike’s long-term growth.�

No date was set for Knight’s departure as chairman, but plans are already in the works to name his replacement.

Nike said in the statement that they expect the new chairman to be named some-

time in 2016.

If Knight has his way, that will be Nike President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parker, who has served in those roles since 2006. “I believe Mark is the best choice to succeed me,�

Knight said. “He has been an outstanding CEO for the past nine years, and has demonstrated time and again his love for this company and his clear vision for capturing the tremendous potential Nike has to innovate, inspire and drive growth.�

But Knight said he’s not leaving Nike behind. “For myself, I intend to continue to work with Nike and look forward to contributing to its future well after my chairmanship ends,� he said.

Knight has transferred his shares in the company’s stock to a limited liability company called Swoosh Inc., he said.

On Tuesday, Knight said he had transferred 128.5 million shares of Nike stock to Swoosh. That represents 15 percent of all Nike stock.

According to the Associated Press, that’s enough to give

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Phil Knight announces plan to step down as Nike’s chairman

Classifieds

fire,� said Sales, who made the call in the middle of the third inning of the Axemen’s game against Pleasant Hill.

The game was called off, and coaches turned on the sprinkler system to protect the field. And then, “We watched an early Fourth of July fireworks show, I guess,� he said.

Sales said he saw four boys on bikes riding in the stadium’s parking lot, then carrying their bikes over the pedestrian bridge that spans Amazon Parkway between the stadium and the high school, as the fire spread. “I’m not jumping to conclusions,� he said of the four boys, whom he described as being of middle school age. “But we did see them over there.�

A mother of one of the ballplayers said her son also said that he and others saw four young people walk across the overpass.

Police said they are seeking the public’s help as they continue to investigate the cause of the fire. Anyone with potentially relevant information, or who took photos or videos at the scene, is asked to call the police department’s tipline at 541-682-8888.

Even though slightly breezy conditions and hot temperatures helped the fire’s smoke rise, the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency’s air quality monitor at Amazon Park picked up an increase in particulate matter not long after the fire began.

There continues to be a possibility of residual fire debris or fallout on neighboring properties, agency spokeswoman Jo Niehaus said in a statement. To dispose of any such debris properly, mist it with water and use gloves to place it into a sealable plastic bag, she said.

Repor ters Josephine Woolington, Mark Baker, Elon Glucklich and Francesca Fontana contributed to this report.

“When I came down here two hours ago it was just a normal day. This is horrible,� Eugene resident Alison Weibel said at about 5:50 p.m., after bringing her 11-year-old son to the Amazon Park fields for a baseball game earlier in the afternoon. “I went to games at Civic 30 years ago,� said Cynthia Dahlquist, 62, watching the stadium burn from across Amazon Creek.

Onlookers filled the pedestrian path that winds south from the high school. They braced themselves against the fire’s heat, even from across the creek and Amazon Parkway.

The crowd gasped all at once as a burning piece of stadium crumbled and collapsed just before 6 p.m. “Civic Stadium is gone!� a man shouted in his cellphone. Dozens of others were calling friends and family, snapping photos and shooting videos.

Tom Bowen recalled coming to the stadium to play baseball in elementary school in 1945. “It’s an emotional feeling,� said Bowen, later a longtime baseball coach at Sheldon High School. “All those years playing here ...�

Speculation about cause Speculation about the fire’s cause was rampant. “It’s got to be arson,� Corey Delgado, 20, said from the edge of the high school. “It was probably somebody shooting fireworks,� Sylvia Guevara, 18, responded.

One spectator, on South Eugene High’s nearby baseball field, said he saw the fire start. “I looked over and there was a small fire, just a couple feet wide, inside the press box, about 20 to 30 feet up from home plate,� said Danny Sales, South Eugene High’s head baseball coach. He said he immediately called 911 just before 5:30 p.m.

The dispatcher said it was the first he’d heard of it. “And by the time I got off the phone with the operator, the whole stadium was on

A spectacular, two-alarm fire gutted Eugene’s beloved Civic Stadium — and the dreams that went with it — on Monday.

Nearly 40 emergency personnel responded to the blaze, which was called in at 5:26 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames that were twice the height of the stadium. A huge plume of black smoke could be seen from across much of the city.

The cause and origin of the fire was not immediately known, but the wooden structure’s dry, seasoned lumber caused the fire to spread quickly, Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Randy Groves said at the scene.

He said the stadium is a total loss.

The fire was declared contained just after 7 p.m. and was no longer deemed in danger of spreading to neighboring fields or other property as initially feared.

Firefighters were putting out spot fires in nearby bushes as late as 8 p.m., however, and some planned to remain at the scene throughout the night, working any hot spots.

