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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

129 th YEAR | ISSUE 29

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Oktibbeha Annual rodeo to county, MSU Rodeo is the Rotary Clubs primary fundraiser.

According to the event’s partnership website, rodeo.starkvillerotary.org , the event school plans andThetheMSU Horse Park brings in nearly $20,000 a Starkville Rotary year.

Club will put on their “The Starkville Rotary put on hold annual Rotary Classic Club has hosted the rodeo

by Taylor Bowden Staff Writer

Rodeo on Feb. 13 and 14 in the Horse Park arena.

The Rotary Classic

by Taylor Bowden

for eight years,” Trey Breckenridge, member of the Rotary Club Board of

feature top bucking stock Directors said. “We use the proceeds to support numerous community, educational and humanitarian activities. One of the many ways we give back to the community.”

Bricklee Miller, who helps operate the Horse Park, said the rodeo will have both timed and ‘rough stock’ events such

as tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle and bareback bronco riding and bull riding.

All events are sanctioned through the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, while the ladies’ barrel racing is similarly sanctioned through the Women’s Professional Rodeo

Association. Professional cowboys from the all around will travel to MSU Horse Park to compete for points crucial to qualifying for later rodeos as well as for money.

Miller said the Rotary Classic Rodeo has been very successful in the past and said he expects this year’s to be as good as ever.

Staff Writer

RODEO, 3

Oktibbeha County School Conservator Margie Pulley rescinded a reverse referendum to issue bonds to help build a new Starkville and Oktibbeha County 6-7 grade middle school for the soonto-be consolidated districts on Monday.

In 2013, the state Legislature approved House Bill 716, forcing the consolidation of the school districts and created a commission to guide the consolidation, which will happen July 1.

Pulley was appointed conservator of the county school district.

The seven-member commission consists of representatives from the Starkville School District, Oktibbeha County School District, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Department of Education.

Lewis Holloway, Starkville school superintendent and commission member, said the school district has been studying for over a year to figure out the most effective way to consolidate the two districts.

“We have been talking to MSU about possibly building a school that would be a teaching center for developing teachers at MSU,” Holloway said.

Mississippi State University has identified the 44 acres on which the school would be built, Holloway said, near the intersection of George Perry Street and Highway 182. The school building would be of a unique design that would allow education students to passively observe the classes being taught by skilled SSD teachers.

Holloway said studies indicate on average, it takes a teacher five to six years to become experienced enough to become truly effective.

He said other studies show new teachers quit teaching before their fourth year. The objective of the new middle school would be to address the disconnect between what education students are being taught and the actual classroom environment.

“We’ve visited some schools and we’ve come up with a school model that we think fit that very well,” Holloway said. “But the problem is, how do you pay for that?”

The solution the commission found was to file a reverse-referendum, which would allow the county school district, as led by Pulley, to issue $30 million in bonds without having to take the matter to a vote.

Normally the referendum would require a supermajority vote of 60 percent by the school district’s voters on a bond issue election, before the bonds could be released.

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Tuesday

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Ric Andersen/Pete Carr Pro Rodeo | Courtesy Photo

2015 Annual Rodeo: ʻDirty Jacketʼ (pictured above) kicks and bucks as the gate of a fence at a Pete Carr Pro Rodeo is opened. This year, the Rotary Classic Rodeo has contracted Pete Carr Pro Rodeo to provide the top-tier bucking stock. The bull cowboys will attempt to ride for eight seconds on a seven-year-old black and white paint bull named ʻLine Man,ʼ who has been selected to buck at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for each of the past three seasons. The bucking horse, ʻDirty Jacket,ʼ comes from a line of well known stock and is the fourth Pete Carr animal to win the Horse of the Year title.

Senate committee increases disability education options

by Nia Wilson Staff Writer

Senate Bill 2695, which promises to provide more educational opportunities for students with disabilities, passed through the Senate Education Committee in late January. The bill will

now be voted on by the Senate.

SB 2695 would give parents the option to utilize state funds as a scholarship.

The scholarship would then allow the student to attend a school that best addresses his or her specific needs. Thus far, Mississippi schools have struggled to properly address the academic demands of students

with disabilities.

Jody Woodrum, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said she has mixed feelings aboutthe bill.

“This bill is partially out of concern for students not allowed access to the programs they need, but it is also part of the whole voucher movement. The first reason is positive, but

the second is a problem. The voucher movement is a way of syphoning off certain students to the private sector.

It completely dilutes public education,” she said.

Woodrum said the best thing the education system can do for students with disabilities is to build strong partnerships with the families.

“Public education is the

best hope for the future,” Woodrum said. “The people involved want to make a difference and kids’ lives, and they do, every day.

Specifically speaking for Starkville, we have 400 special needs students. When parents, teachers, and students work together, we can accomplish anything. You can’t always find that in the private sector.”

BILL, 3

Symposium bridges architectural gaps Neal discusses key elements of AfricanAmerican philosophy

by Lacretia Wimbley News Editor

Bridging the gap: On Friday, Mississippi State Universityʼs College of Architecture Art and Design

Lacretia Wimbley | The Reflector

co-funded an Architechural Symposium in Giles Auditorium. The interdisciplinary event centered around integrated project delivery. The symposium strived to blend the school of construction and architechure to display a real-world collaboration.

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Anthony S. Neal, assistant professor of philosophy at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, visited Mississippi State University in McCain Hall Friday afternoon and provided a detailed lecture titled, “From Dubois to Newton.”

The power-point lecture detailed the aspects, sentiments and contributions of early African-American philosophers and the framework that sustained the modern era of the African-American freedom struggle from 1896 to 1975.

Neal holds a master’s

NEAL, 2

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degree in divinity from Mercer University in Macon, Mississippi and a doctorate in humanities/Africana philosophy and religion from Clark Atlanta University. He is also the author of “Imposing Morality: Cultural Perspectives on Truth, Apologies, and Forgiveness in the U.S.A” and a chapter in the 2014 Praeger Press book titled “Crimes Against Humanity in the Land of the Free: Can a Truth and Reconciliation Process Heal Racial Conflict in America?”

