The November 13 Digest

STATE & NATION

SPORTS

VIEWPOINTS

N.O. rep broke party ranks. pg. 4

Also: Jags trounce Dillard. pg. 5

Writer pleads for fashion change. pg. 7

Cao draws heat for vote

... it’s embarassing us

Jaguars invade Mobile

estABLished in 1928

WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

VOL. 54, ISSUE 16

Senate discusses LiveText

Delpit to speak at Southern DiGeST NeWS SeRViCe

game, according to arrest records.

Heath and one other fellow French horn player were hospitalized with lifethreatening injuries and later released, police documents stated. The third victim withdrew from the hazing before injuries escalated.

The lawsuit filed in East Baton Rouge Parish claims

Nationally recognized expert on educating urban African American students and author Dr. Lisa Delpit will speak at Southern University on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m., in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom.

The Baton Rouge native will be the third speaker in Southern’s 2009-2010 Chancellor’s Lecture Series. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Delpit’s work has focused on the education of children of color and the perspectives, aspirations, and pedagogy of teachers of color. She has also used her research in ethnography to spark DeLpiT dialogues between educators on issues that impact students who are underserved by the national educational system.

Recently, Delpit assisted the Advance Baton Rouge team in identifying changes that should be made in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She has also assisted: •national programs engaged in school restructuring efforts •in creating innovative schools for poor, urban children •in the development of urban leadership programs for teachers and school district central office staff.

Her book, “Other People’s Children,” received the American Educational Studies Association’s ‘Book Critic Award,’ Choice Magazine’s Eighth Annual Outstanding Academic Book Award and has

See VICTIM page 3

See DELPIT page 3

by Wil norWooD DiGeST pHoTo eDiToR

Thursday’s SGA Senate meeting was postponed and replaced with an informal meeting about Live Text. The senate usually meets in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

According to SGA Vice President Langston Williams, the meeting was postponed due to the lack of quorum. A majority of the Senate members were participating in the Honda Quiz Bowl, which was also held in the Union at the same time the meeting was scheduled.

Instead of the usual meeting, the attending members of the Senate, Destinique Dukes, Merissa Bell, Julien Singeton, Daniel Nelson, and Langston Williams had an informal meeting to clarify Live Text with Dr. Kim Chavis Ph.D. Chavis, an English department faculty member, also sits on the Live Text committee.

Chavis presented points that would justify students paying out of pocket for live text, discussed why Live Text is important,t and how important it will be down the line.

“Once you leave Southern, Live Text doesn’t end,” stated Chavis.

“It’s a good idea, Said Williams. “ I just

photo by Wil norWooD/DigeSt

SGA Vice president Langston Williams, left, asks Dr. Kim Chavis, far right, about the specifics of Live Text vs. Blackboard, while Senate members Daniel Nelson and Destinique Dukes listen carefully. This took place at an informal meeting of the Student Senate Thursday in the Student Union.

don’t like that it’s being imposed on us as an additional fee.”

The purpose of moving from Blackboard to Live Text is because SACS is looking more at performance rather than academic capability, according to Chavis. He went on to say that switching is a proactive measure.

By getting Live Text now, students will help the university with accreditation in the future.

The new SACS method wants to see student’s progression, rather than their grades. Live Text provides a method of keeping those records, as well as post grad records, when applying for a professional position. Chavis mentioned that it can be used to create portfolios when applying for jobs.

The explanations, proposed by Chavis,

were noted by the senate, but the question of “why not upgrade Blackboard to the same thing” still remains.

“It was stated that Blackboard could be upgraded to have the same capabilities as Live Text for a lower Price,” said Williams.

“But I was answered with the state is moving away from Blackboard.”

According to Chavis, Blackboard is used by most universities and he uses that to challenge close to 500,000 to upgrade.

“The state is beginning to move away from Blackboard,” said Chavis. “Blackboard is holding universities hostage.”

Chavis was originally requested to meet with the senate by Julien Singleton, at Thursday’s planned meeting. Singleton was planning to write legislation to get away from Live Text all together.

Lawsuits rock Human Jukebox Former tuba player files suit against band; band director, assistant director among defendants

Hazing victim Heath, mother sues school THe ASSoCiATeD pReSS

by norMan J. DotSon Jr. DiGeST iNTeRiM eDiToR-iN-CHieF

Another former band member filed a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors of Southern University in August accusing band officials of negligence surrounding accusations of hazing.

Jeremiah Henderson is seeking financial compensation for “pain and suffering, mental

anguish, and distress” as well as the coverage of medical expenses and all other damages incurred from this hazing incident.

According to the complaint “Southern University committed non-exclusive acts of the negligence including, failing to ensure the safety See HENDERSON page 3

Southern University marching band hazing victim Marcus Heath of Georgia and his mother, Marilyn, are suing the college for liability in last year’s off-campus initiation event.

Heath and two other freshman band mates were struck repeatedly with 2-by-4-inch boards during initiation in an off-campus East Baton Rouge Parish residence prior to last year’s Bayou Classic football

THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE DIGEST WILL BE FRIDAY, NOV. 20.

PARTLY CLOUDY HIGH

74° | 49° LOW

INSIDE S O U T H E R N

CAMPUS BRIEFS...............2 SPORTS..........................5 NEWS.............................3 VIEWPOINTS......................7 U N I V E R S I T Y ,

B A T O N

R O U G E ,

L A .

CAMPUS BRIEFS Page 2 - Friday, November 13, 2009

www.southerndigest.com

THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, NOV. 14

partly CloUDy

SUNDAY, NOV. 15

partly CloUDy

MONDAY, NOV. 16

SCattereD t-StorMS

HI - 77° / LO - 54° 50% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 67° / LO - 48° 50% CHANCE OF RAIN

HI - 78°/ LO - 59° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

Classifieds

The Dietetics Program is looking for male and female students who can become food and nutrition experts to work in healthcare settings, food industry, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and in the hospitality industry. Learn more about scholarship and career opportunities at Room 109E P.E. Thrift Hall or call 225.771.4660, ext. 203.

The courses, which are open to anyone interested in becoming a licensed insurance agent, will include continuing learning classes for those who are already licensed Registration is ongoing for the classes. The starting date for the class will be determined at the end of registration. For more information about the courses or registration, call 225.771.2613.

FooD proDUCt DeveloperS anD entrepreneUrial eXpertS neeDeD

Free prograM For FatherS

DUI & criminal defense.

Attorney Darlene Rebowe Baton Rouge 773.5535.

Free consult.

aUtoMotive

Dap’s Towing, Tire Repair and Jumpstarts 225.276.3047.

Campus Briefs TODAY SU karate ClUb

The Southern University Karate Club welcomes all persons interested in training Shotokan Karate.

Training is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the J.B. Moore Hall Auditorium. For more information, call Edwin Walker at 771.3721 or e-mail edwin_walker@ subr.edu. beep MeetingS

The Southern University chapter of the Black Executive Exchange Program meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in Room 222 of T.T. Allain Hall. BEEP is open to all majors campuswide.

Center For StUDent SUCCeSS

Students peer tutoring is available at the Center for Student Success in Room 107 of W.W. Stewart Hall.

Follow the Center for Student Success on twitter to see exciting upcoming events.

Twitter.com/ Jaguar_Nation FooD anD nUtrition eXpertS neeDeD

The Food Science and Management/Culinary Science emphasis prepares students for an exciting and challenging career in the nation’s largest business: food. Graduates assume a variety of careers in the food industry as research chefs or product developers as well as in food systems management as managers in the expanding hospitality industry. For more information, come to Room 109E P.E. Thrift Hall or call 225.771.4660, ext. 203.

The SU Full Time Fathers Program offers free fatherhood sessions, job training and job placement assistance to non-custodial fathers. Other services include legal assistance, life skills, financial literacy and much more. For more information, contact the staff at 225.771.3054 or www.facebook.com/ fulltimefathersprogram.

The Southern University Music Department Presents Lorenzo McCoy’s senior recital Monday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Debose Music Annex Building. The event is free and open to the public. inSUranCe liCenSing CoUrSeS

online literatUre MagaZine

SU’s Division of Continuing Education and College of Business will sponsor insurance licensing courses on the Baton Rouge campus.

Dr. Munir Ali invites all students and faculty to submit any form of original literature (poetry, short stories, etc…) to be published in an

GET 36 ISSUES FOR JUST $40 Name:

What’s the quickest way to get news and events to the student body?

Put it in the...

Campus BRIEFS

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

SUiTe 1064 – T.H.HARRiS HALL p.o. BoX 10180 – BAToN RoUGe, LA 70813 225.771.2231 pHoNe / 225.771.3253 FAX WWW.SoUTHeRNDiGeST.CoM iSSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2008

by The Southern University office of Student Media Services. The Southern DiGeST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College.

All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DiGeST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DiGeST is published bi-weekly (Tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters.

The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DiGeST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064.

The Southern DiGeST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.

