THURSDAY 12.4.14
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Grand jury decides not to indict officer in chokehold case Protesters hit streets, police union president pleased with decision By Anthony M. DeStefano and Nicole Fuller Staff and Newsday Wire Report (TNS)
NEW YORK — Hundreds of protesters gathered at New York City's Union Square Park, Grand Central Terminal and Times Square on Wednesday evening after a Staten Island grand jury voted not to indict an NYPD officer in the death of Eric Garner. The UK Black Student Union weighed in on the court’s decision, saying “We are saddened by the grand jury’s decision,” said BSU member Jamarl Bryant on behalf of the organization. “It’s yet another case where justice was not served.” The grand jury deliberated earlier Wednesday and decided no homicide charges were warranted against Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Garner, 43, died July 17 after Pantaleo held him in an apparent chokehold during a confrontation with cops while being arrested on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. “After deliberation on the evidence presented in this matter, the grand jury found that there was no reasonable cause to vote an indictment,” Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan Jr. said in a statement in which he acknowledged “the heartache” of Garner's loved ones “who have consistently carried themselves with grace during the past four months.” Mayor Bill de Blasio said he spent time with Garner's stepfather, who was in so much pain that he was “beyond the reach of comfort.” The mayor called for calm protests, saying Garner's loved ones urged protesters to remain nonviolent to dignify Garner's memory: “You will not sully his name with violence or vandalism,” the mayor said. “That doesn't bring us closer to a better community.” In a largely peaceful demonstration, hundreds gathered under the neon and bright signs of Times Square, some with signs saying “Racism is tyranny,” “Respect human rights” and “Black lives matter,” echoing the same themes from last week's protest over the Ferguson, Mo., case. “Hopefully Americans can open their eyes and see the corruption and institutional racism that is present in our judicial system,” Bryant said. “Those who are privileged, often white Americans, are finding it difficult to see the issue but these cases continue to voice that black lives do not matter. Well, our black lives do matter.” See GARNER on page 4
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We are saddened by the grand jury’s decision. It’s yet another case where justice was not served. JAMARL BRYANT member of UK’s Black Student Union
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL REAVES | STAFF
Members of the Black Student Union honor a moment of silence for Michael Brown at the UK Student Center Food Court in Lexington, Ky., on Wednesday.
Students bring Ferguson protests to campus By Cheyene Miller news@kykernel.com
The sound of the black national anthem rang out in the Student Center food court Wednesday at 12:32 p.m., as members of the UK Black Student Union and other UK students stood in protest of the situation in Ferguson, Mo. “No justice, no peace,” shouted several dozen BSU members in unison during what they said is one of the busiest times of the week for the food court. “Michael Brown is one of the many cases that highlights the injustice and institutional racism present in our society,” said BSU member Jamarl Bryant as he gave a short speech that followed the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” “We live in a society where our black life doesn’t matter,” said Bryant in his speech. “The killing of unarmed black people by American police is a human rights issue.” Bryant, an integrated strategic communications, and merchandising, apparel and
UK professor receives grant from NASA By Hajin Yoo news@kykernel.com
A UK professor recently received a $500,000 grant from NASA to address the needs of America’s space aspirations. Assistant professor of mechanical engineering Alexandre Martin’s project was one of the 11 university-led innovative proposals chosen by NASA as part of their Early Stage Innovations Space Tech Research Grant program. Martin’s proposal, “Model Development and Experimental Validation of Reactive Gas and Pyrolysis Product Interactions with Hot Carbon Chars,” focuses on researching and designing heat shields to improve the efficiency of atmospheric entry for spacecraft. “The (Mars) rover had a five meter heat shield,” Martin said. “When it landed and popped out, it (the heat shield) was useless. It served its purpose very well, but that gigantic five meter and two inch thick metal was wasted afterwards.” According to Martin, sending instruments to Mars or outer space is typically expensive. By having a large, expendable heat shield, the ability to send bigger rovers for improved research, or perhaps people, is wasted. “If you’re able to not have a heat shield or at least reduce the thickness of it … that's the goal of
the grant … to make these more efficient,” Martin said. According to Martin, his lifelong dream has been to work with NASA. “I’ve been dreaming of that since I was little … I’m thrilled,” said Martin, who was acquiring his doctorate at the University of Michigan several years ago when he was invited to work for NASA for three months. On campus, Martin will mainly be conducting computer simulations to figure out the theoretical aspects of the heat shields while his collaborators in California will be getting their hands on the physical facet. “They’ll be taking materials and measuring to integrate research into their models,” Martin said. Martin has worked for UK for nearly four years, and said that he has three children and a wife to keep him busy when he’s not at work. In his office, he proudly boasts a picture of some of his students smiling before a huge NASA deep space antenna. He said that much of his work today has continued to spur from his childhood dream. “Engineering can seem very boring,” Martin said. “It can be extremely boring at times. But there are also parts of engineering that can be very exciting. I’m in space engineering and I’m thrilled. If you have passion it can be a nice path to be paid to do what you like. Like sending cars to Mars.”
