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TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 , 2019

135th YEAR ISSUE 12

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

NRTC to host activities in honor of White Cane Awareness Day

BAYLEE HILL

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mississippi State University’s National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision is hosting an informational event in honor of White Cane Awareness Day Oct. 15. The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Drill Field and will include booths, an obstacle course and games.

White Cane Awareness Day occurs annually on Oct. 15. According to Kendra Farrow, the NRTC’s Research and Training associate, this day is designed to bring awareness to people with blindness and low vision and to teach people about white canes.

While gesturing to her white cane, Farrow explained its significance.

“It is a mobility tool that helps the individual who cannot see to know what is in front of them,” Farrow said. “They can detect surface changes, drop-offs and stairs.”

The informational booths will allow people to experience what it is like to

have blindness or low vision.

According to Emily Damm, the NRTC’s communications specialist, visitors can go to the welcome booth to learn about interacting with a person who uses a white cane, the laws regarding white canes and blindnessrelated professions.

At another booth, visitors can braille their name and interact with an off-duty guide dog. A representative will talk about the importance of braille and how those with blindness and low vision use it to read, Damm said.

Visitors can also put on simulator glasses at the booth. Damm said people can wear glasses or a bandanna while participating in a smell test with different spices. The smell test allows people to see what it would be like to cook in the kitchen with a visual impairment.

“We have simulator glasses that show what it would be like to see with Glaucoma or a diabetes condition,” Damm said.

“They can pick out one of these eye conditions to wear or use a bandanna to have complete NRTC, 2 blindness.”

Yashaswin Sridhar | The Reflector

Pi Kappa Phiʼs “Game of Thrones” themed dance won the annual Limelight dance competition, benefitting Chi Omegaʼs 2019 Wish Kid, Danica Duston, a 5-year-old from Columbus, MS.

Limelight: Greek life dances for Danica

JACKSON KEEL

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mississippi State University sorority Chi Omega held their annual Limelight Competition in the Humphrey Coliseum this past Friday night.

Limelight is a dance competition that brings

together the fraternities and sororities of MSU to perform choreographed dance routines in an effort to raise money for Chi Omega’s philanthropy, the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Chi Omega’s Limelight is the culmination of “Wish Week,” a week of various activities and events, such as a taco night and worship

night, put on by Chi Omega to raise money for Make-aWish.

Mallie Donald, a senior studying education psychology and Chi Omega’s philanthropy chair, said last year’s event raised around $25,000 and helped grant over 90 wishes.

A lot of planning goes

into an event the size of Limelight, Donald said “I started planning it around last March. I have to go through the Hump to make sure we can meet with them. Once I get that set up, I communicate with Make-a-Wish, they select a family to be our wish family.

LIMELIGHT, 2

Food Truck Thursdays roll onto campus TRiO provides support to first-generation college students

HANNAH BLANKENSHIP NEWS EDITOR

Mississippi State University’s Student Association is rolling out “Food Truck Thursdays,” a new program where local vendors set up shop on campus in-between the Colvard Student Union and the YMCA building on the last Thursday of every month.

Julianna Mills, a senior chemistry major and the SA director of programming, said the idea came from seeing other schools bring food trucks to campus. It was also a dream of SA President Jake Manning for a while, as well as the suggestion of several cabinet members.

“The ideas came from all different kinds of angles.

It was just sitting down and being like ‘OK, we’re actually going to get this to work,’” Mills said.

Vice President of Student Affairs Regina Hyatt was instrumental in getting the process started.

“My role was to help facilitate a conversation between the Student Association and MSU dining, and get the parties together to talk about what the students wanted to do,” Hyatt said.

Over the summer, Manning worked extensively with Aramark, the company that holds exclusive rights to selling food on campus,

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GRACIE BYRNE STAFF WRITER

TRiO Student Support Services has found a more accessible home on campus.

Formerly located in the basement of Montgomery Hall, TRiO Student Support Services has moved to a new location in the Henry F. Meyer Student Media Center, in-between Subway and The University Florist.

TRiO Assistant Director Teretha Conner said the program provides assistance to low-income and firstgeneration students.

“It can be challenging

when no one has gone before you,” Conner said.

Carlos Villanueva, a senior biochemistry major, works as a coach for TRiO. Villanueva has been involved with the program since his freshman year. He first found out about TRiO when he received an email as a freshman.

“I didn’t know much about it, but I gave it a shot and I applied,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva became a coach his sophomore year of college. In order to become a coach, he was required to apply for the position and go through an interview.

TRIO, 2

Mary Georgia Hamilton | The Reflector

MSUʼs SA is hosting food trucks on campus in-between the Colvard Student Union and the YMCA Building on the last Thursday of every month.

to negotiate a contract for them to waive those rights.

After getting the contract worked out, Manning handed the project over to

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Mills to handle the logistics.

After jumping through the necessary hoops, such as obtaining health permits, getting the menus approved

and getting the right paperwork signed by the right people, the road was cleared for the food trucks to roll on in.

