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What really happened with The Daily and Jack White
SILENT DEMONSTRATION
T
YA JIN/THE DAILY
Mechanical engineering junior Meagan Johnson and chemical engineering junior Spencer Davis sit in silence Tuesday afternoon in Adams Hall. Students with the Unheard group worked on homework with tape over their mouths to let the campus community know their needs are not being heard.
Unheard uses silence to raise its voice at OU The group held a silent sit-in Tuesday to raise awareness ANDREW CLARK Staff Reporter @Clarky_Tweets
Members of student minority alliance Unheard gathered on the carpet of the Price College of Business dean’s office Tuesday afternoon to do a little homework. The premise may sound harmless, but the students conducted a silent sit-in to say they are still unheard at OU. The sit-in, a march to Evans Hall on Jan. 14 and other events the group has hosted are all to make heard
the grievances put out in a public letter on Jan. 13, said Chelsea Davis, Unheard executive. Dean’s office manager Mary Bowring said she had never experienced anything like what transpired in Adams Hall yesterday in her 11 years as an OU employee. “I just wasn’t sure what it was about, but we welcomed them in,” she said. The students wished to raise awareness of their cause, Davis said. “ ... there are other individual colleges at OU who have not reached out to us regarding our movement,” she said. Although group members think they are still unheard, the group’s audience and supporters are growing.
“The Sooner experience is supposed to be all about diversity and that fact is, it’s not completely there yet,” said Everett Brown, sophomore aviation management major. “However, I do think we are aiming to get there and we are working towards that. Brown and others who participated in the silent sit-in are not executive members of Unheard. One of the participants, Emily Bowersox, is not even a student at the university. She is a campus staff worker for the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of OU. “I think their cause is important and I think people are starting to understand SEE UNHEARD PAGE 2
Sooners cruise over No. 15 W. Virginia Men’s basketball scores 20 of 71 points in fast breaks TRENT CRABTREE
Men’s Basketball Reporter @TrentCrabtree
Oklahoma men’s basketball picked up a marquee conference win Tuesday, taking down West Virginia 71-52 in Norman.
WEATHER Cloudy with a high of 48, low of 20. Updates: @AndrewGortonWX
Why the Sooners won: Practice made perfect for No. 21 Oklahoma in its matchup against No. 15 West Virginia Tuesday night. After spending the week of practice implementing 6-on-5 full-court presses, the Sooners were able to attack the WVU pressure throughout the game. OU’s passing was crisp and its guards were strong with the ball from the opening tip,
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which meant quick buckets in transition and kick-outs for shooters. At the end of the night, OU had scored 20 of their 71 points in fast breaks. Key stat: West Virginia made its mark this season by getting after opponents with their 40-minute press, which has allowed them to lead the nation in steals (12 per game.) On this night though, the Sooners were
strong with the ball and WVU was only able to muster seven steals. Key Sooner: Junior guard Buddy Hield continues to make his presence felt in these big conference games at the Lloyd Noble Center. OU’s stud guard finished with 21 points and five rebounds on five-of-six shooting from deep. The versatile OU big men continue to SEE WVU PAGE 5
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here’s been a lot of talk about The Daily, especially concerning our release of Jack White’s contract highlighting his band’s requested guacamole and recipe. His contract wasn’t something we leaked. It is public information that any of you could request. Many newspapers show contracts of celebrities that come into town; this isn’t something The Daily did that’s out of the ordinary. It’s not a hidden document, and it’s not something we had to dig to get. It is available to the public. We requested his contract to find out how much OU paid him and to find out the other terms of the contract. From there, we posted some of the odd things we found, such as the guacamole recipe and banana ban. After that, we reported how much it cost to
ASSISTANT L&A EDITOR
Emily Sharp esharp13@ou.edu @esharp13
bring White to campus. It was $80,000, and that’s a fact. We wanted to fill the story with more information from Campus Activities Council about why they paid that much, why it was worth it to pay that much, how much profit OU would receive and where the money to fund White’s concert came from. However, CAC officials either declined to comment or wouldn’t respond to our multiple texts and emails. Tuesday, in the aftermath of the concert, we reached out again. No one answered our calls, or when we did call, the answerer refused SEE WHITE PAGE 2
Hair salon opens in Headington OU will be the first university to have a Sport Clips ANDIE BEENE Staff Reporter @andie_beene
A new Sport Clips salon — the first one a university campus — has opened in Headington Hall on the corner of Jenkins Avenue and Lindsey Street. OU proposed bringing the sports-themed salon to campus, said Jessie Gibens, operations manager. “We were super excited,” Gibens said. This is the first Sport Clips to be added to a university campus, she said. When the salon moved to the larger Headington Hall space, the salon had to change their typical layout to fit the new space, Gibens said. The shampooing area, labeled “Showers,” is similar to what one might see in a locker room, Gibens said. The area has tinted
windows along the walls, unlike typical Sport Clips that place their shampooing space in the darkened back of the store. “It kind of gives you a spa feeling,” Gibens said. While the salon changed some of it’s set up, it stuck with its sports theme. ESPN plays on several televisions throughout the salon, including the waiting area that also offers sports magazines. The salon’s services also have athletic-themed titles, such as the “MVP Experience,” the “Varsity Haircut,” the “Triple Play ” a n d t h e “A l l -St a r Treatment.” Sports Clips specializes in men’s and boy’s haircuts, but anyone can get their hair cut at the salon. However, the salon won’t have styling tools that can style women’s hair, Gibens said. Students who bring their student ID will receive a $2 discount on salon services, Gibens said. Andie Beenie Andrea.K.Beene-1@ou.edu
OU YAK OF THE DAY “IF YOU CAN’T HANDLE ME AT MY LEFT SHARK, YOU DON’T DESERVE ME AT MY RIGHT SHARK.”
