Volume 63 Issue 12
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Greek Moratorium Update: Where Are They Now?
www.southerndigest.com
SU System administrative woes;
BY MEAGAN L. WILLIAMS
eDitor-in-chief
Since the end of the Spring 2014 semester, the National Pan-Hellenic Council Member Organizations have struggled to compile a consistent code of conduct and membership manual for its divine nine organizations. Recognized organizations on Southern University’s campus include: Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, and Zeta Phi Beta. On October 28, the first campus-wide e-mail was sent entitled, “Greek Life Moratorium” which cleared the air on many misconceptions about the mandatory moratorium. Director of Student Life, Jonas Vanderbilt and Dean of Students, Marcus Coleman, ensured that nothing horrific happened, but that it was time to bring all eight organizations together in an effort to make each organization better, and the university better. As of the November 5 email, the following changes have been made since the first letter on October 28: The implementation of “Greek Pride Thursdays,” an increase in cumulative grade point average from 2.5 to 2.75 for all new membership intake, and all future Greek shows will generate 40% of their profits into the 365 Jag Fund, an annual campaign fund for the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Proceeds from these funds will be given in the form of scholarships. Three NPHC organizations from Southern are set to participate in the 41st Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands/Greeks Show later this November which will include the Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Beta Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Kappa Alpha Psi were not considered to be participants in the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands/Greek Show because of prior misconduct at the SpringFest 2014 Greek Show. For more information regarding additional implemented guidelines, or the continuation of the moratorium, contact Jonas Vanderbilt, Director of Student Life at jonas_vanderbilt@subr. edu or (225) 771-2940.
SU
Courtesy Media Relations
The search for a new System President, state funding decreased BY LAQUENCIA PARKER
neWS eDitor
The search for a new Southern University System President has just begun, led by a search committee made up of students, alumni, and representatives from the Board of Supervisors and faculty. The search group met for the first time on November 4 to create a plan to quickly discover the replacement for current System President, Ronald Mason. In August, the Board of Supervisors decided against extending Mason’s contract past June 30, which resulted in months of infighting. The group hopes to make a recommendation at the board’s December 12 meeting, although the decision is ultimately up to the board members and their suggestions could be disregarded. “We are only here to make a recommendation,” said Rev. Joe Gant, chairman of the search committee. “The board can accept what we bring or reject it
Inside this Issue:
and completely pick somebody else.” Applications for the position will be posted on Southern University websites, and the committee will accept them through the first of December. Amongst the problems at system level, the SUBR campus is also lacking a definite chancellor. Finance Administrator Flandus McClinton Jr. is currently serving indefinitely as Acting Chancellor until the board makes a final decision. SU Law Center and Agriculture chancellors Freddie Pitcher and Ledorey Williams were both granted extensions to their soon-to-expire contracts. “It’s incumbent upon us to get a leader to lead this ship,” said Gant, who also believes the SU system should focus on filling the role of System President before moving on to the three chancellor openings, in order for the new system leader to have a say in the decisions. Accompanying the issues of administration,
Campus Briefs ..............................................Page 2 News .............................................................Page 3 Sports ............................................................Page 4 Photos of the Week .....................................Page 6
or lack thereof, the university is facing serious financial struggles. State budget cuts have significantly reduced the funding that the SU system receives, and the university is currently barred from raising tuition prices after failing to meet the benchmarks outlined in the state of Louisiana’s GRAD Act. The act allows schools who’ve met certain student success measures to raise their tuition by 10 percent, and those who haven’t lose 15 percent of their overall state funding. “The Louisiana legislature has grappled mightily with how to fund and even to reconfigure Louisiana’s educational system,” said Southern University’s Alumni Federation President Preston J. Castille Jr. “As it tries to make all of higher education stronger, the Louisiana Board of Regents will similarly have to decide which academic programs will flourish, be altered or perish,” Castille ended.
