STATE & NATION
Bp spill hearings begin
SPORTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Also: SU volleyball picked fourth. pg. 7
Also: “Lottery Ticket” review. pg. 8
jaguars wrap up camp
Communication focus of first salvo. pg. 5
lee chronicles gulf coast
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010
VOL. 56, ISSUE 1
Honoré: “No more poverty in your time” By norman j. dotson jr. digest editor-iN-cHief
Highly decorated Southern University alumnus retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré spoke to students during his book signing, sponsored by the John B. Cade Library, in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom Monday afternoon. Sometimes known as the “Ragin Cajun”, the Louisiana native served as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina and was responsible for coordinating military relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina-affected areas across the Gulf Coast. “It was obvious that Honoré would be something special,” said Margaret Ambrose, special assistant to the chancellor in her introduction. “Only a leader can impose order onto chaos,” she added. Ambrose also stressed to
the students that everyone has the potential to excel and that determination along with great focus will lead to success in life. Honoré opened up his speech by saying that he was happy to be returning home to Southern University and reflected on his time here as a student. “When I was in my first year here Dr. (Felton G.) Clark told us to look to our right and then to our left and he said one of us won’t be here to smell the Azaleas blooming in the spring and I took that as a challenge,” said Honoré. He also gave students the three goals to success given to him by his 8th grade teacher; the first is learning how to do routine things well, secondly, do not be afraid to take on the impossible, and lastly, do not be afraid to act even when you are being criticized. Throughout his speech he emphasized the importance of
having a simple skill and how important it could be in life. Honoré retold a story of a boy who learned how to swim and how that simple skill saved his and his families lives during Katrina. “Whenever I go and speak at different schools I always tell the students there that when I was in school we had a mandatory elective to take,” he said. “Dr. Clark told us we had to take and pass swimming before we graduated or we would not be allowed to. Clark saw something as simple as learning how to swim vital for us living in this area where a hurricane could come at any moment.” Education and a level of preparedness was a big concern to Honoré, but poverty and social injustice was perhaps his photo By norman j. dotson/digest largest, most passionate subject. He spoke of the economic decline retired army Lt. gen. Honoré explains why being properly educated See honoré page 3
on how to be prepared for disaster of any kind is important to today’s generation. Honoré spoke to students at his alma mater and signed copies of his new book.
Mason making transition to SUS By norman j. dotson jr. digest editor-iN-cHief
photo By apriil BuFFington/digest
southern University system President ronald Mason Jr. discussed the impact of budget cuts on the sUs, along with recent personnel moves.
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Not-so-smooth sailing for new Southern University System President Ronald Mason, as it has been a hectic transition from Jackson State University to Baton Rouge, apparently more than he thought as he jokingly expressed his disappointed in not getting a small vacation after the abrupt move into the university. “It was a little more complicated extracting myself from Jackson State than I had anticipated both professionally and personally,” Mason said. “ Then coming here was a little more urgent than I had anticipated so I didn’t have a lot of breathing room in between.” Mason said that he had studied Southern University before coming and made himself knowledgeable of the financial difficulties but really hadn’t focused on the Baton Rouge campus’ even greater financial situation until arriving. He plans to support each campus chancellors in their endeavors to better the university while implementing certain changes to the system that he hopes will enable them to run more efficiently. One immediate change were the layoffs of 13 system employees due to sudden job eliminations
as well as the replacing of Tolor White, Vice President for Finance of 53 years, with Kevin Appleton, Alcorn State University’s current vice president for finance. Appleton will come in making $170 thousand, which is $13 thousand more than what White was being paid and $10 thousand more than what Appleton is making at Alcorn. “With the job eliminations we were able to save approximately one million dollars so that we could pay him [Appleton] and others more for basically doing more. When he gets here he will be in charge of redesigning the financial structure of the system,” Mason said. This was not the only personnel issue that stuck out, the appointment of former coordinator for student affairs, Brandon Dumas, to deputy chief of staff stood out mainly due to past issues of supplementary funds given to Dumas and others in the system last year. “Dumas is a good a man and people like him will be needed to help improve the system,” Mason said in defense of Dumas, who is the son of board member Walter Dumas. In conjunction with that Mason said this is a See mason page 3
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Campus Briefs TODAY digest Fall puBlication schedule
The Southern Digest will be published two more dates this month: Aug. 27 and Aug. 31. September issues are scheduled for Sept. 3, Sept. 10, Sept. 14, Sept. 17 and Sept. 24. October dates are Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 19, Oct. 22 and Oct. 26. The fall schedule concludes with issues Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 16, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. Campus briefs can be either e-mailed to digest@ subr.edu or delivered to Suite 1064 T.H. Harris Hall three days before publication. For advertising information, contact the advertising manager at 225.771.5833. For all other
student media staFF meetings
Staff meetings for Southern University student publications are Mondays at 5 p.m. in Suite 1064 T.H. Harris Hall. If you are interested in joining the Digest, Jaguar Yearbook or Ego Magazine staff, please attend or call 225.771.5819. union student goVerning Board
As a student enrolled in Southern University, you are eligible to join the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Student Governing Board. As a board member, you will be able to vote, hold office and exercise your ability to and host events at the union. There are no chapter dues or operation expenses. We invite you to come by and meet our staff, and give valuable information on the boards duties. If you have further questions about the governing board, please feel free to contact either Vanessa Toussant or Andrew Jackson at 225.771.2608 or stop by Room 210 or 213 in the union. AUGUST 26 Book signing
Southern University alumnus Gavin Richard is scheduled to sign and discuss his book “Katrina: Eyes Have not Seen, Ears Have not Heard,” Thursday, Aug. 26 from noon-3 p.m. For more information, call the SU Bookstore at
FRIDAY, AUG. 27
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scattered t-storms
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225.771.4330. su naacp meeting
The Southern University chapter of the NAACP will hold its first meeting Thursday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in Classroom A of John B. Cade Library. The room is located on the library’s second floor. AUGUST 28 countdown to kickoFF
Jaguar football fans are invited to “Countdown to Kickoff” Saturday, Aug. 28. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with performances by the Human Jukebox, a rib cookoff, a team scrimmage and a host of other entertainment and activities at A.W. Mumford Stadium. Tickets to the 3:30 p.m. scrimmage are $10 and can be purchased at the SU Ticket Office. The first 500 people to purchase tickets will watch the team scrimmage from one of the air-conditioned suites in Mumford Stadium. For more information or to register for the rib cookoff, call 225.771.5137 or 771.4200. omBuds oFFice position
The Office of the Ombuds is currently looking for student orientation leaders and ambassadors. Students must have a good citizenship record and maintain a 2.0 GPA or better. For consideration, students must submit the following to su@subr. edu: a one-page letter of
interest, a resume and a Fall 2010 class schedule (full-time status). The deadline for applications is Tuesday, Aug. 31 at noon. For more information, please call 225.771.4480.
