SGA ISSUE
who will be the next sga president?
COVER DESIGN & PHOTOS BY TAMMY HUYNH & DAYNE FRANCIS | THE SIGNAL
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NEWS
www.georgiastatesignal.com/news
IN
OUT
Our student government has seen new bills and protests in their meetings
SGA
CHRISTINA MAXOURIS News Editor
T
he Georgia State Student Government Association (SGA) has seen an unusual amount of action these past two semesters. Since May 9, 2016, when the new SGA officers got to work, gender-neutral bathrooms, nap rooms, undocumented student policies, and concerns surrounding Turner Field have been just some of the issues that have circulated the university’s Senate table. In the association’s first meeting of the year, SGA Atlanta Executive Vice President Shamari Southwell broke the news of this year’s graduation venue. SGA President Fortune Onwuzuruike had then told The Signal the change wasn’t “for sure” but that they were just looking at their options. “With the Dome getting knocked down and the Mercedez-Benz [stadium] not ready by that time, we are keeping Georgia Tech an option,” he said. “Turner Field might be ready, but there are all just options for now.”
ADVOCACY MATTERS
In the early months of the fall semester, SGA was urged by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, students, and members of Freedom University (FU) to pass legislation supporting undocumented students affected by Georgia’s Board of Regents (BOR) policies. SGA’s 2015 President Sebastian Parra kept the Senate actively supportive of undocumented student causes, and this year’s members followed suit by passing their own version of an advocative resolution. Sen. Sara Moreno Duque was arrested back in November for protesting about the policies during a BOR meeting. SGA’s Oct. 27, 2016 resolution supported the right of DACA students to attend the state’s top public universities, and pay in-state tuition for the institutions they attend and came as an action of support for fellow senator Duque. Despite sticking to the basic on some aspects, for the first time in years,
SIGNAL ARCHIVES SGA pushed for mandatory attendance, a bylaw requirement that senators often got away with in past semesters. Six senators were dismissed from their duties, after missing more than three meetings without appropriate notice – a senator obligation brought forth by the association’s legislation. The dismissal came as an effort to incentivize senators to become more active, and promoting senator attendance at both senate meetings and SGA-hosted events, according to SGA Speaker of the House Blessing Akomas. But, in the same set of bylaws, it states that it is the Speaker’s responsibility to inform senators when they have two absences and are in danger of being dismissed. Something that SGA failed to do before detaching the senators from their positions.
HEARING PROTESTERS ON CBA
But perhaps the most noteworthy meetings came in the spring semester, when SGA came under the spotlight for its handling of Turner Field-related issues, and its lack of action for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and the groups that have been advocating for one. The senate invited Georgia State University President Mark Becker to speak on and
answer senator questions on the sale as well as commencement. Asma Elhuni, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) member and CBA advocate, stood up during Becker’s presentation and addressed a question as to why he won’t sign the document. She was arrested by Georgia State Police and escorted out of a meeting for, “not following protocol” as President Onwuzuruike called it, as Becker was only there to answer senators’ questions not take any from the audience. “Every student that asked a question today, not one student did that today. No one through the entire night, we had several questions over the entire night, but nobody stood up and said ‘can I ask a question,’” he told The Signal. The following week, on Feb. 3, enraged fellow USAS members and Turner Field residents showed up at SGA’s next meeting, with demands to be heard, and several gave speeches on the displacement issue they’ve proposed the CBA for. The protesters expressed disappointment in SGA senators for failing to speak out when a student was escorted out for “simply asking a question” and accused them of reading “Dr. Becker’s
script” when it came to the Turner Field sale. “What matters is that no one should ever be treated the way I was, simply for asking a question and posing no physical harm for anyone in the room,” Elhuni said in a speech addressed to the Senate. But senators said they felt threatened by the way the protesters intruded in the meeting and spoke to them. Sen. Joy Nwoke said she wouldn’t be able to side with the group’s cause after their “rude” interruption. “They’re coming here saying, ‘listen to us speak’ but when it came our turn, we were interrupted? No. You can’t answer my question straight-forward? I can’t side with that. For you to be so prideful (...),” she said. But since then, some senators have taken on a new committee which would bring together SGA, the university’s administration and USAS members as a resource to help them get their message across to President Becker. With elections coming up, issues that candidates have vowed to address include strengthening the bond between Atlanta and Perimeter senators, aiding with financial and academic concerns, as well as holding senators and SGA executives accountable. Providing more services and branching out more offices to Perimeter campuses has been included in almost all of the candidate’s platforms. Read more on SGA candidates’ platforms on pages A4-A7.
PAGE DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY KHOA TRAN | THE SIGNAL
SGA SENATOR CANDIDATES Rouguiatou Camara
Chisom Enujioke
Million Ghebre
Luis Aleman CAS
AYSPS
Alexander Lloyd CAS
Leen Al Homesi
CAS
Noah Samuelson
Roberto ContrerasMurillo
CAS
CAS
CAS
RCB
SPH
Mahad Arif
Valerie Jones
Tyrel Cooper
Tayler Patton
RCB
Alana Burrell
RCB
Senai Eyasu
CAS
Joshua AkinolaKing
AYSPS
CAS
CTA
Donnell Ray CEHD
Juan Galvis
AYSPS
CAS
CEHD
David Osayi
Nafeesa Strickland
Marques Powell
Zion Netere
RCB
CAS
AYSPS: Andrew Young School of Policy Studies CAS: College of Arts & Sciences CTA: College of The Arts CEHD: College of Education and Human Development CNHP: College of Nursing & Health Professionals RCB: Robinson College of Business SPH: School of Public Health
Cortez Johnson
Anthony Jones
Jessica Siemer
RCB
E’stevan Ashe
Nashbi Grand-Jean
Antrell Vining
Erica Aibangbee
Sarah Alhakimi
Alondra CruzHernandez
Ana Pachon Collantes
CAS
Rashad Siam
RCB
Ned Dagenhard
AYSPS
Austin Birchell
Elizabeth Plasencia
Johnathan Jones
Daniel Croshaw
Brandon Cain
Fatourmata Barry CAS
David Osilaja
Terry Fye
CAS
Omoruyi Ologbosere
Clay Gunnels
SGA SPEAKER OF THE SENATE CANDIDATES THE SIGNAL ASKED: 1. 2. 3.
Read the full interviews online georgiastatesignal.com
What is your platform? What issues do you want SGA to address during the upcoming school year? What makes you the best candidate for this position?
Duc Le
Devante Hill
Clarkston campus
Atlanta campus
PLATFORM
• SUPPORT: - the Atlanta Campus Senate in all their pursuits of excellence on behalf of the student body. - Support the interests of the students and hold the senators accountable to their constituents. • ENABLE - The student body to have a better way to communicate their concern for the Campus by providing a more open forum for discussions of constituent's topics. • REPORT - report back to you the updates and improvements the Senate has accomplished. - Require reports from all the meetings students attend to increase transparency for those that attend meetings on behalf of the students. • VOLUNTEER - Volunteer my passion, my energy and my time to complete the duties of this office. - Volunteer all information easily, efficiently and excellently - Encourage more volunteers to get and remain involved with SGA • ESTABLISH - A stronger trust and loyalty between the Georgia state Atlanta Campus and the Senate. Three words describing me: Goal-Oriented, Sharp, Determined
ISSUES TO ADDRESS
Campus security outside of closed locations on campus (parks, streets by GSU classrooms, etc); a compromise for a better, more local, more inclusive plaza; SGA meeting information easier accessible to students
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
I am the best candidate for this position because I firmly believe in the students of this university and their voice is most important. The senate should have all intention of satisfying the needs of the student body and I will use my position to make sure their concerns are taken into serious consideration.
Speaker of the Senate candidate Anderson Dorvil did not respond by press time.
SGA DEBATES HOSTED BY THE SIGNAL
MARCH 28 & 30, 2017
PLATFORM
My main theme is to bring senators closer to students in order to listen to student’s problems and help solving their problem. Senator should be a friend that every student know about and count on, actually. I tend to post a list of senators and their duties published in Student Life office and there should be a certain time in week that student can meet directly with Senator. Actually, SGA meetings are important as it keeps Executive Boards updated and it can be improved much better if all the report, plans are well prepared and the communication line is clear. Suggestions or demands from Executive Board should be conducted and announced punctually. That bridge between Executive Board and Senators in SGA meetings is what I want to serve as. I will try to provide SGA meetings a health communication line where all participants can listen to each other and more importantly, can learn from each other. Any time, a person raises an issue, all other people in meeting are encouraged to speak out. Each person should have a certain time to speak. In College Wide meeting, every senator is encouraged to attend and give a speech.
ISSUES TO ADDRESS
Students, especially freshmen, often encounter many problems while studying or adapting to college environment. It could be problems relating to cafeteria, student service, library… Not all of them are too serious to discuss with faculty and not all of them are small enough to forgive. Student often find it easy to talk to Student senators. The thing that SGA needs to address during next school year is to bring senator closer to student. The name of senator, position, contact and duty must be published to entire student body. There should be more choices for food in catering and price of some food should be more reasonable. Activities should be more advertised to student body.
WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?
Speaker of senator position requires certain management skill, communication and a good understanding of student’s demands. I believe that I can serve as a good speaker of senator as I count on my previous experience and my knowledge of student’s demand. I used to serve as a committee member of PAC in Spring 2016 for helping Service Activities. I serve as Wellness and Service Director in the next two semesters ( Fall 2016 and Spring 2017). My previous positions involve frequent interaction with committee members, plan management so I believe that I can possess a senses of communication, management skill and a good understand of what student expect from college. I believe that I satisfy the requirement of this position and what might makes me different is that I desire to contribute back to community.
VOTING FOR SGA ON ORGSYNC
APRIL 3-6
MEET YOUR
SGA EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES THE SIGNAL ASKED: 1. 2. 3. 4.
What is your platform? What do you consider the biggest concerns of the students at Georgia State. How would you address them? What do you plan to accomplish in your term? What does Georgia State mean to you?
Gabriel Ty Kuecher PLATFORM
Jesse Calixte PLATFORM
My platform can be encapsulated into one word: engagement. Last year less than 5 percent of the student body at Georgia State voted in the SGA elections. Students would greatly benefit from student government that engages them, speaks to them, and works for them.
My platform is defined with the following three elements: Inter-Campus Transportation, Instructional Technology, and Meditation Space Accessibility.-Campus Safety
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
The first concern is inter-campus transportation. Perimeter students want to feel more unified within the multicampus university that Georgia State is. The second concern is instructional technology. The third concern is a meditation room. Students also need a meditation space where they can pray, meditate or conduct other meditation activities.. Also, by making sure the administration is aware of the lack of certain technology and services like more equipped group study rooms, and laptop kiosks in the libraries, and by asking that the former meditatio
My experience at Georgia State isn’t the same as all students, so my concerns may differ from others. I do believe, however, that our differing experiences at Georgia State are as valuable as our similarities, and incorporating these variations is my greatest concern.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH?
First, I want to work to create a student life app which would center around everything students. Second, I’d like for SGA to work much more with many of the other student groups. I would propose a bill to mandate that all Senators are involved in their department’s major student group, so that they may serve as a liaison between that group and the SGA body. Third, I hope that through my previously stated goals a quarter of the GSU Atlanta campus will vote in the 2018 SGA elections.