FOOD TRUCKS, 2

FORECAST: It will finally feel like Fall to start off the work week! Highs will only reach the upper 70s for Tuesday, but it will warm up Wednesday into Thursday with highs back in the 80s under mostly sunny skies. However, a true “pumpkin spice” front moves in Friday into the weekend, knocking high temps back down into the upper 60s and lower 70s.

Courtesy of Dax Clark, Campus Connect Meteorologist

Mary Georgia Hamilton | The Reflector

TRiO Student Support Services relocated to the Henry F. Meyer Student Media Center.

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TRIO

Villanueva said coaches generally must be juniors or seniors within the program, although sophomores have been given the position.

According to Villanueva, there are anywhere from six to eight coaches and each coach has eight to 10 firstyear students they meet with either weekly or biweekly.

The meetings consist of reviewing topics relevant to the student’s success, such as budgeting, scheduling and applying to graduate school.

“You have that one-onone interaction in case you run into any problems,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva said one of his favorite things about being a coach is giving the students a sense of relief.

As a first-generation college student himself, Villanueva said he understands the

obstacles his mentees face.

“Once you get to talk to them and mentor them, they feel better,” Villanueva said.

As a first-generation and low-income student from Birmingham, Alabama, Villanueva didn’t think he would make it in college, but he anticipates graduation in May of 2020.

“It seemed really unattainable,” Villanueva said. “I didn’t know how the whole process worked, so I didn’t put any effort into the idea until my senior year of high school.”

From entering the program as a freshman and receiving coaching, to ultimately becoming a coach for students, Villanueva said he has learned a lot from being a part of the program.

“The most important thing I got from my coach

CONTINUED FROM 1

was my time management and budgeting skills, but also that I shouldn’t be afraid to go out and try something new,” Villanueva said.

Emily Nolt, a sophomore secondary education major with a concentration in physics, found out about TRiO by browsing OrgSync during her freshman year.

After researching the program, Nolt contacted a representative and after completing her application and interview, she was accepted.

While Nolt is not being coached this year, she still sees the program as something that is beneficial to her and returns week after week.

“My favorite thing is probably the amount of information they make available to you with different resources on

campus,” Nolt said. a Nolt said if a first year student asked her about TRiO and asked for her opinion on joining, she would only have good things to say.

“I would definitely recommend it because it’s no cost to you and you get all of these opportunities,” Nolt said. “I just think, why not?”

As a first generation and low income student from Louisville, Nolt saw college as a place full of opportunities, but she also saw college as something that was not easily attainable. Because of TRiO, those opportunities became attainable.

“I never expected to go straight to a university,” Nolt said. “I think TRiO really planned things out.”

Brittany Radford, a

former coordinator for Student Support Services, worked with TRiO for a year. Radford was also a first generation college student, so Radford said she understands the obstacles students in the program face.

“They face different barriers because they feel like they’re alone,” Radford said. “We all understand the burden because we’ve lived it.”

Radford said her job focuses on assisting students with their academic plans and she helps students find opportunities for research, service, leadership and networking, along with helping students in the process of applying to graduate school.

According to the Institute of Research on Poverty and the Free

FOOD TRUCKS “You get so many people working on one project behind the scenes, no one knows about it.

Then, you get to just reveal it to the whole campus and just get to watch everybody freak out about things that are new and exciting,” Mills said.

For the first Food Truck Thursday, two vendors participated and Mills said they are planning on having four for the next one, as one of the food trucks sold out several hours early due to such a positive student response.

CONTINUED FROM 1

“It was a huge hit I was not expecting, and I don’t think the two food vendors that came were expecting it either,” Mills said.

Manning said his plan is for the food trucks to be themed. The first Food Truck Thursday coincided with Voter Registration Week and Manning said he plans for the food trucks to be more externally decorated for the next Food Truck Thursday.

Hyatt said the food truck program is a great idea by students, for students.

“I’m always excited when our students come up with ideas to help engage other students in campus life activities.

I think students always crave something new and exciting, so I think the food trucks are a fun way to help students have some variety,” Hyatt said.

Manning agreed, saying he personally is very excited for a change in the dining options.

“Just to have some variety brings me joy. I’m also excited because I really think it’s going to be

a tradition, and something that we managed to start this year that won’t go away, that will be there for a long time,” Manning said.

Mills said her goal as SA programming director is to provide activities that will make students’ college experiences more comfortable and enjoyable.

“It just makes Mississippi State even more like their home whenever they get fun things to do out of the ordinary, outside of the regular classes and studying for tests and stresses of college life,” Mills said.

Hyatt said the SA’s hard work in getting the food truck program off the ground is a testament to the SA’s dedication to listening to the student voice.

“I think they’re doing a great job. I love the energy and passion they have for bringing these kinds of events to students. I think they’re very receptive to student feedback and this was an idea that came up from somewhere. I think they also really appreciate the chance to show students that they’re listening, and I think that’s an important role

NRTC While wearing glasses or a bandanna, visitors can go through an obstacle course that is run by MSU sorority, Delta Gamma. According to Andrea Black, a senior studying biological sciences and the Delta Gamma vice president of Foundation, participants can navigate through a path that contains boxes and other objects.

