Dec. 6, 2017

Dec. 6, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 82 No. 14

2015 FILE PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | THE WICHITAN

2016 FILE PHOTO BY IZZIEL LATOUR | THE WICHITAN

2015 FILE PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Jesse Brown, criminal justice junior, waits for the trail to begin Jesse Brown, graduate student, enjoys the warmth of the home- Jesse Brown, criminal justice junior, running for SGA President, regarding his campaign procedures to the Election Board Commit- coming bonfire on Oct. 27, 2016. talks to the Student Government Association body about his prior tee at the Student Government Association Presidential Trail in the accomplishments and how they will benefit him if he were to be Clark Student Center on Thursday, April 16, 2015.

President next year, at an SGA meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

JESSE BROWN moves from campus leader to city leader

KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

J

esse Brown is more than just a coordinator of student organizations and leadership programming. He’s also a city councilor, former student regent, former student government president — and now, a former candidate for county treasurer.

After announcing his campaign for Wichita County treasurer on Oct. 10, Brown suspended his candidacy exactly one month later on Friday, Nov. 10, according to the Times Record News and Texoma’s Homepage.

The district four city councilor and Kappa Alpha Order alumnus said in a press release received Dec. 1 he withdrew from the race due to potential conflict with his employment at MSU. Ethics policy 3.314, Section F(7) states that any MSU employee who intends to run for any public office, outside of local offices with no payment of any kind, must resign prior to announcing his or her candidacy.

“After further discussions with administration at the university, it now appears that there could be a potential conflict by me remaining employed at MSU and running for

a countywide office,” Brown said in the press release.

City council members, however, elected Brown as mayor pro tem in late November.

Brown would have faced Bob Hampton, incumbent treasurer, who has held the paid position since November 2004, earning $197,699 in 2017.

“I want to be reelected because we have a variety of things going on in this office I want to see through,” Hampton said. “We’re trying to get a $70 million renovation of the jail going right now.”

He also said there is an “interesting difference of philosophy” between the commissioner’s court and county treasurer, because there has been discussion of dissolving the county treasurer’s office.

“Nine counties in Texas do not have a county treasurer, and I’ve talked to eight of those nine counties. They dissolve the office to save money, but there’s no savings really, because they have to hire someone to do the job instead of being elected for it,” Hampton said. “When you have an individual that’s elected, we answer to the taxpayers, whereas

a hired employee only answers to their boss.

They are not a spokesperson for the people.”

Hampton, also a Kappa Alpha Order alumnus, did not say much about Brown’s withdrawal from the race.

“It was his decision and I support him,” Hampton said. “He’s a good guy. Both he and his brother [Clayton] are good friends of mine.”

Brown filed, as per university policy, a disclosure of outside employment or activity form for his employment as city councilor on Aug. 8. Matthew Park, dean of students, and Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, signed and approved this request on Oct. 19 — Brown did not file this form for his campaign for county treasurer, but he had filed for candidacy with the county on Oct. 17.

“The records I sent are the only records the university has on file,” Julie Gaynor, director of marketing and public information, said in an email on Nov. 2 received after a Freedom of Information request filed 14 days earlier.

Brown said there is an exception in this policy that allows him to continue serving

on City Council, but his position on campus fosters an unethical environment to run as county treasurer.

“I value my relationship with Midwestern State University and the Wichita community too greatly to operate in an ethical gray area,” Brown said in the press release. “As such, I believe this is the best decision for all parties involved. I stand committed to bring innovative ideas, energy, dedication and accountability to our community. I still believe we need good people to stand up and be willing to shoulder responsibility. I want to thank all of my family, friends and supporters for their continued trust in me. We will move forward and we will better our community.”

Despite multiple attempts to contact Brown regarding this issue beginning the day he withdrew, he said he would not discuss this matter with staff members unless emailed the questions beforehand.

“Thank you for the invitation, but I am going to uphold my previous stance on interviewing with the Wichitan concerning my political involvements/activity,” Brown said in an email on Dec. 1.

2 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

Thank you, farewell to The Wichitan [Editor’s note]: The -30- term comes from the old typesetting mark to mean “the end” or “no more to say.”] ’ve been involved in journalism since my sophomore year of high school. I started out as a reporter, then sports editor, Kara rounding off my high school caMcIntyre reer as assistant editor-in-chief. So it makes sense that I never questioned my choice to study journalism in college — until I joined The Wichitan staff.

I know that sounds contradictory, but hear me out.

Before our brand-new mass communication building, there was a small, windowless storagecloset-turned-newsroom called the Wichitan office. There were about four consistent staff members and five computers, one of which would never get past the login screen no matter how many times we called IT. I met the adviser, Bradley Wilson, when I was fresh out of high school. I had expressed a fraction of an interest in joining the staff, so of course Bradley went full-force recruitment mode on me, and had somehow gotten me to agree to waking up at 5 a.m. to cover Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred as my first story assignment.

After running around in 100-degree weather with zero idea of why people wanted to watch cyclists go around in circles for hours, I decided I was never going to set foot into that office again because, to be honest, Bradley terrified me. I thought journalism wasn’t for me anymore.

Exactly one year later, I took a media writing and reporting class with — you guessed it — Bradley Wilson. He encouraged me, pushed me and forced me to write stories I didn’t want to write.

I started staying in the office later, writing more stories than I needed to and helping out the editors when I could.

I started to care.

Now here I am with five semesters on staff, one as managing editor and three as editor. One hundred and twelve production nights arguing about hyphens, em dashes, Oxford commas and whether we wanted Pizza Hut or Domino’s.

I

wichitan

the

Vol. 82 | No. 14

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd.

Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

Hundreds of stories. Thousands of hours. Millions of memories.

I’ve learned too many things from this experience to list in this column, so I’ll just share a few.

I’ve learned that the general public under-appreciates the work journalists do. I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to push people (even when they hate you for it) and how to show compassion and accountability at the same time.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that doing a thankless job means I can’t get upset when people don’t say “thank you.”

But now it’s my turn to say thank you to the organization and the people that have given me everything.

First and foremost, a heartfelt and humble thank you to Bradley for a) seeing my potential before I did, b) trusting me enough to put the paper in my hands and c) for being my mentor, professor and friend. Another genuine, slightly apologetic thank you to Justin, Brendan, Cortney and Leah for listening to me whine and complain about my editorship.

Thank you to Rachel and Fran for coming back on staff and saving me from having a giant hole in the paper too many times.

Thank you to Tyler for showing me that I’m leaving the paper in capable hands. Thank you to all the new staff members for taking a chance and committing your time to the paper. And, lastly, thank you to all the beautiful students, Tyler Manning and Kara McIntyre faculty, staff and community members for reading my stories and entrusting me enough to take care of them.

Here’s to new beginnings, for both me and The Wichitan. It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s one I’d ride over and over again.

-30Kara McIntyre is a mass communication senior.

Climbing the ladder from film critic to editor

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre VISUALS EDITOR: Justin Marquart BUSINESS MANAGER: Brendan Wynne PHOTO EDITOR: Rachel Johnson OPINIONS EDITOR: Tyler Manning ISSUE STAFF: Herbert McCullough, Judelle Tyson, Abena Tobin, Latoya Fondren, Brittni Vilandre, Makayla Scheck

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Francisco Martinez, Izziel Latour, Sara Keeling, Timothy Jones

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

M

y journey started simply with a suggestion from a faculty member: write for the school newspaper. I had spent the 30 minutes prior to Tyler that suggestion talkManning ing about how much I love watching and discussing film. I distinctly remember that day and not for a moment did I think it would lead me to where I am today: the future editor for The Wichitan.

I came to The Wichitan as someone who did not know what he wanted in life. I was in a major I did not see myself getting a career in. I had no future goals I wanted to attain. All I knew was that I loved talking about films and saw The Wichitan as an outlet for my opinions.

My exper ience with this newspaper has been surreal. I distinctly remember my first encounter with the editor, Kara McIntyre, and how daunting my role at The Wichitan felt. I was no longer voicing my opinion with my friends — I was publicly putting my opinion into the media for all to read and judge.