Groves said there were no injuries related to the fire, but as a precaution, residents within two blocks of the stadium were ordered evacuated.

The evacuation was lifted at 9 p.m., but traffic surrounding the stadium remained blocked.

Fire officials advised residents whose homes are downwind or near the fire to check for smoldering embers in any bark areas, in dry vegetation around the house, or gutters and roofs.

Eugene police had to keep citizens back from powerlines earlier in the evening as firefighters continued to fight the flames. At least one transformer exploded, as hundreds of people gathered to get a closer look. At least three people were quickly turned away by officers as they tried to sneak under police tape that outlined a

two-block perimeter around the stadium at 20th Avenue and Willamette Street.

Among those in shock at the unfolding scene were Eugene Civic Alliance leaders, who worked for years to secure the stadium from the city of Eugene and Eugene School District. The alliance had plans to convert the stadium so it could be used for soccer and other sports. “We’re really heartbroken,� said Derek Johnson, the alliance’s co-founder, at the scene. “It’s a hard day.�

Johnson said several people called and told him what had happened. He said he arrived about 30 minutes after the fire was reported. “When I first heard, I was desperately hoping that something could be saved of the stadium,� he said. “It’s a magnificent structure but it was wood, and that was one of the parts of it that was really beautiful. But that wood ... that’s an impermanent structure.�

K i d s p o r t s Ex e c u t i ve Director Bev Smith, also a member of the alliance, thanked firefighters for their efforts to save the structure. “All we can really say is, it’s sad,� she said at the scene.

Later in the evening, the alliance issued a statement indicating that the stadium was insured for up to $3 million, and that renovation was to have begun next month. “It is too early for us to know where we go from here,� the statement said. “We ask for a bit of grace and patience as we come to grips with this loss to our community and to our effort. ...

Civic is an important touchstone for our community, and today we mourn its loss.�

Eugene School Board member Anne Marie Levis called the fire “profoundly sad. We worked so hard to save it for future generations.�

Crowd gasps as stadium falls Hundreds of people swarmed around the east bank of Amazon Creek near South Eugene High School as the fire ripped through the stadium’s wooden beams.

THE REGISTER-GUARD

By Chelsea Gorrow

4•Wednesday, July 1, 2015

news@dailybarometer.com • 541-737-2231

“How do you feel about Measure 91?”

‘‘

I think that it’s really going to change a lot of social aspects of our culture.

But I also think it’s going to be good for bringing in money for our country.

I’m pretty neutral, though, towards it. But I would say that I definitely approve.

‘‘

I think it was long coming, but I would say it is a not well thought out bill.

I do agree that it should happen, but I think different guidelines and more strict guidelines should’ve happened to make sure it stays off federal land and stays out of schools as well.

Robin Castle senior ecological engineering

Alyssa Rollins

‘‘

senior nutrition

I think that it’s smart in the long run, because it takes away the burden from the justice system of having to deal with minor issues when they could be focusing on so many bigger issues. So I think that for the general population it’s a good thing, I just don’t personally support the use of marijuana, but I think that the law itself is good for the community.

‘‘

‘‘ Cheyenne Rogers senior nutrition

‘‘

I feel very happy about it, and I feel like Oregon in general is very forward thinking and I’m very excited to see where it’s going to lead. But I don’t think it’s very well thought out yet.

Jordan Le Blanc sophomore microbiology

‘‘

I feel that it was probably a long time coming. I’ve seen similar bills going in on it, year after year, getting percent after percentage more. I’m glad to see it’s a little more organized than previous attempts. And I really do feel that too much time and energy has been put into policing it, up until this point. So hopefully it will be a load off that.

‘‘

I think it’s fine, it was going to happen sooner or later. As long as it’s regulated, I guess it’s cool.

It’s not a ‘drug,’ but you shouldn’t be giving it to a ten-year-old. Like you’re not going to give booze to a ten-year-old.

Deirdre Apple junior botany

‘‘

I don’t personally smoke, so I’m indifferent. But if you like to partake in the herb, then so be it. I don’t think it affects me that much.

‘‘

‘‘

‘‘

Prachet Bhatt senior nutrition

‘‘

I’m pretty neutral about it, as long as people don’t go out of control to where it starts affecting decisions of their own and how it impacts other people around them, I’m okay with it.

‘‘

I don’t care one way or the other. It’s no more harmful than alcohol, or tobacco and it’ll bring money into the state. And people will maybe not feel like criminals, hopefully. And maybe we’ll stop putting people in jail for having (a small amount] of pot, because it’s stupid.