Arts & Entertainment ............................. Page 7 Arts & Entertainment ............................. Page 10 Commentary .............................................. Page 11 Advertisement ........................................... Page 12
AWS THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE Board Supervisors continues Novemberof 5-21. Benefits will go towards the Office of its Student Organizations Annual Big Buddy Luncheon.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
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CAMPUS BRIEFS 2014 CENTENNIAL JAGUAR YEARBOOK Yearbooks are now available in The Office of Student Media. Stop by 1064 T.H. Harris Hall. BAYOU CLASSIC PRIZE PACK GIVE-A-WAY The Office of Student Media will be giving away (2) Bayou Classic Prize packs that will include (2) Tickets to the Battle of the Bands/Greek Show, and (2) Tickets to the Bayou Classic Game. Fill out the entry form located on page 12. THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE AWS will host a Thanksgiving Food Drive November 5-21. Benefits will go towards the Office of Student Organizations Annual Big Buddy Luncheon. Please bring non perishable items to AWS office loated on the 2nd Floor of the Student Union, 300 Apartment Office, Shade, Totty, Or Boley Hall. LYCEUM SERIES Misty Copeland will be the guest speaker at the November 11. The event will be held tomorrow in the Cotillion Ballroom at 12 p.m. Her autobiography, “Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina” is on sale in the campus bookstore! You don’t want to miss it! THE CYPHER The bluff radio presents “Bars on the Bluff: The Cypher.” Nov. 12 in the student union courtyard at 6 pm SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH CONFERENCE The Department of Psychology is pleased to sponsor the 16th Annual Social
and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on November 13 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Cotillion Ballroom. The conference will feature oral presentations of students’ empirical and theoretical research papers For more information contact Dr. Reginald Rackley (771-2990) or (771-2313) @subr.edu or (771-4676) KEEP OUR CAMPUS CLEAN Buildings and Facilities is asking all students and professors to please remove all trash from classrooms before exiting. Any and all remaining paper, food, and trash should be thrown in the nearest trash receptacle in an effort to keep our institution clean and beauitful. THE 2ND ANNUAL MISSION POSSIBLE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Will be held November 21 in the SU Global Conference Center in T.T. Allain from 9 a.m. – 5p.m. The event will be hosted by Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, Banks Consulting, Southern University College of Business, and Good Work. JAGUAR AMBASSADORS to host #25DaysofThanksgiving project lasting from November 1-25. JagAmb wants to give #teamsu a chance to post pictures and captions of your SELFLESS acts of kindness from November 9-19. There is no limit to the number of “different“ posts you can submit. Hashtag #Amb25, post a pic of your act-ofkindness with your best caption, tag your classification ad you may have a chance to win one of many Bayou Classic prize packs #teamsu #payitforward
Southern University is Tom Joyner Foundations “School of the Month” for the month of November. Pledge your donation today by texing “TOM SU” to 80888 or visiting: tomjoynerfoundation.org
2015 JAGUAR Yearbook and cap & gown graduate portraits are being photographed:
Monday, November 10th through Friday, November 14th, 2014 Lakefront Room in the Smith-Brown Student Union
8AM – 12PM & 1PM – 4:30PM The sittin g i s free fo r all g raduat e s and y ou can vie w you r p roo fs on line! Your Portrait Day:____________________________ Date:______________Time:_____________________
PROFESSIONAL STAFF OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA Director........................................Heather Freeman Director of Advertising ............ Camelia Jackson Publications Manager ............. Jermaine Proshee
JAGUARS SPEAKOUT Do you feel that the registration process has improved?
OFFICE CONTACTS (area code 225)
Student Media Front Desk.....771.2231 Student Media Newsroom....................................771.5829 Advertising Office...................................771.5833 Student Media Services......................... 771.5819
FALL 2014 STUDENT MEDIA STAFF Editor-in-Chief........................ Meagan L. WIliams Managing Editor...........................Lauren Johnson News Editor ............................... Laquencia Parker Layout Editor ................................. Marcus Tomlin Photo Editor ..................................Joshua Mckight Sports Editor......................... Felix Cunningham III Copy Editor.............................. Samantha Johnson Multimedia Editor ...........................Alliyah Moore Staff Writer ......................................... Kayla Foster Staff Writer ............................. Marchandrea Seals Staff Writer ....................................Lavarius Cotton Staff Writer ........................................ Orriel Moore Staff Writer ................................. Laquencia Parker Staff Writer ..................................... Sage Edgerson Staff Writer ..................................Torrance Latham Staff Writer .................................. Joshua Slyvester Staff Photographer ........................ Alliyah Moore Staff Photographer ....................Astavven Cotton Staff Photographer ...............................Nia Becnel Staff Photographer .....................Courtney Jacobs Staff Photographer ........................... Charles Paul
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
Onyx Joseph Biology Sophomore Baton Rouge “I feel like the registration process has progressed a little since my freshman year but there’s always room for improvement.”
Oliver Lane Jr. Business Management/ Marketing Sophomore Minden “No, I do not feel like the registration process has progressed. I feel as if you want good help from advisors, registration should be done ahead of time. However, registration is currently difficult to get done and still remains the same.”
Got Briefs? Email them to digest@ subr.edu Brooklin Baker History Education Sophomore Baton Rouge
To make your portrait appointment, go to
www.thorntonstudio.com
Click on “Schedule Portrait Sitting” School Code: 02025 or call 800-883-9449 or see the photographer Monday, November 10th Thank You!
“I do feel that the registration process has progressed. My mother went to Southern and she shared her horrifying experiences about waking up at 4am to get here for 5:30am and stand in line for financial aid. Some may feel that its still stressful but if they ask any alumni they would know how lucky we are.”
