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Friday, November 4, 2011
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Volume 57, Issue 13
Rent battle brewing in New Orleans see State & Nation, page 4
Today
Southern braces for TSU rushing attack see Sports, Page 5
Let’s get working, SU see Commentary, page 7
SU cuts cause education downgrades Marcus Green
The Southern Digest
Downgrades to faculty causes conflicts with courses due to devastating budget cuts at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Mergers in the bachelor’s degree programs in special education, elementary education and middle-school education are in the works, as well as the consolidation in the master’s degree in elementary education and secondary education. Various degree programs are switching into concentrations under its education programs are French, Spanish, English, biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Ending its bachelor’s degree program is agricultural economics and instead making it a concentration under the soil science degree program. Merging its master’s degree program is environmental science into its master’s of science in chemistry program. Professors of these programs are encouraged to help by going out and strategically recruiting students in order to increase enrollment in these courses. Cecilia Golden, assistant provost said, “The termination of degree programs was never about the quality of the programs, it was about the quantity of majors in and graduating from the programs.” SU is nationally recognized and accredited in these individual programs: nursing, engineering, education,
business, and architecture One of it’s most prestigious programs, the Southern University school of nursing, is a baccalaureate Program that graduated its first class of 14 students in 1988 and by the end of 2000 the school had over 700 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates. This undergraduate program is nationally recognized for its success with students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Our summer 2007 class had a 100% pass-rate on the national licensure exam,” said Dr. Janet Rami, newly appointed interim provost. One of the universities strongest programs, the engineering program, which consists of four-year programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering leading to a Bachelor of Science degree has even been affected by the recent budget cuts. Habib Mohamadian, Dean of the College of Engineering said, “With the current situation, we had to stream line our operation by efficiently offering all required courses for engineering and technology. The college of engineering has seen a slight but steady growth in graduation rates despite a decrease in enrollment. The college of engineering along with the entire university has also decreased in staff. “We have loss several faculty positions for the past 3 to 4 years as a result of cuts, retirement
PHOTO BY darnell fisher/digest
Senior Lashonda Ard logs onto one of the many computers availible for students in the John B. Cade Library.
and certain staff transfers for other vacant faculty positions,” said Mohamadian. Even with the program experiencing these setbacks, it is certain that the high demand for engineering majors may alleviate some pressure. “We’re very optimistic about attracting more students in undergraduate programs,” said Mohamadian. The Department of Mathematics, has also been greatly affected in their faculty. Katrina Cunningham, Chairwoman of the math
department said, “We’ve gone from 40 full-time teachers, to 11 full-time teachers.” This extreme decline comes with a major loss to the department’s course offerings because of the reduction in instructors present. Cunningham said, “People have been interested in coming to the department but the budget just won’t allow it.” Even with these major cuts going on all over the university, teachers remain adamant about providing students with the best education possible under these
circumstances. On top of many changes going on with courses, the university online winter session was also canceled due to the new banner system not being equipped. “This cancellation will come as a real loss to students,” said Golden. With many people unsure about the future of Southern University, some students believe that through all the adversity, they have gained See Downgrades page 3
Crime drop at SU attributed to several factors Billy Washington The Southern Digest
Crime down on Southern University campus and a change in the definition of burglary may be the cause of it. In 2008, Southern University was hit hard with a total of 106 reported burglaries and a total of 24 drug related arrests. The 2010 statistics show a total of 17 burglaries were committed and 17 drug related arrests were made. The amount of burglaries declined significantly since 2008 due to the change of definition and the implementation of advanced security technology. A burglary
is now defined as a forced entry rather than something being reported as stolen or missing. “A robbery is now defined and characterized as a threat or force being used during the crime,” said Sgt. Kevin Johnson, SUPD Deputy of Administration. The annual security report was released last month and statistics show SUPD taking a bite out of crime in problematic crime areas that occur on campus. The report lists all crimes that were committed since 2008 through 2010. “Most of the problems that happen in the dormitories are labeled as thefts and once we started installing advanced
security in the dorms for better safety the numbers went down. If you can’t prove someone broke into your room, it will be considered a theft,” continued Sgt. Johnson. The stats also show that sexual offenses at SU are rarely reported. These crimes consist of rape, statutory rape, pedophilia activities, and sexual assault. “This is what’s reported to us, we had one (rape) reported in 2008 and fortunately we had none reported in 2009 & 2010,” informed Johnson. The annual security report only lists the last three years prior to the current year. “We are currently working
on the 2011 crime statistics now but it will not be done until the end of the year,” said Johnson. “We also have a log on our website but when it comes down to the annual report we follow the mandates set forth by the law which orders us to give a three year report by October 12.” Students must continue to be careful to watch and beware of their surroundings. According to the crime alerts posted on the SUPD website, three armed robberies have been committed this year thus far and all are currently under investigation. Two of the robberies were held in the apartment 100 building towards the rear of campus,
the official student newspaper of southern university and A&m college, baton rouge, louisiana
the most recent occurred on September 2, 2011. One of the robberies was easily conducted due to an unlocked door. “We urge students to check whose at the door before opening it and doors should be locked when the apartment is occupied or not,” informed Cpt. Sandra Knighton, SUPD former interim chief of police . Last month, Chancellor James Llorens appointed Captain Ronald Stevens as SUPD’s new chief of police. Capt. Stevens plans to hold an open house between students See Secuitry page 3
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Friday, November 4, 2011
Classifieds
husband. The story highlights racial politics, miscegenation, the role of African Americans in World War I, lynching, and the rights of African American women according to Kathy Perkins. The production continues Nov. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dramatic and Fine Arts Theatre in Frank Hayden Hall. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for general public. For more information contact Dr. Hendricks at 225.771.5847.
apartments for rent
Apt. homes available @ The Palisades. 1.866.936.5544.
WANT TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY 1973 SU Jazz Band record album. Also 1950, 1980 45rpm records. Call 225.687.8076.
Campus Briefs
November 18
today
Social and behavioral sciences undergraduate research conference
Tag! You’re It! Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Baton Rouge General’s Pennington Cancer Center has launched a new breast cancer awareness campaign this year called, “Tag! You’re It!” The campaign encourages women to remember the importance of a proper, annual evaluation of their breast health and monthly self breast exams with the help of short message system (SMS) text message reminders. Women interested in registering to receive personalized breast health text message reminders can sign-up at www.brgtagyoureit.org.
The Departments of Psychology and Social Work are pleased to sponsor the 13th Annual Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Nov. 18 in the SmithBrown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom. The conference will feature oral presentations of students’ empirical and theoretical research papers. For more information, please contact Dr. Reginald Rackley (771-2313) or Raven White (raven_white_00@subr.edu).
Faculty Art Exhibit
Ag Stars
The SU Department of Visual Arts presents “Visual Arts Faculty Past and Present Exhibition” featuring the work of Frank Hayden in The visual arts gallery. The exhibition is open MondayFriday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. until Nov. 18 For more information at the exhibit, special group visits, etc; contact Robert Cox 225-771-4103 or via email at robert_cox@subr. edu. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Calling all Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors … Do you have a 2.5 GPA and no declared major? Pursue an exciting degree in agricultural sciences and become a member of AG stars mentoring program. Ag star participants will earn $1,000 stipend per semester. Apply today in Fisher Hall Room 101. Ronald E. McNair Scholars
Do you have a 3.0 GPA? Lowincome first generation college student? Have a desire to earn a Ph.D. in your discipline? The SU Center for Social Research encourages rising juniors and seniors to apply for the Ronal E. McNair Scholarship. Applicants must have earned at least 60 credit hours. For more information contact Janeal Banks at 225.771.4717.
Wedding Band: A Love/Hate story in black and white
The Southern University department of Speech and theatre presents Wedding Band: A love/ hate story in black and white by Alice Childress. The play details the interracial relationship between Julia, an African American seamstress, and Herman, a baker her white lover and common law
Pinkie G. Lane Poetry Contest
Southern University students can start submitting for the Pinkie G. Lane Poetry Contest. Each entrant may submit no more than three (3) poems of no more than 35 lines for each poem. The poems can be on any subject matter and in any format, provided the content is not vulgar or offensive, does not contain profanity, and is the original, individual work of the entrant. Failure to comply will automatically eliminate the entry. Poems may be rhymed or nonrhymed, lyric, narrative, satire, elegiac, epic, philosophic, or didactic. Entrants retain copyright on his/her own individual work. Poems must be typed and submitted via email to pinkieglane@cox.net or online at the library’s website www.lib.subr.edu. For more information please contact committee chair Angela Proctor at (225) 771-2624, angela_ proctor@subr.edu or committee co-chair Maya Banks at (225) 7712776, maya_banks@subr.edu.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Who’s Speaking Out? How do you think financial exigency will impact the SU system? Brittany Cretchain
Marcus Taylor
Opelousas, la. senior mass comm.
New Orleans senior criminal justice
“I think it will affect the university as a Cretchain whole becasue we are already dealing with budget cuts.”
“It allows for uneccesary fields to be eliminated and more money to be allocated to striving majors.”
Chantell Landry
Ashton Anderson
donaldsonville, la. junior therapeutic recreation
baton rouge junior mass. comm.
“I believe that more teachers will be laid off Russel or will resign causing less classes to be available for students.”
“The system would then have more budget cuts and would increase tuition.”
Taylor
Anderson
Read the Digest at
WWW. southern digest .com ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2008 by The Southern University Office of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Southern University and A&M College. All articles, photographs and graphics are property of The Southern DIGEST and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the Editor in Chief and Director of Student Media Services. The Southern DIGEST is published twice-weekly (Tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every Tuesday & Friday morning on the SUBR campus. The Southern DIGEST student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The offices are located on the first floor of T.H. Harris Hall, Suite 1064. The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body. Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone (404) 679-4500, Website: www.sacscoc.org. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Southern University and A&M College, an Historically Black, 1890 landgrant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that Southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens. Website: www.subr.edu.
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News southerndigest.com
Friday, November 4, 2011 - Page 3
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Budget cuts put strain on housing James Teague
The Southern Digest
With increases in budget cuts and the filing of financial exigency residential housing faces it’s own fair share of problems at the university. Shandon Neal, director of Housing says that the budget cuts have affected housing, making it difficult for them to make certain renovations and improvements to on campus life. “It affected us tremendously,” said Neal. “We had to reduce staff and cut back on purchasing some of the supplies that we
need”. Even though the on-campus dorms and the apartments are said to be in livable condition, there are still some renovations and improvements that are needed to be made. “We didn’t make renovations for our old facilities such as Reed, White, and Washington”, Neal said. For the dorms up front of campus, restroom renovations, facility renovations, and painting for these dorms are very much needed. For the dorms and apartments in the back of campus, residential life plans on doing some painting
and minimal facility changes. Neal discusses the challenges and successes of the co-ed dorm at Camille Shade Hall saying, “The challenges were getting the people to adhere to the rules. The success of this as that we didn’t have too many issues on visitation violation”. Neal is seeing if the school can maybe get some capital facility improvement. “I think if we can get some facility improvement, then we can be able to make ourselves more marketable”, said Neal. With plans on upcoming events and improvement of housing life, Neal said,
“Were looking to implement new programs which include an energy conservation group, a RHA (Resident Hall Association), and more student programs like resident appreciation week.” Also aside residential appreciation week, there are said to be plans of possible Karaoke night, Dodge ball tournament, and a possible kickball tournament. Mr. Neal sends a message out to the students to improve on housing by saying to have better proper disposal of trash and to also notice the fliers that were put up in the department.
Financial aid seeks to improve process Christie Carral
The Southern Digest
Implementations to improve the functions of Banner for the Financial Aid department are in the works for the award year 2012-2013. With Banner being currently updated, Ursula Shorty, director of Financial Aid, says that they be will starting early for processing 2012-2013 applications. According to Shorty, the spring semester will not be a problem because students have already been awarded for the year. “Now that Banner is up and implemented,” Shorty exclaims, “The
normal pains that we endure have been ironed out and resolved,” says Shorty. Shorty also reports, with Banner implementations, the application process should run much smoother. Congestion during the fall semesters’ application processes is due to late submissions of applications. “If we can start early implementation of everything, we can reduce some of the bottlenecking,” Shorty says, explaining the long lines of the fall semesters’ processing. Shorty says that chancellor Llorens and Administration are currently working to make sure the process is much better. Shorty also stated that they are asking
the students to help also by submitting their applications early. For the 2012-2013 award year, the department of Financial Aid will be posting ads in the Digest to inform and encourage students to fill out their forms for early processing. Shorty reports that Financial Aid is going to continue electronic process for students to accept aid and to submit forms online. “We’d like to thank our student body through this process and cooperation and support,” says Shorty. Currently, the department of Financial Aid is still training and implementing for the upcoming semester.
Occupy protesters disavow Oakland violence Jason Dearen & Lisa Leff
The Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. — Occupy Wall Street protesters had just half a day to celebrate what they saw as their biggest victory so far: a daylong gathering in Oakland that drew thousands of people and led to the peaceful shutdown of the nation’s fifth-busiest port. Then, after midnight, the vandalism began. Hours after a small group of what city leaders called “provocateurs” clashed with riot police, set fires and shattered windows early Thursday, demonstrators across the country condemned the violence and wondered whether it was a turn that would destroy their cause. “They don’t speak for the majority of people who were here yesterday,” said Hadas Alterman, a college student who was gathering trash at a tent camp near Oakland City Hall. “That was an hour of action, and we were out here for 12 hours and it was peaceful.” The 3,000-person protest outside the port Wednesday
night represented an escalation in tactics as demonstrators targeted a major symbol of the nation’s commerce with peaceful rallies and sitins, managing to effectively suspend maritime operations there for the night. The street spasm that followed when about 200 people tried to take over a vacant building, however, raised questions about whether a movement with no organizational structure and no high-profile leaders can — or should — do anything to stop those they called troublemakers. On Thursday afternoon, representatives from the Occupy Oakland media committee read a statement saying participants supported the goal of reclaiming empty buildings to serve the public but regretted that their daylong downtown demonstration was marred by an “autonomous” group. “It is unfortunate that the unprecedented mobilization and engagement of tens of thousands of our neighborhood in this beautiful Oakland
city should be marred by broken windows and graffiti,” Laura Long said, reading the statement. “Occupy Oakland does not advocate violence and has no interest in supporting actions that endanger the community and possibilities that it has worked to build.” The group released a statement Thursday night saying it doesn’t support vandalism but would not take an official position until Friday’s night “General Assembly” meeting. So far, few cities have reached the level of Oakland, a unique place with a long history of tensions between residents and police. Bob Norkus at the Occupy Boston camp said the riots didn’t represent the broader movement and likely wouldn’t have a lasting effect on it, either. The movement is still evolving and mistakes are inevitable, he said. It “has to be nonviolent, or else it will just end. We won’t get the support,” he said. “It doesn’t mean you can’t agitate people. But you can’t also be breaking windows and
burning.” Police in riot gear arrested dozens of protesters in downtown Oakland, where bands of masked protesters took over a vacant building, erected roadblocks and threw chunks of concrete and firebombs. Five people and several officers were injured. Oakland officials said 103 people had been arrested by 3 p.m. Thursday, including two 17-year-olds who were cited and released. Chris Hedges, who was demonstrating at Goldman Sachs’ headquarters in New York, said the clashes in Oakland are a reminder to protesters that they should only respond peacefully to police actions. “It’s awful. But police want people to break windows and set cars on fire, because it’s the kind of thing they know how to master — with force,” he said before being led quietly away in handcuffs. Raymon Curtis, who was protesting in Portland, Ore., said he doesn’t believe the police in his city are seeking violence.
Security from page 1 and officers to discuss several issues later this year. “We’re always striving to do our best. We’ll never be in a position where we can’t hold up to our obligations,” informed Capt. Stevens. When asked about the overall status of the SUPD Capt. Stevens replied, “We should be graded by the people rather than rating ourselves. So when we have our meeting we’re looking forwrd to working with students, faculty, and staff,” expressed Capt. Stevens. Stevens declined to comment on his views pertaining to the new Tobacco- Free policy announced last month but he is committed to doing his job. “I support whatever he (Chancellor Llorens) has to do. We are the enforcers of the policies,” explained.” Capt. Stevens. The SUPD encourages for all students or anyone who may have information on any crime to contact the authorities. “If you have knowledge of any crime please come forth and share the information confidentially because this is how most of our crimes are solved,” concluded Sgt. Johnson.
Downgrades from page 1 much from their college experience. Taylor Hills, a mass communications major said, “I must say that my professors have done a great job. Showing me what works, and how it works, and I appreciate all they’ve done for me.” Alec Scott, an apparel, and merchandising major said, “I do believe I have been well prepared by Southern for my career as well as for living and doing business in the corporate world.”
