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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
Fraternity altercation leads to cancellation of ‘Blue, White week’ by Vanessa Cotton Contributing Writer
In the Colvard Student Union on March 16, members of Mississippi State
University’s Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities were involved in a verbal altercation, resulting in the cancellation of Blue, White Week. New members (Neos) of each fraternity challenged each other during a stroll off. Each organization had just
introduced a new line during Neophyte week, a week in which newcomers come out into the community as being Greek (the week of March 2). President of Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma and senior psychology major Jarrod Ward said the incident took place because there are
specific times when chants and strolling are not allowed without permission. “(There was) an altercation this past Monday in the union where some of the Neos and older guys were approached while sitting in the union with the Zetas and were approached by
the Ques,” Ward said. “The Ques set out some hops and said some things. Our guys responded with a Blue Phi call, which is not allowed inside public buildings on campus. (There is to be) no calls or strolling unless it’s a function or a probate or (if we have) permission
to do so,” Ward said. The Sigmas came out publically on their Instagram page (@MSUSIGMAS) apologizing for what happened. Ward also said the Sigmas are going to take this time to plan and strategize for the upcoming school year. ALTERCATION, 3
Holocaust survivor to speak at MSU by Savannah Taggart Staff Writer
On March 31, Robert “Bob” Behr, a survivor of Auschwitz, one of the worst of the concentration camps set up in Nazi Germany, will hold a free public lecture on campus in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of the Holocaust. Behr’s presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium. Free tickets will be available at the Center for Student Activities in suite 314 of the Union. Before his presentation, the university will host a series of events to promote awareness of the Holocaust anniversary. Behr was born on March 1, 1922 in Berlin, Germany. During Kristallnacht on November 9-10, 1938, Behr’s father was arrested and sent to Buchenwald concentration camp. When he was released, Behr’s father moved to Cuba before immigrating to the United States. Behr hoped to join his father in the U.S. but could not get an affidavit. On
Nov. 29, 1938, Robert and his parents got evicted from their apartment. Luckily, the Jewish Community Service helped his family find two rooms in an elderly Jewish woman’s apartment for their family to live in. In 1942, Behr’s parents were arrested by the Gestapo, the official secret police of Nazi Germany and Germanoccupied Europe, for helping afriendescapetoSwitzerland. Behr was arrested two days later, and the family was deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp. The camp rapidly became overcrowded, and the Gestapo deported the prisoners to Auschwitz. In order to protect his family from deportation, Behr went to work on the new headquarters at Wulkow, a satellite camp of Theresienstadt. Supply problems stalled their work due to the conditions of the coldest winters of the century. In efforts to keep the prisoners busy, they were told to wash the trees. In January 1945, the prisoners returned to Theresienstadt, and Behr was reunited with his parents.
Engineers Without Borders:
5K to raise money for water wells
Sally White |Courtesy Photo
Zambia, Africa: Mississippi State Universityʼs Engineers Without Borders will host a 5K run Saturday morning at the
SURVIVOR, 2
North Farm of MSU to raise money for the construction of water wells in a rural village in Zambia, Africa. The event will begin at 9 a.m., and registration ends at 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Registration fees are $20 beforehand and $25 the day of the event. EWB members Matt Blair and Kristen Sauceda (pictured) case a well with members of an in-country contracting company, Overland Missions.
Cartoonist McCloud to present ‘The Sculptor’ WE Lead conference to provide women with tools for success by Jennifer Flinn Staff Writer
Submitted | Courtesy Photo
Scott McCloud will discuss his new novel Tuesday in McCool Hall at Mississippi State University. The comic cartoonist will also do a book signing.
Well-known comic cartoonist Scott McCloud will present his lecture “Comics and the Art of Visual Communication,” at Mississippi State University on March 31 as part of the College of Arts and Sciences Institute for the Humanities Distinguished Lecture Series. The lecture is free to all and will take place in McCool Hall’s Taylor Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. McCloud will sign copies of his new book, “The Sculptor,” following the lecture. McCloud has been writing and producing comics professionally since 1984. During the lecture, he will discuss his new graphic novel
“The Sculptor” and the evolving medium of visual communication. McCloud engages in regular speaking presentations and workshops that highlight interest in visual communication, and he is currently introducing his new book to an international audience, which will take him to Germany, France, Belgium, Italy and several other countries. “Most of our official publishersponsored tour stops will be conversational, improvised events with some visuals included, focused on my graphic novel,” McCloud wrote on his website, scottmccloud.com . Ben Harvey, professor of art at MSU, said he uses one of McCloud’s previously published books in his a class he teaches at MSU called, the “Art of the Graphic Novel.” CARTOONIST, 2
MSU architechture teams receive awards by Kayla McNair Contributing Writer
Two Mississippi State University architecture teams were recognized
by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture based in Washington D.C. for their work in building and design. One team consisting of members from the College
of Architecture, Art and Design and the MSU Extension Service was presented with the 201415 Collaborative Practice Award for the Green Roof Demonstration Pavilion at the Oktibbeha County
Heritage Museum located in Starkville. Cory Gallo, professor of landscape architecture and first faculty member to get involved with the project, said the award affects more than architecture departments.