textiles senior who is also involved with the Martin Luther King Center, said that people of all walks of life should be concerned about this issue, and then invited students to come to a forum discussion at 5:30 in the Small Ballroom of the Student Center. The organization then stood in a moment of silence for 4.5 minutes, which represented the 4.5 hours that Brown lay dead on the ground after being shot seven times by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, according to Bryant. BSU members also protested by holding up signs, which read “stop killing our men,” “we stand with the people of Ferguson” and “my life matters.” BSU member and public health junior Christina Lucas said that they chose Wednesday to protest because it’s typically the busiest day on campus, and they chose 12:32 because people would be more likely to remember an oddly specific time. Lucas said that it’s imporSee PROTEST on page 3
Students from the Black Student Union hold signs in protest of the death of Michael Brown. The protest brought dozens of students to the UK Student Center Food Court in Lexington, Ky., on Wednesday.
Students groove to relieve By Olivia Cornett news@kykernel.com
The weeks leading up to dead week and finals week can be filled with stress and chaos, but the UK Student Activities Board attempted to make campus life a little better with live music and free Starbucks coffee on Wednesday. The SAB hosted their semiannual event “Study Sounds: Classical Concert,” which included a performance by classical guitarist Dana Starkell for students in Ovid’s Cafe inside William T. Young Library. The concert was free for students to attend. “We do this once a semester, usually before finals week or dead week,” said Cyera Toone, business communications sophomore and event organizer. “It’s just a nice way for us to reach out to the students during a stressful time like this because the music is really relaxing.” Toone also mentioned that they have done Study Sounds in Commons Market before, but she thought it worked better in Ovid’s since it is connected to the library and attracts more students. Aside from the music, students were lined up out of the door waiting to get their drink vouchers. Students were allotted one voucher, which they could exchange for one free tall drink
from Starbucks. These vouchers were in high demand since there were only 100 that were given to them to hand out to students. Marketing junior Remie Ison was one of the students that received a voucher for a free Starbucks drink. “I had been studying for my exams in the library all day, so my friends and I went down to Ovid’s to get some coffee,” Ison said. “When we came in and saw the guitarist, we figured that we would sit down for a little bit and listen since the music he was playing was so soothing.” Ison also mentioned how relaxing the music was. “Ovid’s is always such a busy place, it was nice to have the
place sort of quiet,” Ison said. “It’s kind of like the calm before the storm — the storm being finals week.” Some students, however, came only because they wanted coffee to help them through their studies. “I was so excited when I saw that the Student Activities Board was giving away those vouchers,” said marketing junior Abby Leonard. “When someone came and told me about them, I immediately got up from my table at the library and came down. The guitarist was really good, but I just didn’t have time to stay and listen, I really needed to study.” The next Study Sounds will be held in April 2015.