Rebecca Vining senior natural resources

‘‘

‘‘

sophomore construction engineering management

David Vieru senior spanish and management

‘‘

Aaron Newton

‘‘

The Summer Barometer 5 • Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Sports

Inside sports: Slaughter: In Neil Olshey we trust. page 6 sports@dailybarometer.com • On Twitter @barosports

Having a catch with Andrew Moore

By Brian Rathbone

was obviously excitement from my family, but also it was bittersweet in that I will never be able to play for The first installment of Having a Catch with Oregon State again. Being able to stay in the (Pacific Andrew Moore, where the former Oregon State Northwest) and play for a team that develops pitchers ace documents his journey in his first season well worked out perfectly for us. with the Everett Aquasox, the Single-A affiliDB: After you had made the decision to sign, what ate of the Seattle Mariners. was the conversation like with Coach Casey when Moore, an All-American pitch- you told him you were forgoing your final year of er for the Beavers was drafted by eligibility? the Mariners with the 72nd pick AM: I had a couple conversations with Coach Casey of the MLB draft decided to forgo his remaining eligibility with the prior to the draft and he gave me some simple advice: Beavers after posting a 7-2 record just do whatever my family and I think is right. He said and a 1.91 earned run average in that he’s beyond excited for whatever path I chose.

Obviously he would have liked to see me back at OSU, his junior season. but that shows the kind of man he is – he looks out for Daily Barometer: Take us the best interest of his players more than selfishly just through the day of the draft. trying to win games. I was able to come up to Corvallis How did that day go? And did for a day before I departed and I think he gave me one you have a sense of where of the biggest hugs I’ve ever received when I saw him.

I couldn’t put into words how incredible these past 3 you would be selected? years have been being able to play the game I love Andrew Moore: The under him and the rest of the coaching staff. day of the draft was very DB: What has your day-to-day life been like? How stressful. My mom had been handling all my has the transition from being a college athlete to calls from scouts and being a professional athlete been? teams since I was AM: The biggest adjustment from college to pro focused on studying for finals. She was get- is definitely the time commitment at the field. I will ting around a dozen usually show up around 1 or 1:30 for 2:15 stretch to calls a day or so, but make sure I’m there early. From there we stretch, get we really didn’t hear our throwing done, do our conditioning, shag for BP anything on draft and then have a couple hours to relax until the 7 p.m. day. It was a pretty game. After the game I get back to my house around normal day for me, 11, get a quick snack and its right to bed. I’m actually went to breakfast staying with Kyle Nobach’s (former OSU teammate) with a friend, lifted family up here in Marysville. They have been very and played catch. welcoming and made it a very comfortable living Trying to do any- situation. He comes from an awesome family, they thing to keep my remind me a lot of my family so it’s a familiar envimind from the draft ronment for me. as much as possible.

DB: How was it taking the mound for the first time Once the draft finally came, I was at my house as a professional player? with my mom and a couple close AM: My debut was a lot of fun. I had a lot of support family friends. We watched the whole thing, anxiously waiting for my mom’s there. My mom flew up, a close family friend who I phone to ring. It did a couple times, causing excite- grew up with drove up with her mom, Sam Tweedt and ment, but ended up being family friends or someone Ryan Mets (former OSU teammates) flew up for the else. Finally, pick 68, the Scouting Director for the night, Kyle Nobach drove from Kitsap to watch and Mariners called and gave us an offer which my mom Sam’s mom drove up from Salem to watch. Having all relayed to me, and I immediately accepted. Then we of them there was incredible. I can’t put into words had to patiently wait for a few picks to make sure how much the support I’ve received has meant to me. they stayed true to their word that they’d select me. I’m going to do my best to give that same support back to the guys in orange and black in the future.

But I threw the ball well, commanding my fastball DB: From when Ken Griffey Jr. called out your name until you fell asleep on draft night, what were to both sides of the plate and getting strikeouts with you feeling and what were some of the thoughts balls out of the zone. It’s the same in every level, if going through your head? And what was that you establish your fastball by locating to both sides of the plate and then expand out of the zone late in the moment like for you and your family? count then you’ll be successful most of the time. PJ AM: Having The Kid (Griffey Jr.) call my name Jones from WSU was calling the game from behind the was an incredible moment that I’ll never forget. plate so he has a good feel of how I like to throw, that He’s someone who I have idolized my whole life was cool having someone familiar with how I work and now seeing him be the one to say my name back there. It was also kind of funny being against is what dreams are made of. From that moment the Eugene Emeralds, a team who I grew up going to until I finally got to sleep around 3 a.m. was a lot of dozens of games each summer at Civic Stadium and mixed emotions. I received about 170 texts, 30 calls PK Park in Eugene. and countless Twitter and Facebook messages. It See MOORE | page 6 THE SUMMER BAROMETER

COURTESY OF SHARI SOMMERFELD

Coaches Corner: Guiding principles at Oregon State outweigh new laws Men’s soccer coach Steve Simmons discusses affects of Measure 91 for OSU sports n

By Brian Rathbone

THE SUMMER BAROMETER

Measure 91 comes into effect beginning on July 1, legalizing recreational marijuana use in the state of Oregon. This measure will make Oregon the fourth state, joining Alaska, Colorado and Washington, to legalize the use of recreational marijuana.

