The Appalachian, Oct. 14

UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL ASSAULT

APP STATE

7

*

HAS HAD SEXUAL ASSAULT

CASES REPORTED

THIS SEMESTER

2WERE 8 CASES *One of the cases turned out to be falsified

CASES

THERE

WERE

REPORTED DURING THE

CLEARED BY *

ARREST

2013

CALENDAR

YEAR 5/7 CASES

The policies, resources and culture surrounding rape on campus

by Laney Ruckstuhl News Editor

S

HAPPENED IN

RESIDENCE

HALLS

*The person arrested was involved in two cases

*

*Confirmed locations Sources: University Police, Clery Crime Report

ince the start of the fall 2014 semester, there have been seven cases of on-campus sexual assault reported to university police, as disclosed by emails.

Every time a sexual assault occurs on Appalachian State University’s campus, it is reported to the students in an email with the subject “CRIME ALERT.” One of these, the only one reportedly perpetrated by an unknown acquaintance, was found to be a false account.

According to a university police crime alert email, the alleged assault reported Sept. 8 never occurred.

According to an email from university police, two of these assaults were perpetrated by the same student, who was arrested after committing the second. The first of his victims was a nonstudent and the location of the incident was undisclosed.

The remaining five occurred in residence hall rooms, and were allegedly committed by known acquaintances of the victims, according to police.

Only one of these cases involved a male student, who was reportedly inappropriately touched by a female student.

SEE SEXUAL ASSAULT PAGE 4

6/7 CASES HAVE HAD

FEMALE VICTIMS

Infographic by Malik Rahili

2

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

‘URINETOWN’

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

The Appalachian Musical Theatre Ensemble presented the multiaward winning musical comedy “Urinetown” Saturday night in the Rosen Concert Hall. The production is about a city in which private toilets are banned due to a water shortage caused by a 20-year drought.

Photos by Dallas Linger

NEWS

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

3

ASU lecturer part of first same-sex marriage in Watauga County

by Gerrit Van Genderen Managing Editor

In the wake of a federal judge lifting North Carolina’s same-sex marriage ban Friday, an Appalachian State University English lecturer and her partner were the first to have a same-sex marriage in Watauga County on Monday morning.

Katie Adams was married to her partner of 18 years, Elizabeth Wilson at roughly 8:45 a.m. in the Watauga County Courthouse in downtown Boone.

Their son Gaelan, 11, Adams’ former student Elizabeth Young, friend Layne McDaniel and her daughter, and the officiant accompanied the couple at the courthouse to serve as witnesses and provide support.

Adams said she never imagined same-sex marriage being possible in North Carolina, despite Wilson’s faith that it would happen eventually.

“Elizabeth always believed it would happen,” Adams said.

“I remember when Amendment One passed and she would say, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to happen.’”

Wilson did not comment on the marriage.

Adams’ first response to Amendment One was the assumption that the family

would have to move away from North Carolina, but Wilson convinced her otherwise.

According to www.sogpubs. unc.edu, Amendment One made marriage between a man and a woman the only domestic union that can receive legal recognition in North Carolina.

U.S. District Court Judge Max O. Cogburn of Asheville issued the ruling shortly after 5 p.m. Friday, which declared the ban established by state voters in 2012 through Amendment One as unconstitutional.

Because the ruling came after 5 p.m., same-sex couples in Watauga County were unable to obtain their marriage licenses before Monday morning.

By the time the courthouse closed Monday, three samesex couples, including Adams and Wilson, had received their marriage licenses.

Concerning the emotions the couple felt after news of the ruling broke Friday, Adams summed it up with, “relief,” adding that it will take a while for the realization to sink in.

“This is the first weekend since Amendment One passed [that] I haven’t been afraid of going to the hospital if Gaelan had a fever or something,” Adams said. “We have excellent doctors who support us completely and who have our backs, but they can’t be every-

Gerrit Van Genderen Appalachian State University English lecturer Katie Adams (right) looks as her wife, Elizabeth Wilson (left) embraces their son Gaelan (center). Adams and Wilson married Monday morning at the Watauga County Courthouse, marking the first same-sex marriage in Watauga County.

where 24 hours a day.”

Adams said she and Wilson feared taking Gaelan to the hospital because of the implications of Amendment One, which would allow any institution to ignore or challenge their legal protection of him.

The couple had a legal domestic partnership while living in New York before moving to North Carolina in 2004.

When the courthouse opened at 8 a.m. Monday, Adams and Wilson were the only

couple ready to obtain their marriage licenses, which upset Adams.

“I’m sad that we’re the only ones here, because today was about protection,” Adams said.

“Today was about safeguarding us as a family – there’s so many families and so many people who have waited their whole lives for this and I don’t know why they aren’t here.”

While she is neither a Republican or Democrat, Adams said she is grateful to Presi-

dent Barack Obama for the push he has made while in office to support same-sex marriages laws.

As far as the support the couple has received in their attempt to become a legal couple, Adams said she has been, as always, impressed with the students at Appalachian.

“I’ve been able to be in the classroom [at Appalachian] with some great people,” Adams said. “For that, I’m so grateful.”

Forum Series Timothy DeChristopher “A Movement with Soul”

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7PM SCHAEFER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 733 RIVERS STREET, BOONE, NC Free and Open to the Public

Passionate climate activist and co-founder of the environmental group Peaceful Uprising, Timothy DeChristopher, is most well known for his protest of a Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease auction, when he won 22,500 acres of land with no intention to pay the $1.8 million he had bid for them. DeChristopher served 21 months in prison and successfully gained national attention for his civil disobedience. The U.S. Department of the Interior, stating they had been rushed into auction with insufficient environmental and scientific review, canceled many other leases and a subsequent court injunction.

www.universityforum.appstate.edu Sponsored by: University Forum Committee and University College with additional support from the Joan Askew Vail Endowment and the Office of Multicultural Student Development

4

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

SEXUAL ASSAULT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

National Change Last fall, the federally mandated and funded Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, or SaVE, was introduced to Appalachian’s faculty and staff, addressing domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sex offenses, taking effect July 2015.