GEORGIA STATE TO YOU IS?
Georgia State means home to me; I haven’t wanted to leave Atlanta since I was born in Doraville. Georgia State means loved ones; my mother teaches and pursues her doctorate in mathematics here, and by the luck of early scheduling I’ve often got to walk her to class before I leave campus for work or home most days. Georgia State means MARTA train rides to Five Points station and Panther Express bus rides. Georgia State also means many homeless among the students, and unpreventable crimes. I believe Georgia State can mean whatever you or I want it to be. We just have to be willing to look outside our box of perception and see what could be, and willing to do what it takes to make change where it’s needed, and if there’s nothing to be done with one thing, move on to the next.
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH?
In my term, I want to rebuild the trust of students so they know they have a strong advocate, and that their voice through the SGA is truly heard. I want to build a stronger relationship between the students and SGA. I would like to build a legacy, plan, and tradition for SGA so that everyone is aware of who SGA is and their role on the campus, and look forward each semester for SGA events.
GEORGIA STATE TO YOU IS?
GSU means to me, Diversity, Hope, Accomplishment, United. It is a place where you take full ownership of your success. Georgia State University is the starting line to start building your future. GSU is my second home, and I have to make sure all my fellow students get what they deserve, and what they need so they can be satisfied, and the campus can stay vibrant and blue! And I will work with my team to make it happened.
Read the full interviews online georgiastatesignal.com
Usama Lakhani PLATFORM
I want to enhance student voices on campus through unity and diversity. Only together, are we able to achieve goals. Only together, are we able to progress. I want to be the voice we deserve because together we will.
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
Georgia State University is one of the largest Georgia places for higher education. It is located downtown, near the State Capitol. As a student representative, I find it essential for leadership to work to influence the local area around us and be a leader for state initiatives. Another component I want to concentrate on is the need to enhance and further spread the Panther spirit across the university campus.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH?
One of my first priorities is to enhance the student voice. I believe as I senior, student representative, we are missing the bridge between students and administration. I want to serve as a liaison between the two to collaboratively work together to create a larger student voice, where all voices are taken into consideration.
GEORGIA STATE AND YOU?
Georgia State University means being big, being strong, and being able to face obstacles. GSU is a place of advancement, challenging old ideas, and also a place to push for success. GSU is many things, but to me - it is a place of opportunity for every student to learn and thrive for a brighter future for themselves. That is why I’m here at GSU and with that strong belief in the institution; it’s generating the next global leaders to take over the world.
Executive Vice President Candidates Frederick Severtson and Christin Smith did not respond by press time.
Yann D. Mondon PLATFORM
I have a deep care for the well-being of the University and its students. I have previously served in the Student Organization for this campus and I am well versed with being a part of a large organization. I want to be able to stand up and say that I am a leader of this University and a trusted one in the eyes of students and administration. I will completely bridge the gap between students and administration, actively and quickly see to any issues that ever occur, increase student participation in the SGA and keep students well informed on administration occurrences within the University, the University System of Georgia and the city of Atlanta.
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
I believe the biggest concerns for students at Georgia State are the transfer of information and reasoning behind administrative decisions. Georgia State University students must never be left in the dark about anything occurring at this University. I believe most student concerns can be addressed by fully informing the students on the matter. Too often information is transferred between students and the false information or not enough of it is provided.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH?
In my term, I want to rebuild the trust of students so they know they have a strong advocate, and that their voice through the SGA is truly heard. I want to build a stronger relationship between the students and SGA. I would like to build a legacy, plan, and tradition for SGA so that everyone is aware of who SGA is and their role on the campus, and look forward each semester for SGA events.
GEORGIA STATE AND YOU?
This University helped dicover who I am and what I want to continue to be. I would choose no other school on this planet to be a student at. GSU is a University that fosters academic, professional and social growth. It is more than just a University. It is a place where one can recieve an excellent education and improve themself as a person.
MEET YOUR
SGA PRESIDENT
CANDIDATES
THE SIGNAL ASKED:
1. Describe your platform. 2. What are some hot issues on campus you’d address first as president of SGA? 3. SGA senate meetings have often urged senators to attend more events and become more involved. What are some ways you’d push for senator attendance/involvement?
Anthony Nguyen
PLATFORM
As President, I will ensure that all communities that define our diverse institution are considered in the conversations that affect us – Perimeter students, undergraduate, grad, commuter, non-traditional – the list goes on. Together we will: FIRE-UP school spirit & campus involvement by increasing Perimeter participation, advocate for “Plaza Time” on all 6 campuses, and to increase student organization funding OPTIMIZE Academic Advisement & Financial Aid efficiency for a more rapid and effective experience for both PC and Downtown students REVITALIZE the student-administration relationship by creating more avenues to reach President Dr. Becker and the administration, & to advocate for a stronger student voice in university decision-making processes. WORK to advance sustainability efforts on all campuses to promote a healthier environment ASSURE that campus safety concerns are addressed by building a positive relationship with GSUPD RESPECT the backgrounds of ALL students and advocate against discriminatory policies DIVERSIFY campus culture through collaboration and empowerment of Black, AAPI, Latinx, religious and multicultural organizations
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
As President, the issues I will take on head-first are the ones that affect students most frequently, such as financial aid and academic advisement concerns. We’ve had problems before the merger, but with now over 50,000 students with the consolidation with GPC, we cannot afford to have our students suffer from long lines, hours of waiting, and lack of service when they really need it. We need to address the disconnect between students and the administration; if we do not have a strong foundation early on, and if students are not taken seriously in the conversations that matter, then our work to improve the student experience will be difficult. We need to integrate Perimeter students in the Georgia State experience to the extent of us Downtown students; that means in campus life and resource availability AND accessibility. PC students have access to our offices and departments, but the inconvenience of not having a branch or reciprocate office at the PC campuses is detrimental and unfair. The concern I feel most compelled to address is the concern of students not being aware of what SGA can do for them.
PUSH FOR SENATOR ATTENDANCE/INVOLVEMENT
Getting senators, students and SGA more engaged is dependent on how much the student body knows about SGA. As President, I will lead a university-wide campaign to ensure that every student knows who we are as the Student Government Association.
Read the full interviews online georgiastatesignal.com
Briana Stanley
PLATFORM
I chose Student Government because as I progress in life I see all that it’s done for me, not only academically but mentally. Being a servant leader is something I aspire to be. It’s imperative that we as SGA, continue to be the voice of the students. My college career started with SGA and I hope that I can continue to progress and make a difference for the students. My platform is simple and complex at the same, I find that most Atlanta and Perimeter students are commuters, making it difficult for campus involvement. I want to target what the students actually came here for, which is to better themselves. Increasing career services and making it more accessible to all campus can encourage their growth and development. Building and networking is so imperative for the student’s success that I feel we should stress it on all campuses. The safety of students will always be the first priority, increasing campus safety on all campus and offering self- defense and safety education will further the progress we are moving toward. A problem on many Perimeter campuses is technology, a lot of the basic necessities we need are not met when it comes technology. Whether we need to look into new equipment or just improve upkeep it’s something that needs to be taken care of. And finally, I know many students struggle with the availability of classes on their campuses. Implementing satellite classes all campuses would ensure that they don’t have to travel far for their education.
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
Serving as Executive Vice President on Decatur, I see that there is still a division between the Atlanta and Perimeter campuses. Personally, I would like to bridge that gap by encouraging students from both sides to come together and gain a better understanding. The gap stems from different things from the culture of our campuses to the tuition each student pays. It’s important to maintain tradition but not be segregated in the way we view each other. I’d bridge that gap by implementing more events where the Atlanta and Perimeter students can mix and mingle.
PUSH FOR SENATOR ATTENDANCE/INVOLVEMENT
Encouragement is key, I feel that if you let people know how important they are to a cause they’ll experience higher performance rates. Each person matters to a cause, it takes one to start movement but it takes many to persevere. Letting a person know that they can make a difference, would really increase attendance. Positive reinforcement has always encouraged the masses.
Corey Gray
PLATFORM
I have compiled a list of pressing issues and concerns for our GSU community, and to resolve these issues, we must work TOGETHER. T - Transform and explore avenues to increase student services, including more dining and parking options O - Offer convenient resources for the transfer and transient students process G - Guarantee transparent leadership through our website and mobile office hours E - Endorse promotion of academic programs and initiatives T - Trump the stigma of mental health illness, disorder, and stress with the Counseling and Testing Center H - Halt on sexual assault in collaboration with GSUPD E - Expand visibility by actively participating in campus-wide programs and athletic events R - Render communal services to commuter students
HOT ISSUES ON CAMPUS TO ADDRESS?
Two prominent issues on campus I would first address as President of the Student Government Association are transparency and togetherness. I would address transparency through mobile office hours, where once a week, I will spend five hours on one of our campuses. During those hours, I will make myself available to hear the needs and concerns of each student on their individual campus. Also, I will expand visibility by facilitating SGA’s participation in large-scale events on every campus. Together, we will accomplish this by increasing and sustaining our relationship with Spotlight Programs Board on the Atlanta campus and the Campus Activities Boards on the Perimeter campuses. With togetherness, my first order of business is to work TOGETHER, hence my platform. In my list of promises, I look forward to collaborating with GSUPD to increase bystander intervention to put a halt to sexual assault university-wide and the Counseling and Testing Center to relieve stress for our students and to trump the stigma of mental health disorder and illness in my first 100 days.
PUSH FOR SENATOR ATTENDANCE/INVOLVEMENT
I would advocate for more Senator attendance and involvement by urging for additional senate development. One recent addition to our Atlanta Senate meetings that I admire are our senate development sessions, where we divide into groups, led by executive board members and discuss the updates of that committee and how they operate. I would like to implement this on a larger-scale where within the university-wide Senate meetings, Senators will break off into groups and discuss the updates from each campus and will be led by their respective executive board members. I will also give our Senate the opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns and critiques of our administration, so we are all holding each other accountable.
8A University
NEWS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Georgia State study shows transgender obstacles Lack of gender-neutral restrooms correlates to higher stress levels and suicide rates
Local
Three Injured, after man crashes car in East Point restaurant
PERRIN WILLIAMS & EDEN GETACHEW Staff Reporters
A
Georgia State study recently proved that denying transgender individuals the access to bathrooms of their identified gender might be more than just an inconvenience. According to the study by social research professor Kristi Seelman, the lack of access to gender-neutral restrooms and housing options could affect students emotionally and physically. The study states that transgender and cis-gender students’ lack of access to these resources correlate to higher stress levels and suicide rates. Seelman said that according to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), 51 percent of transgender students harassed in high school considered suicide. Those rates were higher for students bullied and sexually and physically assaulted by teachers. On Feb. 22 the Trump administration announced their withdrawal from the Obama administration’s protections for transgender students in public schools. Since then, civil and advocate groups have denounced it and viewed it as a politically motivated attack that would endanger transgender students. The President’s new guidance places an emphasis on permitting states and school districts to determine the rules themselves in regards to restroom policies for transgender students. But that often boils down to more than whether a school system or institution is willing to create those bathrooms. In the case of Georgia State, it’s often a money problem. In the fall semester of 2016 Student Government Association (SGA) Sen. Leonardo Rodriguez drafted up a piece of legislation to expand the number of gender-inclusive restrooms on campus to address the issue, but now said he no longer has plans to do so. He said the administration’s building plans provide for those bathrooms, and no other initiative is needed. “When we met with facilities and other offices and departments about [gender-neutral bathrooms] being included in their plan, they stated that with every new building the university builds or plans to have built, there will be at least one gender neutral restroom in those buildings,” Rodriguez said. “So as of right now there’s no need to write a resolution or a bill because the university already plans to do that.” But according to Director Facilities Design & Construction Services Design & Construction Kim Bauer, each new building the university builds will include one uni-sex restroom only if budget allows the department to do so. “It’s usually when we have a contractor on board and when we have a price from them. We do it when we can because it also helps with ADA [American Disability Act] issues. It also helps if there is a family that comes with a small child, so we try establishing them when we can,” Bauer said. “But there’s no available budget to go through all the old builds to carve out space for uni-sex restrooms on campus.” The Office of Opportunity Development-AA/ EEO Training and Compliance completed an audit earlier in the fall to assess whether gender-inclusive restroom locations were feasible and fair. Dean of Students, Dr. Darryl Holloman said the list of useable gender-inclusive restrooms on campus was reduced from 18 to 13. “The list was taken down to 13 because some of the restrooms weren’t accessible. Some restrooms required a code, or they were tucked away in the basement. And so this was just an approach by the university to see if the list that was originally published was accurate of the restrooms or facilities that could be used,” Holloman said.
