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Identity goes beyond

New faces shine in

GENDER

Senior BFA students present:

MAROON AND WHITE GAME

ʻTANGENTʼ

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TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

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129 th YEAR | ISSUE 47

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

Blackjack experiences more construction

by Kayla McNair Staff Writer

Mississippi State University students and Oktibbeha county residents continually express concerns about the conditions on Blackjack Road.

Blackjack Road connects county outskirts to the university campus. It is also home to several apartment complexes that houses thousands of students.

Brianna Roulier, who regularly visits Starkville, says she is always nervous when driving on Blackjack Road.

“When I got to town on Friday night, the road was wet and the lack of lines on the road made it hard to see the edge in the dark,” Roulier said. “Someone on the opposite side of the road nearly caused me to run off the road because they were trying to avoid a pothole.”

Blackjack Road has become a popular place for new student housing projects due to the availability of large sections of land. The construction brings heavy equipment that causes further damage to the already poor road conditions.

Major improvements to the Blackjack area will take place after three major construction projects have been completed.

Aspen Heights, which opened last year, was the fi rst of these three projects. The construction of a new apartment complex

by Innovative Real Estate Companies, is the second.

Construciton is expected to be complete in the

summer of 2016.

The new student housing development is located on the intersection of Blackjack and Hardy Road.

A third project has yet to be determined, meaning major road improvements are not likely to be included in the Board of Supervisors’ plans for the next few years.

Blackjack road is not currently on the 2015 maintenance agenda.

Orlando Trainer, president of the board of supervisors, said although major improvements are not currently in the works, the board tries to provide the county’s road manager with enough money to maintain the road in the meantime.

“We try to provide him the resources he needs so he can execute and keep up with maintenance, as far as the amount of money in the budget [will go], based upon what we want to try to do,” Trainer said.

Taylor Bowden | The Reflector

Innovative Real Estate Companies started construciton on Blackjack Roadʼs next student-living apartment complex. The complex is set to be completed during the summer of 2016.

BLACKJACK, 2

Taylor Bowden | The Reflector

HCDC to do skit to raise discrimination awareness

by Van Cotton Staff Writer

For the fi rst time in history, Holmes Cultural Diversity Center is hosting Tunnel of Oppression Thursday in the Dawg House of the Colvard Student Union.

This is a program to bring awareness to Mississippi State about different issues that occur on, around, and off of campus. The program will include topics such as: sexual assault, police brutality, and

discrimination.

The program will be an actual tunnel made from curtains that will allow people to go through and watch different scenes. There will be six scenes in total, each scene will run for five to seven minutes.

The scenes will be performed by organizations within HCDC such as: I.D.E.A.L Women, Men of Excellence, P.A.Ws, Black Student Association and International Programming are creating different scenes.

Rachel Ross, HCDC program coordinator, from and

MSU Graduate student pursuing a degree in Counselor Education, said she hopes the Tunnel of Oppression is something that Holmes Cultural Diversity Center will make an annual event of.

“It brings awareness to important issues and I really want it to focus on important topics that maybe even students at MSU have experienced,” Ross said.

“It’ll make it seem more as if it is real life then on TV and to help students gain a better understanding and perspective.”

TUNNEL, 3

Jacob Follin | The Reflector

During the Super Bulldog Weekend baseball series against Florida, MSU baseball tweeted over 30,000 people filed into Duty Noble Field to watch the Bulldogs play. Saturdayʼs attendance reached 13,000, the tenth highest recorded for MSU.

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A SINGLE COPY OF THE REFLECTOR FOR FREE. ADDITIONAL COPIES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MEYER STUDENT ME-

Reader’s Guide

Bulletin Board Opinion

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Classifieds Life

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

BLACKJACK

CONTINUED FROM 1

Blackjack Road falls on a dividing line between two separate supervisors’ districts.

Trainer said Oktibbeha county utilizes the unit system, meaning when voting on matters such as which roads receive major work, the entire board votes rather than leaving the decision to one supervisor.

This year citizens registered to vote in Oktibbeha County will have the opportunity to elect district supervisors. Voters with concerns about Blackjack Road can make them known to their district’s supervisor. Every supervisor currently on the board is running for re-election.

Taylor Bowden| The Reflector

Traffic on the intersection of Blackjack and Hardy Road was backed up Monday afternoon as commuters and students had to share the road with dump trucks and road-repair equipment. Oktibbeha County workers are seen resurfacing a portion of Blackjack Road.

President of the Oktibbeha County board of supervisors, Orlando Trainer, said there are currently no plans for major improvements to Blackjack Road until all construction projects are complete.

Documentary highlighting Civil Rights Movement to play A documentary highlighting the achievements of Mississippi’s former Governor William Winter will be presented this evening at 3 p.m. in the John Grisham room of Mitchell Memorial Library at Mississippi State University.

“The Toughest Job: William Winter’s Mississippi”

will follow the rise of the Civil Rights Movement and the creation of Mississippi’s public kindergarten.

Sid Salter, MSU’s chief communications officer will moderate a panel discussion that will highlight strategies for reform, progress and remaining challenges.

Panelists for the discussion

include David Crews (Clerk of Court for U.S. District Court), Andy Mullins (Chief of staff to Chancellor of the University of Mississippi), John Marszalek (Executive Director and Managing editor of Ulysess S. Grant Association), Ronnie Agnew (Executive Director of Mississippi Public Broadcasting).

