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ENTER TUESDAY APRIL 5, 2016

The

Reflector

130 th YEAR ISSUE 44

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

NO SMOKING!

Next fall the smoke will clear over MSU’s campus Vice President of Student Affairs says approach aimed to be ʻeducationalʼ rather than ʻpunitiveʼ

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

The Mississippi State University Faculty Senate passed a motion last Monday that officially makes MSU’s campus completely smokefree, including not only tobacco smoke but e-cigs, vaporizers, and anything else that creates a cloud of smoke.

Vice President of Student Affairs Regina Hyatt said the ban is scheduled to take effect next fall and will encompass the entire campus.

“We want this to be positive,” Hyatt said. “Not that MSU is trying to tell people how to live their lives but to create an environment that is healthy for everyone.”

While this ban was drafted

by Hyatt and voted on and approved by the faculty

senate before becoming official, one of the first things the Student Association President Roxanne Raven did after taking office was passing a resolution stating the student body of MSU desires a smoke free campus.

Both Hyatt and Raven accredit this resolution as the main reason the ban found itself on the Senate’s agenda.

“We were the driving force behind it 100 percent,” Raven said.

A similar ban was proposed a few years ago but failed to pass, and Hyatt said she believes a lot of the reason it was successful this year was due to the SA’s work gaining support within the faculty senate as well as support from the Health and Wellness Center’s Smoking Cessation program.

“It was finally the right time to get everyone on board,” Raven said. “The primary goal was to relieve strain on non-smokers. It was also a

bit of a recruiting issue too, we were losing students to other SEC schools because we were not smoke-free.”

According to Hyatt, MSU is among the last of its institutional peers to adopt a campus-wide ban.

Hyatt said the ban should take place next fall after MSU spends this semester and the summer making sure everyone is aware of the change and what it means.

“We have a lot of work to do to inform the community,” Hyatt said.

Raven said the ban, and to a greater extent the resolution behind it, aims to create a cultural change rather than establish a route of disciplinary action.

Hyatt did not say fees or similar actions are expected to take place, but rather that the ban would allow for people to request smokers extinguish their smokes at least while they are on campus.

SMOKE-FREE, 2

Bek Yake, The Reflector

New Confederate Heritage Month causes controversial graffiti on campus

English-only rules in labs cause reaction among international students

by Nicole Lee Staff Writer

James Redd | Courtesy Photo

Anti-Confederacy chalk graffiti was found outside the Union Monday morning responding to April being recognized as ʻConfederate History Month.ʼ Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared this month to remember Confederate history and heritage. April 25 is set aside to be Confederate Memorial Day to ʻhonor those who served in the Confederacy,ʼ the proclamation reads. Gov. Bryantʼs proclamation reads, ʻIt is important for all Americanʼs to reflect upon our nationʼs past, to gain insight from our mistakes and successes, and to come to a full understanding that the lessons learned yesterday and today will carry us through tomorrow if we carefully and earnestly strive to understand and appreciate our heritage and our opportunities which lie before us.ʼ Confederate History Month follows 19 bills associated with changing or keeping the state flag that portrays the Confederate battle flag. Confederate History Month has been an object of controversy since the month was recognized. Six other southern state governments identify Confederate History Month. James Redd, english department lecturer, took this photograph in front of the Colvard Student Union at 7 a.m. Monday before the writing was later washed away by faculty management. The writer of the graffiti is unknown and according to Dean of Students Tabor Mullen the writings were not approved by Student Affairs.

The entrance door to Simrall Hall squeaks as Cherry Ho, Veterinary researcher and president of the Taiwanese Student Association, enters. Her pace quickens as the elevator doors start to close.

Once inside the elevator, she stares ahead intently at the chipped white paint coating the wall. She glances momentarily at the boy standing next to her.

She gives a quick wave and she’s back to her thoughts.

Ding! The elevator signals her arrival on the third floor. She walks into room 329 and is faced with a sign.

“Please determine to speak English in any schoolrelated activities, especially in [Electrical Computer Engineering] labs and offices,” it reads.