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sUite 1064 – t.H.Harris HaLL P.o. BoX 10180 – BatoN roUge, La 70813 225.771.2231 PHoNe / 225.771.5840 faX www.soUtHerNdigest.coM issN: 1540-7276. copyright 2008 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 & friday) with a run count of 6,000 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. PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS the southern digest is a member of the Black college communications association (Bcca), National association of Black Journalists (NaBJ), University - wire Network (U-wire), associated collegiate Press (acP), college Media advisers association (cMa), society of Professional Journalist (sPJ), full member of the associated Press (aP) and the Louisiana Press association (LPa).
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NEWS
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - Page 3
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Budget cuts put pause to Jukebox travel By patrick galloway digest staff writer
Stadiums around the Southwestern Athletic Conference stand to get a bit quieter, due to newly imposed state budget cuts. The Southern University Marching Band became the next victim of state budget cuts, with the band only scheduled to travel twice during the 2010 football season. The Human Jukebox is scheduled to travel to the MEAC/ SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Fla., against Delaware State Labor Day weekend. Its only other road game on the slate as of now is the Bayou Classic in late November. “There is an ongoing effort to raise funds so that the band can travel to more away games,” university spokesman Edward Pratt said. Exactly what those details entail was not revealed, but Pratt said the university and its supporters are trying to find ways to raise money to pay for the band travel expense which include renting buses and meals for the band members. “The state budget cuts not only affect the academics at the university, but also the
photo by polite d. stewart jr./digest
The Southern University Marching Band goes through its paces during practice. Budget cuts have reduced the Human Jukebox’s traveling schedule to two road games as of today.
extracurricular activities like the band and athletic department,” he said. “If the university could help with the effort for band travel they would, but the university’s main goal is the academic success of its students.
The main focus of Southern University is to provide a learning environment that is conducive to the success of the students and the faculty.” Due to the funding by ESPN for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge game and the available funds
honoré from page 1 and how “Wall St. and Main St.” are getting a majority of taxpayer money while those who live on what he called “Railroad St.” are too often left to fend for themselves. “Every city has a Railroad Street and on this street are those living in poverty,” Honoré said before yelling “NO MORE POVERTY IN YOUR TIME!” to the students. During the open discussion period where members of the audience would ask questions the challenge of how to motivate people to get out of poverty was raised. “I feel that the people in this generation are better suited to help the next generation stay connected to education. There is no reason that a child should ever be disconnected from having a good education,” he said. “I feel as though this is your generation’s Vietnam; use your skills and opportunities to motivate the youth and get more active in regards to social injustices.” According to Honoré the only way to put an end to these “Railroad streets” is to never become disengaged from education and learn to help ourselves. He also added that we need to learn to point out each others strengths instead of weaknesses. “Let’s put our kids in these organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club to help find out what that child’s strength is and then build on it,” he said. Lt. General Honoré authored two books; Survival: How Being Prepared Can Keep You and Your Family Safe and Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters. He donated a few copies of each to the university which can be found in the John B. Cade Library.
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for the Bayou Classic, these two games were picked out of the six away games on the 2010 football schedule. The remaining away games that the band will not attend include Alabama A&M, Jackson State, the Shreveport game
against Prairie View and Alcorn State, unless the efforts for travel are made. Pratt believes that Lawrence Jackson, director of bands, would like to travel to every location on the schedule but believes that he understands the university financial situation. Jackson declined comment regarding the marching band’s traveling situation. “We also know that he leads the best band in the country, so the administration feels the necessity and the want to be able to help get that band to more games,” Pratt said. “The university understands the importance of the marching band going to the away games because the fans want to see the band no matter where there travel to but there is an expense involved,” said Pratt. “When your budget is cut to the degree that our campus budget has been cut, the administration has to make some tough decisions.” The marching band is also performs annually at New Orleans Saints home games. Those appearances are not affected by the cuts because either the Saints or the NFL pays the band.
mason from page 1 new job and not a promotion of any sort so he [Dumas] will not be getting paid extra to do the same tasks that he was previously doing. Dumas’s salary was increased to $60 thousand from $44 thousand. Mason also wanted to stress the role of the system’s office, it doesn’t function the same way a chancellor’s office would even though it is located on the Baton Rouge campus. His role is to support each individual chancellor and find ways to further the system and not any campus alone. When asked why the dialogue seemed to convey a sense of disconnect between the system and campuses Mason explained his Five Finger theory to support his function. “Each campus is a separate finger, my job is make those fingers a hand and then turn that hand into a fist to bring the SU family together to fight through any and every problem,” he said. One very prominent issue are the increased budget cuts that may be ahead for next year. There are plans to cut an estimated 38 percent out of the budget system-wide which according to Mason is “pure insanity.” System-wide the budget is approximately $72 million and these cuts would take around $27 million out of that. “This is a threat to our campuses and we can only hope to react the best way that we can,” said Mason. “Now more than ever is the time for SU family to stand up in defense of our fair institution.” Even though there are concerns about Mason not having any ties to Southern University or any Historically Black College he is confident that he is good at what he does and will do whatever it takes for Southern University to improve upon itself.
Page 4 - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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SBA says it is ready for next disaster By mitch weiss Associated Press Writer
The Small Business Administration says it has taken major steps since the devastating hurricanes of 2005 to improve the way it helps disaster victims rebuild their lives. But questions linger about whether the agency is prepared to handle storms on the scale of Katrina and Rita, which battered the Gulf Coast and caused nearly $118 billion in property damage. James Rivera, deputy associate administrator of SBA’s office of disaster assistance, bristles at suggestions that the agency isn’t prepared for another major disaster. He says the SBA has dramatically improved technology and streamlined the entire loan process to make it faster. “It bothers me when I hear comments that we made it painful and chaotic because we’ve really gone to extreme efforts to set up focus groups and to re-engineer our whole process to make it more customer friendly,” he said. Over the last five years, the agency has been repeatedly criticized for its failures by Congress and government regulators. In July 2007, for example, Congress held hearings after several SBA loan officers complained that the agency’s policies had resulted in
thousands of loans being rejected or withdrawn. Former loan officer Gale Martin and others told lawmakers how they were pressured to process loan applications without helping people. Martin and a group calling itself Second Wind — a coalition of business owners who had trouble landing SBA disaster loans after the hurricanes — urged Congress to force SBA to reconsider loans that were originally rejected or withdrawn. After the hearings, Congress enacted the Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvement Act, which included 26 requirements to improve the agency, featuring three key goals: Establish a program that would authorize private lenders to process disaster loans; create an expedited disaster assistance business program and increase public awareness of SBA loans. But a report issued just three months ago by the Government Accountability Office, which investigates for Congress, said the agency has fully implemented only 15 of the provisions. While the report said SBA has made progress, it noted that the agency stumbled in 2008 with flooding in the Midwest and in dealing with Hurricane Ike in Texas. Loan applicants complained about “burdensome” amounts of paperwork and how long it took
photo by jason bronis/ap photo
This Wednesday, April 21, 2010 picture shows Jay Young, a former Small Business Administration loan officer, in Dallas. Five years after Hurricane Katrina, Young is still haunted by the desperate voices on the other end of the telephone crying and begging for help. As a loan officer for a federal agency that was supposed to help homeowners and businesses get back on their feet, he had high expectations. But he recalls how he was forced to turn away many qualified applicants because of what he says was pressure from his supervisors to close files quickly.
to get money — some of the same complaints raised repeatedly by Gulf Coast residents after the hurricanes of 2005. And other problems remain. “We found that while SBA conducts an annual customer satisfaction survey, the agency does not appear to incorporate this feedback mechanism into its formal efforts to continually improve the application process. Furthermore, SBA does not appear to have a formal process for addressing identified problem areas and using information gained to improve the experience of future applicants,” the GAO report said. SBA, however, claims it is better prepared, noting that
it now has a reserve staff — workers who join the agency’s ranks in the wake of disasters. Today, there are between 100 and 150 full-time employees who process loans, Rivera said. Before the hurricanes, though, SBA employed 190 loan officers. In a Katrina-scale disaster, SBA would need hundreds more loan officers. But many on the reserve list have other jobs, and they would have to report to SBA within 48 hours of being called. SBA spokeswoman Carol Chastang said the agency contacts people on its list once a year and asks if they still would be willing to work in an emergency.
Several former workers who said they were on the list told AP they probably would never return to work for SBA. “Many of those people have moved on,” said Brad Durtschi, a former loan officer who now works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “They have full-time jobs. Do you really think that 2,000 will drop everything they’re doing to work for the SBA?” Rivera said he was comfortable that everyone called would show up. “The true test is when we have the catastrophic disaster, we’ll see if they are available,” he said. “God willing, we won’t have another catastrophic disaster.”
STATE & NATION Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - Page 5
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Officials grilled on spill
Grambling seeking to save $10M by the associated press
By harry r. weber & ramit plushnick-masti associated press WRITERs
HOUSTON — Federal investigators seeking the cause of the rig explosion that led to BP’s massive Gulf oil spill focused Monday on communication and chain of command, wondering at times whether the key players knew enough to handle an emergency. They also questioned whether a piece of failed equipment designed to prevent the disaster was inspected on schedule. Details about the so-called blowout preventer, which was supposed to lock in place to prevent a spill in the case of an explosion, will be important as investigators pull it from the seabed to analyze. Testimony about the frantic moments after the spill, when a distraught worker told the rig manager “she just blew, she just blew,” will also be key to understanding what happened April 20. That’s when the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, killing 11 workers and subsequently spewing 206 million gallons of oil into the Gulf. Two men who testified Monday were key to the successful operation of the complex deepwater rig. But Neil Cramond, who oversees BP’s marine operations in the Gulf, acknowledged he rarely had contact with Paul Johnson, who managed the rig for owner Transocean Ltd., which leased it to BP. Cramond also testified that captains of rigs like
photo by melissa phillip/AP PHOTO
Co-chair U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Hung Nguyen, right, asks a question as U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Mark Higgins, left, and Wayne Andersen, center, retired U.S. District Judge, listen during the Deepwater Horizon joint investigation hearings by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Management, Regulation and Enforcement Monday.
the Deepwater Horizon are ultimately responsible for crew safety and environmental matters, but are not always involved in decisions about how to deal with drilling operations and potential risks. Members of the joint U.S. Coast Guard-Bureau of Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement investigative panel are trying to figure out what caused the explosion and how regulation, safety and oversight can be improved to prevent another such catastrophe. Investigators asked Johnson about whether maintenance of the blowout preventer had been up to code. Johnson testified that a September 2009 safety audit did not include a complete inspection of the device, and so “I don’t think it’s a complete audit.” A few months later, however, as the rig was being moved to the well, the blowout preventer was inspected. But investigators questioned whether this was in line with the three- to five-year
timetable laid out in regulatory codes. Meanwhile, Cramond’s description of how responsibilities and communication were divided among the parties responsible for the sunken rig raised eyebrows at times among the investigators. While questioning Cramond, a Coast Guard official wondered if there was anyone who had a “big picture” of what was going on. He said he was concerned the captain was responsible for keeping the crew and vessel safe and preventing pollution, but had “little say and awareness of what’s going on in terms of risk.” “I believe what you’ve outlined is an accurate picture,” Cramond said, noting such arrangements are standard in the oil and gas industry. He insisted, however, that records will show that on a number of occasions he communicated concerns about safety problems to the people who needed to know about them.
Asked if the Deepwater Horizon was properly manned at the time of the explosion that killed 11 workers, he replied: “I have no information that would say otherwise.” Johnson, whose responsibilities included training and personnel, was not on board the Deepwater Horizon when it exploded. He said he only visited the rig three days each month and was not able to monitor real-time data from it at his location on shore. The blast knocked out communication between him and the captain and offshore installation manager, he testified. Eventually, he managed to talk to one of the rig workers who told him he had insulation in his eyes and was struggling to see and hear. “I asked what happened,” Johnson testified. “He said, ‘I don’t know Paul, she just blew, she just blew.’ At that point I know he was crying so I just shut the conversation down.”
Danielle swirls in Atlantic
Mosque talks continue by the associated press
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. David Paterson said Monday he’ll meet with Archbishop Timothy Dolan to discuss a mosque and Islamic community center planned two blocks from ground zero. The private meeting will be held Tuesday at the Democratic governor’s Manhattan office. Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook wouldn’t detail the agenda of the meeting, which will be closed to the press. But Paterson and Dolan have sought to offer an alternative site because of the tensions surrounding the current plan. Some Republicans have called the current proposal an insult to Americans and those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Polls have shown a rising majority of New Yorkers oppose the project. Last week’s Siena College poll found 63 percent of New York voters opposed the plan, with the strongest support — 36 percent — coming from New York City voters. Opponents and protesters say the mosque should be moved farther away from where Islamic extremists destroyed the World Trade Center in 2001. Supporters say religious freedom should be protected.
GRAMBLING, La. — Faced with state budget cuts and dwindling funding, Grambling State University is planning on furloughs and layoffs in an attempt to save $10 million over the next two years. Some full-time employees also will be asked to work only nine months of the year, according to details of a plan unveiled Wednesday. The furloughs will range from one to 12 days, with higher-paid employees taking the longest layoffs. Tenured faculty will be exempt. GSU also plans to merge some academic programs, restrict merit pay hikes, continue a hiring freeze for all but essential personnel and initiate an early retirement program. The plan must be approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. “The university has made a great effort to avoid massive layoffs and the closing of academic programs, but these latest reductions will affect everyone at the university as well as the way the university does business,” GSU President Frank Pogue said. Pogue said the budget-cutting plan evolved during campuswide discussions, and are just one aspect of a broader process of planning the university’s future. Pogue said that with more than 80 percent of the university’s budget supporting employee salaries and benefits, the school has no other choice but to implement the initiatives. Since 2008, GSU has lost nearly $10.8 million in state funding, and the university expects to lose $6.4 million in federal stimulus funds soon, The News-Star reported.
photo by bebeto matthews/AP PHOTO
Abdul Malik, center, an American Muslim from Philadelphia, and Matt Sky, right, a Web developer from Manhattan, N.Y., stand in front of a proposed site for an Islamic cultural center as they explain their support for its construction to passers-by in New York, Monday.
MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Danielle has formed far from land in the Atlantic with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), and it’s expected to strengthen in the next couple of days. Danielle is the second Atlantic hurricane of the year. On Monday night, it was about 1,205 miles (1,940 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles islands. Forecasters say the storm could become a major hurricane by late Tuesday. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Frank has weakened slightly in the Pacific. Its maximum sustained winds were 50 mph (85 kph), but it could gain strength again in the next day or so. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Mexico’s coast from Acapulco to Punta San Telmo.
Page 6 - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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DEA seeks Ebonics experts to help with cases By GREG BLUESTEIN associated press writer
ATLANTA — Federal agents are seeking to hire Ebonics translators to help interpret wiretapped conversations involving targets of undercover drug investigations. The Drug Enforcement Agency recently sent memos asking companies that provide translation services to help it find nine translators in the Southeast who are fluent in Ebonics, Special Agent Michael Sanders said Monday. Ebonics, which is also known as African American Vernacular English, has been described by the psychologist who coined the term as the combination of English vocabulary with African
language structure. Some DEA agents already help translate Ebonics, Sanders said. But he said wasn’t sure if the agency has ever hired outside Ebonics experts as contractors. “They saw a need for this in a couple of their investigations,” he said. “And when you see a need — it may not be needed now — but we want the contractors to provide us with nine people just in case.” The DEA’s decision, first reported by The Smoking Gun, evokes memories of the debate sparked in 1996 when the Oakland, Calif., school board suggested that black English was a separate language. Although the board later dropped the suggestion amid criticism, it set off a national discussion over
whether Ebonics is a language, a dialect or neither. The search for translators covers a wide swath of the Southeast, including offices in Atlanta, Washington, New Orleans, Miami and the Caribbean, said Sanders. He said he’s uncertain why other regions aren’t hiring Ebonics translators, but said there are ongoing investigations in the Southeast that need dedicated Ebonics translators. Linguists said Ebonics can be trickier than it seems, partly because the vocabulary evolves so quickly. “A lot of times people think you’re just dealing with a few slang words, and that you can finesse your way around it,” said John Rickford, a Stanford University linguistics professor. “And it’s
not — it’s a big vocabulary. You’ll have some significant differences” from English. Critics worry that the DEA’s actions could set a precedent. “Hiring translators for languages that are of questionable merit to begin with is just going in the wrong direction,” said Aloysius Hogan, the government relations director of English First, a national lobbying group that promotes the use of English. “I’m not aware of Ebonics training schools or tests. I don’t know how they’d establish that someone speaks Ebonics,” he said. “I support the concept of pursuing drug dealers if they’re using code words, but this is definitely going in the wrong direction.” H. Samy Alim, a Stanford linguistics professor who
specializes in black language and hip-hop culture, said he thought the hiring effort was a joke when he first heard about it, but that it highlights a serious issue. “It seems ironic that schools that are serving and educating black children have not recognized the legitimacy of this language. Yet the authorities and the police are recognizing that this is a language that they don’t understand,” he said. “It really tells us a lot about where we are socially in terms of recognizing African-American speech.” Rickford said that hiring Ebonics experts could come in handy for the DEA, but he said it’s hard to determine whether a prospective employee can speak it well enough to translate since there are no standardized tests.
SPORTS Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - Page 7
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Jaguars wrap up fall camp By erin fulbright digest contributing writer
The Southern football team wrapped up camp and has one more scrimmage before the season opener two weeks away at the SWAC/MEAC Challenge in Orlando, Fla. The Jaguars take on Delaware State at Citrus Bowl Stadium Sunday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. local time (noon Eastern). The game will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN-HD and ESPN3.com. This will be a season of first for the Jags with a new head coach, new coaching staff and a new record on the horizon. Head coach Stump Mitchell is aiming for a12-0 record this season and strongly feels this year’s football team can do just that. The Jags’ camp went well this spring and summer and their first scrimmage left Mitchell confident that his team can run the table and win the SWAC championship. He says that they are healthy and were able to come away from camp with few injuries. “There were minor injuries dealing with the heat and one
broken body part for one player,” Mitchell said. Mitchell says he sees growth and development with the offensive and defensive linemen and they are in better shape than previous years. To help whip the team into better shape the staff placed a premium weightlifting and conditioning drills. When it comes to who will be the starting quarterback or on the starting line up come the opening game, Mitchell said it is not set in stone. “Every player is evaluated daily and those that are not starters need to work hard because if anyone slips, there is room for line up changes,” he said. For the next two weeks up until photo by april buffington/digest the season opener, Mitchell says Mychal Bell brings down Carlton Byrum while falling over Jordan Rose during the first scrimmage. Southern that they have to concentrate on will hold a final scrimmage Saturday before preparing for the regular season opener. doing things the right way. House said that at first it was as the coaches and doing what “There are no little steps and have a 12-0 record. As for his every step we take is to the own personal goals, he hopes difficult to adjust but quickly they need to do on and off the big goal and that is to be 12-0, to increase from his last year’s accepted the challenge and field. In addition to improving the team took on their role. He SWAC champs and black college stats. “I’m more comfortable at the said that it was easy adjusting the team on the field, Mitchell national champions with the opportunity to go to the White position after playing it last to Mitchell because he is a very said that school comes first enthusiastic person that gets then football. He encourages House and meet the president,” year,” House said. The coaching staff is new you going and has no problem his players to study and to get Mitchell said. the education that they need to Jags safety Jason House said except for two holdovers, with motivating you. Mitchell said they are be successful four to five years he sees improvement in the strength coach Thomas Hall and team and feels that they can wide receiver coach Eric Dooley. adjusting well in terms of them down the road off the field.
Young SU volleyball club readies for season By samantha smith digest contributing writer
How does Southern’s longesttenured head coach usher in his 30th season? With a youth movement, along with a milestone on the horizon. Volleyball head coach Nathaniel Denu added seven freshmen in the offseason after finishing fourth in the SWAC Western Division last season. Southern posted an 8-17 overall record, going 2-6 in conference play. SU opens the season Sept. 3 on the road at Alabama State before hosting Nicholls State Sept. 7. Denu, Louisiana’s winngest active volleyball coach, is four wins away from his 500th career victory. When asked the key to his longevity, Denu offered a simple reply. “Glory be to God, first,” he said. The group of seven includes three sets of former high school teammates. Middle blocker/ outside hitter Amber Shelby and setter Megan Gauthier played together locally at
Redemptorist. Another setter, Chanda Journet, teamed with middle blocker/outside hiter Payton Mitchell at Cecilia. The third pair, outside hitters Simone Beasley and Michelle Williams, came from Houston’s Westfield High. The pair joins another former Mustang, senior outside hitter Morgan Broussard, at SU. “No pressure will be placed on any player to lead the team,” Denu said. “I expect every member of the team to exhibit leadership, discipline and hard work.” The seventh member of the group, outside hitter Jacquia Bell, prepped at Marion (Ark.) High. Bell and Shelby earned All-State honors as high school seniors. The team returns another senior, defensive specialist Lourena Beathley, who finished eighth in the SWAC in digs last season. “I am excited about developing professional-level players, but my main focus is for all of my athletes to become graduates,” Denu said.