During the presentation, Neal discussed the “source of philosophical illumination” and said the main question to be asked about African-American philosophy is how to “do” the specific philosophy.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEAL “Dubois was saying that as we (African-Americans) get our degrees in college hometowns, we should bring ourselves back and give back to our communities with our knowledge.”

John Bickle, professor and department head of philosophy and religion at MSU, explained philosophy to be abstract by the nature of its concerns and methods, generating insight into solutions to practical problems.

“Learning to think both abstractly and critically gives one insight into practical issues not available to those who simply learn about the practical details,” Bickle said. “That’s what Dr. Neal showed us in his talk Friday, and that’s what we philosophers teach every day on this campus.”

According to Bickle, Neal’s presentation of the history of philosophical ideas that contributed to the development of specifically African-American philosophy was the highlight

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of his presentation.

“I also thought that the details he was able to bring to answering questions and comments from the audience during the discussion period really enlightened the main points of his presentation,” he said. “That history, from the writings of DuBois through Newton, is not well-known among many philosophers.”

While Neal focused on a key element of “freedom” during his presentation, Bickle said Neal’s sentiment of freedom was not clearly characterized.

“That’s a tough concept to clarify. But I worried that sometimes the thinkNoah Siano | The Reflector ers whose writings he was explaining were moving Anthony S. Neal, assistant professor of philosophy at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, provided Mississippi State University students and faculty with back and forth between a lecture titled “From Dubois to Newton” Friday afternoon in McCain Hall. Neal’s lecture detailed various aspects of African-American philosophy and different meanings of that well-known philosophers such as W.E.B. Dubois, who contributed to the history. term,” he said. “I would have liked to have heard when a number of audience of African-American phi“It is to know the avail- the few common exama consistent account of members pressed him on losophers, Bickle said he able possibilities about the ples stressed in popular what exactly these thinkers this point.” completely agreed with relationship between the American political thinkmeant by that term, if there Although partially Neal’s stress of importance individual and the state ing. I would insist on that is one. I think this concern disagreeing with some for education in politi- that have stood up to ratio- same lesson for young peocame out clearly in the dis- of Neal’s main points cal philosophy for young nal scrutiny,” he said. “Not ple of all racial, sexual and cussion session of his talk, throughout his analysis African-Americans. to rest content with just cultural backgrounds.”

BONDS “Referendums are hard to pass,” Holloway said.

“They are hard to pass in the best of times.”

A reverse-referendum circumvents the need for a vote unless a petition containing 20 percent of the county’s population’s signatures is filed within 14 days of the legal notice being printed in the local news.

Oktibbeha County citizens have filed such a petition after the legal outlining

CONTINUED FROM 1

the reverse-referendum appeared in the newspapers Dec. 22, 2014.

Pulley simply rescinded the reverse referendum, taking the bond off the table, to save the trouble of a vote.

Dennis Daniels, former member of the military and current candidate for the office of Oktibbeha County Supervisor in District 3, said he went door to door gathering

signatures for the petition.

“From our point of view it all came about (on Dec. 22, 2014) with no publicity or any kind of talk about it.

It just kind of happened,” Daniels said. “People were upset that there was not enough notice. It gave the impression to the county residents that they were trying to slip it by.”

The reverse referendum was first recommended by the commission during its

meeting a little over a year ago on Jan. 24, 2014.

The signatures on the petition were authenticated by the Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk.

Holloway said in the past, Oktibbeha County has never approved a single bond issue funding education.

Jennifer Gregory, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, said the organization voted

unanimously to support both the consolidation and the reverse referendum.

Gregory said the GSDP has been circulating a reverse petition that would allow people who signed the original petition to remove their names.

“Many people indicated that they were only told that this form was to prevent their taxes from going up,” Gregory said.

According to the

Starkville Dispatch, Pulley said the district followed legislation and the citizens exercised their rights.

Pulley said she will now consider modifying the dollar amount for the issue.

“The success of the consolidation and the general performance of the public school system is integral to MSU,” said Devon Brenner, department head of curriculum, instruction, and special education at MSU.

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

RODEO

Miller said there are two factors the Rotary Classic Rodeo has perfected. The first one is the quality of the livestock that will be the center of the Rodeo’s many competitions. The second factor, the dirt itself, is a little less obvious a bet more abundant.

As for the livestock, this year the Rotary Classic Rodeo has contracted Pete Carr Pro Rodeo to provide top tier bucking stock. The bull cowboys will attempt to ride for eight seconds is a seven year old black and white paint bull named Line Man, who has been selected to buck at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for each of the past three seasons.

The bucking horse, Dirty Jacket, comes from a line of well known stock and is the fourth Pete Carr animal to win the Horse of the Year title. Last year only two

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PRCA rides that scored above 90 points and both were with Dirty Jacket.

To this end, the MSU Horse Park has been awarded three years in a row with the Justin Boot Best Footing Award, which is voted on by the cowboy contestants that travel across the country.

Adult Tickets for the rodeo are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Friday doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m.

Children under 12 years of age can enter for free that night, and children under three years of age can enter for free Saturday night. For the kids, Saturday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. a petting zoo will be set up prior to the main events kicking off for the night at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 10:03 a.m. An Aramark employee was arrested in Starkville for hindering prosecution.

11:30 a.m. A student was arrested at Oktibbeha County Jail on a warrant for credit card fraud.

2:48 p.m. A student reported his Bully Bike stolen from the bike rack at Griffis Hall.

11:21 p.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for the sale of marijuana and conspiracy.

Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 1:47 a.m. An employee was arrested in Starkville for driving under the influence.

8:50 a.m. An employee reported malicious mischief at McComas Hall.

11:07 a.m. A student reported his Yeti Cooler stolen from his vehicle while parked in Newell Grissom parking lot.