According to Mississippi State University’s NonDiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, discrimination on the premise of race, ethnicity, or national origin is not tolerated.

In addition to this, the United States’ Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that, “An English-only rule should be limited to the circumstances in which it is needed for the employer to operate safely or efficiently.”

While it is arguable that the

English-only sign located in Simrall Hall failed to indicate the specifications in which the rule was to be enforced, the phrase “any school-related activities” certainly insinuates its allencompassing application. “[The sign] feels a little discriminating,” Ho said.

As a duel citizen of Taiwan and the United States, Ho can understand both sides of the Englishonly argument. However, Ho admits that a friendlier manner is necessary when addressing international students.

“With [the sign] being so strict, it’s kind of like they don’t want us to speak [another language] at all,” Ho said.

Mostafa Papi, a visiting assistant professor in TESOL and native Iranian, argues that not all schoolrelated activities require only English. As a result, the principle of efficiency as stated in the EEOC cannot be applied or measured.

Therefore, submission to the EEOC law is not applicable in every “schoolrelated activity”, although that is what the Englishonly sign states.

“When I’m teaching in class, of course I’m teaching in English. I will not teach in Persian, but if I’m talking to my colleague who speaks the same language as me, I would rather speak Persian and that is not anyone’s business. That is my right,” Papi said.

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NEWS

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

SMOKE-FREE “We intend on taking an educational approach rather than a punitive one. The goal is a change in behavior rather than to seek out smokers or anything,” Hyatt said. “It’s not like the campus police

CONTINUED FROM 1

tobacco use on campus, which is already banned inside university buildings.

There will also be no designated smoking areas.

Hyatt said she would encourage habitual smokers who are either

“ The goal is a change in behavor rather than to seek out smokers or anything. It’s not like the campus police are going to go hunting down smokers.”

-Regina Hyatt, Vice President of Student Affairs

Clearing the air on campus smoking bans: MSU is not alone in enacting a smoking ban.

According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Association, “There are now at least 1,483 100% smokefree campuses.

Of these, 1,137 are 100% tobacco-free, and 823 prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus.”

In Mississippi alone, there are 10 colleges, 23 campuses, with some form of smoking ban, not including MSU. Blue Mountain College, Delta State University, Mississippi Delta Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Pearl River Community College

have tobacco-free campuses

are going to go hunting down smokers.”

Hyatt said people will likely be fi ne smoking in their cars, and nothing about the new ban affects any previously established policies on smokeless

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unable or unwilling to curb their smoking while on campus to take advantage of some of the programs MSU provides to assist in quitting such as the Smoking Cessation program.

East Central Community College and Itawamba Community College

ban both tobacco and e-cigarettes Ole Miss

bans e-cigarretes but not tobacco

Source: ANRA

LABS Papi suggests that dictating the language in which students, staff and faculty speak at Mississippi State is an attack on privacy. Papi submits that the Englishonly sign can have a duel meaning of both intolerance and isolation

Bek Yake, The Reflector

Wednesday, March 30, 2016 3:29 p.m. An employee reported missing property from Boste Extension Center.

Thursday, March 31, 2016 1:09 p.m. A student was seen hitting a bollard on Bost and leaving the scene of the accident.

2:32 p.m. A student reported $20 missing from his wallet in his room in Cresswell Hall.

Friday, April 1, 2016 2:40 a.m. A student was arrested in Starkville for DUI 1st.

12:47 p.m. Ballards were damaged on Tracy Drive by a school bus.

2:27 p.m. A non-resident/vistor reported being assaulted by his son on Drill Field.

3:54 p.m. An employee reported her son was bit by a German Shepard on Drill Field causing injuries.

5:00 p.m. A student reported his roommate stole his debit card from his room in Cresswell Hall.

10:02 p.m. A student was issued a Justice Court citation and Student Referral for minor in possession of alcohol in Moseley Hall. Student Referrals were also issued to two other students.

Saturday, April 2, 2016 12:56 a.m. A non-resident/visitor was arrested near Bost Building for DUI 1st.