“The course brings an educational opportunity about the world of blindness, but it is still in a fun way,” Black said.

“It allows people to really understand what is going on, but it is not a presentation.

People are still having fun while promoting awareness and understanding.”

According to Clare Baumhauer, a senior marketing major and the president of Delta Gamma, the sorority’s philanthropy is Service for Sight, and they share the same mission as the NRTC. The sorority wants to help educate students on this campus about blindness

of student government,” Hyatt said.

Mills said the SA is very excited the student feedback on Food Truck Thursday was so positive, and they are looking forward to the future of the program.

“I really think that it’s going to be a huge hit,” Mills said, “it’s something that SA has wanted to do for a while I think, but it’s CONTINUED kind ofFROM crazy 1 that it’s actually happening and people are already saying ‘When’s the next one?’ So, it’s just exciting to know that people enjoyed it.”

CONTINUED FROM 1

and visual impairment.

Visitors can also participate in games designed for people with blindness and low vision. According to Damm, participants can play goalball and beep baseball while wearing simulator glasses or a blindfold.

Goalball is a game of goalies versus goalies. The ball has bells attached to it, so the players can locate the ball. In beep baseball, players run between two bases and play with a ball that beeps.

Damm expressed that the NRTC typically works to help individuals who are blind and visually impaired through research, programs and other service providers.

She said she is excited to do something different and work with the community through this event.

“This is new for us to go directly into the community and have this awareness event, but we felt like the celebration of the white cane aligns perfectly with our mission of

providing education to the community,” Damm said.

Speaking as a person with blindness, Farrow notices the lack of understanding about blindness and low vision.

She experiences people who do not understand her condition and treat her like she is not capable.

Farrow believes this event can allow people to change their mindset and appropriately interact with those who are blind and visually impaired.

“If someone loses their vision, it is not the end.

There are plenty of activities that a person can do. There are plenty of jobs that a person can do,” Farrow said. “If someone loses their vision, it is important to have the idea planted in your mind that they can still be a successful person.”

Farrow said she hopes NRTC’s activities in honor of White Cane Awareness Day serve as an educational opportunity that the community can enjoy.

Rosalind Hutton

LIMELIGHT I have to coordinate with event services for speakers and sound equipment, Aramark for concessions, campus security for security in the Hump. It’s a lot, but I have several assistants to help oversee it throughout the week. I just have to be aware of what’s going on,”

Application for Federal Student Aid, an estimated 58,000 college students are homeless. This is just one of the challenges lowincome and first-generation students face.

“As first-generation college students, they carry a lot of the financial burden on them,” Radford said.

The goals of Student Support Services are to develop academic skills, boost graduation rates and help students enter into graduate and professional programs. Conner said she hopes the students are impacted positively by the program.

“My hope is that each student who enters this program has found a place to belong,” Conner said. “I hope we have shaped and fostered their lives in some way.”

CONTINUED FROM 1

Donald said.

All the planning eventually comes together to bring all of the on-campus Greek organizations together for one purpose: to benefit this year’s Wish Kid, Danica Duston.

Danica is a five-year-old from Columbus who was

diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumor in July of 2018.

After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, she underwent radiation therapy and is completing her chemotherapy at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

All in support of Danica, hundreds of attendees, both Greek and non-Greek, filled the Hump, eagerly awaiting the dance numbers to come.

The performances themselves consisted of themed dance routines, complete with costumes and occasional singing.

Themes included pop culture powerhouses such as “Game of Thrones,”

“Toy Story,” “The Office” and even Super Mario Brothers. Other routines were themed around a central idea, such as an airplane flight or the wild west. The routines are set to a unique soundtrack with contemporary and classic pop songs spliced together, each one introducing another aspect of the theme or the next part of the dance routine. These routines even have stunts with backflips, vaults, spins and a human pyramid.

Tyler Packer, a junior political science major and Pi Kappa Phi member, described the process of practicing for the performance.

“I was very ambitious this year. We had a lot of crazy stunts, a lot of tumbling, all kinds of shenanigans. So, I told them, ‘Ya’ll it’s gonna be intense, we’re gonna do morning practice and evening practice.’ So, the first week we just did morning practices, and then the second week we hyped it up. We did morning practice

and evening practice, twoa-day, and we got the work done,” Packer said.

The high energy of the performances was infectious, with the crowd erupting in cheers when the dancers pull off an impressive stunt or formation. Danica herself took the stage during the intermission, performing her own impromptu routine to Queen’s “We are the Champions.” As the crowd cheered, she ran around the stage, eventually leading the entire crowd to sing along with the song, complete with phone lights and armwaving. Soon after, the lights went off again and more acts took to the stage.

After the last group of competitors left the stage, a group of girls from the Brickfire Project Mentoring Program went up to perform a number of their own, followed by the freshman Chi Omegas, who closed out the performances for the evening with a Disneythemed number.

