The Southern Digest April 3, 2012

Wednesday

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86/64

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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Volume 58, Issue 14

The Southern Digest returns April 19 check southerndigest.com for updates

Thursday

Broussard takes over; tennis dominates see Sports, page 8

Time to make a change see Commentary, page 11

Shorty: filing early aids process

Males look to nursing Jessica Sarpy

The Southern Digest

Southern University’s nursing school hosted an open house to highlight male students Thursday in J.K. Haynes Hall.

With over 40 male students in the program, the school took a day to recognize their contributions to the program. photo by arielle N. burks/digest “We don’t look at them and see anything negative, we Cheryl Taylor, interim dean of the School of Nursing, welcomes guests to the Special Tribute and Voices look at them and we see that of SUBR Men Thursday. Taylor wants to increase retention among male nursing students. they’re gifted and the endless Southern University was possibilities. When we look at everyday and they stay on me,” Doss said.

Taylor discussed the nursing awarded the Nursing school our students we see our sons me because they want me to and daughters. They might maximize my full potential school’s recognition by the of the year. That designation not be in touch with all of their in their classes, after a while Louisiana Nurses Association. would not be possible “Southern University’s without the commitment and gifts. We want to bring the best they’re like a mom,” Marcus out of them,” Cheryl Taylor, Doss a freshman in the nursing school is the number dedication of our faculty, and dean on the nursing school program from New Orleans one school of nursing our students,” Taylor said.

Lehmire Wilson, a freshman recognized by The Louisiana said. said.

Doss said that the instructors Nurses Association. Well in the program from Baton According to a study by University of Pennsylvania want him to be the best that he there are a lot of different Rouge talked about the reasons for that, but let me stereotypes facing males in the researcher in 2009, About 7.5 possibly can be.

“Not only am I trying to say this, our designation is a nursing profession. percent of new male nurses “I don’t really feel picked left the profession within make the best grade possible, result of a competition. We four years of graduating from but I’m also trying to let them were nominated along with on or emasculated because I nursing school, compared know that their efforts are other schools of nursing and am confident in the field that I to 4.1 percent of new female not wasted. That I’m trying to were judged by nurses outside the best of my ability to grasp of the state of Louisiana. In nurses.

See Male Nurses page 3 “When I see my instructors everything they are teaching the process of that judging

changes to their department.

“Never heard such rumors, but I have heard that not too many people have been in it,” said Cassandra Mullens, senior mass communication

The deadline for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid was March 31 and 4,925 current and prospective Southern University students have submitted their applications for the 2012-2013 year.

Students were strongly urged to get their information submitted before the deadline so that they can be eligible to register for classes and the process can run smoothly.

“The goal is to get them to submit early,” said Ursula Shorty, director of the Office of Student Financial Aid. According to Shorty if the student’s information is submitted by March 31, it is priority, which means students can be eligible for registration if they have met all requirements.

Victor Lewis, a sophomore criminal justice major from Mobile Ala., said that he receives financial aid and he has not filled out or submitted his information for the 20122013 year. He said he has not had a chance due to schoolwork.

According to Lewis, he has waited in the lines for financial aid up to six or seven hours.

Lewis said that the lines for financial aid could be avoided if the financial aid advisors stopped procrastinating.

“We’re hoping that the same problem doesn’t exist,” said Shorty.

Shorty said the amount of students to submit their applications has increased since last year, which was less than 4,000.

Aneecha Everage, a senior child development major from New Orleans said she has filled her application for FAFSA and stated that she has never had any problems with the financial aid process.

Everage said that financial

See MCOM Masters page 3

See Early Submittal page 3

MCOM masters program faces cut Charles Hawkins II The Southern Digest

Students and faculty are shocked over the proposed closure of the Mass Communication graduate program. Students in mass communication might soon have to look for another home in order to pursue a higher degree in their program.

Many students were not aware of this upcoming change, however some faculty have been informed, but are not sure why.

“We still don’t know exactly why the graduate program will be deleted because the

department’s enrollment and graduation numbers satisfy and far exceeded required numbers of the Board of Regents,” said chair of the department of mass communication and professor Mahmoud A. M. Braima.

He went on to mention how the reasons for deleting the program have not been articulated to the faculty in the department yet.

Students were unaware of the upcoming change, and also wondered how it was possible this could be occurring. “ No, I have not, and I don’t think it is a low graduating program,” said Nele Trepp,

photo by keldric nash/digest photo

Mass Communication major Kayla Culbert is assisting SU student Brandin Walker with the Garage Band software in the Sound Room of the mass communication department.

a mass communication graduate student from Estonia, Europe.

She continued on to say how Southern’s graduate program for mass communication is a strong program.

Other students were not surprised of the upcoming

Christie Carral

The Southern Digest

the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana

Campus Life southerndigest.com

Page 2 - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Classifieds

grammatical errors, sentence structure, etc. CSS will also be offering English workshops every Friday at 10 am. CSS will be offering seminars to assist students with topics such as discovering their learning styles, study skills, to stress management. Contact CSS for more information on any of these programs and for tutoring questions at 225.771.4312 or stop by 107 in Stewart Hall.

INTERNS NEEDED

Interns Needed. K-5 teachers for a 6-week summer program.

Email cscott@ educationexplosion.com.

HELP WANTED

Warehouse position Sat., Sun. 924.0227.

Fri.,

Campus Briefs today

Critical University Dates

Retool your school

Spring Break is April 6-15. Registration for online Maymester, Summer 2012 and Fall 2012 begins April 9.

Continue to vote to see Southern get a facelift. Vote at retoolyourschool.com to help Southern University succeed.

Vote everyday because every vote counts. Southern University is currently in 9th place.

Bookstore new hours

The SU Bookstore has new hours. The bookstore will be open from 8a.m. until 5p.m.

Monday-Thursday and from 9a.m. until 2p.m. on Fridays.

It will be closed good Friday but will be open during Spring Break from 8am-3pm.

Campus Access

Harding Boulevard will be the sole entrance/exit between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Vehicles entering the campus during those hours must stop at the Checkpoint prior to entering the campus. On weekends the Mills Avenue entrance will remain closed from 10 p.m.

Friday until 5 a.m. the following Monday morning.

Please contact Lt. Floyd Williams at 771-2770 for more details.

Parking Appeals Committee

The university is compiling members to serve on the University Parking Appeals Committee. Each member serves a one-year term.

Representatives will be comprised of representatives from SGA, The Faculty and Staff Senates, the Law Center, and SU Ag Center.

SU Wesley Foundation

The Southern University Wesley Foundation is accepting donations of non-perishable and canned foods for their food drive. They will be accepting donations until April. Worship services are on Wednesdays at noon. The foundation will also be hosting Throwdown Thursdays at 7p.m. with competitions on Wii Sports, Karaoke, Dance. Spoken word and open mic. Compeition winners will receive $20 gift cards. Refreshments will be sold to support the foundation’s efforts. Call 225.778.0076 for more information.

