The Southern Digest March 29, 2012

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

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Volume 58, Issue 13

Tennis upgrades in time for round-up see Sports, page 5

Today

Lawmakers shoot down TOPS capping bill see State & Nation, page 6

Look beyond the surface see Commentary, Page 7

Projects aid fund shortage

Vincent discusses Hayden plans

Christie Carral

The Southern Digest

Southern University has over 20 projects planned for the Southern University at Baton Rouge with a projected cost of $932 million.

The plans underway are anticipated to be finished within the next 20-30 years.

Some of the projects are already completed.

Endas Vincent, system director of the Office of Facilities Planning, said by next year, the university will see a lot of construction on the Baton Rouge campus.

“We don’t have the money to do them all at one time, so we’re doing them one at a time,” said Vincent.

The most recent improvement project completed was the installation of the light-emitting diodes (LED) lighting around campus. Vincent said that the LED lighting project cost was roughly $1.2 million.

Vincent stated that the lighting project was funded by the energy stimulus President Obama signed in February 2009.

According to the website recovery.gov, which is the United States government official website that provides easy access to data related to Recovery Act spending and allows for the reporting of potential fraud, waste and abuse, stated that the act provided $787 billion for funding of federal contracts, grant and loans.

Vincent said with SU’s utilities a $6 million expenditure, the LED lights efficiency will lower utility costs.

According to Vincent, with the installation of the LED lights, SU will now be using 80 percent less electricity.

With the addition of T.H. Harris Hall, Vincent said the student Financial Aid Office, a welcoming center, retention program and a student orientation center will be moving to the new addition.

Vincent said those renovations were estimated to cost $3.2 million.

The new intramural sports See Project Money page 3

Raees Malik

The Southern Digest

photo by trevor james/DIGEST

Junior Terri Turpeau performs a chemistry experiment in Lee Hall, one of the outdated science labs at Southern University.

Doing more with less Jessica Sarpy

The Southern Digest

Southern University’s labs are outdated and require an upgrade to prepare science majors for careers in their field.

Terri Turpeau, a junior chemistry and chemical engineering major from Lake Charles, La., said that administrators need to look toward funding the department to prepare for future careers.

“If I could talk to the administrators I would tell them that we need funding.

We need funding for our labs; in order for us to thrive in the work forces that they are

preparing us for. We need to make sure that our students have the proper equipment and resources,” Turpeau said.

Pushpa Samkutty, chair of biological sciences, said current fees that the university is accessing is not adequate for the department to purchase all of their resources in the classroom.

“With the lab fee money we are able to purchase some of the items we need for the lab,” Samkutty said.

Turpeau said that the outdated equipment requires students to alter their experiments to adapt to the dated resources.

“We really need to update our equipment. The glassware

really needs to be updated.

Our chemicals are limited and without the proper glassware with the right measurements we are forced to alter our experiments by guessing the right amount or doubling the measurements,” Turpeau said.

Another problem that has SU students and faculty upset is air-conditioning; James Hall and Fisher Hall are without decent air-conditioning.

“We don’t have a proper airconditioning system. In Lee, if the first floor is freezing cold, then the third floor will be very hot,” Samkutty said.

See Outdated Labs page 3

The Southern University’s art building Frank Hayden Hall is currently undergoing renovations. The construction on the building began on March 5.

The contractor is Law Industries and the bid amount on the project is $525,000. The architect is St. Martin & Brown.

In addition to the bid amount of $525,000, there was also a federal Title III funding grant of $44,000.

The budget estimate for the renovation is $546,131. The design contract was approved by State Office of Contract Review.

Vincent said the additional money from the estimated budget would probably be spent, because there are always changes.

“It’s going to probably end up costing more than $525,000,” Vincent said.

The estimated date for the completion of this construction is September 2012. As of now only ten percent of the project is complete.

“It’s going to probably end up costing more than $525,000,” See Hayden Hall page 3

Griffiths urges int’l diversity Evan Taylor

The Southern Digest

Queen’s Counsel member and joint head of Garden Court Chambers, Courtenay Griffiths discussed international law and the need for African American representation in international courts.