At the end of the competition, the judges

revealed their decision, with each competitor facing judgment based on attendance of chapter members, their banners and their dance performance.

For fraternities, Sigma Phi Epsilon came in third, Beta Epsilon Chi came in second, and Pi Kappa Phi earned first place. For the sororities, Kappa Delta placed third, Phi Mu placed second and Delta Gamma placed first.

However, as incredible as the victory feels, the members of the winning organizations were in agreement on the true purpose of Limelight.

Camille Grady, a sophomore foreign language major and performer for winning sorority Delta Gamma, said Limelight is more than just an entertaining night.

“Honestly, seeing everyone dance, especially the fraternities dance, is probably the funnest part of it. Also, just to see everyone come together to support something as great as Make-a-Wish, that’s the real reason,” Grady said.

THE REFLECTOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019 @REFLECTORONLINE

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

3

The Last Page is more than a comic book store

EMMA DRAY BRASWELL

STAFF WRITER

The Last Page is a comic book store in downtown Starkville which, for the last year and a half, has sold comics and other forms of memorabilia for all who may be interested.

Skyland Thompson, owner of The Last Page, said she believes around 75% of the customers of The Last Page are college students.

Though comic books are The Last Page’s main focus, it is not just a comic book store. Viraj Patel, a worker at the store and computer science graduate student, said the store also sells figurines, Magic: The Gathering cards, Dungeons & Dragons essentials and other memorabilia. Patel said the store even has a smaller used book section with a variety of genres.

Though most of the merchandise is new, Patel noted Bob Thompson, Skyland Thompson’s father, is also selling his personal collection at the moment.

These consist of older comic issues that are priced around 75 cents per comic.

Skyland Thompson said she opened the comic book store about a year and a half ago.

“I was in the military before I came to Starkville, and before that, my dad has owned two comic book stores in the past. So, I kind of grew up in comic book stores reading comic books,” Thompson said.

Thompson said she quickly realized by joining the military she had drastically less access to the comic books she enjoyed. As a result, when she got out of the military she knew what she wanted to do with her time.

“There wasn’t a place in Starkville to do comic books.

So, I figured it was a good place to start,” Thompson said.

The Last Page has several unique aspects, including a very friendly face that greets customers. This friendly face is that of the owner’s dog, which is in the store as much as Skyland Thompson is.

Patel said the comic book store is unique in other ways too, adding something different to Starkville’s environment.

“We didn’t have this a year and a half ago, and when they opened, it was the greatest thing that happened while I was here,” Patel said.

“I was just playing video games in my room and now I have somewhere to hang out on the weekends.”

Logan Cummins, another worker at The Last Page and a computer science graduate student, said the comic book

store offers a way to bring the community together.

“You just have somebody else to talk about this kind of stuff with because everybody coming in here will inevitably read something somebody else has read. You definitely get a sense of connection with people,” Cummins said.

Cummins added the store has built an entire community which, without it, would not have been possible.

“I think it’s a good escape for college students who probably couldn’t afford other things. It’s less intensive than reading novels and things like that, but it’s also just as engaging,” Skyland Thompson said.

Bob Thompson said the store sells mainstream titles such as Marvel and DC, along with other popular publishers.

Bob Thompson also said the store special orders upon customer request.

“A lot of people don’t

realize there’s probably about 1,500 comics that come out every month,” Bob Thompson said.

Comics are typically sold around $5 a piece, not including special issues that are generally longer and part of specific editions. These longer comics tend to range from $7 to $10.

Thompson said although selling comics is the focus, the store also hosts events.

There is a board game night every Friday, as well as Magic The Gathering most weekends. The store also hosts Dungeons & Dragons tournaments occasionally.

These plans are all posted on the store’s Facebook page.

find a few restaurants which offer student discounts.

Unfortunately, of the 41 eateries I checked in with, only six of the restaurants offered student discounts. However, even though the restaurants with student discounts were few and far between, it definitely pays—or in this case, saves—to know which ones do.

For those overzealous wing fanatics, Wingstop offers a 10% student discount from the entire purchase upon showing the cashier a student ID. If one prefers fried chicken in the form of strips, both Zaxby’s and Slim Chickens can satisfy this prerequisite all while servicing students with a discount. On Mondays through Thursdays, Zaxby’s takes 10% off the total purchase while Slim Chickens has a $5 Chick’s

Meal. A normal “Chick” at Slim Chickens is $6.99 without tax, but with a simple flash of the student ID, one can get all that is included in a Chick’s Meal (three chicken tenders, fries, medium drink and buttered toast) for a discount of more than $2. Slim Chickens’ student discounts deviate from the typical 10% seen at the other restaurants, as their $5 Chick’s Meal is roughly 28.4% less than the regular price.

Not only is a student discount beneficial for students, but it keeps businesses bustling with satisfied student customers.

Antwon Shoto, general manager of Slim Chickens, can attest to this.

“We love seeing the student atmosphere; it is a great way for us to draw revenue and a great way to

keep the students coming back and give them a great deal,” Shoto said.