However, the more I worked through the newspaper, the more

great memories I made. From getting a massive amount of feedback on my critical review of the new “Beauty and the Beast” film to waking up at an ungodly hour for Hotter ‘N Hell to the nerve-racking task of reporting on last semester’s graduation. All of these events greatly enhanced my college experience and I cannot wait to experience many more.

This is all with the help of an amazing staff that has welcomed me since I started working for the newspaper. The Wichitan is home to some of the most amazing people who I am eternally grateful for. I wouldn’t take back any of the time I have spent with them and look forward to working with them more in the future.

Through my endless droning about movies, long hours spent on reporting and late nights helping the staff get ready for print, my passion and drive started to surface and it became more clear that I was in an environment I belonged. I then changed my major from political science to mass communication and made clear goals for my future.

I applied for the editor position because I knew mass media was something I have a passion and drive for.

In the past year, The Wichitan has fostered so much growth in my life and I want to repay the favor.

I am thankful for Steve Hilton who pushed for me to join The Wichitan. I am thankful for the many reporters who have welcomed me with open arms. And I am thankful for Kara for being a great editor and role model.

She has lead the paper with kindness, strength and dignity. Without her guidance, I doubt I would be here.

I have big shoes to fill, but I am more than ready for the challenge.

Tyler Manning is a mass communication junior.

Copyright ©2017.

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

| Dec. 6, 2017 | 3

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Caitlyn Cremeens, 2015 graduate, and Braden Wood, 2013 graduate, try to get a picture with their dog, Mack with Santa who was played by Wichita Falls County Judge Woodrow Gossom Jr. | Brandi Hobson, kinesiology senior, laps the second out of third lap of the 5k around Sikes Lake, Saturday Dec. 2, 2017.

Students, alumni run Fantasy of Lights Fun Run HERBERT MCCULLOUGH REPORTER

O

n Dec. 2, the Wichita Falls Museum of Arts staff hosted the Fantasy of Lights 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. This is the fourth year this fundraiser has been put on for the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights.

“It’s a fundraiser for Burns Fantasy of Lights that we have on campus at the MSU park,” Angie Reay, Fantasy of Lights 5K and 1-mile Fun Run assistant, said. “It’s a way to help support that event. It’s just a way for everyone to come out and help support the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights.”

Reay also said that a special guest has arrived for the Fantasy of Lights 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. “Santa is coming,” Reay said. “Santa should be here soon and we also have some of the displays from the Fantasy of Lights so people can take their pictures as well.”

Dirk Welch, MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights coordinator, explained the displays from the Fantasy of Lights. The display is a part of the character village which are by-wood cutouts of some of the children’s favorite characters.

“We have Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch,” Welch said. “We have Frosty and his wife Crystal. We have Mickey and Minnie. We have Olaf and Sven. Those are opportunities

for young and old at heart to participate and get a picture opportunity. Normally these character villages are on the grounds of the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights but we brought them out for this event today.”

As coordinator of the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights, Welch said it is an honor being a part of the longstanding tradition.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to coordinate such an important event,” Welch said “It’s a long-standing tradition that was started over 90 years ago on the Burns family property. So it’s a joy to be a part of it and help keep it alive and help create holiday cheer and celebration within the community. It has been a wonderful experience that I am pleased to be a part of.”

Welch said his favorite part of the MSUBurns Fantasy of Lights is spreading joy and Christmas spirit as well as creating lifetime experiences for the campus and the Wichita Falls community. He also said Fantasy of Lights reminded him of his holiday experiences as a child.

“It’s just seeing the joy in those individuals that come out and walk through the lights,” Welch said. “I like the smiles and the twinkle in their eyes. For me, it brings back a lot of those childhood memories and some of those great holidays experiences I had. I love to see

the joy and pleasure on the faces of those who come out. There are so many lifelong memories that are made and that’s enriching and worth wild.”

The 5K run started out with two competitions: one for the best holiday theme and the other for the worst holiday theme. There were a male and a female winner for each competition.

“We had the $25 gift card for the best dressed holiday theme for the male and female participant,” Welch said. “We also had a $25 gift card for the worst dressed holiday theme for the male and female participant.”

Jason Slagle, MSU alumni, was the male winner for the worst dressed holiday theme.

He said it was a “fantastic” experience being a part of the competition.

“It was fantastic,” Slagle said. “We just came out and there was a group of us. We found some ugly suits at Walmart and we decided to make a day of it.”

This is also Slagle’s first time participating the Fantasy of Lights 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. “I thought it was a great experience,” Slagle said. “It looks like a good community event. It is well supported.”

Slagle also said that he is expecting to participate in next year’s Fantasy of Lights 5K & 1-mile Fun Run.

“We like to come out and for things that support the community,” Slagle said. “And help fund things for the school. I’m a graduate here myself from Midwestern in 2001.”

The 5K run started at 9:30 a.m. and it ended around 10:30 a.m. Welch said the participants were both MSU students and alumnus.

“We had a $25 gift card for the fastest male and female participant on the 5K,” Welch said.

Ashley Ates, global studies senior, said she had a lot of fun running the 5K. “This was my first time competing in it,” Ates said. “And I got to wear my Grinch onesie.”

Despite graduating next year, Ates said she plans on participating in the Fantasy of Lights 5K and 1-mile Fun Run again.

“This is actually my final year here at MSU,” Ates said. “If I have time to come down next year and do it, I would.”

Despite finishing second place, Vincent Rodriguez, mathematics senior, said participating in the fun run was “an amazing experience.”

“It’s really amazing,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been doing it every year since I got into college. It’s just a wonderful group of people to run with. You get to challenge yourself in the winter in December. It was really amazing.”

4 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

Senior documentary screenings to be held Dec. 15 TYLER MANNING OPINIONS EDITOR

T

o showcase showcase the documentaries students made in the senior production course this fall, the mass communication department will be hosting a screening of the projects on Friday, Dec. 15 in Akin Auditorium at 3 p.m.

In order to graduate with a major in mass communication, students must take senior production. Quam said that the point of the project to utilize all the skills learned in mass communication to create the documentaries.

Jonathon Quam, assistant professor of mass communication, said, “Senior production is a documentary production class. As the capstone course for the program, we’re combining every element of what you learned in the mass communication program: shooting video, editing video to your basic writing and structure skills. So much of what we do in this program is storytelling and we constantly look at it in so many different ways.”

Quam also said he enjoys this course because of his extensive background in documentary production.

“I specifically came to this course to teach this course as well as the other production courses. My background is in documentary production. My entire graduate degree and research is based off documentary production. I love teaching this course,” Quam said.

There are eight students enrolled in senior production and the class was divided into two groups of four, each group tasked with making a documentary. One group is showing its documentary “Cenosillicaphobia” and the other is showing its documentary titled “Mom: Mother of Many.”

“Our documentary [“Cenosillicaphobia”] highlights downtown, the revitalization of it and local businesses and if its hard or easy and what goes through it when opening one,” Kristen Gregg, one of the producers of the film and mass communication senior, said.

The project was originally set to focus on an individual business, Sidecar Brewery, however, after the business closed down, the group had to change their direction.

Olivia Zamora, one of the producers of the project and mass communication senior, said, “When we were originally talking about this idea, we had focused on local business. And then we became

2017 FILE PHOTO BY TIMOTHY JONES | THE WICHITAN

Xochit Cruz, political science sophomore, gets a tattoo at Finals Frenzy May 4, 2017.”Volunteering with my sorority sisters makes it fun,” Cruz said.

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Haleigh Wallace, mass communication senior, works in the broadcast department editing bay her group’s senior production final video project for the mass communication capstone course. Their 15-minute documentary is titled “Mom: Mother of Many” and her group members include Hanna Heuring, Kara McPherson and Noah Fazekas. fixated on Sidecar. It was a brand new business in Wichita Falls, there wasn’t a brewery yet. So we decided to make that our main focus and then we got to know the people at Sidecar so we just wanted to focus on Sidecar and throw out the theme of local business. And they closed so we were back to square one. We came back around to the idea of local business.”

After given no choice, the group decided to shift its focus to local business and how a local business would be started downtown. The group interviewed various businesses around Wichita Falls to get a sense of what it is like.