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State & Nation southerndigest.com
Page 4 - Friday, November 4, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
More join Ala. law fight
N.O. rent battle brewing Kevin McGill
Jay Reeves
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Community leaders and Hispanic activists from the Southeast and Arizona began a three-day meeting Thursday in Alabama to help organize that state’s immigrant community and begin a push to overturn its tough, new illegal immigration law. About 30 advocates, most from the Southeast, will work with more than 35 activists and PHOTO BY david martin/ap photo leaders from around Alabama during sessions that focus on Hispanic business owners gather outside their closed shops in downtown Albertville, Ala., Wednesday, 12, 2011. Dozens of businesses across the state shut down as Hispanics took a day off from coping with provisions of the Oct. work to protest against Alabama’s tough new immigration law. new law and calming fears on Alabama in mid-October fear lawmakers there could pass over its toughest sections. session next year. Described by both supporters after a federal judge allowed a law like Alabama’s. Organizing Leaders hope to form local groups that will serve as support and critics as the nation’s parts of the law to take effect. people across state lines in the state measure They helped local workers South will help immigrants in organizations for immigrants toughest statewide, bringing them against illegal immigration, lead community meetings in Alabama and elsewhere know together and keeping them the law allows police to detain churches and a few schools in they are not alone, he said. “If we think more as a region informed about the law and any anyone suspected of being in cities from the Tennessee Valley we will feel less abandoned,” he the country illegally and bars to the coast. changes to it. Carlos Garcia, a community said. But opponents of the law said government agencies from Leaders said community conducting business with organizer from Arizona who they are not stopping there. “A big part of it is to launch a illegal immigrants. Courts is attending the meeting in leaders from Birmingham, campaign of repeal,” said Victor have blocked some sections, northeast Alabama, said even Mobile, Montgomery, Dothan, a requirement more activists are likely on the Foley, Russellville and DeKalb Spezzini, the lead community including organizer with the Hispanic that public schools verify the way. Laws such as those passed County are expected for the in Arizona, Alabama, Georgia meeting, which will include a citizenship of students. Interest Coalition of Alabama. Supporters contend the and other states are sweeping mass meeting at a church and A Democratic legislator already has said he will crackdown is needed to free across the nation and can’t go door-to-door canvassing in Albertville to inform people introduce a bill to repeal the up jobs for legal residents unchallenged, he said. “Unless we fight, tell the about the law. The gathering law passed by the Republican- and reduce state spending on controlled legislature, which is services to illegal immigrants, stories and identify how to was put together by the National Laborer Organizing being challenged in federal court but opponents describe it as fight it, it’s going to continue to Day Network and the Southeastern spread,” said Garcia. by the Obama administration, mean-spirited and racist. Dennis Soriano, who works Immigrant Rights Network in Quietly, activists from private groups and individuals. Republican backers say they national Hispanic groups with the Congress of Day cooperation with the Alabama immigrant advocacy Laborers in New Orleans, said Coalition for Immigrant Justice. will fight any attempt to gut the and law when lawmakers return to organizations began converging immigrants living in Louisiana
EPA to probe gas drilling’s toll on drinking water Michael Rubinkam The Associated Press
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday released the outlines of its long-awaited probe into whether hydraulic fracturing — the unconventional drilling technique that’s led to a boom in domestic natural gas production — is contaminating drinking-water supplies. Investigators will try to determine the impact of largescale water withdrawals, aboveground spills of drilling fluids, and the fracturing process itself on water quality and quantity in states where tens of thousands of wells have been drilled in recent years. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves the highpressure injection of millions of gallons of water, along with sand
and chemical additives, deep underground to extract natural gas trapped in shale rock. Energy companies have greatly expanded their use of fracking as they tap previously unreachable shale deposits, including the lucrative Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The industry has long contended that fracking is safe, but environmentalists and some residents who live near drilling sites say it has poisoned groundwater. The EPA study, mandated by Congress last year, is the agency’s first look at the impact of fracking in shale deposits. EPA will examine drilling sites in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Louisiana, North Dakota and Texas. The earliest results will be available in 2012. Industry groups said
Thursday they are confident the study will vindicate their position that fracking does not harm the environment or human health. “The industry has taken the lead in working with state regulators to constantly improve operations, industry practices and guidelines as well as improve communications with local communities,” said Stephanie Meadows, a senior policy adviser at the American Petroleum Institute. The institute and five other industry groups recently complained to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that agency staff began collecting field data and water samples months before the study plan was finished. The industry groups, in an Oct. 20 letter to Jackson, also questioned the study design itself and said it
could undermine the credibility of the findings. The EPA said it began work over the summer so that it could finish the study by 2014. The federal agency has studied fracking before, in 2004, looking at its use in coalbed methane deposits. It concluded then that the technology is safe, but its methodology was widely criticized as flawed. The new EPA study will look at the entire water lifecycle of hydraulic fracturing in shale deposits, beginning with the industry’s withdrawal of huge volumes of water from rivers and streams and ending with the treatment and disposal of the tainted wastewater that comes back out of the wells after fracking. Researchers will also study well design and the impact of surface spills of fracking fluids on groundwater.