According to www.clerycenter.org, SaVE requires a higher level of transparency in reporting, minimum standards for institutional disciplinary policies, education programming and collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services.

A major change implemented by the act is the definition of rape. The word “force” was removed from the definition, outlining any sexual intercourse without clear, knowing consent as rape.

University Police Chief Gunther Doerr said because of increased education and awareness efforts by the university, the higher numbers may reflect more students willing to come forward.

“We feel like the number of reports has increased,” Doerr said. “We’re not convinced that the number of incidents has increased. It’s the reporting. People are a little bit more comfortable, they’re a little bit more aware, maybe a little more trusting to report and seek resources.”

Seeking help There are numerous resources available in Boone for victims of sexual assault and rape on and off campus.

Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter Inc., or OASIS, is a community organization that can help direct victims to resources, as well as assist in the reporting process.

OASIS offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, a confidential emergency shelter for women and their children, short-term crisis intervention and support, case management and referrals, support groups and other services for victims.

Executive Director of OASIS Jennifer Herman said the organization can also help victims navigate Appalachian’s resource and reporting system.

The counseling center offers walkin intake from 1-4 p.m., but will take any emergency cases immediately after hours, meaning that University Police can be called at any time to be redirected to a counselor.

Dr. Dan Jones, director of the counseling center, said the hours and lack of funding and staff do create limitations on the resources that are available.

Jones also said the counseling center

has seen a 135 percent increase in students seeking help with unwanted sexual experiences in the first seven weeks of the fall 2014 semester, as compared to the same period of time last year.

The reporting process Victims of sexual assault do not always come forward and report, Doerr said.

“The university would like victims to come forward so we can at least provide them resources, so they can recover, heal and move on with their lives,” Doerr said.

“There’s a difference between reporting and going forward with criminal prosecution.”

Reporting can be done through police, OASIS, the counseling center, student conduct or any faculty member on campus. Reporting simply requires a victim to tell someone that they have been assaulted.

OASIS also offers anonymous reporting methods for victims who do not want their names released, as well as a fund that makes medical examinations and rape kits available to victims who request them.

“If you choose not to give your name, you can still have the rape kit completed and the evidence gathered,” Herman said. “You have an indefinite period of time for that information to be stored.”

It is up for the victim to decide how they want to handle their assault. If they want to simply receive counseling and support without reporting, their attacker will not be tried. If they decide to report, conduct will discipline the attacker. For criminal prosecution, the case must be brought to the police.

However, once a case is brought to police, Student Conduct also receives the report, said Judy Haas, director of student conduct and associate dean of students.

Students fight rape culture Students organized a forum Sept. 24 to address concerns surrounding Appalachian’s sexual assault policies and to compile a list of demands for administration.

The event, titled People’s Forum Against ASU’s Rape Culture, was organized by junior global studies major Julia Grainger and senior women’s studies major Rachel Clay. Students met in Peacock Hall in Room 1020 to voice their questions, concerns, demands and calls for action to be taken.

Clay said she and Grainger decided to organize the event after attending the open panel hosted by the Student Government Association the previous week, in which students were invited to ask questions of a panel of university offi-

AUCTION

MOUNTAIN HOME RETREAT

Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 12PM 253 Seven Oaks Road, Boone, NC 28607, Watauga County, NC This mountain retreat is in move in condition!

Shingles are less than 2 years old, decks/porches are almost new and the home has recently been painted. Only minutes from downtown Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and all the High Country Attractions! Vinyl Exterior, paved drive with a single car garage and huge bonus room and bathroom on the ground floor. Master Bedroom on the top floor and two bedrooms and the living areas on the main floor. Two wood burning fireplaces for those cool winter nights. Large open rooms for family gatherings with the convenience of all the favorite shopping/dining spots.

Selling to the Highest Bidder above $124,489!

This is your chance to own your own Mountain Paradise or weekend retreat. Do not pass this one up!

www.johnsonproperties.com

NEWS cials, including administration members and Doerr.

Grainger said she felt the event was ineffective and the panelists were unresponsive.

“The entire time that we were there, the chief of police, he laughed and he smirked at people’s questions and people’s concerns and their anxiety,” Grainger said.

Clay said she felt questions that could have been answered with a simple yes or no were responded to with political, 15-minute or longer answers.

“There wasn’t any apology, and there weren’t any answers,” Clay said.

The forum organized a list of demands to be given directly to the administration, including free rape kits to be available on campus, required interim suspension for suspected perpetrators of sexual assaults, a higher level of transparency in communication from administration and a required class for incoming freshmen on interpersonal and sexual violence.

“We’re here because we know the programs we have in place don’t work,” Justis Tucker, a freshman accounting major, said at the forum.

The forum also called for possible actions that could be taken moving forward, including organized sit-ins, mattress walks, like the one demonstrated by a Columbia University student, and consent campaigns.

The group is currently in the process of solidifying dates for these events and has been holding more meetings to organize, though they are not calling themselves a club because they want to be seen as the student body as a whole fighting for the cause, Grainger said.

Education Appalachian is implementing education for its students and faculty on sexual assaults and being an active bystander.

All incoming freshmen are required to attend orientation, during which the topic is addressed. Additionally, there is a new program called Haven, an online training module for incoming students. However, the program is not yet required.

The university also offers rape defense and upstander training through the Red Flag Campaign, a program designed to raise awareness and educate people about being active bystanders, according to www.redflag.appstate.edu.

Hannah Hribar, student coordinator for the Red Flag Campaign, said the campaign is working on expanding their training, which focuses on educating students on interpersonal violence and how to be active bystanders.

“You’re trained on how to handle interpersonal violence and how to talk to people about interpersonal violence,” Hribar said.