William Winter

Senior Celebration 2015 April 21, 2015 @ 5 PM Hunter Henry Center

It’s Time to Celebrate!

Graduating seniors, come enjoy free crawfish, MSU ice cream, deli sandwiches, and live entertainment before you don your cap and gown!

Free selfie sticks to those who arrive early while they last!

Where: 1 Hunter Henry Boulevard

When: 5-7 PM

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM

Heads Up:

What’s happening this week?

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QPR Suicide Prevention Room 350 Longest Student Health Center 10a.m.-12p.m., 3p.m.-5p.m.

Lyceum Series, Sleeping Beauty Lee Hall Bettersworth Auditorium 7:30p.m., doors open at 7p.m.

Tunnel of Oppression Union Foster Ballroom 11a.m.-2p.m.

Earth Week: Imagining Pacific Futures Mitchel Memorial Library Auditorium 6p.m. (Free)

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Dance Around the World Lee Hall Bettersworth Auditorium 6p.m.

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Humane Society’s ‘Dog Jog’ MSU’s North Farm 9a.m.

TUNNEL

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We can’t do it without you and we appreciate your business.

Sunday, April 19, 2015 1:45 a.m. A student was issued a student referral for damaging the landscaping on Sorority Row. 3:40 a.m. A student reported an altercation between three males outside of Oak Hall.

4:07 p.m. A starkville resident left his dog in a kennel in the back of his truck. Officer took the dog back to the MSU police station.

8:17 p.m. A student was arrested behind McKee Hall for disregarding a trafiic device and driving with a suspended driver’s license.

9:13 p.m. An employee was arrested on Lee Blvd for disregarding a traffic device and driving with a suspended driver’s license.

Monday, April 14, 2015 12:12 a.m. A student reported being harrased by another student on campus.

CONTINUED FROM 1

“If someone has never order to be inclusive in our “The tunnel of oppresbeen sexually assaulted mindsets, behaviors and sion is a very good thing to going through the scene within campus life we must have at a PWI. We see these and seeing the scene play understand that people are incidents on television and out will help the majority people here on camunderpus might stand and not realize help others how severe “If someone has never been sexually who’ve been the situation through is,” Lias said. assaulted going through the scene and cope,” “Tunnel of Ross said.

Oppression seeing the scene play out will help people “Hopefully will be a it will brief short understand... Hopefully it will encurage encourage moment for students to want to stand up and take a students everyone on to want to campus to be stand against these issues.” stand up and able to walk take a stand through and against these see what issues.” problems -Rachel Ross, HCDC program coordinator Bianca underrepTatum, resented president of students I.D.E.A.L face.

The Women Tunnel of and senior marketing and different and go through Oppression will give insight public relations major, said different things.” to these topics.” she believes the Tunnel of I.D.E.A.L Women will The Men of Excellence Oppression is well needed in portray a scene dealing with plans on having a scene MSU’s diverse community. sexual assault. played on police brutality.

“Mississippi State proudIsaac Lias Jr., vice presi- They will perform a skit on ly boasts being the most dent of Men of Excellence the Jonathan Ferrell case an diverse school in the SEC, and sophomore psychology African-American, Florida and with that statement we major, said he wants stu- A&M football player, who must also work towards dents to understand issues was killed due to extreme inclusion,” Tatum said. “In minorities face. police violence.

This edition of The Reflector is brought to you by

Saturday, April 18, 2015 11:03 p.m. A visitor was arrested for driving under the influence, mionor in possesion, and possession of a fake ID.

Sarah Story | The Reflector

Members of MSUʼs Steel Band performed on the drill field Monday while students enjoyed $1 hot dogs sold nearby.

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

Parse and Parcel

Discrimination commonly misunderstood in the U.S.

When will Americans learn what freedom is? It seems evident to me that my fellow citizens struggle with the idea of allowing their business-owning neighbors to make decisions in which, I believe, they are entitled. Specifically, the recent passage (and subsequent amendments) of religious liberty bills in Indiana and Arkansas have attempted to protect and prevent abuse of something that has been a long-standing principle in our capitalistic society: discrimination as a right of the business owner.

In a recent article for The Reflector, Joseph Kerstiens posed a number of hypothetical questions in an attempt to differentiate between discrimination and non-discrimination by businesses.

“For example, would it be discrimination based on religion for a Muslim artist to refuse to create an inappropriate sculpture of Muhammad for an anti-Islamic faith organization? Or would it be discrimination based on race for an African-American chef to

refuse to provide services for an all-white KKK meeting?

No, not at all,” he said.

Unfortunately, it is apparent Kerstiens did not properly define discrimination. While the word is used as a catch-all term for unjust prejudice in society as a whole, it is also defined by Merriam-Webster to mean “recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another.” So, when he poses the hypothetical question of whether or not it is alright for a Muslim artist to deny a commission to make a piece of art which mocks Muhammad, Kerstiens incorrectly implies it is not discrimination. In this scenario, the artist is unlikely to advertise himself as being available to create any piece of art. The artist’s service is not a general service, therefore he is free to pick and choose — that is, to discriminate which commissions he accepts.