by Nia Wilson Staff Writer
Mississippi State University will hold its second annual Women Empowered Leadership Conference this summer in the Shackouls Honors College and Griffis Residence Hall. The conference is set for July 20-24. The conference, geared toward Mississippi high school sophomore and junior girls, aims to teach young women tools needed to prepare for the future. Roxie Raven, co-director of the conference, said the conference is valuable because it encourages young women to believe in themselves. “This conference is important to me because I feel that too many young women, especially in the South, are discouraged from dreaming big. I
fi nd that unacceptable,” Raven said. “My favorite part of this conference is empowering these girls to reach higher and being able to see the confidence grow within them. I hope this conference gives the girls the ability to become leaders and agents of change within their home communities.” Applications are due on April 3. The program costs $250, but there are a limited number of scholarships. The cost covers housing, food, transportation, activity costs and a T-shirt. Bianca Eche, junior political science major and self-proclaimed feminist, said the earlier society teaches girls to appreciate themselves, the better. “Self-conscious girls turn into self-conscious women. From a young age, girls are taught to look pretty, to act pretty, to be pretty,” Eche said. “Honestly, I know we can offer more to the world than just a pretty face.” CONFERENCE, 2
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CARTOONIST “It is going to be a really fascinating, funny and engaging talk,” Harvey said. “I think students will get a lot out of it. Do not think of it as a dusty lecture or an academic giving a standard lecture; think of it as a real innovator and inspiring figure in the world of comics.” Harvey said there has been a lot of interest in McCloud’s discussions amongst students. “I think there is a compelling message for students, maybe people in their late teens and 20s,” Harvey said. Harvey said McCloud’s generosity of spirit makes him a great teacher and lecturer to listen to. “He is somebody who is trying to grow an audience for comics outside of the traditional superhero, Marvel and DC market which is very defined, very established and pre-masculine,” Harvey said. According to Harvey, McCloud is one among a community of comic artists that believe anyone can make a comic, a nd com ics do not need to be based on superheroes. “ I t h i n k he is somebody who rea l ly k i nd of exploded a nd opened up t he idea of what a com ic book cou ld be, a nd as a n a r t h istor ia n t hat sor t of i nterested me about what ( McCloud) was
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doi ng,” Har vey sa id. Harvey said comic books are more accepted and widely read in countries like Japan. Harvey said he believes this is a key aspect to the idea of growing the comic book readership. McCloud practices more of a do-it-yourself
“I think if you take comics away from the bigger studio systems of organizing, then you get a lot more of a variety (of comics),” Harvey said. Harvey said McCloud also suggests comics are not merely a construction of the 20th century, but have existed through
“It is going to be a really fascinating, funny and engaging talk. I think students will get a lot out of it. Do not think of it as a dusty lecture or an academic giving a standard lecture. Think of it as a real innovator and inspiring figure in the world of comics.” - Ben Harvey MSU professor of art
attitude toward his comics, according to Harvey. He went on to say McCloud uses a production company for the finished product, but does most of the labor involved in creating the comic himself.
the ages presenting themselves in Pre-Columbian and Egyptian art. William Anthony Hay, the director for the Institutes for the Humanities, said McCloud is a practicing
CONFERENCE “I applaud conferences that teach women to embrace the powerful force inside them,” Eche said. “You know what’s more important than confidence? Nothing. Teach a girl to believe she can do anything, and she surely will.” WE Lead highlights the importance of leadership, networking and education. There will be several accomplished speakers from various fields including education, medicine, engineering, history, politics and business. Jamie Aron, WE Lead co-director, said she is proud to be part of an organization
artist and cartoonist and has done a lot of criticism of cartoons and comics. “We bring in leading creative writers, artists and scholars in the humanities to Mississippi State University,” Hay said. Hay said McCloud focuses on how comics have become a medium of mass communication. “We try to give students, faculty and staff on campus a chance to engage in things they might not otherwise encounter,” said Hay. Hay said the Institute for the Humanities’ goal is for students to engage and spark an interest in something new and also wants to give attendees of the lectures a chance to interact and connect with the speaker. Hay also said he thinks students getting to ask authors they know questions about the works they have created is beneficial to students and can inspire them. “Student enthusiasm has made the series a success over the past years. We have tried to foster the idea that education is more than what happens in a classroom,” Hay said. Hay said the Institute began in the spring of 2005 and has since grown in its repertoire of speakers. Among these speakers have been several Pulitzer Prize winning writers. CONTINUED FROM 1
that plays such a key role in
to impact young women
“WE Lead allows us to impact young women during a crucial moment of transition from adolescents into adults.” -Jamie Aron WE Lead co-director young adults’ development. “WE Lead allows us
during a crucial moment of transition from adolescents
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into adults,” Aron said. “My favorite part of the conference is the last day when we give out superlative awards. Everyone receives an award geared toward their accomplishments and what they hope to do in their futures. It’s when I get to brag most on each individual WE Lead fellow. There is a dearth in female leadership in this country, namely in politics and in business. WE Lead gives them the tools to lead ethically, confidently and effectively in any situation. I am confident that WE Lead is creating a sustainable impact in our region.”
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 9:57 a.m. A student was having chest pains at the Sanderson Center. The subject was transported to OCH. 7:53 p.m. A student was arrested on Robert L. Jones Circle for disregard traffic device and suspended driver’s license. Justice court citations were issued. 11:00 p.m. A visitor was arrested at Oak Hall for possession of firearm on campus. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 2:31 p.m. A student reported a suspicious incident at the Colvard Student Union. 11:46 a.m. A student reported damages to the lawn at Pi Kappa Alpha by the neighboring fraternity. 2:54 p.m. A student reported a fraudulent charge on her credit card. 3:09 p.m. A student reported someone filed tax return using his information. 5:15 p.m. An Aramark employee passed out in Perry Cafeteria bathroom. The subject was transported to OCH.