These chicken restaurants are not the only locations in Starkville with student discounts. If you are craving a burger and some ice cream, Dairy Queen’s menu offers a variety of food items for a 10% student discount.

Waffle House also offers a 10% student discount for a hearty breakfast in their oldfashioned, made-to-order scenery. For those who prefer classic sit-down Southern deli meals, students may also present their student IDs at McAlister’s Deli for 10% off of their meals.

After taking advantage of the powers the student ID has to offer and indulging in these six Starkville eateries, students can use the little bit of extra cash these discounts spare and

spend it on other necessary items like textbooks, groceries or gas. Every little bit along the way makes a great difference.

Despite Starkville’s small percentage of restaurants with student discounts, a few acknowledge college student’s financial struggle.

Students such as Valinsia Mays, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry, believe student discounts are an important way to support the student population.

“We are college students, and not all of us have jobs,” Mays said.

Laura Lyons, a sophomore majoring in industrial engineering, thinks businesses should make an effort to include student discounts.

“I would say student discounts are important because students tend to have a lower or no income. I

think in general it’s easier to reach college students when businesses do offer a discount because the majority of them are very aware of the money they spend,” Lyons said.

Lyons added particular locations she would like to see take on this challenge.

“I wish that grocery stores and local restaurants offered some sort of discount for college students. I find that is where I spend the most money every week,” Lyons said. “I also think that local coffee shops could be competitive in college towns by offering discounts since they are pretty popular places to study.”

The small markdowns may not substitute for the college debt one may acquire, but the little perks of a couple dollars off at least make the financial struggles of college a little more bearable.

Gracie Byrne|The Reflector

Skyland Thompson, owner of The Last Page, looks through the store’s comic book selection.

Student discounts are sparse in Starkville RILEY STEPHENS STAFF WRITER

Being a college student this day and age has many financial drawbacks such as impending student debt. However, student discounts are one positive aspect that provides an ease on expenses. Since Starkville is a college town, one would think there would be a wide variety of local eateries which acknowledge student’s scholarly statuses by granting little discounts along the way.

Even though it is a college town, many students are not aware of the benefits they may reap by simply flashing their student IDs prior to paying the bill for a meal. I took the liberty of checking in with various places along the Highway 12 strip and in the Cotton District to

BULLETIN BOARD

BAD DAWGS Friday, October 4, 2019 Officer found a license plate on the ground at the intersection of Magruder Street and President’s Circle.

Saturday, October 5, 2019

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Sunday, October 6, 2019 Officer responded to Deavenport Hall for welfare check on a student. Nothing was found.

Traffic Citations Report MSU Citation issued on:

Non-resident/visitor arrested on Blackjack Road for possession of marijuana in motor vehicle, possession of beer in dry county and minor in possession of alcohol. Justice court citations issued.

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College View Street for speeding 35/20

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Blackjack Road for speeding 52/30.

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Bully Boulevard for speeding 41/20.

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Stone Boulevard for speeding 40/20.

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Stone Boulevard for speeding 44/20.

Student reported his vehicle was damaged while parked in F11 parking lot.

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Stone Boulevard for seatbelt violation.

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Stone Boulevard for seatbelt violation.

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Sorority Row for driving wrong way.

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Sorority Row for driving wrong way.

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Sorority Row for driving wrong way.

Student was having difficulty breathing in residence hall. Subject was transported to OCH via ambulance.

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OPINION

Letter to the Editor: on animal mascots

Hong Kong deserves American attention and action

JENNIFER O’CONNOR

PETA FOUNDATION SENIOR WRITER

Dear Editor, As I write, I am listening to the snores of my beloved rescued English bulldog, Arthur, a puppy mill “reject.”

Bulldogs are comical and completely devoted, but like all bulldogs, Arthur’s chest is too large, his nose is too short and his legs are too stumpy.

He starts breathing hard when the temperature hits 60. Even though he is friendly and personable, loud noises and crowds make him anxious.

But of course, that could be said for most dogs and many people, for that matter.

It is hard to imagine that any animal enjoys appearing before raucous crowds. Being forced into a stadium full of bright lights, screaming fans and loud noises can be stressful—and even terrifying—for sensitive animals like dogs, who would much rather be at home taking it easy.

Even if animals used as mascots are not blatantly abused, they have no choice in the matter. What if they simply do not feel like participating?

They have no choice but to do so. What if they are feeling ill, tired, cranky or unsociable?

It does not matter, because off to the stadium they go.

And really, is a dog or other animal on the sideline really why people go to a game? Is a live animal really necessary to represent a school’s brand?

Surely institutes of higher education can find ways to entertain and stimulate crowds without compromising the well-being of any animal.

TYLER DANIEL

is a graduate student studying political science. Contact him at opinion@reflector. msstate.edu.

In June of this year, protests erupted in the People’s Republic of China’s autonomous special administrative region of Hong Kong over China’s proposal to allow extraditions from Hong Kong to China. China and Hong Kong currently operate under a governance style they refer to as “one country, two systems,” wherein Hong Kong exists as a region of China, but maintains the greatest degree of autonomy China can grant to one of its regions.