Christopher Boseman Computer Science Junior Gonzales “Yes, the registration process has progressed because it’s more smoother and stress free and it’s much easier.”
News
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014- Page 3
When One Door Closes
Computer Science Department to take over Architecture Building BY MARCHANDREA SEALS
Staff Writer
As the Southern University Architecture Department’s time on campus comes to an end, the Computer Science Department seizes its chance to increase enrollment, showcase it’s program and better students that are currently majoring in the subject. After deciding to discontinue the architecture major, the building will now be used for other purposes. The Architecture building itself recently underwent a 700,000-dollar renovation, replacing the glass windows with energy efficient and reflective glass. “This was a window-wall project,” said System Director of Facilities Planning Endas Vincent. The renovation also included installing an air-conditioning system and minor interior work. The Computer Science Department, currently located on the first floor of T.T. Allain Hall, will relocate to the Architecture building some time in 2016, after the last of the students majoring in the architecture field have graduated. Currently, the department has six laboratories and two research labs, utilized by undergraduate and graduate students alike, for research, presentations and class work. Chairman and professor in the Computer Science Department, Ebrahim Khosravi, said this move is not just for a change of scenery. “In the state of Louisiana, computer science is number one in job development, and in the last semester, we placed 100 percent of our graduates in jobs,” said Khosravi. “Also, a lot of IT companies are moving to Louisiana, so we need to showcase our programs like other schools, such as Louisiana State University and University of New Orleans are showcasing theirs.” finished Khosravi. Joshua Williams, a junior civil engineering major from New Orleans was an undergraduate who was forced to change his major after the architecture program was cancelled, said the building should still be in use. “I think they should use the building to house another major with a lot of students,” said Williams. “I don’t mind letting the
Astavven Cotton The School of Architecture located across from the police station is a newly renovated structure and will soon house the Computer Science Department. computer science majors use the building, as long as it doesn’t just sit for a year or two rotting and become an eyesore,” finished Williams. As of the 2013-2014 school year, there are 173 enrolled undergraduates in the Computer Sciences Bachelor Degree program, and 95 graduates for the Computer Science Masters Degree programs.
The Architecture Building turned Computer Science will be named after pioneers in Computer Science that made the department what it is today.
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SWAC FOOTBALL
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Southern Jaguars
STANDINGS
SWAC W L Southern 6 1 Ark.-Pine Bluff 2 5 Tex. Southern 3 5 Alcorn State 6 1 Alabama State 4 4 Prairie View 4 4 Alabama A&M 3 4 Jackson State 1 6 Miss. Valley St. 1 7 Grambling State 7 0
Overall W L 7 3 3 6 5 5 8 2 5 5 4 5 4 6 3 7 2 8 7 3
Check out the latest Jaguar Football player/ team statistics by scanning the QR CODE Below.
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Texas Southern Tigers
FINAL SCORE:
Inching closer to leading the West SU Overcomes Several Early Mistakes On Special Teams
Astavven Cotton Redshirt Junior offensive lineman Reginald Redding steams forward over a Texas Southern defender as he clears the endzone after recovering a fumble.
Jaguars Football Upcoming Matchup:
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ST. NOVEMBER 15, 2014 BATON ROUGE, LA
BY TORRANCE LATHAM
SPortS Writer
Despite a sequence of specialteams errors over a six-minute span in the first half, the Southern University football team (7-3, 6-1) pulled it together when needed, to extend their winning streak to five, defeating a fairly troublesome Texas Southern Tigers (5-5, 3-5).
The Jags came out of the gates swinging. SU’s first score came from running back Tyre’ Bracken on a 1-yard touchdown. Then on Southern’s following offensive possession, they scored again, this time on an 86-yard drive. This particular touchdown, however, was one to be remembered. After starting quarterback Austin Howard fumbled, offensive lineman Reginald Redding
picked up the loose football and ran it 12-yards, with the aid of several teammates, into the end zone. “Talk about a dream come true,” said Southern head coach Dawson Odums, “It was a blessing for us to score, but for an offensive lineman to score that never happens. Any old offensive lineman sitting in the stands who witnessed that had to feel good about that young man
scoring a touchdown.” That once-in-lifetime moment propelled Southern to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. It seemed that SU would cruise unmitigated to an easy victory. But the Tigers’ special teams, clearly, had other plans in mind. Following Southern’s second score, the Jag defense seemed to have forced another three-and-out.