PUBLICATION ASSOCIATIONS The Southern DiGeST is a member of the Black College Communications Association (BCCA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), University - Wire Network (U-Wire), Associated Collegiate press (ACp), College Media Advisers Association (CMA), Society of professional Journalist (SpJ), Full member of the Associated press (Ap) and the Louisiana press Association (LpA).

City/State/Zip: )

For more information call 225.771.2230 or mail your subscription payment of $40 to: The Southern Digest Subscriptions, PO Box 10180, Baton Rouge, LA 70813.

Business, cashiers checks and money orders accepted only. No personal checks or credit card orders accepted. Make all payments to The Southern Digest.

ADVERTISER MEMBERSHIPS The Southern DiGeST subscribes to the American passage, Alloy M+M, 360 Youth, Zim2papers, All Campus Media, Ruxton Group and College publishers on-Line services.

STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE www.subr.edu/studentmedia Director - TBA Assistant Director - TBA publications Asst. - Fredrick Batiste Advertising Mgr. - Camelia Gardner CONTACTS (Area Code 225) Advertising office - 771.2230 DiGeST Newsroom - 771.2231 Student Media Services- 771.3004 The Jaguar Yearbook - 771.2464 YeARBooK Newsroom - 771.4614 eGo Magazine Newsroom - 771.4614 Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org.

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

Website: www.subr.edu.

The Office of Student Media is a Division of Student Affairs.

2009 FALL DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. Dotson Jr. COPY EDITORS Kenyetta M. Collins erica S. Johnson

Fax your campus event to The Southern DIGEST at 771-3253 Deadline for announcements are three days prior to the publication date.

SPORTS EDITOR Larry Young Jr. PHOTO EDITOR Wil Norwood LAYOUT EDITOR Darrius Harrison NEWS EDITOR Mary Davis

DIGEST STAFF WRITERS Morris Dillard Briana Brownlee Candace edwards Breanna paul Tremaine Sanders Billy Washington DIGEST PHOTOGRAPHERS April Buffington Trevor James Justin Wooten CARTOONIST Wil Norwood

PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & PAID CLASSIFIED INFO CLASSIFIED The Southern DiGeST is not responsible for the contents, promises, nor statements made in any classified and reserve the right to reject any ad request with explanation. No classified ads will be accepted or processed over the telephone and must accept the type font sizes of The DiGeST. ALL CLASSiFieD MUST Be pAiD iN ADVANCe BY CASHieRS CHeCK oR MoNeY oRDeR. No peRSoNAL CHeCKS ACCepTeD. Students must have proper iD and phone numbers to get student advertising rates.

Rates do not apply to students who are representatives & employees of the company. in the event an error is made in a classified ad, immediate claims and notice must be given within 15 days. The DiGeST is only responsible for oNe replacement or run in the next publication. Classified are due oNe WeeK prior to run date. paid Classified can be ordered by contacting the Student Media Advertising Manager at 225.771.2230.

Address:

Daytime Phone: (

online journal. For more information contact Dr. Ali at 771-2870 ext. 321 or email munir_ali@subr.edu or munirmali@yahoo.com.

Clothing Drive

The Full Time Fathers Program needs your help!

Donationsarebeingaccepted for new and used men’s clothing and accessories.

All sizes of business/casual attire are needed. Drop off donations in Room 307A Higgins Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 18. Contact the staff at 225.771.3054 for more details.

Senior reCital

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

SCattereD t-StorMS

HI - 77° / LO - 56° 10% CHANCE OF RAIN

legal ServiCeS

Page 2

PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS All submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Wednesday for Friday’s Issue. pAGe 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, Southern University Departments.

All briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number.

Submit announcements to: The Southern DiGeST - Suite 1064 Harris Hall, Attn: pAGe 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. As the voice of the Southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. in the event of an error we will make all corrections on page 2.

Bring corrections to The Southern DiGeST office located in Suite 1064, Harris Hall.

NEWS

Friday, November 13, 2009 - Page 3

www.southerndigest.com

BRIEFS DiGeST NeWS SeRViCe

TI Senior VP visits SU today

Art George, senior vice president and worldwide manager of the Texas Instruments’ High-Performance Analog business unit, will hold a candid discussion with Southern University students today about taking control of their careers.

The session is scheduled for noon at the Hi-Tech Room of the Pinchback Engineering Building.

George, a Southern grad, has led the worldwide strategy and operations for TI’s broad portfolio of innovative highperformance analog chips since 2006.

The devices that use HPA range from running shoes to ultrasound machines, cell phones and digital televisions.