3:23 p.m. A visitor was trying to sell magazines outside of the Colvard Student Union. The subject was told to leave campus.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 12:35 a.m. A student reported a verbal altercation with her boyfriend on Fraternity Row. 12:36 a.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and a student referral for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in Cresswell Hall.

1:10 a.m. A student was arrested at Hurst Hall parking lot for careless driving and driving under the influence.

Mike Copeman/Pete Car Pro Rodeo | Courtesy Photo

ʻLine Manʼ (bull pictured) jerks and bucks to knock off a rider during the Pete Car Pro Rodeo.

Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 12:50 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for disturbing others in North Hall.

Students perform, display talent during band clinic

by Nicole Perry Contributing Writer

This weekend, students may have noticed an increase in the sound of music reverberating from McComas Hall as the annual MSU Honor Band Clinic was held. With over 240 high school students from schools in and beyond the state of Mississippi, the clinic offered numerous playing opportunities for those in attendance. The clinic featured three honor bands, a jazz ensemble and a percussion ensemble the students could audition for.

These talented students then went on to rehearse anywhere from one to two

and a half days before fi nally putting on a concert at the end of the event.

This clinic’s roots go back to the 1950s, when students and band directors were able to experience new music compositions.

Now, the clinic doubles as a recruitment event for the Famous Maroon Band and for Mississippi State University.

Elva Kaye Lance, band director at MSU, said allowing band members to mingle amongst other students created a positive atmosphere for the program.

“It gives them an opportunity to experience a whole new side of the band and school from what they normally see during football season,” she said.

BILL

Lance also mentioned this clinic is beneficial for the music education majors on campus because it allows them to meet new clinicians.

This year, the Honor Band Clinic featured three guest clinicians from various universities across the country and each had the privilege to conduct one of three bands. Professor Anthony J. Maiello from George Mason University was over the Honor Wind Symphony. The clinician over the Maroon Band was Gary Barton, who is retired from his job as director. Regina Yates Raney, the final guest clinician, conducted the White Band and traveled from Cedar Ridge Middle School in Alabama, where CONTINUED FROM 1

Devon Brenner, department head of curriculum and special education, said it is crucial that every student’s needs are met regardless of whether or not a student has a disability.

“It is most important to meet the needs of all students. Every child deserves equal access to education regardless of disability. Not just because it’s the federal law, but because it is the right thing to do to make sure all students succeed,” Brenner said. “Traditional schools face many challenges because there is a shortage of teachers.

There is a teacher shortage in general, but there is definitely a shortage in special education teachers. However, our K-12 schools still have the capacity to address the needs of all students, including special needs students.”

Brenner said addressing special education tactics is the main issue, but people should look from several angles to find the solution.

“Resources are limited, but it is important to support public schools as much as possible. There might be another way to frame this issue without making it a matter of choice,” Brenner said.

“If families feel their kids’ needs are not being met, perhaps they should

really look into why that is.

Parents should try to understand what exactly the issue is before spending all the money and resources. We do need to do better at addressing special education students’ needs, but we should attack the problem from a different angle.”

The bill was initially suggested last year, but it was rejected. It was reintroduced this year by Sen. Nancy Collins and Rep. Carolyn Crawford.

Mandy Rogers, a parent and special needs advocate, said overall this bill will be benificial to not only special needs students and parents, but to the education system as a whole.

“I have dealt with special education issues for 20 years,” Rogers said. “The same ones I faced years ago, parents of children with disabilities are facing today. It is like a merry go round that you cannot get

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off of. This bill will introduce a five-year pilot program. We are going to see just how beneficial it can be.”

Rogers said the bill only applies to parents who are not happy with the way their children are being handled, and all other parents can stay just where they are.

“Whether it is kids with disabilities or without, sometimes students fall through the cracks. It can be seen in both cases,” she said. “Parents who feel the public system is properly addressing all their children’s needs, do not have to switch schools. They can choose to stay where they are.

This bill is for parents who do not feel that way and are tired of not feeling that way.

If we have an educated population, we will do better as a state. Everyone deserves a quality education.”

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she currently teaches.

Among these three honor bands were two other special ensembles that performed Thursday night in McComas and served as the opening act for this weekend-long event. The Honor Percussion Ensemble performed fi rst under the direction of the band’s very own Kent Baker. The group performed a single piece to open the concert and to make way for the Honor Jazz Band. The Honor Jazz Band, named in homage to Kent Sills, who started the jazz ensemble here at MSU, was under the direction

of Associate Director of Bands Clifton Taylor. The ensemble performed several pieces, all of which featured several solos from the students.

“In symphonic rehearsal, I asked how many did the clinic in high school, and about two-thirds raised their hands. It’s a great recruitment event,” Taylor said.

A performance by MSU’s own jazz ensemble concluded the concert.

As the event went on, the MSU Wind Ensemble did a performance of its own the following night. It played

a variety of pieces from hymns to marches. Its concert featured several guest conductors, as well as an accordion solo by Maiello.

Joshua Brown, freshman computer science major, said he attended the clinic last year as a senior from West Point High School.

He said he was selected to play alto saxophone in the Maroon Band when he arrived as a freshman in the fall.

“At the time, I was set on going to State, but the clinic defi nitely solidified my choice to join the band here,” Joshua said.

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Frank, Frankly

Humans of NY raises funds for inspiring school

Frank Bradford is a graduate student in political science. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

Humans of New York has captivated millions of followers through popular social media formats Facebook and Instagram.

This photo blog is wellknown for its images bringing stories to the lives of ordinary citizens of the Big Apple. Since Jan. 22, HONY

has used its social media power to fit a new purpose.

The blog started raising funds on crowdsourcing site Indiegogo: its $100,000 goal was met within a day and has since resulted in over $1 million donated to fulfill the needs of students at Mott Hall Bridges Academy, which is a public middle school in the Brooklyn, New York neighborhood of Brownsville.

The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” does not do this project enough justice. Brandon Stanton, the man behind the creative HONY, shines a light on a young 13-year-old boy named Vidal Chastanet and his school principal Nadia Lopez. These recent photos have gone viral.