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VOL. 100, NO. 90 © 2015 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢
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Paris Burris, news editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily
WHITE: Musician criticizes OU’s smoking ban, newspaper on stage Continued from Page One
public interest. If only White’s photographer takes photos, or if only OU’s photographers took photos at football games, they could neglect to document happenings that paint them negatively. Media photographs and account of events offer a nonpartisan take on the event as it actually occurred, not how someone invested in the event wanted it to occur.
to comment. While we still don’t know exactly what is going on because no one is talking, here’s what we know: THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT At the concert, Daily reporters heard White say that he talked with three Daily editors about the Freedom of Information Act earlier in the day. White did not ever talk with us. We never met in person, over the phone or through email with him. Yes, this was a White lie, as @NathanPoppe put it. That doesn’t mean we didn’t try to talk to White though. We reached out to White’s management before winter break, and we never got a response.
HE HATES THE SMOKING BAN
OU is a dry and tobacco-free campus. In the contract, White’s request for alcohol in the dressing rooms was struck out. At the concert, White drank out of what appears to be a champagne bottle, according to photos from White’s concert photographer. We can’t say there PHOTO PROVIDED was alcohol in the bottle, Jack White performs Monday night in McCasland Fieldhouse. but that’s what it looked JUST BECAUSE YOU like. CAN TYPE IT ON A White also was vocal COMPUTER DOESN’T about his disdain for the MAKE IT RIGHT university officials who their contract. Van Halen’s passes for the concert. camera’s memory card or no-smoking policy. booked White were pubcontract famously includSooner yearbook was told give up their camera. So what happened? White also said at the lic officials tasked with ed a ‘No Brown M&M’s’ they would get passes, and, The photographer deOur opinion editor concert, “Just because you managing money, some clause. The band included up until a few hours before leted the photos, but the summed it up best with this can type it on your comput- of which comes from stuthe clause to make sure the concert, The Norman photos were recovered tweet: er doesn’t make it right.” dents’ fees. We reported the people were reading the Transcript believed they when they got back to the “To recap: Jack White We agree completely. costs so students could see contract carefully. Perhaps had credentials to get in newsroom. This is something jourhow their money was being White had similar intentoo. After each organization In White’s contract it says hates the OU Daily, lawyers, journalists and OU’s nalists go over extensively spent, who was spending tions? But we don’t know called to check on the pass- that no photographs may smoking ban. He loves guain media ethics courses and on whom it was spent. because everyone we tried es, they were all told they be taken in or around the and within their organizaAs for harm, no harm to contact either declined wouldn’t be getting any. venue, but constitutionally camole, philosophy classes and rocking out.” tions. Two of our standards, was done to White unless to comment or didn’t comWe then went to take this is not something that Overall, the CAC did an as outlined by the Society you count his ego. But it’s ment, so we reported the photos outside the venue can be enforced. If you are excellent job getting a muof Professional Journalists, important to understand information we had. of equipment being loadin a public place, you can sician to come to campus are to seek truth and report that we didn’t publish that ed into McCasland Field take photos. it and to minimize harm. information to embarrass THE DAILY WASN’T House, students lining up Additionally, there was a that tons of people were We reported the truth of White. We published the THERE TO PHOTOGRAPH and people going into the request made for audience excited to see. White displayed his musical talent. what the university paid information because stuvenue. Our photographers members not to take phoPeople enjoyed the conWhite and what White redents need to know how Correct. As you all may were repeatedly told to tos or videos, but this was cert. And The Daily staff did quested in his contract. their money is being spent have heard, The Daily — or leave even though they not enforced during the its job. Journalism must hold — even if it’s being spent on any other media organiwere on public property. concert. public figures accountable. homemade guacamole and zation — wasn’t allowed One photographer who was It’s important for media By our university paying aged salami with a sharp to photograph White’s taking pictures outside the to document events beWhite and his band $80,000 knife. concert. building was approached cause they are independent Emily Sharp is a journalism freshman. to play on campus, he is Additionally, many perThe Daily was initially by security and told to of the events happening a public figure. Also, the formers have oddities in told we would get press delete the images off the and are working in the
UNHEARD: Non-minority students join sit-in to show solidarity, support Continued from Page One that what they have to say is important,” Bowersox said. “My wish is for them to be heard.” Bowersox is an example of a participant who is not personally affected by the situation, in her view, but believes that it is simply a good cause. She was not alone, either; three students said they attended the demonstration because it is what they chose to observe for a communications project. “We’re supposed to study how a group in particular communicates with each other,” business management major Dustin Lee said. Junior finance major Brad Newell, also in attendance because of the communications project, said he understood the total message of the movement from observing just this one event. “(The message is) probably that they deserve to be just as heard as anybody else on campus because they work just as hard if not harder,” Newell said. Katie Mentesana, another project partner and freshman energy management and finance major, supports he group’s objectives. “I think they’re standing for a really good cause and they’re definitely all in it for the right reasons,” Mentesana said. Other participants such as Brown say the situation does affect them. Brown said that being a minority, it is easy to be unheard. “When you go to a school with 27,000 people in it and 1,100 of them are black ... It’s very easy to feel underrepresented,” Brown said. “When you look around and see that there aren’t many people who can relate to you, it’s very easy to feel unheard.” Brown was accompanied by sophomore international
YA JIN/THE DAILY
Health and exercise science junior Chelsea Davis, accounting junior Naome Kadira, mechanical engineering junior Meagan Johnson, chemical engineer junior Spencer Davis and mechanical engineering junior Alexis Hall sit in silence in Adams Hall Tuesday afternoon. Students with the Unheard group worked on homework with tape over their mouths to let Dean Pullin and the rest of the University know that their needs are not being heard.