PHOTO BY MARCUS DORSEY | STAFF
Classical guitarist Dana Starkell performs calming classical songs to students in Ovid's Cafe during the Study Sounds: Classical Concert on Wednesday.
page 2 | 12.4.14
Joshua Huff | Sports Editor | jhuff@kykernel.com
Hoops’ offense struggles in win against NKU JOSHUA HUFF Kernel Columnist
The sentiment “live and die by the free throw line” was almost on full display during UK’s unimpressive 82-64 win against Northern Kentucky. UK shot a paltry 51 percent from the charity strip, throwing away 21 points and allowing NKU to believe that it had a chance to pull off the
upset in what should have been a 39-point blowout. “We sure missed far too many tonight,” said head coach Matthew Mitchell. “We’re not shooting free throws well.” To the relief of the Cats, the Norse did not have the talent, speed or offensive proficiency to legitimately compete. Still, UK did its best to let NKU remain close. The Norse cut the lead to within two points with four minutes left in the first half, but a three-pointer by UK sophomore forward Kyvin Goodin-
Rogers ended the Norse’s hopes of entering the half with the lead. The Cats’ offense struggled from the field as well. UK shot just 44 percent from the field, but in a twist of irony, shot 4-for-9 from beyond the arc. The main culprit for UK’ inefficiency is the inexperience in the post. Too many missed reads and needless turnovers hindered an offense that was not backed up by a disjointed defense which allowed NKU to dribble and drive and pull
down seven more defensive rebounds than UK. “We were just having such a hard time to score,” Mitchell said. “Our post players are playing very panicky in the post and we’re not making real good reads there, and we just start missing all those free throws. It just deflates you.” Thankfully for UK, the Cats came up big on the offensive boards, turning missed free throws and missed shots into second chance opportunities. A few bright spots shone
UK wins despite free throw woes By Kevin Erpenbeck news@kykernel.com
A home game against Northern Kentucky was supposed to serve as a tuneup game for UK Hoops before it travels to face No. 7 Louisville on Sunday. But the 82-64 win over the Norse showed head coach Matthew Mitchell the team still needs some finetuning. “We just aren’t sharp right now,” Mitchell said. “We’re not a real cohesive defensive group and some players were off balance in their shots … we were a bit unfocused tonight. Played well enough to win, so you can’t take the victory away from us. But clearly we have to play much sharper.” The No. 13 Cats (7-1) played three straight games in the Virgin Islands over the Thanksgiving break, and seven games in the last 15 days. Mitchell decided to give the team a day off Monday to rest, so a lack of practices could be the core of UK’s struggles against Northern Kentucky, according to the coach. “This is just where we are right now,” Mitchell said. “If we could ever string some practices together … and with a short turnaround on Sunday too. The three straight days of practice we have coming up can at least help us make some improvements.” The Cats struggled to
keep possession in the first half, turning the ball over 12 times to the Norse. Mitchell said the issue of ball control has been “incredibly concerning” early in the season. But UK was able to correct its mistakes in the second half, limiting its giveaways to just four while ultimately pulling away from Northern Kentucky. The Cats also struggled at the line, hitting just 22 of their 43 free throws. Senior center Azia Bishop experienced the most hardship, going 1-for-8 on the night. Leaving points on the court has been another consistent problem for UK this year, but it’s something that Mitchell hopes to address with more practices going forward. “We did try to get some reps on that yesterday and today, but it didn’t help us very much tonight,” Mitchell said. “Not a whole lot you can do there though. Just keeping working at it, step up there and be focused … hopefully it’ll get better.” Sophomore guards Linnae Harper and Makayla Epps continued their success from the games during Thanksgiving break, however, scoring double digits each off of the bench. Epps, who was named the MVP of the Virgin Island’s Paradise Jam Island Tournament, also had six rebounds against the Norse. Despite the unimpres-
sive showing against one instate opponent, Mitchell believes the energy and focus of the team will display itself more against the other opponent of in-state Louisville, based on the deep rivalry the two programs share alone. “If you ever have to
worry about energy in that game, you’re in trouble,” Mitchell said. “I’ve only seen us come out with low energy once (against Louisville) in my seven years here. Their confidence level will increase for the game, so that should help.”