According to the school’s website, the academy has only been open since 2010

and started with only four teachers and 45 sixth grade students. Now, the school is opening its doors to about 200 students. Also listed on the school’s website is its focus of establishing a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) environment that prepares scholars to not only become independent, critical thinkers, but also equips them for the challenges of the 21st century. This challenge serves to point strangers across the world to make donations and spread awareness to enable the school to take its young scholars on trips to an institution of higher learning each year: Harvard University.

The photo that inspired this recent project begins with Chastanet who is pictured wearing a black

hoodie covering up part of his face. Stanton asks him one of his famous interview questions.

“Who’s influenced you the most in your life?”

Chastanet responded, “My principal, Ms. Lopez.”

When Stanton followed up by asking how she left an influence on him, Chastanet said, “When we get in trouble, she doesn’t suspend us.

She calls us to her office and explains to us how society was built down around us.

And she tells us that each time somebody fails out of school, a new jail cell gets built. And one time she made every student stand up, one at a time, and she told each one of us that we matter.”

The school’s motto, “Connected to Succeed,” resonates the message behind this fundraising

project. Chastanet’s story includes the challenges of being surrounded by crime; to realize the value of learning is still special.

I don’t believe reducing crime will stop poverty completely, but I do believe it will leave a positive footprint on people’s lives. Not enough people seem to care at times, but it only takes one to try and make a difference. I believe we often neglect our educational system and the problems with poverty in this country, which results in a negative mindset for many that tells them they cannot achieve certain things or reach certain milestones in their lives. This project, to me, has shown the opposite side to that argument and that with enough resources put into bad situations, there can be a light at the end of

the tunnel and something for young minds to look forward to one day.

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, bringing people from different walks of life together in one place; there are numerous unheard voices waiting to be heard. I look forward to what lies ahead for HONY and the students of Mott Hall Bridges Academy.

All funds raised over $700,000 will be placed into a new scholarship fund for the graduates of Mott Hall Bridges Academy.

The fund will be called the Vidal Scholarship, and its first recipient will be Vidal Chastanet. This fundraiser will close on Feb. 10; even if it’s not a lot, a $5 donation shows support to this amazing school and its visionary leader.

Romney’s visit foreshadows GOP potential platform

by Joseph Kersteins Contributing Writer

In case you haven’t heard, former governor of Massachusetts and 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney visited Mississippi State University.

Students gathered in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium to hear Romney deliver a speech sponsored by the Student Association as part of the university’s Global Lecture series. At the start of his speech, Romney seemed to avoid talk of political ideas, primarily speaking to students as a typical keynote speaker would — sharing wisdom from personal life experiences. Halfway

through his address, though, there was a slight shift in tone. While still witty and articulate, Romney’s advice began to take a more political shape. No longer talking about the joys of his previous campaign, he started outlining his ideas for model policies, both domestic and abroad. Particularly, he began to critique previous Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her diplomatic management of Russia, which made national news.

He continued by pointing out failures of the current administration, mentioning the growth of ISIS, the weakened relations with Israel and, very briefly, Obamacare.

This shift in the speech almost resembled a

campaign speech and undoubtedly had Romney fans in the audience ready for an announcement of his

candidacy. That is, until two days later when Romney said in a conference call he will be stepping aside to give other Republican hopefuls the chance to run. Regardless, Romney’s speech gave insight into possible campaign strategies of Republicans over the next two years. One

the United States. The agricultural industry represents 29 percent of Mississippi’s job opportunities and is responsible for 17 percent of the local economy. The Magnolia State is also notably poor; therefore, it is important for Mississippi’s constituents to respond quickly to the emerging cannabis industry.

In February of 2014, President Obama signed the Farm Bill into federal law. In Section 7606 (Legitimacy of Industrial Hemp Research), industrial hemp is defined as a distinct plant, it gives individual states the right to regulate hemp via State Departments of Agriculture and allows institutions of

higher education and State Departments of Agriculture to grow hemp for research purposes or agricultural pilot programs. Earlier this month the “Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015” (SB134) was filed by Senator Ron Wyden (DOR) and cosponsored by three other senators. The bill would remove all federal restrictions to domestic hemp cultivation. To bring awareness to this issue, I’ve created a startup business called i Hemp Mississippi, LLC. I’m in the process of forming an online retail store and finding venues for educational events. Facebook is currently my way to reach out to the world along with my website ihempms.org. It is also my intention to build a network of farmers, academics, corporations and lawmakers. And that’s why I’m advocating for Mississippi to at least consider removing industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana and allow for commercial development of the hemp industry in Mississippi.

Now, you might be asking yourself... “Isn’t hemp another term for marijuana?” The political answer is yes, but, scientifically speaking, the ‘industrial’ hemp plant is different from the federally sanctioned ‘marijuana’ growing at the Coy W. Waller Laboratory Complex in Oxford, Mississippi.

Industrial hemp is an annual fiber and oilseed crop that grows in 90,150 days depending on the variety of hemp. While it shares the same scientific name as marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.), hemp is bred for fiber, seed and low THC levels (< 0.3 percent THC). For those who don’t know, THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that triggers the “high” feeling.

Over the past decade the hemp market has taken root in the U.S., due to different lobbying handles and business organizations, as well

of the key facets was the return of compassionate conservatism. While the two words were not directly

spoken together, Romney emphasized the need to help poor and middle class as well as the need for the Republicans to make clear their belief that their policies support these views. In the Q&A portion of the lecture, when asked about how he would run differently, he said explicitly Republicans

must draw the connection between their support for small businesses and a healthy economy and how that support will benefit the average American. He pointed out that over the past five years, income inequality has grown greatly under the Obama administration mostly because of the lack of opportunity and the less-than-adequate results of Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” He outlined a plan to help prevent and combat generational poverty citing a study which found that couples who had a baby before getting married or those who didn’t finish high school were more likely to fall into poverty.