Griffiths addressed his experiences representing former Liberian president Charles Taylor in the “Blood Diamonds” case and lessons in international law.

“The lecture was outstanding.

The presentation included a lot of facts, deeply intellectual and a lot of history and thought was

put into Griffith’s comments,” said John Pierre, vice chancellor for instructional accountability and the evening division.

Griffiths shared the need for representation abroad and internationally for people of color.

“All of the American international lawyers are white yet most of the defendants they are prosecuting are black. Students graduating from this institution should start thinking about a career abroad. We need black lawyers internationally not merely in the United States,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths encouraged law students and future lawyers to look into international opportunities such as interning with International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Start thinking outside of the box. Even if it is just for six months. Look into those options,” Griffiths said.

Pierre said that Southern University Law Students needed to hear from experienced lawyers and be encouraged by the lecture and understand the circumstance behind their future profession.

See Griffiths Urges page 3

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

photo by keldric nash/digest

Courtenay Griffiths, the joint head of London-based Garden Court Chambers, speaks during the SU Law Center Speaker Series. His topics of discussion were international criminal law and diversity.

Campus Life southerndigest.com

Page 2 - Thursday, March 29, 2012

Classifieds

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 information.

INTERNS NEEDED

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

Email cscott@ educationexplosion.com.

HELP WANTED

Warehouse position Fri., Sat., Sun. 924.0227.

Grad Fair

Campus Briefs

Students receiving their degrees during the Spring Commencement need order their Cap and Gown, Invitations, Rings, Stoles, and Diploma Frames today March 29 at the Southern University Bookstore from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. A late/rush fee of $20 will be applied to all Cap and Gown orders after April 9th.

Faculty members participating in the Fall Commencement are also encouraged to order or rent their Regalia during the Graduation Preparation Days. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/ southernuniversitybookstore, or call the SU Bookstore at 225.771.4330.

today Center for Student Success

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

Bookstore new hours

march 31

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.

School of Nursing Applications

Applications to the School of Nursing for the fall 2012 semester are now available online at www.subr.edu. Click on Academic Affairs and follow the School of Nursing Undergraduate Program link.

The deadline to apply is March 31. All students must meet the following criteria: have been admitted to Southern University-B.R., have a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 or above, submission of ACT/SAT scores and Writing Proficiency and completion of all courses listed in the first three semesters of the nursing curriculum plan with a minimum grade of “C”.

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.

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.

Ronald McNair Scholars

The Ronald E. McNair scholars program invites students with an interest in a Ph. D, 3.0 or higher GPA, first

generation college students and students who will have at least 60 hours at the completion of Spring 2012; to apply for the scholar program. Contact Janeal Banks, coordinator in Higgins Hall room 208D. april 1 Student Choice Awards

You have until April 1 to submit nominations for the 2012 student choice awards.

Catergories includes who’s who among each class, best car, best fraternity, best sorority, favorite staff, best kicks, best heels, best figure, best physique, best sports team, favorite student leader, Mr. Fresh, Ms. Fancy and best auxiliary. Send your nominations to subr.sga@ gmail.com with names and recent photos. Full body shots are needed for best figure/ physique categories. 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? Have you taken advantage of half-price Fridays?

Monie Farnell

Toeal Ricard

Edgard, La. Junior Mass communication

New Orleans junior civil engineering

“Not really, but at the same time, I’ve been busy on Fridays.”

Farnell

“No, I haven’t taken advantage of the half-price Ricard Union Friday. I personally feel this day should be reschedule to another day like Wednsedays.”

Charnique Morris

Megan Cray

berwick, La. Sophomore Mass communication

Slidell, La. Sophomore Marketing

“I didnt know halfprice Fridays and I’m sure other students at SU orris didn’t either. I think it should be better advertised and maybe more people would take part on those days.”

M

“I’m usually not an campus on Fridays due to Cray work, but I believe that this is a great advancement for Southern University.”

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.

Ag Stars

Calling all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors with a 2.5 GPA and no declared major.

Want to pursue an exciting degree in agricultural sciences?

Want to be an Ag Star mentor?

Ag Star participants can earn $1,000 stipend per semester.

Apply in Fisher Room 113.

