March
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Vol. 75 / No. 21
INSIDE
JSU Events....................... 2 Opinion............................ 3
News................................. 4
March 5, 2015
www.thejsuflash.com
Voting rights 50 years after Selma march
Part1: Voting Rights 50 years later - As America remembers the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. that helped secure the passage of the Voting Rights Act, students and citizens in this series of stories on voting, discuss if recent challenges and legislations are making it more difficult for some demographics to vote 50 years after the historic legislation.
Variety.............................. 5
SGA Constitutional Proposal... 6
Yes, We’re Social Jackson State Flash @the_jsuflash JacksonState-Flash @thejsuflash
5-day Weather Thursday
Photo: Dave Martin/AP Vice President Biden joined John Lewis and others at the annual pilgrimage to Selma in 2013.
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Mark Braboy Associate Editor/MC301 Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 was declared unconstitutional in 2013 by the United States Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote. Some people believe that this decision has compromised the voting rights
of citizens of color, the lower class and the elderly in the United States. According to the U.S. Constitution, Section 4 is the key component to the VRA which is a formula that is based on voting patterns to identify areas where there are high amounts of voting discrimination due to race.
Louisiana. The voter ID law was made effective in Mississippi on June 3, 2014 when 62 percent of Mississippi voters approved the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment in a vote on Nov. 8, 2011.
Voting Cont. on pg.7
Do you feel new legislations are making it difficult for some citizens to vote?
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Compiled by MC301 Contributors
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This guarantees citizens of all ethnicities and education levels the right to vote and register to vote without discrimination. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 30 states now have a voter ID laws. Some of these include: Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Kansas, Florida, Michigan, and
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The voter ID law was made effective in Mississippi on June 3, 2014
Tatiana Smith Senior Psychology Detroit, Mich.
Diante Rogers Sophomore Biology Manhattan, N.Y.
Dynasti Dixon Freshman Biology Jackson, Miss.
George Nelson Ph.D. Candidate Educational leadership Jackson, Miss.
Gabriela Norman Freshman Mathematics Long Beach, Calif.
“Yes, voting should be simple and this is making it complicated for those who can’t afford it. Some already have a hard time simply getting transportation to vote.”
“I feel as if it’s more of a hassle, but at the same time it’s very protective. The government needs to know who’s voting so there’s no fraud involved.”
“I don’t think it is, typically you would need ID for other things, so this is no different to me.”
“It is a tactical measure to disenfranchise as many African-American voters from the process. Voting is a right to all American citizens and should be without parameters.”
“Yes, because it’s targeting the middle class citizens who are working and do not have time to prepare for all these new legislations.”
Tiger Events The Blue & White Flash Jackson State University
P.O. Box 18449 Jackson, Mississippi 39217 Phone: 601.979.2167 / Fax: 601.979.2876 E-Mail: theflash@jsums.edu
Awards & Honors The Blue & White Flash has received numerous awards and honors from the Mississippi Press Association, Black College Communications Association and the Southern Regional Press Institute. The Flash proudly hosted the 2003 and 2010 HBCU Newspaper Conference and Job Fair at Jackson State University.
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The Blue & White Flash SHANNON D. TATUM Publications Manager
KIERRA D. THOMAS Graphic Designer
MARK BRABOY Associate Editor
GUY KING News Editor
WILLIAM KELLY Photographer/Student Designer
Jeremy Anderson Orionna Brumfield Mia Brooks Kris Campbell Dejha Carlisle Christoper Chapman Dwayne Joeseph Jr. Kenya Johnson
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Letters To The Editor
Letters to the editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name(s), address, and phone number; phone number will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for space and libel consideration. Materials must be submitted by Monday at 5 p.m. for publication on Thursday.
Editorial Staff
The Blue & White Flash is open to contributions from all Jackson State University students. We encourage all students, regardless of major and/or classification, to participate in the production of their newspaper. For information concerning your contribution to “The Official Student Newspaper of Jackson State University,” call 601-979-2167 or visit room 211 in the Blackburn Language Arts Building.