see Inching Closer on P. 10
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Battle of the Big Cats:
Southern awaits their chance at conference glory BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III
SPortS eDitor
Southern University’s volleyball team (33), the team that has faced their trials and tribulations within games with achieving certain victory at home now lie in the reeds and wait for their chance to claim their spot in the upcoming tournament held at home in Clifford Seymour Gym. They travel on the road to Texas to face two teams after their week of rest and conditioning. Before they try and conquer the Southwestern Athletic Conference, they have to once again face Prairie View A&M (3-4) and Texas Southern (7-0) to advance to the second seed or stay in third. For the young members, which mainly consist of sophomores, freshman, and one senior, it is not just another win, but it is a chance to stay alive in conference play. For redshirt freshman middle blocker, Bayley Neubauer, she is inspired to host the SWAC Championships not one for one year but for a consecutive year when she said, “It is a true privilege to host SWAC and as long as we work together and focus on the things that we have done in practice, we will come out victorious.” She continued in essence of her senior teammate with, “It would be nice for a crowd
Still Missing Firepower: Lady Jags end the season on a defensive note
BY KAYLEN SCOTT
SPortS Writer
At nightfall, the women’s soccer team season ended at the 2014 SWAC tournament in the unusual territory of Huntsville, Alabama. The Jags faced the neighboring Panthers of Prairie View A&M University. They lost the match 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the SWAC tournament Thursday night. The Lady Jags were struggling as of late, faced with a host of injuries and lingering clearinghouse issues; losing the last five games prior to the tournament, which made them fall to the seventh seed. They had gotten some players back from injury in time for the tournament, but still lacked enough firepower to load the striking
to turn out especially for Mari and her family.” Let’s backtrack one moment to the last time the Lady Jags overrun the Lady Panthers in conference play. The Lady Panthers climbed atop the steps of dubbed, Seymour Gym, to battle in an arduous matchup that the Lady Jags pulled a break taking 3-2 win. The young yet dominant team in SWAC play thought that they could sweep the competition only to “unknown superstition” that it would drag out to the incomparable fifth set. The Lady jags sniffed early victory as they captured the first set (25-22) with subliminal and easy odds after the (18-18) breakup from the kill by sophomore setter ,Phalen Clark. This gave confidence and overall awareness of a sure sweep. The second set then became to encroach along and SU carried the set to 27 points only not to pick up the 2-0 carryover for relaxation but instead they lost (25-27). The third came accordingly is when the Lady Panthers picked up the set (17-25) which PV snuck another win to edge them closer to the win, 1-2. This left the Lady Jags in the dust with nowhere to turn but up. The encumbering fourth set enabled the Lady Jags to come together under one single arc that a loss was not necessary. This set
announced the glowing eyes of the Lady Jags setting out for a kill meaning that their pride was not worn out yet. It was truly an offset of two cats fighting in the arboreal jungle when the Lady Jags pulled the set (26-24). This was the set to end all sets as Southern relied on the lucky number five at home (with the exclusion of Grambling). This didn’t just offer a breeze but it offered a chance at life as the ladies once again came together and took the set to stand atop winning by large odds, (15-7). Unfortunately, recurring differences happened when the Lady Jags incomparably faced Texas Southern and their loss 2-3 was decided in the fifth set when they displayed a variety of hard work and perseverance laced in practice. Once again the team is readying to face Prairie View A&M and the undefeated Texas Southern to travel to their territory and once again bring a battle and for the upset for the second seed. Neubauer excitingly ended with, “Coach Jacobs instills intense competition and to finish ahead of our opponents. Each day we strive to get better and better to taking the SWAC title and becoming your 2014 SWAC Champions.” The gold is within their reach all they have to do is capture it.
goals into the net. Prairie View kicked off the scoring in the 36th minute of the first half, a goal that snuck just past goalie Sarah Forde that she procured many goals in this season. The Lady Jags tried to counter that goal but senior midfielder; Jacqueline Almendarez’s shot went wide. Towards the end of the half the Jags tried to capitalize on another scoring opportunity, but Fabiola Parra’s goal was halted by the Lady Panthers’ goalie, Bianca Garza. The Lady Jags ended the half outshooting Prairie View, four shots to two. An abundance of good defense was played in the first half as well, but still, the Lady Jags trailed going into half 1-0. Defense kicked off the second half as well, as goalie Sarah Forde saved another two shots in the 26-minute mark. Senior midfielder, Fabiola Parra, looked for another scoring opportunity in the eightminute mark of the second half, but her long shot was not able to find the net. After two quick shots by Prairie View, the Lady Panthers scored another goal on their sixth shot of the half. They took a 2-0 lead with five minutes left in the match. The last five minutes were drastically fierce which Southern plays best defensively when the pressure is met. Both teams fought for the ball back and forth and the Lady Jags missed another shot by inches to capture their first goal. Prairie View ended up outshooting the Lady
Jags 9-7 and outshot them in the second half alone 7-3; and had a 6-2 shots on goal lead. Forde finished the match with four saves, proving to be the lone bright spot of the night. That last shot proved to be the story of the season, close but still lacking potency. The team had gotten some players back from injury but not all of their firepower from the beginning of the season was able to play. So, the lineup was again filled with true freshman, who had to endure a host of nerves in the biggest game of the season. When asked about her thoughts on their play in the tournament, “Well it hurts to see our season come to an end, especially when we’ve worked so hard. With all the injuries and certification issues we’ve faced, it certainly wasn’t the season we hoped for; but a bunch of our younger players gained valuable game experience from being forced into the lineup. Surely we’ll look to get healthy over the offseason, get a couple of important players back, and work twice as hard to have a better season in 2015,” said head coach Courtnie Prather. With various players coming back from injury, combined with freshmen and younger players gaining crucial playing time, we’ll look for a potentially dangerous Lady Jaguar soccer team in the next season ahead.
