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Tuesday, February 18, 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: News: NCAA TO DETERMINE SU’S ELIGIBILITY STUDENT EFFORTS LEAD TO MEETING Career Week 2014: CAREER SERVICES CAREER DAY TIPS Arts & Entertainment: MOVIE REVIEW: ABOUT LAST NIGHT NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND 2014 Commentary: > TALKING POLITICS WITH CEASAR
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VOLume 64, issue 4
NCAA to determine SU’s Eligibility FeliX CUnninGhaM iii The Southern DIGEST
The ambience of the Southern University athletic department was as calm as usual on Thursday. The men and women’s basketball team intensely prepared to continue their Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) reign on Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday. At the Lee-Hines Field, the baseball team prepared to play its opener against Grambling and the football staff prepared for spring practice. The Athletic Director, William Broussard, and his team are working hard to fight a deadline to fulfill the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) request for necessary documentation to have the tournament ban lifted for the Jags. The ban became public knowledge on Thursday, but it was already known in December. Southern University was chosen at random for academic review by the NCAA to submit necessary data on such deadline. Athletic Director, William
Broussard spoke on the choosing for such reviews deemed by the NCAA. “It is not just Southern that is targeted for academic review, but there are other schools than HBCU’s that are chosen for such review.” As of right now, our conference will not allow us to compete in the SWAC championships unless the deadline has been met and the NCAA lifts the ban. Upon that, track and field feels that heavy blow and will not be able to compete in the SWAC championship on February 22nd due to the unlikely circumstances of this case. It is imperative that documentation is finished for all winter sports such as men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, and bowling; but all sports are affected. Both basketball teams performed well during conference play this season. The men have 10 wins and the women have 12. This places them at the top of the SWAC and leads them into good standing of tournament play, which starts March 11th -15th.
soUthern UniVersitY AthLetiC DireCtor WiLLiAM BroUssArD DiGest FiLe
See grade rePOrTs page 3
SU Career Week Fe b. 17-Feb. 21
Student efforts lead to special meeting MeaGan l. WilliaMs The Southern DIGEST
Overwhelming support from the Southern University’s flagship campus in Baton Rouge may be the reason why The Board of Supervisors have implemented a special meeting. For the SU community, this could mean that Chancellor James Llorens will have another shot at being chancellor. Llorens said that he was overwhelmed, yet humbled by the amount of support he received from students and alumni. On last Tuesday, students crowded into the fourth floor lobby of the Joseph Samuel Clark Administration Building to protest and sit in. Up to 30 students at a time arrived to protest outside of the President’s Office. Lunch was provided by
sU ChAnCeLLor JAMes LLorens. Photo: CoUrtesY oF eGo
Chicken Shack and sponsored by Demoine Rutledge This event following a string of recent activities including an online petition and “Forum of the Facts,” in an effort to support Chancellor Llorens against a recent decision made by the Board of Supervisors not to renew the Chancellor’s
contract. “When I heard that the chairwoman of the board was in the Board of Supervisors office across the hall, I was like, what? I knew that since she didn’t live here, something was happening,” said Student Government Association President, Simone Bray. Bray soon joined Chairwoman Bridget Dinvaut , Attorney Tony Clayton, member of the board, President Ronald Mason, and Chancellor Llorens to discuss a possible solution. Meanwhile, students received encouragement from Bryon Sharper, the 1st Vice President of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Baton Rouge Chapter. Sharper wanted students to know that if Llorens has truly been good to them and the university, that they should see LLORENS: PART II page 3
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Campus Life southerndigest.com
Page 2 - Tuesday, February 18, 2014
encouraged to come and network with different employers about job opportunities in their field.
What’s Happening? MOVIE NIGHT
Southern University’s White Hall will hold its Black History Movie Night February 16th at 7 p.m in the lobby. The featured movie will be Selma Lord Selma.
Movie Night
“The loving story” will be shown in the library in classroom 1 Wednesday February 19,2014.
WATCH PARTY
The Association for women students presents the Single Ladies Watch Party every Monday at 6 p.m. in Totty Hall COMPILATION YEARBOOKS
Compilation yearbooks are still available for pickup. Stop by 1062 T.H. Harris Hall from 8am - 5pm CAreer Week
Career week begins February 17-21, 2014. All students are encouraged to sign up at The Offices of Career Services and participate.
Computer Science Symposium
The Department of Computer Science will host its annual Dr. Leroy C. Roquemore Computer Science symposium February 19-20, 2014 in room 313 of T.T. Allain. Presentation of SU Figures
jaguar yearbook submissions
S.U. Girls Rock
The Association for Women Students will host S.U. girls Rock February 19, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom.