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MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 landgrant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens.

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Thursday, March 29, 2012 - Page 3

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Project Money from page 1 recreation center, which was estimated at $6.1 million, is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 2012 Vincent said.

The chilled water piping project, which was funded by the state with a estimated cost of $4.9 million, should be completed by May 2012. The chilled water-piping project seeks to install new piping for all buildings on campus for the purpose of heating and cooling the buildings.

Another project, which is to be built on the historic region of the campus, is the upcoming of a Cultural Center and Ampitheatre.

The Cultural center will be located behind the Southern University Museum of Art building and its estimated cost is $3.1 million. Vincent said that the building will take about one year to build and it should be finished by the summer of 2013.

According to Vincent the cultural building is designed to be a part of SUMA with high tech classes.

Currently, the theatre and lobby in Frank Hayden Hall is being renovated to become a plaza and to address American Disabilities Act accessibility.

Outdated Labs from page 1 Without air-conditioning, keeping the labs well ventilated has become a problem.

“We don’t have proper fume-hoods so, students are inhaling chemicals when they shouldn’t be,” Turpeau said.

“We need proper ventilation for certain labs because certain chemicals need a normal room temperature in order to react properly.”

In a chemistry lab, the fume hood is used as a safety measure to keep a person safe from hazardous or noxious fumes.

The chemist performs their reactions in the fume hood and any fumes generated are drawn up by a fan to be filtered or released outside.

“The labs actually function well but the equipment is limited,” said Ashley Wallace, a senior chemistry major from Columbia, La. Aside from ventilation, the labs are low on sufficient supplies.

“We don’t have all of the proper utensils we need to perform our labs and we need more glassware,” Felton Brown, a senior biology and chemistry major from Baton Rouge, said, “If we don’t perform the necessary labs we need, then our education will be hindered.”

The labs are low on proper glassware, clamps, utensils, and chemicals. “The problem we are having here is a budget issue. The labs in Fisher and James hall are pretty old as far as structure is concerned,” Samkutty said. “Instead of having all the electrical outlets working, in most labs there are only three or four functioning outlets. That is not ideal.”

Fair helps future teachers Raees Malik

The Southern Digest

The College of Education hosted its annual teacher career fair in hopes to recruit undergraduate students, future teachers Tuesday in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center.

Nearly 50 school districts were present from as far as Nevada, Colorado, North Carolina, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and a host of districts within the state of Louisiana.

“We sponsor a job fair for student teachers that will be graduating soon,” Sheila Lewis, teacher job fair coordinator said.

Lewis also said that counselors, principals and administrative assistance were in attendance to help recruit future students also to their schools.

“We have teachers from different locations that are willing to change locations,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis there were a total of nine different out of state school districts in attendance at the teacher’s job fair.

“Our dean has a passion for teaching and learning and works hard to ensure that our teacher candidates are highly qualified and certified,” said

photo by Arielle Burks/digest

Recruiter Ronald P. Matherne Personnel Supervisor and Pricinpal Bobby Washington sharing information on East Feliciana Parish School District to secondary education Student Denard Duheart.

Lewis.

According to the VerJanis Peoples, dean of the College of Education, the program will be having 20 students to graduate this year. The teacher job fair is specifically held to recruit students, Peoples said.

“100 percent of our students are employed,” said Peoples. “They come because we produce highly qualified teachers.”

According to Peoples in order for students to graduate from the education program, they must obtain a 2.5 grade point average and 180 field hours of experience.

“We provide this opportunity every semester,” Peoples said.

“The worth of a college is the graduation of students.”

One of the featured school districts that were in attendance at the teacher’s job fair was the Pointe Coupee Parish School District.

In elaborating on the benefits of the program, Lisa Huffaker Supervisor of personnel and accountability said “I think it’s an awesome opportunity for the students to get a feel in interviewing strategies.”

Another featured Louisiana school district was Ouachita Parish School District. The representatives for Ouachita Parish School District were Harrington Watson III and Charles Natt.

regarding the purpose and foundations of law and the justice system.

“Don’t be trapped by concepts. All concepts of law are in constant change.