AWARDS “This is a collaborative award for different disciplines working together on a site,” Gallo said. “Landscape architecture, graphic design, building construction science, landscape contracting and art were all involved.” Betsy Longest, volunteer at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, said the green roof, built from a structure donated by a local gas station, is maintained by an impressive system. “We had a drainage problem under this building,” Longest said. “So we contacted the landscape architecture department, and they started out by finding a way to use a dry gully and a sand filter to drain the stuff away and it fills up a cistern. When the cistern fills up, that water is used to water the roof.” Faculty members being honored by the Collaborative Practice award include Cory Gallo, associate professor of architecture; Hans C. Herrmann, assistant professor of art; Suzanne Powney, assistant clinical professor of architecture; Justin Taylor, extension associate in landscape architecture; Brian Templeton and associate extension professor Wayne Wilkerson. A second MSU architecture group was honored with the 2014-15 ACSA Design Build Honorable Mention for supervising
SURVIVOR There, he worked in the camp kitchen until the camp was liberated on May 5, 1945. Behr was finally able to immigrate to the United States in 1945. When he arrived, Behr enlisted in the United States Army, through which he hoped he would be assigned to Berlin so that he could care of his mother. Being a fluent German speaker helped Behr transfer to Berlin. While there, Behr interrogated former Nazi personnel. In 1952,
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the project to build public transit shelters developed by a team of students for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Philadelphia. This award was given on the basis of curricula-based design-build projects that include a variety of efforts, scope, scale and setting, but at their core they present constructions that show design learning outcomes from start to completion. Along with Herrmann, faculty honored with the Design Build award included assistant professors of architecture, Emily M. McGlohn and Alexis Gregory; assistant professor Tom Lethem and lecturer Lee Carson of the college’s building construction science program. Herrmann, who played a part in the development of both awarded projects, said it all comes down to promoting the students and their education. “While we are extremely excited about the various programs being recognized, we are most excited that our students’ learning and research efforts have been validated nationally,” Herrmann said. “The collaborative educational models we have developed are putting our students at the forefront of professional education through carefully designed and executed applied research and scholarship.” CONTINUED FROM 1
Behr left the Army and joined the United States Air Force civil service in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked as an intelligence officer. After 39 years of government service, Behr retired in 1988. Behr earned a Bachelor’s as well as a Master’s degree in Modern European History. He also became a professor at Sinclair College. Today, Behr volunteers at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM
Sarah Story | The Reflector
ʻRed Bull Paper Wingsʼ:
Designers, innovators and aviators from Mississippi State University competed Wednesday for a spot to travel to Salzburg, Austria in May to compete against hundreds of international pilots (paper plane pilots) with their eye on the prize of becoming a global winner of ʻRed Bull Paper Wings.ʼ The event was one of 75 qualifying events in the U.S. Local judges included Lacy Trelles (right photo middle), Tanner Gray (right photo left) and Logan Reeves (right photo left). More than 140 students participated, being judged on in-flight aerobatics, airtime and distance of their paper planes.
ALTERCATION “We plan on using this t ime using the summer months to plan out al l the fun,” Ward said. “ We are going to sit down and plan out programs, events, any part ies we wil l host, any leadership development we might have and communit y ser vice.” MSU’s director of Greek Life and Student Act ivit ies Jack ie Mul len said Greeks are al lowed to strol l ( physical ly convey fraternit y stepping) in a publ ic bu ilding, but need prior approval. “There is no rule that you can’t strol l. That
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is not a rule, but prior said. “It was just some- consequences.” approval is needed f irst,” thing that unfortunate“The Chapter apolMul len said. The president of the Omega “ The chapter takes full responsibility. It Psi Phi the Theta Delta Delta was just something that unfortunately Chapter Catrel l Johnson, a senior happened, and both chapters suffered the and biolog y pre-dental major consequences.” from Jackson, M ississippi, said in an inter view he -Catrell Johnson, was taken by surprise about what Theta Delta Delta chapter president (Omega Psi Phi) happened, and the chapter takes ful l responsibil it y. “The chapter takes ful l ly happened and both ogizes to the campus, responsibil it y,” Johnson chapters suffered the we are aware of what
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happened and it wil l never happen again in our chapter,” Johnson said. The init ial inst igator of th is altercat ion is st i l l unk nown. Both presidents of the fratern ites said in separate inter views none of the new members were aware of th is r u le. As a resu lt of th is incident both fratern it ies were f ined, and the Sig mas were placed on social probat ion, mean ing they are not al lowed to part icipate in any prog rams,
host any events, and their visibi l it y week ( Blue and W h ite Week) has been canceled for the 2015 spring semester. MSU’s Dean of Students and Nat ional Pan-Hel len ic Counci l off ices decl ined to comment. (Circu lat ing r umors state both fratern it ies are having “beef ” bet ween one another). Johnson laid that r umor to rest and stated it is false. Accord ing to Johnson, what happened has left no hard feel ings bet ween the t wo fratern it ies.
THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Political Buzz
Democrats hamper anti-trafficking legislation Joseph Kerstiens is a freshman majoring in biochemistry. He can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
Once again, petty politics have prevented yet another piece of much-needed legislation from becoming law. As a result, the American people will suffer. What bill is stirring up so much partisan controversy? The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act
of 2015. This bill, which was introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), passed the House in January with broad bi-partisan support and had four Democratic co-sponsors. Widely expected to pass the Senate quietly and be enacted by the end of the month, it now has hit the filibuster roadblock, where it has remained for the past week. The legislation is largely non-partisan and has several major provisions to help curb sex trafficking. It would allow the Department of Justice to issue grants to major organizations within state and local governments to help fund their efforts to combat the crime. It raises punishments on perpetrators by increasing
fines that would be used to supply a victim’s relief fund — an extremely important provision as the fund would not rely on appropriations from Congress, and as a result
prove a defendant “recklessly disregarded the fact that the victim had not yet attained 18 years of age if the defendant had a reasonable opportunity to observe the victim.”
“Once again, petty politics have prevented yet another piece of much-needed legislation from becoming law.” would not be in direct jeopardy of budget cuts. It allows wiretap warrants to be issued to investigate and catch criminals involved in the production of child pornography and would even allow U.S. prosecutors to no longer need to
A Southern Perspective
So where does the controversy come up? In the Senate’s version of the bill, within the text surrounding the details of the fund that will be established for the victims, the money is linked to federal appropriations
limits provided by previous appropriation standards. In other words, in order to prevent the money for the victims from being abused (i.e. used for lobbying), Congress put limits on how it can be used. Within the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2014 there is the Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment prevents federal money from being used to fund abortions not the result ofrapeoradangertothemother. This point in particular is what Senate Democrats have decided to filibuster, ignoring the obvious fact most, if not all women being sexually trafficked are regular victims of rape. Because of this, the Hyde Amendment would not
prevent these women from getting an abortion, and there is no true need to block its implementation. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act is a much needed piece of legislation and is undeserving of being pettily politicized by those with a pro-abortion agenda into an attack on Hyde amendments. By preventing its passage, filibustering senators are denying rightful care to sex trade victims and making the statement that party face is more important than their well-being. If not passed now, Americans can hopefully see another similar piece of legislation in the next session of Congress and with any luck, it will pass.
My Two Cents
Ads are evidently sexist Schock falls from fame by Abby Adcock Staff Writer
Women and their bodies are used to convey ads in a way that makes consumers want to purchase more of what is being advertised. These companies use women to appeal to other people’s senses. First, it falsely portrays the female as nothing more or less than a “piece of meat,” a slang phrase used today to describe how meaningless something may be. It is also influencing our youth. Young girls and teenagers do not even have a chance to build their self-esteem because they are so busy comparing themselves to women of “status.” They are also being shown it is okay to act in an unacceptable manner in order to get the attention they want. Magazines, billboards, commercials and ads everywhere send messages that
both genders are targeting the other when trying to make the best of their product sales. It just seems to be more popular to exploit women. For example, the Hardee’s commercial for their new burger featured a beautiful, barely-clothed woman eating a cheeseburger in an extremely unladylike manner. This is a prime example of how large businesses and corporations use gender to their advantage by attempting to appeal to a certain audience by their methods of advertising — this audience being primarily male. In the early days of television, such advertising would not be allowed. However, back in the early days of television, women were indeed portrayed as having the same specific role: she cooked, cleaned and took care of the children. You know, June Cleaver from “Leave it to Beaver?” The option
of creating your own image is available, but seems to be frowned upon by society who pushes girls especially to fit in with the “norms.” Take Kim Kardashian for example. She is no doubt a successful woman — but how? Why? Society portrays her as doing nothing but carrying expensive bags and looking beautiful all the time. So naturally, a stereotypical image is created and girls will feel the incessant need to fit that stereotype, and they will try to follow in the footsteps of certain more recognized people. This can cause extreme self-esteem issues and unhappy and unsuccessful lives. It’s a lose-lose situation at times; fit in with the norms and risk looking ridiculous to others, or be your own person and risk looking ridiculous to others. Sexism in advertising is harmful to people — especially women — and influences social attitudes towards everyone.
RE F L E C T I O N S Alan Turing “We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done.”
A Worthy Cause
Mamie Carlstrom is a junior majoring in communication. She can be contacted at opinion@ reflector.msstate.edu.
Up until last week, a rising star in the Republican Party busily groomed his image and résumé for the future. Today, he could face criminal charges. Elected to Illinois’ school board at the age of 19, United States Representative Aaron Schock joined the seats of Congress at the ripe age of 27. Over the years, he’s made himself known as a force with whom to be reckoned when it comes to fund-raising and building star power. Charismatic, persuasive and not to mention ravishingly handsome, Washington’s most eligible bachelor obviously has been waiting in the wings for a big career. If age hadn’t held him back, perhaps he would have been in the thick of the current presidential bids. In February, questions began to arise about his possible illegal use of taxpayer
campaign funds. Schock allegedly used some of the money to pay for — among other things — concert tickets for those who work for him and luxurious travel for himself. These charges included paying for a personal photographer to travel along on his recent trip to India. This last part came as no shock to me because ever since following him on Instagram I’d noticed all of his photos seemed particularly top notch. The hint that something was amiss came about when a reporter stumbled upon his newly decorated office, designed in the style of a room from the hit show Downton Abbey — though Schock claims he’s “never seen an episode.” Reportedly, the renovations cost upwards of $40,000 and had been paid for personally by the decorator. His communications director Benjamin Cole didn’t help matters when he bullied the reporter, demanding he delete the iPhone photos he had snapped of the illustrious red room. Needless to say, interests were piqued and the allegations of other fishy spending began snowballing from there. After several weeks of questions, Rep. Schock announced his resignation from Congress. It will go
into effect at the end of the month. What caused his downfall? Was it his Hollywoodlike appeal (just google his name and “Men’s Health”), or the prowess he’s shown in fundraising and garnering attention? To me, this incident can be simply seen as a classic case of a person getting too big for his britches. I believe Rep. Schock fell into a trap of feeling entitled to a life of stardom and the perks it often entails. This saddens me, as I feel he genuinely wanted to do great things for the citizens of America. While integrity is one of the most important things to me when I seek out a candidate to consider, I will admit my heart sank when I learned of his ethical demise and subsequent resignation. As a young conservative, I’d set my hopes on the congressman perhaps running for President when his age no longer prohibited the action. Adding to my frustration is the fact many politicians have committed far worse indiscretions and are still in office. However, when all is said and done, I’m glad justice has been served. I hope Aaron Schock will learn from his mistakes and go on to still make a difference as a force for good in our world.