Res Life applications available

The department of Residence Life and Housing announces Summer and Fall 2012 housing applications are available. Go to www.housing.subr.edu; type it, print it, and bring it in by May 1.

Career Services CDs and DVDs

Southern University office of Career Services invites you to come pick up “What can I do with this degree” or “Suit up for Success” DVDs. Both discs will be available while supplies last. Contact Career Services at 225.771.2200 for more info.

Center for Student Success

april 4

The SU CSS offers a free paper service. You can have your paper reviewed for clarity,

Southern Artists

The Frank Hayden Hall

Visual Arts Gallery will exhibit the works of Nathaniel Landry, Antoine “Ghost” Mitchell and Heather Holliday April 5-May 2.The exhibits opening ceremony will be April 4 from 6-8p.m. in the gallery. Gallery hours will be Mon-Thurs.

10a.m.-4p.m. starting April 5.

For more information contact Robert Cox at 225.771.4103.

Attention MCOM Majors

The Southern University Association of Black Journalists are back. Do you see yourself in the field of journalism? Do you seek mentors from the professional ranks? Or, do you want to stand out when you apply for jobs? SUNABJ can help you reach your goals.

Come to our interest meeting on Wednesday April 4 at 5p.m. in Stewart Hall Room 128. Contact Fredrick Batiste at 225.771.5812 or Darrell Roberson at 225.771.2545 for more information. april 5 Morehouse Jazz Ensemble

The Alvin Batiste Jazz institute presents “Morehouse College Jazz Ensemble” in concert. This free concert will be April 5 at 2 p.m. in Debose Recital Hall at Southern University.

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Who’s Speaking Out? How important is the Student Government Association to you?

Lisa Wickliffe

Whitney Stewart

Port Arthur, Texas senior music performance

LaPlace, La. Senior sociology

“It is very essential because it helps the student body to speak on certain issues.”

Wickliffe

“Yes, SGA has the responsibility to be the students’ Stewart voice, allocate funds to different organizations and events.”

Omar Spears

Keiera Daniels

baton rouge senior sociology

baton rouge senior Sociology

“The SGA is important to me because they notify me of information pertaining to our institution.”

Spears

“The SGA is important to me because it Daniels helps students build character campaigning and in office.”

april 17 Writing Proficiency Retake

The writing proficiency retake for graduating seniors only is scheduled for Tuesday April 17 in Harris Hall Room 2024 from 9am-11am. Students must bring a letter from their college dean to prove their status as a Spring 2012 graduate candidate. april 19 SOS Day at the Legislature

Save the date! Save our Southern (SOS) day at the Louisiana legislature is April 19.

Contact the Southern University System office at 225.771.4680 for more information.

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.

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Website: www.subr.edu.

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News southerndigest.com

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - Page 3

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Rehabilitation hosts Career Day Marcus Green The Southern Digest

The Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies hosted its 8th annual Career Day Program Wednesday in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

“The career day allows the students to network with companies in the field. It allows the student to get a feel for what the Rehabilitation field is all about,” said Phyllis Gaile, an organizer for the program. “It is one thing to read information in a textbook but it is different when they are allowed to have hands on experience.”

Rehabilitation and disability studies became a department in 2003 and had its first career day as an independent department in spring of 2004.

A total of 25 agencies consisting of interns and professionals were ready to engage students about different agencies dealing

with all types of disabilities from autism and drugs, to Alzheimer’s disease.

Tasha Johnson, a sophomore rehabilitation counseling major from Shreveport, La., said “I know I wanted to help people with disabilities but I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to start and the career fair helped point me in the right direction.”

In his opening speech Madan Kundu, Chair and Professor of Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, said according to the World Report on Disability just released by the World Health Organization, the world population has reached to seven billion of which one billion are people with disabilities (PWD).

“In the U.S., we have about 55 million PWD, in other words, one out of every six individuals has some form of disability,” said Kundu.

Some of the programs such as UpLifted, Baton Rouge Treament Center,

Independent Living, and Volunteers of America, and the Department of Juvenile Services reinforced the mission of rehabilitation, of empowering people with disabilities to make informed choices, build viable careers and live more independently in the community.

Tiffany Anthony, a intern with UpLifted said, “When people come to us, their ready to go through the employment process. We put them in a classroom setting which is job placement and development that consist of resume writing and learning proper work etiquette.”

“Our main goal is to let people know that just because they have a disability doesn’t mean they can’t be employed,” said Anthony.

Places like The Baton Rouge Treatment Center, appealed to students wanting to assist people dealing with the disease of addiction.

Reginal Parker, a counselor from the center said, “We treat people with opiate

addictions. Patients come to us on different opiants (drugs) and we treat them with Methadone.”

According to www.drugs. com, methadone is an opioid pain reliever, which reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to opiates without causing the “high” associated with the drug addiction.

Kristin Lewis, a junior rehabilitation counseling major from Baton Rouge, said “In these harsh economic times it’s hard finding a job as a student, I’m glad career fairs like these can lighten the load.”

Carliss Washington, associate professor and coordinator of the undergraduate program said, “The department is constantly planning but next year’s event will include more demonstration based participants because we will be collaborating with Assistive Technology service providers. It will be more interactive than previous ones.”

Students believe there are some improvements needed in the mass communication department that could help prevent the phasing out of the graduate program.

“Some of the professors need to update their technological use so students can be prepared when they leave here, “ said Mullens.

She also said that getting rid of instructors won’t help, but having workshops could be greatly beneficial to the faculty and students.

“More Staff, but quality staff because hiring more people who aren’t interested is not helpful,” said Trepp.

She later mentioned how high

level people in good spots come speak more would be great.

Students differ on solutions to preventing this change from occurring.

“Students can take it seriously, and stop trying to get by,” said Baton Rouge mass communication senior Kayla Tate. She then spoke on professors in the department being to lenient.

“Make it know that the mass communication undergraduate students want a graduate program,” said Mullens.

Faculty suggested different methods of fighting this upcoming change.

“Students and faculty can always show adequate support for their major, but most importantly they may engage in recruitment efforts to increase the number of students in the department,” said Braima. He finally mentioned how the more students that declare mass communication as a major, the less likely the administration develops plans to phase out the program.

For more information students can contact the mass communication department or to help submit ideas to fight the change.

In the email that the Office of Financial sent to all students recently, on Dec. 23 of last year, Pres. Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 is the making of appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veteran Affair, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep. 30 of this year.

The email stated that the new law impacts the Federal student aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education

Act of 1965.

One of the changes is the implementation of the IRS Data Retrieval Process. With this tool, parents and students will be able to transfer their federal tax information straight from their 2011 tax returns to the FAFSA. The retrieval tool allows FAFSA applicants and parents with the ability to transfer their income information from the IRS to the FAFSA. Another change that will take effect July 1 is with the congress changing the length

of time a student may receive Pell Grant support.

All students are subject to a lifetime maximum of 12 semesters or its equivalent.

“It may not affect a lot of our students, but it will affect some,” said Shorty.

Shorty also stated that the email stated that graduate students will not be able to receive subsidized loans.