Last Week
PHOTO BY VANESSA JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL
Gender-neutral bathrooms are scarce and it appears, in some states, they will be harder to find under Trump’s administration. Studies have shown a relation between these scarcities of gender-neutral bathrooms and housing, and higher levels of stress and suicide rates.
The previous audit had photos of where the gender-neutral restrooms were located on the multicultural center integrated map to show specifically where they were, and the updated audit will include photos as well. “Our model is on student success and diversity and so we want to ensure we include spaces that are diverse and inclusive,” he said. Georgia State also offers the option of gender inclusive housing (GIH), which is available to transgender and cis students. There is designated housing for GIH, but residency is on a first come, first serve basis. Seelman said that while GIH is a great option, there should be more than one rooming option for transgender and cisgendered students. “It’s great to have this option,” Seelman said. “But they should also have options for singles, where students can live in dorms by themselves.” Sociology professor Maura Ryan said this allows students to be in a safer environment that doesn’t segregate based on assigned sex at birth, but believes Georgia State could do more to accommodate transgender students. “They should provide gender-neutral restrooms in all buildings. In terms of housing and classroom accommodations, they should hold town hall forums with trans students to hear exactly what this population needs from their own mouths,” Ryan said. So while the resources may be there for these students, Seelman agreed that transgender students should be made more aware of these resources. “Having clear information about resources available to transgender students is very important,” she said. Ryan also said she believes that a professor’s refusal to acknowledge the pronouns of trans students has effects on their learning environment. “People have a block against seeing this behavior as harassment for transgender students, yet it’s even worse when professors mis-pronoun or otherwise misgender their trans students because those actions are just one part of a general harassment those trans students are experiencing,” Ryan said. Ryan said that professors who do not acknowledge their proper pronouns set an example that teaches students that it is acceptable to ostracize and harass their fellow transgender students. “It’s not an isolated incident, but a microaggression that gives license to other students to ostracize and harass that student. Misgendering creates a hostile environment where a student cannot learn,” Ryan said.
SUICIDE NO SUICIDE ATTEMPT ATTEMPT VICTIMIZATION
by college teachers and staff YES
59.0%
41.0%
190
132
NO
44.5%
55.5%
887
1107
VICTIMIZATION by college students YES
55.1%
44.9%
385
314
NO
42.8%
57.2%
692
925
GENDER APPROPRIATE CAMPUS HOUSING DENIED
60.6% 166
39.4% 108
NOT DENIED
41.8% 438
58.2% 611
BATHROOM & FACILITIES DENIED ACCESS
60.5% 257
39.5% 168
NOT DENIED
43.2% 553
56.8% 728
An SUV left three people injured after it crashed into Malone’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Virginia Avenue on March 15. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the crash led to the arrest of 30-year-old Dustin Lee Bailey. East Point Police are unsure whether Bailey was drunk or if he drove into the restaurant’s window by accident. Police spokesman Capt. Cliff Chandler said that the three that were hurt had been sitting in the dining room when the vehicle rammed into their table and sent one of them to the hospital. None of the victims involved faced lifethreatening injuries. The driver has been charged with reckless driving and caused the establishment to close for repairs.
National
Man arrested for jumping White House Fence
A California man is facing up to 10 years in prison after jumping several White House fences and trying to break into President Donald Trump’s residence, according to the Washington Post. Jonathan T. Tran of Milpitas, was able to evade detection for almost 17 minutes before the Secret Service took him into custody. Officials also said he was carrying a backpack and two cans of mace, and was charged with entering or remaining on restricted grounds, while carrying a dangerous weapon. This is considered the first security incident since the new president has taken office.
Global
Germany implemen ing voice recogni ion technology for those seeking asylum
The German Federal Office of Migrants and Refugees is planning on implementing new voice recognition software that can tell which country undocumented migrants seeking asylum come from, according to the BBC. This new technology targets people from the Arab nations who try to pass as Syrians in attempts to increase chances of being given asylum. The new software is similar to the voice authentication technology used by banks and insurance companies and is capable of differentiating between dialects. The new system will go into effect in two weeks, but will not be available for routine use until one year at least.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
9A
NEWS
State
The results will be uncovered in due time GBI funding to help clear backlogged test kits handed over since last year’s SB 304 KOFI STILES Staff Reporter
A
new budget approved by the Georgia House of Representatives will allocate $25 billion to the state of Georgia to fund education, transportation and public safety with a portion of that budget used to help the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) process stalled sexual assault kits. Chairman of the Appropriations Committee Terry England assured that the new budget will address the concerns of the Division of Forensic Services in processing the remaining evidence kits. “The budget will afford the division four new forensic scientists and two new lab technicians. This will increase the lab’s capacity to process 1,320 kits per year,” England said. England said in 2016 the GBI received $36,983,400 and the proposed amount for this year is $39,886,419 in total funds. Director of Communications for the Georgia House Kaleb McMichen said the Division of Forensic Services will use $600,000 to fund the new scientists. “While the GBI is working diligently to process those kits, they are also utilizing the services of a third-party lab to aid in processing that evidence. Even so, the kits now in the Bureau of Investigation’s possession will likely take several years to process. As such, the House determined it was necessary to add those additional positions for the GBI to be able to process those kits more expeditiously,” McMichen said. House Bill 827 (HB 827) was passed on Feb. 23, 2016 to ensure that rape evidence kits that had been shelved in hospitals will be tested. The bill was officially passed as the Senate Bill 304 (SB 304) on March 31, 2016. As a result of SB 304 being passed, rape evidence kits that had gone untested for years were delivered to the GBI en masse. This influx of evidence kits resulted in a significant backlog. Deputy Director of the Division of Forensic Sciences George Herrin said the lack of sufficient working hands in the forensic lab has also stalled the testing process. “The backlog of kits to be analyzed is growing. The cause
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH GRECO | THE SIGNAL
A new budget granted $25 billion to the state’s funding of education, transportation and public safety. A sect of the new budget will go to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which will enable Georgia to increase the amount of rape kits processed each year to 1,320 kits.
of this growth in the backlog is the capacity of the laboratory which is directly tied to the number of trained scientists and technicians,” Herrin said. “As of Feb 20, 2017, there were 4,637 sexual assault kits in the laboratory, not counting kits that were submitted to the laboratory prior to 1999 that may need DNA testing.” In addition to the overflow of kits, testing them is exhaustive. Accuracy is of the utmost importance and the process can’t be rushed. “This entire process takes about four to six days per set of three to four kits. Each scientist is currently expected to work 10 to 15
cases per month,” said Herrin. However, the GBI will hold off on hiring new lab workers until Governor Nathan Deal signs the final version of the budget. The budget will not be implemented until July 1 and will last until June 30, 2018. “The funds may be eliminated, reduced, renewed or increased in the FY 2019 budget, but we won’t know that until next year’s legislative session and we have updated data from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on their work,” McMichen said.
State
New Senate bill to criminalize violence against law enforcement
Controversy picks up as some believe the bill might create a ‘more oppressive society’ SYRINA MERILAN Associate News Editor
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new bill is sweeped through the Georgia Senate and is now making it’s way through the House of Representatives, but not without its fair share of controversy. Senate Bill 160 (SB 160), sponsored by Senator Tyler Harper, was passed in the Senate on Feb. 24. The bill along with several others, Senate bill 154 (SB 154), Senate Bill (SB 155), Senate bill (SB 164) and Senate bill 167 (SB 167) are all a part of a “Back to the badge” initiative designed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to show support to law enforcement. According to Sen. Greg Kirk, who is a sponsor for SB 160 and the primary sponsor of SB 154, the money generated from SB 167 will go to retirement funding for police officers. “The men and women who put that badge on everyday are red, yellow, black, white and brown. We’ve got to show as a state we’re supportive of what they’re doing to maintain peace in our state,” Kirk said. SB 160 proposes a revision of penalties for individuals who are convicted of aggravated assault or aggravated battery upon a “peace officer.” A peace officer is defined as an appointed officer to preserve the law and order, which can include sheriffs and other public law enforcement. It also requires juveniles to be tried as adults if charged with aggravated assault with a firearm or aggravated battery against a public safety officer. There is also a new felony that will be constructed through the bill for individuals who are tried for an offense of throwing bodily fluids at another individual regardless if the victim is an officer. The most controversial part of the bill, however, is its regulation that seeks “to increase the penalty for obstructing
highways, streets, sidewalks or other public passages to a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature,” according to The Atlanta Journal-Constituion. According to the article, this particular part of the bill has raised questions on whether it curbs protesting right as stated by Sen. Vincent Fort. Georgia State student and activist with the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) Patricio Rojas said that the bill impedes on the citizen’s first amendment rights. “It’s important to remember the first amendment not only protects freedom of speech, but freedom of association. This bill targets this,” Rojas said. “Popular protest is an important countervailing force in society that acts as a check on private power and state power. Without popular pressure to balance these out, we will lurch towards a more oppressive society.” Sen. Kirk said that those who wish to protest will not be denied the right as long as they are doing so lawfully, meaning that the protesters acquire a permit ahead of time so law enforcement is allotted enough times to prepare for the event by sectioning off road and sidewalks. “It [SB 160] says lawful and the way that you’re lawful is if you get the permit. The reason being especially in Atlanta they need to make sure it’s patrolled, they need to put of barricades, and it depends on what route you’re going to talk,” Kirk said. “They need to know all that ahead of times so that they can plan for it. Local municipalities will continue to be able to give those permits for whoever protests.” Although the bills target violence against law enforcement, Atlanta Police Department (APD) Public Affairs Officer Liser Bender said that there has not been an increase in violence against Atlanta law enforcement, but they do not object to bills that will keep their officers safe. “We work in partnership with our community and have not observed an increase in violence towards APD officers.” However, according to Senator Kirk, there is a prevalent danger
PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL
One sponsor of HB160 Sen. Greg Kirk explains in an interview that protesters must apply for a permit ahead of time to avoid arrests and run ins with law enforcement.
towards police officers in Georgia as a whole. He said last year nine policers were killed and thus this bill proposes a solution to reduce the number of police fatalities. Kirk said he takes the bill to heart because of the close relationships he had with some of the police officers that have passed. “The reason for it is because we had nine police officers killed in the state of Georgia last year. We’re number four in the nation of deaths. Seven of the police officers were killed by gunfire. Three of those police officers were in my district,” said Kirk. The companion bill to SB 154 broadens those who are protected under law to first responders. According to Kirk, they have been experiencing increased violence as well. “My senate bill deals with the civil side on assault and battery on first responders. We broadened it because we also had problems with EMT’s, firefighters and so forth being injured while they’re trying to do their job,” Kirk said.
