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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
www.southerndigest.com
Volume 60, Issue 17
Board recognizes campus achievement Evan Taylor
The Southern Digest In a more celebratory fashion the Athletics Committee’s special recognitions acknowledged athletic and academic excellence at SUBR, SUNO and Southern University Laboratory School. The board’s other committees also recognized academic honors outside of Athletics. At SUBR, the board recognized the accomplishments of the men’s basketball team as SWAC champions, and their advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament in a close game against Gonzaga. Head basketball coach Roman Banks said, “It is my pleasure to be standing before you today, standing in front of the men who worked really hard. Coach Scott, Coach Kirschner and Coach Jones, I want them to know I am thankful for them.” Banks who would later be a topic of discussion for the renewal of his contract after this year’s success and achievement introduced his team and spoke a few words about the program. “We are trying to build this program. We thank our chancellor and his wife who is out #1 fan. We try to do the best we can. We are trying to move this program to
another level. We are not just trying to be the best in the SWAC, we are trying to be the best in the state and in the country,” Banks said. Chancellor James Llorens added a thank you in return to Coach Banks for his leadership. “I have received comments on we conducted ourselves on and off the court, that we have class. Thank you so much Coach Banks for your service,” Llorens said. Tennis head coach Jeff Conyers was recognized for his contributions to the women’s tennis team’s fourth straight SWAC victory. Conyers said, “We appreciate all the support.” Llorens mentioned the academic excellence on the tennis team as well. “The team has an academic average of 3.2. I congratulate coach Conyers on a steady record of excellence on and off the court,” Llorens said. Head baseball coach Roger Cador was recognized for being named to Major league baseball’s diversity task force. “I really appreciate it. This task force is very important. Commissioner Bud Selig is so passionate about this task force. We are under the obligation to make something happen. Money is not an issue, “ Cador said. Llorens said he was happy to have someone like Cador leading SUBR’s
Evan Taylor/DIGEST Southern Univeersity Board of Supervisors Chair Bridget Dinvaut presents a certificate to Wanda Spurlock, Friday at the board meeting in J.S. Clark Administration building. Spurlock was recognized by the board among Sandra Brown, Dennis Brown and a host of athletic honorees. Spurlock was inducted into the Louisiana State Nurses Association Hall of fame. baseball program and thanked him for his leadership. From the SUNO campus, the female tournament champions including former SUBR student and
athlete Sabrina Scott. Even on from the Southern Lab middle school is a board recognized boy’s baskeball team. Not in Athletics, the board
recognized Wanda Spurlock for her induction into the Louisiana State Nurses Association hall of fame and Sandra Brown for being named Nurse Educator of the Year.
Board agenda proves more to deliberate in next meeting Evan Taylor
The Southern Digest The Southern University board of supervisors recognized academic and athletic excellence and deliberated some issues that continue to plague the board. Among those recognized were the men’s basketball team, the women’s tennis team, head baseball coach Roger Cador, Sandra Brown, Wanda Spurlock and Dennis Brown from the Southern University Alumni Federation. Issues deliberated and discussion will continue on the proposal of a RFP for a system-wide food service contract, the use of board offices for the executive assistant of the board, the system transformation plan details and the system campuses’ financial budget statuses for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Kevin Appleton presented the budget updates to the board. Appleton said, the budgets are on course for SUBR, SULC, SUAREC and SUS while SUNO has had some challenges that are being addressed. Tensions began to rise as the finance and audit committee moved to the discussion of the bid for food contract at SUNO which was approved for a 6-month extension in February.
Appleton said, “ We are looking for the best deal to materialize.” Appleton said the system is currently working on the RFP to offer up all the system food service contracts up for bid. The debate began between Appleton and Calvin Braxton concerning the validity of the contract with Aramark for SUBR that doesn’t expire until 2018. Braxton asked, “So the contract isn’t worth the paper it is printed on?” Appleton replied citing there are ways to be released from the contract with Aramark without loosing a significant investment to address the board’s budgetary concerns. When asked when the RFP would be completed, Appleton was told that June was the expiration of SUNO’s extension, Appleton replied that the RFP is behind schedule and awaiting a legal review. BOS member Myron Lawson expressed his concerns, “We have to be honorable in our dealings. We are bidding on a contract that has not expired yet.” System President Ronald Mason, interjected the reason for consideration of a system-wide approach to the food service contracts including the opportunity for smaller
Evan Taylor/DIGEST The Southern University Board of Supervisors discsussed the issues plaguing the financial status of the Southern University system and it’s individual campuses. From left to right are members Mike Small, Leon Tarver II, Evola Bates (SUS secretary), Board secretary and SU system president Ronald Mason, Board chair Bridget Dinvaut, Board vice-chair Rev. Joe Gant (not pictured), Myron Lawson (not pictured), Walter Dumas and Ann Smith. companies to bid on individual campuses while large companies can bid on the system as a whole. “We started to turn over every stone to try to save money. We have an obligation, fiduciary obligation
to look. We have to look at a systemwide approach. It’s just to see the possibilities.” Mason said. The discussion continued as questions arose concerning a possible breach of contract, the
the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
extent of turning over every stone and who will pay if the Aramark contract is broken.
See Board Agenda page 4
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Campus Briefs
Zone can meet your needs. Dietetic interns and senior dietetics can offer weight, height and BMI measurements, dietary analysis, nutrition counseling and nutrition and wellness education classes. The Nutrition Zone is open every Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in 154 Thrift Hall.
today Live Text Codes Live Text codes are available for eligible students in Stewart Hall rooms 116 or 118 between 10 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Your picture identification is required. Students who were not accessed a fee for LiveText since Summer 2010 or are not first time freshmen or first time transfer students must purchase LiveText in the bookstore or online at livetext.com.
Opportunities to Study Abroad Want to travel and study? Want to gain some language skills and credits? Study abroad with the Center for International Education. You could spend this summer in Belize, Senegal, China or Liberia. Trips range from $3,000-$3,500 and financial aid can be used to study abroad. For an application contact 225.771.2613.
Mass Communications Luncheon The SU Chapter of PRSSA presents “A Celebration of Students” Friday May 3 at noon in the Cotillion Ballroom of SmithBrown Memorial Union. Lunch tickets are $20 to be paid in advance. Students can be admitted at the door without lunch for $10. The Lunch menu will be fried or baked chicken, red Beans and rice, smoked sausage, seasoned mustard greens, cornbread muffins, garden salad and peach cobbler for dessert. Lunch will end at 1 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Yolanda Campbell at 225.771.2625.
Bible Study T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Center invites you to join us every Tuesday for Bible Study. We will continue April 30 at 6:30 p.m. on Harding Blvd. across from A.W. Mumford Stadium. If you have any questions contact us at 225.774.8924 or at TJJemisonBSC@yahoo.com. Praxis Fun Day Join us May 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Stewart Hall’s front lawn for free food, fun activities, music and dance. Admission is free.
V-Chat with Ronald Mason You are invited to join Southern University System President on his second online chat session today at 6p.m. Centrsl time. See the invitation at http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=GeVY4IyQxlU&feat ure=youtu.be
Free HIV Testing Baton Rouge AIDS Society (BRASS) serves as a testing and training provider to the state of Louisiana, with special emphasis on the Greater Baton Rouge area, offering avenues which foster ethical, personal, social-emotional and intellectual development. We believe these qualities are essential to making appropriate choices that will ultimately decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, as well as increase civic responsibility. We will offer free HIV testing every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. at the Baton Rouge Aids Society, 4560 North Blvd-Ste. 100, Baton Rouge, La. 70806. For more information visit our website at www.batonrougeaidssociety.org or call us at 225.923.2437.
Visual Arts Student Exhibition Come see the works of artists in the Visual Arts department, join the artists and see the gallery will be open until May 2. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions contact Robert Cox, gallery director at 225.771.4103 or via e-mail at Robert_cox@subr.edu. The Nutrition Zone Does high blood pressure run in your family? Are you looking to lose weight in a healthy way? Do you have an interest in preventing or managing any nutrition-related health issues? Stop by the Nutrition
New services at John B. Cade
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926 Want to try out a tablet? Check out a Kindle Fire from the library. Need a quiet place to study and use the computer? Individual and group study rooms are available for 3 hour checkout. Faxing and printing services are now available in the 1st floor copy center. Need to do an job interview via skype, there’s a room for that. For more information in these new services visit the Ask Here desk at John B. Cade. All you have to do is show your valid SU ID. Sociology Club meetings The Sociology Club will hold weekly meetings from 5-6 pm on Thursdays (twice a month) in Higgins room 218. Bookstore hours The Campus Bookstore is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about specials and updates like the bookstore on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ southernuniversitybookstore Wesley Foundation Come join us at The Wesley Foundation at Southern University and A&M College for Sunday worship on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 5 p.m. Looking for a place to study the word? Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 6:30p.m. The Wesley Foundation is located at 748 Harding Blvd. Next to Villa Apartments and across Harding from the football practice field. For more information contact us at 225.778.0076. Half Price Fridays While there is no class on Fridays, Smith-Brown Memorial Union is open. Burger Klng, The Bowling Alley and Lacumba’s playpen are open. If that’s not enough to bring you out of your room Lacumba’s playpen and bowling are half price on Fridays. Southern Niche Stop by and support students and those in the community producing the latest and most fashionable products. We are located in Pinkie Thrift Hall and open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Today is our last day… Make sure you don’t miss out!
Who’s Speaking Out?
How did you enjoy Spring Fest? “I really enjoyed Spring Fest because I was so suprised to see one of my favorite artists, Curren$y and others.” Jon Vaughn Freshman Electrical Engineering Baton Rouge
“I think Spring Fest this year was pretty cool. I enjoyed Brandy and Wale, but Erykah Badu made the show though. I think next time, we should make it more exciting and bring a bigger crowd.” Gwendolyn Foster Senior Interdisciplinary Studies New Orleans
“I really enjoyed myself. The Artists were awesome and the food was better this year.”
Isaiah Edah-Dike Junior Political Science New Orleans
“I actually enjoyed Spring Fest. It’s a totally different atmosphere from my undergrad days, but it was an event to remember!” Bianca Grove 1st year Grad Public Administration Lafayette, La.
ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2013 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 landgrant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.
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PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday prior to Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Monday prior to Thursday’s Issue. PAGE 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments. All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. Submit announcements to: The Southern DIGEST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: PAGE 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. In the event of an error we will make all corrections on Page 2. Bring corrections to The Southern DIGEST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.
News
southerndigest.com
Teusday, April 30, 2013 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
inside “Pain & Gain”
leaves much to be desired pg.4
Drug trends
4/20 concerns, actions pg.4
Drug influences
See who is under fire for their drug choices pg.5
Drugs of choice
Here’s the facts pg.6-7
Collins comes out He is the first active male athlete to be openly gay pg.8
Legalize it
Washington seeks to develop regulation for marijuana pg.8
Want to join us?
We’re talking jobs pg.9
Changing the world What does it really take? pg.10
Professionalism
Is it on campus? pg.11
Bray seeks to make an impact Lauren Johnson
The Southern Digest Simone Bray, 2013-14 Student Government Association President-elect stands by, “Whatever it is that you want in life, go for it. Have drive and passion.” Bray born and raised in Baton Rouge is a determined yet shy junior mass communications major with a concentration in public relations. Bray chose to take her “love for S.U.” a little further after her service as a class justice, resident assistant in Residential Life and chief justice. Bray said, “I’m excited and overwhelmed,” in reference to breaking the boy’s club of Student Government Association history. Sara Martin, SGA Vice President-elect joins Bray in the first female duo to manage the executive and legislative branches of SGA. Bray’s first plan is to reconstruct SGA. “There are some people and concepts in SGA that I would like to weed out, there are persons that have been in SGA for years and are carrying dead weight along with persons that are actually doing things,” Bray said. Bray seeks to improve communication between the student body and SGA. Bray plans to change the lack of communication between the Digest and SGA, with plans of submitting a weekly newsletter of the budget and programs and
or meetings to be published in the Digest. “This way students can pick up a newspaper and actually know what’s going on. Even though the information is public and we may tweet it now and then, this way every one can get it,” Bray said. She anticipates implementing a text message program where students can subscribe to information updates. “I feel this way commuter students can get a text and know to stay on campus to come to an event or meeting,” Bray said. If only given one day to accomplish one task, Bray would rebuild SU top to bottom. “I’ve been to other HBCU’s and their unions are awesome. I would redo the administration, students and buildings all over. I would like to instill the old true blue S.U. spirit,” Bray said. Despite winning outright with 50 percent plus one of the vote, Bray said she never underestimated her competition. “I had to stay one step ahead,” Bray said giving credit to her campaign manager, Julius McCray, for always pushing her and constantly asking, “What are you doing? You’re in last place, they are ahead of you.” McCray wasn’t her only motivation through her journey to the office. Ella Kelley, dean of Honors College was a inspiration and “on-campus mom” to Bray since their first encounter when Bray attended Timbuktu summer camp. “I talked so much that Dr.