Orlando Sentinel (MCT)
Jameis Winston argued he has been falsely accused of rape in an extensive written statement submitted during his code of conduct hearing. Winston submitted a fivepage statement obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. It marked the first time the FSU quarterback has recounted his view of a sexual encounter with a former FSU student in December 2012. Winston has maintained the encounter was consensual, while the woman said she was raped. “Rape is a vicious crime,” Winston said in the statement. “The only thing as vicious as rape is falsely accusing someone of rape. [The woman] and her lawyers have falsely accused me, threatened to sue me, demanded $7 million from me, engaged in a destructive media campaign against me, and manipulated this process to the point that my rights have and will continue to be severely compromised.” Winston was investigated for sexual assault, but the state attorney's office – citing insufficient evidence and an inefficient police investigation – declined to press charges against Win-
ston in December 2013. The incident occurred at Winston's off-campus apartment nearly two years ago. The accuser told police that she left Potbelly's – a popular Tallahassee bar – in a cab with unknown men, one of whom turned out to be Winston. In his statement, Winston said he and the accuser met at
have a balanced offensive attack that could counteract the off night of their elite senior guard Jennifer O’Neill and turn to any of their young players to step up and carry the team. However, UK will need the entire team to focus and find a semblance of consistency with a tough foe like Louisville lurking in the wings. If the Cats have any chance of pulling off the victory on Sunday, they’ll need to be much more proficient than what they showed against the Norse.
UPCOMING SPORTS Men’s Basketball Dec. 5 vs. Texas Lexington, Ky. 7 p.m. Dec. 7 vs. Eastern Kentucky Lexington, Ky. 6 p.m.
Women’S Basketball Dec. 7 vs. Louisville Louisville, Ky. 2 p.m.
Volleyball PHOTO BY JOEL REPOLEY | STAFF Makayla Epps (25) goes up for a layup during the second half of UK Hoops vs. Northern Kentucky University at Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in Lexington.
Winston says rape allegations are false in written statement By Brendan Sonone
through the drudgery of the game, however. GoodinRogers and senior guard Bria Goss lit up the scoreboard, scoring 19 and 16 points, respectively. Goss was “the champion of the free throw line,” according to Mitchell, going 7-for-10 from the strip. The confusing part about Goodin-Rogers’ stat line was that she had 16 points at halftime. Despite having the hot hand, the forward shot just three times in the second half and played only six of her total 16 minutes after the break. The Cats are lucky they
Potbelly's, where they danced for about 10 minutes before the accuser gave Winston her phone number. Winston stated that he texted her before leaving the bar. “[The woman] voluntarily left Potbelly's in response to my text and she voluntarily got into the taxi cab. If [the woman] had protested, then I would have left her at Potbel-
ly's,” Winston said. Winston offered his detailed account of what he viewed as consensual sex and apologized for the graphic nature of his statement, saying he was forced to counter her version of the events. “[She] is lying about me,” Winston said. “I have no choice but to tell the truth about her.”
PHOTO BY JOE BURBANK | ORLANDO SENTINEL (TNS)
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston (5) hands off during the second half against Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Florida State won, 24-19.
Dec. 5 vs. Oakland Lexington, Ky. 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 NCAA Tournament Second Round Lexington, Ky. 7 p.m.
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PROTEST Continued from page 1 tant that the Brown case is remembered, because it speaks to a bigger issue that has existed in American society for generations. “It’s not (just) Michael Brown, it’s the whole social inequality,” said Lucas, who mentioned the media’s role in the case. “The media plays such a huge role in this and it skews it to make us angry and to protest.” Bryant said that the violent nature of some of the protests in Ferguson does not represent the rest of the protests taking place. “We know how to get our message across in a peaceful way but they don’t choose to highlight that,” Bryant said.