2014 CENTENNIAL CELEBraTION
The first official Centennial Celebration event - The SUBR Student Extravaganza - set for 6 p.m., Tuesday, February 18 in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
Alumni Historians
The National Society of Leadership and Success at Southern University are looking for alumni historians to share their story. Contact Anjelica Pierson at (225) 270-7878 or Patrick Batiste at (504) 339-6781 for more information or to schedule an interview.
2014 CAREER FAIR
The Spring 2014 Career fair will be held February 19, 2014 from 10a.m.-2p.m. at F.G Clark Activities Center. Students are
Toiletry Collection
The Beta Psi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. request your participation in he toiletry collection Wednesday February 19,2014 from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. Donations can be dropped off by their Sorority tree.
The Junior class along with the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. will present the S.U. 16 and important figures February 27, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union.
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Attention all recognized student organizations. The Office of Student Media is requesting that all recognized student organizations who would like to be included in the centennial yearbook submit photos and a brief organizational description to our office (1064 T.H. Harris Hall) at your earliest. The deadline is Friday, March 28, 2014. For more information call (225) 771-5819 SU POLICE ENCOURAGING FIRST CALL REGISTRATION
Southern University’s Police Department is reminding students of the university’s automatic call system, First Call. subr.edu and click on student, then proceed to click First Call and complete the required information.
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John White major: Sociology Classification: Senior Hometown: Lake Providence
Gicanda Muse major: Family & Consumer Science (Child Development) Classification: Senior Hometown: Greensburg Hillary S. Pierce major: Political Science)
Classification: Senior Hometown: Cecilia
Darni’sha Ruth Major: Human Nutrition Classification: Sophomore Hometown: Baton Rouge
“I feel that the students supporting Chancellor Llorens is great. As a student, I can attest that Southern University has positively turned around under his leadership. I don’t see why you would stop or try to cease the blossoming of the university.”
“My opinion about the students supporting Chancellor Llorens is just astonishing. He has done an excellent job helping Southern University change. Enrollment has went up, and he has supported Southern in everything. He’s friendly and will help you in any way possible. The students have seen him making a difference and trying to change. Change is good and change is great.” “I was excited that so many students stood up for what they believed in. Chancellor Llorens’ administration has provided tangible results. It would have been poor judgement on the students’ part to ignore the blatant and improper overreaching arm of President Mason and the unchecked Board or Supervisors.”
“As a student here at Southern University, we notice and respect the changes that Chancellor Llorens has made to our campus. Furthermore, if we continue to come together and let our voices be heard, students, faculty, and staff will prove that we’re the best HBCU in the nation. In order to become the best, our leader must lead with integrity and righteousness, and that leader is Chancellor Llorens.”
ISSN: 1540-7276. Copyright 2012 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 & Thursday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Southern University - Baton Rouge campus fall, spring semesters.
The Southern DIGEST is the official student newspaper of Southern University and A&M College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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How do you feel about the students’ support behind Chancellor LLorens’ contract extension?
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.
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Who’s Speaking Out?
Go Red
The Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Presents Go Red for women fundraiser, February 19,2014 in the student union from 12p.m to 2p.m.
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Campus Briefs
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
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
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 - Page 3
The senTineL OF an enLighTened sTudenT bOdy sinCe 1926 LLORENS PART II from page 1
continue to stand up for him. President Ronald Mason spoke to students around noon to address further concerns. By the end of the sit in Tuesday evening, students were informed that there would be a special meeting scheduled for February 24 at 1:30p.m. in the Administration Building to revisit the contract. To recap the first meeting, members of The Board of Supervisors voted 9-6 in reference to two stipulations, added by President Ronald Mason, to the Chancellor’s contract for a one-year extension. The board voted against the President’s stipulations, in turn meaning that the Chancellor’s contract would not be renewed. At this month’s special meeting The Board of Supervisors will revisit the chancellor’s contract to determine whether or not the chancellor’s contract will be extended.