With the legalization in Oregon, the rules regarding punishment for athletes who test positive for marijuana become blurry. Should players be punished for testing positive for a substance that by the state’s standards is now legal?

In the past, players have been punished for testing positive for

drugs, results ranging from missing portions of games, to full game suspensions, and for repeat offenders, dismissal from the program.

For Oregon State men’s soccer coach Steve Simmons, the state law does not overtake the guiding principles that his team has put forth.

“There are rules that you have to have, and then there are guiding principles,” Simmons said. “My experience is that guiding principles are the driving force behind a healthy culture.

Guiding principles are the right things to do because you have a set of goals you want to accomplish as a group, the guiding principles are going to be at the front of any organization because they are above and beyond any kind of laws that are written – and that’s what our team is about.”

During the season team rules

and policies become more rigid in regards to the substances players can consume.

“The current policy is dry during the season; the guys did a very well with that,” Simmons said. “It’s harder when you are on campus, but they have a lot on the line. Whether it’s marijuana or performance enhancing there a lot of different things on the market that could compromise their performance.”

Players are subject to random drug testing throughout the season, something that will not change even with the new law.

“You can have things that are legal, that are performance enhancing drugs, but they are against NCAA rules, so there is a standard and a protocol that we are going to follow and we will do See Simmons | page 6

THE DAILY BAROMETER ARCHIVES

Oregon State men’s soccer coach Steve Simmons has been head coach for six seasons as of fall 2014.

6•Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Neil Olshey: The grand puppeteer Brenden Slaughter THE SUMMER BAROMETER

sports@dailybarometer.com • 541-737-2231

OSU welcomes back a ‘friend’ n

Todd Stansbury is the new Athletic Director, became official Wednesday

By Brian Rathbone

THE SUMMER BAROMETER

It isn’t the easiest thing to be a modern day General Manager in the NBA today. But for Neil Olshey, this will be his busiest as a GM. Not only does he have the difficult task of trying to keep LaMarcus Aldridge, he also has to answer for his very mind-boggling decisions that he has made so far during the period before free agency.

In a time span of just under a week, Olshey traded away jack of all trades Nicolas Batum to Charlotte for NBA veteran Gerald Henderson and 2014 No. 9 overall pick Noah Vonleh. This trade came as no surprise to many around the league as the Blazers were actively looking to shop the French swingman for a higher draft pick, however they found a better deal with Henderson and Vonleh.

From the perspective of a Blazers fan, this trade is a win for the franchise. Batum was coming off one of his worst season in the league since his rookie year and needed to go. Not to mention that from a cap standpoint, the Blazers save three million dollars with the trade. But most important of all, Olshey got two players that fit his mold of the Trail Blazers vision.

“They’re all unique in that they’re plus athletes, even at the NBA level,” Olshey said. “It’s easier to turn an athlete into a shooter than a shooter into an athlete. … We’re trying to get guys who can impact an NBA game.”

In terms of this trade, Olshey knows what he is doing. Sure he gave up a proven veteran in Nic Batum, but Olshey is making the moves necessary for the possibility of Aldridge leaving by getting a young power forward with promise in Vonleh. Overall, very solid trade.

As if emotions weren’t high enough headed into draft night, just a mere 20 minutes after the Blazers selected Arizona standout Rondae HollisJefferson with the 23rd pick, Yahoo Sports guru Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Blazers were in active trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets. Many Blazers fans including myself were shocked by the news, as from the outside it didn’t appear the Nets had anything the Blazers wanted. However, we were wrong as again Olshey got “his guys” as he traded Hollis-Jefferson and fan favorite Steve Blake for 3rd year center Miles Plumlee and 2015 second round pick Pat Connaughton from Notre Dame.

If the Batum trade wasn’t enough to make Blazers fans cringe, this one most certainly did. Even this reporter was shocked and confused at the first reaction of this trade, but after much thought and deliberation, the trade makes significant sense for the Blazers future.