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014- Page 5 Inching Closer From P.4
In an attempt to punt from their own 32yard line on fourth-and-one, Texas Southern’s punter Cory Carter mishandled the snap and flipped the ball to linebacker Gary Holmes for a 4-yard gain, giving them a first down. That opportunistic special-teams conversion on fourth-down ignited a succession of big plays that gave the Tigers much needed momentum. The first was a 34-yard touchdown ran in by running back Jimmy Potepa. On the subsequent kickoff, TSU kicked a pop-up that soared into the air between two hesitant SU blockers, and TSU defensive back Darveion Trahan fell on top of the ball to take over inside of the Southern 20-yard line. SU’s defense held the fort, forcing the Tigers to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Chris Medina. Southern’s offense finally returns to the field, goes a quick three-and-out, and Holmes breaks free through the line to block Paul Randle Soden’s punt. Defensive back Femi Adekeye scoops the ball up and runs 22-yards for a touchdown, giving TSU a 17-14 advantage with just 10:27 to play in the first half. “It was unfortunate that we gave up those points. But in a way, it was fortunate for us so that we could get serious and come out to play our real game,” said running back Lenard Tillery. Their “real game” began on the consequent kickoff, when playmaking wide receiver Willie Quinn returned the kick back to the Tigers’ 38-yard line. Led largely in part from four carries by Tillery, who finished with a gamehigh 125 rushing yards, Howard completed the scoring drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to give SU the lead back 21-17. Another field goal by Medina, this time from 27-yards out, made the deficit 21-20 heading into halftime. The second half was completely dominated by Southern’s defense, who appears to be hitting their stride at the right time. The Jaguars held TSU to 220 yards total, holding them to an astounding 66 in the second half alone. On 34 rushes, the Tigers gained a meager 99 yards. “Thirty-four rushing attempts for 99 yards is not a bad job. As a defense, you always want to hold the opponent to under 100 yards rushing. That was an outstanding job by the defense,” said linebacker Brian McCann. SU’s defense also stifled the Tigers on 3rd and 4th down conversions, they finished 3-of19 in both collectively. All defensive statistics were game highs for this 2014 season. By all accounts, from coaches and players alike, they appear to be hitting their stride. “Everybody understands what we’re playing for,” said Coach Odums, “You’re starting to see how we can play when we get all the pieces together and practice with the same guy’s week in and week out. We still haven’t played that game where you say, ‘Wow!’ But we’re gaining on it, and I really think we’re going to find it before it’s too late.” Up next for Southern will be a home finale against Mississippi Valley State, a team now under the leadership of former Jackson State head coach Rick Comegy. If the Jags manage to escape this weekend’s “trap game”, it will ensure a Bayou Classic matchup with Grambling State in the Mercedez-Benz Superdome for the SWAC’s Western Division crown.