Addressing these issues while also keeping (and

perhaps being more frugal and deliberate with) most of the current social safety nets would help solve both the generational and temporary poverty problem, he claimed. This, combined with his statement that the rich are already fine “regardless of who is President,” is the change in tone that seems to herald the return of compassionate conservatism. Combining the Republican economic and logical genius with the heart many perceived he lacked, Romney’s words last week unarguably carried the precise articulation the GOP needs to win the upcoming election. But with him out of the race, they will have to rely on some other candidate to adopt it.

as the global attention being given to America’s medical marijuana industry. Take The Rocky Mountain Hemp Association (RMHA) for instance. It was created in 2012 in response to Colorado’s outright legalization of cannabis.

Vote Hemp, on the other hand, has been the nation’s leading advocacy group since 2000. The Hemp Industries Association (HIA), which has a new Mississippi chapter, is a membership-based nonprofit trade group. It represents the bulk of hempbased businesses in America including over 150 hemp

Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Americans for Safe Access (ASA) and Drug Policy Alliance have been working to legalize cannabis. By next year, recreational or retail marijuana will be sold to adults in Washington D.C., but not in Mississippi.

The hypocrisy continues when you realize that Ole Miss has been growing medical marijuana since 1968. As a notable cannabis research institution, the University of Mississippi could greatly benefit from cannabis legalization.

By legalizing cannabis, Mississippi could rake in its own share of the 10 to 20

opportunity for the Magnolia State. If enough signatures are gathered in time, then an amendment will be placed on the 2016 ballot for Mississippi voters. The initiative will allow Mississippians to decide for themselves if cannabis is right for the state. The petition is currently available for registered voters, and it will need to have 107,216 approved signatures to be on the ballot in 2016.

While it may have good intentions, recreational legalization is a bold move in a predominantly red state.

Failure to pass this initiative can potentially undermine any future industrial or medical campaigns that wish to use the ballot initiative process. If 48 fails in 2016, then by law cannabis advocates will have to wait a full two years to start a similar campaign, which will put Mississippi way behind the curve. Luckily, on Jan. 19 representative David Baria (D122) has introduced an industrial hemp bill (HB562) in Mississippi’s House, and senator Deborah Dawkins (D) has introduced a medical cannabis bill (SB2318) in Mississippi’s Senate.

In the end, the cannabis industry in Mississippi has only one true hope, and that is an informed general population. To conclude I will leave you with this. In Mississippi, agriculture is the no. 1 industry representing $7.4 billion in 82 counties, spread out over 42,300 farms, 11.2 million acres and 260,000 people. Mississippi is also the poorest state in the country, yet again, which makes it hard for our people to afford adequate health care. So, I think getting involved in the cannabis industry would be a great way for Mississippi to shine medically, agriculturally, academically and economically, and I am prepared to be an advocate for the cause.

I hope one day I’ll be able to grow, process and research cannabis here in Mississippi.

That’s the dream I have.

“. . . Romney’s words last week unarguably carried the precise articulation the GOP needs to win the upcoming election.”

Letter to the editor: Miss. can lead hemp industry

by Rob Gilmore

My name is Rob Gilmore.

I graduated from MSU in December 2013 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department.

I want to start a conversation about ballot initiative No. 48 Kelly Jacobs recently created. I’m also writing to you today in order to bring awareness to an emerging industry that needs to be a topic of discussion in our state. As a graduate and previous part time employee of the university, I want to help evolve the agricultural industry in Mississippi and

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Editor in Chief/Emma Crawford

Letters to the editor should be sent to the Meyer Student Media Center or mailed to The Reflector, PO Box 5407, Mississippi State, MS. Letters may also be emailed to editor@reflector.msstate.edu.

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EDITORIAL POLICY

The Reflector is the official student newspaper of Mississippi State University. Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff.

The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

The Reflector staff strives to maintain the integrity of this paper through accurate and honest reporting. If we publish an error we will correct it. To report an error, call 325-7905.

“As a university known for its agricultural, engineering and plant science based programs, MSU could go a long way in helping develop the hemp industry...” product makers and retailers that are involved in over $580 million in sales revenue. Unfortunately, many of these industry leaders have to import most of their hemp raw materials from Europe and Canada, where industrial hemp is a billion dollar crop.

It would be highly beneficial for Mississippi to legalize industrial hemp for research and/or commercial purposes. As a university known for its agricultural, engineering and plant science based programs, MSU could go a long way in helping develop the hemp industry in the Deep South. Farmers will need to breed a variety that works well in Mississippi’s soil and climate. It will inevitably take several growing seasons in order to perfect Mississippi’s own variety of hemp.

Medical/retail cannabis has its own advocacy handles. National organizations such as the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), National Organization for the

billion dollars the medical cannabis industry is making every year in America.

The taxes generated from the cannabis industry in Colorado exceeded $3.5 million in Jan., 2015 alone.

So there is huge potential for economic growth, even with federal prohibition of marijuana. For now the cannabis industry in the South is up for grabs, and Mississippi could surprise everyone by taking the lead in this profitable new industry.

While this issue takes off in America and more states begin to start commercial and research based cannabis programs, will Mississippi catch on? At first glance, it seems we might have already.

Mississippi Alliance for Cannabis (MAC) is a nonprofit group that was formed in early 2014. MAC has endorsed ballot initiative 48, which is sponsored by Kelly Jacobs. This initiative is worded to fully legalize cannabis for industrial, medical and recreational purposes.

This could be a huge

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

An In-Class Distraction

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; the deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Classifieds are $5 per issue.

Student and staff ads are $3 per issue, pre-paid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

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CLUB INFO

The deadline for Tuesday’s paper is 3 p.m. Thursday; deadline for Friday’s paper is 3 p.m. Tuesday. MSU student organizations may place free announcements in Club Info. Information may be submitted by email club_info@reflector. to with the msstate.edu subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed at The Reflector office in the Student Media Center. A contact name, phone number and requested run dates must be included for club info to appear in The Reflector.

All submissions are subject to exemption according to space availability.

MSU HILLEL

Jews wanted! If you’re Jewish, let us know!