NEWS
10A
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Graduating class upset over venue change KOFI STILES Staff Reporter
G
eorgia State’s class of spring 2017 set up a petition to bring back universitywide commencement.The petition was prompted by the Commencement Committee’s decision to hold the ceremony at Georgia Institute of Technology’s McCamish Pavilion. Students kicked off an effort for the petition on Jan. 23 and the document has since garnered 1,256* signatures from Georgia State students, surpassing its goal of 1,000. Its main complaint is that the division of the ceremony into two days coupled with the limited amount of guests they can bring, breaks Georgia State tradition of hosting universitywide commencement ceremonies. “When we look at the current cost of attendance for an instate student, $25,140, over four years (a whopping $100,560)—it is safe to say we as students have invested more than enough to have as many people as we wish attend a unified ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of our entire class,” the petition states. The commencement committee has Student Government Association (SGA) representatives to speak on behalf of the students and holds meetings once a semester as well. But according to Vice President of Public Relations and Communications Don Hale those SGA reps didn’t show up. “SGA reps have not regularly attended the meetings. The committee meetings are open to the public, but no one other than committee members attends. They are working meetings, not public forums, so committee meetings are not a venue to announce anything to the entire student body. That is done through broadcast emails and internal announcements about commencement. Even if we had more student input, the venue and date change
would still be what they are,” Hale said. But commencement committee SGA representatives Joshua Scales and Usra Mohamed say they didn’t hear anything about when or where those meetings were held. “We have not [attended] due to [the fact that] we didn’t even know they were having them,” Scales said. And Mohamed said she’d be sure to attend, and voice students’ concerns if she knew when they were held. “It’s a university-wide committee and there are supposed to be SGA members, and we currently have four [members] on the [committee]. We have not received a single email for the meetings so we can go and speak,” she said.
New Procedures
SIGNAL ARCHIVES
For the past nine years Georgia State has held all of its graduation ceremonies at the Georgia Dome. According to Hale, students were not given any additional tickets for guests because the Dome had ample room--70,000 seats. However, due to the impending demolition of the former Falcons stadium no events will take place at the venue after March 5. “We are aware of the petition and are being transparent about the decision to hold commencement at the McCamish Pavilion. We are excited to announce plans to host future spring commencements at Georgia State Stadium, but this is not an option for spring 2017,” a commencement staff spokesperson said. With the downsizing of space students are now allowed a maximum of six guests, as the Georgia Tech venue holds a maximum of 8,600 people. The total amount of graduates in the Bachelor’s Ceremony that will be attending, according to the commencement staff, is estimated to be over 3,500. The overall population of attendees--guests, faculty
Students from the class of 2017 have started a petition due to recent commencement changes made by the Commencement Committee.
and graduates–will be more than 7,000. There will be an overflow area so that those that can’t make it into the venue can watch a livestream of the ceremony. The spokesperson said the only way to accommodate the size of the graduating class into the Pavilion was to split the dates of the commencement for the Bachelor’s Ceremony on May 8 and 9. The Commencement Committee attempted to utilize alternative facilities such as the Georgia State Stadium, Bobby Dodd Stadium, Philips Arena and more, but these venues were either unavailable on the requested dates or they were too small to hold the amount of people that are expected to attend. The petition states that as of Jan. 23, Philips Arena, which has 21,000 seats and Bobby Dodd Stadium with 55,000 seats, are not hosting any events on May 8 or 9. “Philips Arena must hold its dates in anticipation
of the NBA playoffs. Georgia Tech must protect the turf [from damage] in Bobby Dodd Stadium,” Hale said. Due to all of the controversy caused by these arrangements, Hale said regrets the decision to host the Bachelor’s ceremony off campus. “We’re just as sad as the students that this decision had to be made. We didn’t really have much of a choice,” the Vice President said. Still, the Commencement Committee is making an effort to smooth things over with students. “The RSVP will determine the amount of guests students can bring; once students take care of the RSVP then they will know how many additional tickets they can be provided. We’re doing all we can to get that number up,” Hale said. The Commencement Committee hopes to continue its tradition of allocating students unlimited guests next year. *As of March 20
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TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
NEWS
11A
State
Georgia rep. sponsors EPA elimination bill
If passed, House Resolution 861 will close the EPA’s across the country in 2018 DOMINIQUE TIMES Senior Reporter
G
eorgia representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11) is one of four co-sponsors of a bill to terminate the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Republican representative said he supports the elimination of the EPA in order to give smaller agencies the ability to develop environmental policies and state governments more power to enforce them. If passed, H.R. 861 would close the EPA on Dec. 31, 2018. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on Feb. 2 by Florida representative Matt Gaetz. Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Rep. Steven Palazzo from Mississippi are also cosponsors of the legislation. In a press release issued after co-signing the bill, Loudermilk referred to himself as an “outdoor enthusiast dedicated to preserving our environment and natural resources,” and said the EPA is ineffective in doing so. “The EPA is no longer effective in protecting and preserving our environment,” Loudermilk said in the statement. “You don’t have to look far to find examples of the EPA’s bureaucratic overreach being counter-productive to good environmental protection.” Loudermilk referenced a 2015 mine waste spill accidentally triggered by the EPA at the Gold King Mine in Colorado. Following the incident, which turned the Animas River yellow with contamination, the EPA took responsibility for the spill and added the site to its priority list of locations for nationwide cleanups.
PHOTO BY JERRY MCBRIDE | THE DURANGO HERALD
Kayakers in the Animas River was affected by the Gold King Mine spill near Durango, Colorado, Aug. 6, 2015. Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk references the spill to why, “the EPA is no longer effective in protecting and preserving our environment,” and should be removed.
“The EPA has become an overgrown and unaccountable bureaucracy wrought with fraud and waste,” Loudermilk said. “I believe it is time to restructure government with smaller agencies who work with states to develop national environmental policy that is enforced by state governments.” Lawrence Kiage, Georgia State Associate professor of Geosciences, said that he thinks the bill is unlikely to pass, but added that there are other ways to derail the EPA’s plans and policies. “I don’t see that happening,” Kiage said. “They [The administration] will limit the EPA’s
effect during this time. They can starve it of funding and put people in the leadership who are climate change deniers. That’s another way because they may not remove it.” Global climate changes, Kiage said are “not going to be realized uniformly,” but instead occur gradually. He said low-lying island environments, extremely cold and tropical regions are most vulnerable and many currently experience severe climate changes. As for climate changes in the U.S., Kiage said they are occurring, but not enough attention is being brought to them now and the changes will continue worsening.
“People say ‘if there is climate change, why is there snow?’” Kiage said. “But climate change is not that there will be no snow, but how much snow there is and when that snow comes.” He said that doing away with the EPA could negatively affect how prepared we are for more drastic changes. “There is climate change, and there’s a whole lot we don’t know until we are affected by it,” Kiage said. “It’s not whether climate change is going to happen, it will happen. The question is how prepared are we to deal with those kinds of scenarios.”
SGA
SGA passes four new pieces of legislation in last meeting CHRISTINA MAXOURIS News Editor
S
tudent Government Association (SGA) senators packed their last universitywide meeting with legislation. The March 9 meeting started with a presentation from Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Douglass Covey, who gave a briefing on legislation passing through the Georgia House and Senate, as well as took questions from senators on commencement, confirming there is no way the location will change, and the Georgia State stadium — aka former-Turner Field. The meeting closed with a moment of silence for DACA students who “don’t have a voice,” led by Sen. Sara Moreno Duque. Getting down to business, the senators managed to pass three new bills and a resolution.
Attendance Clarification Act of 2017 The new bill, authored by Clarkston senator Jailyn Jackson would require senators from all campuses to be present in their respective campus’ meeting rooms, so that they’d connect to university-wide meetings through WebEx. The legislation
would take away senators’ current choice of connecting to the meetings from their homes or any other location, a change which some senators called “inconvenient.” Newton Executive Vice President Daniel Detflesen said the bill poses even more requirements for Perimeter campus senators, instead of incentivizing them to tune in to university-wide meetings. Detflesen gave examples of senators from Newton that leave campus, and would then, if this bill was enacted, have to drive back, leave work or home, to attend the meeting from their campus’ designated conference room. A requirement which, SGA president Fortune Onwuzuruike said, would add a “professional vibe” to university-wide meetings. Despite Detflesen’s objections and other senators’ objections, the bill was passed. Atlanta Executive Vice President Shamari Southwell said getting to a campus shouldn’t be an inconvenience for Perimeter students, as they’re already required to have that time alloted for the meeting. “University-wide meetings are already twice a semester and you get those dates well in advance. I think people can make it four times a year,” he said. Unless, as SGA advisor Boyd Beckwith pointed out, SGA becomes more legislatively active and begins to meet more than twice a semester.
Microwave Advocate Act of 2017
A submission of Atlanta campus senator Corey Gray, the new bill would add microwaves on campus which according to Gray, would be an aid for commuter students. “Our 10 year mark [partnership] with a vendor has just ended, and [the university] has a new vendor [who has] already purchased microwaves, but they have not been placed yet,” Gray said. The bill seeks to partner with Auxiliary Services director of marketing and administration support Chris Connelly, and send out a “special task force” which would configure the best locations for microwaves around campus — where commuter students often have their lunch — and report back to Connelly.
Opposition to the State of Georgia House Bill 280 “Campus Carry” Resolution
With two sponsors and authored by SGA Communications Director Anthony Nguyen, the Senate passed a resolution, similarly to last year, opposing the “campus carry” that’s now making its way through the Georgia Senate. House Bill 280 (HB 280) passed in the
Georgia House of Representatives with 108-63, and would allow handguns to be carried on public universities campuses by those who have a carrying license, with the exceptions of athletic events, student housing, sorority/fraternity housing, and preschools. The SGA resolution reads, “The potential issues of handgun thefts on campus, and increase of armed robberies on campus, the lack of necessary training for students acting in self-defense with a firearm, and an increased potential of deaths on campus could be avoided by the non-passage of HB 280 and the continuation of the concealed firearms ban on public college campuses.”
University-wide Election Code Update Act of 2017
Two weeks before SGA elections, the last bill passed on Thursday night was one that aims to prevent non-Georgia State entities from influencing the election outcomes. Bill sponsor and SGA Speaker ProTempore Usra Mohamed said the bill would prevent any non-university entities from endorsing candidates in order to push their own political agendas, by providing them with financial means.
TAKE A SECOND
OUT OF YOUR DAY, GO VOTE FOR
SGA APRIL 3-6 ON ORGSYNC
Atlantans sported an abundance of green to celebrate at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. ARTS & LIVING 8B-9B
SGA’S INFLUENCE
A NO MEAT TREAT
A rough Ending
SECTION B
SGA is an underutilized but important option for students seeking change.