Photo courtesy of Wil Norwood 2013-14 SGA President-elect Simone Bray answered questions from the panel at the 2013 SGA Presidential debates and Miss Southern Revue in F.G. Clark Activity Center. Bray said she plans to reconstruct SGA and if she could do only one thing she would aim to rebuild Southern front top to bottom. Kelly wanted to throw me out, and I begged, “Please don’t throw me out, just believe in me please Dr. Kelly,” said Bray. Bray seeks to take structure of her new cabinet and court seriously in pursuit of doing things the right way. “Even though this will be new to me and my cabinet, I rather them learn how to do something the right way than how it’s been done,” Bray said. Sometimes she is still in shock from the office she will occupy starting in July.
“Sometimes I can’t believe I’m the SGA President. Being that I was chief justice, it does allow me to be more aware of the constitution and bylaws when I’m making decisions on behalf of the student body,” Bray said. Bray thanks all of the students who believed and supported her efforts. “I am behind you all, we are the driving force of Southern. I want the students to be a part of SGA, Come and let us know your problems. Thank you and let’s go!”
Board Agenda from page 1 Mason responded, “We haven’t breached any contract. We have talked to the vendors, They don’t like it and no one likes it. July is right around the corner we may have to come before the board and ask for more time.” The concern mentioned in February’s meeting about Henrietta Vessel’s need for a office in one of the two board offices reared its head in the general meeting and was tabled for discussion at next month’s meeting. The Southern University system transformation plan was a point of contention for the board. The committee’s plan presented to the board said, its goals include the areas of finance and
business, information technology, and enrollment services. The implementation updates began on December 4, 2012 and the last update presented was from April 16. According to the April 16 update, “Information technology and Finance and business restructuring plans are targeted for May board meeting. A comprehensive report to indicate restructuring process along with the projected cost savings is in progress.” For some members of the board, that may not be soon enough. Questions and concerns were cited for the
EOServe and it’s impact and options on the table to increase revenue while providing a service for the system. This discussion was met with opposition from Faculty senate members and faculty Thomas Miller and Diola Bagayoko. Bagayoko and Miller distributed paperwork citing their concerns of System President Mason’s ploy to takeover the campuses on the system level. After the concerns were brought to the table, Mason offered to have a representative from EOServe to come discuss the plans for the board. The board will continue discussion in their May 24 meeting.
Vance Mitchell
Vows to use SGA power for good pg.11
The Grace Column Trusting God’s vision pg.11
Like New Orleans? Get there for $5
pg.12
Have a Greviance? Have a point you want to get across? See something on campus you don’t like?
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Submit a Letter To The Editor
Culture southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
“Pain & Gain” lacks effects, but not gimmicks David Germain
The Associated Press There’s a siege mentality about Michael Bay’s movies, as though viewers are the enemy holed up in a bunker and he’s the guy ordering heavy-metal music around-theclock to wear down our morale and force us to surrender. Bay’s true-crime caper “Pain & Gain” lacks the visual-effects mayhem and sci-fi cacophony of his “Transformers” blockbusters, yet the movie uses all the shock and awe and noise and bluster the director has in his utterly unsubtle arsenal. Unlike Bay’s usual action nonsense, there’s a story, screenplay, characters and wry mix of suspense and pitiable comedy to be had in the tale of three Florida bodybuilders who blunder through kidnapping schemes like the Three Stooges on steroids. All but the faintest flashes of humanity and pathos are flattened by the cinematic cyclone that is Michael Bay. He drowns “Pain & Gain” in gimmick and style which, rather than gussying things up, dresses them down to make the movie even more ugly and sordid than it is on paper. That these three guys, played by Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie, are boobs and imbeciles, we get it from their actions. That what they do is reprehensible, that’s clear to see. That the world as they view it is twisted and coarse, another given. So why can’t Bay set aside a few visual tricks and give us an occasional breather from the
overload on screen? “Pain & Gain” is a two-hour onslaught of dizzy, drunken cuts, hot bodies in empty poises, shifting perspectives (with a babble of alternating character voice-overs to accompany) and often sickening images. Example: Bay puts all of his technical know-how into a remarkably constructed shot of Tony Shalhoub, as the bodybuilders’ first victim, spewing spit as he’s Tasered. It’s done in agonizing slow-motion and extreme close-up, huge bubbles of saliva erupting from Shalhoub’s mouth. An impressive bit of technical work that’s just disgusting and unpleasant to watch. Despite the sheen of Bay’s imagery, everything about “Pain & Gain” looks filthy and diseased. Likewise Wahlberg, so boyishly charming as another stunted manchild in last summer’s “Ted,” shows nothing but grubbiness as Daniel Lugo, the dimwitted mastermind of this plot carried out around Miami in the mid-1990s. An ignoramus awash in envy toward the rich people he trains at a gym, Lugo enlists disciple Adrian Doorbal (Mackie) and born-again ex-con Paul Drake (Johnson) to kidnap self-made millionaire Victor Kershaw (Shalhoub) and torture him to extort everything he’s got. The dumbfounding farce of how these guys screw things up should be entertainment enough all on its own. Some of that still comes through in the screenplay by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, though most of the
Paramount Pictures, Jaime Trueblood/AP Photo This film image released by Paramount Pictures shows, from left, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from “Pain and Gain.” comedy is smothered by the dazzle Bay can’t resist. Johnson comes off best among the three bad guys, clearly relishing his beta-stooge role as Curly to Wahlberg’s Moe that frees him up for some goofy, unmanly hijinks. Shalhoub rises above the chaos with razor ferocity to show yet again that he’s one of Hollywood’s finest character actors. Ed Harris adds the movie’s only notes of grace and class as a detective on the case, while Rebel Wilson
has scene-stealing moments that feel wonderfully improvised as Doorbal’s kooky wife. But those few highlights are incinerated in the bonfires Bay sets on-screen. You don’t expect a real-life story as nasty as this to be a pretty fairy tale. The details are so absurdly tragic, though, that “Pain & Gain” could have been a very entertaining romp through the American dream as reflected in a funhouse mirror. Instead, it’s a lesson in high-gloss
odiousness refracted through the frenzied, look-what-I-can-do lens of Michael Bay. Bring on Wahlberg in the next “Transformers.” There’s bound to be more gain and less pain when Bay’s buffed-up behemoths are giant robots. “Pain & Gain,” a Paramount release, is rated R for bloody violence, crude sexual content, nudity, language throughout and drug use. Running time: 129 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.