Like us on Facebook at Hillel @ Mississippi State University. Join us for meetings. For more questions, contact Joseph Metz at 601-813-7720.

YOGA MOVES CLUB

School or work stressing you out? Get moving into Yoga Moves. Try our moves to get into shape and our relaxation techniques to handle the stress. Yoga Moves meets at the Sanderson Center in Studio C, Thursday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m.

Like Yoga Moves Club MSU on Facebook.

a difference. Follow on Twitter @MSU_SSC. ANTHROPOLOGY CLUB

The Anthropology Club will be having a meeting on Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m.

There will be pizza and field school information will be provided.

WESLEY FOUNDATION

Join us for a night of worship with Jenny and Tyler February 3 at 8 PM at the Wesley Foundation.

STATE RUGBY

“Think you’re tough???

Think again… Join State Rugby. 2014 SEC Division Champions! Practices T, W, R @ 5:30 at Rec Plex.

For more info: rugby.org. msstate.edu or rugbyinfo@org.msstate.edu” BALLROOM DANCE CLUB

The Ballroom Dance Club is having its 10th Annual Moonlight Ball. It will be $20 for students and $25 for non-students and includes a catered dinner.

It will be held April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanderson Center.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

Care about the environment? Love activism? Come join SSC on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in McCool 111 to make

Jan. 30 solutions:

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

TSD hosts Container Architecture exhibit

by Bailey McDaniel Staff Writer

Mississippi State University’s architecture honor society, Tau Sigma Delta, currently hosts the Container Architecture exhibit for its gallery. The event started Jan. 25 and will run until the end of February.

Jure Kotnik, architect, editor of bestselling Container Architecture monograph and author of several container architecture realizations, put together the exhibit.

The exhibit began in Ljubljana Museum of Architecture in Slovenia and then moved to Paris, Berlin, Seattle and many other locations around the world.

The exhibit features the works of Adam Kalkin (U.S.), AFF Architekten

(Germany), DeMariaDesign Associates (U.S.), HVDN Architecten (Netherlands), Hybrid (U.S.), Knock.Se (Sweden), Lot-Ek (U.S.), Luc Deleu (Belgium), MMW Architects (Norway), Nicholas Lacey & Partners (UK), Phooey Architects (Australia), Pierre Morency Architecten (Canada), Platoon + Graft (Germany), Shigeru Ban Architects (Japan), Spillmann-Echsle (Swiss), Spillmann-Felser (Swiss), Will Alsop Design Ltd. (UK) and Jure Kotnik (Slovenia).

Recycling and sustainability is an ever evolving concept of architecture.

Joseph Rose, TSD member and fourth year architecture student, said he thinks this exhibit is a wonderful experience for architecture students because it shows them how Kotnik’s work embodies the idea of sustainability.

“Architecture in general is pushing toward sustainability and recycling. For the school, it helps students see how diverse reusable materials can be,” he said.

The exhibit is set up on the second floor of Giles.

Standing displays show photos of reused portable storage containers used for temporary constructions, public buildings, housing arrangements and much more.

Along with the pictures, the exhibit has two handson displays with miniature replica storage containers for passersby to arrange as they choose.

Aryn Phillips, fourth year architecture student, said her favorite aspect of this exhibit are the handson displays.

“One of the most interesting aspects of the exhibit are the model containers on

Emma Katherine Hutto | The Reflector

Mississippi State University’s Architecture honor society, TSD, hosts the Container Architecture exhibit on the second floor of Giles Hall from now until the end of February. The work displayed embodies the idea of sustainability.

display,” she said. “I walk by the room, and each time the containers are in a different placement. It really shows how versatile the materials are.”

TSD keeps in close contact with Kotnik in order to

keep him updated on how the exhibit is progressing.

Bailey Stephens, first year architecture student, said this exhibit opened her eyes to the popularity of recycling.

“MSU has been a leader

in sustainable actions and programs. This exhibit is another way to portray those actions,” she said.

“As an architecture student, it opens the options I have for materials to create pieces.”

that moves, has great hooks, easy harmonies and strong rhythms. “‘40 Watt’ is a big, loud dance song about dancing with one other person in a little bitty house,” Elkins said.

Mississippi native Tim Cook is the man behind the guitar, keys and vocals.

Cook graduated from Mississippi State University and is excited to play at Rick’s. Although the band has never played together in Mississippi, Cook has played around Starkville,

Jackson and Columbus.

“Being able to go with this band, such a big part of the next phase of my life, and play my hometown on a stage where I’ve seen a lot of acts over the years is incredible,” Cook said.

He added he hopes to see a football jersey hanging on the walls of Rick’s with his name on it, just as the bar did for Snoop Dogg.

Cook hopes the band is able to engage with the audience and find a connection with them. He went to several shows at MSU that did

just that. Cook said he hopes Jack White’s performance last week was able to warm Starkville up for the show.

The band also plans to play “40 Watt,” and Cook said he hopes the audience feels inspired to clap along with the song.

“We went on a Midwest run in the middle of January shortly after it started to get airplay, and when we came time in the set to play “40 Watt,” people in places we’ve never been got excited, which is really exciting for us,” Cook said.

Nashville band ELEL visits Starkville music scene

by Kaitlin O’Dougherty Staff Writer

Rick’s Cafe often brings bands to its stage for Starkville students. One such band is Nashvillebased group ELEL, who will open for Moon Taxi at Rick’s on Feb. 4. Students have the opportunity to see bands on the rise before the bands head off to larger cities. Moon Taxi comes through Mississippi frequently, and on this particular tour, brought ELEL along for the ride.

“Nashville-based group ELEL is one to watch in 2015,” according to KCRW (Today’s Top Tune).

The band plays a popular song called “40 Watt” from its album “Geode.” The song is about an intimate connection between two people.

The band is considered part of the Nashville indie-pop genre.

Indie Rock and Hip Hop blog, Pigeons and Planes, calls ELEL’s music enlightening. “‘40 Watt’ shines and burrows its way into your brain... ELEL deftly serves up bright energy, providing the perfect accompaniment for those seeking an off-kilter sunshine anthem,” the blog posted.

ELELwillreleaseitsalbum “40 Watt” in 2015 on the label Mom + Pop Music. The

band consists of two drums, three keys, a guitar, bass and vocals. The men behind the band are from a variety of locations: Ben Elkins (Arkansas), Zach Tichenor (Kentucky), Tim Cook (Mississippi), Jo Jo Jackson (Brooklyn, NY), Alex Mojavarian (Pennsylvania), Frederick Weathersby, Jerry Pentecost and Stefan Forbus (Nashville).

ELEL started when Elkins met his wife, Elisa, who introduced him to the softer side of music and allowed him to express more emotion through the group’s songs. The band is inspired by a variety of artists. According to Elkins, the band appreciates music

ABC shows return with a bang

by Samantha Jones Staff Writer

Two of the most highly anticipated TV series of the year are back. Created by Shonda Rhimes, “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” premiered their winter seasons with a bang, claiming the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, for the highest rated shows on Thursday night television.

In the premiere episode of “Scandal,” titled “Run,” female lead Olivia Pope is taken from her apartment and locked away in hopes to mentally break her. While she is locked away, she fanaticizes about being rescued by her boyfriend Jake and living happily ever after with the President of the United States.

Once Olivia mustered up the courage to escape the hands of the kidnappers, she soon discovers there is no way out, triggering a sense of trained helplessness.

Starplus.com writes this new season of “Scandal”

holds a world full of new possibilities for the series. “‘Run’ is the best ‘Scandal’ episode since season two,” starplus.com posted. “‘Run’ was filled with tension, twists and more emotional unpacking than ever before.”

On campus, students have been awaiting the return of “Scandal.”

Kantrea Harris, senior accounting and management major, said she has developed an attachment to the show and was completely blown away by the season premiere.

“I found myself practically yelling at the TV screen like it would somehow save Olivia Pope,” Harris said.

Immediately following “Scandal,” the winter season of “How to Get Away with Murder” premiered with high shock value.

In this episode, attorney Annalise Keating helps her top five students, known as the “Keating Five,”cover up the murder of her husband, Professor Sam Keating, by making him the prime suspect in another murder of a female college student with

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whom he was having an affair.

Back on campus, “HTGAWM” also seems to be a hit. This psychological thriller has captured the attention of college students of all fields of study, but specifically that of psychology majors.

April Freelon, senior psychology major, said she finds herself making pointless attempts to get into the minds of the “Keating Five.”

“Trying to anticipate their moves is a waste of time because that would actually require them to be logical thinkers, which has proven to be impossible due to the fact that they aspire to be beacons of the law, but spend 75 percent of their time breaking it,” Freelon Students are not the only fans of the “Keating 5.”

According to thetvjunkies.com, “HTGAWM” has exceeded expectations.

“It was remarkable to once again see how brilliant, resourceful and daring the ‘Keating Five’ could be, working their magic to pinpoint the evidence of motive and opportunity that Sam would have had for killing Lila, enough to force the D.A. to drop the charges against Rebecca and put the spotlight on a manhunt for Sam instead,” thetvjunkies. com posted.

“Scandal” and “HTGAWM” returned from their hiatuses at full force, not only wowing their audiences and leaving them completely blown away, but also making ABC the No. 1 watched network Thursday night.

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Sports

7 THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Bulldogs defeat LSU, turn eyes to Vols

by Shane Anderson Staff Writer

After falling just short of victory in its last two games, the Mississippi State University basketball team was rewarded at the Humphrey Coliseum on Saturday as it triumphed against LSU in a physical contest 73-67.

Although the Bulldogs were out rebounded on the offensive boards 18-9, they held a talent-laden LSU team to a 37 percent shooting.

Fred Thomas led all Bulldog scorers off the bench, bucketing a season-high 18 points while shooting 5-8 from the field.

Head Coach Rick Ray talked about the magnitude of the win after the game.

“That’s a great win for our guys and the program,” Ray said. “There is no doubt LSU is an NCAA tournament team. They have some guys who will play in the NBA. That is probably the second-most talented team in the league, so that was a huge win.”

The Bulldogs shut down the SEC’s No. 1 scoring offense. On most

Fred Thomas pulls up for a jump shot over LSU defenders. Thomas has hit a career-high 33 percent of his three point shots this season.

possessions, LSU could not get the ball inside to their talented big men Jordan Mickey, who averaged 16.4 points per game, and Jarell Martin, who averaged 16 points per game.

The defense held Martin to a mere four points on the day.

The win was a refreshing one for the Bulldogs, as they came up short the last two matchups against Georgia and Ole Miss. They fought

hard in both games, but lost the lead late in both contests. Bulldog point guard I.J. Ready said he felt as if the team focused on finishing the game strong this time out.

“We really focused on playing 40 minutes and not 30 minutes,” Ready said. He contributed 12 points to the victory, six of which were from three-point shots.

“We knew we played great against Georgia and Ole Miss, and we know we are a good team. So we just focused on playing 40 minutes. When the other guys get down, it is my job to get them back up.”

Both teams struggled to make baskets in the first half, but the Bulldogs went into the half with a 31-28 lead. LSU out-rebounded

Noah Siano | The Reflector

Mississippi State 27-17 and outscored them on second-chance points 11-2.

“We just had to defend and rebound better in the second half,” Fred Thomas said. “We are playing with a lot of confidence right now even though we lost the last couple of games. Coach told me my job was to defensive rebound and bring energy.

So that is what I tried to do.”

MSU came out after the half and followed Ray’s orders, as the team only allowed five second-chance points in the second half.

Thomas was told to bring energy off the bench, and that was apparent as he slammed in a dunk after tiptoeing the baseline, sending the Hump into a frenzy.

Another dunk by senior Roquez Johnson with 3:26 left in the game gave the Bulldogs the lead 58-57, which the Bulldogs refused to surrender.