The art of a good lawyer is to understand the dynamics of law. The international criminal justice system can live up to its promise,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths urged understanding of the forces at work outside of our control.

“You have to consider what forces are at work and what legal concepts can be applied to it. Globalization will be the engine for creation and spread of individual human rights,” Griffiths said.

When sharing his reflections on the case, Griffiths discussed the international media influence and how Naomi Campbell was involved in the trial and the public perception.

“A lot of people didn’t get involved until Naomi came in to testify. But, she had gone before the world in the media before claiming she did not receive any ‘blood diamonds,’” Griffiths said.

As a British crown court

race relations committee member Griffiths talked about the Trayvon Martin case and the involvement of people of color in the criminal justice system.

“Trayvon Martin: Blackness and its equation to criminology; beyond the even flow of social and racial prominence, particularly here in the United States of America. Still exerting a strong pull on that progress is the still viable and widely accepted fact, though seldom explicably expressed that the rights of non-white people are not entitled to the concern, resources or even empathy that is extended to other groups similarly situated,” Griffiths said.

Shenequa Grey, associate professor of law at SULC agreed with the lecture’s push for educational experience abroad in international law.

“I want students to be able to understand globally and understand that international law is a real viable opportunity for them. We have a summer abroad program and our students come back with global knowledge,” Grey said.

Griffiths Urges from page 1 “This is the type of intellectual stimulation that we need here. What happens in our lives is effected by global decision making and global thinkers. We have to educate ourselves on a global level,” Pierre said.

Griffiths discussed the need to consider all factors that shape the law.

“Knowledge of the law is often the least important skill in the armory of a lawyer. My practice of the law has taught me that one cannot divorce the social, political and most importantly economic environment from our understanding of how the law is imposed in any particular era,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths talked about the representation needed from the defense and prosecution by pointing out flaws in the prosecution during the “Blood Diamonds” case.

“The prosecution had difficulties with credibility, being able to connect the diamonds to Taylor and they paid and coached their witnesses from Sierra Leone,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths encouraged global thought and posed questions

Hayden Hall from page 1 Vincent said.

The estimated date for the completion of this construction is September 2012. As of now only ten percent of the project is complete.

“It’s going to make a big difference and it’s going to look much nicer and it’s going to be able to handle the diversity of people that come through there,” Vincent said.

Vincent said that Hayden Hall will look more like a performing arts theatre once its completed.

“A performing arts theatre should really stand out and be a real beautiful facility,” Aaminah Malik a sophomore nursing major from New Orleans said. “I think the renovations are great.

The best new feature for the theatre is the ramp to make it handicap accessible for impaired students.”

“The facilities being fresh would make students appreciate their education more, besides this is a HBCU we have to keep it fresh and up to date, this is history in the making and a building of an impressive future,” Kierra McQuirter a freshman nursing major from St. Francisville Louisiana said.

The lobby of the theatre in Hayden Hall is expected to have some major improvements after the renovations are complete.

One of the major features of the lobby’s renovation is that it will be American Disability Act compliant.

“In the lobby area you have to go up steps to get into the seating area, so there is no way for handicap individuals to get up to that level,” Endas Vincent, system director Office of facilities planning said.

One side of the lobby will have a new staircase and the other side will have a wheelchair ramp.

In addition to these projects, the renovations will also include the creation of a new ticket office and reconstructions of the floor.

The lobby will consist of a new store- front with a glass area and an open canopy outside to provide shade for the outdoor ticket booth that will be built.

According to Vincent there will also be a new plaza in the front of the theatre with new planting and landscaping.

“Eventually we’re going to be tied to some other plazas we are going to be doing on campus because we are trying to make the campus a pedestrian campus so all of those plazas will be kind of tied together,” Vincent said.

There will also be a slight extension of the front of Hayden Hall where the new ticket office will be placed, and the side of the building will be covered with metal panels.

“The lobby improvements will match the renovations of work previously done in the theatre and fine arts area,” Vincent said.

Vincent explained the addition of metal panels is going to give the building a whole new facade.