After Batum was traded to Charlotte, many Blazers fans assumed the worst, Olshey made that trade with the idea in mind that Aldridge was already gone and the Blazers were in complete rebuilding mode.

However, they were just the opposite. According to Olshey, the Blazers made those moves with Aldridge in mind and fully expect to be in the race for him.

With that being said, the Blazers are making these moves trying to impress Aldridge, and so far it’s working. After looking at the problem this last season, you saw that the Blazers weren’t as effective with Batum in the lineup and they weren’t as athletic once they traded Will Barton and Thomas Robinson.

So far the Blazers have already remedied part of the problem, they received Plumlee who is widely considered to be one of the most athletic young centers in the league and Connaughton who is one of the most overlooked prospects of the draft after being drafted in the 4th round of the MLB draft in early June but decided to stick with the NBA. Both of these prospects are well worth the risks taken in this scenario. You look at what the biggest weaknesses were, and the Blazers began to address them. From the standpoint of Aldridge, you have to be impressed with how hard the franchise is trying to stay in a ‘win now mode.’

Neil Olshey is a sphinx, you just can’t read him, and that’s what you want in a GM. A GM is entitled to have a strong opinion, and rightfully so. Many Blazers fans are ready to crucify Olshey after these trades that he has made, but lest we forget, the Blazers wouldn’t be in this situation without Olshey. Rewind to three summers ago when Aldridge expressed unhappiness in Portland and wanted out, Olshey went and drafted Damian Lillard and the franchise hasn’t looked back.

It’s never easy to be an NBA GM, let alone be the person responsible for keeping Aldridge in Portland.

It’s a daunting and tedious task, but Olshey, with his track record is the guy to do it. He has years and years of experience in this business and knows what it takes to win. Hence the success that he built in the Clippers before he was hired away. He is truly a grand puppeteer with a face of a sphinx, you just don’t know what move he will or will not make next, but one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be a fascinating show.

Brenden Slaughter, sports writer On Twitter @b_slaught

In the media room of Gill Coliseum last Wednesday, Oregon State University president Ed Ray welcomed the newest addition to the Oregon State athletic department in a press conference that started with signing of contracts and a handshake.

Once everything was official Ray turned to Oregon State’s new director of athletics, Todd Stansbury and said, “Welcome aboard, friend,” officially starting a new chapter in Oregon State athletics.

For Stansbury, accepting the job marks a homecoming for him and his wife Karen. Prior to working as athletic director at the University of Central Florida, Stansbury worked under former athletic director Bob De Carolis as executive associate athletic director.

“I was trying to balance my attraction for Oregon State with leaving behind some exciting projects at UCF,” Stansbury

Moore n Continued from page 5 DB: As big supporter of the Bay Area teams, how excited were you with the Warriors their first title in 40 years?

AM: Oh man, I was thrilled!!! I didn’t get to watch too many of the games since I was playing in Dallas, then I was up in Seattle at dinner with some front office personnel then we had games on

said. “You can’t always pick your spots. Timing isn’t always necessarily going to be good – in fact, it’s usually bad. But this was something I knew I had to do.”

Before he could make his decision, Stansbury had to do his due process to make sure leaving his current job was worth uprooting and moving back to the west coast.

“Three things I’ve always asked myself when I’ve looked at an opportunity. Can we live there? Is it a place we can be successful – can we win? Is it an institution where all of our athletes can have a great experience? I was able to check all of those ‘yes’ with my knowledge of this institution to provide an opportunity for young people in a broad spectrum. It lines up with everything I believe in, to provide a gateway to an education and a better life.”

After evaluating three dozen candidates to fill the void left by De Carolis after announcing that he was stepping down on June 30, Stansbury name rose to the top of list.

He was heavily involved in the “Everyday Champions” mantra and have an instrumental role in

starting “Beavers without Borders” a mission trip for student athletes to do charity work in impoverished countries, during his time at Oregon State.

“As they reviewed the body of work and all he accomplished at UCF, there was a unanimous sense that this was the right person for this institution,” Ray said. “That made it pretty easy for me. We hired the right candidate, a person who well fits OSU’s DNA.” During the press conference Stansbury went into to depth about where his love for athletics, dreaming and achieving goals stems from.

As a young kid growing up in Canada, he and his family took a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. It was there that he met members of Georgia Tech football team that would take him on a path that at times seemed like a long shot.