Gregg discussed the process that went into making the documentary a reality.

“You have to have to guts to ask people to interview them, go do it, go ask the questions, get into their personal lives, keep a somewhat relationship with them outside of that and then putting it all together is a whole other story,” Gregg said.

The other group’s project, “Mom: Mother of Many,” tells the story of Johnnie Dinnin, a local, 86 year-old woman who has a history of fostering children and others in her home ever since the 1960s.

Haleigh Wallace, one of the producers of the film and mass communica-

tion senior, said, “She [Dinnin] never had any help, she did it all by herself and she started doing this after both of her parents died and her husband died.

It was just her and her daughter Paula.

Paula’s friends started coming over trying to cheer her up and one thing led to another and then all these kids started showing up and none of them ever really left.”

According to Wallace, Dinnin has fostered around 50 children and has even outlived 22 of them.

Gregg said that her group has spent long hours making the projects over the course of the semester and showing her and her group’s project is stressful.

“I’ll probably want to throw up by the time that actually gets here. You feel vulnerable. You’ve been working on something for a whole semester and here there are these people that just randomly figured out about your screenings and they’re going to watch it. It’s intimidating,” said Gregg.

Though Wallace also said her and her group’s project has taken a long time to produce, she is content with her work and thinks the story is inspirational.

Wallace said, “We’re pretty proud of it. It is such a good story. She has lived such an incredible life. She is definitely an inspiration to everybody. We have done a good job.”

Finals Frenzy, ‘a way to beat the piñata’ JUSTIN MARQUART VISUALS EDITOR

T

o give students the chance to destress from finals for a hew hours, the University Programing Board members are hosting their annual “Final Frenzy,” in the Clark Student Center and one in the Multipurpose Room in Legacy Hall on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to about 11 p.m.

The 22 events will focus around the theme ‘Fly away with MSU,’ because, according to UPB Entertainment Chair Julia Lucas, education junior, it to add variety compared to the past “clichéd” Winter Wonderland theme.

“You should expect to be taken on a trip,” Lucas said. “You’re going to fly away with us. We didn’t want to stick with the ‘Winter Wonderland’ because finals is during that time of year. We wanted to do something different.”

The event allows students to decompress from finals, and Sandra Cruz, biology and art junior, said she likes going to the different events with friends, she especially likes going to the caricature events.

“They offer to help you forget a little bit about finals for a split second,” Cruz said. “It’s signifying that the semester is almost over.”

Finals Frenzy is open to all students and faculty, and although she hasn’t attended the event, Shaniece Dutch, sociology senior, said she’s heard it’s the opportunity for students come and have fun to relieve stress about finals and ‘beat the piñata.’”

Shaniece Dutch, sociology senior, said she has never attended a Finals Frenzy and never plans on attending one because she is too busy and is trying to focus on her classes trying to make sure everything is settled.

“Sometimes [finals] can be hell especially if you haven’t been doing good in the class,” Dutch said.”For those who want to interact in activities and want to clear their head, it’s good.”

Dec. 6, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 82 SPECIAL ISSUE

“Yes, I am a Mexican woman, but I am much more than that. I’m a lover of art and a mass communication major. I have immigrant parents, and through their obstacles I have been shaped into the woman I am today. I have many things I am passionate about and that keep me going every day.

I am Mexican and proud but won’t let a label define who I can be or what I can achieve.”

JOANNE ORTEGA MASS COMMUNICATION SOPHOMORE

Dear Society, ll you te s u e k a m to y z a cr e r a We think you re daily. What do you care? who we thinks ywoue awant to see us, in the simplest You see us a e most convenient definitions. You see terms and thd, a lesbian, a Caribbean, a sorority us as disable dude, a Christian, a redneck, a girl, a frat a gay guy.

Hispanic,and But it is not that simple. from e m co o h w le p eo p of p ou r g We are a rounds eager to make a difference different backWg e are better together and more in the worlder. eotype you place on us. than the st Sincerely yours,

A BREAKFAST CLUB FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

A modern-day look at the different kinds of discrimination students face on campus and in a college town

6 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

A 21st century look at discrimination ZARYA MAIATO REPORTER

S

“You see me only as a member of PRIDE. But I am much more than that. I’m a biology major aspiring to be a veterinarian.

I am much more than just the stereotypical lesbian. While it is a part of me, I am much more than my sexuality. I am a kind and gentle person. I’m an introvert.

I’m an aspiring artist. I love to love. Looking at me you wouldn’t have known that I lost both of my parents before I could properly speak or that I struggle with depression every day. I am more than just a black, gay woman. I’m Zaquera.”

ZAQUERA WALLACE BIOLOGY JUNIOR

tudents from all of backgrounds across the world travel for a higher education.

Each campus plays host to a mixture of cultures and ethnicity, but that doesn’t mean every student’s college experience is equal, as many are discriminated against for speaking their native language or for their outward appearance.

Hispanic students make up 16.3 percent of the population on campus, yet Lia Wiley, radiology sophomore, and others don’t feel comfortable speaking Spanish.

“If you speak Spanish out in public, people will look at you weird,” Wiley said.

Wiley recounted a man she saw on campus whose backpack had a button that stated, “This is America: Speak American!”

“The United States doesn’t have an official language, so I can speak whatever language I want. I was just so angry,” Wiley said.

Wiley thought the button portrayed ignorance and the dismissal of an entire culture.

“People look at you funny when you speak Spanish,” Lupe Munoz, nursing sophomore, said.

Joanne Ortega agreed with Munoz and added, “They’ll turn around and look at you.”

Wiley, Munoz and Ortega all feel as though their culture and native tongue is discouraged and not respected on campus Students aren’t solely discriminated based on the language they speak, according to Ortega and Wiley. Wiley said there’s a hierarchy where lighter-skinned people are seen as more beautiful in the Hispanic community.

“Even indigenous people in telenovelas are portrayed by white-passing people,” Ortega said.

“Because my skin is lighter than others, there’s almost always a shade for me in makeup,” Wiley said.

However, since brands like Fenty Beauty have hit the shelves, companies are striving to include darker shades for the industry.

“As a lighter skinned black woman, I’m treated better than my darker skinned counterparts,” Zaquera Wallace, biology junior,

the

wichitan Vol. 82 | Special Issue

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd.

Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | | THE WICHITAN

Students and faculty finish the march around campus on the Jesse W. Rodgers Promenade for the rally against President Trump’s immigration executive order over immigration enforcement, on Feb. 1.

Asma Mohammed, radiology freshman, holds a poster of statistics disputing Trump’s immigration executive order at the rally on Feb. 1. said. “Although we’re the same ethnicity, I’m treated better because I was born with lighter skin than they were. I was told I’d fit in better with society.”

Wallace said she doesn’t believe she’s better than anyone in her race, but she said she’s

EDITORS: Avery Whaite, Morgan Haire, Lane Riggs ISSUE STAFF: Zarya Maiato, Denush Vidanapathirana, Latoya Fondren, Yareli Lora, Mia Heck, Daisy Reyes Guzman, Tyler Manning, Judelle Tyson, Ivy Martinez, Avery Queen, Devin Field, Jennifer Wright, Tre’ Jones, Halie Aldridge, Chloe Phillips PHOTOGRAPHERS: Rachel Johnson, Bridget Reilly, Marissa Daley, Justin Marquart, Shea James, Arianna Davis ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

constantly been told darker skin is linked to being inferior in her culture.

“There’s absolutely a standard on what is good hair. As a mixed individual, it’s preferred that I have ‘good hair’ and not kinky black hair. The more kinky, the more unprofessional,” Wallace said.

‘Good hair’ is a term used to describe more relaxed curl patterns, which are seen as more desirable in the black community.

“The kinkier your hair is, the less attractive you are. If your hair defies gravity, it isn’t as accepted as other hair. You’re encouraged to wear a wig, sometimes,” Wallace said. “Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of positivity movements for black women’s natural hair, though. I’m really happy to see that.”

Wiley said most of the discrimination she has experienced on campus had nothing to do with her race.

“I was discriminated against more so because I’m in PRIDE and I’m LGBT. Not so much because I’m not white,” she said.

READ THE REST ONLINE AT THE WICHITAN.