Oversensitivity prevents real education in college “About a dozen new teachers of criminal law at multiple institutions have told me that they are not including rape
Managing Editor Catie Marie Martin
law in their courses, arguing that it’s not worth the risk of complaints of discomfort by students,” writes Harvard
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Law Professor Jeannie Suk. In this piece for “The New Yorker,” Suk discusses how it is increasingly difficult to teach rape law on law school campuses because of an outrage of sensitivities from large swaths of students. This points to a larger, disgraceful trend across the country where students insulate themselves in friendly, safe and unchallenged cocoons of ideas that prevent them from being exposed to ideas they find objectionable. The advocacy for “trigger warnings” to give students a cautionary notice of potentially unsettling topics is a symptom of these sensitivities. Suk continues, “Individual students often ask teachers not to include the law of rape on exams for fear that the material would cause them to perform less well. One teacher I know was recently asked by a student not to use the word ‘violate’ in class — as in ‘Does this conduct violate the law?’— because the word was triggering. Some students have even suggested that rape law should not be taught because of its potential to cause distress.” It’s shameful students at some of the premier law schools in the country can cause professors to cower from teaching a vitally important area of law. Some details of rape law might not be pleasant conversation, but victims of rape deserve lawyers that can prosecute
rapists. This means we need lawyers that thoroughly understand rape law and not ones who have decided it is simply too unpleasant to discuss. Those who have gone through the rigor of being accepted into law school should be able to come to terms with the idea violence, rape and other grisly realities exist. Not only should they recognize their existence, these soon-to-be lawyers should understand they are exactly the people who are professionally trained to understand, discuss and argue in a court of law these difficult subjects. Where will we be in 30 years if these same law students cannot function in a courtroom because they’re so traumatized by the facts of a brutal rape and murder case? At the UCLA Law School, there was similar outrage over a question on a First Amendment law exam that tested students on events in the aftermath of the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The exam question asked students to write a memo on the First Amendment implications of Brown’s stepfather purportedly advocating fellow protesters to “Burn this bitch down!” in reference to the Ferguson Police station. In response to the exam, Shreya Maskara writes in The Daily Bruin, “Hussain Turk, a second-year law student who took the exam,
said he thinks the question was problematic because he thinks exams should not ask students to address controversial events. He added that he thinks the question was more emotionally difficult for black students to answer than for other students.” This is astonishing. You be the judge of what’s more appalling; A) suggesting black students don’t have the emotional capacity to be tested on this difficult subject, or B) arguing students shouldn’t have to address controversial events. I’m not a lawyer nor a law student, but I do know an important trait to own in the courtroom is the ability to manage one’s emotional response to a case in order to understand the argument. To suggest black students don’t have the same ability as their peers to set aside emotions in order to rationally respond to a law school exam is absurd. And the idea students shouldn’t have to address controversial subjects would border on parody if it weren’t such a dangerous idea. Of course this problem is not exclusive to law schools. Writing for the New York Times, Judith Shulevitz tells the story of an undergraduate student at Brown University who was concerned about an upcoming debate about campus sexual assault. In response to the debate, Shulevitz writes, “student volunteers put up posters advertising that a ‘safe space’
Walton Chaney is a senior majoring in history and political science. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.
would be available for anyone who found the debate too upsetting.” One student who attended the debate but then returned to the “safe space” said, “I was feeling bombarded by a lot of viewpoints that really go against my dearly and closely held beliefs.” Establishing physical “safe spaces” for shelter from objectionable ideas is the antithesis to the mission of higher education. It’s a chilling thought to entertain: society could eventually become too delicate to face and wrestle with the most difficult realities of our toughest problems. Institutions of higher learning should be places where students seek out tests to their beliefs, not hide from them. If you are too sensitive and delicate to have your views challenged in an academic environment, you need to give your seat to someone else.
REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
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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. FOR RENT House for rent! Two bedroom, one bathroom. House located in Montpelier, MS. $500.00 per month plus deposit. Great location for students looking to enjoy quiet, country living. If interested, please call 662-295-7362. UNIQUE FACULTY (student or alumni) APARTMENTED! “Lodge at the Lake.” Fantastic view, 340’ waterfront, dock, boat, fishing. Eleven miles west of campus. One bedroom apartment available August. $550. (or buy all five units $343,000!). 662-418-2790. FOR SALE GREAT INVESTMENT! Faculty; alumni; parents; fraternity or sorority “extra” housing. “Lodge at the Lake”: Five one bedroom apartments, common room, 340’ waterfront and dock on Oktibbeha County Lake, eleven miles west of campus. $343,000. 662-418-2790. CLUB INFO
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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 to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the subject heading “CLUB INFO,” or a form may be completed The Reflector at 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.
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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. SOCIOLOGICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION
The Sociological Student Association will meet the last Thursday of every month at 5 p.m. in Bowen Hall room 250. All majors are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Lane at lane@soc.msstate.edu. WESLEY FOUNDATION
Join us for Insight, a night of worship and Bible study at the Wesley Foundation, Tuesday nights at 8:00.
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1. German plane crash determined premeditated. It has been determined Germanwings Flight 9525 was set on autopilot to drop from 38,000 feet to 100 feet, indicating the crash was, in fact, intentional. The crash has been attributed to the co-pilot, who apparently purposefully locked the pilot out of the cockpit minutes before the plane’s rapid descent. All 150 people on board Flight 9525 have been declared dead. There are currently no clues as to why the co-pilot would deliberately crash the plane. 2. Downton Abbey season 6 to be its last. Producers took to Twitter Thursday morning to announce Downton Abbey’s final season. The PBS hit has won six Emmy awards and the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television on Film. Executive Producer Gareth Neame and actress Maggie Smith both took to Twitter to express their relief over the show’s conclusion. 3. East Village explosion injures New Yorkers. An explosion in an apartment building in the East Village has left at least a dozen residents injured, three of whom are in critical condition. The explosion contributed to the collapse of an adjacent building. The explosion and following fire have been attributed to a gas leak, but Mayor Bill de Blasio says no calls reporting the smell of gas were made prior to the fire. 4. Indiana law to reject homosexual customers. A recently passed Indiana law will allow businesses to refuse to serve gay and lesbian customers on religious grounds. Similar legislations are being pushed in a dozen other states, but Indiana is the first that has actually enacted the measure. The bill was signed in a private ceremony with Republican state legislators Thursday morning. Thus far, the bill has been met with criticism, especially on the behalf of the NCAA, which has stated the law could damage the city’s reputation as a mecca for national sporting events. 5. Chelsea Handler adds to Bill Cosby allegations. Comedian Chelsea Handler recently stated in an interview with “Esquire” that actor and comedian Bill Cosby once invited her to his hotel room in Atlantic City approximately 10 years ago. Handler initially denied his request, but later went to Cosby’s room accompanied by three other men.
THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Taido Club demonstrates how to survive zombie apocalypse
Mary Claire Gremillion| Courtesy Photograph
Tucker Haney (left) and Shelley Keith (right) practice for Sunday’s Can Karate Save Me in the Zombie Apocalypse? event. by Nicole Perry Staff Writer
The dead will rise and roam throughout the Sanderson Center Sunday afternoon as part of the Mississippi State University Taido Club’s event, Zombie and Me: Can Karate Save Me in the Zombie Apocalypse? With full zombie makeup,propsandmultiple survival scenarios, the demonstration will create a realistic, handson experience for its participants. This event will allow students to
Mary Claire Gremillion| Courtesy Photograph
MSU’s Taido Club will demonstrate basic taido techniques one can utilize against zombies in case of an apocalypse.
learn several basic taido techniques they can utilize against the living dead in an apocalyptic world. Shelley Keith, sociology professor and sensei of the MSU Taido Club, is the mastermind behind this unique demonstration. She said the idea came to her on one of the club’s trips to Atlanta, in which a student suggested offering a selfdefense demonstration to the public. Keith then applied her own twist to the idea by incorporating zombies as a means to grab the interest of more people. “Zombies move in a straight line, and taido
focuses more on dodging and striking at the opponent,” Keith said. “It is a good means of fully showing what taido is capable of and how it can be applied in different situations.” This event also serves as a philanthropy event for Starkville in Motion, a non-profit organization dedicated to building sidewalks, bike lanes and trails within the city. Ron Cossman, president of Starkville in Motion, said the main focus of his organization is to create an environment for healthy living in Starkville.
“We are actually affiliated with most of the organizations in Starkville that promote health and wellness, so when the taido group approached us, we gladly agreed to partner up with them for this event,” he said. Zombie and Me features instruction from members of the taido group themselves, many of whom are also students at MSU. Sabrina Swistek, sophomore biochemistry major, said she is greatly looking forward to becoming a zombie and teaching others how to
protect themselves against the living dead. “We are a whole-hearted group that is ready to have a good time and hopefully bond with each other and the students on campus who join us,” Swistek said. The event will take place Sunday in the auxiliary gym in the back of the Sanderson Center from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door from the Taido Club members for $7. Half of the proceeds raised by the Taido Club will go toward Starkville in Motion to assist in future projects.
The club highly recommends students dress in comfortable clothing while participating in the event so their movements will not be hindered. Anyone concerned about lack of experience in martial arts does not need to worry. The event requires no prior experience in taido or any other form of martial arts. The club members will provide instruction and make sure participants learn everything they will need to know in order to successfully fight off brain-eating zombies.
The Charles H. Templeton Museum showcases a collection of musical instruments, recordings and sheet music that has been combined over four decades and was donated to MSU in 1987. The jazz festival, which continues until Saturday, contains sounds of stride,
boogie, blues, novelty, swing, New Orleans jazz, some gershwin and also ragtime. Taylor Shelton, sophomore kinesiology major, said she tries to engage in as many exciting events as possible. “I love how MSU is based on tradition. This
was the ninth annual event, so it must have been pretty successful in the past,” she said. Jamia Brown, sophomore human sciences major, said she was confused about what the event was at first. “I had been seeing the signs for the event all around. I read reviews and heard selections from the 2014 festival, and I was impressed,” she said. For more information about the museum, contact Stephen Cunetto at (662) 325-8542 or scunetto@ library.msstate.edu.
International Fiesta
MSU hosts Ragtime & Jazz Fest HCDC presents by ShaCamree Gowdy Staff Writer
The Mitchell Memorial Library began its ninth annual Charles H. Templeton Ragtime & Jazz Festival Thursday in the Templeton Museum.
Saturday, March 28th 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.
City Hall Lawn / Meridian, Mississippi
by Bobbi Thomas Contributing Writer
The Holmes Cultural Diversity Center of Mississippi State University will host the 25th annual International Fiesta from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the Drill Field. Throughout the years, the HCDC and the Multicultural Lions Club have gathered a tremendous amount of international students each with their own unique culture, including music, dancing and food. Joby Czarnecki, head coordinator for the event, said it is great exposure for international students
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as well as Americans. “People seldom come out and see the world. The fiesta is an opportunity for students who haven’t been out of the U.S. to see other cultures and learn everywhere is not like home,” Czarnecki said. The event has grown over the past 25 years. Amy Harrison, vice president of the Multicultural Lions Club, agrees. “This is the 25th year of the International Fiesta, which is a big deal. It started as a tiny event in front of Kroger, and it has eventually grown into a huge Mississippi State event,” Harrison said. Food is a huge part of the fiesta as well. There will be a variety of traditional cuisines served during the event. “The food is wonderful. I’ve never had anything I didn’t like,” Harrison said. Since the International Fiesta is an outdoor event, if weather conditions are not up to par the event will be moved to the concourse of Davis Wade Stadium.
Sports
7 THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Ben Howland introduced at Humphrey Coliseum by Shane Anderson Staff Writer
In a conference where the arms race for great coaches is at an all-time high, Mississippi State University showed it could hire a prominent, successful coach as the Bulldog faithful welcomed new men’s basketball Head Coach Ben Howland with open arms. Hundreds of fans were in attendance at Humphrey Coliseum on Tuesday as the 20th head basketball coach in school history was introduced to Bulldog Nation. “I am really humbled and overwhelmed by the crowd that is here today,” Howland said. “To be a part of Mississippi State University that is steeped in tradition and is recognized as the flagship research institution in this state is a big deal. It is an incredible honor and blessing for me.” Howland brings something to Starkville that a head coach has never brought in with his past experiences as a coach – he is a proven winner. Howland brings 19 years of head coaching experience, leading his squad to the NCAA tournament 10 times and advancing to the Sweet 16 five times, including an amazing three-consecutive Final Four appearances from 2006-08. He won the Conference Coach
Courtesy Photo | MSU Media Relations
Ben Howland addressed fans and the media at Humphrey Coliseum Tuesday afternoon. Howland previously coached at Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh and UCLA.
of the Year in three different leagues with three different teams (UCLA, Pittsburgh and Northern Arizona.) MSU President Mark Keenum voiced his astonishment over Coach Howland’s track record. “I am impressed with Coach Howland’s resume,” Keenum said. “He has been
successful at the highest levels of college basketball, and I have every confidence he will bring that same proven, winning formula to Mississippi State as well.” When it comes to work on the court, Howland talked about what the MSU fans would see in the next basketball season.