The annual loan limit for graduate students remains unchanged at $20,500, this amount will now be limited to direct unsubsidized loans.

MCOM Masters from page 1 major from Baton Rouge. She added on how if students from graduate programs find a job in their field somehow they lose it because of inadequate skills.

Faculty as well as students sees the student population in the mass communication program a large reason of why the graduate program should not be closed.

“The department has 185 declared majors mainly juniors and seniors and 23 graduate students,” said Braima. He continued on to speak on how the mass communication program graduates more than 50 students annually.

Early Submittal from page 1 aid should keep students posted and updated about their applications and necessary criteria.

Everage said that the lines could be avoided so that the financial aid process can run much smoother.

Currently, the Office of Financial Aid is sending out emails and updates on changes and asking that all students receiving aid to check their SUBR email accounts frequently.

“There’s a lot of changes that will take place,” said Shorty.

Male Nurses from page 1 chose, plus the other guys in the program are very supportive and that helps,” Wilson said.

Doss advocated for the education among other prospective nurses of the opposite sex.

“If anything we are trend setters. The way I see it is I’m am getting a quality education while being around beautiful girls,” Doss said.

Taylor said the nursing school is the place to start your nursing career.

“SU’s school of nursing is a place where you can come and start your nursing career, and if you choose to, advance your career,” Taylor said. “We want to promote the health of Louisiana and the rest of the country and that starts here, by producing the best nurses.”

Some students did not choose come to SU’s school of nursing in the beginning of their college careers.

“At first I was in the band.

Nursing was not my first major, but after some soul searching I realized that nursing was the right major for me, hopefully its my calling,” Parker Rossum a senior in the program from Shreveport said.

Brennan Brown a freshman in the program from New Orleans said that nursing requires time management.

“Time management is the hardest part of the program to me.

I don’t have much leisure time to hangout with friends. Nursing is a full time job,” Brown said.

Every student in the program must take the comprehensive exam.

“One of the things that makes us the best is our comprehensive exam. You will not graduate from SU with any kind of nursing degree without it,” Leroy Scott a freshman in the program said.

Rossum said nursing is more than just prescriptions and cures.

“Nursing is not just administering medicine or just trying to cure someone, that’s not what nursing is really about. Nursing is a nurturing career, taking care of a person as a whole, that’s what nursing is all about,” Rossum said.

“You can’t just wake up and decide to be a nursing major.

Nursing is a major that requires compassion. Either you have it or you don’t.”

Scott said the program provides tools to be successful in the nursing field.

“Southern would have provided me with the tools I will need in order to save lives and make a difference in the health field,” Scott said.

The school of nursing currently has three programs offering a Bachelor of science in nursing, Master of science in family health nursing, a Doctor of philosophy in nursing, and in fall 2012 they will offer students a Doctorate in nursing practice.

State & Nation southerndigest.com

Page 4 - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Sticker bill passes committee

Jindal bills head to Senate

The Associated Press

Melinda Deslatte The Associated Press

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s centerpiece education bills for photo by bill feig/ap photo the session are on track for a Surrounded by religious and education leaders Gov. Bobby Jindal, third from right,speaks about his full Senate debate Wednesday, education package that will be debated on the House Floor Thursday, at the State Capitol Building where passage could get the Wednesday. proposals to the governor’s Superintendent of voted for them. The Jindal children in a state where 44 desk later this week.

The complex measures to administration is pushing percent of public schools are Education John White, a create a statewide voucher senators to reject any graded with a “D’’ or “F’’ in the Jindal ally, disputes claims program that uses tax dollars amendments to the proposals state accountability program. that local education funding Opponents of the bills say would be diverted to private to pay for private school in the hopes of avoiding a tuition, to expand charter second House vote, which they would siphon dollars school vouchers. However, a schools in Louisiana and to would be needed to approve from public schools and leave Legislative Fiscal Office review revamp teacher pay and job any Senate changes before some of the neediest students of the voucher proposal says in schools with fewer dollars to state and local dollars will be protections have been moving final passage.

Teacher unions and other educate them. They complain provided to private schools at a speedy clip through the session, which started three opponents are organizing a private and parochial schools through the program.

Another question raised protest at the state Capitol on won’t be held to the same weeks ago.

The voucher bill received the Senate’s debate day, but their accountability standards as Wednesday in the Finance approval in the Senate criticism of the measures has public schools even though Committee was whether the charter schools created Finance Committee with a done nothing to slow them down. they’ll get public funding.

One of the continued under the new authorizations The bills would make 9-2 vote Monday. It was the final step needed before an sweeping changes to the sticking points debated in the allowed in the governor’s expected Senate floor debate way education is financed in Senate Finance Committee education package would was whether local tax dollars be required to comply with Louisiana.

Wednesday.

Jindal and supporters of the would be shifted to private public meetings and open If the Senate backs both the voucher and tenure bills proposals say the education school financing in the records laws. The Jindal without changes, that would changes would give parents voucher bill, though that administration said they give them final passage. more choices for their children funding wasn’t approved for would be, but Sen. Ed Murray, D-New Orleans, disagreed.

The House already has and improve education for such use by taxpayers.

SPLC sues N.O. jail over conditions Kevin McGill The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a federal class-action lawsuit Monday accusing New Orleans jail officials of routinely subjecting prisoners to brutal, inhumane conditions.

The suit against Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman and other jail officials claims Orleans Parish Prison is oversized, understaffed and full of homemade knives wielded by violent prisoners.

Prisoners are vulnerable to sexual assaults and beatings.

Violent guards are a problem, as well, the lawsuit claims. It also says prisoners with mental illnesses languish without treatment.

“Sheriff Gusman demonstrates deliberate indifference to the basic rights of the people housed at OPP by implementing constitutionally deficient

security, staffing, classification and mental health policies and practices,” the lawsuit says.

In a statement late Monday, Gusman said his office had not been served with the lawsuit.

“The OPSO has addressed the SPLC’s specific allegations in recent days, and we will not speculate about what is contained in their complaint,” the statement said. “The deputies and staff of the OPSO are working daily to address the care, custody and control of the inmates in our custody. “ The SPLC seeks a court order requiring jail officials to cease all “unconstitutional and unlawful practices” and improve living conditions and care for prisoners.

The suit says the facility currently houses roughly 3,400 prisoners but isn’t adequately staffed or supervised.

“The OPSO has consistently

stated that we have a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual activity and assault in our facilities. The OPSO investigates every incident and allegation of sexual assault and violent behavior immediately and thoroughly.

Where warranted, the OPSO vigorously pursues prosecution of any individual who violates these policies,” Gusman said.

Orleans Parish Prison and the people who run it have been targeted for years by critics who describe conditions there as dangerous and unconstitutional. Monday’s lawsuit echoes complaints in a Justice Department report issued in September 2009.

It, too, said the prison was understaffed, had violent guards and that prisoners often lacked adequate mental health treatment. At the time, Gusman said the Justice Department report ignored improvements at

the prison and called the report “a terribly dated, fundamentally flawed work.”

Gusman said the health care provided within the jail system is “recognized for the work it does every day.”

He said the sheriff’s office is one of three facilities in the state that’s accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

“The OPSO has achieved 100 percent compliance with the NCCHC standards for accreditation. Our ongoing accreditation, earned after Hurricane Katrina, verifies that the OPSO maintains an efficient, well-managed health care system in our jail, in accordance with national standards.”

Prisoner advocates said they are expecting Justice Department officials to visit the jail this week but the agency’s statement did not confirm or address that issue.

Louisiana motorists would be able to get their vehicles inspected every two years, instead of each year, if lawmakers back a proposal that received the support Monday of the Senate Transportation Committee.

The measure (Senate Bill 610)

by Sen. Sherri Smith Buffington, R-Keithville, would take effect Sept. 1.

In parishes with auto emission problems, like the Baton Rouge area, annual inspections still would be required.

The bill heads to the full Senate for debate.

——— Casinos would be prohibited from issuing players’ cards that automatically withdraw funds from a credit, savings or checking account, under a bill that received overwhelming support Monday from the state House.

Rep. Hunter Greene, R-Baton Rouge, said casinos in Louisiana aren’t using such cards now, but he said they are used in Las Vegas. Greene said his proposal (House Bill 146) would “make people think for a minute” before draining their bank accounts for gambling.

They would still be able to withdraw cash from ATM machines at the casinos and get money from their accounts through tellers.

The bill heads next to the Senate.

——— In other legislative action: —The new LSU public hospital planned for New Orleans will be named the Rev. Avery C. Alexander Academic Research Hospital, if the House agrees to a measure (Senate Bill 304) unanimously approved by the Senate and sponsored by Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans. Alexander was a civil rights leader in Louisiana and former state lawmaker.

— The House backed a proposal that would prohibit disciplinary action or negative job reviews for corrections workers who are asked to attend an execution but refuse. The measure (House Bill 120) by Rep. Joe Lopinto, R-Metairie, heads next to the Senate for debate.

——— Quote: “Historically it’s kind of been tacky to name buildings after people who are still alive.”

--Rep. Johnny Guinn, R-Jennings, talking about a bill (House Bill 98) that would let a school board name an athletic facility after a living person.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - Page 5

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Man kills 7 at college Terry Collins The Associated Press OAKLAND, Calif. — A 43-year-old former student of a small Christian university in California opened fire at the school Monday, killing at least seven people and setting off an intense, chaotic manhunt that ended with his capture at a nearby shopping center, authorities said.

Police Chief Howard Jordan said One L. Goh surrendered about an hour after the shooting at Oikos University.

Jordan initially reported that authorities recovered the weapon used during the rampage, but later clarified that police only recovered enough ballistics evidence to determine that a handgun was used in the rampage.

“It’s going to take us a few days to put the pieces together,” Jordan said. “We do not have a motive.”

Police first received a 911 call at 10:33 a.m. reporting a woman on the ground bleeding.

As more calls came in from the school, the first arriving officer found a victim suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, he said.

It was an “extremely chaotic scene,” Jordan said.

More officers arrived and formed a perimeter around the school on the belief that the suspect was still inside, he said.

“Potential victims remained inside the building either trapped by a locked door which

photo by Noah berger/AP PHOTO

Oakland Police cover bodies near Oikos University in Oakland, Calif., Monday. A suspect was detained Monday in a shooting attack at a California Christian university that sources said has left at least seven people dead.

officers were unable to open,” Jordan said. Others were unable to flee because they were injured, he said.

Jordan said there were about 35 people in or near the building when gunfire broke out. Of the seven fatalities, five died at the scene and another two at the hospital. The wounded victims are in stable condition, and at least one person has been released from the hospital.

“This unprecedented tragedy was shocking and senseless,” Jordan said.

Soon after the shooting, heavily armed officers swarmed the school in a large industrial park near the Oakland airport and, for at least an hour, believed the gunman could still be inside.

Art Richards said he was driving by the university on his way to pick up a friend when he spotted a woman hiding in the bushes and pulled over. When he approached her, she said, “I’m shot” and showed him her arm.

“She had a piece of her arm hanging out,” Richards said, noting that she was wounded near the elbow.

As police arrived, Richards

said he heard 10 gunshots coming from inside the building.

The female victim told him that she saw the gunman shoot one person point-blank in the chest and one in the head.

Tashi Wangchuk, whose wife attended the school and witnessed the shooting, said he was told by police that the gunman first shot a woman at the front desk, then continued shooting randomly in classrooms.

Wangchuk said his wife, Dechen Wangzom, was in her vocational nursing class when she heard gunshots. She locked the door and turned off the lights, Wangchuk said he was told by his wife, who was still being questioned by police Monday afternoon.

The gunman “banged on the door several times and started shooting outside and left,” he said. Wangchuk said no one was hurt inside his wife’s classroom, but that the gunman shot out the glass in the door. He said she did not know the man.

“She’s a hero,” he said.

Television footage showed bloodied victims on stretchers

being loaded into ambulances.

Several bodies covered in sheets were laid out on a patch of grass at the school. One body could be seen being loaded into a van.

Myung Soon Ma, the school’s secretary, said she could not provide any details about what happened at the private school, which serves the Korean community with courses from theology to Asian medicine.

“I feel really sad, so I cannot talk right now,” she said, speaking from her home.

Those connected to the school, including the founder and several students, described the gunman as a former nursing student. The chief said Goh is a South Korean national who’s a former student of the university.

A call to the Korean consulate in San Francisco went unanswered Monday.

The suspect’s brother was killed in a car accident last year in Virginia while on active duty in the U.S. Army, according to Stars and Stripes newspaper.

The suspect attended the funeral of Sgt. Su Wan Ko in Centreville, Va. after the March 8, 2011, accident.

At Highland Hospital, Dawinder Kaur’s family told the Oakland Tribune that she was being treated for a gunshot to her elbow.

The 19-year-old U.S. Army Reservist told her family that that the gunman was a student in her nursing class who had been absent for months before returning Monday. The gunman entered the classroom and ordered students to line up against the wall.

When he showed his gun, students began running and he opened fire, her family said.

“She told me that a guy went crazy and she got shot,” brother Paul Singh told the newspaper.

“She was running. She was crying; she was bleeding, it was wrong.”

Pastor Jong Kim, who founded the school about 10 years ago, told the newspaper that he did not know if the shooter was expelled or dropped out. Kim said he heard about 30 rapidfire gunshots in the building.

“I stayed in my office,” he said.

Deborah Lee, who was in an English language class, said she heard five to six gunshots at first. “The teacher said, ‘Run,’ and we run,” she said. “I was OK, because I know God protects me. I’m not afraid of him.”

The suspect was detained at a Safeway supermarket about three miles from the university, about an hour after the shooting.

A security guard at the supermarket approached the man because he was acting suspiciously, KGO-TV reported.

The man told the guard that he needed to talk to police because he shot people, and the guard called authorities.

“He didn’t look like he had a sign of relief on him. He didn’t look like he had much of any emotion on his face,” said Lisa Resler, who was buying fruit at Safeway with her 4-year-old daughter when she saw the man.

Goh also called his father soon after the shooting and told him what happened, the police chief said. The father also called authorities, Jordan said.

Court upholds California affirmative action ban Christina Hoag The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Affirmative action proponents took a hit Monday as California’s ban on using race, ethnicity and gender in admitting students to public colleges and universities was upheld by a federal appeals court panel.

The ruling marked the second time the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals turned back a challenge to the state’s landmark voter initiative, Proposition 209, which was passed in 1996.

Affirmative action proponents, who had requested that the court reconsider its 1997 decision after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that affirmative action could be used in college admissions, said they would continue fighting.

“We think the decision is wrong,” said Detroit attorney George B. Washington, who is representing the group of minority students and advocacy groups that filed

the latest challenge in January 2010.

Washington said he would ask the full appellate court to review the case since this decision was issued by a three-judge panel.

In its ruling, the court rejected the plaintiffs’ arguments that a new ruling is needed and said the previous decision still applies.

Universities may implement race-based admissions programs, but they are not constitutionally required, the court said.

Ralph Kasarda, attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation who had argued against overturning the ban, said the court’s decision was not surprising since the issue had already been decided. This case was redundant and baseless, he said.

“The bottom line from both decisions by the 9th Circuit — today’s and the ruling 15 years ago — is that California voters have every right to prohibit government from color-coding people and playing favorites based on individuals’ sex or

skin color,” Kasarda said in a statement.

At least six states have adopted bans on using affirmative action in state college admissions. Besides California and Michigan, they include Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Washington.

Advocates of affirmative action say such bans lead to the exclusion of minority students and less campus diversity.

In California, the year after ban was adopted, the number of black, Latino and Native American students at the University of California’s most prestigious campuses — Berkeley and Los Angeles — plummeted by 50 percent, the opinion said.

The university has tried to compensate for the drop in those students by using other admissions criteria, including a “comprehensive review” of applicants, admitting the top 4 percent of graduates from any high school and decreasing the weight of standardized tests, the opinion

said.

But affirmative action proponents say the measures have not been enough to boost opportunities for historically excluded minorities.

Although blacks, Latinos and Native Americans comprise about half of California’s high school graduates, they make up only 19.5 percent of the current freshman class at UC Berkeley. Whites compose roughly 30 percent and Asians 48 percent. The remainder is out-of-state students.

Backers of affirmative action bans say ruling out race, gender and ethnicity criteria guarantees that all applicants are treated fairly and not discriminated against.

The issue has led to protracted legal battles in several states.

In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court said the University of Michigan Law School could consider race in admissions decisions to promote campus diversity.

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - Page 7

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Page 8 - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Broussard new SU AD Aristide Phillips

The Southern Digest

With the Southern University Board of Supervisors approval of William Broussard as the new Athletics Director, Broussard has high hopes to bring Southern University back to prominence.

It was 2005 when Floyd Kerr was replaced as Athletic Director

by Greg LaFleur, and during that stretch the Athletics department has been in a rebuilding stage.

Following the approval from the Athletic Committee two weeks ago, Friday the SU BOS approved Broussard to become its new director of athletics with a vote of 15-0 during the March board meeting.

Recommended by SUBR Chancellor James Llorens, Broussard was introduced to the board’s athletics commitee chaired by attorney Patrick McGee during a March 15 special session held on the Baton Rouge campus.

“I’m obviously pleased with the board and excited to get in on Monday and get to work,” Broussard said.

Broussard’s first official day as AD was Monday, and he plans to address three areas that has hindered the Athletic Department including: Southern’s Academic Progress Rate issues, compliance with the

NCAA and fundraising.

“The first area is compliance, insuring full compliance with the NCAA and the Southwestern Athletic Conference to insure that we are following the rules that are laid out before us,” Broussard said. “We are competing to win but doing that within the rules that are prescribed by the conference and by our governing association.”

With the APR issues looming over the Athletic Department, following NCAA and SWAC rules and regulations will be key in rebuilding SU athletics.

“The second area is academic success that’s working to insure that resources are in place to not only to improve what we are doing in an area that’s been struggling in terms of our APR calculations, but to identify practices that the department is currently engaging in that are working, that are successful and make sure that we under write those areas and then identify new ways, new strategies, industry standards and practices to insure that the areas that have struggled to find new success,” Broussard said.

Southern had an APR of 847, below the NCAA requirement of 925. The score resulted in two scholarship reductions, practice reduction and a championship ban (no postseason play).

“Finally fundraising, identify private donors, corporate sponsors, alumni, friends of the university and supporters of the athletic department that want to help us to continue to expand what we offer to student athletes and make sure that they have the best athletic experience, the best student experience that they can possibly have and get us to the point that Southern is a flagship of the southwestern athletic conference and really a beacon for all HBCU athletic departments,” Broussard said.

The hiring of Broussard comes after 11 months of searching and the board’s refusal of one finalist who was amongst two other finalists identified by a search committee.

A 2000 graduate of the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University, Broussard earned his masters and doctorate in rhetoric, composition and the teaching of the English language in 2007 from the University of Arizona.

While in graduate school, he served as an undergraduate instructor, research supervisor, and held positions in athletics and student life. He also gained academic experience as a faculty member at Pima Community College in Tuscon, Ariz.

A graduate of Crowley High School, Broussard returned home to Louisiana and his alma mater

photo by trevor james/digest

Newly-minted Southern Athletics Director William Broussard responds to a question during Monday’s introductory press conference.

Broussard took over as the Jaguars’ full-time athletics director Monday, ending an 11-month saga that eventually led to his hiring.

to serve as Associate Athletic Director for External Relations as well as the Executive Director of the NSU Athletics Association.

Broussard oversaw all areas of athletic fundraising and external relations, breaking university records for attainment, annual fund, and corporate sponsorships.

He gathered the largest gifts in

the history of the department as well as the university’s history.

He worked closely with several sports, managing football game operations and coordinating schedules and contracts. He also served as the department’s ambassador at campus events and on a wide variety of committees and working groups.

Southern takes two of three from Ark.-Pine Bluff Jaguars rebound from shutout loss; end series with 13-run rally Sunday Digest News Service

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Southern baseball team wrapped up a wild weekend in Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a ferocious rally to help take two out of three games from Arkansas-Pine Bluff at the Torii Hunter Complex.

The Jaguars (14-13, 6-6) were on the verge of dropping a second shutout loss to the Golden Lions (4-21-1, 3-9) Sunday, but overcame a 7-0 hole after seven innings by scoring 13 unanswered to win 13-7.

Southern opened the series with 2-0 shutout loss in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, but picked up a 5-2 decision in the second half of the Saturday two-game set.

Southern returns to action today, playing host Loyola-New Orleans at 6 p.m. at Lee-Hines Field. Today’s game is the first in a five-game homestand for the Jaguars. Southern plays host to Texas Southern for a three-game SWAC series, starting with a 6 p.m. game Friday followed by a noon Saturday doubleheader.