Copyright ©2017.

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

| Dec. 6, 2017| 7

Global enrollment continues to grow thanks to university’s outreach program “I like the community. The people have been very friendly,” Yoshimura said.

Selvin Peters, mechanical engineering he wall and shelves of Randy Glean, Director of the Office of International sophomore, said the Caribbean Student OrgaServices, are filled with pictures of smil- nization helped his initial experience.

“I came here for school. But I also came ing students, the result of his 20 years spent bringing in students from 46 countries to the here for the experience. I was on a scholarship, so I decided to come here,” Peters said. university.

“I got to travel the world, see more than “My transition was a bit easier because CSO 3,000 students come through, [and] see the showed me the roots.”

Peters said he came to the university with program grow. It’s interesting,” Glean said.

Glean said the cost of attendance played a the expectation that he would have to start huge role in bringing international students from scratch.

He said he was grateful for the help he reto Wichita Falls.

“Everyone is going to pick what’s best for ceived from organizations such as CSO, who them. Students pick MSU because the cost is ensured he had a place to stay and helped him reasonable, because there is a message coming get settled in as fast as possible.

Aeron said university officials were very to them in their home country and the message is that it is a safe school, it’s a strong pro- helpful when it came to reaching out to stugram. There’s lots of care and that’s why they dents after the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma. choose it,” Glean said.

“They were one of Yujin Yoshimura, a the fronts when it came computer science and to our relief. They got math junior and a nathe word out throughtive of Japan, said the out the organization,” school’s affordability Aeron said. played a key role in his Shehan Karunaradecision to come to the thne, accounting seuniversity. nior and vice president “The main reason of the Sri Lankan Stuwas the cheap tuition. dents Organization on My family lives here campus, said organiand they choose to live zations such as CSO, in Wichita falls because SLSO, Midwestern Indithe cost of living is so YUJIN YOSHIMURA an Student Association, low,” Yoshimura said.

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATH JUNIOR and other such student According to Glean, organizations are imthe outreach program the university conducts is also a factor in in- portant in getting incoming international students integrated into life in the United fluencing students to come here.

“We make sure the students’ expectations States.

“Before [new students] come, they expect are not grounded in promises. So, we make sure that whatever we promise, we deliver,” to come into a society that’s pretty much diverse. They expect to come and mix in with Glean said.

Calvert Aeron, mechanical engineering se- other cultures,” Karunarathne said.

Yoshimura said the university’s diversity is nior and president of the Caribbean Student Organization, said the international students’ an important part of why international stuoffice is helpful in regards to the on-campus dents continue to come here.

“For an incoming student, I’d say MSU is activities for students.

“They are doing a pretty good job being a great place and it is very connected to the the face for international students on cam- community. The diversity is very important pus. I know that with events like Caribfest, to the school,” Yoshimura said. “It’s importhey help us advertise and spread the word tant that people from different backgrounds are part of the same community. They don’t around campus,” Aeron said.

Yoshimura said the tuition and cost of liv- feel isolated. They feel connected and that’s ing was not the only reason he chose to come. very important.”

DENUSH VIDANAPATHIRANA REPORTER

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“For an incoming student, I’d say MSU is a great place and it is very connected to the community.

The diversity is very important to the school,”

51.9%

Caribbean students make up the largest percentage of international students

8.9%

China and India tie for second place for amount of students enrolled

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Lidenia Clarke, Spanish junior, shakes her chest for the camera during the Caribfest Parade that looped from Dillard to Jesse Rogers Promenade Sept. 30.

“You see me as just a Caribbean girl, but I am much more than that. I sacrificed my year-round sunshine, sea and sand to be here at Midwestern State University. I’m not just doing this for me, I’m doing it for my 6-year-old daughter’s future.

I make sacrifices in my life in hopes to make her life better.”

Dave Hughes, accounting senior, and Akeem Shaw, accounting senior, start to dance together during the Caribfest Parade that looped from Dillard to Jesse Rogers Promenade Sept. 30.

5.3%

Percentage of students enrolled from Nigeria.

JULEEN MANNERS SOCIAL WORK FRESHMAN

8 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

PHOTOS BY MARISSA DAYLEY | THE WICHITAN

Alpha Phi members show up in crazy outfits chanting to the judges at the Homecoming Parade held in front of Akin Auditorium Oct. 20.

Greeks prey to stereotypes; still a ‘necessity’ LATOYA FONDREN REPORTER

I “You see me as a member of the Baptist Student Ministry, but I am much more than that. I’m a sinner who has been saved by grace through my faith in Jesus Christ.

My identity is found in The Lord and I want show God’s love to everyone.”

MASON WINKLES BUSINESS MANAGEMENT JUNIOR

t’s the first night of recruitment, 80 anxious girls await the start of their Greek life experience. Each girl already has an idea of which sorority they would like to be a part of and what that sorority is like.

The Greek community provides students a chance to gain leadership skills and come together as a whole to serve a purpose, and as more sororities are incorporating diversity into their chapters, some members, like Hailey Morris, early childhood education senior, believe they have a range of girls involved in Greek life.

“We truly get a range of people, there are girls who are local, girls from out of the city, girls from out of state, and even girls from out of the country,” Morris said.

Hannah King, psychology junior, said students of other ethnic backgrounds shouldn’t shy away from a particular sorority because of the fear that they may not be socially accepted.

Mario Ramirez, assistant director of student involvement, said, “Every student that is interested should give each sorority a try.”

King said students aren’t pledging like they used to because the excitement for Greek life no longer exists.

However, the same goes for multicultural sororities,” Morris said. “People who aren’t involved in sororities have labeled what kinds of girls go through which recruitment process and because of this invisible, and inaccurate rule, the girls in sororities tend to divide themselves according to this manner.”

Prospective students spend one week visiting each of the sororities to figure out which

221

Girls involved in Panhellenic sorority chapters.

group makes them feel the most comfortable. so much diversity the sororities can gain.

Ramirez said, “Get to know the sororities, “People come into college, and we only don’t listen to what other people say or what have a couple short weeks to show them who you see in the movies and social media.” we are,” Morris said. “If they already have negKing agreed and said sororities face pres- ative thoughts because of things like movies, sure to look like the movies. However, she be- that really makes it hard on us.” lieves there is more to it than just that.

Ramirez said there are some sororities that Morris said she have some diversity believes the problem but the percentage lies in stereotypes, as is low in numbers. many people come to He also mentioned college with a preconthat sororities should ceived notion of Greek learn how to recruit life. different kinds of stu“The problem lies dents, such as firstin stereotypes because generation students of preconceived nowho don’t know what tions and ideas about sororities or sisterGreek life prior to or hoods are. during college,” Mor- Chi Omega and Sigma Alpha Epsilon members “Step one is recris said. “We tend to rock to music with their boom box heads riding ognizing the populose out on great po- on their neon covered float for the Homecoming lation, another step tential members sim- Parade. would be making an ply due to the fact that they think they don’t effort to make sure that students of different fit society’s image of being Greek.” ethnic backgrounds are being welcomed into Morris said one solution to the problem is the sororities,” Ramirez said. to begin dismantling cliche stereotypes.

“That’s another step, making sure that “We, Greek community, really need to show that being Greek isn’t limited or re- they are being inclusive with their language stricted to any one type of people or culture and actions to all students,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said the solutions that he suggestbecause essentially, if that’s the case, then there’d be no purpose for the Greek commu- ed are going to take some time and effort from Greek life nationals and his department to nity,” Morris said.

“We become as vulnerable as we can, shar- help the sororities better promote themselves ing our own stories and allowing people to see to the student body.

“I’ve seen the potential that Greek life that absolutely anyone is welcome,” Morris has,” Ramirez said. “I believe it’s a necessity to said.

However, when it’s the same pool of peo- have Greek life on campus.” ple going through recruitment, there is only

56

Girls in multicultural sorority chapters.

9

Panhellenic and multicultural chapters on campus.

| Dec. 6, 2017| 9

PHOTOS BY SHEA JAMES | THE WICHITAN Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Austin Leveridge, business Kappa Alpha Order members D.J. Hauser, criminal justice senior, catches a football finance senior, plays washers at a soccer tailgate at the soccer tailgate in front of his fraternity’s letters on Aug. 24. on Aug. 24.