In Canada, football is not often a sport children grow up wanting to play, let alone play at Georgia Tech. But through the encouragement from his parents, the dream of playing college football for the

a few of the same nights but that team was so much fun to watch all year. I have really enjoyed watching the development of Steph Curry over the years. He’s gone from being only a 3-point specialist to now a no-brainer, top notch well-rounded PG in the league. The job Steve Kerr did all season and then in the playoffs by inspiring the team to play hard night in and night out was incredible. The selflessness of Iguodala by coming off the bench for the first time

in his career then ultimately being named Finals MVP was incredible. I think everyone can enjoy what they accomplished, whether your a fan of them or not. They made history when people were doubting them all year and the whole postseason.

I’m already pumped for them to defend that crown next year.

GO DUBS!!!!

Andrew Moore, as told to Brian Rathbone, sports editor on Twitter @brathbone3 sports@dailybarometer.com

Yellowjackets became a reality.

“I was incredibly fortunate that those 18‐ to 22‐year‐olds who stole my heart at Daytona Beach led me to such a fine institution,” he said. “It changed my life and led me to doing more than I thought I could do.”

With current projects already in motion such as the “Victory through Valley” a renovation to the Valley Football Center and the west side of Reser Stadium needing upgrades, Stansbury is going to take his time before starting any major projects.

“There’s going to be some low‐hanging fruit that I feel comfortable we can look at and start implementing right away,” he said. “It’s, ‘What we can attack right now, and what do we start laying the foundation for that we can get to at a later date?’ I’ve been gone for 3 1/2 years, and I have a different lens than I had when I left.”

Stansbury will take over the athletic department starting in August, until then interim athletic Marianne Vydra will run the department.

Brian Rathbone, sports editor on Twitter @brathbone3 sports@dailybarometer.com

Simmons n Continued from page 5 that with any scenario,” Simmons said. “We will get a misdemeanor for using a performance drug that’s been banned, but we will have a different scenario, and we will treat that with marijuana or alcohol or any other scenario that are going to be compromising performance.

How we handle those cases and those guidelines or if rules are broken we handle on a case-to-case basis, like anything else because every situation is different.”

Even when the new law comes into affect, Simmons has little doubt that it will make much of an impact on his team: “These players are very goal driven, they want to do well at Oregon State, they have tasted some success, they know it’s not easy, they know the margin for error is small. They want to do well here.”

THE DAILY BAROMETER ARCHIVES

In his final start at Goss Stadium for the Beavers, pitcher Andrew Moore strikes out 13 Cal batters in a two-hit shutout on May, 22.

For Simmons, he wants make sure that his players are in the most positive light off the field. He claimed that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

“In a place like Corvallis, you have an athlete who hits the spotlight for good or bad reasons, it’s news, it’s just the reality of it. We have players who are of age to drink, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for them to do because they are. It might be a situation where it’s not the right place or the right time for it.

COURTESY OF SHARI SOMMERFELD

Former OSU ace, Andrew Moore pitches three perfect innings in his professional debut for the Everett Aquasox on June 22 against the Eugene Emeralds.

“The marijuana law, to me that is a social issue more than anything else, for high performing groups, there is many things that we have set — by administration, by the coaches and the players — that are above and beyond any law.”

Brian Rathbone, sports editor On Twitter @brathbone3 sports@dailybarometer.com

The Summer Barometer 7 •Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Editorial

Take the high road F

rom all of us here at the Daily Barometer to our peers who partake in the recreational use of Miss Mary Jane, we strongly urge you to take the time and read through the personal rights given to us by the state of Oregon and the conditions set forth on campus.

Under no circumstance will there be smoking – yes, we are still talking about weed – on Oregon State University property even if you are well over the age of 21.

However, let us take the high road.

For those who have been hiding their desire for the relaxationinducing plant can finally find here, not only in but in the entirety of this majestic, green state, a place to call home. We are now welcomed into the “Holy Trinity” of states (Washington, Alaska and Colorado) that allow for cannabis to be legal for all its eligible citizens.

By decriminalizing and allowing those to smoke as they please (within the parameters of Measure 91, of course), there can finally reside an overwhelming sigh of relief. There’s no more room for anymore monkey business. No more middle men monopolizing the black market. Just mom and pop shops selling their homegrown product. $53 million dollars of tax revenue came from legal pot sales last year in Colorado, according to CNN, how can other states not jump on the bandwagon? A little extra green for our economy can’t hurt.

However, we plea to those people who are addicted to chasing that organic high, do not disrupt our class time with your overt laughter, your bloodshot mug or your clothes reeking of skunk. Just as we plead to the drunken wanderers of Monroe, try to keep it under control.

Therefore we urge you, friends, do not play the part of the fool!

Yes, Measure 91 give us legal authority to possess 8 ounces with us at home and an ounce away. Yes, we can grow 4 marijuana plants if we so please in our homes. But no, you cannot smoke in any public space or drive under the influence.