Attention SU Students! Dont miss your chance to WIN this fully-loaded 2014 Chevy Camaro Convertible Coupe. Tickets can be purchased online at ebrcoaraffle.com or call (225) 923-8000 GRADE REPORTS from page 1
If the NCAA committee does not lift the ban, the basketball team will not be eligible for tournament play. Business Management major, Taylor Williams, from Natchitoches dictated that there is no point on arriving at the game if the ban isn’t dropped. “It’s pointless to go to the games and events knowing that we are playing to lose. Let’s face it, reality has to set in. On the other hand, I feel sorry for the Jags that play their heart out to represent the school because they don’t deserve that mental punishment.” With deadlines approaching, the athletic department is rushing to submit necessary corrections to satisfy the NCAA’s request. “We will continue working and remain committed with working until the NCAA puts us in good standing for playing in the tournament for all sports,” Broussard says. Men’s basketball Head Coach,
Roman Banks, feels a heavy blow when it comes to finishing and entering the tournament due to 20122013 season success upon entering the tournament. The last time the men’s basketball team entered the tournament was in the 2005-2006 season under the tutelage of former head coach Rob Spivey. Per Les East of the Advocate, Banks says, “It’s disappointing. You feel bad for the players. They trust and believe in you. But we have to focus on basketball.” He also stated after the loss against Arkansas Pine Bluff that, “Kids asked me what are we playing for?” Banks ended by saying, “Even though this situation hurts, I answer with, you were chose to represent the university and play basketball and we play for pride of yourself, the sport, and the university.” The athletic department is working to retrieve all required documentation.
BREC’s Outdoor Adventure Activities include: • Paddling • Kayaking To learn more about • Canoeing BREC’s outdoor recreation opportunities, visit brec.org/outdooradventure orcheck • Biking us out at facebook.com/brecadventure. • Hiking • Climbing • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
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Career Day Tips: How To Prepare: Review the list of companies in attendance and determine the companies you want to target. Prepare your elevator speech and be able to state your interests, skills, strengths, etc. in under three minutes. What To Bring: Multiple Resumes: You will need a copy of your resume for every company or organization with whom you plan to speak. Portfolio/Briefcase: To store your resumes, pad, and pen as well as the literature and Business cards you will accumulate. What To Wear Professional Dress: If you are going to the career fair from class, take the time to change to professional attire. Remember, you are selling yourself and want to put your best foot forward. Dress in business attire: A suit is appropriate for both men and women, as is a shirt and tie for men and a blouse and skirt/dress slacks for women. Pick up the DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW tip sheet in the Career Services Office. What To Do When You Arrive: Check your coat and any extra bags you may have. Survey the layout of the room and locate your target companies. Quickly walk around and take note of how the company reps are engaging with the students. Know what type of student the company is looking for and pay questions being asked.
Pick up additional literature for your target companies and review it briefly while waiting to speak to the representatives. What To Do When It’s Your Turn: Smile, shake hands and introduce yourself. Ask the company representative about his/her company to get more information. Answer questions enthusiastically making eye contact regularly.
Listen carefully, answer clearly and offer your resume if you are interested in the company. Ask for a business card and thank the company representative for his/ her time. After Your Career Fair Interview: Capture quick notes about your conversation. Put the card and literature away and head to your next company.
Follow up on company instructions from Career Fair. After the Fair: Send thank you letters to the company or organizations you would like to pursue. Watch for posting on JOBS4JAGS! and apply to the posting on time. Attend company sponsored events on campus and visit the office of Career Services.
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 - Page 5
Connect to your future Stop by our offices Today! Career Services T.H. Harris Hall Rm. 1100 (225) 771-2200 Office (225) 771-3272 Fax www.subr.edu/careerservices
! y a Tod
Arts & Entertainment southerndigest.com
Page 6 - Tuesday, February 18, 2014
The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
East gets by Durant, Griffin to win All-Star Brian Mahoney Basketball Writer The Associated Press
From the first play to the final minute, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving made it clear how the East felt about this All-Star game. “We took this one personal a bit,” Irving said. Irving had 31 points and 14 assists and was voted the MVP, Carmelo Anthony made a record eight 3-pointers and scored 30 points, and the East stopped a three-game losing streak with a 163-155 victory over the West on Sunday night in the highest-scoring All-Star game ever. Fed up with losing the midseason game and tired of the East being picked on for its mediocrity this season, James had a steal and dunk on the first possession, long before defense usually shows up in the AllStar game. “We wanted this win,” James said. “They beat us the last three years and they had a lot of bragging rights, so to be able to come through being down 18 was huge.” Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin each finished with 38 points, four shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s All-Star game record, for the West. But the East scored the final 10 points to pull out a game it trailed by 18. “They started making shots and we didn’t get stops and we went a little bit cold,” said Griffin, who shot 19 of 23, setting a record for field goals made. Irving scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. James had 22