Publication/Distribution Information The Blue & White Flash is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the counsel of the adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty/staff, the administration, the student body, or the Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Flash cannot be republished without the expressed written permissions of the editor, adviser and the Student Publications Board at Jackson State University. The Flash is published during the fall and spring semesters, but not during university-recognized holidays, mid-semester and final examinations. The Flash is distributed at various locations around the Jackson State University campus, free of charge to students, staff and faculty. Additional copies may be obtained from the Office of Student Publications.
Page 2 - March 5, 2015
The Blue & White Flash
JSU Campus Briefs COMMUNITY for Writing, Rhetoric, SERVICE and Research at 601-979If you want community 0989. service, visit the community service booth PROFESSIONAL in the students center on LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Friday March 6,2015 from & MANAGEMENT 10 am-1 pm. Located in SEMINAR JSC Booth Area. This event will be held at the following time, date, VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX and location: Wednesday, ASSISTANCE March 25, 2015 at 8am to Need assistance on filing Thursday, March 26,2015 your taxes? Come to at 4:30 pm @ Mississippi the College of Business e-Center Convention Hall, Building Room 201 March 1230 Raymond Road 7, 2015 to get the help Jackson, Miss. you need. It’s open to the DONATE TO public and will be from SUPPORT STUDENT 10am-1pm. SCHOLARS Jackson State was the VERSHAWN ASHANTI YOUNG school of the month in PERFORMS February with the Tom Vershawn Ashanti Young Joyner Foundation. But (aka Dr. Vay) will be donations are still being performing “Your Average accepted. To donate, or for Nigga” Monday, March more information: http:// 23. At 4pm in the F.D. tomjoynerfoundation.org/ Hall of Music Recital Hall. jackson-state-universityHis lecture “The Problem named-february-schoolwith Grammar “ will take month. place Tuesday, March 24, at 10am in the Dollye The Tom Joyner M.E Robinson Building Foundation was established in Room 166/266. For in 1998 as the brainchild of more info contact the nationally syndicated radio Richard Wright Center personality Tom Joyner.
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The Blue & White Flash
Opinion
“Why do you feel it is important for the current generation to vote?”
Compiled by MC301 Contributors
Daria Butorina Freshman Graphic Design Ukraine
“Every person [has] to vote because they have their own mind and their position in their life, that’s why everyone has to vote.”
Keonte Turner Senior Biology Benton Harbor, Mich.
“From my knowledge of politics, it’s very important especially for our generation to vote because we’re the leaders of the future.”
Nikyta Wilkins Senior Mass Communications Chicago, Ill.
“I feel like this generation should vote because we are the future and you don’t want to bring someone into office that goes against your beliefs or your rights.”
Cartoon: Resse Tornes
Are we slaves to the Miss. Voter ID Laws? Andrew Scott Senior Biology Jackson, Miss.
“The people before us paved to have the right to vote . . . If we want to see a difference or change in the world, we have to put in the action to vote and come together.”
Jaz’Mone Moore Senior Chemistry Jackson, Miss.
“I vote. But I do it because I feel it’s a priority, not something I really want to do. We would be mad if we didn’t’voice our opinions or vote.”
Eric Barber Junior Health Education Leland, Miss.
COMMENTARY
“What’s the point of voting if you’re not going to know what’s going on with your surroundings? You can’t just vote for skin color, at the same time you have to know what you’re voting for.”
Guy King News Editor
Sang Hum Cho Sophomore Computer Science Seoul, South Korea
“I can’t vote, but it just feels like voting doesn’t matter anymore. It is important to voice your opinion, but I am not an U.S. citizen.”
Cortez Williams Senior History Lexington, Miss. “Your vote is your choice. If you don’t vote, why are you complaining? If you know history, you know what you have to do to get things done. Vote!”
Tatiyana Blood Junior Mass Comm./English Birmingham, Ala.
“We should let our voices be heard. I feel like our ancestors fought for us to vote, and we should exercise that privilege.”
Shalakkeia Brocks Sophomore Social Work Jackson, Miss.
“I feel like voting helps us to get things done, make things happen. We can make a difference for our upcoming generations.”
Cordarius Hill Senior Mass Communications Memphis, Tenn.
“It is important for people to know what’s going on in our society . . . If we vote, we’ll have more power, more recourses to other things we don’t know about.”
Elias Wells Senior Criminal Justice Clarksdale, Miss.
“Some people feel they should vote out of mere obligation and some vote to make a difference.”
“Who was the 13th President that held an office? You don’t know? Application to vote denied!” That was told to so many of our grandparents and great grandparents when all they wanted to do was be able to register to vote. With the new voter identification laws that are being set in place, we seem to be going back to that place in time. Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 was declared unconstitutional in 2013 and now 30 states have voter ID laws, including Mississippi. According to an article published on June 23, 2014 by CBS News, 300 voters out of 400,000 failed to present an ID, and were turned around
and did not return. A June 3, 2014 Clarion Ledger article stated that only one voter was reported as not having an ID and turned around from being able to cast a ballot in the election. This is quite a jump from 1 to 300 in less than a 30 day period right? The real question is why Mississippi would implement a law with knowledge that those who are of poor economic status or elderly may not be able to present identification. I feel that Mississippi is slowly going back to its past, and not allowing the blacks to vote! However, now blacks are not the only demographic that will be affected. The elderly, the young, the poor and other minority groups will also be affected by this law. A Caltech/MIT survey estimated that between 910,000 and 3 million votes were lost due to registration problems in 2008. Another 1.8 million voters experienced equipment problems at the polls, making the total number of voters who were prevented from voting in 2008 greater than the margin of victory in the national popular vote in the presidential elections of 2000 and 2004.
These new laws are only hindering the voting process because requiring a person who has already obtained a voter registration card to also present ID is ridiculous to me. Registered voters did their due diligence to prove who they were during the voter registration process. Mississippi has almost 50 percent AfricanAmerican voters that actually show up to every election and cast a ballot. I feel that the election of President Barack Obama for two terms has caused many republicans to come up with way to hinder other minorities from winning this office. Until these laws are stricken down however, I encourage everyone to do what you have to do to be able to vote. If it’s an ID they want, get one. Don’t let these petty laws disenfranchise you and take away your voice. To g e t h e r, w e c a n elect politicians who will not make laws that hinder our communities from prospering.
The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
News
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The Blue & White Flash
Young, poor and minorities are less likely to vote Jeremy Anderson MC301 Contributor/Staff
Voting is considered to be the single most important source of power for U.S. citizens, allowing them to mold a government by the people and for the people. However, an unfortunate trend of low voter turnout is pervasive among some demographics in America With the exception of national elections like the two won by President Barack Obama, college-aged persons vote at a much lower rate for local and state elections. According to projectvote. org, approximately 21 million citizens under the age of 30 did not vote in 2008. Non-white or Latino 18-year-old citizens were registered to vote at a rate six percentage points behind their white counterparts, 51 percent of whom are registered. As of November 2008, fewer than half (49 percent) of 18-year-old citizens were registered to vote. This is 22 percentage points lower than the general population. Some Jackson State University students feel that lower voter turnout among young people in local elections
Google Images Voters stand in long line on election day.
is because many feel that what goes on in local government has nothing to do with them. “What’s the point of voting if you’re not going to know what’s going on with your surroundings,” said Eric Barber, a junior health education major from Leland, Miss. “You can’t just vote for skin color, you have to know what you’re voting for.” Student Government Association President Keonte Turner believes that young people have the potential to
harness a lot of voting power. “From my knowledge of politics, it’s very important for our generation to vote because we’re the leaders of the future,” said Turner, a senior biology major from Benton Harbor, Mich. Other JSU students feel that not voting disrespects Civil Rights pioneers. “People before us paved the way for us to have the right to vote. If we want to see a difference or change the world, we have to put in the action to
vote and come together,” said Andrew Scott, a senior biology major from Jackson, Miss. Tatiyana Blood, a junior mass communications/English major agrees. “We should let our voices be heard. I feel like our ancestors fought for us to vote and we should exercise that privilege,” said Blood. Studies show that minorities face greater challenges in getting to the polls. A Caltech/MIT survey estimates that between 910,000
and 3 million votes were lost due to registration problems in 2008. Another 1.8 million voters experienced equipment problems at the polls, making the total number of voters who were prevented from voting in 2008 greater than the margin of victory in the national popular vote in the presidential elections of 2000 and 2004. Other findings in the Caltech/MIT survey show that approximately 17 percent of voters reported waits of 30 minutes or longer, primarily people of color in urban areas and the state of Florida. Some students at JSU feel that despite statistics, if young people, minorities and impoverished citizens do not vote, they will not have equal representation in the government “I feel like voting helps us get things done, makes things happen. We can make a difference for our upcoming generations,” said Shalakkeia Brocks, a sophomore social work major from Jackson, Miss. Ultimately, Cordarius Hill feels, “If we vote, we will have more power and more resources to other things we don’t know about.” Students from MC301: Introduction to News Reporting also contributed to this article.
Epsilon Pi Tau holds spring induction ceremony at JSU Special to the Flash The Delta Beta Chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau Technology Honor Society conducted its spring 2015 Induction Ceremony on Feb. 26, 2015. This event was held on the Jackson State University-Main Campus in the Engineering Building Audition. Epsilon Pi Tau Technology Honor Society was established in 1929. As the premier academic and professional honors group for higher education technology and workforce programs and professionals in practice, Epsilon Pi Tau has provided honor and distinction to members, institutions, programs, and individuals throughout the world for more than 80 years. Epsilon Pi Tau’s roster of 23,000 members includes: students in associate, baccalaureate and advance science and technology degree programs. It also includes practicing engineers, technologists, technicians,
supervisors, managers, private entrepreneurs, inventors, scientists, social scientists, public and vocational school teachers, administrators, college and university faculty, researchers, administrators and other profound leaders. Kevin Howell, professor of Technology and Environment Design at Appalachian State University, serves as Executive Director of this organization. The Delta Beta Chapter at Jackson State is sponsored by the Department of Industrial Systems and Technology, under the College of Science, Engineering and Technology with Dr. Richard Alo as College Dean. Dr. Kamal Ali, serves as the Industrial Systems and Technology Department Chair, and Dr. Jessica L. Murphy (Associate Professor) serves as the Delta Beta Chapter advisor and Epsilon Pi Tau Region 2 Director. The Delta Beta Chapter inducted 17 new members consisting of undergraduate
and graduate students. In addition to such a momentous occasion, there was an additional ceremony, which helped to make this event more impactful. Because Epsilon Pi Tau being is an international organization, the Delta Beta chapter offered to assist faculty and students at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (Durban, South Africa) in becoming members. On Feb. 26, 2015, a virtual induction ceremony was held and four students in the School of Education’s Science and Technology Education Cluster at University of KwaZulu Natal were inducted into Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society. Dr. Busisiwe Alant, the faculty contact at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, has also become an Epsilon Pi Tau member. Dr. Murphy initially began collaborations with Dr. Alant during a 2012 visit to South Africa as a part of the Jackson State University’s delegation, sponsored by JSU Advance.
Photo: Dominique McCraney Epsilon Pi Tau 2015 Inductees.
Variety
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The Blue & White Flash
Jackson State students discuss Spring Break plans Dwayne Joseph, Jr. Staff Writer
Google Images
5 ticoeps for
cho
1. Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City is the top choice for most spring breakers in the U.S. The weather is subtropical, and that means enjoyable conditions for the people partying there. Panama City is home to Club La Vela, the biggest nightclub in America. College spring breakers can enjoy nightly concerts on the beach, while also rocking out at wild parties with DJs. Panama City is also friendly on the budget. There are a lot of flexible options that can make this trip enjoyable and affordable.
Spariknegrs Bre Dejha Carlisle Staff Writer Now is the time to start packing your bags and hitting the road: it’s Spring Break! To many, this equates to lots of sun, no classes for a week, parties and new environments. This combination can lead to wonderful memories and a well needed break from the stress and pressures of being a college student. Your days spent working in the gym for that beach body and saving money to splurge during this vacation is about to pay off. Now the big question is: Where to go? Most college students are indecisive when it comes to the place they want to go wild at. Here are the top 5 choices Spring Breakers choose.
2. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a lovely place for college kids who want to cross the border. Cancun has gorgeous white sand beaches and crystalclear waters, with MCs leading the parties and dancing contests on the beach. Cancun is also home to the Inception Music Festival, the largest event held during spring break. The world’s top DJs perform here, also talents such as Tiesto, Hardwell, and Afrojack.