Women’s Basketball SOUTHERN VS. MOBILE
11/14/14 @5:30PM
F.G. CLARK ACTIVITY CENTER
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The Real On Lupus BY LAVARIUS COTTON
but are not limited to: achy joints, swelling of
Staff Writer the hands and feet, fatigue, high fever, dry eyes,
Lupus, also called Systemic Lupus Erythematousus (SLE), is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body, including skin, joints, and internal organs. In lupus, a defect occurs in the immune system, the vital part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and other potential diseases. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, 1.5 to 2 million Americans have some form of lupus. There are about 40 cases per 100,000 people among Northern Europeans and 200 cases per 100,000 people among African Americans. Although the disease affects both males and females, women are diagnosed nine times more often than men, usually between the ages of 15 and 45. Although doctors are not sure exactly what causes lupus, they are certain it is not contagious. Most doctors believe lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli, as there are no known genes that directly cause the illness. By only having an inherited trait for the disease, it may only appear after coming into contact with some environmental triggers. These environmental triggers may include smoking, sunlight, extreme stress, medications, antibiotics, infections, and chemical exposure. Physicians believe that hormones such as estrogen regulate the progression of the disease in women because symptoms tend to flare before menstrual periods or during pregnancy. Being that no two cases are exactly alike, there is a wide range of symptoms known to affect many parts of the body. Sometimes symptoms develop slowly or appear suddenly. They also range from mild, severe, temporary or permanent. Symptoms for lupus include,
easy bruising, anemia, seizures, ulcers, hair loss, and abnormal blood clotting problems. Lupus can also lead to complications in the
nature of the illness. As signs and symptoms vary from person to person, there is no single diagnostic test that can confirm lupus. To be classified as having SLE, a person must have at least four symptoms at any time since
treatment can significantly help control the disease and its symptoms. Treating lupus effectively consists of minimizing symptoms, reducing inflammation and pain, helping maintain normal functions, and preventing
Kim Schofield, right, hugs her daughter, Kyler Griffin, at her home in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Schofield was diagnosed with Lupus in 2000. (Jonathan Phillips/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT) kidneys, central nervous system, blood and vessels, lungs, and the heart. Lupus is a very serious health condition, and as with any form of an autoimmune disease, it requires a great deal of research, medical attention with a health care professional as well as counseling due to the life altering
the onset of the disease. In addition to this, doctors can do a variety of blood test such as a complete blood count (CBC), a kidney and liver assessment, a syphilis test, and a urinalysis. There is currently no cure for lupus. However, early diagnosis and proper medical
serious complications. So, by being aware of your body and regularly getting a physical examination by your primary physicians, you can quickly reduce your chances of having permanent or life threatening lupus.
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Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - Page 9
One SU BY KAYLA FOSTER
Staff Writer
Southern University’s Gay-Straight Alliance Club, “One SU” held its first meeting on Monday, November 3 in the T.H. Harris multipurpose room. One SU is group that brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight youth community for support and education. The group intends to support each other, participate and organize social events, educate students on homophobia, how to stand against bullying and more. Statistics shows that 4 to 10 percent of the population are members of the LGBT community. There are also students with LGBT parents/guardians, siblings, extended family and friends. “Coming out” stories was the icebreaker that made students feel more welcomed and comfortable. The organization has a number of future goals, the main one being targeting the subject of reducing HIV and AIDS rates here in Baton Rouge. According to Louisiana Public Health Institute, as of December 31, 2010, a cumulative total of 30,876 HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in Louisiana, including 316 pediatric cases. Baton Rouge also ranks 4th for AIDS case rates among the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Also, number 1 in the state of Louisiana.
“The goal is to increase HIV testing on campus as well as to create a better atmosphere, create harmony amongst LGBT and nonLGBT students,” said Gjvar Payne, HIV patient navigator from Baton Rouge. “The students came out collectively on a college campus to de-stigmatize HIV and AIDS to make an impact, start the conversation and get more involved.” The organization plans to participate in community service such as The National Coalition for Homeless LGBTQ as well as social marking including the national Testing Makes Us Stronger and Take Charge Take the Test campaigns. These campaigns serve to promote and encourage HIV testing among black gay and bisexual men and women between the ages of 18–34. “I was very excited about the ,”testing makes us stronger” health group that came out,” said Myeisha Webb, a senior elementary education major. “Our hopes for the future is to basically get our name out there and get people aware that there is a large percentage of LGBT students here at Southern, not all of them are out, but they exist and we’re here,” she ended.
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
The Sentinel of an Enlightened Student Body since 1926
Obama to nominate first African-American woman for attorney general BY LESLEY CLARK AND MICHAEL DOYLE