Crackdowns leave 4/20 supporters uneasy Laron Addison The Southern Digest
4/20 to non-smoking Americans is considered to be just a regular day in April but, according to the Center for Disease Control, to the estimated 45.3 million people, or 19.3% of all adults it is known as National Marijuana day and to the police force and Southern University police department it’s known as national crackdown day. 4/20 last year was hectic for marijuana smokers, especially college students, as many big busts occurred on campuses nationwide. In fact, Southern was home to many raids over the years including a major one involving pounds of marijuana and firearms according to Southern Digest in 2005. Southern students, past to present, are aware of the police efforts to cease all smoking and drug use. The amount of raids that occurred to enforce school policies over the past nine
years have increased. Raids on campus included drug sniffing canines, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and law enforcement was on a mission to reduce drugs and paraphernalia to an all-time low. This year alone, Southern University’s campus had an estimated four raids, sending some marijuana smokers home. Southern University has a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and paraphernalia, etc. depending on the amount and/or the offense, on-campus smokers’ consequences can range from a $150 fine to being expelled permanently. SUPD’s recent busts have been examples of consequences for failure to stay within the guidelines of Southern’s smoke-free policy. SUPD acts as enforcers for the housing and residential life department to make sure compliance is met by all on campus students. Other campuses experienced similar results including a massive bust including University of Alabama. According to Tuscaloosa News,
law enforcement arrested a staggering 74 students involved in drug ring on campus. Cops who made the bust recovered not only marijuana, but small amounts of cocaine, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), prescription pills and ecstasy (X) making it the largest drug bust in Alabama school history. Bust on 4/20 are not exclusive to marijuana it was the more run rampant on university’s campus. The CDC reports, marijuana in recent years has represented the top narcotic among drug users (according to the CDC) approximately 1.4 million Americans smoke everyday, while 60 percent have smoked marijuana at one time or another. Now with the promotion of certain drugs through media (videos, television, radio), the demand for certain illegal substances has caused a shift in t drug trends. Currently, Promethazine, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (mollies), and ecstasy (X)
are all battling for top spot among drugs of choice. Recently at the top of the drug trend hype, “Mollies” have emerged as a favorite due to the popularity given to it by artists such as; Trinidad James, Tyga, Rick Ross, and Chief Keef. According the most recent study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 12.4 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have taken MDMA at least once. A Molly is known as a party drug commonly associated with college students. Mollies run rampant on many campuses and because the drug is so discreet, the amount of busts on Molly are few. The current fame of molly makes the substance look innovational but, Molly is just the purest form of MDMA the main ingredient in ecstasy. Media continues to play a large role in drug trend influence.
For More information about the media influence of drugs and drug use by mainstream artists and their involvement in the debate see page 5 For the facts about drugs, trends and their effects see pages 6-7 ** Photos of page 5 are courtesy of Scott Gries, Ennio Leanza, Chris Pizzello, Dan Steinberg, John Bazemore, Arielle Burks and Ariana Triggs. All Photos are Associated Press photos except Juicy J, Wiz Khalifa and Future**
Tuesday, April 30, 2013- Page 5
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Future
Snoop Lion Southern hip-hop and mainstream new comer, Future often expresses his opinions on recreational drug use in many songs in his short but extensive music catalog. Future can be found promoting such drugs as: mollies, marijuana, and promethazine. Future has been known by his fans to drink lean in 2010, he made a mixtape called “Dirty Sprite”. Future has made a name for himself by being featured on many big hits over the past two years including the drug-entitled hit “Good Kush & Alcohol (Love Me)”. The smash record also includes fellow trend promoter Lil Wayne and Drake.
Hip-hop veteran/recording artist Snoop Lion formerly known as Snoop Dogg is considered by many to be the official spokesperson for marijuana. Snoop lion can be found anywhere from the recording booth to interviews with marijuana. He supports cannabis use publically. In 2012 Snoop Lion and fellow weed advocate Wiz Khalifa starred in an independent film entitled “Mac & Devin Go to High School”, which was centered around high school students and marijuana. Snoop has said in an interview that he doesn’t push weed on his kids but if they wanted to smoke he will show them.
Gucci Mane
Juicy J
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
It is no secret southern hip-hop veteran and Atlanta native Gucci Mane has been an ostentatious promoter of such drugs as marijuana, lean, and ecstasy. Gucci Mane is known for his concisely vulgar lyrics concerning narcotics, as well as his lingo type wordplay. Despite past offenses with drugs, he has shown no remorse in his vulgarity post-prison stints. In his 2011 song, “first day out”, his opening lyrics were succinct as he boasts his post prison plans. In his opening bars, “I’m starting off my day with a blunt of purp/No pancake just a cup of sirrup” (promethazine). Gucci Mane even has a track entitled “Kush is my Cologne” on his 2009 album “The State vs. Radric Davis”.
Multi-platinum hip-hop recording artist Rick Ross is notoriously known for his brash lyrics as of late concerning the drug molly. On the track “You Don’t Even Know” (U.O.E.N.O) by Atlanta artist Rocko, Rick Ross expresses through his controversial lyrics his intended use of molly, “put molly all in the champagne, she ain’t even know it/I took her home and I enjoyed that, she aint even know it. Although, he has faced consequences for the lyrics incliding losing a Reebok endorsement deal”, and being taken off the original version, his lyrics were always flamboyant in relation to drugs. In Rick Ross’s lyrics, Ross can be found voicing his opinions on other drugs including: heroin, Cocaine, Lean (Promethazine), and Ecstasy.