Brother realizes fraternity not understanding, welcoming YARELI LORA REPORTER

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hough joining a fraternity should feel like someone is accepted by their brothers for who they are, one student felt the fraternity wasn’t as accepting as they had been lead to believe — as other members began to talk behind his back.

Brandon Brown, business management junior, made the decision to drop Kappa Alpha Order after being an active member for two years, due to disagreements, no common ground and a lack of communication with the chapter.

“I honestly had enough of Kappa Alpha, I had been wanting to drop for quite a while and finally I contacted my president back in the spring telling him that I was goBrandon ing to drop,” Brown said.

Students leave their Brown brothers because of the cost, they transfer, or simply because, as Brown felt, Greek life wasn’t for him.

Joining a fraternity allows students to network and make lifelong friends while cultivating leadership skills and helping the community through charity work, but Brown said KA did nothing for him.

“I wanted to network with others in hopes to help further my career when I graduate, but there’s nothing that KA really did for me,” Brown said.

1865

Dec. 21, 1865, was when Kappa Alpha was founded nationwide.

Noah Garcia, nursing sophomore and vice president of Kappa Alpha Order, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and tackling problems within the fraternity.

“We want all the active members to be united as we can be and always encourage people to think that they’re heard, and feel that they are heard,” Garcia said.

Brown did not always agree with some of the decisions that were made throughout the fraternity.

“The guys saw that I was drifting away from the group and tried to help me a little, but I don’t agree with all of the decisions that are made within the group and the guys don’t really like it if you disagree with their views. They kind of hold a grudge towards you,” Brown said.

In contrast, Garcia said the members get along pretty well.

“It’s all about connections, brotherhood, and where you feel at home,” Garcia said.

But Brown’s connections with some of the members faded and he stopped calling them brothers after he heard some of the members talking about him behind his back.

“KA has some good guys in the fraternity. There’s a few I’m friends with, some I’m neutral with and then there’s some where we just shouldn’t cross paths, plus lots of negativity between some of the members.

These guys call each other brothers, but I don’t,” Brown said.

133

Active Kappa Alpha chapters, as of December 2015.

Brown works a full time job at WellsFargo and said his job has prevented him from attending some of the events that the fraternity has.

“I feel like they started talking about me because I have a full time job and I wasn’t able to make it to all of the events,” Brown said.

Brown said he started to realize Kappa Alpha was strict and not understanding.

“I feel like you are in college and you’re young, and they put a hamper on that sometimes. A couple of guys like to talk behind closed doors and it’s one of those things that I’m just like, ‘Okay, whatever,’” Brown said Brotherhood is a term for an unbroken bond. For Brown, that term did not resonate with Kappa Alpha Order.

“I’d figure the president would try to talk me out of dropping the chapter when I contacted him about it, but he didn’t. He must have seen me as a lost cause,” Brown said.

Regret is what comes to mind when he thinks about Kappa Alpha Order.

“Greek life is for me, KA life isn’t. If I could go back, I would have gone with Sigma Alpha Epsilon,” Brown said.

Wanting to hear from current members of Kappa Alpha Order about the reasoning behind Brown dropping the fraternity, the editors reached out to several members who all declined to comment or didn’t respond to missed calls and voice mails.

34

Active members in Kappa Alpha Order on campus.

“You see me as the typical sorority girl. But who I really am is a strong, confident and driven woman. I am more than just big T-shirts and leggings, I’m a student striving to become an occupational therapist to help as many lives as I can. ” SARAH MAHAN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SOPHOMORE

“You see me as a frat guy, but I am more than the letters I wear on my back. I am an honest, driven young leader. I just want to better myself, my campus and my community in any way that I can. With joining a fraternity I’ve been given the opportunity to build lifelong bonds with my brothers along the way. ” TRAVIS FUENTES NURSING JUNIOR

10 | Dec. 6, 2017 | PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MARQUART AND ARIANNA DAVIS | THE WICHITAN

Michael Clayton, early education freshman (right), participates in events at the Cook Out on Aug. 23 Ryan Luig, computer science senior, explains the process of roasting as he takes apart the coffee roaster machines. March 22.

Rednecks: “It’s just a way of life; you get to yell ‘yee yee’ whenever” MIA HECK REPORTER

“I am more than the boots I wear, the buckle on my belt or the small town I came from. You have no idea the hardships I faced to try to get where I am today. Growing up I had to not only go to school, but I had to work long hours to keep our family business afloat. I’m a first generation college student, going to school not only to get an education but so I can help take care of my family in the end.

I’m striving to be a mechanical engineer one day, and I’m taking a lot of classes this semester and it has been nothing short of easy. I know if I work hard enough, it will all pay off in the end.”

AUSTIN PRATER ENGINEERING FRESHMAN

A

redneck can be identified by their camoflauge shirts, boots, cowboy belts, or by their Southern drawl and hospitality. However, these characteristics can also stereotype a redneck.

The well-known definition, which came into common usage in the ‘30s, stems from farmers whose necks had been burned by the sun during hours of outdoor labor.

Jeff Foxworthy, a famous comedian and redneck, sold twice as many as records as white-collar comedians, such as Steve Martin or Richard Pryor, setting the record for the most comedy recordings sold in history in 2007.

Michael Clayton, early education freshman, said,“I would definitely consider myself to be a redneck, but my definition of the term is just a way to describe someone who is in touch with their roots of where they come from, and that is often a small country town.”

Rednecks live in rural settings and are known for their love of pickup trucks and country lifestyle.

“I’m not kidding when I say I don’t need much, but my buddies and my pickup on a back road just driving around,” Clayton said.

“It’s the simple things that make me happy because that is the way I was raised.”

The term “redneck” has been dated back to the 1800s as way to describe a set group of people, though its meaning has shifted through the years.

In today’s society, a redneck refers to southern white people who are often unedu-

cated, poor or of low social standing; similarly, the term has also been used as a derogatory term to poke fun at people who live an excessive country lifestyle.

“Being a redneck means living a fantastic life that keeps you connected and learning to appreciate the nature around you. That includes taking pride in the animals we harvest and the land I preserve,” Jared Sharp, 2017 mechanical engineering graduate, said.

“It allows me to put meat in the freezer and provide for myself all year, and taking joy in the simple things like relaxing by a bonfire,” he said.

The commonplace for the redneck custom, even when researching the specific definition online, is the idea that all rednecks are often an uneducated group of people.

“The majority of rednecks I know are extremely intelligent. I know at least 15 rednecks who graduated college with engineering degrees,” Sharp said. “If that doesn’t prove the stigma wrong, then I don’t know what would.”

Famous rednecks include comedians Larry the Cable Guy, Phil Robertson and Bill Engvall, who are all college graduates.

“The stereotype is completely backwards.

Rednecks are very educated but usually in different aspects of life,” Zack McMahen, criminal justice junior, said. “We are able to adapt well to new situations and learn as we go.”

During the ‘70s, the redneck became a widely popular lifestyle in the fashion industry, and brought fame to the lifestyle with the help of the 1981 movie “Urban Cowboy.”

The movie brought a trend across Ameri-

ca that introduced southern drawls, cowboy boots and country-fried food from Hollywood into the homes of Americans across the country.

“I find it interesting that people sometimes use the word ‘redneck’ as a degrading term, yet glorify popular rednecks like the Robertson family from ‘Duck Dynasty’ or Larry the Cable Guy,” Clayton said.

People consider rednecks to be known for their southern hospitality, however, the common consensus also considers rednecks to be racist, due to a southern origin.

“It’s not that we are racists, it’s just that we don’t care about offending anyone because we are not easily offended ourselves,” Sharp said. “But we are also the type to give you the shirt off our backs if you needed it.”

Activities that are strongly associated with redneck people include hunting and fishing, as well as farming.

“Because I’m a country boy, I can kill or catch all the meat I need for a year, as well as keep a garden to provide my own vegetables,” McMahen said.

Despite the popular, though occasionally negative, connotation that is associated with being a redneck, the lifestyle is continually changing and becoming more accepted by society due to its acceptance of famous rednecks.