“I have to get on Tumblr to see the peaceful protests,” said Lucas, who noted that Browns stepfather Louis Head, who is currently under legal scrutiny for his alleged part in inciting the Ferguson riots, is not solely to blame for the violence. “He has the freedom of speech,” said Lucas, who noted that Head was in an emotional state at the time and that protesters should have listened to Brown’s parents who were calling for peaceful protests. Bryant said that his hope was that the protest would bring further awareness about the Brown case, to UK students. “We just want to make sure that other races to know why this issue is of such importance to someone like me,” Bryant said.
CLASSIFIEDS
For Rent 4 Bedroom 1-9 Bedroom
2-15 BR homes. Excellent service, variety of nice homes, locations all around campus, starting at $345/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859) 333-1388. 3-5 BR houses for rent. $875-$1,600 per month. Call Tyrell at (859) 585-0047 or email tyrell@lexingtonrentalhomes.net. 8 BR/3 BA house off Rose Street. 3,850 square feet. Available January. $2,200 per month. Call for details. (859) 948-5000. Great properties for rent, walk to campus. W/D included. (859) 619-3232. www.myuk4rent.com.
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3 BR/1.5 BA. $900/month- utilities included. Parking. Near UK campus. Call Kelley at (859) 225-3680. 3BR/2BA, $1,275/month. Campus View Condos. Utilities included, private parking. W/D, large kitchen appliances, microwave. Unit available 1/1/2015. (859) 552-6633.
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For Rent
Student Housing August 2015-16 1-6 bedrooms Great quality Good prices Better landlord Dennis (d.sills@live.com) www.sillsbrothers.com 859-983-0726
Help Wanted
LLM is seeking candidates interested in working full-time administrative positions. LLM is a non-profit organization that works with participants that have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Managers will oversee supports and staffing for their respective caseloads. Field experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Management experience preferred. Apply online at www.lordslegacyministries.org or call (859) 245-2233. LLM is seeking full and part-time care attendants to work one-on-one with participants in residential setting. Starting at $10/hour. Weekend and afternoon hours available. Apply at www.lordslegacyministries.org or call (859)245-2233.
National Academy is seeking a loving and enthusiastic individual to work as a teacher in several of our classrooms. Must have the ability to lift at least 30 lbs, and have flexibility in scheduling. Part to full time positions may be available. Must be at least 18 and have at least 6 months experience working in childcare, and all employees of National Academy will be required to have a minimum of a CDA by May of 2014. Serious inquiries only, must apply in person. 3500 Arbor Drive. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are looking for individuals 21–34 years of age who have received a DUI in the last 5 years to participate in a study looking at behavioral and mental performance. Participants are compensated for their time and participation is completely confidential. For more information, call (859) 257-5794. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are conducting studies concerning the effects of alcohol and are looking for male & female social drinkers 21-35 years of age. Volunteers paid to participate. Call (859) 257-5794. Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. AAA. AAA is looking for a few friendly voices who can make a positive difference by helping our valued members with their emergency road service needs. AAA is currently accepting online applications for full time/part time/seasonal positions based in its inbound Member Service Call Center in Hamburg. Excellent listening and verbal communication skills, computer and typing skills, the desire to help people, a flexible schedule and ability to work weekends required. All schedules are set and include a minimum of one weekend shift. Must enjoy and perform well in high-volume, fast-paced environment! Base hourly rate + incentive pay plans with a variety of benefits available for PT and FT including paid time off and 401k options. Triple-pay for holiday hours worked! Apply online today: http://ohiovalley.aaa.com/About/Careers before these sought after positions are gone! EOE.