Multi-platinum hip-hop recording artist Lil Wayne has expressed his approval of recreational drug use through his colorful lyrics in his “shoulder lean freestyle” as he stated, “To the kids drugs kill I’m acknowledging that, but when I’m on the drug I don’t have a problem with that” Lil Wayne has been widely criticized for his promotion of marijuana, ecstasy, and codeine. Most notably, Al Sharpton has fought against his and other rappers’ explicit lyrics by proposing a 90day radio/TV ban with his controversial Stopping Offensive Airplay Propaganda (SOAP) program. This in turn angered rapper Lil Wayne and prompted a harsh response from the Louisiana native in his song “Misunderstood” from the album “Tha Carter III”.
Wiz Khalifa
Platinum selling recording artist and Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa often refers to marijuana in many of his popular songs. In fact, his first commercial album was entitled “Rolling Papers” which comes as no surprise to his fan base as marijuana has been a leading source of his content since his critically acclaimed mixtape “Kush and Orange Juice”. Despite his minor legal issues with marijuana use/possession, Khalifa has gone on record in an MTV interview and expressed his thoughts on the legalization of marijuana stating, “definitely, legalize it. Please, everybody needs it. The world would be a better place.”
Hip-hop veteran and former Three 6 Mafia member is known for his concise club anthems and his eccentric drug content. Juicy J cites drugs as a source of inspiration for some of his club hits. Juicy J expresses with his garish lyrics his use of certain drugs such as: marijuana and Promethazine. Juicy J laconically voices his opinions of his drug use in his 2012 song “A Zip And A Double Cup” as he is quoted “You say no to drugs Juicy J can’t”. Juicy J is also signed to Taylor Gang Records which is Wiz Khalifa’s label.
Kid Cudi Former Getting Out Our Dreams (G.O.O.D) music recording artist Kid Cudi has been an avid supporter of drug usage throughout his career, which was catapulted into mainstream limelight with the commercial success of his first single “Day and night”. Cudi tells the story of a stoner (marijuana user) who finds peace and shelter from his problems at night. Cudi’s earlier music is synonymous with drugs as he is known for by the masses including: “Maui Wowie”, “Pursuit of Happiness”, “Marijuana”, etc. Most recently, he has openly said via interviews that he no longer smokes marijuana and would rather make music with a clear head.
D
rugs of choice
Marijuana also known as Promethazine also
Weed/Pot
Marijuana ranks as the top illegal drug used in the U.S. Different types of marijuana. Marijuana may be green, brown, or grayish in color. Marijuana is a medicinal drug that can be used to treat HIV/AIDS, and Glaucoma. Marijuana’s active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a mind-altering substance. It has been proven to be less deadly than alcohol Marijuana is legal in 18 states.
Short-term Hazards include: Difficulty in thinking, Anxiety, and paranoia. Long-Term Hazards Include: Poor short-term recall, Inability to shift attention normally, and Lack of motivation. Effects of marijuana may vary by amount.
MDMA also known as The powder or crystal form of Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) Molly is known as a “party drug” users tend to be ages 16 to 24 MDMA can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems, and drug craving High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in a sharp Increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), leading to
known as
Promethazine is an antihistamine used to relieve seasonal allergies and a sleep aid for surgical procedures and used to prevent nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. Promethazine is also used recreationally (illegal) Over-dosing can be fatal. Promethazine/codeine syrup may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision and These effects may be worse if you
Sirrup
take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Well known hip-hop influencers Pimp C, and Dj screw have both succumbed to overdoses of codeine. Promethazine and its abuse are becoming increasingly more common today.
Xanax/Ecstasy also
Molly known as
Xanax also goes by the medical term Alprazolam Xanax a benzodiazepine anxiolytic used in the treatment of anxiety disorders Xanax is an addictive drug and should be taken daily Withdrawal Syndrome occurs when the dosage liver, kidney and carlessens or stop resulting in diovascular failure. The Drug Enforcement seizures, insomnia abnormal involuntary movement. Administration (DEA) It is a synthetic drug with considers MDMA to be amphetamine-like and a Schedule I controlled hallucinogenic properties substance, which Ecstasy comes in a tablet means it has a high form that is often branded potential for abuse, Short term effects include and no accepted use in effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss medical treatment.
Bars/X
of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or sweating Repeated use of Ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory
Often people use drugs socially but do they really know about them? Here’s the facts. From Marijuana to Methaphetamine. These statements and statistics were compiled from the Center for Disease Control. Illustrations are courtesy of Wil Norwood.
Cocaine also known as
PCP also known as
Cocaine is a drug (paste) extracted from the leaves of the South American cocoa plant. It is a strong stimulate that effects the body’s central nervous system. Effects of Cocaine can range from a nosebleed to death Cocaine can be injected, smoked, sniffed, or snorted Crack is made by dissolving powdered cocaine in a mixture of water and am-
PCP is also known as Phencyclidine Developed in the 1950s as an intravenous (IV) anesthetic, PCP was never approved for human use because of problems during clinical studies, including intensely negative psychological effects PCP is a synthetic drug sold as tablets, capsules, or white or colored powder Users can experience several un-
Coke/Crack
monia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) Crack is nearly always smoked Health risks and problems resulting from crack use are the same as those listed for cocaine.
Angel Dust
pleasant psychological effects, with symptoms mimicking schizophrenia In 2009, 122,000 Americans age 12 and older had abused PCP at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.
Heroin also known as
Methaphetamine also
Also called diacetylmorphine, highly addictive morphine derivative that makes up a large portion of the illicit traffic in narcotics Treating morphine with acetic anhydride makes heroin; the resulting substance is four to eight times as potent as morphine It was originally used as a narcotic analgesic, but its undesirable side effects were found to far outweigh its value as a pain-killing drug, and there are now strict prohibitions on its use in many countries With regular heroin
Methamphetamine is also known as Crystal Meth, ice, Tina, or glass Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant Females often take crystal meth because it can cause extremely rapid weight loss Weight that is lost is regained once a person stops taking methamphetamine. For these reasons, combined with how addictive the drug is, methamphetamine tends not to be prescribed by doctors for weight loss Methamphetamine causes numerous neurotransmitters to be released in the brain, producing a sense
Smack
use, tolerance develops where the abuser must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity or effect. Heroin addiction can remove an otherwise healthy and contributing member from society, and may lead to severe disability and eventually death.