2010 su volleyball schedule Sept. 3 at Alabama St. Sept. 4 at Clark-Atlanta Sept. 7 NICHOLLS ST. Sept. 11 at Nicholls St. Sept. 14 TEX. SOUTHERN Sept. 16 SE LOUISIANA Sept. 21 at Ark.-Pine Bluff Sept. 24-25 at MVSU Classic Sept. 28 at Jackson St. Oct. 4 GRAMBLING ST. Oct. 6 ARK.-PINE BLUFF Oct. 12 PRAIRIE VIEW Oct. 15-16 SU INVITATIONAL Oct. 18 SUNO Oct. 19 UL-LAFAYETTE Oct. 21 at Prairie View Oct. 22 at Tex. Southern Oct. 25 at Grambling St. Oct. 27 JACKSON ST. Oct. 29 at Alcorn St. Nov. 2 at SUNO Nov. 4 ALCORN STATE Nov.18-20 SWAC Tournament 2010 Predicted Order of Finish (First place votes in parenthesis)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Eastern Division Alabama A&M (20) 100 Jackson State 73 Miss. Valley 58 Alabama St. 43 Alcorn St. 26
Western Division 1. Grambling St. (6) 2. Prairie View (6) 3. Tex. Southern (3) 4. Southern (3) 5. Ark.-Pine Bluff
79 74 60 54 33
AAMU sweeps SWAC preseason honors DIGEST NEWS SERVICE
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama A&M outside hitter Karensa Beckford and defensive specialist Rose Corneille, also from Alabama A&M, were named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Volleyball Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. Preseason honors were voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. Alabama A&M, the threetime defending SWAC champion and Grambling State, the 2009 runner-up, were predicted to win the eastern and western divisions, respectively. Grambling totaled six first-place votes and 79 points out of a possible 100, while the Lady Bulldogs collected a unanimous 20 firstplace votes. Beckford, a 6-0 junior from St. Anne Bay, Jamaica, ranked topfive on her team in five different categories. She was named to COBRA Magazine All-National Third Team in 2009. Corneille, a 5-4 defensive specialist from Dacula, Ga., led the conference in digs last season
with 433 (4.20 digs per set). She earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in 2009. Also receiving six first-place votes in the western division was Prairie View A&M, which was predicted to finish second with 74 points. Texas Southern (60), Southern (54) and ArkansasPine Bluff (33) rounded out the western division. In the east, Jackson State came in second with 73 points, followed by Mississippi Valley State in third with 58 points. Alabama State (43) and Alcorn State (26) completed the 2010 predicted order of finish. Six schools are represented on the 2010 Preseason AllSWAC teams. AAMU, MVSU and Jackson State led the all conference teams with three selections apiece, while GSU and Prairie View each had two. Texas Southern claimed one honoree. The season gets underway Friday as four league teams will be in action. The 2010 SWAC Volleyball Championship will be held Nov. 18-20 in Montgomery, Ala., on the campus of Alabama State.
arts & entertainment Page 8 - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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Storm, Saints, Spill Spike Lee’s new HBO documentary chronicles Katrina recovery, Saints’ Super Bowl win and oil spill By frazier moore AP television writer
NEW YORK — Spike Lee’s new HBO documentary starts on a high note: Super Bowl Sunday 2010, when the New Orleans Saints claim victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Saints fans, many still reeling from Hurricane Katrina’s aftershocks, are deliriously happy. “It’s a rebirth,” says an overjoyed New Orleans native. “It’s divine intervention, man,” says another local. But cautionary words are voiced as well. The Saints are world champions, but in the real world there are bills to pay and neighborhoods to rebuild. Then, only 17 minutes into “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise,” the BP oil spill enters the narrative. “We sold our soul for the Super Bowl,” says Dean Blanchard, fearful that he might lose his seafood business. The party is over. Lee, the gifted director and documentarian, had long planned a return to the Gulf Coast for a five-year follow-up to his acclaimed “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts.” He began shooting Feb. 7, when the Super Bowl was played. The triumph by the Saints seemed a glorious conclusion for his new film. “We thought we had our ending on the
first day,” Lee said in a recent interview. “Little did we know.” By the time the offshore oil rig Deepwater Horizon exploded on April 20, killing 11 workers and releasing a gusher of oil, Lee had wrapped production and was well into the editing process. “But I knew we had to make that a part of the piece,” he said. He does, dwelling on the BP disaster for roughly 40 minutes of the four-hour, twopart “If God Is Willing,” which premiere concludes tonight on HBO (9 p.m. EDT). But there is much more on his mind and in his film. The stage is set with painful, all-toofamiliar images of Katrina’s immediate wrath in 2005. Then, as the film goes on, the government’s failure to protect New Orleans from the storm surge is compounded by seemingly endless failures to aid the recovery. Former residents who want to come home remain displaced. Public education continues to struggle. Health care needs are still unmet. The police department is in shambles. And on and on. The five years didn’t pass without successes, and the film covers those as well. They include a legal victory against the Army Corps of Engineers for shoddy maintenance of a navigation channel that resulted in some of the worst flooding. And there are nonprofit reconstruction efforts such as Make It Right, led by actor
Jean not giving up presidential bid By tamara lush associated press writer
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Hip-hop singer Wyclef Jean said Sunday he is not abandoning his presidential bid just yet and will try to get the courts to overturn a decision disqualifying him from the race. Speaking to The Associated Press by telephone from his home in Croix des Bouquets, Jean said his lawyers will file an appeal with the national electoral dispute office. Jean said that he has a document “which shows everything is correct” and that he and his aides “feel that what is going on here has everything to do with Haitian politics.” “They are trying to keep us out of the race,” he said, referring to Haiti’s political establishment. Haiti’s elections board rejected Jean’s candidacy Friday night — presumably because it decided he didn’t meet residency requirements, although the board did not cite a specific reason. Under Haitian law, a
presidential candidate must have lived in the country for five consecutive years leading up to the election. Jean has argued that he was not required to comply with the law so strictly because after President Rene Preval appointed him as roving ambassador in 2007, he was allowed to travel and live outside the country. Some officials in Haiti worried about political unrest among Jean supporters after his candidacy was rejected. But the singer asked his fans to stay calm, and there were no significant election-related protests or violence over the weekend - although rumors swirled about a large protest planned for Monday. Many people in Jean’s hometown of Croix des Bouquets — a suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince — cheered the singer Sunday in his quest for the presidency. “I love what Wyclef is doing,” said Paul Jean Augustine, a See JEAN page 9
photo by Charlie Varley, HBO/ap photo
In this publicity image released by HBO, director Spike Lee is shown during the filming of his documentary, “If God is Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise,” in New Orleans.
Brad Pitt, that have built affordable, storm-resistant homes in the Lower 9th Ward. But then, just months after the Super Bowl win, the BP disaster struck. “The story was changing every day,” Lee recalled. “We had to keep adapting, to stay on top of it as best as possible.” Scores of people share their stories on-camera, including ordinary, often overlooked local figures. There are also experts and advocates, plus familiar faces such as former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, as well as Pitt and fellow celebrity activist Sean Penn. To his credit, former FEMA Director
Michael Brown is among those who participate. Like other interview subjects who, when it counted, fell short, Brown points fingers. He says former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff “didn’t know what he was doing. Let’s be frank.” He also offers context for the widely derided tribute — “Brownie, you’re doing a heckuva job” — laid on him by President George W. Bush. “If you look at that video clip closely, you’ll see me wince,” says Brown, and, replayed in the documentary, it bears out See LEE page 9
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“Ticket” misses some numbers
LEE from page 8
By erica s. johnson digest staff writer
“Lottery Ticket” premiered over the weekend with a good moral message, but a less than entertaining execution. The young cast, intended to entice the 17-to-23-year-old crowd, included Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson, Naturi Naughton (Notorious), Charlie Murphy, Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Taking of Pelhan 123), Loretta Devine (Waiting to Exhale), Terry Crews, Mike Epps, T-Pain, and Ice Cube. Despite the main three actors (Bow Wow, Jackson, and Naughton) the remaining characters seem to be thrown in to the mix for face value and add little to the storyline. The premise of the story is simple: Kevin Carson (Bow Wow) a high school graduate in the projects wins a ridiculous amount of money. He must keep the ticket, and his life a secret, through the three days that follow his win until he can claim his fortune. His win is leaked to the lottery-crazed community by his grandmother (Devine), and subsequently Carson encounters both supporters and thieves who want little to do with him and more to do with his upcoming prize. Ex-con Lorenzo (Akinnagbe), who has been terrorizing Carson, leads a ban of men who are willing to kill for the ticket. In hiding, Carson gets lost in the idea of his winnings and begins to act out of his norm. The once hard working, ethical young man takes $100,000 from “The Godfather of the Projects” (Keith David)
photo by David lee, Warner bros./ap photo
In this publicity image released by Warner Bros., from left, Brandon T. Jackson, Bow Wow, and Naturi Naughton are shown in a scene from “Lottery Ticket.”
buying Hummers and shoes along the way. Even the girl of his dreams (Teairra Mari) wants a piece of him now. He becomes suspicious of everyone, including his best friend Benny (Jackson). Carson is plagued by the good he could do for the community and the trouble he now faces being thrown into the spot light. Should he give the ticket up and run away, stay and fight for what he has won, or will he even be alive in three days to choose? I will not spoil the ending for you, and I will not tell you to spend nine dollars to find out for yourself. Besides the extreme predictability the plot had, the disappointing points of the movie hold strong to stereotypes that so many blacks struggle to dismantle everyday: money makes the hood go crazy,
women will purposely get pregnant by a man with money, and ex-cons are always going to be violent, messy, and greedy. Despite the painfully un-clever plot the moral behind the movie was important. Money does not solve all problems. In a financial crisis like the one both the United States and Southern University are facing, it is pleasing to see that message from young black actors. Moviegoers, during a 9:45pm showing in New Orleans, expressed positive feedback about the film. Each of the 34 people asked whether they liked or disliked the movie chose the former; proving that light comedy and a cute cast override predictable and petty plotlines. Score one for Cube Vision Productions.
Fantasia puts focus on album By sam ross digest contributing writer
R&B singer Fantasia Barrino made headlines this week for the release of a new album, rather than tabloid fodder. Barrino’s third album, “Back to Me,” is the singer’s first effort since her 2006 selftitled album, which generated lackluster sales. Earlier this month, a 911 call was made from Barrino’s North Carolina home. The call was placed by Brian Dickens, Barrino’s manager. Police confirmed that the singer had attempted to end her own life, by overdosing on aspirin and sleep medications. Barrino was hospitalized due to dehydration and exhaustion at the time of the incident. After a two-day hospital stint, she was released from the North Carolina hospital. Apparently, the 26-year-old American Idol winner’s suicide attempt came as the result of media outlets’ frenzy over an
get online @
alleged affair the singer had been having with Antwaun Cook, a married man Barrino met last year at a T-Mobile store where he worked. The overdose came just days after Cook’s wife, Paula Cook, accused Barrino through court litigations of having an affair with her husband. Sometime in June of this year, Mrs. Cook filed for a divorce from her husband. Nonetheless, Barrino and Mr. Cook had been seeing each other on and off for almost a year prior to that. Barrino’s manager released a statement statiing that Mr. Cook told Barrino he and Mrs. Cook separated. As a result, Barrino fell in love with Mr. Cook and believed that he loved her. Barrino is heartbroken and very sorry for any pain she may have caused. With a lawsuit, bad romance, rumored sex tape, upcoming album, and VH1 reality show “Fantasia For Real,” all on her plate, Dickens went on to explain being “totally overwhelmed
by the lawsuit and the media attention” is what caused the singer to become suicidal. Having released an autobiographical novel, “Fantasia: Life is Not a Fairytale,” a few years back, Barrino openly attests to having had her share of trials. Barrino was raped at the age of 14, became a teen mom and has had to struggle with illiteracy woes. The singer is no stranger to hardships. It is Barrino’s ability to remain resilient that gives her hope. The singer, who has performed several times on BET’s annual Celebration of Gospel, credits God for her strength. Recently, she released a statement saying, “I can’t thank my fans enough for their prayers and support during such a challenging time…I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this album and I pray that everyone enjoys it as much as I do.” According to nydailynews. com, “Barrino’s new album… far out performs her first two
his claim. The date was Sept. 2, 2005, in Mobile, Ala., and, prior to the live TV appearance, “I had been describing to the president how bad things were. Telling him what I needed. Why things weren’t working. ... And then we walk out and he makes that comment, and I’m like, ‘What the hell!’” Neither Bush nor Chertoff made themselves available to Lee, nor — flashing ahead to the oil spill — does Tony Hayward, then CEO of BP. Still, Hayward is well represented by the infamous clip where he expresses his longing to get “my life back,” as well as in the soothingly scripted commercial where he states his regret for the oil spill, promises to make it right and adds his thanks “for the strong support of the government.” But it goes beyond “strong support,” said Lee, who believes BP has been allowed to call the shots in its own interest, and often counter to the public good. “What has been puzzling people, and I include myself, is how much BP has had control of the situation,” he said, echoing a sentiment heard from many in his film. Heartbreaking but defiant, “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise” picks up where “Levees” left off, as a catalog of plagues that largely could have been averted. Why they weren’t is not so puzzling, said Lee. “It’s greed.”
JEAN from page 8
barrino works.” Barrino is now back to business with several confirmed television apperances ad performances scheduled to promote “Back to Me” over the next few weeks. Music critics and fans both are expecting Barrino to regain her once promising career and really be “back to Fantasia.”
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27-year-old mechanic. “We’re ready to die for Clef, and without him there’s no election. We are with him 100 percent.” Although he issued a statement late Friday saying that “I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision,” the 40-year-old singer said Sunday that he is appealing the Haitian board’s decision on the basis that it rejected his candidacy before the national electoral dispute office, or BCEN, could issue a final ruling on the residency issue. Jean said that shortly after he filed his papers to run in the Nov. 28 election, two Haitian citizens challenged his candidacy, saying he had not met the residency requirements. The BCEN ruled in his favor, Jean asserted, but the two citizens appealed the decision. The case was still pending when the Haitian elections board decided to disqualify Jean, the singer said. It was not clear whether Jean’s legal argument would hold up. Elections board spokesman Richardson Dumel said that as of Sunday afternoon, he had not seen any paperwork from the candidate indicating an appeal, but he declined to comment further. The board on Friday accepted 19 candidates and rejected 15. A spokesman read out the names of the approved and rejected candidates quickly at a late, hastily called news conference.
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By peter svensson ap technology writer
VIEWPOINTS Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - Page 11
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We all need to do better I know I speak for most students when I say that I have a love/hate relationship with the system. It might even be safe to say it’s an abusive relationship. One example, Financial Aid makes you stand in line for hours then they give you a nice gift (a refund check) and then you get happy and forget it ever happened. Then the next semester, the same thing happens again. It’s a cycle … just like an abusive relationship. The cycle won’t end until you graduate and even then it may not be over. Well, this relationship could actually be a functional one … if you (the student) do your part. This includes filling out your FAFSA before the deadline, turning in housing applications before the deadline and dealing with the registrar before you need to verify that you are a full-time student, It’s basically doing everything in your power to make sure there are no problems as to not give the employees any excuse for your problems being addressed. Recently, the financial aid process was changed. However, didn’t they have numerous posters around
BREANNA PAUL campus saying when the FAFSA was due the for priority deadline? How many people actually had their FAFSA completed by then? I bet those people weren’t waiting in line all day only to be escorted out of the building by Zachary Police (where was SUPD?)! Housing was also an issue. Again, people did not fill out their housing application by the deadline. This caused people not have a room to stay in when coming from out-of-town, out-of-state and some out-of-the-country. Students can’t blame SU for their problems then run to the news with the intention of airing dirty laundry when they didn’t comply with the deadline. With that being said, the offices have to comply with the students … to an
extent. This means actually being the office during office hours, not taking three-hour lunch breaks and answering the phone. This will come back to haunt the university later. If a student has a bad experience with Financial Aid, Residential Life, Registrar’s Office, etc., this will cause the alum to not give back to the university. If you look at most PWIs (predominantly white institutions), their alumni is constantly giving back. Seems as though people get their degree from Southern then disappear into the Witness Protection Program. So we (students and administration) have to work together. We should be unified and have one common goal: getting out of here on time. However, the offices that you need the most (Financial Aid, Registrar, Residential Life, etc.) make it very difficult. If I were weak, I probably would have thrown in the towel. However, I’ll stay and get a degree so I can have a job with air conditioning … since I’m not cut out for lard labor. I guess it is true … Southern does build character.
SPEAK OUT What are your plans for the summer? BY dwayne grant
Digest photographer
chanel griffin baton rouge senior mass communication
“It could have been more organized. The number/pass griffin system should have been implemented earlier like in the beginning of the summer.”
trevor tatum powder springs, ga. freshman performing arts
tatum
technology.”
“I felt it wasn’t organized. Southern needs to be updated to the 21st century with
jayda washington atlanta junior psychology
“They could have handled it a lot washington better and the service was very slow. I arrived at 5:30 a.m., wasn’t seen until 6:30 p.m. and was given a pass to return the next day, just to sit in line once again.
thelbert robinson baton rouge sophomore urban forestry
“I’m still dealing with it.” robinson SUBMISSIONS POLICY
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-mail 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.
Page 12 - Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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