Kerstiens’ next hypothetical scenario also draws an incorrect conclusion. Not only does he say it is not discrimination for an African-American

chef to refuse catering services for a KKK meeting, he is also implying it is legal.

Both are false. Because a catering service is a general service, it would be illegal discrimination for an African American caterer to deny service to an interest group like the KKK. In fact, according to The Tribune Herald, a Georgia court ruled in favor of a local KKK chapter in a lawsuit against a bakery. The owner of the bakery, Elaine Bailey, refused to bake a birthday cake for the chapter after the Grand Wizard Marshall Saxby placed an order. The bakery was found guilty of illegal discrimination. These examples demonstrate how legal discrimination varies from illegal discrimination.

CNN recently posted an online article titled “The big gay wedding cake quiz,” which details nine scenarios of legal and illegal discrimination. After taking the quiz, one would find there is also a distinction between public and private discrimination, e.g., choosing not to invite

someone to a birthday party held in a public place because of his or her ethnicity is not illegal and is different from refusing to serve someone of a different ethnicity in a restaurant.

All of this leads me to this question: who decides what is right and wrong? Presently, there are laws in place that protect certain types of discrimination while disallowing others. These laws vary widely state-to-state and some are even implemented at the federal level. Are they actually necessary? In particular, if a business owner wants to refuse service to a same-sex couple because of the couple’s sexual orientation, why should the government strip the business owner of that choice? And if that baker is forced by the government to serve the same-sex couple after litigation, should the couple expect to be met with a friendly face?

This may inherently seem illogical, but allow me to reason why allowing business owners make discriminatory

choices is simply the better way. Do not doubt I fully support equal eatment of people of different ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations and litary service, but the right of a business owner to discriminate has been one of the backbone tenets of capitalism.

In its regular “Weekend Update” segment, popular comedy show Saturday Night Live tackled the Indiana religious liberty bill. After discussing the bill’s recent passage, anchor Colin Jost commented on its effect.

“You’ll be able to tell which stores are supporting the new law because they’ll have these helpful little signs,” Jost said.

The image of a “going out of business” sign appeared on screen, followed by the audience’s laughter.

The people of Indiana and Arkansas decried these bills as legal discrimination — which is entirely accurate, if we all agree on the general definition of the word.

Permitting business owners to make their own decisions is

Michael Lamb is a senior majoring in software engineering. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

an important freedom. While I may not support businesses that actively refuse to serve people of a particular skin color or sexual orientation, I will loudly speak out in favor of their right to do so. The people in the communities where these business owners live will respond — some in support, others in protest.

Capitalism will have its way in these communities, and business owners will learn what discrimination is — not because the government tells them what is allowed, but because of the people in the community they serve.

Out and In Print

Respect necessary for identification preferences Bek Yake is the multimedia editor at The Reflector. He can be contacted at opinion@reflector.msstate.edu.

The first thing I want to start with is a definition. A transgender, or trans individual is someone whose gender does not match the one assigned to them at birth.

Before we go any further: no, your body parts and chromosomes do not determine your gender. Remove this notion from your head immediately.

Also, there are more than two genders. The gender binary is a Euro-Americentric concept that does not exist in many cultures.

India, for example, recognizes several genders. Someone

could even identify as having no gender (agender). People who identify outside the gender binary are, very simply, non-binary transgender or have a non-binary gender.

Less simply, there are many identities that fall under that umbrella term, but there is so much depth to that subject I cannot do it justice here.

Gender itself is difficult to define, especially in a society where the gender binary is so strictly enforced — we heavily gender our soaps, clothes, etc. Non-sentient beings and inanimate objects cannot have a gender, no matter how much your Spanish professor insists the chair is a girl. This is because it takes a degree of self-awareness to determine your identity for yourself.

Your identity is comprised of many things, including what kind of music you like.

It is not limited to such things that some may inexplicably find controversial, such as gender and sexual orientation. Only you can decide what your identity really is.

That being said, the easiest way to not be a jerk to transgender people is to realize you do not get to dictate what someone else’s identity is.

Actually, an easier step would be to realize all people are people, no matter what their identity. I could just leave you with that, but I feel it would be more helpful to give a few specifics on what I mean: First, be respectful of a person’s proper pronouns.

Most sources will call them “preferred” pronouns, but that implies respecting them is optional when it is not.

For those of you who are not transgender (often called cis or cis-gender, from the chemistry term effectively meaning ‘on the same side’), please try to imagine everyone insisting on calling you by pronouns and using other gender language you do not identify with. Imagine someone calling you “Miss” or “Ma’am” when you are clearly a “Mister,” or calling you “Sir” when you are obviously a lady. Now imagine they will

not stop no matter how many times you tell them. At first it may be mildly annoying, but after a while, the constant misgendering will likely cause you to become depressed and despaired. No one is respecting you, after all. They aren’t even giving you the same considerations they give their enemies. Some of these people are your friends and family. They may even claim that you, the only one who can determine your identity, are confused and they know you better than you know yourself. That is the reality of far too many trans people.

Something sure to make people uncomfortable is asking whether they have had medical procedure A or B yet, if they plan to, or if the name they go by is their “real” name. Please refrain from doing this. Ever. You may think you are just being curious, but those questions are highly intrusive and just as bad as badgering a cisgender person about the state of their genitals. When in doubt,

A response to modern marriage

by Kelsey Risman

The MSU Reflector recently published an opinion piece titled “Modern Marriage in

Managing Editor Nia Wilson

U.S. suffers from Frivolity.”