R. Thomas combines vegetarian dishes with an eclectic evironment.
Panthers exit postseason early after being NCAA Tournament hopefuls.
DESIGN BY KHOA TRAN PHOTO BY DAYNE FRANCIS | THE SIGNAL
opinion | page 3b
a&l | page 5b
sports | page 11b
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March 16
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Waffle House run
Spring Break gone wild
Georgia State Police busted an underage student with booze and drug paraphernalia in the University Commons. No arrests were made.
University police assisted in the arrest of a non-GSU person relating to an incident that occurred at the Waffle House located at 112 Courtland Street. The case is now closed.
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK The Aurora Borealis seen in Tromso, Norway during spring break.
PHOTO BY LAHAR SAMANTARAI | THE SIGNAL
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OPINION For students seeking change,
www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions
SGA should be a top priority
& ILLUSTRATION BY PHILIP DURAL | THE SIGNAL
A
WESLEY DUNKIRK Columnist Wesley is a sophomore at Georgia State majoring in English. Outside of his passions for writing and reading, Wesley rows crew with Georgia State and follows the American political scene.
Tweet Wesley @wesleydunkirk
s a university that prides itself in its diversity, Georgia State is bound to encounter a variety of students and student groups who have vastly different visions for how Georgia State should operate. Many of these groups choose to make their voice heard through methods such as petitions and protests. One Georgia State student group that has attempted to make its voice heard repeatedly throughout the past year is United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS). The Signal has covered multiple events that they have organized in order to spread their desire to get Georgia State to sign a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the redevelopment of the Turner Field property. They have marched through Downtown streets, presented a petition to Georgia State President Mark Becker and participated in multiple protests throughout the Atlanta area. Recently, though, they have begun to shift their focus to a different medium in hopes of accomplishing their goals: bringing their message to Georgia State’s Student Government Association (SGA). The group has attended multiple SGA meetings and described their concerns over the redevelopment to the SGA members present. Though many SGA senators took issue with the way in which the students presented their concerns, USAS’s choice to bring their vision to the elected representatives of Georgia State’s student government is one that other student groups with a vision for the Georgia State community should follow.
Elected To Serve
“The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official voice of the student body at Georgia State University. As the elected representatives, the SGA accepts students’ charge to maintain and improve the student experience at Georgia State
“The Student Government Association (SGA) is the official voice of the student body at Georgia State University. As the elected representatives, the SGA accepts students’ charge to maintain and improve the student experience at Georgia State University.” -Fortune Onwuzuruike, SGA President University,” SGA President Fortune Onwuzuruike said in his Executive Address on the SGA website. Every year, students elect SGA representatives into office to serve as an arm of the needs of the student body. Regardless of whether one agrees with USAS’s goals in the demands which they made to the SGA, it cannot be denied that they utilized a valuable and often overlooked asset to students seeking to bring change to the Georgia State community. At a special SGA meeting on Feb. 2 to address student concerns, which USAS participated in heavily, The Signal reported a quote by Sen. Corey Gray which sheds light on why bringing student concerns to the SGA can be such a useful method of creating change. “If you’re not passionate about it, do your research on it, because these are your constituents. If you don’t care about it, do your research on it, because these are still your constituents,” Gray said to the other senators in the room. As Gray points out, if the student body is concerned about an issue, the SGA, as representatives of the student body, has an
obligation to consider the issue and work to find a solution for it. In USAS’s case, one of the possible solutions that SGA is attempting to implement is the formation of a university-wide committee to maintain strong channels of communication between the student body and Georgia State administration regarding the Turner Field CBA issue. While the assembly of a committee is not the exact outcome that USAS is seeking, it is a step in the direction that they want to move toward. This progress could be used as an example for other groups of students who want to bring change to Georgia State. Protest can be an extremely valuable component of spreading awareness about a movement, but for change to be achieved, those in power must be reached and moved to action. Even if the SGA does not have the power to implement the changes that one wants to see made, they likely can create an environment where those who do hold such power can get involved in a dialogue regarding the issue. When students plan efforts to achieve changeoriented goals, opening discussion with student government should be their first priority.
4B
OPINION
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
EDITORIAL xxx
Is this what democracy looks like? Taking away protesters’ rights will only further divide the nation
L
et’s talk about Senate Bill 160. First mentioned on page 9A of this issue, SB 160 seeks to increase penalties for harming a peace officer, but also, and most importantly, wants to “increase the penalty for obstructing highways, streets, sidewalks or other public passages to a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.” Who tends to obstruct highways and streets? Protesters? And have there been more of them lately in Atlanta, and all around the United States? Absolutely. Finding ways to protect police and civilians from action they choose not to make themselves involved in sounds absolutely logical. And the truth is, there were police officers injured during the inauguration protests. But there were also hundreds of protesters arrested, so how much more power would this give to police? Is it just so they will be able to charge those protesters with ‘obstructing sidewalks’? But won’t sidewalks consequently be “obstructed” when mass amounts of people are practicing their First Amendment rights and protesting against outcomes they don’t like? The problem isn’t Georgia’s efforts to increase security
measures for police. Some protesters are angrier than others and may cause injuries that the organizers or the majority of the protest population did not intend. Seeking measures against those individuals may sound reasonable. But the problem is that these “regulations” and “measures” are a growing pattern around the United States, post-election. In fact, according to the Washington Post, over 18 states have proposed bills of the sort which include “increasing punishments for blocking highways, ban the use of masks during protests, indemnify drivers who strike protesters with their cars and, in at least one case, seize the assets of people involved in protests that later turn violent.” What? “Indemnify drivers who strike protesters”? As in, compensate individuals that injured protesters with their vehicles? How does that sound fair or legal? And most importantly, does anyone else notice how these rules divide the nation even more? The right to freely and safely protest is one of the last things these protesters feel they have left and these rules take that away from them. Protesters should not feel they are defying police by protesting – protests have proved time and time again to bring about change when all else fails. And setting up a
stage of government & police versus protesters will just create more hostility. Those who want to take to the streets to voice their concerns will not be swayed by legislation seeking to put them in jail. They will probably be further angered instead – and besides, when has jail stopped a passionate activist? Most importantly, let’s address the lawmakers’ objections that this bill in fact is not intended to ‘curb protesters’ rights’ but rather make those procedures safer and more organized. But how are protests even protests if they’re organized? Where are the protesters supposed to walk if not on sidewalks and streets while they’re making their way around town? And who would even know there was a protest going on and people expressing their discontent if it was quietly held in some church’s backyard? Wrong, wrong, wrong. Protests are supposed to be loud, and they’re supposed to be unpredictable – not violent – but also not meant to be the most convenient for the city. That’s kind of the whole point. What are your thoughts on this issue? Submit your Letters to the Editor at signalopinions@gmail.com
ARTS & LIVING
www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving
atropical oasis
the
menu From breakfast to dinner, no need to be intimidated — here are some of their staple ingredients explained:
Midtown’s R. Thomas liberates Atlanta’s late-night munchies
Quinoa: “The supergrain of the future,” is a gluten alternative that contains all essential amino acids and many antioxidants. Kefir: Many of their made-to-order drinks contain kefir, a fermented milk with wonderful health benefits, such as probiotics that help with digestion. “Range” chicken: Free range farming allows chickens full access to the outdoors, with the ability to roam freely and get exercise. Farmers refrain from giving chickens chemicals such as hormones and antibiotics. Online Menu: rthomasdeluxegrill.net/Menu-4
PAGE DESIGN BY MINH HUYNH | THE SIGNAL
PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL
R. Thomas Deluxe Grill offers a variety of meals, (clockwise top to bottom) coconut delight smoothie, fish tacos, raw veggie dinner #1, french toast, big breakfast special, thai express bowl with chicken, and breakfast quesadillas.
SOPHIA MARCHESE Staff Reporter
W
hether a late night is spent cramming for exams or even celebrating with friends, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill can always be trusted to satisfy all types of spontaneous hunger. The Atlanta staple opened its doors in 1985 and quite literally, never closed them again. Dubbed R. Thomas after the founder himself, the Buckhead restaurant offers a funky, one-of-a-kind dining experience 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
HEALTHY FOOD WITH NO BED TIME
Linay Thomas-Sheltra, restaurant heir and daughter of bird enthusiast Richard Thomas, fondly reminisces on the real reason her father made this fundamental business decision. “It became a 24-hour restaurant when my dad lost the keys to the front door,” Thomas-Sheltra said. “We’ve been in the same spot for 31 years.” Chill vibes and a unique atmosphere only just begin to describe the reasons why R. Thomas has won the hearts of Atlanta restaurant connoisseurs for over three decades. What really makes this little hole-in-the-wall so cherished by the locals is their trusty health-conscious menu. No matter what time of day or night, R. Thomas serves up fresh, high-quality ingredients that all Atlanta residents can feel good about eating. “No doubt, unquestionably, the quality of the food sets our restaurant apart from other restaurants in Atlanta. Our chefs [know] how to cook clean, organically, GMO-free as possible,” Thomas-Sheltra said. From grass-fed beef and supergrains to organic produce and made-to-order juices—the menu goes on and on, seemingly endless, yet each item is carefully conceptualized with awareness to healthy consumption. That is how R. Thomas proudly serves their
food. There is no need to compromise a routine diet just because it’s 3 a.m. on Saturday and an empty fridge is bantering an empty stomach. In fact, Thomas-Sheltra said that some of the restaurant’s highest volume is actually seen during that specific hour. “You should see this place on Saturday nights at 3:30 in the morning. It’s hysterical. It’s packed,” Thomas-Sheltra said.
BRINGING SUPERFOODS TO THE SOUTHEAST
At age 87, after a dedicated and fruitful life, the well-respected restaurateur, Richard Thomas, died on Jan. 25, 2017. Though the healthy impression he left on Atlanta will never perish. “I think [Richard] brought awareness to Atlanta. I think he made people aware of the fact that there is a way to eat clean,” Thomas-Sheltra said. In a land of Waffle House smothered hash browns and Zesto Chubby Deckers, the Atlanta community was simply unaware of the alternatives. “Back in 1985, people were not thinking [health consciously] at all,” Thomas-Sheltra said. “[but] it’s the right way to eat. It’s the way God intended for us to eat. I don’t think He meant for us to have hormones and antibiotics and all that stuff in our food. I think it’s why we see so many heart attacks and autoimmune disorders. You can affiliate all of that to the chemicals in our foods.” Although Thomas didn’t always invoke the concept “you are what you eat.” Prior to a mid-80’s self-revelation, he devoted the earlier half of his life to fast food. An ambitious businessman, Thomas was the first president of operations for Kentucky Fried Chicken until the company was sold in 1971. He later became co-founder of the North Carolina fried chicken food chain named Bojangles’ with his business partner, Jack Fulk. When the two fried chicken tycoons agreed to sell out in 1982, Thomas was under the impression he was headed into retirement.