Hongkongers protesting the proposed extradition agreement fear it will allow China to arrogate more influence and control over Hong Kongese politics than should be permitted under their current two systems model.

The younger Hongkongers have expressed additional concerns over the eventual merger between the two states, scheduled for 2047.

Though Western media such as the BBC have covered the Hong Kong protests, I have yet to see the outrage and assistance I would have hoped we and our democratic allies would offer.

Canadian Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison are examples of world leaders who have cautioned China’s brutal response to the “legitimate” protests, but the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has demonstrated what I would describe as a more than lackluster response, verging on turning his back on the democratic norms for which our country is expected to advocate. CNN’s Jim Sciutto, Gloria Borger and Jeremy Diamond reported Trump pledged U.S. silence on the protests to Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the U.S. State Department instructed its general counsel in Hong Kong to cancel a scheduled speaking engagement in which he would address the protests.

This response does nothing to help Hongkongers advocate for democratic values and norms; rather, it displays the U.S. turning a blind eye to those same principles as they falter to an authoritarian regime.

One may ask why the U.S. and other Western nations should involve themselves in the internal affairs of one of the world’s largest economic and military powerhouses, and I can think of no better and more relevant example than China’s handling of its Tibet Autonomous Region, which previously existed as the independent Kingdom of Tibet for hundreds of years, but was absorbed into China in 1951.

Tibetans developed their own religious, cultural and

political norms during their independence, but their incorporation into China marked the end of most of these norms when Chinese control and influence that was contrary to their former lifestyle was thrust unto them, leading to the eventual exile of their most important and influential religious figure, the Dalai Lama.

Human rights violations

by China against Tibetans have been rampant since Tibet’s incorporation into China, as recently reported

by Alim Seytoff of Radio Free Asia. The world stood by, accepting China’s status quo of authoritarian perversion of the Tibetan culture, offering little more than the calls for peace we are seeing from many of the world’s leaders today.

This resulted in the Chinese feeling empowered to know they can invade and erode other civilizations without recourse.

Tibet, however, does not stand alone as the only victim of China’s unchecked expansionism and human rights violations.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region also suffers from similar cultural erosion and human rights violations by the Chinese government.

Amnesty International released an article in which they urged the secretary general of the United Nations to swiftly and fiercely condemn the Chinese government’s egregious violations of human rights in Xinjiang, as they oppress Xinjiang’s native Muslim population

Rosalind Hutton

by forcing them into internment camps, intrusively surveil Muslim worshipers and force Uygur Muslims to abandon their cultural norms in favor of the authoritarian values advocated by the Chinese government.

Xinjiang stands as another example of what could become the reality in Hong Kong if the international community does not more aggressively defend the principles that have allowed democratic societies with basic human freedoms to flourish.

Macau and Taiwan are two other autonomous regions within China that could face similar fates to Xinjiang and Tibet, if China is allowed to freely erode Hong Kongese norms. Whereas I cannot say with an unwavering degree of certainty what the international community’s

response to China’s egregious actions in Hong Kong should be, I know options exist aside from spineless and relatively meaningless calls for a cessation of violence.

Perhaps we should advocate for total independence from China for Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang, Macau and Taiwan? Perhaps we should sanction China for violating international law vis-à-vis their human rights violations? That is for our leaders to decide.

What we can do in the meantime is raise awareness of these issues, virtually join Hongkongers as they advocate for freedoms and stand unwavering in our support for democratic values and norms, especially with regards to freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.

Schools should ditch NCAA for greener pastures

REFLECTIONS

Rosalind Hutton

Taylor Swift

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people.

Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

Trivia Time!

1. What is the only U.S. state home to a real royal palace once used by a monarchy?

2. Founded in 1921, this company was credited with being the first “fast food” chain?

3.

What musician played Cinna in “The

Hunger Games” film series?

4. In 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven was born in what German city?

5. Which U.S. state has the motto “Live Free or Die” on their license plate?

4. Bonn, Germany 5. New Hampshire Answer: 1. Hawaii 2. White Castle 3. Lenny Kravitz

Source: trivia.fyi

JOHN HAYNES

is a junior majoring in history and classics.

Contact him at opinion@reflector.msstate. edu.

The knee-jerk reaction of some people upon reading the headline of this article was, “How absurd! College athletics is built on the bedrock of amateurism. It keeps it pure!”

Back in the day, this argument used to be fairly convincing. As the years go by, though, the basis for this continues to dwindle.

According to Investopedia’s Tim Parker, March Madness generates about $900 million in revenue for the NCAA. No one tunes in to watch the NCAA officials. They memorize the channel numbers of CBS, TNT, TruTV and TBS, so they can see the most talented young basketball players compete for a national title.

The athletes involved, despite being the focus of the entire event, do not receive compensation for their efforts; the schools are the main beneficiaries.

The tired excuse given by athletic directors, coaches and officials is the players receive a scholarship, and gosh, in this modern world, what could be more valuable than an education?