business and accounting major Kaylon Warrior, who mirrored Brown’s thoughts about the movement as a whole. “It was kind of a surreal experience,” Warrior said. “It really makes you see this is how we feel on a daily basis. Like no matter what you say, you never really get heard.” The participants, in this particular demonstration, however, could not be heard because they did not speak. While crowding the floor in the dean’s office, all of the participants wore red packing tape over their mouths to symbolize being unheard. “It’s an awkward tension in the air,” Mentesana said, “but it’s so cool that (people who are not in Unheard)
want to support and come join as well.” But by not speaking, they were heard. Price College of Business dean Daniel Pullin grabbed a chair and his work for the day and took a seat next to Bowring in the lobby, joining the participants of the demonstration and even offering them pizza and drinks. “I want to support the students I met today just as I would any large group of students,” Pullin said. “I do believe that all students have the opportunity to express their desire for a learning environment that’s inclusive and promotes the diversity of people and programs and ideas.” Davis said she noticed
Pullin sit with them, and said commended him on his seemingly genuine behavior. “I do not know him personally, but from what I can see he seems like a very attentive and caring individual,” she said. Participants and faculty shook hands at about 5 p.m. when the demonstration was over. Davis said she was pleased with the overall turnout of the sit-in. “I think we definitely made ourselves more known tonight,” Brown said. Andrew Clark Andrew.T.Clark-1@ou.edu
UNIVERSITY THEATRE and SCHOOL OF MUSIC OU Opera Theatre OU Symphony Orchestra OU Combined Choirs Norman Children’s Choir
2 performances only!
8 pm Feb. 6 and 3 pm Feb. 8
Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center, rated PG
THEATRE.OU.EDU (405) 325-4101 The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. ou.edu/eoo
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Wednesday, February 4, 2015
LIFE&ARTS
Emily Sharp, life & arts editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts
‘La Cage’ production ‘drags’ on ‘La Cage aux Folles‘ comes to stage in full color Feb. 27 BRIGETTE WALTERMIRE Daily Contributor
The University Theatre costume shop and other drama school areas have been working for several weeks on wardrobe and set piece for ‘La Cage aux Folles’ — but this isn’t a typical manufacturing job. ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ a musical, will premiere on Feb. 27, and costume designers are moving at a rapid pace for preparations to be completed by the show’s premiere. The musical, based on a book by Harvey Fierstein, is about a Saint-Tropez drag club manager named Georges, and his partner, Albin, who stars in the drag show and acts as stepfather to Georges’ biological son, Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel is engaged to a woman whose father is head of the “Morality, Family and Tradition Organization,” said Tanner Rose, a junior musical theater major and the actor who plays Albin. The gay parents attempt to hide their drag lifestyle from the fiancee’s parents throughout the play. Because of the unreserved nature of the play, the set and costuming are designed to match the theme, said Amy Kercher, the master stitcher for the costume shop and who also teaches costume construction. “It is so insanely bright,” Rose said. “They’re making a backdrop ... I think it’s like 20 to 30 feet tall, and it’s
an illustration of my face in drag… It has incredible orange hair and, like, a purple boa around my neck. But the costumes are what really sell the color palette of the show.” The costumes for this show were more technical than many of the other shows because the shop had to create chests and hips for the drag queens before fitting cos-
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Show runs: Feb. 27 to March 8 Rating: PG-13 Tickets: Available online at University Theatre’s website or at the Fine Arts Box Office, 500 W. Boyd St., from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Price: $30 for adults, $25 for discounted tickets, $20 for students; $40 for adults at the door, $25 for students at the door
tumes, Kercher said. Each “cagelle,” or madwoman, has a set of “boobs” for the drag performances, said Brittany Bonefas, a sophomore ballet pedagogy major who works in the costume shop. The garments the drag queens wear either have breast pads sewn into the costume or are worn separately as a bra, with some requiring hand stitching. “I like ‘La Cage’ a little bit more than other productions because I get more
BRIGETTE WALKTERMIRE/DAILY CONTRIBUTOR
Christina Draper, first hand for the OU University Theatre costume shop, handles custom-ordered material for one of the dresses in ‘La Cage aux Folles.
opportunities to hand stitch,” Bonefas said. Christopher Harris, the costume shop manager for the University Theatre, said there could be around 60 man-hours spread between five staff members and about 30 student workers for each garment. He estimated that the shop was creating around 150 pieces. Sometimes the actors struggle with the costumes. “The weirdest thing for me [is] stepping into a dress. There are no leg holes, and so the whole time I’m looking down trying to figure out where my leg goes,” Rose said. “It’s strange, but it’s so fun.” The design for ‘La Cage’ has been in the works since
the first day school convened, Rose said. “We have what’s called designer presentations where the costume designer gives his spiel, and kind of lets the cast in on what he’s thinking and what he’s formulating,” Rose said. “ … You kind of start to see pictures in your head.” The costume crew takes the designer’s sketches and photos of their costume and uses them to create the design, said Harris. “Looking at a picture, we all can see different things,” he said. The designs are overseen by Lloyd Cracknell, the assistant professor of costume design at OU and a Kennedy C e n t e r aw a rd - w i n n i n g
designer, said Tom Orr, director for the Helmerich School of Drama. “This is really in his wheelhouse,” Orr said. “He’s very gifted, and kind of flamboyant … over-the-top is what he does best.” The team is careful to communicate with each other and the designer as they proceed with production of the costumes. “I’ve been sewing for decades, and so I don’t have to think about my process; but, very often, I will consult with my first hand and with my cutter-draper to see if my idea of process meets theirs,” Kercher said. She has been at OU for over 20 years. Each member of the design crew has been at the
shop for different amounts of time, and each has their own specialty. Kercher said no matter how much experience one has, knowing the theory and putting it into practice are two different things. “We have a lot of discussions of ‘No, I think this is what it is,’ or, ‘I think this is what it is’ … and, then, we call the designer and go, ‘What did you actually mean?’” Harris said. “All of us know that what we are working to is the ultimate design that the designer created.” “I’m just so happy they chose the show, and I got to be a part of it while I was here,” Rose said.