The homestand ends next Tuesday as the Jags host Louisiana-Lafayette at 6 p.m.

UAPB 2, Southern 0

Southern’s Jesse Holiday and UAPB’s

Jordan Sechler engaged in a pitchers’ duel, holding their opposition scoreless for three innings. However, the Golden Lions plated the first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Tyler Hill singled with one out, and scored from first as Jacob Whitney doubled off Holliday to give UAPB a 1-0 lead.

The Golden Lions added its second score in the bottom of the seventh.

Cody DeMera reached first after getting plunked by Holliday, and reached second as Soloman Williams grounded out to short. DeMara reached third as James Boulware grounded out to third.

Lukas Fortino drew a two-out walk, and Sean Samsa singled in DeMara to give UAPB a 2-0 lead.

Sechler picked up the win for the Golden Lions, pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout. He struck out four batters and walked six.

Holliday took the loss for the Jaguars, despite pitching eight innings and giving up two runs on five hits. He struck out seven batters and walked three.

Southern 5, UAPB 2

The Jaguars gave starting pitcher Jose DeLeon an early cushion in the top of the third inning with a two-out rally. Wilmy Marrero singled off UAPB starter Brett Schweiger, and Cameron

McGriff followed with a base knock of his own. Schweiger walked Brian Rowry to load the bases for Clint Ourso.

Ourso made UAPB pay, hitting a bases-clearing double to give the Jaguars a 3-0 lead in the third inning.

The Jaguars added two more runs in the top of the eighth inning. Ourso led off with a single and reached second as Demario Ellis reached base on an error.

Jeremy Lopez grounded out, allowing Ourso to score and Ellis to reach third.

Vince Coleman flew out to left field, allowing Ellis to tag up from third to increase Southern’s lead to 5-0.

The Golden Lions broke DeLeon’s shutout bid in the bottom of the eighth.

DeLeon hit Wilton Guzman, and Guzman scored as Christian Weeber doubled. Hill singled in Weeber to cut the Southern lead to 5-2.

DeLeon struck out 11 batters, walked three and allowed five hits in a complete game victory. Schweiger struck out six, walked seven and allowed six hits in a complete game loss.

Southern 13, UAPB 7

UAPB starting pitcher Michael Newby went into the seventh inning with a 7-0 lead, opening the top of the seventh inning by getting Elliot Jones to fly out to center. Newby plunked Ourso, and Ourso reached second as Ellis reached base on one of five Golden Lion errors

committed during the game.

The runners moved to second and third after Coleman flew out to center, but Newby hit Darrius Jennings to load the bases with two outs. UAPB replaced Newby with reliever Vincent Newton, and Kevin Williams greeted Newton with a bases-clearing double.

Marrero drew a walk, and Netwon hit Cameron McGriff to load the bases for Rowry. Williams and Marrero scored on Rowry’s 2-RBI single.

The Golden Lions replaced Newton with Stanten Jones, and pinch hitter Marcus Tomlin singled off Jones to drive in McGriff to cut the UAPB lead to 7-6.

The Jaguars were not finished, reeling off another barrage in the top of the eighth inning.

Ellis led off by reaching base on an error. Coleman followed with a single, and Lopez singled to load the bases.

Jones beaned Williams to bring in Ellis.

UAPB replaced Jones with Schweiger, and Schweiger plunked Marrero to bring in Coleman. McGriff reached base on an error, which also allowed Williams and Lopez to score.

McGriff scored as Ourso grounded out to second to give Southern an 11-7 lead after eight innings. The Jaguars plated two more runs in the top of the ninth for the final margin.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - Page 9

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Lady Jags hold serve; clinch West at Round-Up Aristide Phillips

The Southern Digest

The rain stopped just in time for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Round-Up, and the Lady Jaguars dominated their way to clinching the Western Division and earning the first seed in the west for the SWAC championships April 20-22.

Southern (8-8, 7-1 SWAC) came into the round-up looking to dominate and did just, that on the first day the Lady Jaguars cruised by Mississippi Valley State (0-14, 0-8) defeating the Devilettes 5-0.

Every participating Jaguar defeated their opponents, not giving up any points on the score sheet.

“Southern has one of your most athletic and fundamentally sound tennis programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said MSVU head coach Arthur Moore, who had nothing but high remarks for the Lady Jaguars.

Later on that day, Southern faced Alabama State (1-14, 1-7 SWAC) and defeated the Lady

Hornets with a score of 5-0.

Saturday the competition got a little stiffer for the Jags in their first match against Prairie View A&M (6-12, 4-4 SWAC) and they defeated the Lady Panthers 4-0.

“Always when you get out on the court we know we definitely have the talent to win all seven courts you never know which three are going to rise to the occasion the fastest,” head coach Jeff Conyers said, “This weekend it was about being aggressive more consistent being totally offensive that showed in most of the matches we played this weekend.”

Conyers said they decided to stop the match at four points because the girls had to play two matches each day.

Although Morgan Taylor and Camara Davis fell to PVAMU’s Alejander Barrera and Lerato Ndiovu in doubles 9-8, the Jaguars Carlista Mohmmed and Gabrielle Moore paired up to get the “W” 8-4, along with Lois Alexis and Demetria Woods defeating their opponents 8-5.

Following the win over the Panthers the Jags clinched the

number one spot in the west for the SWAC Championships.

The Lady Jaguars concluded with their toughest match, facing Jackson State ( 8-5, 6-2 SWAC), but SU was able to prevail defeating the Tigers 4-0.

Three of the six single matches were unconcluded but Mohmmed (6-0, 6-0), Alexis (62, 6-1), and Davis (6-1, 6-2) all won their respective matches.

Although the Jaguars cleaned up at home during the RoundUps, Alcorn State had the best overall record going undefeated in round one of the round ups held in Jackson Mississippi defeating the lady Jaguars 4-3 in the process and winning all matches in Baton Rouge in round two.

The Jaguars finished the Round-Up with a 7-1 record.

“The Lady Jags they rose to the occasion at home of course and it was good to have our fans out here,” Conyers said.

The Jaguars were victorious on the newly resurfaced courts, they take on Nichols State on April 12 at 1:30p.m.

photo by trevor james/digest

Junior Demetria Woods sends back a volley during the SWAC round-up Saturday against Prairie View. The defending conference champions clinched the SWAC Western Division title and the top seed at the upcoming SWAC Tournament.

Jaguars drop series to Prairie View Aristide Phillips

The Southern Digest

The Lady Jaguar softball team are looking to get back to full health and are searching to find their confidence to get back to their winning ways falling to Prairie View A&M in a weekend Series 9-0 on Friday and taking the first game in a Saturday doubleheader 9-1, but falling 6-8 in the second game.

In the first game of the weekend series PVAMU (129, 4-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference) flew by Southern (5-23, 2-5 SWAC) in the top of the sixth bringing in three runs thanks to a Jasmine Littles three RBI home run that extended 5-0.