7:15 p.m. A non-resident was arrested on Fraternity Row for public drunkeness. Justice Court citation was issued.

11:21 p.m. A non-resident/visitor was arrested at a bus stop on Sorority Row for public drunkeness. Justice Court citation was issued.

Sunday, April 3, 2016 8:46 a.m. A non-resident/visitor reported his horse stolen from MSU Horse Park. The horse was later returned to the owner.

CONTINUED FROM 1

of international students.

According to Papi, the sign could easily have read: “We don’t like your language. We don’t like your culture. We don’t care where you’re coming from.

When you’re here you need to be monitored by us. We need to understand what

you’re talking about.” former department head of internationals who However, the second observed the need for are eager to excel in their potential interpretation dialogue among electrical English skills but need Papi proposes goes much engineering TAs and to be encouraged politely deeper. placed the sign in all the rather than harshly.

“Another meaning could labs. However, Younan “I think [internationals] be ‘You are others. You insists that the intention of still have authority to don’t have the same rights the sign was to implement decide which language we as us and we are imposing a common dialogue among want to use,” Lee said. “I our power of having international students. hope the school can also more rights than you do “I think [the former respect our authority to regarding this issue. This department head] wanted speak our language.” is our place -- not yours -- to encourage [international Hamsini Balaji, sophomore and we determine how you students] to interact among biochemistry major and student talk and what language each other, so he probably international you use.’ So what’s next?” put that sign up,” Younan from India, said they have studied in many countries Papi said. said.

Papi accredits situations When asked about the where English was the only such as the existence of the offensive nature of the common communication English-only sign to the sign, Associate Professor medium. Balaji remembers many conversations lower representation where her excellent of internationals on “If I want to improve my English speaking campus. skills were noted Additionally, Papi English I will just do it by by the native said the sign damages English speakers the reputation of myself. No need to be pushed with which she was Mississippi State com mu n icat i n g.

University. by other people.”

In response, He said he feels Balaji defended insulted the sign her language exists, and thinks competence. such a rule is -Lena Lee, International “Who told you divisive.

Doctorate student that we don’t speak “I feel that I have good English?” been ‘othered.’ I feel Balaji said. that I am disliked.

However, Balaji I feel that I’m not being wanted here and in electrical and computer said they know that not all that is not a good feeling engineering Robert Reese international students will display such confidence in that I get and that does not shrugged his shoulders. conduce to my willingness “Somebody would get speaking English.

“There are people who to learn the language that offended by [the sign] I’m come here for the fi rst is used to oppress me,” sure,” he said.

Papi said.

Despite the response that time and they’re not even MSU’s Fall 2015 MSU faculty and staff show fluent. They can’t even Enrollment by Residency, toward the issue, eager communicate with other Gender, Level and international students will people so when they see Race identifies the total still continue to succeed in that [sign] it’s demotivating for them,” Balaji said. international enrollment as improving their English.

772 out of the 20,873 total Doctorate student and As for the existence of the students. This data yields Taiwan native, Lena Lee English-only sign located a 3.7 percent international said she is determined to in Simrall Hall, Balaji is certain international student representation improve her English. are already at Mississippi State. In In meetings with her students addition, MSU’s Fall 2015 conversation partner last aware of their need for Total Faculty Report year, Lee said she frequently English without the sign’s classifies 47 out of 1363 referenced her small spiral indication.

“Do you think we’re faculty as international. notebook of translated This data results in a 3.4 words used to aid her incompetent to not know percent international English comprehension. If what is required of us to representation among Lee was unsure of a word come so far?” Balaji said.

The Dean of Students was MSU faculty. or phrase that was spoken, Nicolas Younan, she would quickly ask her contacted for a comment, department head of conversation partner to but has not yet responded. electrical and computer write the English word in In addition, the Office engineering, was unaware her notebook. Following for Institutional Diversity of the English-only sign’s this, Lee would translate and Inclusion also did not existence. According to the word into her native provide a response.

