WHAT IS DONALD TRUMP TWEETING ABOUT NOW? INSIDE Monday, Dec. 5, 2016
SEXUAL BATTERY
Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper
Alleged serial groper arrested
FresnoState.edu/Collegian
Collegian file photo
Deandre Jean-Pierre, 23, was arrested Friday as the suspected in the serial groper case. Jean-Pierre is a double major studying communications and theatre arts.
Suspect released on bail Saturday morning
D
By Diana Giraldo | @Diana_Inspired
eandre Jean-Pierre was arrested Friday on charges of sexual battery on suspicion of being the serial groper attacking women near Fresno State. The 23-year-old senior communication and theatre arts major and a former Timeout mascot, was released from Fresno County Jail early Saturday morning after posting bond, according to the Fresno Police Department. At the end of November, the Fresno Police Department warned students about an apparent serial groper who had struck at University Village and Plaza Apartments near Fresno State. At that time, the police department believed the suspect was involved in at least four reported cases, although in recent weeks six females have reported being inappropriately touched by an unknown male. Since then, two more reports have surfaced. In the first event, on June 15 at University Village, the suspect approached the victim as she was walking to her apartment. He had his hoodie pulled up as he ran up to the victim and grabbed her buttocks. The suspect then fled northbound through the parking lot, police said. On Oct. 23 at 7:50 p.m. at Plaza Apartments, the suspect approached the victim while she was on her cellphone. The suspect grabbed her breast. The victim was able to flee. The suspect chased her to her friend’s apartment where he fled east through the complex toward the pool, police
said. The same day, seven minutes after the first assault, the suspect followed another victim into Univeristy Village after she entered the complex. When she reached the bottom of her stairs, the suspect pushed her to the ground and reached under her dress and grabbed her vagina over her underwear. The victim turned around and the suspect stood facing her for a moment and then fled north across the courtyard, police said. On Nov. 13 at 10 p.m. at Plaza Apartments, the suspect followed the victim as she walked to her apartment from the carport. As she went up the stairs, she heard the suspect approach her quickly. The victim stopped to see who it was, and the suspect grabbed her buttocks. The suspect then tried to wrap his arms around the victim, but she was able to kick him away and scream for help. The suspect ran southbound toward the carports, police said. Jean-Pierre is a member of Onyx, a club which was created to ensure that Black Men at Fresno State graduated with proper skills, mannerisms and professionalism, according to the club’s website. Jean-Pierre was also a part of the play, “Hands Up: 7 Playwrights. 7 Testaments,” which was inspired by the events in Ferguson, Missouri, and the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. Fresno State said it would have no comment on pending criminal matters.
Groping case highlights safety concerns By Chueyee Yang and Razmik Cañas | @Chueyee15 and @raz_canas
Fresno State’s safety text message alert system, Bulldog Alert, has not been informing students about the crimes that have been happening near campus, said Fresno State student Annabelle Lolinco. When a safety alert about a groper was sent to students on Nov. 21, Lolinco received an email, but not a Bulldog Alert. “For something like this, I think it would be kind of important [to have Bulldog Alerts], especially when you’re like ‘Oh, OK, I do have to be careful.’ That way I can prepare myself,” Lolinco said. “I check my email probably constantly, but not many students do that.” Fresno State communication and theater arts major Deandre Jean-Pierre, 23, was arrested on charges of sexual battery Friday night as an alleged suspect in the serial groping cases near Fresno State. Maricela Tapia, nutrition food science major, said she was not aware of the serial groper because she has not been checking her emails. She said it would be more beneficial if students received Bulldog Alerts, as well. After being informed about the incidents, Tapia said, “It feels unsafe.” “I feel worried especially for younger people because they are more likely the target you know, so it’s scary that that’s happening,” Tapia said. There have been six cases of females being groped recently near University Village and Plaza Apartments. Police believe four of six cases involve the same suspect. “I feel safe around campus, just walking around campus, but I would never walk outside of the general campus on my own because I feel like the general surrounding areas aren’t the safest,” said Sarah Hayes, a psychology major.
Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) Executive Vice President Blake Zante addressed and invited his fellow officers and senators during last Wednesday’s ASI meeting to participate in Campus Safety Night Walk during dead days. The goal is to walk around campus and see what areas need better resources to make sure that students are safe while walking to and from class at night. Fresno State police department have emailed multiple public safety announcements this semester to both staff and students, giving them tips on how to avoid danger while being on campus at night. “Park in well-lit areas. Lock your doors. Have your keys in your hand and ready when you reach your vehicle,” the Fresno State Police Department advises. “Do not leave items in plain view in your vehicle, put them in the trunk. Do not weigh yourself down with bags while shopping. Always be aware of your surroundings.” Tapia and Hayes said when they stay on campus late, they both request to be escorted by the Fresno State Police Department when walking to their cars. Tapia said she feels safe during the day when other students are on campus, but does not feel safe at night. She gets escorted by officers about four times a week. “I started to ask for safety escorts,” Tapia said. “But I have definitely, for the last couple of months, especially when it gets dark, always call for a safety escort.” Students, staff and faculty can call 559278-8400 or locate an emergency phone to request a safety escort officer. If an escort officer is not available, then a police officer will provide the service.
OPINION
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
2
EDUCATION
Amphitheater may not be dead after all The ‘Clovis way of life’ just won’t
do for me
By Amber Carpenter @shutupambs
Courtesy of Student Involvement
By Dr. Carolyn Coon
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Thank you for the great article on the Fresno State Amphitheater. The Amphitheater is a historic part of Fresno State that has welcomed politicians, musicians, and comedians over the years. As Fresno State has evolved and grown, our student needs have also developed. You are also correct in recognizing the challenges with the Amphitheater, which include its proximity to classrooms, noise issues, no ADA accessibility, and the lack of a PA sound system. However, the Amphitheater still has a strong potential to be revitalized. The plans for the Bold New Union include re-imagining the Amphitheater to be incorporated into the design of the new facility. The hope is to revamp the current amphitheater space and create a synergy
between the outdoor space and the potential bold new student union. While planning is still underway and is ultimately dependent on the outcome of the referendum, which the students will vote on March 28th-March 30th, the Bold New Union and amphitheater could provide numerous opportunities to enhance campus life. The re-tooled amphitheater could host nationally touring acts, activists, and comedians, but also brings many new opportunities for community engagement. For instance, the amphitheater could serve as an ideal location for already established events like the Taste of Culture, Vintage Days, Homecoming, and Bulldog Wednesday. The reimagined amphitheater also brings new opportunities for student performances, outdoor movies, graduation ceremonies, theatrical performances, and a new social gathering place.
If you’re familiar with Clovis Unified School District (CUSD), you’re probably also familiar with a few of its characteristics: its high-achieving student population, the conservative area in which its schools inhabit and it’s typically conservative values – that is, for a public school district. Early last month, David Roberts, a long-time substitute teacher for CUSD was banned from from Clovis West High School for wearing a Black Lives Matter button while substituting on campus. Roberts was told by an instructional assistant that his button offended students and their parents and that CUSD employees were to maintain political neutrality while on campus. CUSD is hailed for its educational success, and people are quick to attribute their conservative values to said success. By asking employees like Roberts to remain “politically neutral,” Clovis Unified is stifling their employees’ First Amendment rights in the most basic sense. Clovis Unified faced fire earlier this year when the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged its gender-biased dress code that banned boys from having long hair and wearing dresses and earrings. Male students on Buchanan High School’s campus protested the school board’s decision for a divided dress code by wearing dresses on campus. Despite coming under fire for its conservative dress code, CUSD’s school board voted to maintain the strict dress code until April of this year, when it opted for a more gender-neutral dress code. As earlier stated, Clovis Unified’s success stands firmly upon its conservative
values, however, it could also be thought that it’s closed-minded nature is problematic for the learning environment. Clovis Unified spokeswoman Kelly Avants responded to the controversy by saying “It is our expectation that employees attempt to remain neutral in their speech and/or behavior in order to promote a learning environment free from distractions.” However, as a future educator, I question Clovis Unified and its decision to call these individual rights and beliefs “distractions.” Opinions that challenge mainstream groupthink help grow the learning environment. Diverse thoughts and values broaden conversations and belief systems among students and their peers, as well as students and their teachers and administrators. In addition to the stifling freedom of speech and writing it off as a distraction to the educational environment, reinforcing things like a gender-biased dress code and asking employees not to make a political statement through accessories like a button also make students who don’t fit into a particular box – it’s worth mentioning that more than 40 percent of CUSD’s student body is white – that their otherness isn’t valid in the eyes of their institution of learning. The city of Clovis and Clovis Unified School District write off much of why they make the decisions they do as “the Clovis way of life.” However, this way of life does nothing to confront the diverse set of beliefs and values as they stand in 2016’s America. No matter how hard they try to hide behind their traditionally conservative values, the fight to maintain inclusivity will not end with the dress code.
Drew Sheneman • The Star-Ledger/TNS
THE COLLEGIAN The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university. fresnostate.edu/collegian
The Collegian California State University, Fresno 5201 N. Maple Ave., M/S SA42 Fresno, CA 93740-8027 News Line: (559) 278-5732 Business Line: (559) 278-5735 Advertising Line: (559) 278-8179
Executive Editor Managing Editor Photo Editor News Editor Assistant News Editor Opinion Editor Arts & Entertianment Editor Sports Editor Assistant Sports Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Design Editor
Diana Giraldo Troy Pope Khone Saysamongdy Troy Pope Chueyee Yang Amber Carpenter Marina McElwee David Chavez Jenna Wilson Yezmene Fullilove Christian Ortuno Juan Alvarez
Copy Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Digital Media Manager Digital Media Manager Multimedia Journalist Social Media Director Social Media Reporter
Alvaro Lozano Selina Falcon Sam Mehrtash Daniel Gligich Razmik Cañas Francisco De Leon Marcus Karby Claire Cavanaugh Khushpreet Sran Jacob Alvarado Jessica Johnson Hayley Salazar
General Sales Manager National Sales Manager Special Projects Art Director Assistant Art Director Distribution Manager Accountancy Assistant General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair
Catherine Guerriero Erik Ucelo Ruby Gonzales Casey Supple Kong Thao Abdallah Abdelhamid Megan Motsenbocker Rich Marshall Cheryl Carlson Jan Edwards George Hostetter Dr. Katherine Adams
Each member of the campus community is permitted one copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2016 The Collegian. Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian.
NEWS
3
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Oputa: taking 25 years ‘day by day’
Dr. Francine Oputa poses outside the Frank W. Thomas Building at Fresno State University on Tuesday, October 4, 2016,
By Crea Jackson @TheCollegian
This year will be Dr. Francine Oputa’s 25th year working at Fresno State. Oputa has done a large amount of service for the Fresno State community over the past 25 years. She continues to serve the Fresno State community as the director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. Oputa is from the San Fernando Valley, in the Los Angeles Valley. She came to Fresno with her husband after they graduated from Stanislaus State. Oputa said they were looking for a school that had graduate programs each wanted to be in. She said it was narrowed down between Fresno State and San Jose State. “What made Fresno State win was the beauty of Fresno State’s campus, the green, the grass, the space as opposed to San Jose, which is in the downtown area,” Oputa said.
Oputa got her masters in media, communications and journalism (formerly known as mass communication and journalism) and her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Fresno State. She started working at Fresno State in 1991. She got hired as the director of what was formerly known as the Women’s Resource Center. Oputa said that a significant part of working at Fresno State is being able to be a part of establishing programs and services that have a real impact on the students. “You know what I’ve appreciated most about? The people, the colleagues, the students. The students are just the best, you know?” Oputa said. “The challenge is as much progress as we make around racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, as much as we grow, there’s just still so much work to do.” Oputa said she didn’t see herself working at Fresno State for 25 years. “I’m not really one who looks at my life like that. It’s day by day,” Oputa said. Oputa was asked what advice would she
give someone just getting hired onto Fresno State’s campus. “Have high expectations of our students because they’re brilliant,” Oputa said. Cherella Nicholson unsuccessfully ran for State Center Community College District Trustee Area 2. She worked with Oputa about 10 years ago when she was attending Fresno State. Nicholson started working with Oputa when the name of the building became the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute as well as the Women’s Resource Center. Nicholson worked for Oputa for two years. “She’s the reason I got so involved in education and why I’m running for this seat. And how I even got started on everything,” Nicholson said. Nicholson said that significant points about working with Oputa were her being such a visionary and giving Nicholson so much responsibility. “It forced me to grow and she trusted me. And that has shaped me in my professional career and personal life so much because now I’m very proactive at work,” Nicholson said. “People can like it or not but I push my ideas forward because that’s what the center is all about, creating an idea and doing it. Just from working there, I’ve been very intentional with working with other women, other black women to empower, to be inclusive, to be aware and to be sensitive to the diverse culture.” Pastor Henry Oputa has been married to Francine Oputa for 39 years. He is from Ni-
Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian
geria. Henry Oputa said he met his future wife at Stanislaus State, at a party. “She caught my attention and I said, ‘I need to talk to this sistah,’” he said. Henry Oputa said he is glad and grateful that Oputa will be celebrating her 25th year at Fresno State. “I have to give glory and praise to God for Francine being able to celebrate her 25th year at Fresno State. It’s evidence of God’s love and provisions, not just for Francine but for our family,” Henry Oputa said. He said he didn’t have any sense of how long Oputa would be working at Fresno State. He said one thing knew was that whatever she did at Fresno State, she would excel in it. Henry Oputa said her excellence would be brought to her work. “The fact that she was able to make something out of the little she had is impressive and amazing. She kept developing her programs and that is evidence in where she is now in the size and extent of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center,” he said. Oputa started out as the director of the Women’s Resource Center, transitioned to the director of the CVCHI, and is now the director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. Over the years, Oputa has helped these programs develop and expand into what they are today. This center is a place with many resources for students. He said, “I just want to thank God for Francine.”
A&E
4
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
HOLIDAY FUN
Take a walk down Christmas Tree Lane Christmas Tree Lane opened for the season on Saturday Dec.3. The opening night was a “walk night” that allowed people to walk up and down the lane instead of drive. The next walk night will be Dec. 13. Christmas Tree Lane will be open through Dec. 25. Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian
EXPOSITION
Student creativity put on display in art gallery By Razmik Cañas
Our increased income guidelines
have made it easier for students to qualify!
Call Today (559) 263-1150 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm *Saturday Hours 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at select locations
WALK-INS WELCOME!
Downtown Fulton Mall *Kings Canyon & Willow Shaw & 9th *West near Shaw Shields & First
OUR NO-COST SERVICES INCLUDE: • Supplemental food checks • Nutrition information • Breastfeeding support • Referrals to other health and social services
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Are you pregnant, breastfeeding or have children under 5? Fresno EOC WIC is here to help! www.FresnoEOC.org/WIC CONNECT WITH US!
facebook.com/FresnoEOCWIC
@FresnoEOCWIC
@raz_canas
The 2016 Student Art Show is underway at the Phebe Conley Art Gallery, displaying this semester’s best pieces done by students. Chris Lopez, a gallery technician who was in charge of organizing the annual event said the show is not limited to just art and design majors but to all the students involved in the art department’s courses. “It’s really to showcase the work from the various disciplines in the Art and Design Department,” Lopez said. The different categories include: painting, drawing, photography, video animation, sculpture and ceramics. Two jurors are then chosen to become the judges of all the entries and select the best pieces for the show. This year’s “Best in Show” was awarded to Audia Dixon for her oil on panel piece titled “Ponyland.” Lopez said the painting was a dark and distorted version of the popular cartoon “My Little Pony.” Dixon impressed judges by distorting the happy innocent cartoon into something much deeper and darker, he said. “It stood out. It was dynamic and showed a high skill level,” Lopez said. As the winner of “Best in Show,” Dixon’s piece will continue the tradition of becoming the cover of the upcoming art show’s postcard which is distributed throughout the campus and community. This year’s art show was particularly different, said Lopez, because there were a number of pieces that spoke out about social issues. “Nasty Women Make Art” by Kaitlynn Webster is a piece made of wood, stoneware and oxides. The piece reflects how Webster personally felt attacked by statements made by President-elect Donald Trump. The piece, which hangs on the wall, is a rectangle wooden board with a
stone piece shaped like a woman’s torso in the center. The wooden piece has multiple phrases said by Trump attached while the torso reads: “Nobody respects woman more than I do, nobody”. This year the jurors were two artists – Caleb Duarte, an artist from the Bay Area and Leslie Batty, a local painter. They selected about 60 pieces to showcase from 131 entries. “It is work that should be set in a museum or gallery-type setting,” Lopez said. At that point the challenge for Lopez was to curate the show by setting up the pieces in an effective and pleasing manner. “It’s like trying to tell a story with different types of pieces,” Lopez said. He also has the responsibility of organizing the opening reception. “As stressful and as intense as it can be, it’s quite a rush. I really do enjoy it. It’s lots of fun,” Lopez said. The opening reception, when everyone could see the artwork, was on Nov. 30, and the winners of the selected categories were announced. The categories vary for each discipline, but there is always a “Best in Show.” “They don’t know who won yet, but it’s a fun [and] social event,” Lopez said. Winners received gift cards from community donors who Lopez contacted prior to the event. This year, donors included Allard’s Art, Horn Photo and Clay Mix. “It’s wonderful seeing students who are taking that chance, taking that risk to express how they feel about something visually,” Lopez said. He said he invites anyone to attend the annual art shows the department hosts. The events are all free and usually provide food while providing a chance to view the creations made by students. The 2016 Student Art Show runs until Dec. 9 in the Phebe Conley Art Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
INCLUSIVITY
UNIVERSITY THEATRE
Poetry Jam offers cultural insight
‘Passion Play’ gives a historical twist to politics By Razmik Cañas @raz_canas
The Fresno State University Theatre this month is presenting “Passion Play: Part 1 & 2” on campus at the John Wright Theatre. This “behind-the-scenes play within a play” is written by playwright Sarah Ruhl and is being directed by professor Ruth Griffin. The play has two separate parts, but both have the same storyline: a group of community members struggling with their own personal problems working together to put on the Passion play while a controversial government is on the rise. The Passion play is a long-running, historic play of the final week of Jesus Christ leading to his crucifixion. The two plays are set in historic time periods in which the governments became heavily involved in the personal lives of their citizens and had a large impact on faith. In this production, those time periods are Elizabethan England in 1575 and Nazi Germany 1934. “Sarah Ruhl’s triptych ‘Passion Play’ does not set out to disparage, question or disrupt belief in the precepts
PAGE 5
of any religion,” Griffin states in her director’s note, “Rather she warns of the dangers of religion in the hands of authoritarian government.” In Part 1, the actors are rehearsing the play in the time of Queen Elizabeth’s reign when religious power was taken by the monarchy. At that time, Catholic traditions were banished and citizens were forced to the teachings of the Anglican Church. In Part 2, the play is set to the period of Hitler’s reign when his rising power was threatening to reshape Europe. Under his rule, the 300th anniversary of the Passion play is underway in the town of Oberammergau, and the Nazis were in hopes the play would send an anti-Semitic message. In both plays, actors shared with the audience the personal struggles they faced while juggling their roles in the Passion play. Although the two plays are from very distinct time periods, the actors face similar struggles with love, family and dreams. The play is done in an “Epic Theatre” style with the addition of magical realism. In this style various types of scenes are put together throughout the story in which
By Ron Camacho @ron_camacho4
the actor speaks to the audience revealing some type of idea or concern. “In this style of theatre, the actor and text strove to awaken the audience to the social commentary of the work,” said Griffin. In both parts they finish with the appearance of the political leaders themselves, announcing to the audience their perspective and presenting the greatness of their reign. Hitler did actually visit the production that occurred in 1934. “I was drawn to this work through the complexities of staging the Passion of Christ within the context of history,” Griffin stated. “The production is not intended to dispute Christian beliefs, but rather examine the dangerous role religion and depictions of power can play when wielded from the hands of an authoritarian government. Following our most recent presidential election, it is critical we continue to examine the roles in which government exerts itself.” “The Passion Play: Part 1 & 2” will be running every day through Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students.
A Poetry Jam which focused on Native American speakers attracted 40 people on Wednesday. Nwachaukwu Oputa, student coordinator for the center, said she helped bring the event back to encourage students to interact with other cultures. “I think this a fun and interactive way to showcase these different cultures and introduce students to them,” Oputa said. Poetry Jam is a student-organized event that allows students and community members to share their poetry in front of a crowd. The event was organized by the Cross Cultural and Gender Center. The center has hosted the event in the past, but Wednesday night’s gathering was the first since last year. “We wanted to increase cross-cultural interaction. We want students to be able to bring friends from different backgrounds and have them hear things from different cultural perspectives that maybe they haven’t thought of before,” Oputa said. Oputa and the center plan to host Poetry Jam on the first Wednesday night of every month starting next semester with each event focusing on a different culture. Miguel Villegas does not attend Fresno State but decided to attend the event after hearing about it from one of his friends. He opened the event with a rap performance.
DEL FIN
INNOVATIVE FITNESS APPAREL
FROM THE GYM TO THE SEA AND ALL SPORTS IN BETWEEN.
SHOP DELFINSPA.COM
USE CODE: FRESNO AT CHECKOUT FOR
15% OFF
share with your girls FRIENDS + FAMILY SALE
“I was mostly encouraged to come because tonight was about the natives, and the type of music I like to do is about native struggles,” Villegas said. Villegas immigrated to Fresno from Mexico when he was 7 years old and is a member of the Mixteco tribe. Villegas said he combines English, Spanish and Mixtecan to perform trilingual rap and share his experiences as a native from Mexico. “I’ve always wanted to see someone from my community in a music video or on TV talking about our culture,” Villegas said. “I feel like since we didn’t have anyone doing that, I should at least try, and this gave me the chance to come out and share what I do.” Freshman English major Nohemi Samudio shared a poem she wrote on the Syrian refugee crisis. She said it was her first time sharing her poetry in front of a crowd. “I was really nervous at first, but once I got into it, I felt glad there was an outlet to let my emotions out about certain subjects,” Samudio said. Oputa said she hopes future Poetry Jams continue to foster creativity and encourage students to share their perspectives. “I feel privileged to be able to do this because some of these students share very personal things,” Oputa said. “To be able to make a space where people are able to stand up and share some of their deepest feelings is really reassuring.”
PAGE 6
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
ASI
Approved motion ensures equal opportunity on campus By Razmik Cañas @raz_canas
Fresno State’s Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) approved a motion on Dec. 1 to adopt the Academic Senate Resolution in Support of Campus Diversity and Freedom of Expression, which was passed at its final meeting of the Fall 2016 semester. The item was proposed by ASI President Tim Ryan and Executive Vice President Blake Zante after University Communications
released the resolution earlier that day. The Academic Senate resolution was released to members of the campus and community and stated the following: “WHEREAS learning and student success can only occur in an environment where students can feel safe to focus on their studies without fear of intimidation, assault, or forced removal; “WHEREAS experiencing diversity in the California State University, Fresno community helps students learn tolerance, understanding, mutual respect
and cooperation in society;” The resolution also states the information is available to the students and employees of the university. A number of factors were addressed to support the two points stated in the introduction. The resolution indicated the Academic Senate wishes to fully preserve the tolerance of campus diversity within the educational institution, meaning that everyone will have the equal right to express their varied viewpoints without it having a negative effect on any student.
It demands that “no student ever be intimidated, assaulted, or forcefully removed from any part of the campus due to their citizenship status, belief, or personal identity.” The resolution also encourages Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro and CSU System Chancellor Timothy P. White to establish a process for campus staff who are approached by federal agencies with requests for personal information involving and staff member or student. The CSU system plans to preserve its estab-
lished guidelines on the personal information obtained by staff and students. It ask that the university “resist and refuse such requests where they lack a clear purpose consistent with the goals of democratic public institutions of higher education.” The resolution now adopted by both the Academic Senate and ASI, is aimed at ensuring all students having equal opportunities to succeed at Fresno State, regardless that their backgrounds.
CHRISTMAS
Parade brings holiday spirit to Fresno families
Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
Santa Claus makes an appearance at the 87th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade on Dec. 3, 2016.
By Jessica Johnson @iamjesslj
Many warmed themselves with coffee and hot chocolate from the local Starbucks on Saturday during the 87th annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade. The parade, which was hosted by the Downtown Fresno Partnership, began its route began on H Street and ended on N Street. Candy canes and chocolates were tossed to the audience by
those on the floats, and local high schools, such as the Edison Tigers, were in attendance to lend their marching bands, color guard and cheerleaders. The first of the floats was Mid Valley Disposal, the parade’s VIP sponsor. Next came “Candy Cane” sponsors including: Central Valley Community Bank, Fresno Housing Authority, Educational Employees Credit Union, Fresno Grizzlies, The Fresno Bee, AlertO-Lite, Fresno Rotary, Rotary Club of Fresno and Top Hand Media.
Now accepting applications
Shanghai China/Spring 2017 3-Week Summer Session May 20 - June 9, 2017
Must enroll in Ling 14OT (36713) Spring 2017 For more information, contact Xinchun Wang xiwn@csufresno.edu (559)278-2300
“Sugar Plum” sponsors included: Haron Jaguar Land Rover, Councilmember Oliver Baines, PG&E, Play Fresno, Boese Commercial, An Irish Christmas, T.W. Patterson Building, Root and Jewel fm. Fresno native Margie Salas said she comes to the parade every year and enjoys the school marching bands the most, especially because one of her granddaughters was formerly in Roosevelt High School’s marching band. “I love to see the school bands, the Mexican horses and, of course,
all the car clubs,” Salas said. Chona Villa, who is also a Fresno native, said she began coming to the parade once she became a grandmother. “The grandkids always make it so much better for me and my family,” Villa said. Her granddaughter, Sonny Garcia, 5, was at her grandmother’s side as she said her favorite part of the parade is spending time with her cousins. As for her favorite float, Garcia’s grandmother responded and said, “Santa is her favorite.”
As Salas watched the parade, she expressed her fondness of Fresno. “Fresno is a good place to live. I love it here,” she said. “It’s a good place to raise children. It’s kind of big, but in some ways it is still a small town.” Not only were local businesses and schools involved in making the parade special to many, the Fresno Police Department was there to make sure the parade was safe and fun for all. Fresno Police officer Mike Buessing, who was working in traffic for the parades, said his favorite part about the it is the kids. “A lot of kids come out to this parade. You can see them, when Santa comes at the very end of the parade, that’s the best part because that’s who they want to see,” Buessing said. “Seeing their eyes light up, seeing Santa, makes you feel good.”
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
PAGE 7
BASKETBALL
Fresno State men’s basketball stays hot
Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State junior guard Jaron Hopkins dribbles the ball down the court during a game against Menlo College at the Save Mart Center on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016.
By David Chavez & Daniel Gligich
@d23chavez, @DanielGligich The Fresno State men’s basketball team is on a three game winning streak after defeating Drake 78-76 on Saturday and Menlo College 8067 on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
After a close first half, the men’s basketball team pulled away against the Menlo College Oaks to secure an 80-67 victory at the Save Mart Center. Fresno State had some defensive struggles in the first half, especially with block outs on rebounds, but played a more intense brand of basketball in the second half to shore up
the defense. After the game, head coach Rodney Terry said that his message to the team at halftime was no different than in previous games, and that the focus for the players is to get better each time they get on the court. “We didn’t play particularly bad the first half … we missed some shots that we’ve got to continue to
try to convert,” Terry said. “We’re missing some layups early in the year right now that are deflating plays for you. We could’ve easily been up 10, 15 points in the first half had we not missed some of those bunnies and not missed some free throws.” The Bulldogs missed six of their 13 free-throw attempts in the first half. They improved in the second half, making 13 of 16 attempts. Guard Jaron Hopkins led the team with 18 points and put on a show for the 5,000-plus in attendance. Hopkins was part of three explosive plays in the second half which got the crowd on its feet. The first was a one-handed slam where he juked out multiple defenders on his drive from the 3-point line to the left side of the rim. The second was an alley-oop pass from him to senior forward and childhood friend Paul Watson, who finished with a two-handed slam. Hopkins found himself on the receiving end of an alley-oop on the third play. Guard Deshon Taylor lobbed the ball for Hopkins, who slammed it home. “Those type of plays are good for us because me and Paul have been playing since we were young, so we kind of have that chemistry on the court,” Hopkins said. Freshman and Roosevelt High graduate Bryson Williams continued his growth on the season, finishing
second on the team with 12 points while adding seven rebounds and two blocks. The Bulldogs then faced off against Drake inside the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday, Dec. 3, and were able to secure a 7876 overtime win. Although Fresno State built a 20-point lead, Drake fought back, going on a 29-9 run to tie the game 69-69 at the end of regulation. Hopkins made the game-winning layup with 3.8 seconds left, and Fresno State’s defense was able to hold off Drake’s last second effort on the other end. “We just have to keep working, and keep getting better,” Terry said. “I don’t think we got lucky today, I think we just have to keep getting better in the areas that we need to get better at.” Fresno State’s Watson and junior Jahmel Taylor helped lead the ’Dogs by scoring 19 points each. Watson added six rebounds, two blocks, two steals and one assist. The Bulldogs will travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday to take on Marquette. The game is set for tipoff at 4:30 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and 940 AM ESPN Radio.
Women’s basketball goes 1-and-1
Sophomore Breanne Knishka (#23) shoots the open jumper during a home game at the Save Mart Center against the USF Dons on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016.
By David Chavez @d23chavez
The Fresno State women’s basketball team went 1-1 this week, falling to the No. 13 Washington Huskies 85-54 on Sunday and defeating the University of San Francisco Dons
61-48 at home on Wednesday night. The ’Dogs lost to the Huskies on the road at the Alaska Airlines Arena after a rough-shooting afternoon. Fresno State was able to pull within one point with 3:31 remaining in the third quarter when Washington responded with a 36-6 run. Candice White scored 19 points to lead the
’Dogs, and Bego Faz Davalos contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds. Fresno State then took the court against USF on Wednesday night, and three players scored in double figures to help put the Bulldogs out in front. Tory Jacobs had 17 points, Davalos had 16 and White had 14. Davalos also had 11
Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
rebounds, her 20th career double-double. Fresno State returns home on Wednesday, Dec. 7 to take on CSU Dominguez Hills at 7 p.m.
SPORTS BOXING
8
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016
Ramirez remains perfect Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Fresno State alumnus and Avenal native boxer Jose Ramirez is announced the winner after defeating Issouf Kinda to retain his super lightweight WBC Continental Americas title on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at the Save Mart Center.
By Daniel Gligich @DanielGligich
Fresno State alumnus and Avenal native Jose Ramirez retained his super lightweight WBC Continental Americas title Friday night against Issouf Kinda, winning by technical knockout after landing a relentless flurry of
body shots which forced the referee to stop the fight. Ramirez improved his record to 19-0 and now has 14 knockouts to his name. The Valley favorite headlined the Fight for Water 6 at the Save Mart Center, drawing 13,700 people to the arena. The former Bulldog entered the arena to mariachi music and immediately electrified the crowd. The fans stood up and cheered as Ramirez entered followed by the dozen or so people in his entourage. The slated 10-round fight started fast. Both fighters packed solid, quick punches but mostly stayed defensive. In the second round, Ramirez came out with ferocity but lost his footing at one moment, which the referee scored as a knockdown for Kinda.
Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Fresno State Alumnus and Avenal native boxer Jose Ramirez battles Issouf Kinda for the super lightweight WBC Continental Americas title on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at the Save Mart Center for Fight for Water 6.
Ramirez disagreed with the call, but it fueled him for the rest of the round. Ramirez started to go after Kinda’s body as chants of “Jose, Jose, Jose” filled the arena. Round 3 brought more of the same. Ramirez stayed focused on the body shots. In Rounds 5 and 6, Ramirez started dictating the pace of the fight, landing solid combinations to Kinda’s body. Round 6 ended it all. Both fighters came out throwing punches with ferocity. Ramirez finally broke through Kinda’s defense, landing a shot to the side, knocking Kinda down. The crowd was on its feet willing Ramirez to victory. Kinda got up, but it would be over soon for him. Ramirez rode the momentum of the knockdown, attacking Kinda with a devastating flurry of punches to the body and head, bringing on chants again of “Jose, Jose, Jose.” Finally, after Ramirez’s attack, the referee got between the fighters and put an end to it, awarding Ramirez with the technical knockout. The undercard featured many great fights. The best one took place immediately before the Ramirez fight. That bout featured Joe Louie Lopez of Fresno and Quilisto
Madera of Stockton. This is the fiercest rivalry in the Valley, with both fighters out for blood. Even at the weigh-in Thursday, the police were needed to keep the two boxers from going after each other. The two enemies wasted no time, going for the kill from the opening bell. Lopez was the clear fan favorite in his hometown with the crowd chanting for him. The fight was fairly even throughout but featured a lot of blood. In the second round, Lopez got cut near his left eye, which caused major bleeding and swelling. Both boxers got great hits in, and every punch to the face splattered blood all over the ring. In the end, it was Lopez’s left eye that made the difference, The swelling affected his vision, which limited his abilities. Quilisto capitalized and was able to win the fight by unanimous decision, scored 59-53 by each judge. When the fight ended, Lopez and Quilisto embraced each other, showing respect that neither had ever shown the other before. The Fight for Water 6 was a huge success for Ramirez, and now he is preparing to take the next step in the boxing world. Ramirez soon could be ready to take on a world title fight.
19-0