I would like to offer some comments in response to the author’s publication and expand the conversation on marriage a bit.

Elliot Terrell (the author)

Editor in Chief

Lacretia Wimbley

News Editor Taylor Bowden

Multimedia Editor

Opinion Editor

Bek Yake

Bailey McDaniel

Photography Editor Life Editor Noor Mujahid

Sarah Story

Copy Editor

Sports Editor

Ashley Brewer

Anthony McDougle

CONTACT INFORMATION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor in Chief/Lacretia Wimbley

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.

Letters must include name and telephone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.

325-7905 editor@reflector.msstate.edu Managing Editor/Nia Wilson 325-8991 managing@reflector.msstate.edu News Editor/Taylor Bowden 325-8819 news@reflector.msstate.edu Opinion Editor/Bailey McDaniel opinion@reflector.msstate.edu Sports Editor/Anthony McDougle 325-5118 reflectorsports@gmail.com Life Editor/Noor Mujahid 325-8883 life@reflector.msstate.edu Photography Editor/Sarah Story 325-1584 photo@reflector.msstate.edu Multimedia Editor/Bek Yake multimedia_editor@reflector.msstate.edu Advertising Sales/Ariel Johnson 325-7907 advertise@reflector.msstate.edu

CORRECTIONS

EDITORIAL POLICY

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

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

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

cites “women’s rights, civil rights and shifts in moral values” behind the dramatic decrease in marriages, from 92.3 percent of every 1,000 women in the 1920s to 31.1 percent presently. Terrell focuses his commentary on three reasons for the decline in the relevance of marriage that are in the “shifts in moral values” domain. I believe his commentary bypasses important cultural and political changes that may be helpful in explaining why fewer men and women are married now than nearly 100 years ago and why divorce is more common now than in the 1920s.

First and foremost, let’s not overstate the decline of marriage in the US. The age at first marriage has risen for men and women since the 1920’s, to a high of 26 for women and 28 for men in 2011. While a smaller proportion of Terrell’s peers may be currently married than in the past, when we look at the proportion of adults who marry, rates remain high. A large majority of adults in America are currently partnered in some way and the vast majority of young adults today report desiring to marry at some point in the future.

There has indeed been a decline in marriage and an increase in divorce since the 1920s but the institution of monogamy/marriage is not in crisis.

The decline in marriage and increase in divorce we see may be linked to the fact that

intense pressure to conform to the demands of men and forced family. What were women doing in the 1920s?

Nearly all of them were marrying and staying married. It did not matter if they loved their spouse. Women were having children they may not have wanted and worked around the house whether they wanted to or not. Talk about marrying for the wrong reasons. Marriage today is an informed choice.

It is no longer the sole expectation for women (as it was in the 1920s) and it is not the only way women can ensure they and their children will be embraced by society. To this point, I found Terrell’s to return to the “dedication, compromise, and sacrifice of marriage” disenchanting.

The fact that men and women marry less frequently and divorce more often than in the 1920’s undoubtedly coincides with a dramatic increase in the quality of women’s lives. Birth control and other reproductive technologies have significantly decreased the number of marriages out of unplanned pregnancies. Access to education and the rise in earning-potential for women means women can support themselves and their children. Sexuality and relationships are more fluid, which means women (and men) have the option to explore what a life-partner they want looks like, feels like and acts like. These shifts in technology, opportunity and cultural

ask yourself “would I ask this question to a cisgender person?” If the answer is no, you should probably keep your curiosity to yourself.

Another note on the medical question, there are many reasons why a trans person may not want or can not get a certain procedure or treatment (including, for example, living in Mississippi). Not having had or not desiring this or that permanent body alteration does not make a person any less trans. It does not make their identity somehow less valid and certainly does not give anyone the authority to define them.Many trans people experience something called dysphoria, where having certain primary and/or secondary sex characteristics causes them distress — sometimes enough to make them do things like wearing excessive layers of clothing, putting off showering, or desperately trying to unsafely flatten their breasts.

Gender is a confusing, fluid and messy thing. Some

people may go through several different identities trying to figure out which one fits best. They may ask for different pronouns for a while and then change their mind later.

Having this happen does not inherently mean they seek attention. It means they are going through a period of self-discovery and certainly does not make them less worthy of your respect.

A simple way to not potentially offend or harm someone is to ask someone’s pronouns when you meet them and not assume someone’s gender based on how they look.

Use singular “they” until you can be sure. You already use it in everyday speech. For example, I have used singular “they” in every reference to a person of unknown gender in this article.

I hope this has been informative on a topic not often discussed outside certain circles. I encourage you to do your own research as this article could not cover the breadth of the topic.

Letter to the Editor more autonomy to women and more choice in the direction of their lives.

Marriage in and of itself is not the cornerstone of a moral and productive society.

The benefit to self and society of marriage is based primarily on the impact marriage has on routine activities.

Marriage keeps men (and women) in the house and away from drugs, alcohol and delinquency. For a number of reasons, marriage increases per-household income and encourages people to contribute more to the economy.