Page 4 - Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

SPortS southerndigest.com

the SeNtiNel of aN eNlighteNed StudeNt Body SiNce 1926

thurSday, March 29, 2012 - Page 5

Tennis upgrades in time for round-up aristide PHilliPs

The Southern Digest

With all the APR issues looming over Southern University Athletics programs, the program that isn’t being punished but instead is being rightfully rewarded is Women’s Tennis.

The SU Athletic Department held a dedication opening the newly resurfaced University Courts Tuesday.

The Lady Jaguar Tennis Team has been over the years the most successful program on and off the court.

“When you think of a team at Southern that deserve the best, you think of teams that have consistently great on and off the court a lot of people would say football, women’s basketball, but I think of tennis,” said interim athletic director Sandy Pugh, “Tennis has been incredible.

These are 4.0 students they graduate, they excelled, they represent, they epitomize what we want in a student-athlete.”

Under head coach Jeff Conyers the Jaguars tennis team have won eight Southwestern Athletic Championships five with women’s Tennis and three with Men’s Tennis.

Women’s Tennis has won HBCU National Championships

three years running and with a track record like that on the court, for student athletes to match that success off the court is hard for most major universities.

However, the women’s tennis team has not only matched that success but also surpassed it.

The NCAA APR standard is set a 950 the Lady Jaguars have exceeded the standard for the past three years.

The Lady Jaguars are currently 4-8 (2-0 SWAC) and with the resurfacing of the University Courts, the Jaguars are eagerly looking forward to improving their record this weekend as they host SWAC Roundup.

“When you get a facility upgrade its definitely a plus,” said Conyers. “It helps you with your recruiting it helps the girls be happy, its been a long time a lot of Jaguars spent some good years on these courts and to finally appease this group of ladies and to follow behind those groups and to get these courts resurfaced is a great honor for them.”

Camera Davis, Lois Alexis, Morgan Taylor and Gabrielle Moore all undefeated in the SWAC in singles.

Taylor and Demetria Woods when paired this season in

PHOTO COUrTesy Of sU aTHleTiCs

The Southern women’s team received an upgrade as workers recently completed resurfacing University Courts. The newly-refurbished courts will get a workout this weekend as Southern hosts the SWAC Roundup this weekend. Play begins Friday and ends Saturday afternoon.

doubles currently are undefeated with a record of 2-0.

Alexis and Carlista Mohammed are also undefeated when paired in doubles, with a record of 2-0.

The Jaguars last match was against Southeastern Louisiana, who came to Baton Rouge

Sunday and came away with the victory 5-2.

“We got the SWAC round up coming up with all the teams from the conference coming to Baton Rouge I think they are going to be shining still in there match play,” said Conyers.

The SWAC Round-Up will

Nicholls St. outlasts Jaguars

DeLeon earns SWAC honor Digest News Service

aristide PHilliPs

The Southern Digest

The Jaguar baseball team struggles continue after their disappointing 14-11 loss to Nicholls State Tuesday night at LeeHines Field.

Southern (12-12) came off a motivating weekend series sweep against Selma University this past weekend in hopes of evening the score from there last meeting against the Colonels.

The Jaguars came out strong in the first three innings bringing in a runner in the first inning and bringing in two more in the third.

But in the top of the fourth NSU scored six runs to take the lead with the help of third baseman Beau Faulk hammered a home run out the left center wall and had three RBI’s in that inning.

The Jaguars answered right back scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fourth, Cameron McGriff hit a double and had three RBI’s.

In the Seventh inning Nicholls State outfielder Michael LeGrange started the inning hitting a double down the left field line that sparked a four hit four run inning for the Colonels.

“We had some errors that hurt us we

be held in Baton Rouge and the Jaguars are set to face Mississippi Valley State, (0-6, 0-3 SWAC) Friday at 9 a.m., Alabama State (0-8, 0-0) 5 p.m., Prairie View A&M (6-7, 1-0 SWAC) Saturday at 9 a.m. and Jackson State (6-3, 1-0 SWAC) Saturday at 2 p.m.