points, seven rebounds and seven assists. The 318 points broke the record of 303 set in 1987. Durant finished with 10 rebounds and six assists, but the West was shut out after his 3-pointer gave it a 155-153 lead with 1:59 left. Indiana’s Paul George made three free throws, Anthony nailed his final 3-pointer, and James scored to make it 161-155. George closed it out with two more free throws and finished with 18 points. “Both teams played extremely well, we just lost,” Durant said. The game that usually doesn’t get tight until the final minutes was close throughout the fourth quarter, neither team leading by more than four until the final minute. Chris Paul had 11 points and 13 assists, and first-time All-Star Stephen Curry had 12 points and 11 assists for the West. But the best point guard on the floor was Irving, who shot 14 of 17 and helped the East ring up 87 points in the second half after it surrendered a record 89 in the first. In a colorful tribute to New Orleans, players wore sneakers and socks that ranged from green and blue to orange and purple, making the game look like a Mardi Gras parade. The parade was one of layups and dunks for the West, which scored 44 points in the first quarter and 45 in the second. Griffin had 18 points in the first quarter and Durant had 22 at halftime, both two shy of records set by Glen Rice in 1997. And there was plenty of music,
AP Photo/Christian Petersen
West Team’s Blake Griffin, of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) heads to the hoop as East Team’s LeBron James, of the Miami Heat (6) looks on during the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, the rosters and starting lineups introduced around a concert by Pharrell Williams, who was joined by his own All-Stars in Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Sean “Diddy” Combs and
Movie Review: “About Last Night Jayleyah Davis/Jade Smith The Southern DIGEST Are you sick of the romantic comedies that leave you teary-eyed and daydreaming? If so “About Last Night”, is the perfect alternative, the film is funny and portrays modern day relationships authentically starring Kevin Hart as Bernie, Michael Ealy as Danny, Regina Hall as Joan, and Joy Bryant as Debbie. “About Last Night” is a Screen Gems production that takes viewers on a journey with the characters from getting sloppy drunk at a bar, becoming acquainted with each others bedrooms and putting their relationship to the test in Los Angeles, CA. Bernie and Joan have been casually seeing each other and both are under the belief that their best friends are boring. As a result Bernie and Joan make Danny and Debbie tag along on their date night to a bar, fueling a connection between the two that Danny and Debbie never saw coming. What seemingly started out as a one nightstand between Danny and Debbie progressed into the ordinary steps of a relationship. Kevin Hart and Regina Hall were the leading comedians, while Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant, were funny, but brought on a more romantic feel to the audience. Working together and with producer William Packer was nothing new for Hart, Ealy and Hall. They all starred in “Think Like a Man”, which was also produced by Packer. At a total cost of $13 million, the movie was filmed in 2012 and took seven weeks to complete. Majority of the movie was shot within just 10 blocks of downtown Los Angeles, including Broadway Bar and the new Grand Park, “About
Last Night” is the first movie shoot in this park. Another scene took place at Dodger Stadium. The 2014 movie is a remake of the original film that was based on “Sexual Perversity in Chicago”, a play written by David Mamet in the 1970s, which consisted of a predominantly white cast. Writer, Leslye Headland, kept the same basic plot of the original film such as the names and how the couple met and put a modern spin on it. Sex was a main factor in the movie alluding to its vitality of sex in relationships. Some viewers may feel as if there was an extreme display of sex, while others may think it essential or overlooked. Viewers may feel as though they didn’t pay to see a forced happy ending, but maybe something more realistic or dreadful. When asked what she thought of the movie, Alexis Calhoun a 20-year old junior Biology major from Natchitoches, LA said, “I liked the movie, it was funny and realistic. I thought some of the sex scenes were not important to the movie, but they were comical so it didn’t bother me.” Myra Anderson a 20-year old sophomore Education major from Maringouin, LA said, “I thought the movie was nice, I liked it. It was really rated R and funny. When asked if the sex in the movie was overpowering, Iniki Lowery a 20-year old senior Nursing major from Alexandria, LA said, “I thought the movie was hilarious! I don’t think the sex was overpowering at all. I feel that those scenes fit well into the plot and added to the humorous storyline.”
Snoop Dogg. Magic Johnson led a band, too, encouraging the All-Stars to join him in singing “Happy Birthday” after the first quarter
to Hall of Famer Bill Russell, the NBA’s greatest champion who was celebrating his 80th. The All-Stars played better than they sang. The East finished with 61 percent shooting, needing all sorts of offense after it simply couldn’t defend Durant and Griffin. Durant made six 3-pointers and raised his career scoring average in the All-Star games to a record 30.6 points. Outside of the ugly sleeved jerseys, it was a good look for the NBA’s midseason showcase, bouncing back strongly from an uneven All-Star Saturday night. The new format of the slam dunk contest Saturday wasn’t a hit, but every night is a dunk contest when Griffin is involved. The guy who once jumped over a car to win a slam dunk contest had eight slams in the first 11 minutes, the backboard often barely done shaking from the last one when he threw down the next. Durant made a 3-pointer with 26 seconds left to make it 89-76 at the break, one point better than he and the West had two years ago in Orlando. He and Griffin each had 30 points by the end of the third quarter, but the East trimmed what was a West 18-point lead to 126-123 after three. The All-Star newcomers also included official Violet Palmer, who became the first female to referee a major U.S. sports league’s All-Star game.