Some students enjoy their spring break in places like Panama City, New Orleans, or even across the waters to visit places that are exotic, while other students are at home doing absolutely nothing. And sometimes nothing is good. Eric Barber, a junior health education major from Leland, Miss., is one student that says “chilling and being with family” is all he wants for spring break this year. “This year, I just plan on being with my family because every Spring Break I go somewhere I have never been before. This time, I want to spend it in the comfort of my own home,” said Barber. Brandy Martin, a freshmen biology/pre-med major from Jackson, Miss., said that she plans on relaxing for the entire break. “This semester has really been rough so this break is well needed. I think everyone should use this time and do nothing all week because
school can burn a person out. Everyone needs a little time off,” said Martin. Henry Goss, a junior mass communications major from Jackson, Miss., said that he will be using his Spring Break for relaxation. “I’m such a busy body that a week of relaxation is definitely what I need,” said Goss. Spring Break also provides a chance for students to get community service hours for graduation. A student being heavily active in their community shows that they care about where they come from and want to make it better for students after them. Tiara Turner, a freshman physics major from Memphis, Tenn., is using this time to get started on community service by volunteering at her church here in Jackson. “My church, New Vineyard, is organizing Spring Break activities for members and nonmembers with children at the church. I plan on being there every day to help out with the kids in elementary and middle
school. This way I can get my community service hours and also be a helping hand at the church,” said Turner. Although students are looking towards graduation and starting their careers in Corporate America, some students just want to take a pit stop and do something different before it’s time to finish this Jackson State race to graduation. Shontrice Garrett, a senior mathematics major from East St. Louis, Ill., said that she wants to do something she has never done. “For the past two years, I have been spending my Spring Breaks completing community service. As a result of preparing for graduation and adult life, I wanted to spend my time enjoying life with no constraints thus I decided to go to Panama City Beach because I have never placed my feet in the sand at the beach or in the ocean,” said Garrett. Whatever your plans may be, enjoy your Spring Break and be safe!
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of affordable resorts for college students as well as families. This resort is more for students who want to get away to a quiet place, instead of partying all the time. There are interesting clubs to go to, and the most exclusive clubs in Mexico. These clubs boast million dollar light shows and booming sound systems. Puerto Vallarta also gives you a chance to explore their city. There is a lot of culture to learn about, which can benefit college students.
4. Freeport, Bahamas Party Cruise
Freeport is also a choice for many spring breakers, simply because students can get party packages. Many students (if they are of legal age) can go on an afternoon booze cruise, go snorkeling, or attend an open bar. The hotel staff in Freeport is often boasted upon, and spring breakers can participate in dozens of contests.
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Spring breakers choose this resort because it is so huge, they don’t have to leave the property to find things to do. The hotel resorts in Punta Cana have enjoyable things such white-
Google Images
sand beaches, sparkling waters, dining varieties, and day & night activities. There are even casinos for the adults. Punta Cana offers private resorts, for the more quiet and tranquil people.
It is ok to have fun, that is the purpose of the break. But remember that some of the intentions of the people around may not be in your best interest. BE SAFE while having fun!