SU football Thanksgiving drive

The Southern University Football Team, along with the Service Learning Center, is sponsoring its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

All departments are asked to donate one box of food items Monday, Nov. 23, for this cause. The Jaguar Nation is asked to donate nonperishable food items for this cause.

For more information, contact Ms. Gordon at 225.771.2613, coach Griffin at 225.771.3175 or Gail Stafford at 225.771.2710.

Residential Life Tips

All applicants for campus housing must pay their fees before moving into residence halls/university apartments effective Spring 2010 semester. Anyone failing to pay fees before Dec. 8 must remove all personal property upon checkout.

Residents choosing to leave property in their room must have prepaid their fees for authorization and prior to checkout.

Once fees have been paid for oncampus living, there is no refund granted unless withdrawal from the university is finalized. Make sure your statement of account is accurate prior to payment.

The deadline for cancellation of housing for the Spring 2010 semester is Friday, Dec. 11. Students are required to cancel reservations by that date if deciding not to live on-campus.

Residence Halls and University Apartments will close Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Graduating seniors are extended residency until Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. All residential students must leave the campus for the Christmas break.

Gospel choir talent show Southern University’s

Interdenominational Gospel Choir is hosting a talent show.

The talent show, “It’s a Royal Affair,” will be held Nov. 20th, at the T.J. Jemison Baptist Student Center. The doors open at 6 p.m. There is a $2 charge and the event is open to the public. The attire for the event is dressy casual.

The show will be filled with fun and great entertainment. It is going to be a chance for you to come out and enjoy the many talents of your peers.

Refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in performing in the talent show, please contact Gabrielle Ayers at 713.819.6047.

Navy ROTC to host challenge

Southern University’s Navy ROTC unit is gearing up for the 3rd annual Dronet Challenge set to take place Nov. 21 from 8:45 a.m. to noon at Southern University’s A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Opening remarks will kick things off at 8:45 a.m. and the remaining schedule of events are as follows: Push-ups and sit-ups at 9 a. m., relay races at 9:30 a.m., pull-ups at 10:30 a.m., 2-mile orienteering run at 11 a.m., combat fitness test at 11:30 a.m., tug-of-war at 11:45 a.m., and an awards ceremony at noon.

The challenge is in honor of SU alumnus and Marine Corps Officer Lt. Brandon Dronet, who was killed in 2006 after his helicopter, collided with another military helicopter during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Concessions will also be sold during the events and all proceeds raised will be donated to charity in Lt. Brandon Dronet’s name.

The Dronet Challenge is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Lt. Patrick Cooke of the Southern University Navy ROTC at 225.771.4370 or by email at cookepm411@gmail.com.

Financial Literacy Seminar

The Economics and Finance Club in the College of Business’ Department of Economics and Finance will host a Financial Literacy Seminar on Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. in the College of Business Global Communications Facility, Room 313 of T. T. Allain Hall.

The volatile economy is putting financial advice in high demand and the Department of Economics and Finance in Southern’s College of Business is trying to make sure there’s enough to go around by hosting a financial literacy seminar.

DELPIT from page 1 been named ‘A Great Book’ by Teacher Magazine. Some of her other books include: “The Real Ebonics Debate: Power, Language, and the Education of African-American Children” and “The Skin That We Speak: Thoughts on Language and Culture in the Classroom.”

Delpit’s many awards including the 1998 Sunny Days Award from Sesame Street Productions for her contributions to the lives of children and the 2001 Kappa Delta Phi Laureate Award for her contribution to the education of teachers.

Delpit is the visiting lecturer in Southern’s College of Education. She is also the Executive Director/Eminent Scholar for the Center for Urban Education & Innovation at Florida International University in Miami.

She received a bachelor degree from Antioch College and a M.Ed. and Ed.D from Harvard University. Her background is in elementary education with an emphasis on language and literacy development.

The Chancellor’s Lecturer Series, now in its second year, was created by Chancellor Kofi Lomotey. It has brought speakers such as actor/director Spike Lee and authors Iyanla Vanzant and Cornel West to the university.

For more information, contact Southern’s Office of Media Relations at 225.771.4545.

HENDERSON from page 1 of plaintiff while participating in the school’s band; failing to provide adequate faculty supervision; failing to thoroughly investigate prior incidents of hazing; and failing to intervene and prevent the acts of hazing that it was aware were occurring.”

Officially both cases are against the Southern Board of Supervisors.

Lawrence Jackson, Nathan Haymer, and Julian Portis are also identified as defendants for their alleged roles in the matter of Henderson’s case.

“The Defendants admit that Portis was a member of the Southern University band, but specifically plead that he was not an employee nor was he engaged in any unpaid employment on behalf of Southern University. Further the Defendant denies that any of the alleged acts of Mr. Portis were taken for the benefit of Southern University,” according to answers and defenses submitted by the Board of Supervisors of Southern University. “Southern University took all reasonable steps to prohibit and prevent hazing, or physical or mental abuse of any kind in the Southern University Band.”

The complaint claims that on or about September 4, 2008 Portis called Henderson to his dorm room on campus under guise of conducting an additional practice session where Portis and other upper-class members of the tuba section allegedly committed various acts of physical and mental abuse including beating Henderson with a 2-by-4. All of this happened in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav when dorms were out of electricity and air conditioning.

The complaint also claims “ The beating initially resulted in plaintiff [Henderson] incurring bruises and broken skin resulting in bleeding.

Plaintiff was unable to obtain medical treatment until September 20, 2008, when he presented to West Feliciana Parish Hospital in St. Francisville, Louisiana,” and went on to further claim “Prior to receiving medical treatment plaintiff was forced to attend practice sessions and performances in pain and with his clothes saturated with blood caused by the broken skin and boils, including a lengthy bus trip.”

At the hospital Henderson was diagnosed with both streptococcus and staphylococcus infections and had numerous boils that required treatment with different antibiotics.

The complaint also made reference to occasions where Jackson and Haymer were present at practices where on more then one occasion the lights in the band room would be turned off and various upper-class members of various instrument sections would allegedly strike, throw objects, and torment the first year members of their respective sections.

“Defendants Jackson and Haymer were present in the room when this occurred, and though the lights were off both Jackson and Haymer were aware of the audible sounds of the physical and psychological abuse,” stated in the petition.

Henderson and Marcus Heath’s cases are two unrelated incidents involving hazing at Southern University.

VICTIM from page 1 Heath was “treated for organ failure and other injuries” and that he “underwent numerous instances of hazing.”

The Heaths are seeking financial compensations for “pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress” and more.

They also want medical expenses and other damages covered.

All seven former band students arrested in the matter have pleaded no contest to criminal conspiracy to commit seconddegree battery and misdemeanor hazing.

They all received probation not prison time that includes performing 100 hours of community service, writing a 500-

word essay on the dangers of hazing and penning a 500-word report on a hazing death elsewhere.

At least two of the seven on probation Lagarian Bridgewater of Baton Rouge and Jeremy Dixon of Natchez, Miss. have been allowed to return to Southern as students, but not as members of the band.

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III said in May that their victims did not want their assailants to receive prison time. A no-contest plea has the same effect as a guilty plea in criminal court but cannot be used as an admission of guilt in civil court.

state & nation Page 4 - Friday, November 13, 2009

www.southerndigest.com

Cao’s vote costs some support By kevin Mcgill associated press WRITER

NEW ORLEANS—The only Republican in the House to vote for a Democrat-backed health care bill is already seeing some backlash: He’s had two fundraisers canceled and some campaign contributors have asked for their money back.

But Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao said Tuesday he stands by Saturday’s vote. “At the end of the day we all have to represent our respective districts,” he told The Associated Press.

Cao rejected any notion that he might leave the Republican Party. And House minority whip Eric Cantor of Virginia said he plans no political retaliation against Cao. “No,” Cantor said when asked if retaliation was planned. “Because I am well aware that Anh Cao is a thoughtful legislator. He weighed the pluses and minuses of the bill in his vote.”

Cantor, in New Orleans for a fund raiser for Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, made it clear he was unhappy with the vote but said the party still supports Cao (pronounced ‘GOW).

Cao is a 41-year-old Viet-

namese-American who won an upset victory over black Democrat William Jefferson in a mostly black, mostly Democratic district. Jefferson had been politically hobbled by a criminal indictment and has since been convicted.

Soon after taking office, Cao drew harsh criticism in the New Orleans-based district for siding with his party against President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus bill. But he has also broken with the party before on issues including an expansion of health insurance for children.

A former Jesuit seminarian, Cao said he joined the Republican Party because of its opposition to abortion. “But I’ve never been a partisan politician,” he said. “If you were to listen to me on some of the issues on the hill, I have addressed my frustration toward partisan politics.”

Cao was lobbied by the White House to help pass the health bill. In those discussions, he said he stressed the needs of his district, which was hit hard

by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, including the need for more disaster recovery loans and hospitals. He said no promises were made by the White House

to get his vote. He added that at the time of the discussions Saturday he could not commit to support the bill because an amendment he insisted on that explicitly prohibits federal funding of abortions had not yet passed.

Louisiana Republican Party spokesman Aaron Baer said the party disagreed with Cao’s vote but he knew of no plans to attempt to oust Cao in next year’s GOP primary.

Bryan Wagner, a New Orleans Republican leader who helped guide Cao’s campaign last year, noted that Senate opposition to the House bill is strong and said much of the anger against Cao will die down “as people see that Senate passage of a similar bill is not something that’s coming.”

The state Democratic Party declined comment on Cao’s vote Tuesday afternoon.

Cao’s victory last year was heralded by national Republican leaders but it came under unusual circumstances: Jefferson, once immensely popular, had to fight off challengers in a Democratic primary and runoff before facing Cao. And the general election had been delayed by two hurricanes earlier in the year.

photo by bill haber/ap photo

Louisiana Republican Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao answers a question at a town hall meeting in Westwego. The only Republican in the House to vote for a Democrat-backed health care bill says he has had two fundraisers canceled since Saturday’s vote, and some campaign contributors have asked for their money back. Cao said Tuesday he stands by the vote. “At the end of the day we all have to represent our respective districts,” he said in an interview.

SPORTS

Friday, November 13, 2009 - Page 5

www.southerndigest.com

SU topples Bleu Devils By mORRis diLLARd digest sports writer

Equivalent to the movie trailer of 2012, Tuesday preseason exhibition game anticipates an exciting season for the Southern University women’s 2009-2010 basketball team.

It began with a scene of self destruction with missed shots and turnovers but the essence of winning left spectators at the edge of their seats awaiting what will happen in the second half.

In the end, Southern ended the night with an 81-47 victory over the Bleu Devils of Dillard University at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

Equivalent enough?

SU opens its regular season schedule Tuesday, Nov. 17 against Northwestern State.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.

SU found almost every possible shot in the first half, shot thirty-five percent from the floor and getting to the freethrow line occasionally.

“We’re going to have to work on that and look at that this week coming up,” SU head coach Sandy Pugh said.

Redshirt junior forward Freda Allen made her first appearance since injuring her right knee last season, accounting for seven points, four rebounds, and two blocks.

Allen was also voted preseason ALL-SWAC first team for the season.

Each of the eleven players on the roster played the same amount of time in efforts to see more playing time during the regular season.

Junior guard Tiffany Foster accounted for a game-high 16 points, three rebounds and two steals in 23 minutes on the court.

Junior guard Hannah Kador had 13 points and six rebounds, including a jump shot to open the game up midway through the first half.

SU led 17-10 but the Bleu PHOTO BY APRIL BUFFINGTON/DIGEST Devils climbed their way southern forward freda Allen shoots over dillard defenders during back into the game with two wednesday’s exhibition game. Allen scored seven points as the consecutive free-throws, down Jaguars routed the Bleu devils 81-47.

22-21 with 5:42 remaining in 70 from the floor, shooting 41 36-26 halftime lead. the first half.

In the second half, SU picked percent.

“We played a solid 40 minutes SU forced seventeen of basketball,” Pugh said. “We up right where they left off and wanted to concentrate on began to score at will. SU led by turnovers in the first half and 20 and eventually increased the doubled their efforts in the executing”. second half.

SU gained momentum and margin at 38.

Southern finished 29-fortook control of the game with a

get online @

Jags seek to add to ASU’s misery

By LARRy yOUNG

digest sports editor

Brief, to the point, business like as usual, Pete Richardson’s weekly press conference came and went.

For a while, Richardson talked of his team’s current demeanor, its want to finish the season a winning record. Then he switched to Alabama State (4-5, 1-5 Southwestern Athletic Conference), the team Southern (5-3, 2-2) will tangle with at 2:30 p.m. in Ladd Peebles Stadium on Saturday.

For the most part ASUs season has been a rollercoaster of inconsistent play. The Hornets started the season ripping off three wins. They went on to lose three of their next four, and are currently on a two game losing skid.

The problem?

“There is not a lot of continuity,” ASU coach Reggie Barlow said.

“We’ve played in some games where we’ve been dominated up front and haven’t been able to establish the run.”

That explains why Rahmod See mobile page 6

www.southerndigest.com

Page 6 - Friday, November 13, 2009

mobile from page 5 Traylor, ASUs leading rusher, averages just 57 yards per game. The Hornets have also struggled passing the ball as quarterbacks Chris Mitchell and Anthony Speight have both seen time.

“We just haven’t been able to get it done,” Barlow said.

By contrast, ASU has the conference’s best rush defense, yielding 98 yards per game, and worst pass defense, giving up 219 yards per game through the air.

ASU is able to slow opponents defensively by running an odd man front which applies pressure by blitzing from various areas. In turn it often confuses the opposing offensive line, leaving them guessing where the blitz is coming from.

“Their size up front is a concern for us,” Richardson said. “It’s just a matter of time before they get it together on somebody. They’re a sleeping giant if you ask me.”

Weather

According to weatherbug.com, Saturday’s forecast should be sunny with highs in the upper 70s.

This years 2:30 p.m. start time should help fans dodge the chilly weather of last year. Saturday’s lows are between 47 to 52 degrees.

Time Off

The bye week in between games has allowed SU time to get healthy. Richardson said several players returned to practice on Tuesday. The time has also helped players catch up on school work as the academic semester nears its end, and coach’s time to recruit.

“It’s been different for us,” Richardson said.

“At the time it helped because of the number of individuals we had banged up.”

B. Leeader

Lee has 7,270 career passing yards and is only 17 shy of passing Eric Randall (7,286) for the alltime lead.

“We want him to get the record,” Richardson said. “I think he deserves it. He’s played well for us.”

www.southerndigest.com

Mixed martial arts event comes to SU

By LARRY YOUNG

digest Sports EDITOR

For the first time in Southern University history, a mixed martial arts event will be held on campus.

Bayou Challenge, an event spearheaded by Gladiator Promotions, will be held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center Friday, Nov. 20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the event beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s a historical event,” event coordinator Tony Jarreau

said. “I’m just glad to be the guy to do it.”

Bayou Challenge will feature fighters from Baton Rouge’s Gladiator Academy and the surrounding area. There will be three boxing matches and eight MMA fights. Comedian Howard Hall will also perform during a brief intermission.

Tickets can be purchased at the SU ticket office on Scenic Highway, other ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster. com. General admission tickets are $20 and lower level seating $35. For more information call (225) 333-8305.

SU women ready to make run at SWAC title By morris dillard digest SPORTS writer

They have to show by example.

Last season, the Southern University women’s basketball team saw its season end, in a 72-44 loss at New Mexico in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

It was Southern’s first postseason appearance since 2006.

What can we expect this season?

Southern finished the 2008-09 season with a 16-14 overall record, 11-7 in SWAC play. SU was defeated in the SWAC Tournament Championship game by defending champion Prairie View A&M. But there’s a new outlook and new players for the upcoming season.

“It’s on us being able to stay healthy, and the kids continuing to grow as

get online @

unit,” head coach Sandy Pugh said.

Head coach Sandy Pugh earned her 100th career SWAC victory last season in a 57-52 win over Alabama State, which highlights her success at Southern. Pugh has 148 overall victories at Southern and looks to add to her career total this season.

“I think the Jaguar Nation and everyone who likes women’s basketball will be real pleased with the product were putting out on the floor,” said Pugh.

Along with the success of Pugh is redshirt junior Freda Allen. Last year, Allen’s season came to an abrupt end after suffering a knee injury which required season ending surgery. This year, the Lake Providence, La., native received preseason All-SWAC honors to begin the new season.

“Freda is one of those rare players who plays hard and gives you what she got,” Pugh said, “and the talented young

lady we want here at Southern.”

Junior forward Jamie Floyd led SU in rebounding and blocked shots last season and looks to get back on track for more successful accomplishments.

SU welcomes several new freshmen for the upcoming season, including shooting guard Essense Hopkins, who averaged 26.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assist as a senior in high school.

Along with Hopkins, Louisiana native Julia Jackson joins the unit for the upcoming season. Jackson average 27.6 points and 7.4 rebounds. Jackson earned 5A all-state second honors led her team to Class 5A playoffs appearance during her senior season.

Laneisha Stephens, a 6-2 center from Donaldsonville; and Ebony Sellers, a 5-4 point guard from Camden, N.J. were both acquired to the unit as well.

www.southerndigest.com

VIEWPOINTS

Friday, November 13, 2009 - Page 7

www.southerndigest.com

20 Questions I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT

I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.