However, Jones referenced a study conducted by psychologist David Lisak and Paul M. Miller, called “Repeat Rape and Multiple Offending Among Undetected Rapists” to explain why education doesn’t always work.

Jones said the study found only about 5 percent of men “might rape,” or have the capacity to be rapists. Of these 5 percent, 2 percent would regret it or would only do it under the influence, while the remaining 3 would not feel remorse. Additionally, a man who is considered a “repeat rapist” will rape an average of 5.8 women.

“Those 3 percent are probably narcissistic personalities or they’re antisocial personalities and they’re trying to take care of themselves and they’re not very empathic or compassionate,” Jones said.

“Appealing to empathy and compassion is probably not going to make much difference with those 3 percent of men.”

Jones said he thinks the conversation surrounding rape needs to focus on exposing the tactics of “serial rapists,” which includes looking for isolation and

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

drunkenness when searching for victims.

“We do tell men not to rape, but that 3 percent are not going to listen to us,” Jones said. “We’ve got to expose them.”

Additionally, Jones said he thinks the history of accused rapists and assaulters need to be investigated further.

“Not only should the incident be investigated, the alleged rapist should be investigated to find out if there’s a pattern,” Jones said.

According to Article VI of the Code of Student Conduct, if someone “presents a health or safety risk to members of the University community, the University may take reasonable steps to prevent recurrence of such misconduct.”

Word of mouth as evidence In sexual assault and rape investigations, oftentimes the main, and in many cases sole, evidence for both the victim and persecutor is word of mouth, Haas said.

The process is a hard one, but fundamentally fair, Haas said.

According to the Code of Student Conduct, cases involving sexual misconduct are seen by a separate board from the ones which oversee all other conduct cases. The Sexual Misconduct Interim Appeals Board is comprised of three council members, who Haas said undergo extensive training in order to serve.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen a false report [of sexual assault in conduct] on this campus,” Haas said.

However, junior communications and advertising major Dakota Hiatt said he spent five months last semester battling the conduct office after being falsely accused of rape and other charges by an exgirlfriend.

According to Hiatt’s formal resolution, he was found not responsible for the charges of sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual intercourse and sexual exploitation. The sole charge he was found responsible for was unauthorized entry, which Hiatt said he was guilty of for entering a dorm he didn’t live in without escort in order to meet his ex-girlfriend.

He now owes more than $9,000 in legal fees to the attorney he hired to handle the case, and said he is paying the money back with student loans and also said his grades suffered due to the charges.

“The only thing student conduct has ever done for me is hinder my academic success,” Hiatt said. “My GPA went from a 3.75 to a 3.1.”

Hiatt said he feels that universities should have no role in investigating sexual misconduct because they are educational institutions, not punitive ones, and therefore are not qualified to investigate criminal matters.

“I’m a very lucky individual given the circumstances,” Hiatt said. “I recognize that, but that doesn’t justify what I went through.”

Limitations on transparency Doerr said students’ rights prevent University Police from releasing much information after initial crime reports are sent out.

Under criminal prosecution by police, the accused are protected under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, specifically the rights of the accused.

“If a student is found guilty, there is due process,” Haas said.

All conduct matters are protected under the Family Rights to Privacy Act and may not be released without permission.

“There are a lot of limitations imposed by law and by the victims and by the parents,” Jones said. “They have the ability to say, ‘No, I don’t want people to know about that,’ and the university has to honor that.”

See theappalachianonline.com for video coverage.

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

A&E

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

5

Review

Boone falls into the season with pumpkin treats

by Emma Speckman A&E Reporter

A

s the leaves change, students don their best fall sweaters and midterms send everyone into a panic, Boone’s culinary scene steps to the rescue with comforting pumpkin favorites.

Consider this list, broken down into four categories of pumpkin-themed enjoyment, as an Appalachian State University guide to eating and drinking this season.

Pumpkin spice lattes The original Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has been enjoyed, imitated and mocked for its outrageously high sugar content and strange addictive qualities since its creation 11 years ago.

Diehard fans of the original drink can find it at the Starbucks in Harris Teeter at the Shadowline shopping center.

Local coffee shops jumped on board to the trend, and most in Boone make very high quality imitations.

Stick Boy Bread Co. on Hardin Street and Local Lion on Highway 321 offer variations on the seasonal favorite. Bald Guy Brewery on King Street contributes to the fall trend with its own variation, as well.

Espresso News on Howard Street can and does make the drink on request too, though it’s not featured on their menu.

The on-campus coffee shops – Wired Scholar in the library, Crossroads in Plemmons Stu-

Sarah Weiffenbach Stick Boy's seasonal pumpkin pound cake comes highly recommended by Stick Boy customers. The bakery is also serving pumpkin chocolate chip scones and pumpkin cheesecake, among other treats.

dent Union and Conrad’s in Roess Dining Hall – also serve their own versions of pumpkin spice lattes as well as some other seasonal flavored drinks.

Sweets & Breads Moving beyond coffee, many local restaurants have expanded the pumpkin trend into sweets and breads for the season. Here is a sampling of what can be found in Boone.

Through the fall season, Red Onion on Hardin Street offers its seasonal favorite pumpkin cheesecake. Local Lion serves delicious pumpkin donuts in their store and at Crossroads

and Wired Scholar on campus.

Espresso News cycles through their dessert choices often, but right now their bakers are serving up vegan banana pumpkin bread. Comeback Shack’s pumpkin milkshake is back for the fall season as well.

But, as far as quantity of pumpkin-themed desserts go, Stick Boy Bread Co. takes the cake. Tina Ball, an employee at the store, said they are currently serving pumpkin chocolate chip scones, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pound cake, pumpkin cinnamon brioche, pumpkin rosemary bread and pumpkin walnut bread.

Beer As the beer scene explodes here in Boone, breweries compete with each other and other North Carolina breweries for the best seasonal brews. Appalachian Mountain Brewery released its Jack Yo’ Butternut Porter, a dark beer brewed with pumpkin and butternut squash, in early October.

Lost Province Brewing Co. on Depot Street recently released its seasonal beer, called Bumpkin’s Pumpkin Ale. Many restaurants around town and beer and wine stores stock local pumpkin beers like Cottonwood Pumpkin Ale, which

is brewed by Foothills Brewing Co. in Winston-Salem. Benchmark Provisions on Depot Street also sells fall mixed six packs of pumpkin and other fall harvest style beers.

Actual Pumpkins Finally, if coffee, desserts and beer are not enough, the New River Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch allows visitors to choose their own pumpkins to cook with, carve or just use as decoration. The pumpkin patch is located just outside of Boone in Deep Gap, off Highway 421 and is open now through Oct. 31.

Community

Students crowdfund operation for foster dog, Iko

by Lovey Cooper Senior A&E Reporter

Two students and next-door neighbors have raised more than $1,500 in less than a week to cover the cost of a life-altering medical procedure on Iko, their newly adopted pit bull, Labrador mix. The money was raised online, through a GoFundMe page, and came from around 60 different donors, the majority of whom are students at Appalachian State University.

Juniors Tiffany Flood and Richard Oakley first found the dog and brought him to Boone after being alerted through their mutual friend Courtney Colella, whose mother found Iko at a busy intersection in Belews Creek.

Colella’s mother kept Iko in a barn for about a week, she said, but the injured dog started scaring the family’s cats away from their food. The dog had to find a new home, or else be surrendered to local facilities that might have put him down due to his breed and issues with space.

The search moved to Boone, where Flood, as an animal lover, volunteered to come get Iko as a foster. She ended up bringing Oakley, a psychology major, along for the ride, and he immediately fell in love.

“You can tell that he has never

been with a loving family,” said Flood, a junior sustainable development major. “As soon as we let him out of the car he always comes back. He will try to follow you to class, or if you walk another dog. He has tried to follow us in our cars a couple times.”

Love at first sight, however, also came with the realization that Iko would need medical help to keep up with life in Boone. Colella’s mother believes the dog is less than 2 years old, and thought he had been hit by a car sometime in the past year.

When they got to Boone and took him to the vet, the pair was told that Iko would require an operation costing more than $1,000 to shave off the bulge of bone that sticks off of his hip to relieve pressure caused by a possible dislocation. If he doesn’t get the surgery soon, his back legs might shrivel up, and signs of this have already started, Flood said, with the dog’s tendency to arch his back to avoid putting pressure on his less developed legs.

The vet suggested they try raising money through their friends and family before exploring their options. Less than a week after setting up a simple page, their goal had been met.

“We were thinking we would get maybe $300 – and that would have been awesome,”

Flood said.

Oakley said by the end of the fundraising period, around 60 people had donated, mostly friends, relatives and family friends, and few donors who surprised him – acquaintances from high school and parents’ friends who hadn’t seen his family in years.

Oakley also noted that a majority of the contributions came from fellow students.

“There were a lot of people donating $5, $10, $20 or just whatever they could afford,” he said.

The two were prepared to split any remaining cost themselves, at the risk of amputation if Iko’s problems were more complicated than anticipated.

“I’m really just overwhelmed by the response so far, and how many people came together on this,” Oakley said. “It’s a great breath of fresh air to see how great people can be and how fast this happened.”

Since reaching their initial goal, they have since discovered that Iko’s surgery will need to be from a specialist, and could amount well over $2,000. Another fundraising page will soon be up, Oakley said, as the pair continues to figure the operation out.

Eventually, Oakley hopes to get Iko well, and keep him ac-

Joshua Farmer Senior appropriate technology major John Dombalis and Richard Oakley, a sophomore psychology major, play with Iko, who needs an operation to save his leg.

tive, as his first pet living on his own.

“Where we live there’s basically 18 dogs that all run loose together,” Flood said. “The first day we brought him home he wasn’t limping that badly at first,

but after the first thirty minutes of playing with dogs outside you could tell he would bring his paws together or let his hurt leg dangle as he walked. He loves all the other dogs. He wants be out there playing with them 24/7.”

Events

Costume sale has students’ Halloween needs covered

by Casey Suglia Intern A&E Reporter

Appalachian State University’s Technical Theatre Club hosted their 10th annual costume sale Thursday through Saturday in the lobby of Valborg Theater to raise money for a national conference and to help alleviate the lack of costume shops in Boone.

“We give out [costumes] to the community and we help in every way possible because when there are no Halloween stores during

the month of October, we can gladly assist them,” said Ashley Cosby, a senior theatre major.

The theater club had an array of costume pieces, clothing and accessories available during the sale, selling everything from vintage wedding dresses to Disney character Elsa’s dress from the movie “Frozen.” The prices of the pieces ranged from $5 to $85.

“We normally get a lot of people in looking for Disney costumes,” said Cosby, one of the chief organizers of the sale. “It’s

been mixed this year. Last year it was a lot of Disney and this year its been all over the place from superheroes to pop culture characters and people in TV shows.”

Some costumes at the sale were made by the Technical Theatre Club while some were donated from people throughout the years. The club has been preparing for this event since August.

“We work on it all year long during our free time,” said club advisor and faculty member Alice Neff. “We can’t sell anything

that belongs to the theatre department so we bring in everything.”

Freshman undecided major Noah Hodges said he came to the costume sale to get motivated for Halloween.

“I heard they had costumes and I’m a big fan of Halloween, so I wanted to see if there was any inspiration for a Halloween costume,” said Hodges, who ended up buying a sports coat for $6. “This is a good way to recycle old clothing and find other uses for it and find creativity for

costumes.”

The Technical Theatre Club plans to use the profits from the sale as funds for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s conference, an annual event run by the national organization for theatre production, design and technology professionals.

“At the conference, students can interview for future jobs, grad schools, meet people and attend workshops,” Neff said.

“It’s a big deal and it is very expensive.”

6

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

App Submit announcements

App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu at least two weeks in advance.

Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/ time, location and cost, other pertinent information and a contact(s) (email, phone and/ or URL). Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows.

Oudoor Education Certifications The certifications begin in September.

• Oct. 17-19 and April 10-12, Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification • Nov. 1-2, Leave No Trace Trainer • Dec. 5-7, American Mountain Guide Association, Climbing Wall Instructor • Dec. 14-22 and March 7-15, Wilderness First Responder • Feb. 5, Epinephrine Administration • Feb. 21-22, Wilderness First Aid • Leave No Trace Master Educator, Aug. 10-14, 2015 University Forum Lecture Series The University Forum Committee brings external speakers to campus as well as administering the External Scholars Grant Program. The series provides opportunities for students, faculty and staff at the university and for the public to hear some of the most stimulating speakers in the country.

The lectures will be held at 7 p.m. in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Free and open to the public.

• Timothy DeChristopher will present “A Movement with Soul,” Oct. 20.

• Mary Frances Berry will present “Whatever Happened to the Civil Rights Movement,” March 23.

“The Stuart Hall Project” screening The Department of Cultural, Gender, and Global Studies presents a free screening of the John Akomfrah documentary “The Stuart Hall Project,” 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21, Room 421, Belk Library.

The film tells the story of the shifting political and cultural landscape of post-World War II Britain and U.S. through the music of Miles Davis and the life of one of the founding figures in cultural studies and the New Left.

Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Open to all faculty, staff and students. Extra credit slips will be made available.

Learn suicide statistics, myths and facts about suicide, what to look for, how to talk to someone in distress, and where and how to refer for more help.

• noon-2 p.m. Oct. 22, Rough Ridge, PSU • 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Three Top Mountain, PSU • 7-9 p.m. Oct. 29, Beacon Heights, PSU • 7-9 p.m. Nov. 4, room 421, Belk Library • 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Three Top Mountain, PSU • 4-6 p.m. Dec. 4, Three Top Mountain, PSU For more information, go to preventsuicide.appstate. edu or email cavallaroe@appstate.edu Boone Creek Clean-Up Meet in front of Appala-

News chian Mountain Brewery at 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 163 Boone Creek Drive.

The ASU Sustainability Council has adopted the section of Boone Creek that flows past Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Boone Mall. ASU faculty, staff and students are invited to participate. Participants will receive a 10 percent discount on purchases at Appalachian Mountain Brewery that night.

The organization will provide gloves and other supplies. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes — rubber knee boots are especially helpful.

Spooky Duke Race & Costume March The 4th Annual Charles R. Duke Race for Families will be held beginning at 8 a.m Oct. 25 at the Raley/Peacock parking lot.

On-site registration and packet pickup at 8 a.m. day of race. The 10K begins at 9 a.m.; $30 advance registation and $35 day of race. The 5K race begins at 9 a.m.; $20 advance registration and $25 day of race. The free costume march begins at 10 a.m., and free children’s activities will be held 8-10 a.m.

Parent to Parent FSN-HC provides caring connections & support to families who have a premature baby, child with a physical, behavioral, or emotional disability, chronic health condition, or who are grieving a child’s death.

To register, go to racingtoes.com/pages/ Events.html.

“Coal Black Voices” Screening 1 p.m. Oct. 25, Greenbriar Vintage Theater, Plemmons Student Union.

Free admission.

Through stories, poems and images, Affrilachian poets in this documentary tell about the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement and the experiences of the Black Diaspora.

Sponsored by APPS Heritage Council, Multicultural Student Development and the Black Student Association.

The Wellness Workshops Presented by the Counseling Center presents the series of workshops with the theme “Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood.”

• 7 p.m. Nov. 5, Being Real: The Value of Vulnerability, Three Top Mountain Room, PSU Trick-or-Treat for Tots Presented by Appalachian State University Housing, the annual event will be held 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30. This event is open to ASU Faculty and Staff as well as community families.

Children of all age groups are encouraged to dress in their Halloween costumes to go trick-or-treating through Hoey, Cannon, Lovill, East, Doughton, White, Summit, and Cone residence halls.

ASU students will be handing out candy and the hall lobbies will have activities.

Parents and children will need to check-in at the traffic circle at the end of Locust Street to receive a map and instructions for the evening festivities. Parking is available in any campus faculty/ staff parking lot.

Call the University Housing Office at 828-262-2160.

Flu vaccine clinic Health Promotion will conduct a flu vaccine clinic 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 31, Calloway Peak/Macrae Peak, PSU. Open for ASU employees and their covered dependents over age 16. Vaccines will be filed with the State Health Plan for 100% coverage. Appointments required.

For appointments from 8:30-11:45 a.m., call 828262-2934. For appointments from noon to 3 p.m., call 828-265-8672.

Run the Gobbler, Eat the Cobbler!

The Gobbler 5k will begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 15 at Duck Pond Field, and winds through campus ending with a sweet cobbler treat. Over 300 runners turned out last year and raised $6,300 for the Leigh Lane Edwards scholarship fund. Registration coming soon. For more information: http://act.appstate.edu/gobbler-5k.

Master of Public Administration Program Appalachian State offers the Master of Public Administration Degree Program (MPA), for students looking to become leaders in public and nonprofit organizations.

Three distinct concentrations allow students to craft their own programs of study: • Town, City, and County Management • Administration of Justice / Criminal Justice • Not-For-Profit Management For information, email bradburymd@appstate.edu or visit http://mpa.appstate. edu.