PHOTO by TreVOr JaMes/digesT

Southern third baseman Cameron McGriff applies the tag to a Nicholls State baserunner, but not before he reached base during the Colonels’ wild 14-11 win over the Jags Tuesday.

didn’t pitch particularly well in certain situations,” said head coach Roger Cador, “particularly with two outs we had two big innings where we had two outs but and couldn’t get the out it hurt us in the fourth inning and again in the seventh inning so we really didn’t do a good job there and that’s a learning experience.”

Although the Jaguars added an “L” to the record books the loss could be considered growing pains.

“I just want the kids to know that before you can capture success sometimes failure is necessity, you fail in order to be successful,” said Cador.

Daniel Garcia came in and pitch four innings giving up seven hits and eight runs with 22 at bats and the loss could be given to Pedro Fargas, who only pitch an inning

and a half but gave up four runs and three hits and with only six at bats.

“Its just like a concentration, its not that they don’t know it but sometimes the hardest thing is when you get two easy outs its to concentrate enough to get that third out, we just got to make better pitches and have control of the outside corner of the plate,” said Cador.

Derrick Hopkins had the best night at bat finishing with an average of .438 and two RBI’s and both Wilmy Marrero and McGriff had three RBI’s.

The Jaguars will look to put the loss behind them traveling to Pine Bluff, Ark., this weekend to take on UAPB in a key SWAC Western Division series. The series begins a noon Saturday doubleheader and concludes Sunday at 1 p.m.

Southern pitcher JoseDeLeon picked up some hardware for his performance against Selma University, earning SWAC Pitcher of the Week honors.

DeLeon, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore from Isabela, Puerto Rico, struck out a league-high 12 batters in six innings of work in the Jaguars’ 8-3 seven-inning win over Selma. He only allowed one hit to earn the victory.

Meanwhile, Alcorn State shortstop Angel Rosa earned SWAC hitter of the week. Rosa batted .643 (9-14) in four games during the week, including Alcorn State’s conference sweep of Alabama A&M. His nine hits included a SWAC high four doubles and two triples. He scored seven runs and drove in six for the Braves.

His 17 total bases and 1.214 slugging percentage also led the conference.

In softball, Alabama State infielder Sosefina Toilolo and Mississippi Valley State pitcher Alicia Lorenz are the SWAC Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.

State & Nation southerndigest.com

Page 6 - Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926

Bid to cap TOPS scrapped

Shooter’s friends afraid to speak out

Melinda Deslatte

Holbrook Mohr & Marina Hutchinson

The Associated Press

A near-annual proposal to put a cap on the amount of tuition paid through the TOPS program was rejected Wednesday by state lawmakers.

The House Education Committee voted 12-4 against the bill to limit the awards given through the free college tuition program, the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students.

TOPS is a popular program across the state, but its costs are growing annually — to an estimated $168 million in the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

Republican Rep. Joe Harrison, sponsor of the cap proposal, said the state can’t continue to afford such an increasing price tag, noting Louisiana has faced several years of budget gaps.

“We are in dire need of revenue,” said Harrison, R-Napoleonville. He added, “We can no longer continue along this line without the danger of losing TOPS completely.”

Opponents said any cuts to TOPS could limit students’ ability to go to college.

LSU’s student body president said the free tuition program doesn’t cover fees charged above tuition and other expenses like groceries, housing and insurance.

“TOPS to me is not an expense of this state. It’s an investment that this state makes in its future,” said Cody Wells.

Harrison proposed capping TOPS scholarships at $1,600 per semester beginning in the 2013-14 school year, a measure that was estimated to save the state $56 million in its first year and $337 million over four years.

Gov. Bobby Jindal also objected to Harrison’s bill. Stafford Palmieri, the governor’s policy director, called the program an incredible asset to the state that has strengthened high school curriculum

The Associated Press

PHOTO by bill feig/ap photo

At table from left, James Caillier, executive director Patrick F. Taylor Foundation; Bob Baumann, with Taylor Energy; and Cody Wells, LSU student body president; testify in the House Education Committee on HB 294, which establishes for a specified period of time a maximum dollar amount for a TOPS award, at the State Capitol Building Wednesday.

and helped increase college attendance.

“We support the program in its current posture and would oppose any changes to it,” she said.

Louisiana has one of the most generous free college tuition programs in the country.