McClatchy Washington Bureau President Barack Obama on Saturday will nominate New York-based U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch to succeed Eric Holder as the nation’s attorney general. If confirmed by the Senate, Lynch would be the first African-American woman to oversee the Justice Department. Holder, who is retiring, was the first African-American to hold the high-profile post. An experienced federal prosecutor who has held the U.S. attorney position under two presidents, Lynch is a “strong, independent prosecutor who has twice led one of the most important U.S. attorney’s offices in the country,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement late Friday afternoon. Obama will make the Saturday announcement in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. He will be joined by Lynch and Holder, whose tenure Earnest said “has been marked by historic gains in the areas of criminal justice reform and civil rights enforcement.” The timing of her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee has not yet been set, and it could get tricky. The White House said it wants Lynch confirmed as soon as possible, but that it’s up to the Senate when that happens. Democrats will only control the Senate for several more weeks during the post-election lame-duck session. Republicans take over in January, and a frequent administration critic, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, will chair the Judiciary Committee. “The Constitution compels the Senate to live up to its responsibility to advise and consent at all times, including so-called lameduck sessions,” said Nan Aron, president of the liberal Alliance for Justice, adding that “the Senate should move swiftly to confirm” her. Lynch’s previous confirmation sojourns before the Senate have proceeded very smoothly, with a senior Democratic member of the judiciary panel, Sen. Charles Schumer
U.S. President Barack Obama nominates Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney in Brooklyn, to succeed Eric Holder as attorney general during an event in the Roosevelt Room on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT) of New York, calling her in 2010 a “prosecutor par excellence” as well as “brilliant” and “dedicated.” The Senate confirmed her for the U.S. attorney position by voice vote. “I have every confidence that Ms. Lynch will receive a very fair, but thorough, vetting by the Judiciary Committee,” Grassley said in a statement. “U.S. attorneys are rarely elevated directly to this position, so I look forward to learning more about her, how she will interact with Congress, and how she proposes to lead the department.” Born in 1959 in Greensboro, N.C., where her father was a pastor, Lynch graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. She and Obama did not attend Harvard Law School at the same time. Lynch served as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, based in Brooklyn, for 11 years. She handled an array of gun, narcotics and organized crime cases and was part of
the team that handled the civil rights case of Abner Louima, a Haitian immigrant who was sexually assaulted by uniformed police officers in 1997. “When we are confronted with evil that walks the earth, we turn to the law,” Lynch said during her 2010 swearing-in ceremony. Her first stint as U.S. attorney, in the Eastern District of New York, was during the final years of the Clinton administration. She then went into private practice with the New York office of the firm Hogan and Hartson, while keeping her hand in public service. From 2002 to 2007, Lynch worked pro bono as counsel to the prosecutor at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania. Obama subsequently chose her in 2010 to return to the U.S. attorney’s office. Among the recent high-profile cases handled by Lynch’s Eastern District of New York office: the 20-count indictment of Rep.
Michael Grimm, a New York Republican who has pleaded innocent and won re-election this week. He goes on trial in February. From her Brooklyn office, Lynch has overseen investigations and cases in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. She supervises a staff of about 170 attorneys and 150 support personnel. It will be a big jump to the Justice Department, with its approximately 124,000 employees and its myriad opportunities for conflict with a Republican-controlled Congress. Holder, her predecessor, had particularly contentious relations with certain GOP lawmakers, and in 2012 the Republican House of Representatives voted to hold Holder in contempt. “I’m hopeful that her tenure, if confirmed, will restore confidence in the attorney general as a politically independent voice for the American people,” Grassley said.
Ex-Viking Orlando Thomas dies from ALS at age 42 BY PAUL WALSH
Thomas eventually lost his ability to speak,
player for the Vikings for seven years, but more
Orlando Thomas, a standout defensive back for the Minnesota Vikings during some of their best seasons in the late 1990s, has died after a difficult battle with ALS, his agent said Monday. Number 42 for the Vikings, his only team for his seven NFL seasons, was 42 years old and living in his native Crowley, La., at the time of his death. He retired after the 2001 season at age 29. “This was a devastating way for it to happen,” said agent Mark Bertelstein, referring to the arterial lateral sclerosis that took Thomas’ life after a seven-year fight. “But it was inevitable.” Bertelstein said Thomas showed incredible courage while ailing. “To watch what he went through since he came down with this disease,” Bertelstein said, “never showing an ounce of self-pity. He never wanted to talk about his plight.”
communicate with others, Bertelstein said. “He loved being a Viking,” the agent said. “He was such a big part of that run they had, those teams,” most notably the 1998 and 2000 teams that reached the NFC title game. A statement released Monday morning by the Vikings read, “Orlando was an outstanding
the state of Minnesota with the utmost dignity and class. While his outgoing personality made him a favorite among his teammates, Orlando’s involvement in the community made him a favorite outside of Winter Park.” The team noted how Thomas fought his illness “with tenacity and optimism. Throughout
Star Tribune relying on his wife and blinking letters to importantly, he represented the franchise and
Courtesy of TMZ.com
his difficult battle, he refused to allow ALS to define him, instead putting others’ needs in front of his and focusing on making those around him smile.” Drafted out of the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1995 in the second round, the 42nd overall pick, Thomas made an immediate impact upon entering the NFL in 1995. He quickly earned a starting spot and led the league in interceptions with nine. He started 82 of 98 career games for the Vikings, intercepting 22 passes. He scored four touchdowns, two on fumbles and two on interceptions. Thomas revealed in June 2007 that he was suffering from ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Before falling ill, Bertelstein said, Thomas had intended to join the staff of his former Vikings coach, Denny Green, when Green was with the Phoenix Cardinals.
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SOUTHERN DIGEST
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - Page 11
A Tragedy: Greek Moratorium
BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III
Staff Writer
The Divine Nine was a group of Greek organizations bound together to strive and better the African-American community with brotherhood or sisterhood in community service and social activities. Now everyone knows that there are skirmishes between Greek organizations everywhere, especially on the campus of Southern University. Before a person is Greek, they are first black. Add some hostility into the mix with some pride and groups will always have a catastrophe. As a man of the Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, INC, I am inclined to “feel some type of way” about this situation. As everyone knows, the moratorium was set at the end of the Spring 2014 semester; no surprises there. The key word is, “why?“ I cannot get a concise reasoning on why these things are happening, but I’ve been chill for too long on this subject matter. The word, “Moratorium” according to MerriamWebster means the suspension of an activity or a waiting period
set by an authority. Moratorium to me, old heads, and other Greeks means complete bul*sh*t. If there is not a single document stating the implications on which we are barred then it is technically word of mouth and oh yea GroupMe doesn’t count. I sat in meetings wondering “why.” Putting my thoughts together and configuring a well deserved answer for this atrocity and I couldn’t come up with a single consensus on why the Greeks are on moratorium. Did someone die? Was an organization accused of hazing? Did someone’s
that want to come to Divine Intervention? People won’t come here if they can’t be Greek and trust me it has been proven. Who wants to come to an interest meeting and not be able to represent themselves on their own yard? How frivolous does that sound? Let’s start off with the petty rules of no social activities and when to wear para. On Wednesday, November 5, there was an electronic letter sent out that said, “Greeks can wear para at events as well as on Thursday to enact Greek Pride Thursday.”
because we pay you. Parents and others are turning in their graves to hear the frivolity of this. I wonder how this would look on your term to get raises. Crank this back ten years and I wonder how they would deal with this. At the end of the day, I’m not saying that we are entitled to more and if we do something punishable besides be “bad little boys and girls,” then punish us. We as human beings are not entitled to freedom but how much harm do we cause? If you want to put us on a leash, then
Poem of the BY JOSHUA SLYVESTER
Staff Writer
Poem of the week
“Pain”
Pain Hurt Sadness And loneliness, Ball all of that right up Toss it away to the Bible-less
ass fall off? Has anyone fought or committed crimes? Don’t worry I’ll wait for intelligence. I don’t recall the Advocate or the news coming to save the day, so my impressions are that nothing was serious enough for this ordeal to pass. As much as this campus wants to increase enrollment, I’m hella surprised that you placed this ordeal because in fact this will decrease enrollment and decrease the people
So you’re telling me, administration, a grown man in my own right, that I can’t wear para whenever I feel like it? Did you buy it? The last time I checked the receipt, I was the one paying for the item. I was then told that if this rule is violated, the organization could be suspended. DO you know how stupid that sounds? All you’re doing is throwing blood in a wolf cage because this does not excuse the moratorium or save your “reputation” because you have none
have the gumption enough to put so in writing instead of treating us like scientific experiments because the mind games might work on others but it won’t work on me. The moratorium is therefore unjustified, irrefutable, and downright to the core, bul*sh*t unless it is therefore in writing and can be proven to the absolute core.
* Disclaimer: The views expressed in these commentaries are solely the writers opinion and in no way reflect the views or thoughts of the Southern DIGEST.
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GOSSIP COLUMN FRIENDSHIP. Being honest with your friend is a crucial part of life. Too many people have “yes men” instead of people who actually look out for them and have their best interest in mind. Around campus I’ve noticed males and females looking any kind of way, like they don’t have a friend… or a mirror. Sometimes being honest can save someone so much embarrassment. If your friend goes out with you with a dress six years too small, let her know, because she will be talked about. If your friend has on a tall tee when he’s 5’2” cut it up for him, because he will be talked about. No shade. All tea! Some people need to realize that everyone is not their friend. While you’re looking for companionship, they’re looking for a back drop to enlighten their status. All in all, watch who you trust, and honesty is key. Now that’s tea. - Yellow Fox
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You see I’ve lived all of my life With all of my might Trying to get my mind right, right? But after over 20 years I’ve seen more dreams lose their life Than I would see dead bodies if karma carried a knife. They say what goes up must come down I don’t get high but I’m off the ground I’m not alone but no friends are around Cause you see my so called “father” didn’t care for me So does that mean that the world wants me to live my life bastardly? Naw that couldn’t be, because my heavenly father was always there for me Yes I’m a believer even though my words phrases and actions aren’t celibate Sometimes I find myself doing things just for the hell of it But the hell of it isn’t relevant to the man I see myself as People take my kindness and use it Steal my loyalty and abuse it Fill my head with lies to the point that the level of trust is vacant I’m really not happy but I live on trying to fake it Been doing it for years but now I just can’t take it The bus away from misery is leaving and I don’t think I’m to going to make it No I will make it, never mistake it Because I refuse to be abused And accused of not paying my dues By those who choose to refuse to take a walk in my shoes I am nowhere near perfect. But at the end of the day I fight on because I know it’s worth it Man y’all…I’ve been around…
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