Guides prepare throughout the Another book spring for Honors College trip from Harper Lee ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ author to publish new book
Outdoor Adventure to take place over the summer
The Associated Press
DAISY CREAGER News Reporter
Hiking in the New Mexico woods in the middle of August while carrying 20- to 50-pound packs may not be easy work, but that doesn’t deter a group of honors students training to be guides in the Pecos Wilderness. Ever y August, the OU Honors College hosts a week-long hiking trip for incoming freshmen to connect with each other and older students, said Jefferson Haffener, computer engineering sophomore. “ You build deeper relat i o n s h i p s t ha n i f you just came into s chool,” Haffener said. “It’s a great way to really make lasting connections.” Although it is open to all freshmen in the Honors College, only around 30 usually sign up, Haffener PHOTO PROVIDED said. He is one of the leadFreshman honors students go hiking in the New Mexico woods with upperclassmen the summer before ers in charge of hiring and Ch Children Chil ildr dren enattending tto o King Kin Ki n Students Sizewere selected as guides last month. they begin OU. o rga n i z i ng t h e stu d e nt guides. they have learned, Haffener Training w ill include environment.” Students applied to be Bock said the trip said. basics of camping and guides in December and team-building as well as a l l o w s s t u d e n t s t o were selected in January, lightning safety. Guides are bond through physical “I think that it’s with preference given to required to be certified and exhaustion. students with previous outreally important “It’s very physically trained in CPR and first aid, door experience, Haffener demanding,” Bock said. Haffener said. to know. Learking said. Sara Lowe, environmen- “ W h i l e you ’ re t r u dg “It’s a great way to exabout that sort of tal sustainability freshman ing along, you may not plore and gain experience and guide, said in addition think ‘Oh I’m having a thing makes you and influence young into preparing them for the good time,’ but it’s deficoming freshmen for the more aware of trip, the training will give nitely a very rewarding better,” said Cameron Bock, the direct impact them more environmental experience.” an English and philosophy awareness. you have on the junior returning for his sec“I think that it’s really ond year as a guide. environment.” important to know,” Lowe Daisy Creager Student guides lead hikes Daisy.C.Creager-1@ou.edu said. “Learning about that SARA LOWE, and help run the camp. sort of thing makes you ENVIRONMENTAL They meet twice a month 2409 24 09 S Agnew Agn gnew ew Ave Ave (405) 636-1486 (4 more aware of the direct SUSTAINABILITY FRESHMAN for training and take a guide impact1:00-4:45 you have on the Monday to Saturday 9:00-5:45 & Sunday trip in May to practice what
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NEW YORK (AP) — “To Kill a Mockingbird” will not be Harper Lee’s only published book after all. Publisher Harper announced Tuesday that “Go Set a Watchman,” a novel the Pulitzer Prize-winning author completed in the 1950s and put aside, will be released July 14. Rediscovered last fall, “Go Set a Watchman” is essentially a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” although it was finished earlier. Reactions ranged from euphoria (Oprah Winfrey issued a statement saying, “I couldn’t be happier if my name was Scout”) to skepticism about Lee’s cooperation and about the quality of the new book. Biographer Charles J. Shields noted that Lee was a “beginning author” when she wrote “Watchman.” The 304-page book will be Lee’s second, and her first new work in print in more than 50 years, among the longest gaps in history for a major writer. “In the mid-1950s, I completed a novel called ‘Go Set a Watchman,’” the 88-yearold Lee said in a statement issued by Harper. “It features the character known as Scout as an adult woman, and I thought it a pretty decent effort. My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout’s childhood, persuaded me to write a novel (what became ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’) from the point of view of the young Scout. “I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn’t realized it (the original book)
had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.” Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal was negotiated between Carter and the head of Harper’s parent company, Michael Morrison of HarperCollins Publishers. “Watchman” will be pub-
“ I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.” HARPER LEE, AUTHOR OF “TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD”
lished in the United Kingdom by William Heinemann, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Lee lives in an assisted living center in her hometown of Monroeville, the real-life model for the fictional town of Maycomb of “To Kill A Mockingbird.” A longtime friend said she is deaf, blind and in poor health, spending much of her time in a wheelchair. She was last seen publicly in November at the funeral of her older sister, Alice Lee, who long represented the author and was known for being protective of her. Harper publisher Jonathan Burnham acknowledged Tuesday that the publisher had had no direct conversations with Harper Lee, but communicated through Carter and literary agent Andrew Nurnburg.