So do not press your luck – as always, be safe and responsible. t

Editorials serve as a means for Barometer editors to offer commentary and opinions on issues both global and local, grand in scale or diminutive. The views expressed here are the views of the editorial board’s majority.

Letters

Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be printed on a first-received basis. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and include the author’s signature, academic major, class standing or job title, department name and phone number. Authors of e-mailed letters will receive a reply for the purpose of verification. Letters are subject to editing for space and clarity. The Daily Barometer reserves the right to refuse publication of any submissions. e-mail: editor@dailybarometer.com or The Daily Barometer, c/o Letters to the editor, 2251 SW Jefferson Way, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331

Forum

Editorial Board Kat Kothen Editor-in-Chief Rachel Suchan News Editor Brian Rathbone Sports Editor Skye J. Lyon Forum Editor

Eric Winkler Nicki Silva Zach Schneider

Design Editor Photo Editor Digital Editor

forum@dailybarometer.com• 541-737-2231

Weed be great together Skye J. Lyon Forum Editor

Searching for a “higher” understanding regarding the mental process one undergoes when choosing to either be indulged in the marijuana culture or not, I found reasons to validate the now lawful recreational practice of smoking in Oregon. Whether it be because the perfume lingers in every crevice of your average house party on 25th or the age old excuse “because my friends are doing it”, everyone has an opinion regarding the controversial lifestyle choices associated with your average smoker whether they choose to partake or not.

“Burnouts,” Natasha La Blue, senior in English says as she describes the typical stereotype, “there are many non-functioning potheads around.

Too many in the college scene. I, myself, am not involved in that lifestyle but I have seen many around me get consumed with the idea of getting high constantly, therefore, setting poor examples to others. But the way I see it is, people choose who they want to be in life…not a substance.”

It is easy to lose sight of a definitive right or wrong answer regarding the legalization act, especially since a majority of my peers – yes, you

know who you are – partake in a puff here and there, yet, all lead very successful lives in school and out in the community.

“I have seen a lot of people not reach their full potential in life because of weed,” senior in English Jessica Frerk states, “either they were too lazy to be ambitious or too tired to do much of anything…but, then again, weed should not be their scapegoat.”

We live in a society where it is easy to pass judgement on others because of the clothes they wear, the people they affiliate with, or even in the way they conduct themselves amongst others. However, I pose the question to my readers: should we reprimand those who choose to smoke, why or why not? And, how would a “functioning” smoker be correctly depicted.

“I am a southern California medical patient who uses weed to fall sleep at night,” Zack Monroe, senior in new media communications, states, “I remember the first time I smoked, I had a severe sense of paranoia. After some time passed, that soon vanished and I grew to adjust to it. I had that common misconception that all people who smoked pot would be portrayed as a lazy ‘burnout’ chained to a couch but that is clearly not the case.” Monroe begins to describe how he lives his life with ambition and vigor every day, regardless of his medical use of the notorious green herb, “I am my top game, always. Receiving

my BA has been a huge accomplishment in my life…there are endless opportunities waiting beyond Oregon State for me.”

Many still linger on the fence regarding the newly passed state law, but that is expected.

However, my advice to everyone is to look beyond the smoke, look beyond the binary realm of black and white – there is clarity hovering in the grey. t

Skye J. Lyon is a senior in liberal studies with an emphasis in creative writing and ethnic studies. The opinions expressed in Lyon’s columns do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer staff. Lyon can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com.

Symbol of hatred has no place amongst the free Derek Saling A&E Columnist

It is disgraceful that two weeks after the massacre at a South Carolina church, which was racially charged, the Confederate flag still flies above the South Carolina State Capitol.

There is a false rhetoric out there saying that people are blaming the flag instead of the shooter, Dylann Roof. Plainly, this just isn’t true.

Obviously the flag is not directly to blame for his actions, but that does not mean that the government should support the flag or that the flag doesn’t contribute to a climate of oppression towards black Americans.

The flag is a symbol of treason and racism, regardless of what some people might argue, and to have it raised triumphantly above a government building is both offensive and upsetting.

Even on Saturday, after somebody scaled the pole that the flag is on and removed it, it was put back up soon after because it is protected by state law.

South Carolina Governor Nikki

Haley has called for the removal of the flag, but being protected by state law, until legislation is passed it will continue to stay.

For the most part, the reaction to the flag has been encouraging the last couple weeks, with many government members across the country calling for its removal in a number of different states, as well as many major retailers have pulled products with the flag on them. Even if these moves are more about good publicity and not a moral epiphany, it is still a positive for society.

Sadly, there is still a small group that is actively defending the flag.