1. Have you ever run into someone and smell what they just ate?

2. Does anyone chew gum anymore?

3. Which band member is going to be on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter?

4. Who will win? Him or Kimbo Slice?

5. How many band members will mistake the Honda Battle of the Bands for an all-out brawl?

6. Will this be their community service?

7. Is the DIGEST being too hard on the band?

8. Is the band being too hard on the themselves?

9. Who will sue Southern next?

10. How will they pay their court fees?

11. Are their lawyers being paid with our parking ticket fees?

12. Lil’ Boosie? Really? Is he in the band too?

13. Is Lil’ Boosie really smarter than a 5th grader?

14. Does EMS have a parking sticker? Is it “Resident” or “Commuter?

15. Aren’t these the most dangerous-prone students you’ve ever seen?

16. Who didn’t buy LiveText but bought their Bayou Classic ticket and a hotel room?

17. Did you know you could ask your graduating senior friends for their code?

18. Why can’t professors use Blackboard?

19. Didn’t we already run that question?

20. Real talk…what’s the difference? Oh we know…$106.92!

Take that silly stuff off SPEAK OUT I am currently working in retail at a men’s fashion clothing store. My coworker and I see people throughout the week and we notice different types of styles. However, some of the styles we see are absolutely ridiculous and it is an ignominy to our race as a whole.

The type of people I’m talking about is our people, black people. We normally hold long discussions about our people dress appearance.

From what we observe daily, the majority of the people who enter the store make a huge scene. Not only do we notice this buffoonery and foot-shufflin’ madness within the store, but we also notice this throughout everyday life. We have young black MEN, according to Kenny Bunch, a writer for The Blue and White Flash at Jackson State University, entering college classes with do-rags tied, and pants sagging with pacifiers in their mouths.

So my brothers, in the immortal words of the late Chad “Pimp C” Butler, “take that monkey s--- off, it’s embarrassing us.”

We see our young Black Beautiful WOMEN wearing some of the most obscene things that only draw negative (sexual) attention to themselves. Excuse me sisters, but once again Butler’s words come to mind.

This problem is not only within my generation. Some of our respected elders are wearing the same nonsense.

For example, we have so called distinctive preachers

BILLY WASHINGTON throughout Black America preaching to the masses about virtues and wisdom with a Steve Harvey suit on!!!

How can anyone take a “Man of God” serious wearing a baggy long purple zoot suit with neon orange pin stripes, with a matching orange shirt with a purple tie and purple gators? How you doing Rev., but can you please, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost please, take Pimp C’s words to heart?

We also notice our older women wearing tight fitted clothing such as, Apple Bottoms, Baby Phat, and Rocawear ,which is supposed to make them look sexy, but what is a 60-year-old woman doing trying to look SEXY anyway? You’re OLD!!! With all due respect ma’am, listen to Butler’s words.

History shows us that we, as a people were dignified people and we showed that dignity by the way we dressed. If you look back during the 1930s through the 1960s, Black America was fresh. Black MEN were the neatest people in America during that time. Even if they had a blue collar job, they made themselves look presentable by tucking in their shirts and wearing

their pants around the waist.

Black WOMEN presented themselves as dignified LADIES by wearing clothing that actually covered them.

They still looked sexy because they had swag, which was known back in the day as CLASS. During this time, we presented ourselves seriously in every aspect of life. In college, we knew we were supposed to be scholars; therefore, we dressed like scholars. In church, we knew we had to praise the Lord with humble hearts and a serious attitude which was also presented by the way we dressed. My mother always told me God is not to play with so you better wear this suit and tie. (I own to this day only solid subtle color suits) If we look at our prominent leaders in Black America back then we see that Martin Luther King and Malcolm X only wore solid color suits. We see Shirley Chisholm and Maya Angelou who wore clothing that covered up. Those people were on a mission to conquer social/racial injustice and since progress has been made, it seems as if Black America has taken the struggle of receiving equal rights for granted. We need to examine ourselves and ask ourselves the question every day, “Why am I wearing this?” Black America, it is time for a REVOLUTION in our appearance. Black America, just listen to Pimp C before you leave the fitting room.

Digest Photographer

matroy browder mobile, ala. freshman psychology

browder

“No, the budget cuts of the spring have not affected me, but it has affected my roommates.”

sylvia smith shreveport freshman political science

“No, the cuts have not affected me smith but I know some seniors who can’t graduate because of it.”

ericka hamilton delhi, la. freshman social work

hamilton

“No, the budget cuts has not affect me this year but it may in the future.”

alexis blanchard grosse tete, la. freshman computer science

“It has stopped me from having enough credit hours to be a full time student.”

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed.

Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school.

When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813.

Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.com.

the Digest at WWW.

.com

BY trevor james

blanchard

Read southern digest

Have the budget cuts of he spring affected your scheduling?

get online @ www.southerndigest.com

Editorial policy

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

Page 8 - Friday, November 13, 2009

www.southerndigest.com