Initially, he used the off-time to travel the country, until his journeys brought him to California. There he discovered a restaurant industry very different from anything he had seen before, especially in the South. It was a healthy food haven that was essentially nonexistent back home. “After I sold Bojangles’, I didn’t do anything but wander,” Richard Thomas said in an article with The New York Times. “In San Francisco, I saw this little health food restaurant that I liked and I thought, maybe I’ll come back to Atlanta and do a kind of healthy thing.” A self-made fried chicken millionaire, Thomas felt as if his fortune was made by poisoning the country with trans-fats and fried foods. “Once I realized how important feeding America correctly was, that was my driving force,” Thomas said. Thus, retirement was a short-lived thing of the past. He brought the health-haven home to Atlanta and created his own “oasis.” Tropical birds, ornate gardens and unique full patio dining—nestled all on Atlanta’s busy Peachtree Street at Thomas’s little hidden-gem.
THREE DECADES OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
“We all knew Richard very well … He had each of us take part in how the restaurant is decorated and he got us all to contribute to the atmosphere of the place as a whole,” R. Thomas server Shawn Katz said. An intermittent staff member since 1996, Katz began as a cook for the restaurant and has dabbled in many different duties since, such as working the kitchen’s Gravity Bar (which offers fresh to order juice options like the “Champ,” with organic carrot, apple, and ginger). Katz said that whether it be the gardens, the birds or even the painted murals throughout the property—each contributor knows what Thomas would want going forward because they have all worked with him as employees and as family. “We have a family ambiance and we are
accepting of everyone… I think our employees reflect that as well,” Katz said. The family bond extends further than just the staff—some of whom have worked there for over 20 consecutive years. R. Thomas is an all-welcoming establishment that makes every Atlantan feel at home. As Thomas himself once said, carnivores and vegetarians are treated equally. R. Thomas patron, Bella Wille, said that there was a period of four straight years in which she visited the restaurant almost every single day. It wasn’t the fact that she conveniently lived across the street nor was it the restaurant’s consistency in always providing the very best food and service or her all-time favorite menu item, The Thai Express (stir fried veggies and quinoa with cilantro and peanut sauce). It was R. Thomas himself. He always lived up to his iconic reputation. “He was so active in the restaurant and getting to know the community,” Wille said. “Always there to greet customers and build a relationship with the regulars.” Thomas-Sheltra said that her father spent a lot of hands-on time at the restaurant. He took on many responsibilities and always made guests feel right at home during their visit. “Richard did a lot of the planting and gardening and hanging out with customers on Saturday nights or Sunday mornings with the birds,” Thomas-Sheltra said. Thomas’s compassionate character is forever embedded in the restaurant’s philosophy. Whether it be the property’s colorful gardens and décor or Sparkle, the 76-year-old parrot that squawks “hello!” as customers approach the restaurant. Thomas’s welcoming and corky spirit is felt by first timers and regulars alike. Under his humble guidance, R. Thomas grew into what it is today—a solution to eating out and a friendly health food sanctuary among Atlanta’s high-rises and busy roads. As Richard Thomas once said, “The miracle of the human body is deeply connected to the planet itself and the food supply that springs from it.”
ARTS & LIVING
6B
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
column
Guide to Atlanta’s music festivals for 2017 SAVANNAH ELDER Staff Reporter
5 things under $20 that are okay to bring (and you probably should bring) to a festival: • •
• • •
$9-$15: An empty Camelbak/ water bottle (must be empty before entering the gates). $8-$20: A portable phone charger (if you haven’t been lost before, then you don’t even want to risk it). Free: Your ID (to prove your age). $1-$5: A poncho (can opt as a teeny blanket since they are usually not allowed). Free-$20 A small backpack to keep everything together (your average Jansport is a good dimension example). PAGE DESIGN BY TAISJAH WILKINS | THE SIGNAL
7B
ARTS & LIVING
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
movie Review
Profound documentary about cats ALEX GRAHAM Staff Reviewer
T
his film is being billed at Landmark Midtown as “Nine Lives: The Cats of Istanbul.” It’s a horrible title, I think, missing the simple beauty of its true title (“Kedi” is Turkish for “Cat”). Forget all this nine lives nonsense-“Kedi” isn’t interested in such feline stereotypes! It’s interested in cats, and it’s interested in Instanbul, and how those cats enchant its citizens. Istanbul is full of cats. Be they roaming alleyways, harassing fish vendors or fighting each other for street cred, they’re everywhere and thoroughly entrenched in every resident’s life. “Kedi” picks a few favorites: there’s the combative and jealous Psycho, a rough n’ tumble fighter, several sweet mothers with kittens in tow, a gentleman who lives at a restaurant but never bothers the guests. Director Ceyda Torun follows them throughout their daily lives, trotting from place to place for food provided by adopted parents who relish their company while it lasts. The humans in the story are secondary to the cats, of course, but provide a lot of the film’s casual revery. These people don’t “own” the cats, but they care for them nonetheless. Every interviewee has some sense of their inherent
goodness, as spiritually sound or conduits of good vibes, or simply as amusing or loving presences. One man tells the story of a cat who found him in the midst of a financial crisis and helped him find an abandoned wallet holding just enough money to get him through. Another woman talks of the importance of cats for dispelling negative energy. They all cherish these cats, caring for them with no pre-requisites or expectations. In this sense, “Kedi” gives us a touching portrait of selflessness and unconditional love. And that’s just the people. The cats themselves are a whole other story. Cinematographers Charlie Wuppermann and Alp Korfali follow them with amazing precision, somehow managing to lurk behind them with smoothmoving cameras low to the ground, at perfect cat level. There’s no performance, exactly, just cats being cats, but they each have a story. As the humans love to point out, each of these felines has his or her own personality, and the sweetest moments of the film come when those personalities emerge. Framing all of this is the city itself. We can understand that it’s changing, that other things are happening in the background that are never developed. Tall buildings are going up, ways of life are being shaken. The film occasionally skirts
Verdict
Grade
A-
1
ALEXANDRIA CUT OF CLOTH
2
BLANK SQUARE ANIMAL I
3
JONWAYNE RAP ALBUM TWO
4
KARRIEM RIGGINS HEADNOT SUITE
5
MATT MARTIANS THE DRUM CHORD THEORY
6
MEAT WAVE THE INCESSANT
7
SYD FIN
8
VAGABON INFINITE WORLDS
9
VAGUESS GUILT RING
It’s moving and slyly profound. And it’s about cats. What more could you want?
the edge “politics” — one woman talks about how hard it is to be a woman in Istanbul and cites the cats as a necessary reminder of positive femininity, while a family worried about losing their building and frets about who will take care of the cats if the neighborhood is bulldozed. But “Kedi” is careful never to leap into political whitenoise, and
is all the better for it. The story is the cats, their humans and the community they all share. Things change, things are ruined, things suck, but “Kedi” finds a beautiful spirit in these roaming cats, in their freedom, in the healing and joy they bring and, of course, the good they bring out in us.
Album review
Thundercat thinks clear on ‘Drunk’ JALEN JENKINS Staff Reviewer
C
alifornia native, bass player, producer and singer Thundercat latest output “Drunk,” his follow up to his 2015 EP “The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam,” was released on Brainfeeder in late February. This is the artist’s third attempt at an LP, the two previous LPs were met with critical acclaim. His EP Thundercat is known for his smooth jazz stylings with some electronic elements thrown in. On “Drunk,” Thundercat, or Stephen Bruner, continues his streak of virtuosic songs with an undeniable hint of Thundercat’s personality and humor with playful music. One thing that isn’t funny is the skill that Thundercat has to bring these funky bass and synthheavy songs to fruition. Through the album, like on songs like “Them Changes” and “Show You the Way,” Thundercat puts down some impressive finger twisting bass lines, all riding on an almost robotic drum beat. His vocal style is great. It is airy and a little raspy, but still very soft. One way that Thundercat’s personality is shown in these songs, besides the instrumentation
being jazzy, is that none of them boast song lengths longer than five minutes and most being shorter than three, which is very uncommon for music of this caliber. This works well for Thundercat, because his lyrical content seems almost completely stream of consciousness, talking about isolated incidents or just thinking out loud for a couple minutes, like his trip to Japan in “Tokyo” or being high with the Wiz Khalifa featured song, “Drink Dat.” The song, which comes across bad, is humorous just in its existence when considered more. Thundercat has a feature from wordsmith Kendrick Lamar on “Walk on By,” and Lamar has no problem dropping a great verse over Thundercats framework, possibly because Thundercat worked with Lamar on his 2015 critically acclaimed album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” He also has a song with surprising (but not really) features from Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins on the smooth and sensual “Show You the Way,” which could easily sit next to the hits of the late 70s funk and R&B scenes. Thundercat’s musicality shortened in this way makes this a pleasurable listening experience. Listening to this album is like
Verdict
Grade
A
Through a couple listens of this LP, Thundercats vision is pretty easily realized. This is a guy who has incredible chops and could make any type of music that he wanted to.
Top tracks • •
“Show You the Way” “Captain Stupido”
listening to jazz with somebody skipping to all the good parts. In that way it could be appreciated by people who don’t usually listen to jazz, but because of the intricacy of
• •
“Tokyo” “Walk on B
the songs, jazz lovers could easily enjoy this album. When push comes to shove, Thundercat is classically trained musician, so he just decides to have fun with these talents.
10
GABRIEL GARZON MONTANO JARDIN
A lucky lookback
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade covered Atlanta with fifty shades of green INGA MASIC
Arts & Living Editor
T
he streets of Atlanta were transformed into a sea of enchanting green leprechauns, clovers and the occasional pots of gold on March 11. This was all due to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade was started in 1958, making it one of the nation’s oldest celebrations, according to atlantastpats.com. It was created by Hibernian Benevolent Society, which was a Catholic and Protestant fraternal organization. The parade combines elements true to the Irish heritage and
culture, as well as elements of appeal for all Atlantans to enjoy. The parade featured clowns, bagpipe performers, bands, floats, activities, dancers and more. The parade represents organizations that promote the Atlanta’s Irish community and maintain proper depiction of the culture, like the members of the Hibernian Benevolent Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Clan Na NGael, Fire Emerald Society of Metro Atlanta (FESMA), the Irish Information Center and the Metro Atlanta Police Emerald Society (MAPES). The Signal contacted Kate Redding, a member of the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Committee, for more inside details of the festival and everything it took to bring another successful extravaganza to Atlanta.
IT'S EASY BEING GREEN: Q&A What is the history of the parade here in Atlanta?
Redding: Since the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1858, the City of Atlanta has supported the Hibernian Benevolent Society St. Patrick’s Day Parade in memory of the heroic efforts of Father Thomas O’Reilly and of the Hibernian Rifles. Oakland Cemetery contains a plot dedicated to the Hibernian Rifles in gratitude for their service to the city. HBSA members can still be buried there today. The Atlanta Constitution, in 1893, told of an eventful St. Patrick’s Day parade with a full-page account of the festivities. The article read as follows: “Three hundred Irishmen from the Hibernian Benevolent Society along with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Catholic Knights of Atlanta, marching to the music of the Fourth Artillery band filed into the Catholic Church for Mass, at which Father Clifford preached on the life and work of St. Patrick. Upon the conclusion of Mass, the societies paraded to the Opera House on Marietta Street to celebrate.
What ASPECTS OF THE PARADE DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ENJOY THE MOST?
Redding: “It’s a celebration of our community – the Parade is an opportunity for all Atlantans (no matter their age) to come together and have a great time celebrating the city’s Irish heritage. The parade will feature dignitaries, and more than 2,000 dancers, 15 marching bands from the southeast, llamas and the world’s largest walking Irish flag.”
What NEW FEATURES DID THE PARADE HAVE THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST YEAR?
PAGE DESIGN BY SALINNA PHON | THE SIGNAL PHOTOS BY TARILYN JOHNSON, DAYNE FRANCIS & HANNAH GRECO} THE SIGNAL
Redding: Congressman John Lewis was this year’s Grand Marshal. Legendary BMX athlete, Bo Wade, performed throughout the parade. The Monster Energy-sponsored athlete did not disappoint in his performance. This year, the 501st Legion was led by 8-year old, Sam, an avid Star Wars fan, who was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Heart Syndrome. The Atlanta St. Patrick’s parade
committee joined forces with Make-A-Wish Georgia and the 501st Legion to provide a special opportunity for Sam and his family. We partnered with Colony Square in Midtown, where the Parade kicked off. Colony Square’s “Luck of The Square” festival featured live music, delicious food, face-painting and beer.
WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE ENJOY CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY SO MUCH, WHAT ABOUT IT MAKES IT A FUN HOLIDAY?
Redding: It’s a holiday where everyone comes together in a celebration of Atlanta’s diverse backgrounds on a day when ‘everybody is Irish.’
HOW DID THE ATLANTA PARADE DIFFER FROM OTHERS, LET'S SAY THE ONE THAT HAPPENED IN SAVANNAH?
Redding: The Atlanta Parade is a family-friendly event with participation from everyone in the city. It is one of the oldest parades of its kind in the U.S. and is the longest running event in Atlanta’s history. More than 80,000 spectators have attended in recent years. The annual parade always includes local and Irish dignitaries.
WhY DO YOU THINK GEORGIA STATE STUDENTS WOULD ENJOY GOING TO THE PARADE NEXT YEAR?
Redding: Georgia State is a uniquely diverse campus, and this is an organization that is passionate in having a crosscultural celebration where everyone can come together for a day of fun. There are tons of activities, entertainment and food for everyone to enjoy.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU ALWAYS WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE AWAY FROM THE PARADE WHEN ATTENDING IT?
Redding: We want people to take away a sense of the rich Irish heritage in Atlanta, and a desire to come back next year. This parade celebrates our community and everyone in it. Look out next year for the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade, one wouldn't want to miss the luck of Irish surrounding them.
THE FACTS, LEGENDS, AND SYMBOLS OF ST. PATRICK'S DAY St. Patrick
St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain and brought to Ireland after being kidnapped and made a slave at a young age. After escaping, he came back to Ireland and spread the word of Christianity to the people, supposedly using the three-leaf clover, the shamrock, to symbolize the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). His death was believed to be on March 17, which is why the holiday is celebrated on that day every year. Source: History. com
Leprechauns
The famous character is a treasure in the Irish culture and in the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The word “leprechaun” is actually derived from the old Irish word “luchorpan,” which means “little body.” He is a known fairytale that his modeled after the look of a shoemaker, but features a green hat, pipe and stick. The leprechaun is said to be tricky and mischievous, but also holds access to a pot of gold. It is said that treasure hunter can track him down by the sound of a shoemaker’s hammer. Source: English-zone.com
Shamrocks
The shamrock is the actual term for the three-leaf clover, which is a historical symbol is Irish culture. We generally associate the four-leaf clover with gaining luck once picked, however the four-leaf clover is not connected to St. Patrick’s day at all. It is the three-leaf clover that the people of Ireland believe will bring them luck and today, many people around the world believe it too. Source: English-zone.com
Corned beef and cabbage
This is the traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal. Along with that, lime green chrysanthemums are generally also requested, when celebrating the holiday. Source: History.com
The color green
The surprising truth behind this trend is that the original color to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day was actually blue. The idea of making the color green was said to have come from the rolling green hills of Ireland’s landscape. When wearing the color green on the holiday today, it is said to bring good luck. If it’s not worn, it is customary for those around to pinch the culprit. Source: English-zone.com
calendar
10B
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Campus & Downtown Events Wednesday Auto Show
March 22 The Atlanta International Auto Show will feature 400 cars to view, and it will be all types from vans, sports cars and light trucks. The event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Thursday 9 to 5
March 23 The hit movie with beloved Hollywood treasures Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin is now transformed into a live show! It will be held at Onstage Atlanta and will feature original music and lyrics by Parton.
Friday Dive-in Movie
March 24 Join Recreational Services and the Alumni Association for a dive-in movie! Relax, have some snacks and enjoy a movie in our heated indoor leisure pool. It will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Aquatics Center.
Saturday Bacon Festival
March 25 Calling all bacon lovers! It’s time for all enthusiasts of the sizzling dish to come out and pay homage to bacon’s existence. The festival will have bacon, barbeque, bands, games and beer.
Sunday Cherry Blossom
Monday
March 26 Around major cities circling the metro area, the Cherry Blossom Festival is commencing! Cities like Brookhaven, Conyers and Macon are all putting hosting the Spring festivity. It will continue until April 2 for all locations.
Cheap Food Deals
March 27 The Inman Park Restaurant Week gives people a chance at the three-course fixed price meal at several Inman PArk restaurants. This offer lasts until April 2.
Tuesday Colonial Times
March 28 The 18th Century Colonial Market Faire is here, and with it comes historical crafts, games, military drills and live music at the Fort Yargo State Park in Winder. Don’t miss this blast from the past!
More events and info at georgiastatesignal.com
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SPORTS RASHAD MILLIGAN Sports Editor
E
xpected to make the NCAA Tournament. That was the case for the Georgia State men’s basketball team, before the Panthers’ season ended in back-to-back losses instead over spring break.
www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports
BAD BREAK
Men’s basketball postseason ends early Senior forward Jeremy Hollowell led the effort for the Panthers, with a double-double that consisted of
16 points and 14 rebounds “ As a senior, I just want to go out
The Georgia State men’s basketball team began its postseason with an
86-76
and do all the little things I can do to help the team win”
There were four total technical fouls during the game, which Head Coach Ron Hunter said was in large part due to the conference rivalry developed between the two teams these last few years.
-Hollowell
victory over Louisiana.
Freshman guard D’Marcus Simonds led the Panthers with
17 points I was a little shaky at first, “ shaky the whole game honestly.”
-Simonds
Georgia State expected to win the tournament as overwhelming favorites after the Louisiana win, with UT Arlington losing its star player and being eliminated by No. 4 Texas State in the semifinals. Then there was heartbreak. Smiles were all over the faces of No. 2 seeded Georgia State when members of the team watched No. 1 UT Arlington lose to No. 4 Texas State before its matchup against No. 6 Troy.
The Panthers lost to the Trojans, 74-63 after Georgia State built a lead as large as 15 late in the first half.
Wesley Person TROY Trojan GUARD
PHOTO BY TROY TROJAN ATHLETICS
“We’ve been down like this before and came back and got wins.”
“We just stayed together and believed in each other that we were going to make our run to get back in the game. Luckily, we were just able to finish it out.”
Read the full story online! georgiastatesignal.com PAGE DESIGN BY TAMMY HUYNH | THE SIGNAL
Person led the Trojans with 16 points while three other Panthers finished the game by scoring in double digits
ISAIAH WILLIAMS
JEREMY HOLLOWELL
D’MARCUS SIMONDS
19 Points
15 Points
13 points
PHOTOS BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS
“We just kept saying, ‘If we could get just one run.’ We thought we were one run from winning it, you know, we defended them. Then all of a sudden, they start hitting shots. So we let a team [stay] around and that’s what happened,” Georgia State Head Coach Ron Hunter said in regards to trying to prevent the Trojans’ comeback.
Georgia State’s Sun Belt Tournament loss carried into the program’s seventh postseason appearance in history, as the Panthers lost to the Izzy Islanders, 80-64.
SPORTS
12B
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Delaney Rohan ready to ACE senior season CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN Staff Reporter
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elaney Rohan is a senior ready to make her last stand. Rohan has been one of Georgia State’s best players during her time with the Panthers and continued to lead the team this season. This offseason she was named to the preseason All-Conference team, which is selected by the coaches of the CCSA. Rohan started playing Volleyball when she was nine years old. “I started playing indoor volleyball when I was nine years old and have been playing nonstop since. Beach volleyball became an official NCAA sport right around the time I was getting recruited, so I switched gears when I was 15 and traveled the country to play beach volleyball,” Rohan said Rohan is from Brooklyn Park, Minnestoa, where she played volleyball for Totino-Grace. She had a very decorated career during her time there. She was named the conference MVP during the 2012 season, and she was named to the all-conference during that season as well. Rohan also set personal and school records while playing at Totino-Grace. Once she finished her prep career, it was time to move onto the next level. Beach Volleyball wasn’t a popular thing when Rohan was finishing high school, and that went into her decision. “Only 20 or so schools had beach volleyball when I was getting recruited. Beth Van Fleet had established a solid program at GSU, and her awesome personality and coaching style made it hard to pass up,” Rohan said. Beach Volleyball is an exciting sport because
there are only two players on the court at once and there is a lot of ground to cover, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. “It’s challenging only to have two people on the court, especially after many of us are used to having six from indoor. That being said, it’s so fun to be able to touch the ball more while playing on such a forgiving surface,” Rohan said. Rohan started her career at Georgia State during the 2014 season. Rohan went 16-10 during her freshman campaign and 11-5 with her partner Alexis Townsend. Rohan has had a lot of different players during her career, but it has not stopped her from getting better. “I enjoy getting to play with different PHOTO SUBMMITTED BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS partners because it makes you a better player. Georgia State beach volleyball player Delaney Rohan prepares to return the ball during the UNF You have to be very adaptable, be able to Invitational over UNC Wilmington and College of Charleston, March 4, 2017. communicate with different personalities, and work to make your partner look the best she Milani Pickering. The pairing leads Georgia times. possibly can,” Rohan said. State to the inaugural CCSA tournament “Time-management is a skill that studentIn total, Rohan played with three different championship match. She was also named to the athletes begin to master after a few years. partners and had a winning record with every all-tournament team for her performance. Thee Although it’s hard to find time between single one. pairing also won a match against No.6 Arizona practicing, weight lifting, conditioning, and During her sophomore campaign, Rohan during the NCAA tournament. treatments, as a senior, I’ve learned to use my went 21-7. She just continued to get better and “The whole team worked incredibly hard spare time wisely, which means using those 30 better. all year to prepare for that moment. We put minutes between classes to study,” Rohan said. “I’m always striving to get better, and that that preparation into action as we battled The things like that are what separate the starts in practice every day. It’s always helpful to against many tough teams to make it to the good from the great. Rohan is off to a pretty go back to the basics and drill the fundamentals. championship game. It was an honor to be decent start this season, and if her previous My teammates challenge me everyday to named to the all-tournament team with so become the best that I can be,” Rohan said. many great pairs, and I only have my teammates history if success is any indicator then she will have a very successful season this year. Whatever she does certainly work and it and coaches to thank for putting me in that Rohan loves love for the game is what makes showed off during her Junior season. That year position,” Rohan said. her so good, and helps her to keep going. Rohan went 29-6. Her 29 wins are the thirdRohan is the true definition of a student“I love the relaxed atmosphere that comes most for a single season during that season. athlete because she gets it on in both the with the sport, Rohan said. There’s always music Seh also has a winning percentage of .829 is the classroom and on the court. During her time blasting, and it doesn’t hurt to turn and see the highest in school history. at Georgia State, Rohan has made President’s Most of those wins came with her partner list, Dean’s List and the Athletic honor roll three ocean during a match!”