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• Wednesday, February 4, 2015
OPINION
Kaitlyn Underwood, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion
Learn about OU’s black history Our view: February is
Black History Month and a great opportunity to talk about the history of race at OU. Racism isn’t dead in America and neglecting to talk about race won’t make the problem go away. February is Black History Month and the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about race in America. We believe speaking openly about racial issues is one of the best ways to address inequality, and what better place to start with than the University of Oklahoma. We encourage students to brush up on race at OU to remind them of our history, how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. Below are a few of the most important figures and George McLaurin (left) sits segregated from white students in 1948 classroom at OU. events in the history of desegregation and outside the classroom the first black woman race at OU. helped our school beduring classes. to attend an all-white come more inclusive. McLaurin continsouthern law school. McLaurin v. She went on to earn her She originally applied ued his fight for equal Oklahoma State law degree and was apto OU’s law school in treatment as he fought Regents 1946 and was denied ad- pointed to the University to make OU remove of Oklahoma Board of the separate facilities mission based on race. George McLaurin Regents in 1992. and allow him to inSipuel took the case to endured years of court court and the Supreme teract with his fellow cases and unequal treatUnheard and the Court ruled in 1948 students. In 1950 the ment in his pursuit of continuous quest for Supreme Court ruled in that Oklahoma must equality at OU. In fact, equality provide equal instrucMcLaurin v. Oklahoma McLaurin was the first State Regents that a pubtion for black and white black student admitted Racial tensions students. lic institution of higher to OU. McLaurin sucare alive and well in However, integrating learning could not processfully sued OU for admittance in 1948 after vide different treatment the law school wasn’t to a student based sole- that simple. Instead he was denied admisof letting Sipuel attend sion to pursue a Doctor ly on his or her race. classes at OU’s existing The court ruled doing of Education degree. law school, OU creatso was a violation of a At the time, the state student’s Fourteenth ed an entirely separate of Oklahoma was still school, the Langston segregated and schools Amendment rights of University School of were required to provide equal protection. McLaurin’s case Law at the state capitol, separate instruction proved to set the preca situation that was sepfor black and white stuarate but certainly not dents. Although it’s em- edent for the Supreme equal. Sipuel had to take barrassing and sadden- Court’s landmark 1954 case, Brown v. Board of further legal action to ing, incorporating Jim Education that desegdemonstrate OU’s failCrow laws that essenure to provide her with tially made segregation regated schools across equal instruction, and in legal was the Oklahoma America. 1949 she was admitted legislature’s first act after to OU’s law school. Ada Lois Sipuel Oklahoma became a Even after successFisher state. fully integrating OU’s OU admitted Sipuel is famous for law school, Sipuel was McLaurin, but he was integrating OU’s law made to sit in a chair lanot taught in the same school in 1949 after beled “colored” during setting as his white undergoing multiple classes and eat lunch in peers. He had to sit at a a chained-off, guarded separate cafeteria table, lawsuits and countless acts of racism, much like section of the cafeteria. had a designated desk McLaurin. Sipuel, an Sipuel is an integral in the library and was Oklahoma native, was figure in Oklahoma’s forced to sit at a desk
PHOTO PROVIDED
America, and the lack of true equality is evident in cities across the country. Take a glance at recent headlines and you’ll see examples of racial strife from Ferguson, Missouri, to New York City to Cleveland, Ohio. We believe it is critical to talk about racial issues, get uncomfortable about the inequalities that still exist and work together
to inspire change in our communities. It’s 2015 and we still reflect on the strides toward equality made by African-American figures from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Fifty years from now it’s likely OU students will be talking about the actions taken by students who attend classes with us right now, like Unheard, a student group committed to bringing about change at OU. Unheard members have organized a silent sit-in, had private meetings with OU President David Boren and held a rally on the South Oval to air their grievances about the lack of inclusion and representation of black culture at OU, all in the span of a few weeks. These students have made it clear the journey toward equality is a continuous process requiring open dialogue across the university. This Black History Month, and every month, we encourage students to engage in that dialogue and help make our university more accepting and diverse.
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Standardized tests should end SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Jaye Pelley ojayepelley@ou.edu @JayePelley
I
f you’ve had to take state standardized testing, you understand how much of an added stress the tests are for teachers and students alike. Testing takes up precious class time so the state can put a quantitative value on a qualitative skill. Additionally, these tests take away from students’ motivation to learn and grow. I want to say right now that while I am against standardized testing, I am NOT against assessment.
Assessments are important because they guide lesson plans, gauge student progress and monitor teacher effectiveness. Standardized testing is not an accurate use of assessment. The test happens on one day during the year and is often an inaccurate snapshot of student progress. What if the student is sick? Didn’t sleep well? Has test anxiety? State tests aren’t even made by teachers; rather, textbook companies make them. While the companies will know the curriculum to produce the test, the tests are not developmentally appropriate for students, and, I would argue, do more harm than good. When I was in school, the schools did a week of mock testing, then a few months later the real state test would be administered. I always thought it was a huge waste of time. Two weeks for just testing? Those are precious
weeks teachers could use to help their students develop deeper understanding of content or explore something outside the curriculum in which students have an interest. Because the state invests millions of dollars into education, government officials wants to see if the money is being spent wisely, so they assess schools by standardized testing. However, what if instead of testing, students put together a portfolio of their work that demonstrates they are meeting standards? In this way, not only would students take ownership of their learning by creating this portfolio, but also the stress of highstakes testing would be eliminated for something more valuable. Jaye Pelley is an early childhood education senior.