SGA Constitution Proposal
Page 6 - March 5, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
Purpose As an African American institution of higher learning, we are charged with the responsibility to educate and to instill within our people the necessary skills to create a better society. I strongly believe that by not having a Mr. Jackson State University on campus we are depriving our young men of the capacity to exert leadership skills and personal influence. Granted we offer the President of Student Government Association position for male/female participation, but there is not counterpart for Miss Jackson State, a position that enjoys a considerable amount of respect and praise. With the cooperation of Student Life, I am asking you to provide male students like myself who eagerly desire an opportunity to represent the illustrious Jackson State as a leader and official campus representative with the ability to do such that. In the African American community, one out of every three black men will be incarcerated. High school dropout rates are decreasing but black students are still more likely to dropout than are whites. In addition, 35% of households in America are led by single-parents. 49% of families in Mississippi are led by single-parents with women representing the head in most homes. These statistics are most searing when observing black, female led families from places like the Delta or similar regions in the south. Where are the men? For those young black men that do come to college where is their representation? Do they see themselves in the administration? To an extent, I believe we do. From professors and administrators to the men that cook our food, we see black male representation. However, in the Student Government Association, the student organization of the people, there is no official position of male representation. There is no male equivalent to Miss JSU, a position that enjoys substantial influence and support from the university the community. By creating a Mr. Jackson State University, young men will have the opportunity to represent the university and be a positive role model for others. Responsibilities TITLE X
MISTER JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
CHAPTER 900 MISTER JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 901.1 Qualifications Candidates for Mister Jackson State University A. Must have been born a male. B. Must be single, never been married. He must remain in this status during his reign. C. Not have fathered a child or be expecting to father a child during his reign. D. Must have earned minimum of 90 quality hours and a maximum of 126 hours at the beginning of the fall semester of his reign. E. Must have been enrolled at Jackson State University at least one academic year prior to his candidacy. F. Must have attained a 2.8 cumulative grade point average during his tenure at Jackson State University and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to remain in his position. G. Never have been convicted before any disciplinary committee at any time before or during his candidacy and/or reign. H. Must have been approved by the Center of Student Leadership and Involvement and the Office of Associate President for Student Life verifying items a-f above. I. No student may serve as Mister Jackson State University for more than one elected term. J. Must be enrolled as full time student at Jackson State University at the time of his candidacy and during reign. CHAPTER 902 METHOD OF SELECTION 902.1 Candidates for Mister Jackson State University shall be nominated by the Student body during the General Elections held in the spring. 902.2 Each candidate for Mister Jackson State University shall participate in a pageant scheduled by the Election Commission and directed by the Center of Student Leadership and Involvement. A. The pageant shall be judged by a panel of five (5) external judges recommended by the Election Commission and the Office of Associate Provost for Student Life. B. The pageant shall be judged on: 1. Talent (100 points) 2. Oratorical Ability (100 points) 3. On stage Personality (100 points) C. Total point value which may be awarded for the pageant, shall be three hundred (300) points. One hundred (100) points for each category (Talent, Oratorical Ability, and On Stage Personality). D. Each candidate for Mister Jackson State University must participate in the pageant. E. This pageant shall be method of selection of candidates with the three (3) highest scores will appear on the ballot in the Spring General Elections. In the event of a tie among the highest scoring candidates both shall appear on the ballot. 902.3 The candidate with the highest number of votes shall be crowned Mister Jackson State University. In the event of a tie on the ballot for first place, the candidate receiving the highest number of points in the pageant shall be declared Mister Jackson State University. 902.4 There shall be no alternatives to Mister Jackson State University. 902.5 The individual receiving the second highest number of votes in the elections and still maintaining eligibility requirements for Mister Jackson State University will second her if some catastrophic event shall cause her to relinquish her crown.
Continues on Page 8
Voting
Cont. from pg.1 The new law says people must show one of 10 specific types of photo ID to vote. Some of these include: driver’s license; an ID issued by any branch of Mississippi state government; a U.S. passport; a government employee ID card; a gun license; a student ID from an accredited public or private college; a U.S. military ID; a tribal photo ID; or any other photo ID issued by any branch of the federal government. Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi’s Secretary of State said in a press conference regarding the voter ID law, “We’re not the same old Mississippi our fathers’ fathers were…Mississippi has earned and deserves the right to be treated like every other state in their voting process. We will continue to do so in a non discriminatory manner. We have come a long way in a half century.” Statistics from the
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Bipartisan Policy Center have shown that the U.S. Voter turnout dropped from 62.3 percent in 2008 to an estimated 57.5 percent in 2012, despite an increase of over 8 million citizens in the eligible population. In addition, statistics from the United States Election Project show that the 2014 midterm elections show that the turnout dramatically dropped to 35.9 percent across the country, including a staggering 28.9 percent in Mississippi. Although voter turnout for the midterm election is always lower than the primary and presidential elections, they seem to have dropped more after the legislation requiring voters to provide a photo ID was passed. The U.S. Election Project shows that the lowest statistics comes from the states where voter ID laws are in place. Many conservatives have said that the purpose for the Voter ID laws is to combat voter fraud. However, local
We’re not the same old Mississippi our fathers’ fathers were.. Mississippi has earned and deserves the right to be treated like every other state in their voting process. - Delbert Hosemann
Graph: Mother Jones/Brennan Center for Justice
activist Tyson Jackson, Lead Organizer for Mississippi Alliance of State Employees disagrees. “We can look at statistics and we can show that Mississippi has very, very, very, very low instances of voter fraud so you hardly ever see voter fraud; and when voting fraud does happen, it’s not even really the particular targeted communities with the voter ID laws, it’s the other communities that are saying there is voter fraud. They’re the ones that’s actually are doing the voter fraud. We just seen this in past elections,” said Jackson.
He added, “We know the reason why they wanted voter ID here, particularly if we look at Mississippi, back in 2008 they never expected a black man to be President of the United States of America. What they saw was that this blue base of Democrats was able to mobilize. It showed power.” Some JSU students agree with Jackson and feel the voter ID law aims to disenfranchise minority voters. “I think it is a tactical measure to disenfranchise as many African-American voters from the process altogether. Voting is a right afforded to all American citizens and
should be expressed without parameters,” said George Nelson, an educational leadership Ph.D. candidate from Jackson, Miss. Tatiana Smith, a senior psychology major from Detroit, Mich. said, “Voting should be simple, and this is making it complicated for those who can’t afford it, some already have a hard time simply getting transportation to vote.” Constance Robinson and Laura Coleman contributed. Part 2 of: Voting Rights 50 Years after Selma march will run in the March 19th issue of The Blue & White Flash.
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SGA Constitution Proposal
Page 8 - March 5, 2015 The Blue & White Flash
Mr. Jackson State Proposal continues... CHAPTER 904 DUTIES OF MISTER JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 904.1 Mister Jackson State University shall have the following duties: A. Represent integrity in scholarship, leadership and character. B. Exemplify the highest traits of character and good conduct. C. Be involved in campus activities. D. Work unselfishly and cooperatively with the Student Government Association, Miss Jackson State University and his advisors. E. He shall serve as an official escort to Miss Jackson State University. F. Commit to official representation of the position he holds. He shall represent the university at official and ceremonial occasions including but not limited to: 1. Football Games 2. Parades 3. High School Day 4. Special Functions on Campus 5. Approved off-campus activities 6. Campus wide assemblies G. Reside in his on-campus living quarters during the fall and spring semesters of his reign. H. Represent the university in pageants, programs, and community service projects that aid in the overall reputation of Jackson State University. I. He shall be responsible for coordinating and carrying out at least two programs/projects per semester, in an effort to carry out his major platform, which will benefit the Jackson State University Student Body and/or community at large CHAPTER 905 CORONATION 905.1 CHAPTER 906 EXPENSES FOR MISTER JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 906.1 Budget Allotment A. Mister Jackson State University and his advisors shall present a proposed budget to the Associate Provost for Student Life three weeks after his election. 906.2 Student Government Association Membership A. Mister Jackson State University shall be a voting member of the Student Government Association. B. Mister Jackson State University shall be considered a member of the official traveling entourage of the Student Government Association. CHAPTER 907 OATH FOR MISTER JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY 907.1 The Oath for Mister Jackson State University shall be taken at the Swearing In Ceremony as well as at the Coronation. “I (name) do solemnly affirm to defend, uphold, and abide by the Constitution and Statues of the Student Government Association and the policies of Jackson State University and faithfully execute the responsibilities of Mister Jackson State University to the best of my ability.� TITLE IX GENERAL LEGISLATION CHAPTER 800 TRAVELING ENTOURAGE 801.1 The official traveling representatives of the Student Government Association will be comprised of the Student Government Association Officials: A. President of the Student Government Association B. Miss Jackson State University C. Mister Jackson State University Funding Funding for this position would be forthcoming. The proposition for the position is for the 2016-2017 academic year. It should be created and the funding should be secured during the 2015-2016 academic year. See Dr. Crosby and Dr. Cockrell for developing information. TRUE JACKSONIAN Call Me Mister Petition Currently, 500 students have signed a petition in support of Mr. Jackson State.