NEW ORLEANS — Saxophone riffs from an unseen street musician waft up three floors to the balcony of Leslie Snadowsky’s French Quarter apartment, punctuated by the bustle of waiters, bartenders, tourists and street people wandering among restaurants and shops below and enhanced by the view of sun glinting off the spires of nearby St. Louis Cathedral. But inside, the hardwood floors are covered with sticky notes marking chinks and spots of rot. On the walls, along with paintings of plantations, are photographs of water spots — dated to note when they were taken and taped beneath the stains themselves. “These pictures were taken in 2009,” Snadowsky says, pointing to two photos. “The damage, basically, hasn’t been touched.” Snadowsky lives in the historic Upper Pontalba Building, and she’s the ringleader of a group of angry tenants who are squabbling with their landlord, the cash-strapped City of New Orleans. “The Upper Pontalba Building is not a luxury apartment building. But over the years, we’ve been paying luxury apartment rents,” Snadowsky says, explaining her objections to the most recent rent hike, from $1,715 to $2,389 for her apartment, a boost of nearly 40 percent. Money isn’t the only issue. “I would have stayed here forever, that was my intention since I moved in,” says retired attorney Bill Walker, sipping a beer at the Pontalba Café — two stories down from the third-story Pontalba walk-up he and his wife recently left. He complained about lack of maintenance, unreasonable lease requirements and what he described as overall shoddy treatment. Snadowsky says she suspects the city wants to rent the apartments to corporate interests or perhaps reward contributors to the campaigns of the mayor and City Council. “That’s absolutely, unequivocally, false,” said Ryan Berni, a spokesman for Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who appoints the board that oversees the building. “The goal is to get a good value for city-owned property.” In this case the property is steeped in history and planted firmly in the heart of a neighborhood that defines New Orleans. Designed and built around 1850, it’s believed to be among the first commercially rented apartment buildings in the United States.
SPortS southerndigest.com
the SeNtiNel oF aN eNlighteNed StudeNt body SiNCe 1926
Friday, November 4, 2011 - Page 5
Jaguars brace for TSU attack MOrris diLLard
The Southern Digest
Saturday’s matchup at Delmar Stadium pairs the Jaguars’ greatest weaknesses against supremacy. Texas Southern is still running the ball a lot. Plus, of the top 10 rushers in the conference, two players from the Tigers backfield are in the top five. “They are a north-south team,” defensive coordinator O’Neill Gilbert said Tuesday at practice. “We’re going to have to do a great job of forcing our will on them.” The Tigers offense is picking up where its championship squad from a year ago left off. The defending league champions rushed for more than 200 yards and allowed less than 100 yards of total offense against Alabama State in the title game last season. Despite a 1-5 start in conference play this season, the Tigers will provide a challenge for a Southern team, going for its first back-to-back wins after
defeating Alcorn State 30-14 in their home finale. “This is going to be a tough challenge,” Mitchell said Tuesday. “These guys are ranked high in terms of stopping the run and also rushing the football. We definitely have some challenges.” The Tigers have lost its last four games against conference opponents, including a 12-9 loss to a winless Mississippi Valley team last weekend. The hangover from last season’s title run possibly doomed the Tigers this season. But the Jaguars are expecting a tough team that had its way in 2009. “If we can force their backs to go east and west as oppose to north and south we may have an opportunity to do some things,” Mitchell said. “We might have to force those guys to beat us passing the ball by putting a few more guys in the box.” The Jaguars, on the other hand, are coming off one of its most impressive contest this season, particularly on defense. The Jaguars defense did not give up a point and allowed the Braves
photo by trevor jaMes/DiGest Southern defensive back Levi Jackson stops Alcorn State’s Tavaris Doss from starting a momentum shift with a big return during the Jaguars’ homecoming win over the Braves.
1.8 yards per rush attempt. That won’t be the case against a Tiger team that averages 3.7 yards per carry with 20 rushing scores.
Stopping the run will be crucial this week, considering the Jaguars run defense is the last in the league, allowing 179
yards per game. “Too many plays,” Gilbert said. “UAPB, of course wore us down. We got to get off the field.”
Culture southerndigest.com
Page 6 - Friday, November 4, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Case against Michael Jackson’s doctor goes to jury Linda Deutsch
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — The trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor was transformed Thursday into a contest between the superstar and the physician, with a prosecutor saying Dr. Conrad Murray killed his patient and a defense lawyer blaming Jackson for his own death. Prosecutor David Walgren called Murray a liar and an opportunist who put his own welfare before that of Jackson. Defense lawyer Ed Chernoff cast Murray as a victim of Jackson’s celebrity, saying he would never have been charged with wrongdoing if his patient was someone other than Jackson. “If it was anybody else, would this doctor be here today?” Chernoff asked during his closing argument at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Murray. The case later went to the jury, with deliberations set to begin Friday. Chernoff said prosecutors hadn’t proven that Murray committed a crime by giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid in the singer’s bedroom. “They want you to convict Dr. Murray for the actions of Michael Jackson,” Chernoff said.
photo by Kevork Djansezian/ap photo From left, Defense attorney J. Michael Flanagan, Dr. Conrad Murray and defense attorney Ed Chernoff listen during rebuttal in the prosecution’s closing arguments during the final stage of Conrad Murray’s defense in his involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 in Los Angeles. Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical licenses if convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death.