known as
Meth
of euphoria that may last as long as 12 hours, depending on how the drug was taken Effects associated with chronic use include temporary weight loss, withdrawal symptoms including depression, anhedonia, and “Meth Mouth” where teeth rapidly decay and fall out.
page 8 - Tuesday, april 30, 2013
The senTinel Of an enlighTened sTudenT BOdy since 1926
Collins first openly gay Washington works to create male American athlete regulation for Marijuana The Associated Press
NEW YORK — NBA veteran Jason Collins became the first active male player in the four major American professional sports to come out as gay. The 34-year-old center, who has played for six teams in 12 seasons, wrote a first-person account that was posted on Sports Illustrated’s website Monday. Collins finished the season with the Washington Wizards and is now a free agent. He says he wants to keep playing. “If I had my way, someone else would have already done this,” he writes. “Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.” Collins played in a Final Four for Stanford and reached two NBA Finals. His twin brother, Jarron, was also a longtime NBA center. Collins says he told his brother he was gay last summer. “Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement. White House spokesman Jay Carney called the decision courageous and former President Bill Clinton said it was “an important moment for professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community.” “I hope that everyone, particularly Jason’s colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him their support and the respect he has earned,” Clinton added. Daughter Chelsea, who knew the player from Stanford, tweeted: “Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.” Collins was also college roommates with another member of an American political dynasty: Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass. In
his account, Collins wrote that he realized he needed to go public when the congressman walked in Boston’s gay pride parade last year — and Collins couldn’t join him. Kennedy tweeted Monday that “I’ve always been proud to call (Collins) a friend, and I’m even prouder to stand with him today.” Mostly a backup in his career, Collins has averaged 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics and Wizards. He was traded from Boston to Washington in February. Collins was the 18th pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA draft. Several NBA players voiced support, including Kobe Bryant, who tweeted that he was proud of Collins. “Don’t suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others,” his post said, followed by the words “courage” and “support.” Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld weighed in saying: “We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly. He has been a leader on and off the court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive role model for others of all sexual orientation.” Several male athletes have previously come out after they retired, including the NBA’s John Amaechi, the NFL’s Esera Tuaolo and Major League Baseball’s Billy Bean. But Collins is the first to do so while planning to keep playing. Collins wrote that he quietly made a statement for gay rights even while keeping his sexual orientation a secret. He wore the No. 98 with the Celtics and Wizards — that was the year Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming, was killed, and the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization, was founded.
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The Associated Press SEATTLE — Mike Steenhout knows spreadsheets, statistics and bean-counting. He has worked as a budget assistant to the governor, managed local operations for the U.S. Census Bureau and analyzed juvenile crime databases. Now, the married, minivan-driving father of a small child is a weed guy — one of the dozens of Washington state workers involved in the creation and regulation of the nation’s first legal marijuana industry. So he spends his days studying a substance that until recently he knew almost nothing about, beyond the few joints he smoked in college. It feels like cramming for a final exam, he says. “It’s very surreal,” Steenhout said recently as he stood in a darkened room full of blossoming pot plants. “I generally go to work fairly early, around 6:30 or 7, and leave about 5 or 6, and I’m pretty much talking about marijuana in one way or another every single hour.” Steenhout’s cannabis crash course could be for naught if the U.S. Justice Department sues to keep legal pot sales that Washington and Colorado voters approved last fall from taking effect. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington, voters legalized pot for adults over 21 and set up a system of statelicensed pot growers, processors and stores. The state has hired a Massachusetts firm to serve as its official marijuana consultant, but the Liquor Control Board, which collects taxes and fees from booze sales and licensing, is also doing its own research into how to best regulate pot. Steenhout, the agency’s comptroller, has new duties that include researching quality assurance: how the pot can be produced, processed and tested to ensure the final product doesn’t have contaminants such as mold and that there is a consistent potency when it reaches store shelves. His research will help inform the board’s three voting members as they decide what to require of the industry. All rules need to be finalized before the agency begins issuing licenses to retail stores in December. Steenhout is traveling to marijuana grow operations, processors and testing labs in California, Colorado and Washington. On his cellphone, he keeps video of a massive, 75,000-square-foot marijuana grow he visited in Colorado that he uses to impress the folks at the smaller Washington operations. One morning recently, dressed in a green sweater, jeans and sneakers, Steenhout walked into a first-floor office in Seattle’s University District — the Care Wellness Center, a clinic that writes authorizations for medical marijuana patients. Steenhout was there for presentations from Cale Burkhart, who makes marijuana-infused lotions, creams and tinctures, and from the proprietors of Analytical 360, a Seattle lab that tests marijuana and marijuana products for strength and impurities. Clear glass mason jars filled with dried marijuana flowers, leaves and a viscous brown liquid — pot-infused, vegetable-based glycerine, a potent tincture that can be taken under the tongue with a medicine dropper — were lined up on a table as Burkhart spoke. He described how the lab tests the strength of his infusions, and then gives him a formula to determine how much more glycerine he needs to add to dilute the tincture to its desired potency, 75 milligrams per fluid ounce. Burkhart keeps records for every batch noting how it was made, at what temperature the glycerine was infused, how strong it was before dilution and other details.
Elaine Thompson/ AP Photo In this photo taken April 4, Mike Steenhout, comptroller of Washington’s Liquor Control Board, sniffs butane hash oil, a product extracted from marijuana plants at a marijuana growing facility in Seattle. Steenhout took notes on a white legal pad in a folder on his lap, examined small jars containing Burkhart’s products, such as a muscle-and-joint rub made with pot, mint oil and cayenne pepper, and asked questions that betrayed how far his education has come. Should the recommended serving size vary among tinctures and other types of edibles, such as brownies or drinks? What should the minimum qualifications be for lab workers who sign off on marijuana quality-assurance tests? Does Analytical 360 just use standard lab procedures from the United States Pharmacopeia, or from overseas compendia as well? “Oh my Gosh, he’s grown so much,” noted Greta Carter, the clinic’s owner. About an hour later, Steenhout was inside a red, two-story building fenced with barbed wire in industrial South Seattle — a marijuana grow operation that helps supply the Conscious Care Cooperative, a medical marijuana collective with 8,000 patients. He was surrounded by hundreds of pot plants of various sizes, but seemed most impressed with the few pages of a document describing the grow-op’s standard procedures — what nutrients the plants are given and when, when foliage sprays are applied. “See, this is useful,” Steenhout said. “I’ve been thinking a lot about GMPs, you know” — good manufacturing practices. In another room, Jim Andersen, with a company called XTracted, showed Steenhout how he uses a closed-system extraction device — a contraption of metal cylinders and tubes — to make hash oil from marijuana buds or leaves. The system uses a vacuum to inject and then completely remove the butane solvent from the product, and virtually eliminates the risk of explosion because no oxygen is introduced, he said. Andersen pulled several types of hash oil out of a black plastic tub to show Steenhout, and offered to send him home with some samples. Steenhout politely declined. “I get that all the time,” he said later. “These people are proud of what they do.” After one final stop at a Seattle business park, to visit a company that makes extraction systems, Steenhout was ready to drive back to Olympia. He was asked whether, after his months of work, he planned to buy marijuana from a state-licensed store once it’s available. “I have no idea,” he said. “I haven’t really thought about it.”