As of April 1, the EnglishYounan, the sign was language. The tedious placed in Simrall around process did not phase only signs were removed 2009 by the former Lee as she is now able to from Simrall Hall as stated department head. converse naturally a year by Program Coordinator of electrical and computer “The purpose [of the later. signs], I think, I recall it “If I want to improve engineering, Josie Guerry.

“We were all a little was mostly not negative. my English I will just do it It was mostly to encourage by myself. No need to be surprised to hear about students to interact among pushed by other people,” these signs and went ahead and took down the ones we each other basically,” Lee said.

Younan said.

Lee represents the could locate in Simrall,” he Younan said the overwhelming number said.

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3

OPINION

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

International Ink

Confederate Heritage Month fosters oppression Kyle Waltman is a junior majoring in communication. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

As the result of a decree made by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, April is now our state’s Confederate-Heritage Month. According to the Jackson Free Press, Bryant chose the month of April because it “is the month in which the Confederate States began and ended a four-year struggle.”

The Jackson Free Press goes on to point out that Governor Bryant’s supposed reasoning behind making this proclamation includes comments about the importance of gaining “insight” about Mississippi’s past as well as to “understand and

appreciate our heritage.”

I was going to make this articlesolelyaboutGovernor Bryant’s proclamation, but it seems that in order to discredit his proclamation as misguided and wrong, I am going to have to clarify some poignant facts about the Confederacy that a significant portion of Southern white Americans have trouble coming to grips with.

First and foremost, the Civil War was undoubtedly about slavery. Hopefully the majority of you are thinking, “Wow, Sherlock! How did you figure that out?”

I applaud your sarcastic Holmes reference and agree with you completely because it is obvious that the crux of the American Civil War was always slavery. Yet, a significant portion of our white community cannot come to grips with the fact that there was no honor in the Confederacy because there is no honor in slavery.

Some try to argue that money, state rights, and territory were roots of the Civil War, but each and every one of those factors

is linked directly to the disagreement over slavery in the United States.

Secondly, the Rebel flag is irrefutably a symbol rooted in racism. Created

by William Thompson, the original Confederate flag featured the Rebel flag design on a white background. Thompson stated, “Such a flag would be a suitable emblem of

Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition.”

You cannot simply remove the only truly designed aspect from the

“Governor Bryant should rename April Confederate Education Month and focus on educating our population with the bitter truth that we were never the ‘good guys.’” our young confederacy, and sustained by the brave hearts and strong arms of the south, it would soon take rank among the proudest ensigns of the nations, and be hailed by the civilized world as the white man’s flag.”

The Vice President of the Confederate States, Alexander Stephens, also stated, “Our new

Confederate flag, start calling it a “Rebel” flag, and slap a bumper sticker on the back of your old pick-up that reads “HERITAGE NOT HATE!” A blog on DanielMiessler. com says it best: “If that flag also means certain things to other Southerners, that is fine. But this does not erase its enduring power as beacon of racism. Just as we cannot

wear Nazi memorabilia and claim it represents military discipline and nation pride, we also cannot display a Confederate flag and claim it means sweet tea and Southern solidarity.”

In other words, put that in your snuff can and dip it.

Last but certainly not least, while Governor Bryant claims the foundation of Confederacy Heritage month is “understanding” and “appreciation,” all evidence proves otherwise.

If the month was about understanding the Confederacy for what it was and still is, there would be no conflict between knowledgeable Southerners who understand the negative influence of the stain left behind on symbols associated with hateful ideology and wishfulthinking Southerners who want to be able to fly the flag that their grandfathers flew without everyone thinking they are inherently racists.

I have personally argued time and time again with other young and old white men who have convinced themselves the Civil War

was not about slavery, the Rebel flag has no inherent ties to a symbol of racism and white-supremacy, and that it is okay to call black people the N-word when they qualify for the modernday southern white man’s definition of worthless.

This sort of ideology logically must be woven into the foundation of a Confederate Heritage month because it is the clearly the ideology of a significant portion of Mississippi’s population.

Governor Bryant should rename April Confederate Education Month and focus on educating our population with the bitter truth that we were never the “good guys.” Perhaps then Mississippi will begin to understand there is no pride or honor to be felt when reflecting on a time period in which rampant racism, abuse and murder was socially accepted.