In the top of the seventh inning the Lady Panthers added on four more runs, with the help of Littles double to right center field giving her three more RBI’s in that inning.

On day two the Jaguars came out with a chip on their shoulder wanting to make up from

get online @

yesterday’s melt down.

The Jaguars came out strong in the first inning scoring three runs in the first and added three more runs thanks to right fielder Allison Piercefield double allowing three Lady Jags to score.

“We played better today then we played yesterday,” said head coach Nancy Marshall, “in actuality we had kids that were sick on yesterday and had the full energy and strength from all our kids.”

Shawntall Steamer was the lead Jaguar when it came to hitting the ball averaging .368.

“When they (PV) got off the bus they were talking about getting a sweep here and taking the series and even though the took the series they didn’t take it in a sweep and the girls got kind of feisty about that,” said Marshall.

Although the Lady Jaguars had some fight in them, the flu bug was too strong for the Jaguars to overcome in game three of the weekend series against PVAMU.

photo by trevor james/digest

Southern second baseman Audrey Phillips (12) arrives to home plate after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of Saturday’s 9-1 win over Prairie View. The Lady Panthers had the final laugh, taking two of three games from the Lady Jaguars over the weekend.

The Jaguars had the lead entering the top of the six thanks to second baseman Audrey Phillips who had a double to left field score two runners.

However, the Lady Panthers came back in the sixth inning scoring three runs off of five hits and added another run in the

seventh.

The Lady Jags catcher Harley Roller hit a home run to give the Jaguars life but it wasn’t enough to energized the sickened Jaguars.

“We just need to believe and believe that we can do it continue to hit the ball we been in a slump

with our hitting lately but right now I think were getting back around now,” Marshall said.

The Jaguars travel to Lorman Mississippi on April 4 to face Alcorn State (6-25, 1-6 SWAC), and will return to home on April 10 to face McNeese State at Lady Jaguar Field.

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Page 10 - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Coke interns bring Madness to SU Evan Taylor

The Southern Digest

Southern University students and Coca-Cola interns brought March Madness to Shade Hall Saturday at the conclusion of the bracket season.

Makala Clark and LaTisha O’Bear, Coca-Cola Interns provided students with the opportunity to win free prizes, play basketball and watch the game in Shade’s lobby.

Students were able to participate in events and enjoy hotdogs and Coca-Cola products while watching the game on television.

Sheba Osborne, a junior education major from Bayou Goula, La. attended the event and said had a good time.

“I enjoyed the event because it brings people out of their academic element on the weekend. I enjoyed trying to beat my opponents most,” Osborne said.

Clifton Blouin, a sophomore computer science major from Baton Rouge enjoyed the opportunity to socialize.

“The event was spectacular and gave students an opportunity to kick back, socialize and just have a good time. I truly enjoyed the minbasketball shootout, especially the competitive atmosphere among residents from different residential halls,” Blouin said.

Ariel Whitney, a sophomore therapeutic recreation and leisure studies major from Tallulah, La. enjoyed the games most.

“I enjoyed the games. The event was fun. I really enjoyed the entertainment,” Whitney said.

Trent Nzekwesi, a sophomore

agriculture and economics major from Opelousas, La. watched March Madness unfold.

“The event was something new and different, that is needed around campus. I enjoyed most the mini-basketball goals and watching the game,”Nzekwesi said.

Kimberly Jones, a senior political science major from Monroe liked the giveaways including drinks, hotdogs, final four beads, CocaCola Zero t-shirts and bags.

“I enjoyed the event because it is something exciting to do on campus. I really enjoyed the free items that were given out at the event,” Jones said.

Most students enjoyed the event and would attend again.

Clack and O’Bear got involved with Coca-Cola to gain a valuable opportunity.

“After applying online, I was granted the opportunity to be an SUBR Coca-Cola Ambassador,” Clark said.

O’Bear was introduced by another member of her sorority.

“I was introduced to the internship by madame president soror Alexis Robinson,” O’Bear said.

Through the experience both O’Bear and Clark have gained experience.

“Thus far, the internship has been very fulfilling. It has helped me with my organization and marketing skills,” Clark said.

O’Bear’s experience has helped her in discipline and execution.

“I have gained experience in interacting with students on campus, learned more about Coca-Cola, enjoyed the Final Four and March Madness and conducting business,” O’Bear said.

Photo by rogelio v. solis/ap photo

A mini-van passes a DirecTV satellite dish in a residential area adjoining downtown Jackson, Miss.

Tribune Broadcasting says there’s been no settlement with DirecTV Inc. in their contract negotiations, which means DirecTV subscribers in 19 U.S. markets lost access to certain programming Saturday.

Tribune: No deal reached with DirecTV The Associated Press

NEW YORK — DirecTV Inc. subscribers in 19 U.S. markets have lost access to certain programming, after Tribune Broadcasting said it failed to reach a settlement with the satellite television provider in their contract negotiations.

Tribune Broadcasting said late Saturday in a statement that without a deal in place, DirecTV was barred by federal law from carrying the signal of Tribune’s local television stations after midnight, when their agreement expired.

The affected markets include New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Philadelphia. Affected New Orleans stations include WGNO and NOLA38.

Customers could lose TV programs including “American Idol,” ‘’Gossip Girl,” and Major League Baseball, depending on

who owns local affiliates that carry the shows.

Tribune president Nils Larsen called the situation “extremely unfortunate.”

In its own statement, DirecTV said it had hoped Tribune would allow its programming to remain up while negotiations continue.

But as it struck midnight in each time U.S. time zone, Tribune channels carried by DirecTV went blank.

Earlier, DirecTV said that it had accepted the financial terms that Tribune’s management offered it by telephone two days ago. But Tribune came out with its own statement shortly after, saying it had not reached a deal or come to terms with DirecTV on any aspect of the contract.

DirecTV fired back, saying in another statement that it had a handshake deal with Tribune on Thursday with an agreed upon rate for their channels.

“Their actions are the true definition of ‘bad faith’ in every sense of the term,” DirecTV said.

The satellite TV provider also wondered whether Tribune was having difficulty negotiating because of its bankruptcy process.

“Threatening station blackouts to extract an exorbitant fee for all of Tribune’s content may provide an improved return for certain banks and hedge funds, but is not in the interest of its viewers and is not a cure for bankruptcy,” DirectTV said.

Negotiations have been ongoing for months.

DirecTV subscribers in the markets where Tribune owns the local Fox affiliate lost access to programs such as “American Idol” and Major League Baseball.

Where Tribune owns the local affiliate of The CW Network, DirecTV subscribers are unable to see shows such as “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries.”

Student turns Hurricane Katrina journal into book Evan Taylor

The Southern Digest

Anastasia McGee looks to inspire and motivate those affected by Hurricane Katrina in her “Diary of Anne Frank” replica book, ‘Her Name is Katrina.’

McGee wrote her book after journaling immediately after Katrina’s landfall in New Orleans to share her story from her perspective.

“The story starts off from the Friday after school, Diary of Anne Frank diary form.

Flows from before to after. The storyline is about family trapped in the superdome and endured the harsh realities of Katrina.

The only way you can get a real understanding is to read the book,” McGee said.

McGee, a mass communication major from New Orleans, aimed to inspire those affected to be

positive and continue on.

“I hope the audience can look at their lives and find the good in whatever bad situation they are in. Find something positive you can use for your benefit. I hope they can see some hope and have optimism,” McGee said.

She was motivated to write the first hand account of the aftermath amidst the “slanted” coverage in the mainstream media.

“Writing as my way of coping.

Telling the truth. I was there.

A first hand account of what happened first hand. No one can tell that story better than a person who was there,” McGee said.

McGee was happy to have overcome the experiences she faced before, during and after Katrina.

“I always loved to read and never thought I could write a book. It came naturally. I feel good about writing the book

but even better about telling the story and helping people get through coping with their own.

It’s not about being a bestseller but for people to know and be inspired,” McGee said.

While writing the book McGee recalled the media coverage and personal experiences after the storm.

“I remember and recall sleeping outside because the Superdome was tear-gassed.

Somebody needs to tell this story. The reporters weren’t going to be accurate and I felt responsible for the story of what I saw,” McGee said.

After the road to telling her story had begun McGee faced the emotional, physical and mental barriers of writing about a traumatic personal experience.

“I’m still dealing with the loss of the people I loved and the loss of the life I wanted to live. I’m dealing with the

loss of communication and connections,” McGee said.

Amidst dealing McGee is seeing signs of growth among the ‘pain.’

“There used to be a time I couldn’t talk about it without crying.

I’m emotionally stronger that has been the most challenging. The emotional toll is smaller, the less frequent anxiety and panic attacks show growth and healing,” McGee said.

The experience through recovery has taught her that life is a constant challenge and is unpredictable.

“Life is unpredictable. No one knew what was going to happen.

But, in the scheme of life you will have challenges. Even though it was a bad thing, there was good out of a bad situation,” McGee said.

Within her lessons McGee now looks for the silver lining in situations that look bleak.

“You have to turn a negative into something positive. I had to find the positive. Finding motivation in friends and the journey that life is taking me on.

I hope to be a philanthropist and help others,” McGee said.

Through the healing process post Katrina McGee saw life in a different light.

“Things don’t seem so bad anymore. Katrina is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.

The healing process gives me strength. It’s like when you get heartbroken no one could ever hurt you that way again, you deal with life better. I have matured; mentally and emotionally; it allows me to keep going,” McGee said.

McGee awaits the major publication of her book and the change she hopes to provoke and anticipates to establish a scholarship program with Southern University.

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According to Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia, racism is, “Any action, practice, or belief that reflects the racial worldview—the ideology that humans are divided into separate and exclusive biological entities called “races,” that there is a causal link between inherited physical traits and traits of personality, intellect, morality, and other cultural behavioral features, and that some “races” are innately superior to others.”

Where did this worldview come from?

Should this worldview still be relevant?

“Racism was at the heart of North American slavery and the overseas colonization and empire-building activities of some western Europeans, especially in the 18th century,” Webster’s encyclopedia said.

People defined races, there are three main races Caucasoid, Mongoloid and Negroid.

“The idea of race was invented to magnify the differences between people of European origin in the U.S. and those of African descent whose ancestors had been brought against their will to function as slaves in the American South. By viewing Africans and their descendants as lesser human beings, the proponents of slavery attempted to justify and maintain this system of exploitation while at the same time portraying the U.S. as a bastion and champion of human freedom, with human rights, democratic institutions, unlimited opportunities, and equality,” Webster’s encyclopedia said.

Evan Taylor However this theory is still in action. Even after other cultures and nationalities besides the English and Europeans have gained the human rights and liberties, the separation still exist.

So, are some designed to serve but, not be served?

Do we live in a post racial society?

Have we traded racism for something else?

Is racism still present but, transformed?

Thomas Jefferson discussed, slavery in 1842, “But, as it is, we have the wolf by the ear, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other.”

In 2012, this can apply to racism, discrimination, equality, healthcare, retirement, social security, college affordability and congress.

We have a grasp; we know it’s happening, we see why, and we understand it but we just seem to keep looking the other way.

Until a major catastrophe, disaster or tragedy, we don’t pull on the reigns.

We just let the horses run all over other people’s property, eat other’s grass and go to the bathroom on other’s gardens.

My mother used to always tell the story of my great grandfather.

Everyone thought he was crazy because he did everything to protect his land.

He would warn his neighbors not to let their chickens come in his yard.

He cut a whole in his window and when the chickens ended up in his yard he would shoot them and put the dead chicken back in the neighbor’s yard.

From this, I learned never to disregard a warning.

We see warnings every day whether they are the stoplight turning yellow before it turns red, to a severe thunderstorm warning. You must pray for the best but prepare for the worst.

I also understood that once you are warned the person who warned you takes the matter into his or her own hands.

My great grandfather didn’t kill the chickens for dinner he did it to make a statement and teach a lesson.

It’s time we taught the world a new lesson.

It’s not ok for racism, discrimination, inequality, and violations of social norms to exist.

Let’s take heed to the warning signs and take action then and not after it’s too late.

We are at a turning point in America and how we adjust will determine whether we are the country we say we are —an example to the rest of the world, in innovation, education, equality, acceptance, peace and unity.

Dear Mr. Martin & Ms. Fulton No words, I feel, can ever describe the pain that you are feeling, and have been feeling for over a month now. The death of your son, Trayvon, was an unspeakable tragedy that has left many of us saddened and outraged. What has furthered fueled this outrage is the blatant disrespect and racism that has occurred along outlets of the media, i.e. Fox News, with regards to his reputation but also his life.

I don’t intend to write this letter and talk solely on facts that you know more about than me. But I do want to let you know, that while we did not know your son personally, we know him indirectly. This incident is a reflection of what life is like being young and black, and being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” It is, unfortunately like a bad re-run, we are forced to deal

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with it over and over again.

But when these situations arise, we must summon our inner strength, and deal with the problem of racism, police brutality, and cover-ups. We must ask our Heavenly Father to shower us with his love and bring down his heavenly angels and saints to provide his comfort to us, but especially towards you, as you are grieving in this terrible time.

I don’t know what it is like to be a parent yet. And one day, I believe Christ would bless me with the gift of life so that I can experience parenthood. Unfortunately, I would have to tell my child that he will be growing up in a world, where just because of the color of his skin, he will have to encounter double standard, especially if it is in regards with his safety and well-being. That is why we

must make sure that incidents, such as what happened to your child, will not happen to another nor the future generation.

We must gather in strength, and in courage to say “NO” to racial profiling, “NO” to police brutality, “NO” to racism, and “NO” to police cover-ups.

Please note, that you are not alone in this fight. We are united and we will fight to make sure Trayvon gets Justice. May the Lord bless & keep you in his bosom of love. Amen.

Yours Truly, Gavin M. Richard ——— Gavin Richard is a first-year law student at the Southern University Law Center.

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Page 12 - Tuesday, April 3, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926