“It’s fun being a redneck because you get to shoot animals, go mudding, dip and spit and yell, ‘Yee Yee,’ whenever you want,” Clayton said. “To me, it’s not only a term to explain my lifestyle. It’s just a way of life.”

| Dec. 6, 2017| 11

The ADA compliant ramps and stairs outside of the Protho-Yeager and Bea Wood buildings.

PHOTOS BY MARISSA DALEY | THE WICHITAN

Students with disabilities struggle with non-ADA compliant buildings DAISY REYES GUZMAN REPORTER

S

tudents with disabilities struggle to enter old buildings as classmates quickly walk up stairs and ramps. Most students don’t think of the accessibility of buildings - but for students with disabilities, it’s an everyday thought.

Former President George H.W. Bush signed Americans with Disabilities Act into law in July 1990. The act enforced an end to discrimination against people with disabilities in the workforce and public education system.

Based on the act, ADA compliance is making sure things are accessible to people with disabilities.

But although the Americans with Disabilities Act has now enforced buildings to include these things, students with disabilities still face buildings that are not ADA compliant.

“It is the physical accessibility of the campus and that means ramps and the signs in braille,” said Debra Higginbotham, director of Disability Support Services and ADA coordinator.

Ramps, braille, service dogs, elevators and automatic doors accommodate people who have a physical disability.

On the other hand, there are other “invisible disabilities” that need different types of accommodations.

“If a person has problems with concentration, we are not going to say, ‘You can do your best work when you’re in a classroom that may be extremely noisy and distracting to you,’” Higginbotham said.

Another thing a lot of people don’t think about is electronic accessibility. With online courses, the university needs to make sure a person with vision impairment is able to use a screen reader.

For people with a hearing impairment, if the course refers to a YouTube video, then professors need to ensure the video has captions. They need to think about all aspects of the courses.

Higginbotham said the law itself sounds sim-

ple, but the regulation book is not.

“Our goal is to have everything over and above,” Higginbotham said.

Elizabeth Speegle, history freshman, lives on campus and maneuvers around campus in a wheelchair and at times walks with the help of her crutches. Speegle was born with Cerebral Palsy and has had multiple surgeries to help her walk.

“It has always been my dream to come to college,” Speegle said.

She chose the school because it was close to home. At the time, she wasn’t concerned about ADA compliance because her disability was not going to stop her from reaching her dream, but once here, she noticed things need improvement.

Speegle said some doors in different buildings aren’t automatic and there’s a need for more ramps around the buildings. She also said some sidewalks are hard to get up or some doors are heavy.

The crosswalk on Taft Boulevard is a safety hazard because, “people don’t really see you and slow down,” Speegle said. The library has narrow aisles of bookshelves that she can’t get her wheelchair through.

“It’s not their fault,” she said, “They’re trying their best. It’s because they’ve been around for so long.”

MSU started off in 1922 as Wichita Falls Junior College, long before the concept of disability services made it into building codes. ADA compliance standards were permitted in 2010, but were not enforced until 2012.

“A lot of the complaints we get are because we are meeting the requirements, but we have such old buildings and it’s so hard to be sure that every door is wide enough,” Higginbotham said.

She said there are standards for the width requirements of doors, however, there are people who need power chairs, which are bigger than that.

“Fain is a nightmare,” said Higginbotham.

“It was actually put together pre-ADA. It’s nice and artsy and looks very pretty, but wow.”

Over the years, gradual changes were made to the Fain Fine Arts building. Higginbotham said she has looked at blueprints to double check for ADA compliance.

Ferguson Hall is in the works and Hardin Administration Building is expecting changes of its own.

“Some of the buildings you may say about, ‘Well they don’t look like they’re doing anything,’ and that may be because they’re actually about to come down,” said Higginbotham, “[For the Counseling Center] the plans were for that to come down.”

The funding for these projects comes from a combination, but a lot of it is from the state “HE” a fund.

“There is always some money available that we could get every year,” she said. “Things we are looking at right now are fire compliance and ADA compliance. The good thing is both of these sometimes work hand in hand.”

She said they also have to think about what buildings they should invest the money in and if they aren’t going to configure anything soon.

“A lot of times it’s really hard to tell a person, particularly if they’re in a wheelchair, ‘Hang on, we’ve got it in the plans. It’s going to happen,’ because they’re dealing with it on a day-to-day basis,” Higginbotham said. “But the truth really comes down to: you can’t just go in and knock down a wall.”

Higginbotham says this is because the state has to approve plans of the commendation.

Higginbotham has been working at MSU since the late 80s, which is long enough to witness the changes that ADA has brought to the school.

READ THE REST ONLINE AT THE WICHITAN.

“I have faced discrimination in the past because of my disability, but here in a college setting, people see me in a better light. I would describe myself first and foremost as a Christian, second, a history major, and third, a Priddy Scholar. I am a first-generation student that has been given the opportunity to study in a prestigious new scholarship program.”

ELIZABETH SPEEGLE HISTORY FRESHMAN

12 | Dec. 6, 2017 | PHOTO BY MARISSA DALEY | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY JUSTIN MARQUART | THE WICHITAN

Shaniece Dutch, sociology senior, holds up a pride flag with the word peace on it during the Resist Hate Rally held at the Sunwatcher Plaza on Sept. 1.

“You see me as the funny gay guy who wears makeup, but who I really am is a broken and incomplete person. After years of suffering from OCD, anxiety and depression, I put up a front to distract myself and others from seeing how twisted and messed up I really am.

Due to years of depression, I don’t really feel emotions anymore, and if I happen to feel anything it’s just pure anger and hatred. Despite the years of wanting to die, I’m at a point where I don’t know if I will ever go back to my former self, back to feeling human again.”

TANNER FLORES SPECIAL EDUCATION FRESHMAN

Zarya Maitao, mass communication sophomore, Jessie Tidwell, education sophomore and Zaquera Wallace, biology junior, flashes color and march in the Resist Hate Rally held in Sunwatcher Plaza on Sept. 1.

LGBTQ students’ journey from discrimination to acceptance T TYLER MANNING REPORTER

hey are just like everyone else on campus. They have the same likes, dislikes and struggles. They eat in the same cafeteria, walk in the same halls and attend the same classes. Though they are just like any other student on campus, they have had a history of discrimination.

Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender have a long history of facing discrimination and violence. In 2011, the Gay-Straight Alliance was formed to educate students and alleviate misconceptions about members of the LGBT community, preceding campus stories about LGBTQ+ issues on campus.

In 2013, an openly gay man was refused the right to donate blood on campus because of his sexual orientation.

In 2015, other openly gay students on campus were ridiculed by multiple students on an anonymous social media app for their sexual orientations along with the caption, “See a fag, post a fag.”

In 2016, an openly gay athlete came to MSU to speak on the challenges he has faced because of his identity and the organization People Respecting Identity Diversity for Everyone had made itself more visible with peaceful protesting.

Throughout the past six years, there has been a tremendous amount of growth toward bettering the treatment of LGBT,

1970

First PRIDE march in U.S. history.

or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender directly persecuted,” Sinclair said. “MSU members on campus. does the best job it can. There are a lot of All of these events have led to the cam- great faculty and staff that are allies and pus climate now, where students that are supportive. That is the extent of what they part of the LGBT commucan do.” nity have yet to see disThough she does not crimination against them feel discrimination on or their friends on the campus, she has seen disbasis of their identity and crimination off campus in sexual orientation.

Wichita Falls.

That familiar back“I had my car decorated ground connected with pretty gay for homecomthe community is all too ing last year. I was off camfamiliar to Morgan Sinpus and when I came back, clair, sociology junior I had tobacco spit all over and president of campus my car,” Sinclair said. “It PRIDE. was disgusting to say the She did not grow up in least.” an LGBT accepting home.

Sinclair does fear what It was not until this past could happen on this camsummer that she came out pus. She referenced an to her family. event at Cleveland State “My grandma has not University, in which a sebeen the nicest person ries of fliers were spread PHOTO BY MARISSA DALEY | THE WICHITAN ever about it. For instance, Zaquera Wallace, biology junior, pos- around campus telling she has told me that I am ses for an interview for Channel 6 be- members of the LGBTQ+ attacking her in her own fore the start of the Resist Hate Rally community to commit home,” Sinclair said. suicide and hopes somein Sunwatcher Plaza Sept. 1.