October

sunday

monday 12

tuesday 13

wednesday 14

Free Tai Chi at 5, 5 p.m., Turchin Center, free

friday

thursday

15

16 Fall break

saturday 17

18

24

25

Fall break

Art 21 Season 7 Preview, 6:30 p.m., room 114, Belk Library, free Aer with Dizzy Wrights & Njomza performance, 7 p.m., Legends, admission: $10 advance, $15 door students; $15 public Community Music School Youth Chorus, 6 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free

19

20 Timothy DeChristopher: A Movement with Soul, 7 p.m., Schaefer Center, free and open to the public

21

22

Watauga Commu“Batman” (1989) nity Band, 8 p.m., screening, 7 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, Greenbriar, PSU, $1 free

23

Woodwind Chamber Noun Improv ComEnsembles, 8 p.m., edy Show, 8 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, Legends, $3 free Contra Dance feaRMI Career Fair, 1-4 turing Crooked Pine, p.m., second floor 7:30-11 p.m., LegBoyles Lobby, Pea- ends, $3 students, cock Hall $5 public Boone Creek Cleanup, 4 p.m., meet in front of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 163 Boone Creek Drive “How to Train Your Dragon 2” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 “Batman” (1989) screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, $1

“Coal Black Voices” screening, 1 p.m., Greenbriar, PSU, free “How to Train Your Dragon 2” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

Opinion The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

7

Staff Opinion

Staff Opinion

Crime is more than a political problem

SBOE lawsuit touches on key voting rights

Dewey Mullis Opinion Writer

Musician and staunch conservative Ted Nugent is back in the spotlight with his racially and politically divisive rhetoric. On the World Wide Web last week, Nugent spoke in regards to already-intense discussions in Ferguson, MO. In his message, Nugent referred to “the Ferguson thugs” and the “plague of black violence” as a repercussion of both liberal-leaning news coverage of crime and the lowerincome black population’s tendency to vote liberally.

“It is deaf, dumb and blind liberalism that has shoveled over $20 trillion into Fedzilla’s welfare crack programs over the past 50 years,” Nugent ranted.

The rant continued with Nugent adding, “The road to peace and prosperity in Amer-

ica is to reject the big liberal lie and all those who endorse it. Liberalism is a lie. Liberalism is a scam. Liberalism is a killer.”

Nugent’s perspective, while obviously politically biased, disregards historical trends in ideological perceptions of crime.

Conservatives are known for advocating “tough on crime” policy. That goal has given us mandatory minimum sentencing, three-strikes laws, intense restrictions on the use of parole, increased post-incarceration monitoring and probation regulations.

We have seen the prison population explode, overwhelmingly in response to these “tough on crime” policies.

Tougher policies have created a cycle of incarceration and deprivation that largely affects lower-income minority groups.

Because of socioeconomic statuses, meeting the requirements of probation and parole become difficult and escape from their original crime-con-

ducive environment is nearly impossible.

Nugent furthered his argument by saying, “Based on crime stats in Ferguson and elsewhere, it would be a safe bet to assume the two thugs the police are looking for are black males between the age of 15 and 25.”

It’s safe [to] bet the two thugs being searched for were raised by a single parent, have criminal records, are high school dropouts, don’t have jobs and are very likely to be members of a gang,” Nugent continued.

Unfortunately, his claims are fairly accurate. The use of the word “thugs” might not have been the most appropriate way to reference his target, but he still isn’t wrong about the likely scenarios.

Across the country, crime peaks between the ages of 18 and 24, many defendants are from black or Hispanic populations and home life often involves only one biological parent or another family member acting as a guardian.

The statistics aren’t wrong, but the generalizations distributed by conservative rhetoric on crime and the people who commit crime have instilled in people an overactive fear of crime and the stereotypical criminal.

In “The Politics of Injustice”

by Katherine Beckett and Theodore Sasson, it is revealed that, overwhelmingly, people who identify as conservatives and people who support “tough on crime” policies are most afraid of young, black males, and of being a victim of crime. In reality, they are the least likely populations, generally, to be affected by crime.

Crime is very real, but it is not a political issue. If anything, political divisiveness and “tough on crime” advocacy has created a fear of crime that only worsens the cycles of crime and incarceration, the stereotypes and our fears.

Mullis, a senior criminal justice major from Wallburg, is an opinion writer.

Editorial Cartoon

Editorial cartoon: The GOP boy band

Bridget Mundy | The Appalachian

Staff Opinion

10-point grading scale a good idea, still needs work Lindsey Chandler Opinion Editor

Public school grading systems are slowly becoming more reasonable in the state of North Carolina.

The State Board of Education unanimously approved the switch to a 10-point grading scale from the previouslyused seven-point scale Oct. 2.

On the seven-point scale, a final class grade between 93 and 100 resulted in an A, while a class grade between 85 and 92 would be a B. With the new scale, the lowest grade a student can earn and still make an A is a 90, with 80 being the lowest grade a student can earn for a B, according to the Charlotte Observer.

This change will bring students to a more even com-

parison across the nation, since some states such as Arkansas, California and Florida have already implemented the 10-point scale statewide.

In a statement made by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Heath Morrison, it is the hope that students will earn more As and Bs, be placed on the honor roll and stay in school rather than drop out. They may even be more motivated to take advanced courses, he said.

In August, the board also voted to change the amount of credits that students earn for taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and honors courses to better reflect the credit systems within colleges and universities.

Students will now receive only five points for AP and IB courses, and only four and a half points for honors courses, a decrease from the original six and five respective points.

The state has also agreed to

cover the fees for students to take AP exams.

For some these changes may seem too good to be true – and in a way they are. Although the state is working toward a more reasonable grading system that reflects the system presented for college students, its application could be improved.

These changes will be implemented starting in the 20152016 academic year. This means that current students will still be covered by the old policies, according to the News & Observer.

Incoming freshmen will be the first to be judged against the 10-point grading scale and the new grading policy. By the 2018-2019 school year, the system will be fully integrated.

This presents three years’ worth of college-bound seniors who will not have the opportunities to take advantage of the policy changes.