13B
SPORTS
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Nathan Mallonee is relishing his last ride
Georgia State golfer says ‘This might be my last time doing this, so I’m just gonna have fun’ D’MITRI CHIN Staff Reporter
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enior Nathan Mallonee of the Georgia State men’s golf team is relishing his last ride with his fellow teammates, which may also be his last time playing the game he loves at a competitive level. While he has significantly improved throughout his years as a golfer here at Georgia State, Malloneerealizes that his opportunity to become a professional golfer is quite remote. However, Mallonee has been a leader in his own right on the golf course, as well as a great individual off of the green. Lauren Court who is a former Georgia State women’s golfer (2011-15) has applauded Mallonee for his affable personality. Despite the fact that they apparently played on different teams, she credited Mallonee for always having a great spirit and being someone she could openly talk to in regards to the game of golf. “Nate started my junior year — he was a freshman, and we lived in the same dorm building, so we were able to kind of connect and just start having a real relationship — like conversation wise, and he’s a really great person to sit and speak with,” Court said of the camaraderie her and Mallonee share. Along with his personality, Mallonee is most recognized for his efficiency as a golfer. The Signal had an opportunity to speak with Mallonee about his senior season, thus far.
With being a senior, you’ve been involved in a great amount of matches. Which has been your favorite to compete in and why?
Mallonee: That’s a tough one. Well, my freshman year we went to the national championship — that was really fun. I mean, just competing against the best teams in the country, the course we had played [on] Prarie Dunes in Wichita was just phenomenal — it’s like one of the top 50 courses in the world. Another one of my favorite ones is we go play at Kiawah Island the ocean course, which is where Rory [McIlroy] won his PGA, and that course is just sweet.
What was the most important thing that you’ve taken from last year and applied to this year to help you continue that level of success? Mallonee: I don’t think there is anything that stood out last year. It’s kinda just, you know, tryna
Georgia State golfer Nathan Mallonee drives the ball during a golf match.
get better. If you look at my scoring average, each year it has gotten a little better. It’s just kinda working with my coaches, being honest with myself--like, what am I doing good, what am I doing bad and just making that category of bad things fewer and fewer.
Since the season has already started, what were your individual goals for your last year being here?
Mallonee: I play golf like every day basically for the past 10 years of my life. Obviously, I want to be on the PGA tour and do all that stuff, but like, I don’t really know if it’s going to happen like that, so I mean I really, really enjoy the guys that are on the team right now. The team chemistry is great; it’s such a fun environment. This year I’m just like, this might be my last time doing this, so I’m just gonna have fun. It doesn’t matter if I play bad, just have a good attitude and just soak it all in.
How do you manage to balance out being an athlete and a student?
Mallonee: It’s all time management. I know
that’s kinda cliche, but getting your priorities right. I need to be eligible first of all academically. So I gotta get all my stuff done. You know my first year we had like snowpocalypse, and it kinda ruined the syllabus a little bit, and I kinda wasn’t used to like adjusting schedules--not being in class every day like in high school. But just like learning to check your syllabus every week, get on icollege and then just planning ahead for when we were leaving for tournaments. Sometimes we’re gone four days. You really gotta plan ahead.
Who is your favorite golfer?
Mallonee: My favorite guy to watch is Dustin Johnson, probably because he does what I can’t do. He just bombs it everywhere.
What are some of your pregame rituals?
Mallonee: Nothing real specific, it kinda changes. I think something I found success with lately is treating warmups as a warm up. It’s not a practice session for the round; I’m just getting loose. Just getting the muscles loose; just feeling it.
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When asked, former Georgia State women’s golfer Lauren Court spoke highly of you. What are your thoughts about her as a golfer and an individual? Mallonee: She’s really hardworking. When she was in school, we talked about how our teams were doing and what she was going through with the team. We could just really relate to each other. She’s a really nice person, so it was a fun connection. I could just talk to her and see what’s going on and connect with the women’s team, too.
What’s next for Nathan Mallonee? Mallonee: I don’t know. I’m applying to grad schools right now — maybe get my MBA somewhere. I’d only do that if I could get a grad assistant position and pay for it that way. Maybe get a job, I don’t know. I’m trying to keep all of my options open right now just to see what comes about
SPORTS
14B
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017
Devin Vainer and Will Kilgore on their transition to a new team respectively. Both in their second year at State and happy to have found success on their new team, they both admitted transition was not an easy one, in particular on the field. “The competition is a lot harder here,” Said Kilgore. “The teams we play are more consistent and on a higher level here.” Division one schools feature better players and tougher teams compared to junior college, so it is not surprising that Kilgore admitted that. He also thanked Georgia State’s coaching staff and facilities for helping in aiding the transition athletically. The transition academically was also a rocky one, but help was once again there. “The classes are harder, but the teachers are more willing to work with you,” Said Vainer. “Everybody is here to support you. If you need study hall, you’ll do that. If you need a tutor, you’ll get a tutor. At Perimeter, it was a harder
TOBI ADEYEMI Staff Reporter
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any changes came along with the merger of Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter. A lot of new students, a couple of new campuses, and a bunch of student-athletes who didn’t have an athletic program to be a part of anymore. One of the biggest changes from the merger was that Perimeter’s athletic program would be no more, leaving many student athletes with tough decisions to make. Two of those student-athletes, Devin Vainer and Will Kilgore, joined Georgia State’s baseball team, and are both featured in prominent roles as the starting pitcher and starting second baseman
process to get those things.” Along with the educational benefits Georgia State provides, Kilgore and Vainer enjoy the support the baseball team receives from the campus, something they didn’t get much of at Perimeter. “I think the team gets more support here because number one it’s a bigger school and a whole lot of the students stay on campus, so it’s much easier to catch a game,” Vainer said. “At Perimeter everybody commuted so they would have to drive from wherever they stayed at, whether that means 10 minutes away or for some people an hour.” Kilgore and Vainer are both very happy to be at State now, but they both admitted to missing at least one thing about their old school. Kilgore said he missed the lack of athletic rules and constraints he didn’t have to deal with at
GPC, while Vainer had a funnier response. He said he misses the freedom and how laid back it used to be while adding in with a chuckle it’s something he shouldn’t. The Panthers have just opened Sun Belt Conference play and have the next couple of games at home, something Vainer relishes as a pitcher. “I love playing at home,” Vainer said. “We’re used to that environment. On the road, each mound is different, at home it’s like sleeping in your bed, and you’re going to sleep comfortably.” Currently 9-9 on the season and the last game of the home-stand tonight vs. Furman, Kilgore spoke on what he thinks the team needs to do to improve this season. “Win the close games, we’ve lost a lot of winnable games, and that can’t keep happening.”
SPRING BREAK HIGHLIGHTS BASEBALL
Softball
All work, no play for the Panthers’ softball team
PHOTO BY SIGNAL ARCHIVES
Panthers struggle going 1-3 CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN Staff Reporter
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any changes came along with the consolidations of Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter. A lot of new students, a couple of new campuses, and a bunch of student-athletes who didn’t have an athletic program to be a part of anymore. One of the biggest changes from the merger was that Perimeter’s athletic program would be no more, leaving many student athletes with tough decisions to make. Two of those student-athletes, Devin Vainer and Will Kilgore, joined Georgia State’s baseball team, and are both featured in prominent roles as the starting pitcher and starting second baseman respectively. Both in their second year at Georgia State and happy to have found success on their new team, they both admitted transition was not an easy one, in particular on the field. “The competition is a lot harder here,” Said Kilgore. “The teams we play are more consistent and on a higher level here.” Division one schools feature better players and tougher teams compared to junior college, so it is not surprising that Kilgore admitted that. He also thanked Georgia State’s coaching staff and facilities for helping in aiding the transition athletically. The transition academically was also a rocky one, but help was once again there. “The classes are harder, but the teachers are more willing to work with you,” said Vainer. “Everybody is here to support you. If you need study hall, you’ll do that. If you need a tutor, you’ll get a tutor. At Perimeter, it was a harder
process to get those things.” Along with the educational benefits Georgia State provides, Kilgore and Vainer enjoy the support the baseball team receives from the campus, something they didn’t get much of at Perimeter. “I think the team gets more support here because number one it’s a bigger school and a whole lot of the students stay on campus, so it’s much easier to catch a game,” Vainer said. “At Perimeter everybody commuted so they would have to drive from wherever they stayed at, whether that means 10 minutes away or for some people an hour.” Kilgore and Vainer are both very happy to be at Georgia State now, but they both admitted to missing at least one thing about their old school. Kilgore said he missed the lack of athletic rules and constraints he didn’t have to deal with at GPC, while Vainer had a funnier response. He said he misses the freedom and how laid back it used to be while adding in with a chuckle it’s something he shouldn’t. The Panthers have just opened Sun Belt Conference play and have the next couple of games at home, something Vainer relishes as a pitcher. “I love playing at home,” Vainer said. “We’re used to that environment. On the road, each mound is different, at home it’s like sleeping in your bed, and you’re going to sleep comfortably.” Currently 9-9 on the season and the last game of the home-stand tonight vs. Furman, Kilgore spoke on what he thinks the team needs to do to improve this season. “Win the close games, we’ve lost a lot of winnable games, and that can’t keep happening.”
PHOTO BY SIGNAL ARCHIVES
D’MITRI CHIN Staff Reporter
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he Georgia State Panthers’ softball team began Sun Belt conference play March 11, and they seemed to handle their business, as they currently have a 4-2 record in the conference. The Panthers weren’t able to enjoy their spring break on a beach, but they enjoyed a winning record over the break, and it all began with a doubleheader sweep against South Alabama. In the first matchup between the two clubs, the starting pitcher for the Panthers, freshman Peyton Worsham, had a great day on the mound. Worsham had a nohitter through 6.2 innings and struck out five batters. Offensively, Kensey Caldwell had a sac fly in the first inning and homered in the fourth inning. The final score was 2-0. During the second game versus the Jaguars, the Panthers had an even better outing. Remington Hasty hit a grand slam that set the tone for the Panthers offensively. Caldwell followed up with two RBI doubles, and the Panthers cruised to an 11-0 victory.
Game 3 versus the Jaguars had a little more excitement, but the Panthers still managed to secure a 4-3 win. After completing a sweep of the Jaguars, the Panthers faced the Troy Trojans at home on Saturday. Troy won the first matchup between the two teams 4-3. Ivie Drake had a RBI double, and Megan Litumbe had a RBI of her own. In the end, Troy scored three runs in the fourth inning to seal the deal. The Panthers bounced back in the second game of the series, though. Georgia State got off to a hot start with a home run by Drake to give her team a 1-0 lead. After a couple of runs made by the Trojans, Caldwell blasted a three-run shot to expand the lead in the fourth inning. It was a back-and-forth match throughout, but the Panthers would hang on and win the game 6-5. Unfortunately, the Panthers would end the spring break on a sour note. They lost the series against Troy with a 9-7 defeat on Sunday. The Panthers will look to turn things around against Kennesaw State Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Heck Softball Comple
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