Despite seeing discrimthing similar does not ination in her home, Sinclair said she has happen on this campus. yet to see that present on campus.

“I don’t want that to happen on campus “Surprisingly, considering how unac- because I fear that it could,” Sinclair said. cepting a lot of people in Wichita Falls are “It is a trigger point for a lot of people.” about gay people, I have not seen anyone READ THE REST ONLINE AT THEWICHITAN.COM

2011

Gay-Straight Alliance formed to educate students on the LGBT community.

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Students actively involved in PRIDE on campus.

| Dec. 6, 2017 | 13

Board of Regents approve admissions policy change JUDELLE TYSON REPORTER

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or high school applicants in the top 25 percent of their class, MSU just became more accessible. The Board of Regents members approved a policy on that will allow automatic acceptance for high school applicants in the top 25 percent of their class — a huge change from the original requirement of top 10 percent. The change will take effect in fall 2019.

Kristen Garrison, associate vice president of undergraduate education and assessment, said the change came from the work of the financial aid and admissions task force who researched the admission requirements of peer institutions in Texas.

“The policy change is the result of the work of the financial aid and admissions task force, which researched the admission requirements of other Texas colleges and universities, as well as the retention and performance of current MSU students who graduated in the top 25 percent,” Garrison said.

In making its decision, the board considered admission requirements and retention rates of MSU and other peer institutions including Angelo State, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State, Texas Tech University, University of North Texas, University of Texas Arlington and West Texas A&M. Garrison who presented the information in the Nov. 9 board meeting said the change in the admissions policy is a positive move for the university.

“This is a positive move for our university, as it conveys our commitment to students who have demonstrated a solid academic record,” Garrison said.

Director of Admissions Gayonne Beavers said the change in the admissions policy would put the university in line with other universities in the state.

“It will just put us in line with what a lot of universities in the rest of Texas are already doing. Many of them, for many years now, have been auto admitting the top 25 percent, whereas MSU has just stayed with admitting the minimum that the state allows of the top 10 percent. This would just put us in line with a lot of other universities in the state and with a majority of our competitors,” Beavers said.

According to Keith Lamb, vice president of students affairs and enrollment management, the financial aid and admis-

PHOTO BY SARA KEELING | THE WICHITAN

The Board of Regents meets Friday, Nov 10, 2017, to discuss future plans for the university and how it will affect student life and the face of the school. sions task force studied aspects related to how students are admitted. Lamb said they discovered the top 25 percent of students retain well, much more so than the overall freshmen class.

“The recommendation to change the policy came from the Financial Aid and Admissions Task Force. That group studied a number of things related to our admissions, such as who we’re admitting and how we are admitting students. One of the things that they discovered is that our published admissions criteria for the top 25 was very rigorous compared to peer institutions. They also noticed that in general the top 25 percent of students retain very well at Midwestern, much more so than our overall freshman class,” Lamb said.

Lamb said the task force came to two main conclusions: 1) by automatically accepting the top 25 percent, the work would be much easier for the processing staff and 2) open the applicant pool to more potential students.

“Admitting students automatically in the top 25 percent would help our processing staff as they are students we typically admit anyway. They’re successful once they get to Midwestern and we’re unnecessarily tying up our processing staff evaluating those students only to let them in,” Lamb said.

Lamb further expressed the concern of limiting the appli-

cant pool from those in the top 25 percent.

“There was some concern that we are limiting our applicant pool from the top 25 percent, because so many schools automatically admit the top 25 percent that when they see that we do not automatically do so, the students may be less inclined to apply to Midwestern. There was a general feeling among members of the committee that we are potentially missing out on some well-qualified students that aren’t applying here because of the stated standards, and I think they are right.”

According to Beavers, the change will help to market to more students so they will consider the university in the future.

“The change will help us to market to more students so they will consider us in the future. Whenever you look at a lot of the universities that accept the top 25 percent already, many of those universities accept the same caliber of students and, in some cases, accept a higher caliber of students than what we already do here. It will just help us to become more competitive with those students that we want to come here,” Beavers said.

Beavers said that if the university wants to grow in the future then they have to market themselves and compete with those already there.

“Because as we are wanting to grow in the future, we have to adjust ourselves and put ourselves in the market to where we can compete with those that are already there. So by us shifting to auto admitting the top 25 percent, I don’t think it will necessarily change the caliber of students per say, but it will allow more students to consider us as a university moving forward because they’ll know that it’s a university they can be accepted to.”

Lamb said if the goal of the university is to grow then the question is how the university is going to support the students they are bringing in and how they intend to transition them to be successful.

“If our goal is to grow and if we are looking at a Texas population that is demographically going to increase in first generation, and things like that, the question isn’t how we’re going to bring in students with higher qualifications because they’re not out there, the question is how are we supporting the ones that we are bringing in and how are we transitioning them to be successful,” Lamb said.

Admission & Retention between Texas Universities Name of Institution

Top 10 %

Next 15 %

Top 50 %

Retention (%)

4-year grad rate

6-year grad rate

MSU

Automatic

21 ACT/1070 SAT

21 ACT/1090 SAT

69.8 (overall), 91 (top 10), 81 (11-25%)

20.9%

40.8%

Angelo State

Automatic

17 ACT/900 SAT

17 ACT/900 SAT

66.5

20.4%

37.5%

Sam Houston

Automatic

Automatic

20 ACT/960 SAT

76.3

29.9%

50.6%

Stephen F. Austin

Automatic

17 ACT/930 SAT

20 ACT/1030 SAT

71.5

30.2%

44.2%

Tarleton State

Automatic

Automatic

16 ACT/880 SAT

70.7

27.9%

42.9%

Texas Tech

Automatic

24 ACT/1180 SAT

26 ACT/1260 SAT

83.6

33.7%

59.9%

University of North Texas

Automatic

20 ACT/1030 SAT

23 ACT/1130 SAT

79.6

24.7%

49.9%

University of Texas Arlington

Automatic

Automatic

22 ACT/1130 SAT

69.1

22.5%

46.5%

West Texas A&M

Automatic

Automatic

18 ACT/940 SAT

64.7

27.1%

44.2% SOURCE: Kristen Garrison

14 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

PHOTOS BY SARA KEELING AND RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Gayatri Bhimani,computer science graduate student, Keerthi Reddy Gangidi, computer science graduate student, and Tejaswi Singman, computer science graduate student, enjoy the celebration of the traditional holiday Diwali at the Sikes Lake Center on Nov. 6. | Kamilah Tobin, mass communication sophomore, dances in her bright feathered outfit during the Caribfest Parade that looped from Dillard to Jesse Rogers Promenade Sept. 30 | Abhilash Kolla, computer science senior, and Sindhu Thandra,computer science graduate student, yell and cheer on their friends during the traditional Diwali celebration. | Theo Rolle, mechanical engineer junior, waves the Bahama flag during the Caribfest Parade.

International students face limitations for on campus jobs ABENA TOBIN REPORTER

I

nternational students make up 10 percent of the school’s total enrollment and this number has grown by 1.7 percent from 2013 to 2016, but only 36 percent of student employees are international students. The international student program is outgrowing the available jobs on campus, and due to immigration status restrictions, a majority of them cannot work off campus, according to Dawn Fisher, Human Resources Director.

Fisher said there are 1,349 people employed on campus and of that 1,349, there are 555 students. Of the 555 students, there are 204 international students.

Fisher said the statistics at human resources change quickly, however, there are employment opportunities on campus that are available for international students but majority are filled.

Randy Glean, director of international services, said, “Two hundred and four [students] is actually lower than what we expect, but the number of authorizations we have done was close to 300 international students.”

Glean said because of the vast expansion of the international student recruitment program, it will and has become harder for students to find jobs on campus because campus jobs are limited.

“I feel restricted because of the limitations implemented in the system that hinders me getting a job whether it be on or off campus,” Martin Thomas, management information system freshman, said.