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Wednesday, February 4, 2015 •
NEWS
5
Paris Burris, news editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts
›››› Sooner Sampler:
Why do you think Black History Month is important? “I think it’s good to remember the past and where we’ve come from so we know our mistakes and what not to do again.” EMMILY BURDINE, BIOLOGY FRESHMAN
“... It brings up the whole conversation that there are still problems society and reminding ourselves that we still have stuff to work on.” KYNDALL DOUGHTY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FRESHMAN SHAWNTAL BROWN/THE DAILY
Vice chairperson Connor Bourland discusses the consequences and details of the possible impeachment of current SGA President Kunal Naik on Tuesday evening. The resolution calling for impeachment failed with 21 no votes, 18 yes votes and one abstention.
Congress decides not to impeach SGA president 21 vote no, 18 vote yes after 45 minutes of debate PAGE JONES
Assistant News Editor @pageousm
The OU Undergraduate Student Congress voted to not pursue impeachment toward Student Government Association President Kunal Naik Tuesday night. The vote failed with 21 no, 18 yes and 1 abstain. The vote was taken after 45 minutes of heated debate where both pro and con sides were heard. The potential impeachment stemmed from Naik’s public intoxication arrest over winter break.
Arguments from those in favor of the resolution said Naik should be held accountable for his actions because he represents the student body at all times, even over a break. In the legislation, authors Connor Bourland and Ryan Echols cited a line in the SGA constitution that stated an SGA president must conduct themselves properly during official events, according to the meeting agenda. Congress members debated whether or not Naik’s arrest is an official event. Members for the resolution said because he was out with more than three people it was an official event. But those against the resolution
stated that at the time of arrest, Naik was alone and it could not be considered an official event. At the meeting, congress decided to table the resolution censuring Naik until next week due to needed revisions within the bill. In other Congress news, the group passed a resolution stating that the OU student body is opposed Sally Kern’s House Bill 1598, a bill allowing parents to enroll their children in conversion therapy. Congress passed an act that changed the SGA campaign funds limit to $500. They also passed an act changing SGA’s Department of Special Communities
to the Department of Diversity. The campaign funds were changed to mirr o r Te x a s C h r i s t i a n University’s policy and to not excluded those who are unable to get outside funding, like from their sorority or fraternity house. The name change to the Department of Diversity is in response to recent movements made by OU Unheard, a student-run group advocating for minority students on campus. Page Jones page.c.jones-1@ou.edu
WVU: Sooners look ahead to game with TCU Continued from Page One draw the defense in transition, which is leaving Hield wide open and he’s capitalizing on it. Key Mountaineer: Senior guard Juwan Staten was WVU’s only threat throughout the contest. Staten, last
season’s leading scorer in the Big 12, scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds. It was a tale of two halves for the slasher from Dayton, Ohio, who scored 14 of his points in the first and didn’t even attempt a shot until the halfway mark of the second. What it means: OU improves to 15-7 for the year
and 6-4 in Big 12 play. With a tougher-than-you-wouldthink road test against TCU and the Big Monday showdown with Iowa State coming up, this is the most crucial stretch of the Sooners’ season so far. What’s next: The Sooners take the trip down I-35 Saturday to face the TCU
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Horned Frogs (14-7, 1-7) in Fort Worth. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and ESPNEWS will carry the broadcast.
OUDaily.com For the full game story and photo galleries, visit oudaily.com/sports
“I think racism is a subvert part of our culture and celebrating black history month brings it to the forefront of our conversations.” JAMIE FRANZESE, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FRESHMAN
“I think we should celebrate black history month because it reminds us that racism is still a problem today.” PRESTON MELCHERT, BIOLOGY FRESHMAN
TODAY ON CAMPUS Union P rogramming Board daily event: Free PB&Js
in G ould Hall Gallery Students can bring their resumes and portfolios to Gould Hall for advice and criticism.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Oklahoma Memorial Union’s First Floor To celebrate the second Union Programming Board meeting of the semester, students can get free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the Union.
Arts! Arts! Arts! Celebration and fundraiser
Portfolio and resume workshop 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at G othic Hall, Cattlett Music Center The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts w ill have a celebration and fundraiser, including a performance of Bizet's "Carmen" in concert.
Adopt - An - Area Area ratings for this week Air Force ROTC Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Gamma Delta Alpha Kappa Alpha Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Phi Alpha Alpha Phi Omega Alpha Sigma Kappa Alpha Tau Omega Beta Theta Pi Catholic Student Assn. Chi Omega Delta Chi Delta Delta Delta Delta Epsilon Psi Delta Gamma Delta Phi Omega Delta Sigma Theta Delta Tau Delta
Delta Upsilon Gamma Phi Beta Hispanic American Student Assn. International Leadership Class Iota Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Kappa Alpha Psi Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Delta Chi Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Kappa Psi Lambda Chi Alpha N. Soc. of Collegiate Scholars Omega Delta Phi Omega Psi Phi Our Earth Phi Beta Sigma Phi Delta Alpha Phi Delta Theta Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Kappa Psi Phi Kappa Sigma Pi Beta Phi Pi Kappa Alpha Pi Kappa Phi President’s Community Scholars President’s Leadership Class Rotaract RUF/NEK Lil Sis Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Gamma Rho Sigma Lambda Beta Sigma Lambda Gamma Sigma Nu Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Phi Beta Adams Center Cate Center Couch Center Walker Center
Way to go! Keep up the good work!
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• Wednesday, February 4, 2015
SPORTS
Dillon Hollingsworth, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
Two-game losing streak CLASSIFIEDS does not discourage team J Housing Rentals
HELP WANTED
Women’s basketball hopes to redeem itself soon
Seeking reliable student (s) to care for a bright, energetic 1st grader after school. The best candidates will enjoy creative play, being outside, and nurturing an active imagination. Elementary of science ed majors preferred; we’d love to have someone who can teach him Spanish. Begin as soon as available, M-F, 2:45-5pm on school days. Email dzaras@ou.edu.