TOPS provides scholarships to Louisiana high school students who meet certain grade point average and college entrance test score requirements: at least a 2.5 GPA and a 20 on the ACT. The basic TOPS award covers tuition at any state public university. Higher achieving students can earn extra awards under the program.

Funding for TOPS continues to increase as the costs of college tuition rise, while needs-based aid in the state’s Go Grant program has stayed flat at $26 million.

In January, a higher education study panel suggested a restructuring of TOPS, to give all students a flat grant amount, capped at the same level for everyone, rather than tied to the cost of tuition at an individual school.

Under the idea supported by the Governance Commission, lawmakers could set TOPS awards at two levels, for example, one at community colleges and another for four-year schools, with additional stipends continuing for those higher performing

students. The commission said TOPS awards could be adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index or some other inflationary measure.

Other proposed changes to TOPS were more successful Wednesday with the House Education Committee. Among the proposals approved without objection and sent to the House floor for debate include bills that would: —Tweak the TOPS standards to allow soldiers who re-enlist to be eligible for the free college tuition aid within one year of leaving the military. Under current law, students have one year from the time they graduate high school to be able to receive TOPS awards. Those who enter a branch of military service immediately after high school are given five years to continue TOPS eligibility. The law doesn’t allow a veteran to re-enlist and receive a TOPS award after the completion of a second or additional round of service.

—Allow a veteran who was in active duty for at least two years and attends a public university in Louisiana within one year of leaving the military to pay resident tuition, without having to meet the residency requirements required of other students.

Farmers file claims in settlement Adrian Sainz

The Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When Roy James needed money to buy equipment and dig an irrigation well for his father’s Mississippi farm, he applied for a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — but was turned down.

The USDA said it denied the application filed in 1995 because James had inadequate education and didn’t have farming experience — even though he had a college degree and had worked for years on the farm that grows soybean, wheat and cotton.

“I couldn’t understand why they turned me down,” James said. “It was confusing.”

He became more frustrated when he found out he missed a deadline to take part in a settlement reached by black farmers with the USDA over discrimination claims. The 1999 settlement of the Pigford v. Glickman lawsuit provided about $1 billion to 15,000 farmers who say the agency unfairly turned them down for loans because of their race between 1981 and 1996.

James said he missed the deadline because he did not find out in time, but he still filed a late claim. Thousands of other black farmers did the same — a move that may result in a payout, after all.

A second settlement approved by a court in October 2011 is giving another chance to black farmers with discrimination claims from that era who were left out of the first Pigford settlement. Farmers who filed a late claim for the first settlement — or their relatives — have until May 11 to file a new claim for thousands of dollars.

Lawyers involved in the case believe that 40,000 to 65,000 black farmers are eligible to claim about $1.2 billion under a bill signed

by President Barack Obama.

Thousands have already filed claims, and advocates say payouts could be as high as $250,000 in some cases. Factors that determine how much each claimant gets include the level of damages and losses they experienced, and, because there is a limited pool of money available, how many farmers end up applying.

PHOTO by adrain sainz/ap photo

LaSalle Dudley talks to a reporter at a meeting where black farmers were filing claim applications related to a settlement of their lawsuit against the Agriculture Department, in Memphis, Tenn. Black farmers had sued the department, claiming discrimination in USDA loan applications from 1981 to 1996.

A panel of people who are not part of the lawsuit or the USDA will decide if claimants are eligible.

The Pigford settlements are viewed as a victory by many. But one group that advocates for black farmers says they are a figurative slap in the face because they don’t cover a long enough time period and claimants give up the right to appeal if they are denied.

Trayvon Martin’s supporters pack churches, swarm rallies and wear hooded sweat shirts in solidarity while friends and family of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who shot the unarmed teen to death, remain largely out of sight. The few who have defended Zimmerman have done so reluctantly, most fearing public backlash.

Zimmerman, 28, has gone into hiding. His version of what happened on the rainy night of Feb. 26 has only trickled out from police and his attorney.

Zimmerman said he was pursuing the 17-year-old Martin because Martin was acting suspiciously.

He said he lost sight of the teenager and Martin attacked him as he headed back to his sport utility vehicle.