More per-household income means two people will be likely to seek health care, leisure and other things that increase quality of life. More income also means rearing young citizens in a way that prepares them to live productive lives (e.g., money for extracurricular activities, stable housing, quality education and access to healthy food and health care). These positive outcomes commonly associated with marriage can and are emulated by millions of unmarried American citizens. Again, it’s ultimately the routine activities of citizens that create a moral and productive society. While marriage encourages two people to practice positive routines, marriage is not the categorical precedent to them.

Finally, to suggest that today’s marriage/divorce rates reflect a rise in self-serving individuals (as Terrell does) lacks consideration of

men and women who commit to social justice, public administration, policing/ firefighting, teaching or other greater good careers.

It is also inconsiderate of unmarried women or men who commit to raising children alone instead of with an abusive partners, unmarried men and women who commit themselves to the care of sick or dying family members, men and women who are partnered and are not allowed to be married, men and women who are partnered but simply choose not to put the state’s handprint on their love and so on. Marriage and divorce rates in America reflect a number of cultural and political truths and one should not chalk the decline of marriage and increase in divorce up so easily to selfish citizens. Selfish citizens have always existed and we should be wary of invoking buzzwords and popular phrases to explain social facts. It is quite popular to accuse Millennials and Gen-X of being more individualistic and self-centered than their parents and grandparents. I think it is more complicated than it is matter of fact.

As I understand it, the upshot of Terrell’s commentary is that society is wayward in the pursuit of life and loving. I find his commentary incomplete. My contribution here is to note a few reasons why people marry less often and divorce more, and to expand the conversation around marriage for interest-

REFLECTOR-ONLINE.COM TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

An In-Class Distraction

CLASSIFIEDS POLICY

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

Classifieds are $5 per issue.

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

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.

Uniquie Faculty (student or alumni) Apartments!

“Lodge at the Lake.”

Fantastic view, 340’ waterfront, dock, boat, fishing. Eleven miles west of campus. One bedroom apartment avilable August. $550 (Or buy all five units $343,000!) Call 662-418-2790.

MEDICAL HELP WANTED OCH Regional Medical Center is looking for a part-time certified pharmacy technician.

Experience with working in a hospital or retail pharmacy is perfered.

Call Patsy Prisock, Human Resources, at 662-615-2990 for more information.

CLUB INFO

THIS DAY IN HISTORY 1. April 21, 1865: Assasinated President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin traveled by train from Washington D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. His body was buried several days later on May 4.

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 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.

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.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS

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

3. April 21, 1967: General Motors (GM) celebrates manufacturing its 100 millionth American-made vehicle. GM, established in 1908, was the largest automaker at the time.

Courtesy of History.com

NOW HIRING The Reflector is

Advertising Representatives for the 2015-2016 school year. Get paid while getting great experience by applying at The Reflector (next to subway).

Are you following

@reflectorads ?

Follow for great deals and updates about businesses and cool give-a-ways!

PARKWOOD APARTMENTS BRANDON, MS EXCLUSIVE BUT REASONABLE 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS $625/Mo. On or before 1st 601-825-3308

Subscribe Today!

For more information contact: 662-325-2374

WESLEY FOUNDATION

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

STATE RUGBY

Think you’re tough???

Think again… Join State Rugby. 2014 SEC Division Champions!

Practices T, W, R @ 5:30 at Rec Plex. For more info: rugby.org.msstate. edu or rugby-info@org. msstate.edu.

BALLROOM DANCE CLUB

The Ballroom Dance Club is having its 10th Annual Moonlight Ball. It will be $20 for students and $25 for non-students and includes a catered dinner. It will be held April 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanderson Center.

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.

ANTHROPOLOGY CLUB

The Anthropogy Club will be having a meeting Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m. in Cobb 100

April 17 solutions:

2. April 21, 1930: The Ohio State Penitentiary erupted in a fire that resulted with the death of 320 inmates. The Ohio prison was known for its poor conditions and disregard for prisoners.

This accident is one of the worst prison disasters in American history.

Moving to Jackson?

Follow on Twitter @ MSU_SSC.

1003 HWY 182 E.

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

‘Tangent:’ senior fine arts Annual Arts Festival students present exhibit

Shelby Nichols| Courtesy Photograph

Victoria Cheek (pictured) is one of 13 senior fine arts students who are displaying their artwork in MSUʼs Department of Artʼs 2015 Fine Art Thesis Exhibit, ʻTangent.ʼ The exhibit is on display in three different galleries through April 30.

by Mary Rumore Staff Writer

Mississippi State University’s Department of Art will present its 2015 Fine Art Thesis Exhibition “Tangent” Thursday through April 30 in three different galleries on campus.

Colvard Student Union Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visual Arts Center Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 12-5 p.m.

“Tangent” will display the original works of 13 senior fi ne art students.

It will feature artwork from Molly Howell, Jacob Craig, Hal Boerner,

“We planned everything ourselves, from advertising to the reception parties. We still have some work to do in the galleries, but we’ve all worked so hard for this — it’s the pinnacle of our careers as art students .”

-Eleanor Bailey, senior BFA major “Tangent” will display student works in the Department of Art Gallery in McComas Hall, the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery and the MSU Visual Arts Center off campus located at 808 University Drive.