Thomas said to avoid the rush and battle for getting a job on campus as an international student, it’s sometimes based on the persons one is acquainted with.

“A lot of times for international students they can only work on campus because of their restrictions for off-campus jobs,” Fisher said.

She said because of their immigration status, international students can’t work off campus and because of the limitations

DATA PROVIDED BY DAWN FISHER, HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR

Total number of employees on campus, 1,349, total number of student employees on campus, 555, total number of international student employees , 204, total number of female international student employees, 119, and total number of male international student employees, 85. she says that it may be difficult for that reason.

However, the job search for international students is not only hectic because of their restrictions, but because the process after being hired can be difficult as well.

“The process to getting paid is difficult because, in my case, I am international and to get my social security number, I had to wait two months therefore I was without a job for two month,” Jomarie Leblanc, mechanical engineering senior, said. “After the two months, I had to look for a job all over again.”

However, some international students believe that certain jobs mostly cater to men, therefore they are forced to search for jobs in the already over-crowded departments. For example, working at the facilities department as well as the custodian jobs are considered jobs for males.

“As a female the jobs search may seem to be harder because we seek jobs where we are indoors rather than outdoors cutting the grass,” Edeesha Darwton, radiology senior, said.

Darwton said because she worked in the Wellness Center, she doesn’t want to feel that jobs on campus have specific target genders for international students; however, she said most women would not want to work in facilities or be a custodian.

Glean said every semester there are more international females than males enrolled and females do tend to work in departments like that of the book store or the library, and then the few males that work there as well causes the crowding in the departments.

“Our international students are about 60:10 in ratio for females to males employed and it shows in the numbers enrolled as well,” Glean said.

However, Glean said gender is not an issue for the difficulty for international students finding jobs.

“It’s not that international students can’t find jobs, the jobs on campus are there but all of us are competing for the same jobs and only few available spots,” Shervonne Joseph, biology pre-med junior, said.

Joseph said competition for jobs among international students is most difficult because normally to get a job you would have to wait until some people graduate and spots free to possibly get a job.

Some of the international students are allowed to work off campus because they are United States born citizens or green card holders which allows the immigration status to work off campus, however, many students choose to continue to work on campus despite their ability to work out in the community.

“We ought to try to encourage the students who can work off campus to work off campus, so the jobs can be for those who are restricted to campus,” Glean said.

He said the difficultly can be curbed if there are international students that can help themselves to off campus jobs, rather than flocking to the on campus jobs.

“There are not enough jobs and the international program has out grown the jobs on campus, it is just a question of numbers to be honest,” Randy Glean, director, international services, said.

| Dec. 6, 2017 | 15 U R I NE T OW N

PHOTO BY LATOYA FONDREN | THE WICHITAN

Leslie Picasio, athletic training freshman, and Marisa Gomez, radiology junior, are painting their Santa ornaments during the holiday decorating class in the Clark Student Center Kiowa Room on Dec. 5.

30 students explore their creative side in holiday art class LATOYA FONDREN REPORTER

C

lassical-holiday music played in the background. Acorns, Santa ornaments, snowflake frames and various paint colors filled the Kiowa Room as students chose from the supplies to decorate as a part of “Holiday Decorations Art Class” on Dec. 5.

“My main motive behind today’s class was to get students to unwind with a little stress release with a lot of creativity, and to get students to have fun,” said Cynthia Cummings, special events coordinator.

To get 30 students into the holiday spirit, during the two-hour class, students were instructed to choose from different decorations that Cummings provided. They had the option to paint an acorn with their choice of color or put together a holiday door frame.

Cummings said, “I come in with a sample of something, and nobody else’s [craft] comes out like mine. They all do different things and it’s pretty cool.”

Cummings said she can tell that students like the decorative options by the amount of students that attend.

“It gets packed in here and I can hear them laughing and they’ll ask questions on different things and I’ll sit around and help people,” Cummings said.

Students like Madison Leonard, english freshman, attended past events and said she was a visual learner when it comes to art.

“Art gives you an opportunity to express yourself and see yourself in art,” Leonard said.

Leonard said students should attend future

art classes because it allows them to think outside the box and have a creative side.

Mireya Martinez, dental hygiene freshman said, “The classes are cool and it’s important to attend because you can’t sit there and stress all the time. It can cause health related problems.”

Martinez said it’s good for students to get out and put their own twist on their creations.

Cummings said, “I try to do stuff that’s environmentally friendly and use supplies that are recyclable.”

Sarah wood, management junior, said she usually volunteers to assist Cummings with the art classes.

“Cynthia is a very creative person and I’ve learned from her to have fun with things and not everything needs to be perfect,” Wood said.

Cummings said students always thank her toward the end of every art class.

“It make makes me feel good that I’ve done stuff that they really like,” Cummings said.

Cummings said she likes when familiar faces come back to attend her art classes.

“It’s nice to touch bases with students.”

Cummings said. “Students should give the classes a try and they’ll probably have fun.”

Breanna Ragan, radiology freshman, said the art classes are worth attending because the organizers are social and welcoming to students.

“The class was worth attending because I like being crafty and it brought back memories of when I was younger and my family decorated our home and put up the Christmas tree and ornaments,” Ragan said.

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Ellanor Collins, theater senior, practices hitting her character’s notes during the first rehearsal of “Urinetown.”

Students do the dance portion of the audition for “Urinetown” on Nov. 27.

Kalli Root, English junior, practices one of the songs as one of the sopranos during the first rehearsal of “Urinetown.”

Dale Heidebrecht, assistant music professor, leads the cast of “Urinetown” in their first rehearsal on Dec. 5.

16 | Dec. 6, 2017 |

Senior art exhibition set to open Dec. 8 TRÉ JONES REPORTER

F

or more than 40 years, graduating art seniors host a senior exhibition show to display their final art pieces for the MSU and Wichita Falls community to see. This year’s opening reception will take place at the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6-8 p.m.

Aaron Campbell, Michelle Castro, Lauren Hamlin, Tyler Colley, Shaylynn Martinez and Armann Pompey are putting their semester-long art projects on display for the public to see. The exhibit will last until Jan. 12.

Colley, graphic design senior, said he is looking forward to the exhibit opening.

“I am excited because the sure fact of me knowing [the art project] is done. I’m looking forward to people getting to see what I have been interested in and what I have done for the past couple of semesters to get ready for this. Everyone can see, not just my classmates who are in this specific field,” Colley said.

Gary Goldberg, professor of art and gallery director for a total of 35 years, said this event is more for the students to show off and display their hard work more than anything else.

Goldberg said, “Each student has to produce a one person show of their work, and it is the culmination of their degree plan.”

This event happens at the end of every semester for graduating seniors in the art department, and it is expected to bring in a “couple hundred people,” according to Goldberg. He said this opening is big, and usually brings in a big crowd of spectators.

“The purpose of having this exhibit is to create a cohesive body of work and to produce a portfolio. In arts, your degree and grades are all important, but it is also what you are physically taking out into the real world, so this course brings all of that together so when students go out to apply for jobs, they will have all the prerequisite skills to, hopefully, end up in a professional manner in the world,” Goldberg said.

Lauren Hamlin, printmaking senior, who has had experience in art galleries before, said she is ready for the gallery to open.

Hamlin said, “For my work, I have three and a half to four yards of fabric on a table, and I just print my own pattern on all of it. Then from there, I cut it up and sew it into a dress.”

She said the process for coming up with what she wanted to do wasn’t difficult because she already makes T-shirts and other graphic design products, so she enjoys doing projects of that nature.

Colley’s work is over branding of a product, and he said, “Coming from someone who has never sewed or had to make something into something like my artwork, it was pretty difficult. It took a lot of trial and error, I sketched a lot and I looked at other people who have done this before and got some inspiration that way.”

Goldberg said people should come because it is a chance to support the students, which would be very great.

“Supporting the students is great, but also to see what our program is doing because [the students] reflect what we are doing, and they are all doing interesting things,” Goldberg said.

PHOTO BY SARA KEELING | THE WICHITAN

Tyler Colley, graphic design senior, prepares for his senior show in the Fain Fine Arts C-wing atrium on Dec. 4 as he measures and spaces out his posters for a backpack that he designed and made.

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