To seal the game, MSU hit its final eight free throws from the line, not giving LSU the chance to make some last minute heroics to take a victory away from the Bulldogs.

Junior Gavin Ware posted another double-double, as he scored 12 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Craig Sword was second in scoring for the Bulldogs, racking up 14 points while shooting 50 percent from the field.

The Bulldogs improved their record to 10-11, 3-5 in SEC play.

Mississippi State’s next game will be on the road for a Tuesday night contest with the Tennessee Volunteers.

The Bulldogs will return home on Feb. 10 to host the Alabama Crimson Tide.

MSU men’s tennis wins two out of three matches

by Zach Wagner Staff Writer

After strong play in the ITA kickoff last weekend, the No. 23 Mississippi State University men’s tennis team continued its strong play at home by taking two out of three matches on Friday and Sunday. The wins came at the expense of the doubleheader against Alcorn State and Rice on Friday, with the loss occurring Sunday. At the weekend’s end, the Bulldogs sit at 5-2 overall, with just under a month away until the start of SEC play against Alabama on Feb. 27.

The early Friday afternoon event saw the Bulldogs start out strong in their doubles match against the Owls, particularly the duo of freshman Juan Cruz Estevarena and sophomore Florian Lakat. The two were able to string together a very solid performance on court one, dispatching the Rice team of Max Andrews and David Warren 6-2 to get the weekend off to a decent start for the home side.

The Bulldogs would soon clinch the first point of the match on court two, as the doubles team of freshman Mate Cutura and senior Tassilo Schmid continued its undefeated start to the season in doubles play. They would ultimately beat the Owls partnership of Srikar Alla and Jamie Malik 6-2, to improve their record to 4-0.

The Bulldogs entered the singles matches with a 1-0 lead and carried the positive momentum built up from the doubles play and rode it to more victories. The Bulldogs got great play from their top player on court one, Lakat, who defeated Rice’s Alla 6-2, 6-3, in rather dominating fashion.

The two other defining victories came on courts five and six, where two Bulldog sophomores were able to come up big for the home team. First, on court five, Rishab Agarwal won all but

Emma Katherine Hutto| The Reflector

Juan Cruz Estevarena returns the ball against Texas Tech. Estevarena did not lose a singles match over the weekend.

one point in his dismantling of Rice University’s Warren.

With his final score of 6-0 and 6-1, the Bulldogs moved within one point of clinching the match against the Owls. The death blow came on court six, where Robin Haden won a tiebreaker in the second set to oust Gonzalez in straight sets 6-2, 7-6(5). The win on court six sealed the victory 4-0 and started the weekend off with a positive result.

The Bulldogs were able to keep up the strong performance against Alcorn State in the second match on the court. MSU breezed through its doubles matches with Agarwal and Haden starting off the match with a 6-1 win against ASU’s Garry Amor and Kilian Salgado at the number three position. The singles matches produced a couple of highly impressive victories in favor of the Bulldogs, starting with Agarwal, who was able to take down Alcorn State’s Amor in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.

The win served as Agarwal’s first ever victory in which he failed to lose a single point.

Soon after, Haden was able to win in more dominating fashion than his first singles match of the day, by defeating the Braves’ Salgado 6-1, 6-0.

The final straw came when Lakat clinched his match on court one and defeated Santillan 6-0, 6-2. With all other matches suspended, the Bulldogs clinched their second 4-0 win of the day.

Head Coach Matt Roberts was very pleased with the play of his team and in particular, he said he liked the way his team cleaned up some sloppy play early on in the day.

“We had a pretty good first match,” Roberts said.

“We had a pretty solid performance in doubles and singles top to bottom was pretty solid. I thought we came out a little careless in doubles but got back into the mode of taking care of business and finished strong in singles in the second match.”

Sunday proved to be a

more difficult task, as the No. 42 Red Raiders of Texas Tech came into the match looking to stake a claim to their biggest win of the young season. Due to inclement weather, the match time moved up to 9 a.m. and was played in McCarthy Gymnasium, which houses two courts. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, singles is all it took for the outcome of the match to be determined, and even a late rally from the home side proved not to be enough. The Raiders upset the Bulldogs 4-2.

Both of the first two matches ended up being highly

contested three-set thrillers that would go in the favor of the Raiders. On court two, Schmid and the Red Raiders’ Hugo Dojas played one of the closest matches of the entire day. After losing the first set 6-1, Schmid answered back to force a third set with a 6-2 decision. As Schmid attempted to come back from a triple break point late to force a deuce point, he could not hold and suffered a break that led to a 6-1, 6-2, 7-5 victory for Dojas.

Court one would see similar heartbreak for the Bulldogs as Lakat was able to win a tiebreaker in the

second set to force a deciding third. However, falling behind early 4-0 would prove to be too much of a hole to come back from, and Lakat would end up losing, putting the Red Raiders up 2-0 early.

Things continued to worsen after Agarwal lost in straight sets to Jolan Cailleau, 6-4, 6-4, and increased the deficit to 3-0.

The Bulldogs staged a comeback when Estevarena and Cutura picked up vital points for the Bulldogs in their respected matches to cut into the Red Raider lead, making the Haden and Connor Curry matchup the deciding matchup of the day. The Bulldog sophomore fought valiantly, but it was the Red Raider Curry who made all of the big shots that counted late, as he won in two sets 6-4, 6-4, assuring the loss.

The Bulldogs will return to action this weekend to host Samford and New Orleans on Saturday in a doubleheader. The matches take place at noon and 5 p.m. at the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre.

Don’t forget to love your heart!

February is American Heart Month!

This month, take some time to love your heart by exercising and eating healthy!

Dates to Remember:

Get Heart Healthy February 2015

www.health.msstate.edu/health

Health Education & Wellness at Mississippi State Universit�

Wear red day: February 6 Congenital Heart Defect week: February 7-14 Blood pressure checks and heart health information every Thursday in February; check website for locations and times

@MSUHEW

@msuhealthed

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