Substitute teacher needed for preschool and after-school. Very flexible with school schedules. TB Skin Test, Background Check, and Child Abuse/Neglect Checks will be completed and paid for by employer prior to start date. Equal opportunity employer. Please email childcare@faithlutheranchurch.com with your resume and three professional references. Value City Furniture at 2321 Sir Barton Way is looking for a PT general warehouse associate. Morning and/or afternoon shifts available. Please apply within. Wild Eggs now hiring servers, bartenders, hosts and kitchen staff. Flexible hours. Apply in person 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Friday. 1925 Justice Dr. (859) 553-6990.
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Roommate needed. Female student looking for same. Non partier. Available anytime. Landlord Dennis, 859-983-0726. Sillsbrothers.com
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HOROSCOPE To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — There's more work coming in. Help your team score over the next six weeks, with Mars in Aquarius. Aim for long-range targets by considering what you'd most love to increase or protect. Money's available. Soak up the love. Together, anything's possible. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Others look to you for your common sense. Advance in your career for about six weeks, with Mars in Aquarius. Move forward boldly. Pour energy into your work. Others are feeling generous. A bonus is possible. Friends provide a connection. Eat well and give thanks. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Keep up with homework. Don't take big risks. Avoid overindulging. Over the next six weeks, travel is likely. You'll have itchy feet with Mars in Aquarius. Pursue travels, studies and adventures. Follow the thread of a fascinating inquiry. Follow a friend's recommendations. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Collaboration gets you farther than Lone Ranger solitude. Rely on someone who sees from a different view. Make future plans together over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. Review and revise the budget. Focus on investments. Planning is pivotal. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Push the creativity envelope. It could get surprisingly fun. Work as a team and get farther over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. Support your partner, and ask for help when needed. Compromise, negotiate and determine who does what. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Focus your energy on work over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. There's a profitable opportunity available. Consider a new option or brilliant suggestion. Provide excellent service, and reap the benefits. Streamline routines. Handle unexpected home responsibil-
ities gracefully. Sweetness pops up unexpectedly. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Intensify personal efforts. Give family your full attention. Your actions speak louder than words for about six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. Romance sparks when least expected. Passion and creativity infuse the atmosphere. Try something crazy. Fun is the name of the game. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Creative talents come to the fore. Present your ideas. Over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius, improve your living conditions. Get into home renovation, organization and beautification. Pamper your family with seasonal flavors and colors. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Learn difficult material quickly for about six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. You're intent on getting the whole story, spurred to action. Write, record and promote. Dig deeper to find the truth. There's money available. Stand up for what's right, without being obnoxious. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — A positive attitude leads to increased prosperity and affection. Go for a raise or prize without worrying about competition. Over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius, avoid reckless spending. Add a turbo boost at work and bring home the bacon. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Think big. Provide excellent service. Consider an option previously rejected. You solve problems quickly over the next six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. Take decisive action, in full confidence. Let go of outgrown associations. You've got the power! Grow new skills and capacities. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — You're very creative now. It's easier to throw things away for about six weeks with Mars in Aquarius. Clean closets, garages and attics. Rest up and exercise close to home. Make long-term plans and set priorities. Assume authority. Do what you love and prosper. MCT