Earlier, during his closing argument, Walgren projected images of Jackson’s grief-stricken children on a giant screen and
told jurors that Murray took away their father. With Jackson’s mother and siblings watching from the
courtroom gallery, Walgren showed a photo of Jackson at his last rehearsal before the picture of the three Jackson children -
Prince, Paris and Blanket - at their father’s memorial. He also reminded jurors of the scene in Jackson’s bedroom when Paris came upon Murray frantically trying to revive her lifeless father and screamed, “Daddy!” “For Michael Jackson’s children this case goes on forever because they do not have a father,” Walgren said. “They do not have a father because of the actions of Conrad Murray.” The prosecutor repeatedly called Murray’s treatment of Jackson bizarre and said there was no precedent for the cardiologist giving the singer the powerful anesthetic to help him sleep. Still, Jackson trusted him and that eventually cost the singer his life, Walgren said. “Conrad Murray looked out for himself and himself alone,” the prosecutor said. Walgren, in a carefully structured argument enhanced by video excerpts of witness testimony, spoke of the special relationship between a doctor and patient and said Murray had corrupted it in the treatment of his famous client. Murray violated his medical oath to do no harm and “acted so recklessly that it caused the death of Michael Jackson,” the prosecutor said.
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Friday, November 4, 2011 - Page 7
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The time has come. For the students, faculty, staff, and administration to re-evaluate the systems and processes we use at this university. The time has come for students to give their input on making the classroom, registration, matriculation, and graduation processes better. The time has come for staff and faculty to give their input on making the curriculums, programs, degrees, and professional development opportunities better. The time has come for the administration to designate and deliver the leadership and effective processes to address the issues before us. The moment has arrived for students to graduate from Southern on-time, with honors, and contribute to our university as dedicated alumni. The moment has arrived for staff and faculty to represent Southern University programs and curriculums away from the university to recruit students and generate interests in academic programs. The moment has arrived for the administration to show leadership on and off of the campus and be willing
Evan Taylor to make decisions against the grain for the prosperity of the university. There should not be any reason students should be surprised with discrepancies two weeks before graduation. Its unacceptable for students to wait days for financial aid to say they are waiting for verification on documents sent in three months before. It is intolerable that faculty shouldn’t have a voice in the procedure of the evaluations of financial and academic decisions of the campus. Its unfortunate that censure, policies, and procedures have to be discussed in open meetings because
those who we elected don’t know the policies and procedures they are to adhere to. It’s sad that students lack the interest in the future of their degree and institution that they choose to transfer instead of fight on behalf of their departments and programs. Its pitiful that the administration waited until the issue became so out of hand before they asked for specialists and input from other sources beyond their office. A lot of people will not like financial exigency but, now that we are in this hole lets make sure we can get out. It is necessary for the administration, students, faculty, staff, and alumni to work together to develop a strategy. When I say together, there needs to be a collaborative effort for students, faculty, staff and alumni to submit ideas and solutions. This hole needs to be an opportunity to climb out and rebuild. We need to come out of this hole a stronger Southern University. Financial Exigency will not break us if we don’t let it. We dug this hole together it’s time to get out of it together. If there was ever a time for the Jaguar Nation.
Page 8 - Friday, Novmeber 4, 2011
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Grisly theory for Holy Land mystery Matti Friedman
The Associated Press
RUJM AL-HIRI, Golan Heights — A newly proposed solution to an ancient enigma is reviving debate about the nature of a mysterious prehistoric site that some call the Holy Land’s answer to Stonehenge. Some scholars believe the structure of concentric stone circles known as Rujm al-Hiri was an astrological temple or observatory, others a burial complex. The new theory proposed by archaeologist Rami Arav of the University of Nebraska links the structure to an ancient method of disposing of the dead. The site’s name means “stone heap of the wild cats” in Arabic. In Hebrew it is known as Galgal Refaim, or the “wheel of ghosts.” It was first noticed by scholars in 1968, a year after Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria, and despite its intriguing nature it has attracted few visitors. Unmarked, it lies an hour’s hike from the nearest road, near old minefields, an abandoned military bunker and a few grazing cattle. Rujm al-Hiri’s unremarkable appearance from the ground belies its striking form when seen from the air: It consists of four circles — the outermost more than 500 feet across — made up of an estimated 42,000 tons of basalt stone, the remains of massive walls that experts believe once rose as much as high as 30 feet. It is an enormous feat of construction carried out 6000 years ago by a society about which little is known. It seems likely that Rujm al-Hiri served residents of excavated villages nearby that were part of the same agrarian civilization that existed in the Holy Land in the Chalcolithic period, between 4500 and 3500 B.C. This predates the arrival of the Israelites as described in the Bible by as much as three millennia. But nothing is known about why they went to such great lengths to construct something that was not a village or fortress,
photo by albatross/ap photo This undated aerial photo shows Rogem Hiri, an ancient structure of stone circles, in the Golan Heights. A newly proposed solution to an ancient enigma is reviving debate about the nature of a mysterious prehistoric site that some consider the Holy Land’s answer to Stonehenge. Some scholars believe the structure of concentric stone circles known as Rogem Hiri was an astrological temple, others a burial site for an important figure. The new theory proposed by archaeologist Rami Arav of the University of Nebraska links the circular structure to an ancient method of disposing of the dead.
whose location was not strategic and whose practical purpose is entirely unclear. Most scholars have identified Rujm al-Hiri as some kind of ritual center, with some believing it connected to astronomical calculations. Archaeologist Yonathan Mizrahi, one of the first to excavate there, found that to someone standing in the very center of the circles on the morning of the summer solstice in 3000 B.C., “the first gleam of sunrise would appear at the center of the northeast entryway in the outer wall.” Just like England’s Stonehenge — thought to date to around 3000 B.C. at the earliest — Rujm al-Hiri has also provided fodder for ideas of a less scientific sort. One posits the site is the tomb of the Biblical giant known as Og, king of the Bashan. There is indeed a tomb in the center of the site, but scholars tend to agree it was added a millennia or two after the circles were erected.
A self-proclaimed expert in supernatural energy fields visited the site in 2007 and claimed it had high levels of energy and vibration, which he suggested was the reason the ancients chose the location. A psychic consulted afterward by the same expert declared that Rujm alHiri had been a healing center built with knowledge that came from “ancient Babel” and was “managed by a priestess named Nogia Nogia.” The theory proposed by Arav, who has led the excavation of another ancient site nearby since the late 1980s, is based on a broader look at the local Chalcolithic civilization and on similarities he noticed with more distant cultures. Arav published his idea in the current issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, a U.S. periodical. “I tried to look at the whole culture of that time,” said Arav. The Chalcolithic people of the Holy Land buried their dead in
ossuaries, small boxes used to house bones. Use of ossuaries requires that the flesh first be removed, which can be achieved by burying bodies for an initial period in temporary tombs until only the bones remain. But archaeologists have not found evidence of such preliminary graves from Chalcolithic times, Arav said, suggesting a different method for disposing of the flesh. Arav found a clue in a trove of Chalcolithic artifacts discovered to the south, near the Dead Sea: a small copper cylinder with a square opening like a miniature gate and, crucially, figures of birds perched on the edge. He also noticed a similarity to round, high-walled structures used by Zoroastrians in Iran and India, known as dokhmas or towers of silence. These are buildings used for a process known as excarnation or sky burial — the removal of flesh from corpses by vultures and other birds. The winged scavengers
perch on the high circular walls, swoop in when the pallbearers depart and can pick a skeleton clean in a matter of hours. Rujm al-Hiri, Arav believes, was an excarnation facility. The cylindrical object found near the Dead Sea, he believes, is a ceremonial miniature of such excarnation sites. He cites evidence — including a mural showing vultures and headless human corpses — that excarnation was practiced several millennia earlier in southern Turkey, where the local Chalcolithic residents are thought to have originated. Arav’s theory is the first such claim that excarnation was practiced in the Holy Land in that era. Archaeologist Mike Freikman of Hebrew University in Jerusalem, who has led digs at the site for the past five years, said Arav’s theory was based only on “very distant parallels” rather than on hard evidence, but that it could not be ruled out. “We know so little about this site that the answer could be yes or no,” he said. Freikman’s excavations have yielded almost no material remains of the kind that are common at most archaeological sites, he said. That is significant, however, as it confirms that the site was never lived in and was thus not a defensive position or a residential quarter but most likely a ritual center of some kind — possibly, he said, one indeed linked to a cult of the dead. If Arav’s theory is correct, the biblical narrative written millennia later might offer hints that sky burial remained in the memory of the local population. No longer practiced, it was instead considered an appalling fate wished on one’s worst enemies. In one example, from the Book of Samuel, the shepherd David tells the Philistine warrior Goliath that he would soon cut off his head. Then David says: “I will give the carcasses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth.”
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