For some, the month may truly be about heritage and not hate, but there is no doubt the heritage of Mississippi is, in and of itself, filled with hate.

REFLECTIONS

“2001: A Space Odyssey” - 1968 Arthur C. Clarke

“The more wonderful the means of communication, the more trivial, tawdry, or depressing its contents seemed to be.”

Out and In Print

Pakistani terrorism policy detrimental to India

On Easter Sunday, Pakistani Taliban, known as the Jammat-ul- Ahrar, a group that broke away from the Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP), bombed an Easter celebration in a park in the Eastern city of Lahore. The massive explosion killed 85 people and injured over 300.

Women and children were in the majority that lost their lives, most of them present to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many eyewitnesses say they saw body parts of children being flung in different directions due to the force of the explosion.

This is not the first time Pakistan has been attacked, and it will not be the last. This is something the Pakistani Taliban does frequently. I have time and again pointed out Pakistan’s hypocrisy on terrorism.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar was previously a part of the Tehrik-i-taliban who come from the Deobandi ideology.

They are an umbrella group formed by Sunni extremists in the northwestern tribal areas of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif instantaneously reacted and said, “Pakistan is taking terrorism seriously and will not determine between good and bad

terrorists.” In simple words, this is absolute garbage.

Pakistan is fully capable with the help of its army and Special Forces to eradicate the Taliban out of their country, but keeping them alive brings in the two billion dollar check from Washington. So, why not?

Pakistani governments in the past have negotiated with this very terrorist organization to kill U.S. troops and allies in Afghanistan and keep the war going. An unstable Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s

these attacks originated in India and are not home grown, shifting the outrage to India.

Christine Fair, professor at Georgetown University said, “The ISI doesn’t want the people to know that this is a blowback by groups created by them.

This is actually a very standard tactic they deploy after these attacks. They say the terrorists were uncircumcised, implying they were Hindus. They want Pakistanis to believe that these are Indians

“These are innocent men, women and children gone due to a federal policy failure against terror.”

interests since it draws a lot of financial benefits. A section of the Pakistan Taliban also fights in Kashmir. This entire group allies with the Haqqani network, who are well protected by the Pakistani state.

The Pakistani Army and the ISI (Pakistani intelligence agency) do a good job of convincing the rhetoric to their people that

or agents of India rather than Pakistani Muslims former proxies of the ISI, slaughtering their children.”

The images that have come out since last Sunday are shattering. There is nothing more dastardly than children in coffins.

Former Secretary of State and current presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, once said, “You can’t keep

snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors,” referring to Pakistan’s policy against terror.

It will be interesting to see what policies she implements for Pakistan if elected President.

Because there are two policies on terrorism, the lives of mostly poor men, women and children of Pakistan are destroyed, like they were on Sunday.

Think about the 85 families that lost their loved, young children in the attack on Sunday. What psychological condition must they be in, how huge is the loss. Statistics say Pakistan has lost about 32,000 people since the war on terror began. These are innocent men, women and children gone due to a federal policy failure against terror. It is high time Pakistan lays out a strong policy against terror.

Much time in Islamabad is devoted to discussing Kashmir. If Pakistan’s strategic experts and military might is used constructively in areas to protect schools, parks and their people, Sunday’s story could have been different.

Protect and govern what

is already yours instead of asking for more.

Stop calling Kashmir the jugular vein. If it was, you would not be alive because half of it has already been cut off.

India, among other nations, immediately stood up for Pakistan after the attacks with Prime Minister Modi calling on Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and extending full cooperation and support for any help.

One of the top trends on twitter in India was #IndiawithPakistan.

The incident quickly rippled through the globe, shocking the entire world with the modern dangers we face. Radicalism can never be religion. I spoke to a Muslim friend Sunday night and he said, “The holy Quran gives utmost importance to the lives of women and children, what is ironic is the Taliban which claims to be safe-guarders of Islam may not even have read the Holy Quran.”

President Obama has a resolve to end our mission in Afghanistan and bring back our troops. With attacks such as these, it frightens me to think about Afghanistan’s future after U.S. troops leave. We left Iraq and we

Pranaav Jadhav is a graduate student majoring in political science. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

saw what happened. Will Afghanistan be a replica of Iraq? Is this the right time to abort Afghanistan?

Strengthen the Taliban?

Stronger the threat for us?

Would leaving Afghanistan vest power in the hands of the Al-Qaeda once again?

These will always remain the big questions that experts in Washington will address.

In conclusion, I cannot ignore history. As an Indian, the women and children who were killed in the attack were part of my country.

I am deeply saddened, shocked and angry by the attacks. This is the time to stand with Pakistani people in their moment of grief and share the enormous pain they are going through, while at the same time raise a voice against the army and ISI’s hypocrisy on terror.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

Pocahontas, daughter of the chief of the Powhatan Indian confederacy, marries English tobacco planter John Rolfe in Jamestown, Virginia. The marriage ensured peace between the Jamestown settlers and the Powhatan Indians for several years.

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CONTACT INFORMATION Editor in Chief/ Lacretia Wimbley 325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Nia Wilson managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Taylor Bowden

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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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Content is determined solely by the student editorial staff. The contents of The Reflector have not been approved by Mississippi State University.

CORRECTIONS

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.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 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, prepaid. Lost and found: found items can be listed for free; lost items are listed for standard ad cost.

FOR RENT Apartment room for rent: 489/month.

Includes all utilities, cable and internet. It has private room and bath with shared living room and kitchen right next to campus. Call 479-936-9989 FOR RENT Rooms for rent $325 and $375 per month, per room. 2 full bathrooms, close to campus, garage parking, near S.M.A.R.T bus and fenced backyard. Call 662-312-5630.

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BULLETIN BOARD 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 to club_info@ reflector.msstate.edu with the 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.

COMFORTABLE SPACES Have anxiety?

Join Comfortable Spaces, a new student organization.

Visit twitter.com/ comfortspaces or orgsync.com/136914/ chapter for more

information.

YOGA MOVES

Learn techniques to deal with stress, improve flexibility, and increase strength in a supporting atomosphere. Join us for free yoga sessions Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.at the Sanderson Studio C. UNIVERSITY AIKIDO CLUB The University Aikido Club teaches nonviolent self-defense in an encouraging and laid back atmosphere.

Classes are free and all are welcome to join. We meet in the Sanderson Center, Studio C, at 5:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

MEN’S LACROSSE The Men’s Lacrosse team has a double header at home on Saturday. The first game will be at 11:30 a.m. against Mercer followed

by Memphis at 3 p.m. at the multipurpose fields.

SUDOKU

Strange News for Your Tues.

Jacobia Grimes, a Louisiana native, possibly faces 20 years to life in prision for stealing $31 of candy bars due to the stateʼs strict habitual offender law. Grimes has five prior theft convictions. Courtesy of abcnews.com

An In-Class Distraction

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April 1 SUDOKU Solutions

April 1 Crossword Solutions

Strange News For Your Tues Hey Bulldogs!

For years, a Cherry Hill, New Jersey mall charged or organization asWant much your as $50 club for its patrons to take picturesto andfeatured videos with Santa Claus in their Adventures be in the Club Info section? of Santa exhibit. This year, the mall has finally Stop by The Refl offiafter ce and decided to eliminate theector steep fee severalfill complaints from its patrons. out a club information form for free!

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern hosts songwriting showcase

by Taylor Bowden News Editor

Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern hosted the 2016 Cotton District Singer Songwriter Competition Showcase last Thursday when 10 different musicians took the stage to perform original compositions before both a crowd of patrons and a panel of judges.

Andrew Rendon, director of assessment in Student Affairs at MSU, who has chaired the committee in charge of putting on this annual event, said the contestants were judged not only by their songwriting ability but also on their showmanship as a whole.

This year, first time contestant but life-long musician Bill Cooke, who’s has not quit his day job as the Department Head of Geosciences at MSU took first place with his autobiographical song “Slip Me a Dollar.”