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12.4.14 | Independent since 1971 | 4
OPINIONS
Do not dismiss LaBeouf’s rape allegations ANNE HALLIWELL Kernel Columnist
Shia LaBeouf told Dazed magazine last Thursday that he was raped by a woman during his February performance art show. The internet’s reaction so far has been appalling. LaBeouf’s performance art piece involved the actor seated at a desk with a paper bag stating “I am not famous anymore” over his head. Lacey Donohue of “Defamer” wrote in a February
first-person account of the exhibit that individual audience members were invited to take any of the following implements into a back room with LaBeouf: “a pink ukulele, a Transformers toy, a bowl of Hershey's Kisses, a vase of daisies, a wrench, a whip, Brut for Men spray cologne, Jack Daniels, a bowl filled with printed out LaBeouf-related tweets, and a copy of The Death-Ray by Daniel Clowes.” LaBeouf told Dazed magazine that on Feb. 14, one woman whipped his legs and sexually assaulted him during the exhibit. LaBeouf’s artistic collaborators took to Twitter to
defend the actor’s claim. “Nowhere did we state that people could do whatever they wanted to Shia during #IAMSORRY,” wrote Nastja Säde Rönkkö, who collaborated with LaBeouf on the exhibit. She and exhibit collaborator Luke Turner backed up LaBeouf’s claims and defended him to Piers Morgan, who in a post on The Daily Mail, accused LaBeouf of fabricating the incident to create a “PR opportunity.” “Shia LaBeouf is one of the toughest actors in Hollywood,” Morgan wrote in the post. “If he’d wanted to stop this complete stranger supposedly ‘raping’ him, all he
had to do was physically stop her himself or shout for help.” Sadly, this is the attitude that many reactionary articles have adopted since LaBeouf publicized his claim. Here’s the problem with this approach: society cannot choose which allegations they credit immediately based on how much they like the claimant. Lindy West of the Guardian wrote on Tuesday that men’s rights activists and some feminists apparently agree that LaBeouf’s allegations should be dismissed out of hand. How did women who
are presumably very aware of the issues facing female sexual assault victims looking for recognition manage a complete about-face when a man made a similar claim? “Feminists, it should be noted, are also the only ones I see defending LaBeouf,” West wrote. “The scant response from ’men’s rights activists’, supposed champions of male victims, seems to mainly revolve around how effeminate LaBeouf is for not fighting his attacker hard enough.” West goes on to state that LaBeouf’s history of erratic behavior could back up a claim that he was not capable of giving consent to
sex acts in February, especially during an exhibit that put him in a vulnerable position physically and emotionally. But do we really need to justify LaBeouf’s claim? It is a dangerous move to expect support in your own claims but not extend the same belief to others. And if we ever want to create a society where victims of sexual assault get the help and justice that they deserve, we need to start listening to them, regardless of gender. Anne Halliwell is the news editor of the Kentucky Kernel. Email ahalliwell@kykernel.com.
New college football playoff system full of potential flaws NICK GRAY Kernel Columnist
Change is good. Unless it’s a four-team playoff. College football flipped its system of deciding a national champion from a formula combining computer rankings and human pollsters to a system where 12 officials outside of the game of football at this point in their lifetimes select teams for a
four-team playoff. Issues have been raised about the new system, and I have three big ones. 1. Winning is most important — some of the time. Florida State is the only undefeated team left in the FBS, major college or otherwise. Yet, the Seminoles are ranked No. 4 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Baylor and TCU have the same conference schedules. The Bears did not play a major non-conference team, while the Horned Frogs played one (Minnesota). Even though Baylor beat TCU, that reason, and the fact that TCU looks like a better team, slides the Horned Frogs ahead.
2. The people choosing the four College Football Playoff teams are not people knowledgeable about the sport. Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long has been explaining the committee's rankings after they have been released each week this season. But what exactly do we know about this new process? There is little transparency. The committee members are overqualified to formulate a playoff. Their credentials in a bureaucratic setting are unrivaled, but their credentials in a setting to pick the best four college football teams in the country are bizarrely and unequivocally below par.