JOE BUETTNER
Women’s Basketball Reporter @Joe_Buettner
Oklahoma women’s basketball returns to the Lloyd Noble Center Wednesday for a home date with the Iowa State Cyclones. The Sooners suffered their first two losses in Big 12 play this past weekend after winning the first seven games of their conference slate. O U w e nt o n t h e roa d and dropped a Thursday night clash with the Texas Longhorns in double overtime. Oklahoma then endured a nine-point loss to West Virginia Sunday in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Cyclones are 5-4 in conference, which ties them for third place in the Big 12 standings. Iowa State senior Nikki Moody, sophomore Seanna Johnson and senior Brynn Williamson rank in the top 15 in scoring in the Big 12, and they’ve helped the Cyclones to an average of 72.9 points per game. Despite the Sooners’ twogame losing streak, sophomore guard Peyton Little says the team’s confidence is still high. “We playe d tw o really good teams on the road, and we weren’t able to come out with a win,� Little said. “We’re going to be ready for tomorrow and the rest of Big 12 play. Just because we lost two games doesn’t mean we can’t still do what we want to do.� Oklahoma can earn its 14th win of the season, but this morning’s matchup won’t be a typical home game. The university is expecting thousands of children in attendance for a Sooner basketball “Field Trip Day,� and tip-off is set for 10:30 a.m. “We love the potential that can come from it,� coach Sherri Coale said. “We love
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S N G F O R H O R T WA L GOI KS DU TED R K A RIN R I NG T E- OUT AN D STA G RDE O STA LU S P NC RT O K I N I T H AT C H SC I H B T ST ALL HO OO GH U E NG BO UR K T ES IN S U G J SO H ME EA LT OB HY SC ME EN AL IT Y S LA WS
6.437"
JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY
Sophomore guard Peyton Little goes up for the layup during the game against Texas Tech on Jan. 24 at Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners beat the Red Raiders 73-54.
the potential of playing in front of new fans and building a new generation of OU basketball zealots.� OU will get the chance to redeem itself after dropping its first two games of Big 12 play as well as dropping out of the AP Top 25 this week. Junior forward Kaylon Williams says the team has to remain focused and stick
to playing their own game, not letting its opponents dictate how the Sooners perform. “It was a bump in the road,� Williams said. “It took me surprise, but I just have to keep the same mindset I had at the beginning of the season and staying focused.� Oklahoma and Iowa State’s morning tip-off will
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015
Can you believe what some children have to face as they grow up? In the past year alone, we’ve helped almost one million children stay in school and choose success. But there are millions more who need your help. We’re Communities In Schools and we were named one of the “100 non-profits most likely to save the world� by Worth Magazine. Now that you know who we are, just think what we can accomplish with your help.
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be broadcast on Fox Sports Oklahoma. The match-up will be the first of two home games this week for OU, who play the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday. Joe Buettner joebuet@ou.edu
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Previous Solution
Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard
Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Money or legal matters will turn in your favor. Changes at home will cause Sharing your creative and novel some tension, but everyone will benideas will help you attract the kind efit in the end. Clear up outstanding of people who are looking for innovative investments. DonĘźt be shy; paperwork before starting a new project. promote your skills and pursuits in a confident and convincing manner. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- The key to You have the talent to make this a a successful partnership depends on profitable year. both parties making equal contributions. If you find that your partner AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Personal and professional relationships isnĘźt pulling his or her weight, start a discussion before matters get worse. will improve if you participate in things instead of observing them. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Be Talk to colleagues about positions sensitive to the needs of others. opening up in your field. The more Spend time with an elderly relative you learn, the better you will do. who offers interesting insight into your past and provides input about PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- YouĘźll be looking for a new challenge. Rest- your future. lessness or boredom will lead to poor LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Lady Luck decisions. DonĘźt do or say anything is on your side. Your intuition is that could impede your progress. strong, and your decisions will be on the money. An interesting proposal ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- A compatible partnership is imminent. will have far-reaching benefits. Make sure any agreements you SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Selfdevelop are well-balanced, or you doubt will be your downfall. Once may find yourself overworked and overwhelmed. A third party can offer you have compiled the relevant information, make a commitment helpful hints. to an investment opportunity. The results may not be rapid, but you will TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -make money over the course of time. Influential acquaintances will help you make a good financial move. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Be prepared to act quickly when -- Finish what you start. A haphazard the right opportunity comes along. approach will cause chaos and leave Moderation and determination will you with lots of incomplete projects. lead to success. Stay focused and follow through until GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Intimate each matter has been finalized. time spent with a special someone CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Keep will allow you to reconnect and revive your relationship. Clear up any a close watch over the competition. You will save yourself a lot of work outstanding items on your agenda if you compare strategies and make and devote your attention to what any necessary adjustments to ensure you enjoy most. that you will be successful.
TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY. Get started at www.smallstep.gov
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 4, 2015 NOTE TO PUB: DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR ID ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUNCIL PSAs. Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention- Newspaper - (6 7/16 x 10 1/2) B&W - HLDYR1-N-12037-J “Bikini� 85 line screen at Schawk: (212)13 689-8585 Ref#: 210988 52digital ___files d’etat Change the 43 Like big
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color of 18 Knife thrust 19 Word with “yacht� or “kennel� 24 They’re often billowed 26 Big shark 27 Human wolf, at times 28 Curtain fabric 29 There are tracks on it 31 Successfully anesthetized 33 It’s used in wrap-ups, clearly 34 Texas beer 35 Captures the king 37 What sleuthing is all about 39 Gain access to 42 Fix up again
appetites 48 10 jiao 50 Comedian Carvey 53 Braid 55 Babe and Baby 56 A shell of a snack 57 Football great Graham 59 “Let’s not forget ...� 61 Event in a prison movie 62 Slangy denial 63 Foul mood 64 Competed at Belmont 65 “The loneliest number� 66 Afflicted
PREVIOUS PUZZLEANSWER ANSWER PREVIOUS PUZZLE
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CALL THE EXTERMINATOR By Lester W. Daniels
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 •
SPORTS
7
Dillon Hollingsworth, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports
Softball season starts in Hawaii OU softball team flys to Honolulu for a series of games HANK TOBOLKA Softball Reporter @hanklebreaker
The OU softball team kicks off its 2015 season this week in Honolulu with the Oceanic Time Warner Paradise Classic hosted by the University of Hawaii. There’s no better place for the Sooners to start the season. Aside from the beauty of Hawaii, it gets the team out of the frigid weather of Oklahoma and onto a softball field with some quality competition. “I’ve never been there before so it’s really cool for me and I’m just excited to go to some good weather because it’s a little cold here right now,” said junior pitcher Kelsey Stevens. The Sooners are anxious to finally begin the season after months of practice and hard work through the off season. “Everyone is really excited to play and we’ve been scrimmaging a lot, and we’re just excited to see somebody different and get out there and play,” said Stevens. But their opponents are not just a morale-boosting season opener as our football team typically faces. Oklahoma will play five games through the week. First, they face No. 25 DePaul on Thurs day. The Blue Demons will be a great first test for a team incorporating several new players into an already impressive lineup, and the Sooners have reason to be confident. When the two teams last met in 2012, the Sooners trampled the Blue Demons 18-1. Also,
JACQUELINE EBY/THE DAILY
Sophomore outfielder, Kady Self catches a fly ball hit to left field during the game against Texas on April 17 at Marita Hines Field. The Sooners beat the Longhorns 4-1.
Oklahoma is 31-13 in season openers and has won four of its past five. The Thursday showdown against DePaul will be followed by games against St. Mary’s and Hawaii on Friday. The tournament will conclude with two games on Saturday, and the opponents depend on the teams’
performances throughout the first two days. The team realizes its competition will be good and they cannot underestimate anyone. “Hawaii, who will be good, especially with a home field advantage, but I think we’re going to do really well,” said Stevens.
OU Student, TEDxOU 2015 speaker and slam poet
Victoria Bautista will kick off the event!
The trip is not for sightseeing, but instead for the Sooners to get down to business, start the season off strong, and win some games. “Obviously our main goal is to play softball, and we’re there to win,” said Stevens. “But on Sunday after we’re done playing, we have the rest of the day to be tourists
before we leave.” Stevens said this should be a good year for the Sooners. A good showing this weekend will put them on the right track to win the Big 12 Championship for the fourth straight year. The Sooners are also looking to be the first team to make the Women’s College World Series five
years in a row since Arizona made it six consecutive seasons from 2005-10. The first pitch of the 2015 season will be Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. Central Time.
A REASON TO
A conversation with Kevin Hines, who attempted suicide at 19, and Kevin Briggs, the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge.”
SURVIVAL, COMPASSION, AND THE MIRACLE OF LIFE.
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8
SPORTS
• Wednesday, February 4, 2015
THE STOOPS ERA: BEST RECRUITMENT CLASSES SPORTS COLUMNIST
Brady Vardeman brady.vardeman@ou.edu @BradyVardeman
CHRIS MICHIE/THE DAILY
A
s it stands, Oklahoma is prepared to sign one of the weaker recruiting classes in the Bob Stoops era. With no five-star commitments and just one linebacker, the Sooners could feel the effects of this class in years to come. That’s not how it’s always been, though. Let’s take a look at some of the better recruiting classes of the Stoops era:
1999
While the Sooners were still the underdog, Stoops compiled a masterpiece of a first-year recruiting class that helped set the stage for a decade of dominance. Stoops picked up two quarterbacks in 1999. The first, Josh Heupel, was a junior college quarterback at Snow College in Utah and would lead Oklahoma to its first national title in 15 years. Jason White, the other quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy his junior year and started two national championship games. Other gems include cornerback Derrick Strait, who did not even get a sniff from his hometown Longhorns, running back Quentin Griffin and linebacker Torrance Marshall.
2006
Four of the Sooners’ top commits in 2006, quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive end Gerald McCoy, tight end Jermaine Gresham and offensive tackle Trent Williams, went on to be drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. In college, Bradford solidified his name as one of the best quarterbacks in NCAA history with a 2008 Heisman campaign of 4,720 yards passing and 50 touchdowns. Also included in this class is running back DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma’s all-time leader in touchdowns. Furthermore, Murray led the NFL in rushing yards in 2014. It will be tough for any coach to top Bob Stoops’ 2006 class.
2010
Nineteen of Oklahoma’s 29 commitments in 2010 came from the Scout Top 300, including five from the top 50. Three of the most high-profile recruits, running back Brennan Clay, safety Tony Jefferson and wide receiver Kenny Stills, became known as the “Cali Trio.” Eight players from this class have made an NFL roster, and six more have a chance at professional football in 2015. The group produced fan-favorites fullback Trey Millard and Blake “Bell-Dozer” Bell, who played a part in two separate game-winning drives to beat Oklahoma State in consecutive years before switching to tight end for his senior year.
IT’S NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
SOONER
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