“It accounts a time when I was on the road during my early years around 20 years old,” Cooke said. “It kind of is baring my soul. It really just came out in a rush, the song had been writing itself for years and all kind of came out at once.”

Cooke, who will soon turn 64, said he started playing guitar when he was eight and was writing songs by 12. He said most of what he performs while onstage with bands such as Can

of Worms are covers, but winning this competition has made him consider adding more of his originals to his setlist.

“You’re sharing your personal thoughts,” Cooke said. “And that is kind of hard sometimes.

It’s not always pretty, sweet or easy.”

Carly Clayton, based out of Tupelo, took second place with her songs “Boy to Blame” and “Drifter,” which she said both draw heavily from her personal life experiences. “‘Boy to Blame’ talks about why girls go out in makeup, with their hair curled, and why they are heartbroken,” Clayton said. “It’s because there is a boy to blame.”

She said she has been playing music since she was two years old and currently is in a two-piece band called Tupelo College Girls as well as performing solo gigs whenever they are not able to play together.

Brent Varner took third place this year with his song “The Gov’ner,” which he described as a story detailing an 1800’s outlaw who killed a governor. Varner works at MSU as a Disability Support Coordinator and actively plays in several different groups- primarily as a bassist.

“I thought this year was great,” Varner said. “Last year was awesome but this year the contestants were great. I was really suprised to place considering the caliber of the other contestants.”

Keatzi Gunmoney, a producer who’s set up shop in

Starkville, also co-chaired the event alongside Rendon and the competition achieved its goal of putting a focus on the performance of the musicians as well as writing ability.

“To me it’s more about the performance,” Gunmoney said.

“They got so into it this year, it was great. Everyone performed really well. Bill is obviously a fantastic songwriter.”

Rendon said he considered this year’s showcase to be an “overwhelming” success.

“It was exactly what I wanted to accomplish,” Rendon said.

“Outside of the competition itself it was really a night of good music, and that’s what is important.”

He said this year they introduced a new element to the competition, the ‘fan-favorite’ members of the audience were given the opportunity to vote for at the end of the night after everyone had played. The crowd fi lled out slips with their pick of the performers, and the judges took the poll into consideration when selecting the winner.

Rendon said he hopes the competition will continue to grow, and said he thinks his biggest problem next year will be a good one - having to trim down a growing list of applicants.

The three finalists, in addition to winning cash prizes, were awarded 15 minute slots on the west stage to perform April 16 during the Cotton District Arts Festival starting with Varner at noon followed

by Clayton and finally Cooke at the end of the hour.

Mackenzie Smith | Courtesy Photgraph

Mackenzie gains the crown: The men of Delta Chi hosted the first Miss Greek MSU Pageant this past Thursday in Lee Hall. Mackenzie Smith of Kappa Delta Sorority was crowned 2016 Miss Greek Mississippi State University. Smith is a senior political science and economics major. Tickets for the pageant were $10 and all proceeds went to The Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research.

Devin Edgar | The Reflector

Get Out Starkville brought the concept of “Escape Rooms” to Starkville. It is $25 per participant to partake in the game and there are several themes available including Professor Prescott and Dr. Hubertʼs Laboratory. Entire rooms can be bought out for groups of at least five.

Get Out Starkville offers unique opportunity for students

by Devin Edgar Staff Writer

The unique, interactive gaming adventure known as “Escape Rooms” has made its way to Starkville.

Larger cities, like Memphis and Orlando, made their Escape Rooms well-known tourist attractions. Mike Frayser, however, owner of Get Out Starkville, wanted to bring the Escape Room craze to Starkville for two reasons only.

“There isn’t much for anyone to do in Starkville other than going to the movie theatre or going to the bar, and I wanted the students, especially my son, to be able to do something and experience something different,” Frayser said.

In Get Out Starkville, there are three different “Escape Rooms” the team can choose from: Professor Prescott, Dr. Hubert’s

Laboratory and Abduction.

Along with each of these intense Escape Rooms being completely live, interactive, and team-based, all three rooms also have a unique introduction and background.

For example, Professor Prescott is centered on a vengeful, Mississippi State computer science professor whose plan is to destroy all of the United States’ electronic networks. Dr. Hubert’s Laboratory is about a chemical engineering professor who was rumored to have

created a dangerous, airborne virus. The last escape room, Abduction, is about a patient in an insane asylum who has been kidnapping people and locking them in a hospital.

Frayser has a favorite of the three rooms.

“Each room has different levels of difficulty, but Professor Prescott is my favorite,” Frayser said.

All three of the Escape Rooms are completely unique, due to the fact that a different person created each room. Each member of the team can bring a new aspect

to solving the mystery.

Similar to the reason each room was made by a different person, each member of the team can bring a new aspect to solving the mystery.

Joshua Zdon, freshman secondary education major, said he played Professor Prescott, one of the most popular escape rooms, this weekend.

“It was the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been in Starkville,” Zdon said. “I think everyone should go try it before the school year ends.”

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It is $25 per participant to play in one of the escape rooms and each room accommodates up to eight people.

Although eight is the maximum limit per room, the website, www.getoutstarkville. com said about four-six people is ideal.

If a group of players would like to book an entire room to ensure it will not be available

to anyone else, at least five of the eight spots must be purchased.

Get Out Starkville’s operating hours are Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-8 p.m. For booking purposes, all players or teams can call the store at (662)769-7689.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Bulldogs begin search for starting running back Taylor Rayburn is a freshman majoring in communication. He can be contacted at reflectorsports@gmail.com.

Going into spring practice there is a lot of focus on the developing quarterback battle, but many are missing out on the equally intriguing battle going on in the offensive backfield. It is a heated competition and a position Mississippi State struggled with last year.

The MSU running backs combined a measly 984 yards with Brandon Holloway leading the backs with 428.

Without star quarterback Dak Prescott, the running backs will have to pick up the slack as Prescott led the team in rushing yards last season with 790.

The four contenders for the starting spot are seniors

Holloway and Ashton Shumpert and sophomores Aeris Williams and Dontavian Lee. Aeris Williams told media in a press conference the competition has been good for the players because they push each other.

“We just make each other better,” Williams said. “It is a lot of competition but we just play together.”

Most would say Williams and Lee are more talented than the seniors. Last season Williams was the leading running back in rushing touchdowns with three, but Lee led the backs in yards per carry with 6.2.

However, what Shumpert and Holloway lack in raw talent, they make up for in experience.

Holloway points to his knowledge of the game being his biggest advantage.

“Your knowledge is the biggest thing on the field, everyone has the ability,” Holloway told the media.

“You get out there and know what is coming. That makes everything a lot easier.”

Each player also brings Kelly Price | Courtesy Photo a different individual skill Brandon Holloway, senior running back, carries the ball through practice drills during the Bulldogsʼ spring football practice. set, with Holloway being

a small speedster, and Lee and Shumpert being big power backs. Williams is a blend of both speed and power. With all the different skill sets the MSU backfield possess, one back may not separate from the others and MSU could use each of their skillsets differently. It would not be out of the question for MSU to run multiple twoback sets this fall.

Shumpert outlined how their skills complement each other.

“We all just play off each other,” the senior running back said. “Because one of the speed guys can run the ball one play and then one of the power backs the next.”

The chances are low that Head coach Dan Mullen has his main guy by the end of the spring game on April 16. He may not even have a lead back by opening day on Sept. 3 against South Alabama. A committee approach would not be out of the question. One thing is for sure, if MSU wants to have success this season, they will need more production from the running back position.

Upcoming Bulldog Athletics Baseball vs. UT Martin Tuesday April 5 6:30 p.m.

Softball vs. South Alabama Wednesday, April 6 6 p.m.

Women’s Tennis

vs. Ole Miss Friday, April 8 3 p.m.

The Reflector is hiring Advertising Representatives for the 2016-17 school year!

Stop by the Henry Meyers Media Center located by Subway on campus and fill out an application!

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