COmmenTary southerndigest.com
The senTineL OF an enLighTened sTudenT bOdy sinCe 1926
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 - Page 7
Talking Politics with Caesar SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SUITE 1064 T.H. HARRIS HALL POST OFFICE BOX 10180 BATON ROUGE, LA 70813 PHONE: 225.771.2231 FAX: 225.771.5840 ONLINE @ www.southerndigest.com
STUDENT MEDIA OFFICE
Director .............................. Heather Freeman Publications Asst. .............Jermaine Proshee Director of Advertising ...Camelia Jackson
CONTACTS (area code 225)
Student Media Front Desk ........... 771.2231 Student Media Newsroom...........771.5829 Advertising Office .........................771.5833 Student Media Services ................771.5819
Spring 2014 STAFF
Editor-in-Chief ...............Meagan L. WIliams Managing Editor ................. Lauren Johnson News Editor............................. Christie Carral Sports Editor ................Felix Cunningham III Culture/Photo Editor .........Courtney Jacobs Layout Editor...............................Kayla Foster Staff Writer ................................Jaleyah Davis Staff Writer .............................Sage Edgerson Staff Writer ....................... Brittany Patterson Staff Writer .....................Marchandrea Seals Staff Writer .................................... Jade Smith Staff Writer ...................... Taylor Washington Staff Photographer ........... Joshua Mcknight Staff Photographer .......... Astavven Cotton Staff Cartoonist ........................ Jessica Keyes
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-mailed to digest@subr.edu.
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.
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 Journalists (SPJ), Full member of the Associated Press (AP) and the Louisiana Press Association (LPA).
The Politics of Life and Death
The Politics of Life and Death Looking at wire reports and considering all things equally there is a serious issue one should have with Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law and those who bill for the charge(s) that make it to the courts and the grand jury. Everyone is familiar with Trayvon Martin, Marissa Alexander and Jordan Davis’ case this weekend where Michael Dunn was convicted on all counts but, murder in the first degree. It is quite interesting how many are upset over the verdicts in these cases. The problem is not the jury or the guidelines they follow to convict. It rests solely with the way the state prosecutor’s office overzealously charges those in these cases. One would think enough cases are tried to properly charge and convict someone of murder and get the conviction they originally seek. There is no doubt George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin, Michael Dunn killed Jordan Davis and Marissa Alexander shot a weapon, discharging it into the ceiling. Alexander’s case is very strange because she never shot at her ex-husband; it was more of firing a warning shot. Zimmerman was told, “not to follow” Trayvon
Caesar smiTh, Jr.
The sOuThern digesT Martin and Michael Dunn fired into a SUV with four teens inside. Critics say if a weapon is pulled, it should be used to kill, not to scare or warn. All things being equal, one could accept that and the charges associated with it. Both Zimmerman and Dunn killed an African American teenage boy out of a self-proclaimed fear, saying they feared for their lives. It seems they were not afraid to approach them, then after contact, they became so fearful that it ends in the death of someone’s child. To make things worse the state prosecutor’s office overzealously charges them with first degree murder, then goes about trying to prove it was actually first degree murder. First-degree
murder is premeditated, planned and executed. So why should Florida charge an individual when there is not enough evidence? It is a formula that allows a killer to walk free on the charge of “first-degree murder,” guidelines should be established for charging; once those guidelines have been met, and it should be multiple factors to ensure a strong chance of conviction before formally charging those individuals. It seems as if they charge now and try to prove later. Dunn will go to prison for a specified time, it is probable for him to spend the rest of his life there and hopefully Alexander’s case gets overturned. In an interview over the weekend on Univision Zimmerman says he is homeless, deeply in debt and fighting post-traumatic stress disorder. Like it or not Zimmerman was found not guilty and it appears that his polarizing behavior has led to several run-ins with the law, it seems that George is a victim of his actions and is now living in a selfmade prison. Participating in the political process serves as a vehicle to obtaining a better human condition, it starts and ends therein, believe it.
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The Sentinel Of An Enlightened Student Body since 1926
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