Their arguments are that it represents southern culture. This is true on some levels. It does represent southern culture, but the most despicable aspect of that culture and the darkest part of its history– slavery and secession.

As hard as these people want to defend it, their arguments are woefully flimsy. They say it’s not even technically the Confederate flag (sure, but it’s the Confederate battle flag, so instead of representing the states that seceded for their rights to enslave people, it represents the army that fought for the right to enslave people), and the Civil War was about more about state’s

rights than slavery (again, this may be partially true, but the main right they wanted to protect was the legalization of slavery), and that southerners don’t see it as racist (I’m sure there is a large group that they are forgetting to ask about whether or not it is seen as racist).

Another thing that is strange about those defending the flag is that most are staunch supporters of the United States flag. So they get upset about anything that disrespects the American flag, but also blatantly defend the flag that represents a group of treasonous states that fought a war against those under the United States flag.

Logically it makes no sense, but then again, it is an argument that is not grounded in reason.

To say that the flag doesn’t represent anything hateful is deceitful and disrespectful. There is a reason that white supremacists wave it proudly, and that neo-Nazis in Germany fly the flag in place of the Swastika, and it’s not because they appreciate the rich heritage of the American south.

What’s also been strange is that I have seen some people defending it that were born and raised in the northwest. They have no ties to the flag, the south, or its culture, yet

argue for its heritage. At least somebody from the south can use the bad excuse that it represents their culture, even if their ideals are misguided they are arguing about their actual community. But to defend it from Corvallis, Oregon means that you are racist or are woefully ignorant about the real culture and history the flag represents.

This shouldn’t even be an issue of controversy. A symbol of treason and racism has no place being displayed above government buildings.

Some are crying that the country is getting too politically correct, but in this situation it is just morally correct to remove a symbol of oppression.

Nobody is saying that the flag will be banned from personal possession. This is a country that allows free speech, including parading symbols of hate.

However, that does not mean that it is the government’s responsibility to support a symbol of rebellion and prejudice. t

Derek Saling is a senior in English. The opinions expressed in Saling’s columns do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer staff. Saling can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com.

Acceptance, equality are liberating, necessary Forum Columnist

What a great time to be alive!

Finally the Supreme Court has made same sex marriage legal nationwide.

Not that I plan on getting married at all, but I applaud those that do. As the U.S. may not be everyone’s favorite world presence, this is a big step to finally join the other nations worldwide to end hatred and discrimination.

When I found out about the Supreme Court’s decision on same sex marriage I did not celebrate, post an inspirational quote on my facebook page, or add fading LGBTQ+

flag to the background of my profile picture. I am glad that equality for people that have different sexual preferences is being practiced now, but I do not feel like celebrating for something that should have been accepted a long time ago. Maybe I do not feel victorious because I was not one of the lawyers fighting for same sex marriage, or maybe because I did not live through the ‘80s when HIV was killing thousands of people and there were barely any countermeasures. I was raised with many privileges, and even though I have faced discrimination and racism, I feel like a pretty lucky guy.

Spending most of my childhood in Mexico, I was taught that being “gay” was a bad thing. I even remember being a little frightened to the idea

‘‘

‘‘

Arturo W. R. Segesman

I know who I am,

and that is good enough for me.

of getting near a gay person or having any kind of physical contact.

But as I grew up, I started to identify the fallacies in my immediate surroundings and started listening more to my mother. It was then when I was a teenager, I realized I was pansexual. To feel an attraction to someone because of they way they talk, smell or just look at me is, in a way, extremely liberating. Things

like gender are as important to me as choosing the socks with the red line or without the red line when I’m getting dressed for school.

Many friends know this about me, but I have never felt the need to tell the world. Mostly because I see nothing to gain from it. I know who I am, and that is good enough for me.

What troubles me the most about being openly pansexual is being seen as a different person, and especially with guys thinking that all I want to do is “get in their pants” like they do with women. My sexual identity doesn’t operate that way.

Just like men don’t feel attracted to all women, and women don’t feel attracted to all men; I don’t want to invite anyone into believing I am attracted to everyone I encounter in

my daily life.

I enjoy living in a country where many people will stand up against adversity, especially regarding their sexual preferences. It is a birth right to feel unabashed by one’s personal identity. Seeing a government adapt to its people makes for a positive wave of change to flow through our society. Even though we, as a society, have a long way to go until we eradicate discrimination of any kind, I feel we are in the right direction. t

Arturo W. R. Segesman is a junior in business and minoring in French. The opinions expressed in Segesman’s columns do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Barometer staff. Segesman can be reached at forum@dailybarometer.com

A•Wednesday, July 1, 2015

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