Zimmerman told police he fired in self-defense and police did not arrest him, touching off widespread public outrage and protests across the country.

Martin’s supporters believe race played a role in the shooting. Martin was black; Zimmerman’s father is white and his mother is Hispanic.

“The family has had death threats, the father and mother, George has had death threats.

Anything related to George is a target,” said Miguel Meza, who identified himself as Zimmerman’s cousin.

George Hall, a retired Presbyterian minister, said he was Zimmerman’s neighbor for 20 years in Manassas, Va., until about 2001. Hall said Zimmerman and his brother attended church, and he wrote a recommendation for Zimmerman for a police academy in 2004.

“Their parents taught them to treat everybody with respect. I’m tired of hearing about this race thing,” Hall said. “It could be an element in it ... but I never would have thought of him as being a racist.

His father was in the Army and was a white American and his mother was Peruvian. That makes him 50 percent Peruvian. A lot of stuff I hear, it irks me because people are drawing their own conclusions with very little evidence.”

Meza spoke only briefly over the telephone to a reporter from The Associated Press. It wasn’t immediately clear if he had talked to Zimmerman since the shooting, but he said other relatives are afraid to comment publicly, even though they think he is being treated unfairly.

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If you have been following the news recently, you have seen hoodies, Justice for Trayvon Martin, hoodies, healthcare reform, hoodies, Kony 2012 and more hoodies.

Everyone has taken hoodies, Arizona Tea and Skittles and hit the streets.

Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and other social media is buzzing with profile pictures, twitpics, and posts of unlikely “hoodie” pictures and questions of suspicion.

But, what is this all about? Do we even know?

Amongst the issues we stand behind, organize rallies for, make phone calls about, send texts, or send chain emails about, how many do we really UNDERSTAND why we are sending them?

How may times have we done research or self generated “validity” checks before we pressed forward or send?

I’m glad to know that a community can stand together with hoodies, Arizona tea and skittles and catching someone’s eye. But isn’t there more we could be doing?

I’m the president, GOP candidates, cities and communities have joined together on the premise of ‘demanding justice.’

But, do we know what justice is?

How the system works? Or even how it can be obtained?

It’s time to look beyond the surface…

Look beyond the tweets, facebook posts and Youtube opinion videos.

It’s time to put our heads together in the encyclopedias, books, magazines and scholarly journals to look at the historical and modern perspective.

Evan Taylor It’s time to put our hands together in writing letters to congressmen/ women, city and state officials and public advocates and representatives to organize and take a stand for justice as we should.

It’s time to put our minds together in developing policy and combating the laws that are being proven every day that they do not work or reach the scope of what modern day society is facing.

It’s time to declare laws unreasonable or inadequate instead of just unconstitutional. We need to handle this democratically for the people and by the people.

If you have a concern let your voice be heard. Make your opinion known and make your actions speak for your cause.

Trayvon Martin’s death was a tragedy, due to the fact that his death wasn’t necessary and the potential and promise of his life as an adult to come. But, won’t his death be in vain if all we focus on is the death of his killer?

Does an eye for an eye still apply?

If all of us lose our eyes doesn’t that make us all blind?

Healthcare reform has opened

doors for those who need healthcare to be insured and for college students to be able to be carried on their parents insurance until later in life.

But, if we continue to bicker about constitutionality because of corporate america’s want to grow richer doesn’t that make the economic gap grow?

If our country’s majority is below the poverty line can we adequately advocate for education and innovation?

Can we educate and produce innovations with a country that can’t afford food and necessities much less higher education?

Kony 2012 is a movement dedicated to making a war criminal famous …

Congratulations you have a following and a constant flow of funding from the youth of America.

Doesn’t it bother you that Kony may be famous in America for the next few months but, has been wanted since 2005?

Do you really think that we can eradicate the wars against humanity with a year of advocacy, when New Orleans still hasn’t completely recovered from Katrina since the same year?

By no means am I advocating for changing the world one person at a time.

All movements start with vision, drive and motivation.

Maybe just maybe we can make this world a better place a day at a time, a contribution at a time or even by paying it forward.

But, no great movement started with an idea that didn’t take into account social, political, economic factors and most importantly time and impact into account.

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