For “Tangent,” the art gallery in McComas Hall is open special hours Monday through Friday from 12-4 p.m. The

Eleanor Bailey, Zachary Kloor, Anna Callaway, Victoria Cheek, Shelby Nichols, Bonnie Brumley, Reagan Watts, Alison Petro, Merritt La Foe and Thomas McBroom.

“Tangent” is defi ned as a curve that comes in contact with a line, but never intersects it. This defi nition represents the spirit of the group as well as paths each student has taken individually. Each student has participated in the yearlong process of fi ne art research, writing, presentation and advanced studio practice to prepare for the exhibition and accumulate a body of work.

Eleanor Bailey, one of the senior fi ne art majors who is working to put together the exhibition, said she and the rest of the students spent at least 20

hours a week in the studio preparing for the event.

“We planned everything ourselves, from advertising to the reception parties,” Bailey said. “We still have some work to do in the galleries, but we’ve all worked so hard for this—it’s the pinnacle of our careers as art students.”

Zachary Kloor said his work in “Tangent” is a digital narrative work describing the life of a car as it goes through a journey to fi nd life in an uninhabited environment. He said he hopes the exhibition will have a great turn out this year.

“I also am a little nervous, but excited to know that this will be the beginning of something much greater for myself and every senior presenting their work,” Kloor said.

A reception will be held for the public from 5-6 p.m. Thursday in the Department of Art Gallery in McComas Hall. Receptions will also be held the same day in the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery and MSU Visual Arts Center from 6-7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be served.

The art galleries present museum shows, traveling exhibits, group and solo exhibitions by professional artists, student shows and other special events.

For more information about the Department of Art Galleries or “Tangent,” visit www. caad.msstate.edu or contact Lori Neuenfeldt, the Department of Art Gallery director, at LNeuenfeldt@ caad.msstate.edu or (662)325-2970.

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Starkvilleʼs historic Cotton District hosted its annual Cotton District Arts Festival Saturday as part of MSUʼs Super Bulldog Weekend. The festival consisted of live music, art and craft displays, a writers village, food vendors and more.

‘The Liberators: Born Free’ promote human interaction interaction amongst strangers.

Staff Writer According to the group’s website, their motto is “We harness “The Liberators: Born the power of human Free” is an organization connection, video that strives to promote production and forward human interaction thinking dance music to among all members of inspire crowds to share society through viral acts of freedom, love videos and dance. and kindness with one Caleb Jones, junior another.” business administration Jones said he enjoys major, said he has never meeting people from heardoftheorganization, around the world yet identifies with many at Mississippi State of their beliefs.

University. Jones said “I believe getting out he does not believe the of your comfort zone is organization would one of the best things be successful because you can do,” Jones said. people would remain in “Once you start creating their cliques. opportunities for people “I think many people to interact, others will would just Snapchat also begin to interact.” it, causing it to trend,” The group promotes Jones said. its ideals through DJ Elizabeth Whitten, sets, video productions, freshman undeclared “Bass Wagon Parade major, said she also Parties” and yoga. Each had never heard of of these events is catered the group. However, for specific groups of Whitten had similar people. Ultimately, they thoughts regarding the try to encourage social group’s potential success if brought to Starkville.

“Some people would join in, but social interaction needs to be better, almost everyone is cliquey here,” Whitten said.

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The concept behind this video is the frequent mistrust of Aborigines in Australia. A young woman stands on the beach, blindfolded, and holds a sign that reads: “I trust you, do you trust me? Let’s hug.”

She stands with her arms open, serving as an open invitation for hugs from strangers. Finally, one woman breaks the social stigma and hugs the woman. This starts a chain reaction and the hugs continue.

Another video entitled ‘Perth Train Party Video 2014’ shows a man getting on a train.

He starts playing music and invites everyone to start dancing with him. Before long he has almost everyone on the train dancing. They broke the social stigma of what is acceptable while riding the train that day.

Whitten said studentss should be responsible for fi xing the lack of social interaction on campus. She also said students can branch out by joining numerous organizations offered on MSU’s campus.

Kelly Dyess, sophomore chemical engineering major, said she has higher hopes for the students of MSU if presented with a group like The Liberators.

“I think people would join in because if people see others having fun, then they will want to join in and have fun too,” Dyess said.

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7 THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

New faces shine in Maroon & White Game

by Zach Wagner Staff Writer

This year’s annual Maroon & White game gave Bulldog fans a fi rst glance at what the makeup for next year’s squad may look like in come August.

The white team, lead by the likes of Dontavian Lee and backup quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, were able to defeat the Maroon team 28-24, in front of 21,500 fans in Davis Wade Stadium.

Head Coach Dan Mullen expressed his appreciation for the spectators that came out for the game and was pleased with the day’s proceedings.

“I think we had a great crowd here today,” Dan Mullen said. “That is what is so important to us, putting players in a game situation and seeing how they handle it. This is a different type of pressure, and it is good to have those guys experience that.”

Last season’s breakout star quarterback, Dak Prescott only played the fi rst half, but while his time on the field was short, his impact on it was certainly felt by the opposing white defense.

Prescott compiled 231 yards through the air while completing 68 percent of his passes for the day. He also threw three touchdown passes with no interceptions, making his afternoon overall a successful one.