Money, money is more valuable. The sole reason some players go to college is because they are not allowed to go straight from

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at any school receiving federal funds (i.e. almost every college in the nation).

Because of this, for every thousand shelled out to bring the point guard of the future to campus, an equal amount will have to be allotted for female athletes. Every gradeschool girl with an ounce of athleticism will take up some sport or another, for finally, they have a chance to make more than chump change.

Change is coming; you can already see the rebels.

Last week in Lawrence, Kansas, the NCAA served the University of Kansas a Notice of Allegations, largely concerned with a recent trial in which several assistant coaches from various schools detailed a complex web of money flowing from Adidas to high school recruits, as reported by Myron Medcalf with ESPN. How did Kansas react? On their men’s basketball Twitter page, Kansas head coach Bill Self appears in a video sporting both an Adidas shirt and a gold chain with a dollar bill sign. Nominally, this was

meant to drum up attention for a Kansas recruiting event, but the video is clearly also tinged with vibes of antiauthoritarian sentiment.

Another school mentioned at that trial was our very own alma mater.

According to CBS News’s Matt Norlander, former Arizona assistant “Book” Richardson said when it came to recruiting against Mississippi State, “all bets are off.”

Now this is just the allegation of one man, but I for one would not be shocked if there is some element of truth.

But who cares? The NCAA only has power because of television deals and the major colleges agreeing to follow it. Why should the bigtime universities not decide to set up a new organization for themselves, one where they do not have to pretend they abide by outdated guidelines? Let the schools ditch the NCAA at the next renegotiations with TV. They have a lot more to gain than lose.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Life Editor/Mary Madeline LaMastus

Opinion Editor/Dylan Bufkin Sports Editor/Hunter Cloud

high school to the NBA, where millions await them.

Admittedly, there are less than a dozen players of that caliber each year, but most of the high-caliber players who end up getting drafted do not spend four years in college.

University is not so much a foundation to future success, but rather a means to an end.

What about other sports?

After all, men’s basketball is only one of 16 NCAA sports sponsored by Mississippi State. If you look at the attendance for the volleyball games versus the basketball games, you can figure out which one brings in the cash.

I feel there should be limited restrictions on how much any athlete could be paid – perhaps a salary cap – but why should the NCAA interfere?

Let the market determine the rate.

If you support women’s sports, supporting a revolution in the financial realm of college sports is a nobrainer. The NCAA’s bylaws can be altered much easily than the federal governments.

Title IX will still be in place

Circulation/Sierra Pruitt circulation@reflector.msstate.edu

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EDITORIAL POLICY

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CORRECTIONS

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5-Sports SPORTS

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Bulldog basketball looks ahead to tipping off in a month BRIANNA WALKER STAFF WRITER

With the start of basketball season a little over a month away, both Mississippi State University basketball programs discussed team development and expectations during a preseason conference Oct. 3.

MSU women’s head coach Vic Schaefer and Jordan Danberry, a graduate student guard from Conway, Arkansas, were the first to meet with the media, according to a press release from MSU Athletics. Danberry coming back to the team was a surprise as she was granted an extra year by the NCAA. “I was in complete shock when I was given the news,” Danberry said. “He [Schaefer] asked me if I still wanted to do it, and I told him that I did.”

Focusing on the future, the Bulldogs already have one practice under their belt and plan to move full steam ahead after fall break.

Schaefer expects to run practice six days a week.

“They will get Friday, Saturday and Sunday off again this year,” Schaefer said, “And once they come back, we are going to be in it to win it from that point.”

After losing center Teaira McCowan and guard Jazzmun Holmes upon their graduation, one question remains: Who is going to step up and fill in those key areas? With Danberry back, she is expected to reprise her role as an offguard and continue to be a key offensive player, but she will not be limited to the point guard position.

Replacing such an

Mary Georgia Hamilton, Rosalind Hutton

essential component like a point guard is an important decision to make, Schaefer said there is one player that could solidify the slot, and that is Myah Taylor, a sophomore guard from Olive Branch.

“Myah is probably my best help-side defender and maybe one of our better on-ball defenders,” Schaefer said. “Our job is to help her become the overall player she needs to become; just like with every player we have.”

With a seasoned roster including talented freshman, the lineup possibilities leave the roster open for many options and matchups to change it, but Schaefer says it is still too early to make final decisions.

Last season, the Men’s Basketball team appeared in their 11th NCAA Tournament and broke a 10-year drought. The Bulldogs also lost three of their best shooters to the NBA draft and was without Nick Weatherspoon, a junior guard from Canton, for the last 10 games of season due to suspension.

Head coach Ben Howland said Tyson Carter, a senior guard from Starkville, and Elias King, a freshman Forward from Suwanee, Georgia, can fill in the gaps from the missing pieces while Weatherspoon looks to get back in the rhythm of playing.

“Elias is one of our best shooters on the team,” Howland said.