“Nobody is going to play harder than Mississippi State,” Howland said. “No one will be better prepared than our players and team as we get ready for the season.” The new head coach met his team for the first time on Monday and was impressed with the attitude and character he saw and appreciated
the culture former Head Coach Rick Ray instilled in the program. “Coach Ray and his staff recruited not only good players, but young men of high character and integrity because that’s who we expect to represent this university and this basketball program,” Howland said.
Howland strongly believes defense wins championships in basketball, and he plans on bringing his formula with him to the Bulldogs. “Defense wins on the road, and you have to win on the road to be a champion,” Howland said. Although defense is a priority for Howland, his offensive strategy is to push the ball whenever possible to create shots after misses, but especially after makes. “Most teams do not expect you to run after they scored,” Howland said. “Most of the time kids are celebrating and meanwhile (my team) is taking the ball up to the net trying to get a layup, a wide open three or a good shot depending on who is taking it.” In his last year at UCLA in 2013, Howland’s Bruins led the conference in scoring and was eighth in the nation in transition offense. The themes Coach Howland brings are speed on offense and toughness on defense. He will form the Bulldogs into a hard-nosed, blue-collar, grind-it-out team that can pressure even the most potent offenses in the SEC. His team will outrun its opponents in the final five minutes of the game, forcing mistakes offensively with elegant trap plays. This is how Howland has been successful in all his former jobs, but now wrapped in a new color — Maroon and White.
From the Corner
MSU season shows growth While Sunday’s loss to Duke may have ended its season, the women’s basketball team went leaps and bounds beyond anywhere it had been in recent memory. Making its first NCAA Tournament appearance under Head Coach Vic Schaefer, the team did the university proud by having one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program and also by igniting a fan base that had failed to support the team over the last couple of seasons. That all has changed now, as students at the university and fans of
there was something different about the atmosphere at Humphrey Coliseum. Unlike in years past in which you could just about hear a pin drop from the rafters, there were words of encouragement being screamed by the 7,326 fans, the new school record, which made their presence felt on that particular Sunday. I remember after the game hearing senior Martha Alwal describe how much it meant to her, after enduring all of those down years, to see the crowd’s support of the team’s success. Alwal went on to say
“Alwal went on to say she believed it made the team play better as a whole. At that moment, you could sense that matters had truly changed with the relationship between the fans and the women’s basketball team.” the program have realized the women in Maroon and White deserve their support. The defining moment of the season may very well have been against Ole Miss at home on March 1, the last conference game of the year. In what turned out to be a very hard fought contest all the way to the end, the Bulldogs’ pulled out the 55-47 victory over their rival, but this time around
she believed it made the team play better as a whole. At that moment, you could sense that matters had truly changed with the relationship between the fans and the women’s basketball team. A certain respect now resonates between the two sides, and that could never have occurred if it not for the change in culture brought about by Schaefer. Under his stewardship, the women’s basketball
Zach Wagner is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail. com.
team has begun playing with a high level of passion, toughness and energy that is contagious, not just to the girls on the court but also to the fans in the stands. The program has taken a step forward each season in the right direction, and the roster is beginning to take shape as one fi led with a plethora of young talent that should keep them competing in the NCAA Tournament for seasons to come. Starting with Victoria Vivians and Morgan William, the freshmen duo proved all season long they are capable of carrying a team on offense, as they were the top two leading scorers at the end of the year. Vivians, in particular, showed flashes of extreme potential, which at times made you wonder if she could turn into one of the best players in the country over the course of her college career. It will be incredibly fun for Bulldog fans to watch the growth of these two over the next three years.
Jacob Follin| The Reflector
MSU upsets No. 13 Ole Miss Wednesday, takes on Kentucky Friday: The Mississippi State University Bulldogs won 4-1 over in-state rival Ole Miss. The Bulldogs pulled off the upset after falling to conference opponent Texas A&M. “Itʼs great for our team, our fans and our program for everyone to see how we compete and the atmosphere we bring out here,” Head Coach Matt Roberts said in a news release. “Itʼs really a great day for everyone to see what Mississippi State tennis is all about with this young team.” MSU moves to 4-2 in SEC play this season. Senior Tassilo Schmid finished off his last match against Ole Miss with a come from behind victory. “It means a lot to me to clinch against Ole Miss in my senior season,” Schmid said. “Down 5-3 and a break, I just kept thinking ʻMan, this is not over yet.ʼ I kept playing and bringing energy for my teammates still on the court and, next thing you know, I had saved three match points and ended up clinching.” Coach Roberts said he and Schmid talked before the game about the importance of the final matchup with the Rebels. “I cannot say enough of Tassilo today,” Roberts said. “In the changeovers, we talked about this being Ole Miss and his senior season. We talked about how he wanted to finish this and just not having any regrets. I just pushed him to keep fighting and competing, and he believed in himself and, next thing you know, he clinches. Just a great job by him.” The Bulldogs will travel to Lexington, Kentucky Friday to take on the Kentucky Wildcats. The Wildcats have yet to win a conference game this season. MSU will look to break a ninematch losing streak against the Wildcats dating back to 2007.