After the conclusion of the game, Prescott said he approved the team’s current standings and discussed his role as a leader.

“Everything was good overall, and I feel like everyone got better,”

take McKinney’s spot on defense, to which he responded with very high praise for Green.

“I think he may even be ahead of that,” Mullen said.

“Benardrick was a great player for this program, but he didn’t look this good as a freshman.”

One last player that showed promise in the eyes of many on Saturday was defensive end A.J Jefferson.

Jefferson should be poised to make the jump to starter on the defensive line this year, and there were a few instances where he was able to show bulldog fans just how much of a force he could be.

Jefferson would discuss the possibility of just how good he thinks the defensive line could be once everything comes together.

“Our whole mentality is to be better than we were last year,” Jefferson said.

Sarah Story | The Reflector “We lost a lot of guys but DeʼRunnya Wilson celebrates a touchdown during the Maroon & White scrimmage Saturday. Wilson led all recievers with 5 catches for 92 yards. we still got a lot of good “I think they have come a Dontavian Lee turned some declare for the NFL Draft, guys coming back. We still Prescott said. “I led the other guys, but I also made long way. Communication- heads on Saturday with his the importance of fi nding have guys coming in.”

Even after taking the sure they led. I really feel wise, they are just as good performance. The 6-foot- himself is at the top of the nation by storm last fall, like we are in the right as our offensive line as last 2, 225-pound freshman Bulldog’s offseason plans.

Freshman Gerri Green, and being good enough to position we need to be in at year and athletically their running back would lead all experience is going to come rushers with 53 yards on the a player coach Mullen has get invited to The Orange this point.” ground and a touchdown. been touting since last Bowl in January, some on Prescott will enter the along in fall camp.”

The game would serve to Mullen would go on to say season, played well on the team still feel as if they season touted as a Heisman hopeful. After last season highlight names that may be after the game that none of Saturday, recording an are not getting the respect saw him finish 8th, and even unfamiliar to most Bulldog the backs took themselves interception and seven they deserve from many tackles. Overall, he was around country. with all of the heightened fans, but could very well out of the race.

During a media “The biggest thing to me happy with his performance expectations going into his be starting in key spots for senior season, one unit on MSU when the season kicks is no one put themselves in the Spring game, pointing conference Prescott said out of position,” Mullen to his interception as a big he felt the doubt was all the the team that will need to off next fall. more reason to come out an One position that will said. “No one has earned moment for him. step up and help Prescott competition a spot, but we have a long “I think I played pretty duplicate the success from will be the newly revamped experience offensive line. The team among various players is training camp to go where well,” Green said, a 6-foot- last year.

“I think people still doubt lost three of its starters last the starting running back guys can continue to learn 4, 230-pounder. “It was fun season, and the status of the spot, which was left vacant and improve. I think we are to get out there and play in us,” Prescott said. “It’s like offensive line may be the after last year’s starter Josh a young unit, and I think the front of a big crowd. That they don’t believe we can do most pressing issue facing Robinson declared for the guys have the intensity and was my fi rst interception in it again, even though they the work ethic they need to a few years, so it felt great.” saw us do it last year.” the Bulldogs going into next NFL Draft. “ All we can do is work Many expect to see be successful.”

As Green continues season.

With last year’s starting to flash his potential, hard and go out to have The senior signal caller Ashton Shumpert and also said he felt this year’s Brandon Holloway go wire Middle Linebacker and All- head coach Dan Mullen another season like that defensive line has the to wire all throughout the SEC standout Benardrick was asked after the game one. I think we can be even potential to be just as good summer for the rights to be McKinney choosing to whether he thought Green better next year, but we have the starter, but freshman forgo his senior season and is the player most likely to to prove it.” as last season’s.

Cowbell

of the

Ball

Cowbell of the Ball recognizes outstanding perfomances from student athletes.

DeʼRunnya Wilson, WR 5 cathces, 92 yards, 1 TD The junior wide receiver highly regarded as Dak Prescottʼs primary option shook off whatever rust may have remianed rather quickly in Saturdayʼs Maroon & White Game. Wilson and Prescott reestablished their presence immediately, connecting for a 17-yard touchdown.

Scottie Hearn,Sprints Katie Gentle,OF Undefeated in 400 m hurdles 2-2 2 HR, 6 RBIʼs The Menʼs Track & Field team is off to a superb start thus far and Scottie Hearns is doing his part to ensure Bulldogs secure their No. 18 ranking and possibly surpass it. Hearn posted a personal best of 49.68 and has yet to be bested in the 400 meter hurdles.

Gentle was an offensive juggernaut in the closing game against Tennessee. The senior outfielder drove in six of the Bulldogs eight runs Sunday. Gentle totaled seven hits in the series.

Dontavian Lee, RB 11 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD Stealing the show when accompanied by such a talented, promising stable of running backs is no easy feat. Apparently bringing down freshman running back Dontavian Lee is no picnic either. The Hattiesburg product bulled his way through defenders en route to leading the team in rushing and putting the minds of Bulldog fans everywhere at ease as they ponder who will take over in the wake of Josh Robinsonʼs departure.

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THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

MSU falls to No. 12 Vols in 16-8 slugfest

by Zach Wagner Staff Writer

Fans that made it out to the Mississippi State University softball field Sunday afternoon were treated to a true hitting exhibition, as both teams would combine to hit nine home runs and score 24 runs.