“We lost three very good shooters in Q [Quinndary Weatherspoon], Aric [Holman] and Lamar [Peters], out three best, three-point shooters. You talk about guys that could really shoot other than

Bulldogs lose Esports Egg Bowl, THANKS Keenum looks to grow the sport FOR MAKING US # BRANDON GRISHAM ONLINE EDITOR

The Esports Golden Egg Trophy has moved to Oxford after the University of Mississippi Esports team, led by Jonah Herrin, defeated the Mississippi State University team by a final score of 4-3.

The entire event of seven titles featured hours of competitive gameplay that resulted in a tied score of 3-3. MSU was triumphant in Rainbow Six: Siege, Overwatch and League of Legends. Ole Miss was victorious in CounterStrike: GO, Rocket League and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. It all came down to an intense tie-breaker round where both teams had to settle it in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.

The day kicked off with an introduction from the host, Robert “Hexagrams” Kirkbride. Hex elevated the energy from the crowd, interviewed the competitors and set the stage by introducing each title. Before the event started, Hex brought in a few speakers for opening announcements.

Student Association president Jake Manning took the stage and expressed his historic passion for video games. His personal history was followed by his expectations for the future of MSU Esports.

“I’d like to think … 10 years from now Mississippi State has an official Esports team that’s in a league, that competes competitively, that gets scholarships and that all started from the work that everybody was doing here today,” Manning said.

Appreciation was then shared toward MSU administration and staff for assisting with the event.

After an introduction from Jake Manning, MSU president Mark E. Keenum welcomed both teams to the event.

“What we’re celebrating today is modern, high-tech competition,” Keenum said. “It takes a lot of hard work and skill to be up here on this stage. A lot of commitment and drive for competition.”

President Keenum went on to recall the initial start of the Egg Bowl tradition and tied it into the creation of this event.

“We’re getting started,” Keenum said. “We look to the future as a university and I’m proud of these young students; these coed students who can come here and compete at this high level.”

Following the opening words, each team’s competitors took the stage for the first title.

Commentators brought key information to online spectators and the crowd, explaining rules, logistics and the players current strategies. Both MSU and Ole Miss provided swapping sportscasters, showcasing in-depth knowledge of each individual title.

Counter-Strike: GO, a competitive PC shooter, was the first match of the day that resulted in a 16-9 win for Ole Miss. MSU followed the defeat by winning 7-5 of the rounds in Rainbow Six: Siege, a closequarters PC shooter. Ole Miss gained another point by winning 3-2 rounds of Rocket League, a car-based soccer title. MSU returned the tie with 2-0 rounds in Overwatch, a team-based shooter title for PC. Call of Duty : Black Ops 4 was played next, resulting in a 3-1 win for the Ole Miss Landsharks.

MSU’s Bulldogs

followed with a shutout game of League of Legends, a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena for PC, with two aces and 8–22 kills under 24 minutes. The final tie-breaker competition of the evening featured Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a Nintendo crossover fighting title. It was an intensely close match that ended against MSU competitor Maze playing as Mario vs Ole Miss challenger Ataraxia playing as Mr. Game & Watch.

The event ended with the passing of the Esports Egg Bowl Trophy. Jay DeShong, the president of MSU Esports, said a few words and commended the team on their performance.

“Jonah, I’m given the honor of presenting the 2019 Esports Egg Bowl Trophy to you and Ole Miss Esports. Congratulations on the win,” Deshong said.

“Thank you everyone for watching at home. Thank you everyone for coming.

Hope to see you guys in Oxford for the 2020 Esports Egg Bowl.”

The future of MSU Esports is looking bright as the university works toward the growing Esports coverage.

President Keenum stated that recent developments were underway to expand outreach.

“Just this past week I had the opportunity at our board meeting with ESPN executives and the SEC network to talk about how we need to start focusing as a network on Esports and Esports broadcasts,” Keenum said. “It won’t be very long before we start to see these types of competitions, not just on social networks, but on live linear television. That’s coming and I’m excited about that.”

Tyson [Carter], it was those three.”

One Bulldog from this squad had a busy summer and made a name for himself during the offseason. Reggie Perry, a sophomore forward from Thomasville, Georgia, led the USA 19-and-under team to a gold medal and received the most valuable player award for his performance during the tournament.

Looking to the upcoming season, Perry is expected to be an impact player with his very physical and tough play style. He has even been dubbed as the preseason SEC Player of the Year on a few media outlets.

Another returning player who is said to have a breakout year is Robert Woodard II, a sophomore guard from Columbus.

Woodard is a double threat as a perimeter player and uses his size to rebound as well as to score when needed. He also has taken the role as one of the team’s leaders and has shown great leadership.

“I think Robert Woodard [II] had and unbelievable summer,” Howland said.

“Robert has really improved his outside jump shot. I think he’s really grown offensively as a permanent player from when he first arrived a year ago to where he’s right now.”

With the season a month away, both teams are ready and equipped for their new campaigns. The women’s team will hold an exhibition game Monday, Nov. 4 against Lubbock Christian at the Humphrey Coliseum at 7 p.m., the men’s team will hold an exhibition game the day after against Florida International University at the Humphrey Coliseum at 7 p.m.

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