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Sports THE REFLECTOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Baseball returns to action by Devin Roberts
BASKETBALL
It does not just stop there, though. Schaefer will also have the likes of his starting power forward back in Breanna Richardson, as well as his starting two guard Dominique Dillingham, who has emerged as a real defensive presence for his squad. Losing Alwal, one of the greatest players to ever wear Maroon and White, will be a hard blow for the Bulldogs, but do not underestimate Schaefer’s ability to soften the blow a tad with some of the depth he has gathered up on this roster. Most of the season saw
Who leads the MVP race? James Harden, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook. As the NBA season comes to a conclusion, these three men have separated themselves from the other superstars in the league as frontrunners for the MVP award. Now, many would probably hastily throw Lebron James into the fray as well. King James has certainly had a superb season just as he does every year and still reigns as the best player not only in the NBA, but on God’s green earth. However, keep in mind the Maurice Podoloff Trophy is not
Contributing Writer
Following a tough road series last weekend at Kentucky, the home standing MSU baseball team looks to get back to its usual winning ways this weekend against Auburn. The Bulldogs played in Pearl on Tuesday and suffered a 3-0 loss to University of Southern Mississippi. Lucas Laster was on the mound for the Bulldogs and recorded his fourth consecutive quality start. This was the first time since last season against LSU that the Bulldogs had been shut out. This weekend the Bulldogs will face a tough and scrappy Auburn team at Dudy Noble Field. The Auburn Tigers aren’t having a dream season this year with a 1-5 record in SEC play, but have had a difficult start to the conference schedule with series against No. 3 Texas A&M and No. 2 Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs are looking to come back strong and continue their winning ways in the SEC. MSU faced Kentucky last
From Downtown
Courtesy Photo| MSU Media Relations
Lucas Laster throws a pitch Tuesday night against Southern Mississippi.
weekend and managed to win the series in Lexington. Expect to see work from Ross Mitchell on the mound this weekend as he plans to step up and be a leader the recently-struggling Bulldog bullpen needs.
The first pitch of the series is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday. MSU averages about 8,000 people per game this year. The Bulldogs are 18-9 on the year and look to improve their 2-4 record in SEC play and get it back over .500.
Schaefer refer to Chinwe Okorie as a “project” at the center spot, but with another year under her belt, do not be surprised to see her logging some real minutes next season. Lastly, there still remain a lot of players not featured as heavily this season that will soon see their numbers called in due time. Most of the attention was given to both Vivians and William, but the other three freshmen Schaefer brought to Starkville all flashed moments of real quality and will be itching to prove they
can contribute on a high level to the team as well. This would include Kayla Nevitt, Blair Schaefer and LaKaris Salter, all young and very talented at certain skills. At the end of the day, what Vic Schaefer has been able to do with the program has been nothing short of spectacular, and it was truly special to see people take notice of what he has built on this campus. Now that the foundations have been put in place, it should be special to watch this program continue to grow as a team.
CONTINUED FROM 7
“But if you were to take Curry off that team would it be nearly as successful? That, NBA fans is what the true definition of the MVP is in my book.” awarded annually to the best player in the world but the player who the voters feel is the most valuable asset to their team. Even with that description it becomes difficult not to include the King, that is until reviewing the seasons that the three aforementioned contenders have put together. Each has shone brightly in his own way. Each has put up astronomical numbers this year, and this trio has made this particular MVP one of the most polarizing in recent memory. Cases can be made in defense and opposition for every one of them, as they have varying styles of play.
doing this weekend? MSU takes on LSU at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Starkville. MSU is 13-5 this season with a 3-4 conference record. Track & Field The Bulldogs will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to compete in the Alabama Invite Saturday. MSU came away with a third place finish in last week’s competition held in Tuscaloosa as well.
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everyone else in the league. He leads the NBA in minutes, shots and free throws, averaging 27.1 points per game putting him at a close second behind former teammate Russell Westbrook. Harden’s detractors may argue his numbers have been inflated due to the large amount of free throw shots he takes. But when someone is that unguardable what option is there but to foul him? With Kevin Durant sidelined for most of the season with various injuries, sports pundits everywhere agreed the success of the Thunder rested squarely upon the shoulders of Russell Westbrook. He responded with a season to rival that of any in recent history. Thus far he has reeled off nine triple-doubles and just missed a tenth after a rebound was rescinded in a winning effort against Miami. Westbrook currently averages 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the month of March alone. However, the fact he has missed more games than any other MVP candidate hurts his chances. Factor in that and the low-seeding of his team, and the road to MVP will be an uphill battle for the athletic point guard.
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Bulldogs 10-0 victory in six innings in the first game. Women’s Golf: MSU women’s golf will travel to Baton Rouge to compete in the LSU Tiger Classic. The Bulldogs finished in seventh in their last match on March 8. Women’s Tennis The Bulldogs will face Texas A&M Friday at 3 p.m.
ficient and likable guys in the league, but critics often reference the fact that he is surrounded by the best talent night in and night out of all the candidates besides Lebron James. But if you were to take Stephen Curry off that team would it be nearly as successful? That, NBA fans, is what the true definition of the MVP is in my book. Next comes the Beard. The ever-dependable, sharp-shooting, high-flying James Harden. His most recent standout performance was a career-high-50 point outburst in a victorious effort over the Nuggets. Simply put, Harden is outplaying
Anthony McDougle is a senior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@ gmail.com.
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Softball: The Mississippi State University Bulldogs are set to take on the No. 2 Florida Gators in a three game set starting Friday at 5:30 p.m. at home. MSU is coming off a double-header sweep of Southern Mississippi Wednesday. Sophomore Alexis Silkwood stole the show with a no-hitter in the
First, there’s the always exciting, lethally efficient Stephen Curry. In his five years in the league, he has blossomed into maybe the best point guard in the league, while bringing with him a flair unseen since the days of Magic Johnson and the “Showtime” Lakers. He’s shooting an absurd .479 and averaging 23 points per game. Curry has also maintained his stature as a premier passer in the league with 7.9 per contest, good for sixth best in the league. It’s hard to make a case against one of the most ef-
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