Unfortunately for the team in maroon and white, they found themselves on the wrong side of the 16-8 scoreline after six innings.

Head coach Vann Stuedeman expressed her frustration with the weekend but was happy with the effort level that was displayed by her team.

“It was just a tough weekend all around, really love the grit and fight of the girls that they had,” Stuedeman said. “The will that they have is great.

Really both sides threw about eight pitchers so that’s a long game.

That was like a marathon game and for some reason we’re seeing a lot of those games this year, so we will deal with it.”

Tennessee would come out of the gates swinging, as they hit 2 home runs in the fi rst two innings and score eight runs, including a Meghan Geer grand slam in the fi rst.

The Bulldogs would respond valiantly in the third when they scored five runs on two home runs.

The fi rst ,coming off of a Caroline Seitz solo shot and the other a grand slam from senior Katie Gentle, to help cut the lead down to five.

However, the Volunteers wouldn’t let up. In the fourth, they would respond by snagging three more runs to put the game almost out of reach for the Bulldogs, who came up empty in the fourth themselves.

Geer would hit her second home run of the day in the top of the fifth inning, adding to the level of frustration for the Bulldogs on the mound.

Gentle wouldn’t go down without a fight though, hitting a solo home run in the fifth to extend the game into the sixth.

She commented after the game about the power that was shown on the part of both teams over the course of the three-hour game.

“The wind had a big factor in it, but everyone had a good day today,” Gentle said. “You can’t look down on anyone about it.”

The Bulldogs day ended in the sixth on a Mackenzie Toler pop up to the shortstop, with the score at 16-8. Now their sights will turn to their regular season home fi nale against

Sarah Story | The Reflector

A member of the Mississippi State University softball team succeeds in reaching base safely during the teamʼ s matchup against No. 12 Tennessee.

Memphis on Wednesday.

Going forward with the rest of their season, Stuedeman outlined what needs to happen to make the rest of the season as successful as it can possibly be.

“We just have to stay true to what we do and who we are,” Stuedeman said. “We

are a blue collar team that works really hard. It’s late season and the exams are coming up. We just need to make sure we take care of our each individual job and be excellent at the job so that we can really check in mentally when it counts”.

For the four seniors on the team, Stuedeman

talked about how much they have meant to her and the program as a whole.

“This my fi rst group to graduate that I have had for four years, so it was kinda emotional before the game started,” said Stuedeman.

“I really have enjoyed the time getting to know those girls, that I wouldn’t have

got to know if it wasn’t for Scott Strickland saying I could be their coach, so it’s been a great four years and were not done yet”.

The Bulldogs will be at home one last time on Wednesday, where they will face the Memphis Tigers at 6:00 p.m. at the Mississippi State softball field.

4 takeaways from the Maroon & White Game Anthony McDougle is the Sports Editor at The Refl ector. He can be contacted at refl ectorsports@gmail. com.

There is plenty that could be said about the state of our beloved Bulldogs after the Maroon & White Game.

However, here is what I feel are the most important takeaways from Saturday’s scrimmage.

1. The defense is in good hands.

When Bernardrick Mckinney and Preston Smith bolted for the NFL Draft, fans were left to wonder who could assume the roles of these almost irreplaceable superstars.

Look no further than Gerri Green, Nelson Adams and A.J. Jefferson.

The trio proved they were more than capable Saturday making several key plays which included an interception by Green and a sack by Adams

2. There are serious horses in the backfield.

Ashton Shumpert wears the defense down with his agresssive style of running.

Then comes the scrappy freshman Dontavian Lee, who seems to tote the ball with a chip on his shoulder each and every carry.

Simply put, Lee runs with fearless, reckless abandon.

Once the D is on its heels the speedster Brandon Holloway breaks through the first level and is off to the races. If those options should not succeed Malik Dear, Aeris Williams await. Add in Dak Prescott and this backfield should strike fear into opposing defenses.

3. If Dak goes down, don’t panic.

Let us all knock on wood and pray for the health of our Heisman hopeful quarterback in the upcoming season.

Superstitions aside though the wear and tear that Dak is certain to take this season per his style of play is inevitable. Rest assured that should such a scenario take place, Nick Fitzgerald will be more than ready.

Prescott’s backup showed flashes of brilliance

Saturday. The Georgia native completed 20 of 32 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

Fitzgerald also displayed a decent set of legs accounting for yet another score on the ground. The freshman was responsible for two turnovers as well, but after a perfomance like the one he put on Saturday, those mistakes are sure to disappear as the young quarterback continues to grow in Dan Mullen’s system.

4. Dak is back!

It is always nice to know there is backup when it is most needed. It is even nicer ,however, to have a seasoned Heisman hopeful as your signal caller. Prescott showed signs of improvement and growth throughout the scrimmage.

Many questioned his accuarcy and decision making at the close of the season.

Both seemed in check as he passed 231 yards, completing 20 of 29 on the way to three touchdowns with no interceptions.

The senior seemed to show much more poise in the pocket as well, electing to run or take sacks only when

all other options ran out.

Of course, Prescott is far from perfect but less than perfection has hoisted the

Heisman. Perhaps this new hunger and improvement can be credited to all the dejectors of the star

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