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
GARNER Continued from page 1
After about 200 to 300 people gathered at Union Square they headed toward Rockefeller Center, where the Christmas tree is to be lighted Wednesday night. At an evening news conference, the mayor said he and his wife, who is black, have spoken to their son for years about the “special care” he must take when he meets police, who are there to protect the public. “We have to find a way forward and we have to find a way forward together,” the mayor said. “It's a very emotional day for the city. ... So many people in the city are feeling pain.” He added: “This is now a national moment of grief and pain. We are dealing with centuries of racism that brought us to this place.” The mayor said he spoke to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Eastern District U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch — the president's pick to replace the outgoing Holder — and both have made it clear they will review what happened in the case. On MSNBC's “Politics Nation,” Garner's widow Esaw told the host, the Rev. Al Sharpton, that she got some comfort from speaking to Holder on Wednesday. “We still have hope and we still have a fight to fight to get this justice for my husband ... He will not die in vain.” Garner's mother, Gwen Carr, said the grand jurors' decision “tore me up.” “What were they looking at?” she asked. Speaking during an event Wednesday with American Indians, President Barack Obama said he was “committed” to “equal under the law” treatment. “This is an American problem and not just a black problem or a brown problem or Native American problem,” Obama said. As news of the decision spread, several protesters began gathering in various public spaces, from the sidewalk that was the site of the confrontation to Donovan's office. At Grand Central Terminal, about 40 protesters lay prone on the floor silent to mimic a “die-in.” At least one protester cried in a demonstration surrounded by reporters, police and onlookers.
A spokesman for the NYPD said there are “obviously more cops out there patrolling the city tonight. They're not in one specific spot. They're mobile.” More police officers were reportedly dispatched to the Brooklyn Bridge, Union Square Park and Rockefeller Center for the tree-lighting ceremony. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called the circumstances of Garner's death “nothing short of tragic,” but while some New Yorkers may disagree with the grand jury's decision, “it is important that we respect the legal process and rule of law.” “At the same time, the justice system also allows for additional investigations and reviews, and it may be appropriate for the federal government to do so in this case,” Cuomo said in a statement. “And if there are improvements to be made and lessons to be learned, we at the state level are ready to act to better the system.” Donovan said the investigation “focused on locating civilian eyewitnesses with information and evidence to offer, speaking to those who provided medical treatment, whether on the scene or at the hospital, and consulting expert witnesses in the area of forensic pathology, policies, procedures and training of police officers, as well as emergency medical technicians.” More than 38 interviews were conducted, “yielding 22 civilian witnesses who reported to have seen some part of the interaction” between members of the NYPD and Garner, Donovan said. State law bars district attorneys from commenting on grand jury investigations, but Donovan said he filed Wednesday for a court order allowing him to release certain information used in connection with the grand jury investigation. After learning of the decision, Pantaleo, 29, issued a statement through the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association: “I became a police officer to help people and to protect those who can't protect themselves. It is never my intention to harm anyone, and I feel very bad about the death of Mr. Garner. My family and I include him and his family in our prayers and I hope that they will accept my personal condolences for their loss.” Ben Carr, Garner's stepfather, said the decision is “just like a knife stabbing my heart.”
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There are four current athletic directors and one former athletic director on the committee. But just because they can select a football coach does not prove that it can make decidedly good judgments about whether TCU or Baylor are better. Let me remind you again that Baylor has beaten TCU. Bill Hancock, the director of the College Football Playoff, has created an unintelligent monster. It starts with a clearly unqualified committee that has members who have vested interests in, in some cases, specific conferences. Clemson and Florida State are both in the ACC. Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich is one of
the 12 committee members. If Florida State earns a spot in the playoff, Clemson can fill its spot in a bowl game. It would mean Clemson would earn more money off of a more lucrative bowl game. And we're supposed to believe that Radakovich can make a rational judgement on Florida State. Even if these officials are the best and purest athletic directors in the country, this is no position to put them in. 3. Scheduling games is too arbitrary to matter. In most cases, conference schedules are formulaic. In the SEC, where there are 14 teams who play eight conference games, Mississippi State can play UK and Vanderbilt one season, and Florida and Georgia in the next season.
And that can decide whether a one-loss Mississippi State team makes the playoff over a Big 12 team that plays all the teams in their conference. How do you navigate through that logically? How do you navigate through any of these issues logically? Easy. Make a larger playoff, where deserving teams can easily get and where a committee can choose between nine-win teams. Or go back to the computer rankings that have no inherent biases. Do anything but this. Nick Gray is the managing editor of the Kentucky Kernel. Email ngray@kykernel.com.