In fairness, I believe that the

most deserving of these opportunities are those who are entering their senior years. In order for as many students to benefit from this as much as possible, it should be implemented for all grade levels starting in the next academic year.

What’s worse is that students of varying grade levels will have to face each other in the classroom.

One can only imagine the amount of times the term “unfair” will be thrown around amidst students, as if their stress levels weren’t already high enough.

It isn’t completely just to tout a statewide change for a long-sought-after system, and then deprive the majority of current high school students of it, never giving them a chance.

Chandler, a senior psychology and Spanish major from Cary, is the opinion editor.

Kevin Griffin Opinion Writer

Wake County Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens delivered vindication Monday to the students and Boone residents who have fought to remove voting restrictions for students.

By ruling that the State Board of Elections must pass a plan which includes an oncampus site, the judge has recognized that what has gone on over the past year has been unfair to students.

Still, even though we have been given this victory, it is worthwhile to consider the factors and events that have brought us to this point. Examining the sentiments expressed in the lawsuit and chain of events that brought about this decision is an excellent way of doing that.

The issue here involved two early voting plans. One, supported by Watauga County Board of Elections members Luke Eggers and Bill Aceto, would not include a polling place in Plemmons Student Union. The plan put forth by Kathleen Campbell does include the on-campus site.

The Campbell plan is superior. It includes all the polling places the Aceto-Eggers plan does, plus the on-campus site. While both plans exceed the required number of early voting hours, the Campbell plan beats the Aceto-Eggers plan 368 to 307, according to The Appalachian.

In the past, there have been concerns about rural voters. The Campbell plan does nothing to hinder rural voters and includes the exact same voting sites as its alternative, plus one.

The State Board of Elections has, by supporting the Aceto-Eggers plan, supported a plan that places a burden on students as well as the school employees.

Appalachian maintains a significant presence in Watauga County. Students make up 34 percent of the overall county population – higher than for any other county with a UNC school, according to the lawsuit.

Unfortunately, political motivations have brought us to this point. It has been well-publicized in much of the country that conservative administrations have undertaken efforts to make voting more difficult for groups who would tend to oppose them.

In this case, that group is 18- to 25-year-olds.

The role that politics has played in recent decisions here in Watauga County can neither be ignored nor denied. The lawsuit alludes to an incident at a public meeting in March, during which Republican Party Chair Anne-Marie Yates congratulated the board for “reversing the previous plan that favored urban democrats.”

When all of this is taken into consideration, it becomes obvious that the state board of elections was wrong to approve the plan.

It is possible that the decision could be appealed. Still, this week we can celebrate a victory for students. For now, it appears the voting rights of students will be protected.

Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.

8

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

CRIME LOG CAMPUS

The Appalachian 217 Plemmons Student Union, Boone, N.C. 28608 828 • 262-6149

Copyright © 2014 The Appalachian

Oct. 11 12 p.m. | Unauthorized Entries and Larcenies Gardner Hall The incident is under further investigation.

(According to ASU Crime Alert email) Oct. 9 4:37 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Rivers Street near John A. Garwood building An arrest was made.

Oct. 9 11:20 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Lovill Hall An arrest was made.

Oct. 8 8:10 p.m. | Trash Can Fire Anne Belk Hall This case is closed.

Oct. 7 8 p.m. | Harassment Justice Hall This incident is under further investigation.

Oct. 5 12:25 a.m. | Assault on Female Locust Street near East Hall The incident is under further investigation.

Oct. 5 12:07 a.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Convocation Center Lot An arrest was made for underage consumption of alcohol.

WHO ARE WE?

LIKE US

FOLLOW US

@TheAppalachian

FOLLOW US

@TheAppalachian

EDITORIAL BOARD

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager Paul Heckert Asst. Business Manager Ignacio Martinez

ONLINE Web Manager Justin Perry Asst. Web Manager Maggie Cozens

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved WATCH US

TheAppalachian

TUESDAY 66o | 56o Rainy

WEDNESDAY 60o | 46o Partly Cloudy

THURSDAY 58o | 45o Partly Cloudy

FRIDAY 67o | 48o Sunny

LA Times Daily Crossword Puzzle by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

Classifieds

IPHONE 5/5S/5C REPAIR: Repairs done on campus at your convenience. $90 flat rate for all phones. Call 828-508-5669.

SAVE IKO’S LEG Help Iko, a puppy who was recently hit by a car, reiceve the surgery he needs. Any donations are greatly appreciated. http://www.gofundme.com/f7ca68

ADVISER Asst. Director, CSIL Allison Bennett Dyche

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 ADVISER OFFICE (828) 262-2245

Associated Collegiate Press

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space.

VISIT

TheAppalachianOnline.com

The Appalachian

The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and ensure its First Amendment rights.

Editor-in-Chief Joshua Farmer Managing Editor Gerrit Van Genderen Visual Managing Editor Malik Rahili Chief Copy Editor Abbi Pittman News Editor Laney Rucksthul A&E Editor Meredith Warfield Sports Editor Cory Spiers Photo Editor Morgan Cook Video Editor Jackson Helms Asst. Video Editor Chris Deverell

The Appalachian is also online

Choice dude searching for pretty gal to ride tandem bikes with and be a partner in college life. Enjoys long walks on top of mountains and girls who wear leggings as pants exclusively. Tweet @ itspaulsable Honor Students: Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society is seeking motivated students to establish a campus chapter. Contact: Director@PhiSigmaTheta.org

Classifieds run for a week online and in print for $20. Please email business@ theappalachianonline.com or call the business office for more information

Source: Ray’s Weather

Sports The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

9

Women’s Soccer

Early challenges push Mountaineers to Sun Belt success

by Jess Lyons Senior Sports Reporter

A

s the conference portion of the season continues, App State’s women’s soccer team shows the potential to use its difficult nonconference schedule to progress in the Sun Belt.

The Mountaineers are 6-8 on the season with a 3-2 conference mark and have notched two of its three conference wins on the road.