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Page 10 - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Talking Politics: Crazy enough to change? Members of the House Appropriations Committee will face two proposals aimed at addressing the use of ‘one-time money’ in Louisiana’s operating budget. About $500 million in Gov. Bobby Jindal’s $24.7 billion executive budget comes from onetime revenue sources that might not be available again in future years. One plan would strip all the one-time funding from the state budget so House Bill 1 could leave the House by a majority vote instead of a twothirds supermajority. A second plan would negotiate a mix of spending cuts and new revenue that could win the support from Democrats and Republicans. The Advocate editorial board endorsed efforts on Capitol Hill that could generate $400 million for Louisiana and help physical retailers become more competitive with online retailers. The U.S. Senate approved the Marketplace Fairness Act last week, which would require internet retailers with more than $1 million in annual profits to collect sales taxes on states’ behalf. Louisiana currently taxes online purchases at 8 percent, but relies on individuals to self-report their purchases and owed taxes. The Advocate said the current collection system “is not sustainable” and urged lawmakers to streamline sales tax collections so Louisiana could benefit from the Marketplace Fairness Act. Jindal’s proposed budget removes nearly $102 million from dozens of dedicated funds to avoid cutting the budget again this year. Though that money would enable the governor to balance this year’s budget, it means he must find that money somewhere else. A group of conservative Republicans are fighting the fund sweep by trying to pass House Bill 452, now before the Appropriations Committee. The practice of taking money from dedicated funds began during Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s administration after Hurricane Katrina, but members from both parties say Jindal has taken the practice to a new level since becoming governor in 2008. Former Health and Hospitals Secretary Bruce Greenstein had extensive contact with his former employer, CNSI Inc., while the company was bidding on a $200 million Medicaid contract. The contacts were detailed in a letter explaining the state’s decision to terminate the deal with
Client Network Services, Inc., in the wake of a federal investigation. The letter also noted CNSI should not even have been eligible to bid on the contract because the company had no experience with the kind of claims processing required, and that Greenstein ordered the contract requirements changed to allow the company to farm that work out to subcontractors. A recent survey by the LSU Public Policy Research Lab found that a majority of residents want higher academic standards for TOPS, the state’s popular merit-based scholarship program. According to the 2013 Louisiana Survey, 57 percent of the survey’s respondents support increasing the scholarship’s academic requirements. The current standards require Louisiana students to have a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and a minimum 20 score on the ACT standardized test to be eligible. The survey also found that a majority of residents - 78 percent - are opposed to reducing the scholarship’s financial award to students. Stanford University professor Dr. Sean Reardon told the New York Times that growing income disparities between students explain up to half of the increase in the rich-poor educational achievement gap, making it one of the best predictors of educational achievement gaps. “The academic gap is widening because rich students are increasingly entering kindergarten much better prepared to succeed in school than middle-class students,” Reardon writes. “This difference in preparation persists through elementary and high school.” Reardon’s study paints a grim outlook for states like Louisiana, which ranks worst among states for income inequality. The Civil Rights Movement was an awful time in our country’s history many wish not to talk about. There was a time when people weren’t treated fairly, lives were lost and some of the most inhumane acts were carried out all over the country against blacks. Society tries to erase or forget those things in the past and how they affected us. It should never be forgotten. There, responsibility lies in us all to be taught so this will never happen again.
Caesar Smith Jr. It was the African American community of Washington D.C. that has kept this country functioning, and no one allowed them a voice. No one covered the greatness of their community; the only thing blacks ever got from the media in this country was a crack house being raided, someone being shot, stabbed or robbed. We could not be prevented from being successful regardless of the traps that are set and used against blacks. Never before in the history of this planet has anyone ever made the progress that blacks in America have made in a thirty year period in spite of many blacks and whites in the United States of America, in this state of denial and lying to one another saying race doesn’t matter. One day in the future, maybe ten thousand years from now someone will sit with no hidden agenda and the only reason America will get her name mentioned is because of the Non-violent Civil Rights Movement and where it came from. We can look at this movement and see Nelson Mandela who was framed and went to jail for twenty-seven years; when he was framed, the only thing that changed him in those twentyseven years was our movement being slipped under his door. Had he come out of that prison back in arms he would have been killed and South Africa would have been under the rule of whites. When Mandela was released, he came out, hugged the jailer, had a smile on his face so big you thought the sun was illuminating from inside of him, and there was no bloodbath. That can be traced back to our movement, when the Chinese sat down in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square, in what we in America love to talk about, we taught them that. No one in the history of the planet has ever
stood in front of a tank without a weapon before black Americans did. When Bosnia was going to go up in flames, when that thug lost the election, said he wasn’t going to step down that Saturday and the world press went to tell the world about the bloodbath. At twelve noon, two-hundred-fifty thousand people came to the town square with no gun singing “We Shall Overcome,” the army put down their weapons and joined them. That also traces back to that movement, this is what black America is part of. There’s nothing that I’ve done in life that we deserve to be introduced to this. Jena 6 was another event, which sparked a movement regarding the civil rights of six black teens in Jena, La. It was unfair when they were charged with trying to kill a young white teen. What wasn’t mentioned was that he pulled a shotgun on a black teen in public just days before the beating he received. Nothing was done about that. When we think of those kinds of injustices it should sometimes make one think about slavery and oppression. Many people my age and younger don’t like to discuss it, as if it never existed or admit that it once was. It was and it needs to be discussed so it will never happen again. Not knowing is what is dangerous; be aware of it so history will be known, he or she who doesn’t learn from his or her history is doomed to repeat it. We worked after we got there; through that has changed into a critical social mind that lives on this planet. Here is to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs trying to find their place in square holes. The ones who see things differently, they are not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status quo. One can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. The people, who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do!
