The Daily Mississippian - January 31, 2018

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THE DAILY

MISSISSIPPIAN

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Volume 106, No. 62

T H E S T U D E N T N E W S PA P E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I S S I S S I P P I S E R V I N G O L E M I S S A N D OX F O R D S I N C E 1 9 1 1

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Winter Institute leaves Ole Miss after 19 years

TAYLOR VANCE STAFF WRITER

The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation is relocating from Ole Miss after almost two decades on campus. Although the move is still in the early stages of the planning process, the institute announced that it is expanding its operations and moving to Jackson to become an independent non-profit organization in order to increase its service to the whole state. Board Chairman Bill Bynum

said the institute decided to relocate based off of former Gov. Winter’s vision to grow the organization to form a partnership with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and introduce more programs in the capital city. The institute does not know the specific location it plans to move to, but it does intend to operate independently. The William Winter Institute will not be completely gone; it plans to continue to pursue reconciliation work with the university and other universities and entities across

the state. “The institute is evolving from the incubation at the university,” Bynum said. “The university did a great job of getting it on solid ground and getting the institution started. Our relationship with the university is positive, and we are evolving on good terms.” The founding of the William Winter Institute dates back to President Bill Clinton’s Initiative on Race in 1997. The initiative had a seven-member advisory board, which Winter was a part of. The board trav-

eled around the country and would hold conferences in different regions. The board decided to make a stop in Mississippi, and Winter suggested a stop at the University of Mississippi, his alma mater. Winter and the board thought the event was so successful they decided to create a racial reconciliation center at the university. After two years of planning, the university founded the institute, and named it after Winter in 1999. Even though Winter’s vision was to always expand the

institute, it was started at Ole Miss because of his ties to the university and how much he respects it, Bynum said. The university supported the decision to relocate to Jackson and thanked the institute for the work it’s done on campus. “The university will connect and coordinate its activities in research, education and engagement around the issues of civility and race relations (with the William Winter Institute) under the leadership of Ka-

SEE WINTER PAGE 3

Oxford faces blood shortage Religious group falsely accused of human trafficking MEAGAN MCGEE KATHRYN ABERNATHY STAFF WRITERS

BLAKE ALSUP

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

PHOTO BY: XINYI SONG

Art professor Robert Malone finishes donating blood during the National Pan-Hellenic Council blood drive in front of the Croft Institute on Monday.

JORDAN HOLMAN STAFF WRITER

Mississippi Blood Services in Oxford has declared a shortage due to the inclement weather and sickness that has swept over the state this month. According to supervisor Jackie Spencer, the service is about 1,000 units

behind its usual monthly quota. “The weather really put us behind, because all the ice and snow meant people couldn’t drive out to donate or work,” she said. “The widespread flu going around has also been an issue, as less people are donating because they are sick. All in all, we’re about a week behind.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LIFESTYLES

A blood shortage, according to the Red Cross, is declared when a city or area has five or fewer days of viable blood supplies left to use for treatment. Such shortages usually occur in the summer, Red Cross data reveals; however, this cold season has made it more difficult for

SEE BLOOD DRIVE PAGE 3

IN THIS ISSUE...

‘We live in a dangerous world’

Thacker Mountain returns

A letter explains how the ASB concealed carry proposal could help protect students

The Oxford radio staple kicks off its 2018 season with Nathaniel Rich

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Unverified accusations against a religious organization in the Oxford area sparked viral social media rumors around the Ole Miss campus. A religious group that originated in South Korea and consists of 20 members in Oxford has had numerous false accusations of recruiting students on campus into human trafficking. The rumors aimed at the World Mission Society Church of God were fueled by social media posts going viral on Twitter and Facebook. Jason Ahn, the pastor of the Southaven church, said the members have been receiving texts and calls leaving them with an overall feeling of embarrassment. “I realize how falsehood can quickly spread and people actually believe that deception,” Ahn said. “I wish people can see the truth and receive salvation.” The group’s pamphlets read, “Do all things testify about God the Mother?” and “Is God Male or Female?” Students said they have been approached by members of the church in the library and the Student Union. Sophomore exercise science major Mackensie Faulk said she spoke to members of the church

for a few minutes when they knocked on her door at The Connection apartment complex. “They asked if I was religious, and I said yes, but they sort of looked at me like I had the wrong religion or something and kept trying to tell me about God the Mother,” Faulk said. “They invited me to Bible studies, and when I said I was busy, they insisted I take a pamphlet and she wrote a phone number on it.” Both the Oxford and University police departments have investigated the rumors of criminal activity, and released separate statements Wednesday afternoon. “We have investigated and determined that the church, World Mission Society Church of God, is a legitimate church looking to expand to our area,” the Oxford Police Department said. According to the Freedom of Religion Act, it is legal to go door to door sharing information about one’s religion. “We have received numerous calls and messages about a religious group going door to door, but nothing incriminating has been reported,” Oxford Police Chief Hildon Sessums said. The 54-year-old religious group’s nearest church is located in Southaven. Ole Miss seniors Jake and Sheneria Miller have been members of the church for more than a year and were

SEE CHURCH GROUP PAGE 3

SPORTS

SPORTS

After two years in Sweden, Ole Miss alumna defender will now coach her former position

Bryce Brown’s 19 second-half points lead Auburn to 20th victory of season

Jessica Hiskey joins soccer staff PAGE 6

No. 11 Tigers top Rebels PAGE 8


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