The 6-8 overall record is directly indicative of a tough nonconference schedule that had the team off to a slow start.

By building a difficult nonconference schedule, head coach Sarah Strickland said she looked for the best way to prepare her team for both the conference and the tournaments to come after it.

“We believe that to be prepared, not just for the conference but also for postseason like the NCAA tournament, you’ve got to play the best,” Strickland said. “In order to get your [Rating Percentage Index] high enough to get into the tournament, which is where they rank you in the country, you have to play good teams.”

Strickland said many of the nonconference teams the team played were chosen because they had similar playing styles to the teams the Mountaineers would face in conference and held a higher level of difficulty.

The early season schedule also started the Mountaineers off with nine of their first 12 games on the road.

The Mountaineers have a chance to rally now, as the team is in the midst of a set of four straight games at home. However, Strickland said the team is always able to focus on the opponent, regardless of where the game takes place.

“We’re not home- or away-oriented,” Strickland said. “We’re game-oriented.

We’ve created a schedule and stuck to it whether we’re on the road or at home.”

With only four conference games left in the season before the Sun Belt Tourna-

ment begins, the Mountaineers have confidence in their ability to win the conference after being prepared with the tough early schedule.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this season we could win it all,” senior forward Jenna Caudle said. “In nonconference, we continued to build every game, and I just think it’s coming out now.

We’ve got such a deep team. There are not that many teams that substitute as many players as we do.”

Despite what the results of the nonconference schedule reflects on its season record, it does not reflect the Mountaineers capabilities in the Sun Belt.

“I think playing a lot of easy teams in nonconference and winning by a lot it doesn’t really help you much,” senior defender Nicole Steyl said. “Playing hard teams, whether you lose, tie or win, you learn a whole lot more. That’s what nonconference is about, it’s about learning with your team and learning how to play off each other and with each other.”

Throughout the season so far, the Mountaineers have seen tough nonconference teams, new conference opponents on the road and have gone to overtime five times in 14 games, including two double-overtime affairs.

Caudle said all of the new experiences have only helped the Mountaineers grow together.

“We’ve seen it all,” Caudle said. “I just think this prepared us for what counts.”

The Mountaineers are back in action when they take on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on Friday and the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Sunday in Boone to conclude their home games for the season.

The Sun Belt Tournament is set to begin Nov. 5 in Mobile, Alabama.

Senior forward Julia Holz (left) heads the ball to gain control in last season's match against Morehead State.

File Photo

File Photo

GAME D Y

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tripping the Trojans

10

by Cory Spiers Sports Editor

Leave the past in the past App State was tripped up in overtime by Liberty on Homecoming Weekend, losing 55-48 Saturday.

The Mountaineers need to develop a true sense of tunnel vision to avoid a fifth-straight loss.

The young App State team put itself in a position to drop Liberty late in the game.

Close doesn’t count in football, but head coach Scott Satterfield needs to preach to his team that the rest of the season should be approached one week at a time.

This week, the Mountaineers hit the road. However, they face a Troy team that lost five straight before notching its first win last week over New Mexico State.

The climb back up starts now, and last week doesn’t matter.

Lamb learning on the job Redshirt freshman Taylor Lamb looked comfortable against Liberty.

Comfortable enough, even, to pass for 397 yards – the eighth-highest total in program history and the most since Armanti Edwards threw for 415 yards in a game at Wofford in 2009.

However, a stark reminder that Lamb is still learning to put it all together came on App State’s first drive of overtime, when the game ended after Lamb lobbed a pass into the back of the endzone that was intercepted by a Liberty defender.

The tools are all there for Lamb, who despite looking very comfortable in the first starts of his career, is yet to lead the team to a win.

However, he needs a strong supporting cast to help lift him when mistakes happen.

Defensive focus Troy has been somewhat of a mixed bag offensively this season.

The Trojans put up only 10 points against UAB in week one, was blanked by Georgia in week four and then blasted New Mexico State with 41 points in a win last week.

App State’s defense had a rough time against the Flames and that can’t be the case against Troy.

Troy averages 20.5 points per game, and that might be a good number to keep in mind.

App State averages 30.5 PPG. If the Mountaineers can hold the Trojans to around 20 points, it’s not unrealistic to expect the offense to be able to vault the Mountaineers over Troy.

Cox, Upshaw App State’s running attack is a key to their success offensively, and that showed against Liberty.

For the first time on the year, sophomore running back Marcus Cox and redshirt freshman running back Terrence Upshaw were the two-headed attack we have expected and hoped to see.

Cox started the game off with a bang, running in a touchdown from 38 yards out.

Cox finished with 111 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown while Upshaw compiled 102 yards on 14 carries and added a touchdown of his own.

That offensive balance is key for App State. If Troy respects the rushing attack, the playbook opens up for Lamb.

Meet a conference rival On paper, Saturday’s matchup looks bland: a battle of two one-win conference rivals slugging it out in midseason.

Throw the records out of the window in conference games.

App State and Troy are meeting for the first time as conference rivals and that could mean some bad blood on the way to making a first impression.

The leadership of the team should manifest itself in the on-field product Saturday. It would be very easy to phone it in as a one-win team on the road at this point in the season.

Will that really be the case?

Infographicby byMalik MalikRahili Rahili Infographic

PIGSKIN PICK’EM Weekend Matchups Appalachian State vs.

Troy #14 Kansas State vs. #11 Oklahoma #5 Notre Dame vs. #2 Florida State #23 Stanford vs. #17 Arizona State Georgia State vs.

South Alabama

Cory Spiers

Gerrit Van Genderen

Sheri N. Everts

Carson Rich

Merrick Marquie

Hannah Parker

The Appalachian (21-9)

The Appalachian (22-8)

Appalachian State (16-14)

SGA (18-12

APPS (21-9)

The Peel (20-10)

Sports Editor

Managing Editor

Chancellor

President

President

Editor-in-Chief