Commentary southerndigest.com
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 - Page 11
Professional Courtesy, Professionalism SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840 ONLINE @ www.southerndigest.com
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SPRING 2013 STAFF
Editor-in-Chief.......................................Evan Taylor Managing Editor............................. Marcus Green News Editor........................................................ N/A Sports Editor.................................. Aristide Phillips Culture Editor..................................................... N/A Commentary Editor...........................Jessica Sarpy Photo Editor....................................... Ariana Triggs Staff Writer........................................ Deldrick Hunt Staff Writer..............................................Jade Smith Staff Writer.....................................Lauren Johnson Staff Writer............................................Shawn John Staff Writer................................. Brittany Patterson Staff Writer.................................... Alvonte Sample Staff Writer.................................... Caesar Smith, Jr. Copy Editor...................................... Ka’Lon Dewey Staff Photographer............................ Arielle Burks Staff Photographer........................ Marian Horace Staff Photographer............................Trevor James
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The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mailed to digest@subr.edu.
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Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
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Professionalism — what is the meaning of that exactly? Merriam-Webster says that it is “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person.” So why is it that term used so loosely around the campus of Southern University? When you work with people, it becomes frustrating to be professional in an environment where no one else is. It’s even more frustrating when no one sees your point of view. People can be so blinded by status that they refuse to find out what’s really going on. First, when the Student Government Association added Referendum #3 to the ballot, the Office of Student Media was blindsided. No one came to us to ask us what do we think, what were the plans for the money that we had? Or just to say we are going to propose a referendum to take some of your funding. Even in something as simple as that, the students DID NOT THINK to ask questions and if you ask today, most students who voted “Yes” probably don’t even remember what they voted yes for. Except for scholarships that they probably won’t get from SGA and campus beautification in which the SGA has no control over. Another instance is when the
Ariana Triggs commentary editor wrote an opinion piece criticizing the SGA PRESIDENT, not Willie McCorkle III the person, and instead of addressing the situation, they let it roll. Students took to twitter like “internet gangsters” to bash the girl instead of acting like college students and finding out both sides of the situation. Last but not least, Spring Fest and the limited amount of access that Student Media was granted compared to the many people who shall remain nameless who received All-Access passes, courtesy of the Director of Student Programs. Now, most of you students are going to read this and be like “Ohhh, they mad! Hahaha! So you mad?” Yes, We’re mad. Of course we’re going to feel some kind of way when we’re catching hell for trying to do our jobs.
I am a senior mass communications major who needs this experience to build my resume to get jobs when I graduate from Southern University. The Office of Student Media is here, on this campus to serve you; the students. Anyone in any major can work here. Everyone gets paid for the work they do and the opportunities are endless. I personally feel some kind of way because I don’t think any of this makes any sense. These are the types of childish games we used to play in high school (when you were less mature) and I personally hate to be inconvenienced because of a vendetta that you have against a certain organization on this campus. When you call yourself a “professional,” DO YOUR JOB or GIVE IT UP because it isn’t for you. Don’t just take the job because you can’t let go of your undergrad or grad school experience. That “tit-for-tat” behavior is not professional and if students can be professional before entering the ‘real world’ so can you. You were given your position because the university decided that you were the right fit. Students, don’t let status get to your head because you can mess yourself up quick just like that. Professional courtesy—why is it so hard to receive that?
Letter to the Editor Greetings to all of my Southern students! My name is Vance Mitchell, a 21-year-old Civil Engineering major and French minor from Atlanta and your 2013-2014 Chief Justice of the Student Government Association. My primary job, along with the rest of my Judicial Court, is to serve as the mediator and deciding judge on all disputes between organizations and within the Student Government Association itself. This upcoming year will prove to be a
tough job for my staff and I. The Student Government is losing its connection with the students. With the accused “under the table” deals going on within SGA, the students are starting to question the integrity and purpose of the SGA and whether or not who they elected into office was the right choice. The Constitution of Southern University, the governing laws of which the Student Government Association abides, is slowly starting to lose its
meaning, thereby decreasing the trust of the SGA by its students. I promise that with this position, I will uphold the Constitution and its governing laws, deliver fair rulings in different cases based on concrete facts and evidence, and to make sure that we, the students of this great institution, have been served the right amount of justice as I see fit. Change will be made this upcoming year, and there will be no room for regression, only progression.
The Grace Column: Trust God’s vision It is each of our hopes and dreams to contribute and leave an indelible mark on society. Our duty as Christians is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a hurt and dying world. We each have to be careful of accepting a limited vision. Nothing in God is small or limited. In many instances, we accept a limited vision instead of the vision God tailored specifically for our lives. Often times, we tend to follow others’ success, instead of wholeheartedly seeking God for the path he ordained specifically for us. It is my prayer today, from this day forward, you seek God for the vision he has for your life. It is vitally important to remember, God made each of us to carry out a mission no one else in history has been capable of doing. God has gifted each of us with a talent
Jasper Knighten no one else possesses. In today’s time, so many people fall victim to modeling someone else’s life and successes. Do not fall victim to the devil’s deception. Rather, chose to accept the mantle of God’s vision and begin to walk in victory, God’s grace, and in the path He has ordained for you. Some destitute child, mother, father,
addict, co-worker, or schoolmate is in need of your talent and God-given gift. Someone is in need of your calling. Today is the appointed time to reverse course and walk in your God given calling. Remember, if God gives the vision, he will make provision. Trust God completely today. Never doubt his infinite abilities. The world needs your gift. Future generations need your gift. Let God use you. Allow God to get complete glory from your life. Accept the responsibility of walking with God and your life being a living example of God’s grace and mercy. Inspire, empower, encourage, and support society through your calling. Mediocrity is not of God. Rebuke limited visions and accept the great commission God has for you. Accept God’s awesome grace.
** The Grace column is written by Jasper Knighten. The Grace column will discuss God’s grace and how with it one overcome obstacles and apply it to universal situations.
page 12 - Tuesday, april 30, 2013
The senTinel Of an enlighTened sTudenT BOdy since 1926
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