SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 Volume 65
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“Key” to improvement: Residential life strengthens dorm entry access
A&E
SPORTS
NEWS Democratic Society of SU see News
Issue 5
Center for Student Success host year two at SU Forum see Arts & Entertainment
Lady Jaguars Soccer begins SWAC play see Sports
Page 3
Page 5
Page 9
Forced Evacuation
Small blaze clears Student Union BY LAQUEHCIA PARKER DIGEST MANAGING EDITOR
Alliyah Moore/DIGEST Southern University Residential Life recently implemented a new key card system to increase student safety.
BY MORGAN BECNEL-ADAMS DIGEST NEWS WRITER
Southern University Residential Life has added a new security system to student dormitories. This new asset is sweeping residence halls at various universities statewide. A few of the institutions included are McNeese State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Grambling State University. Though Southern seems to be last in following the residential life trend, the Jaguars have succeeded in keeping our living quarters safe. Students have been assigned individual key cards. The key cards are used for entering residence halls with the exception of the university apartments. During freshmen orientation this summer, Director of Residential Life and Housing, Tracie Abraham,
informed incoming students that the housing department would be adopting the precautionary measure. During an interview, Abraham made it clear as to why Southern has chosen to utilize key cards. “With the key cards, we guarantee not only safety, but a peace of mind to students.” Both Parents and students were receptive to the idea. Students began to notice small black boxes outside of their residence halls at the beginning of this fall semester. About a month after classes began, key cards were administered to on campus students. Residence Life waited until after class resumed, because it had to be ensured that every student was accounted for. Every student would have to first be housed in
See KEYS page 3
At approximately 9:45 A.M. Monday morning, the Smith Brown Memorial Union was evacuated in the wake of a fire that began in the building’s boiler room. The fire was detected when members of the custodial staff smelled smoke, and pinpointed the boiler room as the source of the smoke. The staff then relayed the message of danger to Union Operations Manager Tanisha Cousby. According to Cousby, the evacuation took close to ten minutes. “Students didn’t take it seriously,” explained Cousby. “Even though there are some false alarms, when someone’s in your face, don’t just look at them.”
Wide Receiver, Devon Gales injured in Athens, GA Update proves hopeful diagnosis BY FELIX CUNNINGHAM III DIGEST SPORTS EDITOR
Alliyah Moore/DIGEST Coach Dawson Odums and staff await as medical staff tend to injured player Southern University red shirt sophomore wide receiver Devon Gales, who suffered multiple neck fractures on September 23 in Sanford Stadium.
No fire alarms sounded during the time of the fire, but officials were contacted, and arrived on the scene promptly. In the past, students have complained of not being aware of emergencies such as fires because of lack of alarms, or too many false alarms. Periodically, fire alarms in the residential area of campus will sound with no provocation. This has fostered a false sense of safety and disregard for emergency alarms. “The fire could have been addressed in a more organized fashion,” said Fatimah Henderson, a visitor to the campus. No damage was reported to the building or its fixtures, and students were able to enter the facility shortly thereafter.
The Southern University football team ventured into Georgia on Saturday, September 26 with hopes of not suffering any injuries and to be healthy for further season play. Unfortunately, sophomore wide receiver, Devon Gale, suffered a spinal injury after a kick return during the two-minute warning of the third quarter. Gale buckled to his knees and then collapsed. His injury occurred when he blocked Bulldogs kicker, Marshall Morgan. Gales’ helmet appeared to collide with Morgan’s shoulder before hitting the ground. “I just know that the team said a prayer for Devon and that’s all we can do,” said head coach Dawson Odums. Gales remained in the care of Athens Regional and was diagnosed with several fractures in his neck that were stabilized overnight after the 48-6 bout. He continues to have movement in his upper body and will remain in Athens Regional until he is released into Baton Rouge until further notice. Multiple sources report that the University of
Georgia paid for Gales family to be flown to Athens and also back to Baton Rouge on their own dime so they can visit him in the hospital. Gales family asks for privacy at the time. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday that Georgia coach Mark Richt and other affiliated with the university visited injured Gales in an Athens hospital. Richt said that he and the Bulldog nation is hoping and praying for Gales. Richt showed that “We’re trying to cover him up with as much love as we can, and let him know that we care, let him know that we’re here to help,” said Richt. Cards and well wishes for Gales can be sent to SU Athletics c/o Devon Gales, PO Box 9942, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. Gales, who played at Central High School, has one pass reception for 24 yards and has made two unassisted tackles on special teams. The prayer for recovery broke the Internet and prayers from being from social media have been sent nationwide from the young player. Southern fought hard this past Saturday and Gales is laughing at the hospital and rushing for a swift recovery.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA