The Civilian February 2018 by The Civilian LSU

THE

CIVILIAN CIVILIAN

A STUDENT PUBLICATION FOR THE LSU LAW CENTER COMMUNITY FEBRUARY 2018 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 4

Less than two months into 2018, the couldn’t agree on the budget for the 2018 fiscal year and federal government has experienced two clashed over the status of the Deferred Action for Childhood separate shutdowns. Arrivals immigration policy. That shutdown ended when the The first anniversary of Donald Trump’s House passed a bill to fund the government through February presidential inauguration was marked by 8.

a three-day government shutdown earlier But when the deadline rolled around, Congress failed to agree this year, beginning Saturday, January 20 again, leading to a second, much shorter shutdown. and ending Monday, January 22. Early on the morning of February 9, Congress agreed on a Rachel Warren The second shutdown took place less than spending bill which funds the government through March 23. Staff Writer three weeks later, but only lasted a few Despite what the name implies, a shutdown doesn’t shut hours from 12:01 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Friday, February 9. down the entire government. Instead, non-essential federal A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass programs, which are funded by the government’s discretionary legislation to fund government agencies or operations. It can budget, close and thousands of non-essential employees are also happen when the President fails to sign that legislation. sent home without pay for the duration of the event. When members of Congress aren’t able to agree on budget The discretionary budget also funds several essential services, decisions, it enacts a continuing funding resolution. But if like defense, national safety and security, which are not shut Congress can’t agree on one, it forces a shutdown. down. Most of those agencies are set up so they can operate The January shutdown came when members of the Senate for several weeks without receiving funding. continued on page 2...

THE CIVILIAN | FEBRUARY 2018 Shutdown continued...

Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are part of the mandatory budget and are never shut down. Since the Postal Service is funded by independent sources of revenue, its services are unaffected. During a shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration remains open, meaning airports function normally. The Justice Department also stays open, but gun permits are not issued during a shutdown.

remain open for at least three days, but it’s future was uncertain if the shutdown lasted much longer. Those most affected by a government shutdown are federal employees. Many non-essential employees are furloughed during a shutdown, meaning they’re sent home without pay. For example, in 2013, about 800,000 federal employees were furloughed and 1.3 million employees were required to report to work without knowing when they may be paid. Those employees are typically paid for the time during the shutdown once the budget issues are resolved. It hasn’t yet been reported how many government employees were furloughed this year.

Departments that close during a shutdown include: education, energy, health and human services, housing and urban development and NASA. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also closes during a shutdown. If a shutdown occurs during tax season, tax returns will be processed, Shutdowns are nothing new for the federal but refunds will not be issued until it ends. government — different departments have The Environmental Protection Agency, shut down for varying periods of time Food and Drug Administration and the since 1980. The shutdown in January was Department of Interior, which operates the first since 2013, when the government national parks, also close during the shut down from October 1 to October 17. shutdown.

Some non-essential government agencies, like the Smithsonian, are able to use prior funds to remain open during a shutdown. During the first shutdown this year, the Smithsonian announced that it would

Before that, the government experienced closures in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1995 and 1996. The longest shutdown to date was in 1995. It began on December 16, 1995 and lasted until January 6 of the following year.

Barrister’s

Ball

Saturday March 3rd 8 p.m. to12 a.m. Boudreaux’s 647 Government Street 2

The Civilian Staff 2017-2018 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Taylor Degruise News Editor Brooklee Hurst Columns Editor Tori Watson Production Editor Randee Iles Web Director Blair Boles

Staff Writers Carlos Coro Connor Fagan Cavett Feazel Caitlin Mullaney Rachel Warren

Columnists Joe Cooper Bryan Dupree Conner Graham Leslie Knowles Roger McChargue Adrienne Wood

THE CIVILIAN | FEBRUARY 2018

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Reader, After a colder than normal winter, it seems like the temperature is starting to warm up. The semester is already heating up as well, with events and competitons already in full swing. In this issue, we hit a mix of local, national, and even international issues. We started off with an article explaining government shutdown, and how that could cause freezes in federal spending. Taylor Degruise Editor-In-Chiefr

Sneauxpocalypse. Further following the winter trend, we also have an article discussing international politics in the Winter Olympics. And of course, our issue wouldn’t be complete without covering the most important event at LSU Law, Barrister’s Bowl. We hope to see y’all out there to watch the Purple and Gold teams battle it out on February 24th!. Best wishes,

Taylor Degruise Editor-in Chief

Speaking of freezes, we also cover the Great Baton Rouge

SBA S T A T E O F A F FA I R S PMHers, We will have a very busy Spring semester here at the Law Center! First, mark your calendars for the 14th Annual Barrister’s Bowl! The battle royale between the Purple and Gold Team will take place on Saturday, February 24th at Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge. A $5 Sara Kuebel donation at the door gets you into this epic SBA President game. Will Purple repeat their thrilling victory of last year? Or will Gold take home the glory? Come join us to find out! After the Game, there will be an Auction at Uncle Earl’s. Doors open at 7:00pm with the auction beginning at 8:00pm. Cover is $5. Come bid on items like a $250 bar tab to Fred’s or UNLIMITED Margaritas for a year from Fuzzy’s (that’s right, UNLIMITED). All proceeds raised by the Game and the Auction will be benefitting Geaux Teal, a local organization that researches ovarian cancer. Second, don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the annual LSU Law Barrister’s Ball, which will be held on Saturday March 3rd from 8:00pm-12:00am at Boudreaux’s on Government. Tickets will be sold everyday leading to the event, so make sure to stop by the SBA Table and visit your friendly Officers.

Family Weekend on March 9th and 10th. Invite your parents to attend class with you on Friday and that night bring them to the Watermark for food and cocktails with your fellow 1Ls. On Saturday, join the 1L Class at Fred’s for a a Crawfish Boil, and then at Alex Box Stadium for some LSU Baseball. Geaux tigers! Fourth, get ready for Spring Elections! SBA Elections for your 2018-2019 Officers will be held on March 8th and 9th. If you want to run make sure to turn in your Statement of Intent to the SBA Office by Friday, March 2nd! Fifth, Saturday March 17th is Baton Rouge’s 33rd Annual Wearin’ of the Green Parade. 3Ls will be riding and we hope to see LSU Law Students along the route to throw y’all some beads! These are just some of the many events planned for this semester. Keep an eye out in the weekly email for even more events from your SBA. As always, feel free to reach out to me or any other SBA members with any questions or concerns you may have. Best,

Sara B. Kuebel

Third, 1Ls get ready for an exciting and event filled LSU Law

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The Olympics: A Medium for Réal-politique As many students continue to endure the gauntlet of spring semester, some have had the chance to kick back and enjoy the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. The revival of the Olympic games over one hundred years ago has been a source of great national pride and unity amongst citizens as they cheer on their nations greatest athletes on the international Carlos Coro stage. However, good intentions do not Staff Writer guarantee desired outcomes, and the revival of the Olympiad has had the unintended consequence of inviting politics into the realm of international competition. Whether it be the Führer Adolf Hitler presiding over the opening ceremony of the the Berlin 1936 Olympic Summer Games, or Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fist as the United States’ national anthem played during their medal ceremony at the Mexico City 1968 Olympic Summer Games; the Olympic games have proven to be an effective medium for réal-politique. This Olympiad is no different, with two Koreas taking center stage. On one side is a relic of the Eastern Bloc, The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; or simply, North Korea. Ironically, North Korea is a wholly undemocratic oppressive cult of personality, which offers none of its people a chance to participate in republican government. On the other side is the host nation of these Olympic games, the Republic of Korea, which has been a champion of Western influence in Asia since the bloody proxy war that divided the Korean peninsula and drew a three-mile-wide border between the two nations. Over the decades that have passed since the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953, the two Koreas have been at odds with one another, with each hoping to unify the country under their respective ideologies. Recent tensions have reached a fever pitch in the wake of North Korea’s successful development of nuclear arms and ballistic missiles, which the country continues to demonstrate, and has repeatedly threatened to use. Yet, in the midst of nearly assured nuclear destruction on the Korean peninsula, the unpredictable happened: the two Koreas united to march as one Korea under the same flag at

the Olympic opening ceremony. While this showcase of unity may have shocked the world, it is not the first time the two Koreas united under the same flag. The flag, which is white and bears a blue Korean peninsula at the center, was originally commissioned in 1990 and has been used at several sporting events since. In fact, the flag and the showcase of unity made its first Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Summer Games; and the combination was repeated at the 2004 Summer and 2006 Winter Olympic games. Nevertheless, such display has proven to be substantial, as this is the first showing of unity since North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un succeeded his father Kim Jong-il in 2011. Seizing the international stage of the Olympic games, Kim Jong-Un has uncharacteristically extended an olive branch to South Korea, which South Korean President Moon Jae-in happily received. Korean unification was a major platform for President Moon during his special election presidential campaign, which took place in the wake of previous president Park Geun-hye’s impeachment for corruption. Despite the mounting tension and uncertainty in the months following his May 2017 inauguration, President Moon has maintained confidence in re-establishing a relationship with North Korea. President Moon’s receptive attitude was enough to garner an Olympic emissary of North Korean delegates to visit South Korea for the first time in over a decade, which included the Supreme Leader’s sister, Kim Yo Jong. While South Korea remains receptive, the United States, and several other nations, maintain serious skepticism. Vice President Mike Pence has been spearheading the United States interest in South Korea ever since the Trump administration assumed the mantle of the White House. The Trump administration and Vice President Pence have been firm dissenters of President Moon’s strategy for peace, which include providing fiscal aide and support to North Korea’s impoverished and famine stricken population. Pence and the Trump administration see the North’s attempted to extend an olive branch at the Olympic games as a political ploy to garner aide from the South to further their development of nuclear arms and ballistic missiles. In an effort to curb President Moons enthusiasm, Vice continued on page 10...

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whotwhattwhentwheretwhy

Barrister’s Bowl XIV

While LSU football and tailgating dominate partnering with Geaux Teal, a local organization co-founded the fall, it is the Barristers’ Bowl that students by LSU Softball coach, Beth Torina, to raise awareness and at PMH most look forward to in the spring. funding for ovarian cancer research. The Football Club has set On Saturday, February 24th, students of a goal of $10,000 and needs the help of the entire student body. PMH will adorn their purple and gold If you can’t make the game, there is still fun to be had.

uniforms as they take the field for this year’s Once the Gridiron Gang leaves the field, students of PMH will installment of the charity football game. head to their favorite local watering hole, Uncle Earl’s, for Despite widespread fear amongst the some hydrating refreshments and the opportunity to bid on a Cavett Feazel upperclassmen that there may not be enough slew of awesome prizes. The doors open at 7:00 and at 8:00 the Staff Writer participants, the game will be played this sell-off begins. Make sure you’re there in time to place your year. Rumor had it the 1Ls were a little too scared to suit up for bids. Popular prizes from previous years included Tex-Mex anything other than the pee wee league. Whatever the cause of and margaritas with Professors Brooks and Carroll, and shots their trepidation, the first years were convinced (or bullied by with Professor Levy. Last year, a total of forty-two prizes were won, so chances are you’ll walk away with something. the cheer captains) to suit up and take the field. So, go spend your money on the auction; it goes towards an While players try to show they still have the athletic talent of excellent cause. their younger years, the cheerleaders of PMH will be excitedly and vociferously cheering on the players. The cheerleaders, Wrapping up the festivities is the Barrister’s Ball, a black tie fueled by pre-game mimosas, are sure to provide another layer formal, taking place at Boudreaux’s on March 3. The ball of excitement to the fun. The game will take place at Memorial gives students of the law school a chance to put their best foot Stadium (located at N 17th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802) forward, showcase their moves on the dance floor, and show with kickoff at half-past noon. As customary, admission will be their dates they still remember how to have a fun time. Once the drinks begin flowing and the band starts playing those a minimum $5 cash donation. funky tunes, you’ll be sure to find yourself getting down on the This PMH tradition was started in 2005 and today serves as dance floor. Be sure to pick up your tickets, for the low price the law school’s prominent charity drive, raising $9,000 last of $45, from the SBA table and get ready to put on your boogie year. Players don’t just take the field for fun, they take the shoes. It’s sure to be a happening time. field to fight cancer. This year, the LSU Law Football Club is

THE CIVILIAN |FEBRUARY 2018

He S a i d , PMH on Politics: DACA and the Debate DACA originated from an executive

order signed by then President Barack Obama in June of 2012. This was a response to Congress’s refusal to pass the DREAM Act, which would have protected minor children from deportation. The DACA order was intended to be a stop-gap to deal with an unprecedented wave of Conner Graham minor children pouring across the border Columnist from nations like Honduras and El Salvador. Nearly 4 years have since passed. Congress and the courts have failed to act in any way to address the problem. President Trump, in a bid to force Congress to act, announced he would rescind DACA effective next month. When that happens, upwards of 1.8 million illegal immigrants will be eligible to be deported. Uprooting people who have spent most of their lives here seems wrong, but allowing them to profit from breaking the law while so many struggle for years to gain citizenship through the proper channels seems unfair as well. What if this is a false choice?

here searching for the same things. Neither side is completely wrong or right. Globalists are correct about the United States being a nation of immigrants, but nationalists have legitimate concerns regarding the impacts of uncontrolled migration on the viability and maintenance of entitlement programs and municipal infrastructure. As the Eurozone is now learning amidst its own migrant crisis, expansive welfare states and open borders are not sustainable long term. It is true that free market principles typically rely upon free movement of goods and peoples in commerce. However, what we have is not a free market in labor. There are licensing requirements, minimum wages, payroll taxes, insurance benefits, etc. that workers are owed for their work. Allowing tens of thousands of employers to employ millions of people while skirting those requirements creates a massive disadvantage for citizens who cannot legally work under those conditions. Many globalists assert that we need these young workers to help support our aging population as they transition into social security, but if their employers are not paying payroll taxes, then they are not contributing anything to social security at all. In fact, remittances, payments from immigrants in the U.S. to friends and family back in their home countries, totaled $445 billion in 2016 according to Marketplace. That is $445 billion being removed from our national economy. $445 billion dollars not subject to sales tax, and thus not helping to maintain ever more crowding schools, emergency rooms, and highways. According to Fox News, Los Angeles County spent $1.3 billion on entitlements for illegal immigrants in 2015 and 2016 alone.

DACA appears amidst a much deeper debate over America’s priorities. On one side are nationalists who see borders as a prerequisite for a sovereign state, and believe our borders should be largely closed and monitored. They see illegal immigrants as putting inordinate pressure on our municipal infrastructure like schools and hospitals while contributing relatively little in tax dollars to support those services. They argue that the practices of illegal labor being paid largely in cash, many of whom work for less than the minimum wage, and utilizing false social security numbers purchased on the black market undermine the jobs market and create downward pressure on These are numbers arguments against illegal immigration in wages. general, but up until the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late 19th On the other side of this debate are globalists. They see century, America’s borders were largely open. Even during America as a nation which should have no borders at all. Ellis Island’s heyday, only approximately 2% of prospective America should be open to all comers who want to try to immigrants were rejected and sent back to their home countries. better themselves and the lives of their families. Free market Maybe the immigrants themselves are just a symptom of a capitalism should allow for the free movement of goods and much larger problem like cartel violence fueled by our failed peoples like they have in Europe within the Eurozone. They prohibition of drugs, or our entitlement system perpetuating see America as an entire nation of immigrants who all came a labor shortage by creating an alternative means of support

continued on page 8...

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S h e S a i d Over America’s Past, Present, and Future “So, OK, like right now, for example, the Haitians need to come to America. But some people are all “What about the strain on our resources?” But it’s like, when I had this garden party for my father’s birthday right? I said R.S.V.P. because it was a sit-down dinner. But people came that like, did not R.S.V.P. so I was like, totally buggin’. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, redistribute the food, squish in extra place settings, but by the end of the day it was like, the more the merrier! And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty?” – Cher Horowitz, Clueless Adrienne Wood Columnist

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, commonly known as DACA, is getting close to its expiration date and needs to be codified in Congress ASAP. The DREAM Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that granted residency to illegal immigrants who came to America as children, repeatedly failed to pass through Congress so President Obama’s administration created protections for the “Dreamers” and thus created the DACA program. The term “Dreamers” refers to illegal immigrants who entered the U.S. prior to their 16th birthday and before June 2007. They must be under the age of 31 as of June 15th, 2012 so Dreamers range between the ages of 16 to 36. To be eligible for protections through the program, applicants cannot be convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. They must have completed high school, have their GED, be enrolled in school, or have been honorably discharged from the armed forces. Dreamers are American in every sense of the word and they are law-abiding and productive members of our society that are anything but a strain on our resources.

skilled work than illegal immigrants. Research estimates that ending DACA and deporting the Dreamers could cost the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade. Finally, a large majority (70%) of Americans support DACA and want the Dreamers to stay and party with us in America.

Dreamers are first responders, college and graduate students, members of our armed forces, business owners, and in one case, a Catholic priest. The potential of deportation for these young people is a very real and imminent threat. In some cases, Dreamers have children or spouses who are American citizens and ending DACA could result in ripping apart families. Because of DACA, the opportunity to go to college became a reality for so many young people who want to work hard and contribute to this country. Isn’t that what the American dream is all about? The idea of deporting someone who has lived almost their entire life in our country to a country that is completely foreign to them is downright cruel and un-American. So many of these people don’t even speak the native language of the countries they may be deported to. Congress needs to get in Here are some quick facts about Dreamers and why they sound the kitchen and rearrange some things because at the end of like people I’d like to make room for at my father’s garden the day, the guiding principle of America is diversity is what party. There are roughly 800,000 Dreamers in the United States makes us great so I say, the more, the merrier. currently. The median age of entry into the United States was 6 years old, and the most common age was 3 years old. DACA Our annual April Fool’s allows for two additional years in the United States without fear edition of the Civilian of deportation, and then applicants can reapply. Dreamers pay is getting close! Got an taxes just like everyone else, but Dreamers are not eligible for Obamacare and in some states, Medicaid. DACA students who idea of a satirical story? want to go to college are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid Send your suggestions the and are likely paying out of pocket for college. 75% of DACA thecivilianlsu@gmail.com recipients are employed and are more likely to be employed in

April Fools

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Conner continued...

other than working? Perhaps what we should be addressing is reforming entitlements, our labor system, the failed War on Drugs, taxation, and our dysfunctional legal immigration system? Or maybe our political system prefers stop-gaps and short cuts like ending DACA and building a wall. The only thing more foolish than relying on Band-Aids and campaign slogans would be to continue doing nothing. The ball is in Congress’s hands now.

The Legacy of Diversity at PMH Many students at Paul M. Hebert Law Center are unaware of the interesting history of our beloved institution. Within this rich history are the stories of those who pioneered integration and a gradual increase of diversity, despite the many obstacles they faced.

LSU Law is home to several incredible Black professors. One of these trailblazers is the nationally recognized Second Amendment expert and legal historian, Professor Ray Diamond. He joined the full-time faculty in 1984, at which time he was the only Black faculty member. In 1989, he became the first Black member of the tenured faculty. As a pioneer in diversifying the faculty, Professor Diamond faced challenges of discrimination and disparate requirements. After his initial experience, Professor Diamond left PMH for an opportunity at Tulane Law School, but returned in 2008. He served as Vice Chancellor/ Associate Dean for a period of five years, and is now known as a favorite professor to many students. When asked how he dealt with the sting of racism throughout his legal education and career, Professor Diamond responded, “Sometimes life can be crushing, and avoiding that is something you don’t do alone. A. Philip Randolph wrote of ‘the possibilities of salvation’ from racism that lie in collective effort. He was right about that.” Professor Diamond has embodied this quote by consistently mentoring students and members of his community, a role which he not only considers a necessary part of his life’s work but also something he thoroughly enjoys. Candace Square Columnist

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only Black female member of the faculty ever to teach at this law center. Like Professor Diamond, she emphasized how mentorship is integral to breeding success and combatting prejudice. While speaking with her about her career, Professor Goring shared a hand-written letter that she had recently received from a former student. In the letter, a 1998 University of Kentucky graduate wrote of the great impact Professor Goring had on her as a student, even writing, “I want to thank you for pushing us to examine how privilege...affects the way property law has evolved in the west and specifically the USA.” Professor Goring had such a lasting impact on this student that she was compelled to personally thank the Professor, even twenty years after graduating. Not only is this evidence of the professor’s strong dedication to education, but her passion for learning continued to show as we discussed how the next generation of law students should consider working as educators. Professor Goring’s story of coming from a segregated community in Miami, Florida, to becoming a professor, mentor, leader, and so much more is truly inspiring and deserves recognition, not only in Black History Month, but throughout the entire year.

Sometimes life can be crushing, and avoiding that is something you don’t do alone. Philip Randolph

Common Law Property expert, Professor Darlene Goring is another pioneer of diversity at PMH and has been breaking barriers of race and gender for her entire legal education and career. Professor Goring holds the distinction of being the

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The hardships that these professors faced have not been in vain. Through their excellence and perseverance, they have paved the way for current 3L student, Jessica Thomas, to excel. She is academically high ranking and serves in a highly influential mentorship role as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association. Jessica is an Hebert Scholar, Constitutional Law tutor, Research Assistant to Professor Corbett, and will start as an associate at Phelps Dunbar LLP upon graduation. Jessica emphasized the impact Professor Diamond had on her success saying, “He is an amazing mentor because he is not only excellent and passionate about his craft, but also makes sure future lawyers are successful as well.” In addition to help from professors, the invaluable advice she received from continued on page 10..

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AHMED

SOUSSI

Ahmed Soussi is a member of BLSA, PILS, the International Law and Immigration Society, the Trial Advocacy Board, LSU Law Ambassadors, and the Diversity Joe Cooper and Professionalism Columnist Committee. As if he needed more things to pad his resume, Ahmed also competes for LSU on the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court team, the National Black Law Student Association Trial Competition, and earned the title of National Champion (unlike Tom Brady) this past year at the Peter James Johnson Civil Rights Trial Competition. I picked Ahmed up to go to lunch and catch an interview with him. I suggested Halal Guys, but apparently that’s “stereotyping” and went to Sonic instead. Year: 3L Section: 1 Relationship Status: “Single, but I can put that caramel drip in your latte, girl” Hometown: Tempe, Arizona Undergraduate Major: Justice Studies; History Q: Let’s hit hard and ask the question everyone wants to know: Whataburger or In-N-Out? A: Not a question; In-N-Out.

You ever make it to my side of the Rio Grande, I’ll take you to grab one.

Q: You would have never survived in our dojo.

Q: I’m pretty sure the Rio Grande separates Mexico and the U.S. Where exactly are you from again? A: The Colorado River, whatever. All I know is you go down I-10 and don’t stop.

Q: Do you have a favorite NBA team? A: The Lakers, bro! Q: So, obvious next question: how do you feel about LaVar Ball? A: He’s the male Kardashian and is just trying cash in on his outrageousness.

Q: Now that the heavy hitter is out of the way on to the fan favorite. Did you play any sports in high school? A: Football, Wrestling, and Track.

Q: What’s your living situation like? Where does Ahmed rest his head at night? A: I live in the campus apartments right Q: Any good at Wrestling? We can go next to school with a few other law students. WE all usually just hang out in right here in the parking lot. A: Not at all. I just did it to stay in shape. our rooms. We don’t get out much. Everyone was trying to go all UFC and I Q: Is it at least a big room? I mean just wanted to run laps. you’re in there for so long. Q: Any of the guys ever tell you to “put ‘em in a body bag?” A: No way! That’s gruesome.

A: Not at all; I’m preparing for Guantanamo. You know they’re always trying to keep a successful brown man down.

Q: What about the whip game then? A: Don’t have a car here. Like I said, training for Gitmo. Just kidding, but I think I’m going to buy myself a car as a graduation present to myself. Q: What was your MySpace profile song? A: Embarrassingly enough, it was “I’m on a Boat” by Lonely Island. Q: That’s not embarrassing. I listened to the entire “Turtleneck and Chain” album the other day. I don’t know why continued on page 11...

THE CIVILIAN | FEBRUARY 2018 Diversity continued...

upperclassmen as a 1L shaped her success. Now as a 3L, it means the world to Jessica to continue a tradition of mentorship by helping other students also achieve greatness. Our current black and minority students have the enormous task of continuing the legacy of mentorship and leadership that our predecessors have established. However, it’s imperative that we not only look to them as inspiration for how far they’ve come, but that we also continue to build upon that legacy by ensuring that LSU Law continues to uphold its commitment to racial equality and diversity.

A White Winter for the Purple and Gold Just over a month ago, the land of purple and gold was painted white with snow. Not once, but twice within a short period of time a blanket of snow covered Southeast Louisiana, and its residents took advantage of these rare occurrences. Many were seen having snowball fights and using makeshift sleds to race down the steep hills of City Park Golf Course, while others saw the snow as Connor Fagan an opportunity to get the perfect Instagram Staff Writer post. Although the LSU Law Administration was fretting over closing the school, the vast majority of the students were happy to have an extra week of Christmas break. However, this snowy scene had a dark downside: the winter weather caused hundreds of car crashes and tens of thousands of power outages. Students may have celebrated our first dusting of snow in December, but the last bout of winter weather was truly a Snowpocalypse. In December, snow was swirling during the worst of days: final exams. This writer had two seminar papers to finish, and no power or water. Some law students were worried their exams would be delayed until the next week. Luckily, no exams were delayed into the holidays, but students were sad they had to sit for exams rather than enjoying the beautiful winter wonderland. Thankfully, the post-exam celebration went off without a hitch. As law students, we’re used to the stress — perhaps because of the ice in our veins.

For the rest of Louisiana, the freezing temperatures and dusting of snow created dangerous driving conditions. The second occurrence of winter weather proved to be far scarier than the first. Although we did not receive as thick of a layer of snow as we did in December, the thin layer of snow melted and refroze, creating black ice on the roadways that led to many vehicle accidents. Two deaths in Louisiana resulted from the winter weather, and at least 16 people were killed across the southern states. While a white Cajun Christmas had its perks, Louisiana drivers and residents struggled to cope with icy roadways. Although many funny memes were created to depict the southern states completely shutting down in the snowy weather, the truth of the matter is that we are not equipped to handle these conditions. As a student, Snowpocalypse allowed me to savor my holiday break for a few more days. And like most people, I was.

Olympics continued...

President Pence made a firm statement by ignoring the North Korean emissary at the games, and brought a guest of his own: Fred Warmbier, whose son was brutalized by the North Korean regime after he attempted to steal North Korean propaganda, and subsequently died a few days after his release to the United States. Pence also reminded President Moon of the economic sanctions promulgated by the United Nations against North Korea, and the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953, an agreement he described as “forged in blood.” While President Moon may be at odds with the West’s policies concerning North Korea, he may be the latest victim of réalpolitiques. In the midst of hosting the Olympic games, President Moon has rejected the North Korean emissary’s invitation to the North Korean Capital of Pyongyang, suggesting that North Korea, “should accomplish this by creating the right circumstances.”

THE CIVILIAN | FEBRUARY 2018

(BR)unch

For my first brunch review of the semester, I decided to change things up a bit and take in a movie with my mimosa. I saw an advertisement for Movie Tavern Citiplace, which now serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. As Leslie Knowles an avid movie fan, I thought, Columnist “I have to give this a try!” Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. There is just one downside to the schedule: rather than dropping in for brunch whenever you like, you also have to pick a movie you want to see that fits into that time frame. The brunch menu was consistent with what you might normally expect from Movie Tavern. The selection is smaller than other places that I have tried recently, but that wasn’t surprising – the main attraction here is the movie, after all. Although small, the menu sports a wide variety of options from sweet to savory and everything in between. Some examples include chicken and waffles, pancakes, a breakfast burrito, and, if you’re feeling less adventurous, a simple “all-American” breakfast with eggs and your choice of bacon or Andouille sausage. As far as pricing goes for the rest of the menu, it was about average for the amount of food you get. Entrees range from $7.95 the $13.95, which is certainly not bad for a whole meal. Do keep in mind, though, that that is in addition to the ticket price. As far as the service was concerned, I have to admit… Movie Tavern does still confuse me a little. This was my fourth visit since it opened, and I’m still not entirely sure whether the server is supposed to come over and take your order immediately after you sit down, or if you have to press the red button to get service. I’ve had both experiences. On this particular

occasion, we did not have a server greet us right when we sat down. We waited about 10 minutes and pressed the button to get service. It still took quite a while for someone to come over and take our order. I would understand this if it was a crowded theater; however, there were only about 10 people there total. Once we finally did get service, I decided on a fried egg sandwich: Three fried eggs and bacon with cheese on toasted sourdough with tater tots on the side. The food did seem to take a little longer than expected, especially considering there weren’t many people in the theatre. That being said, I was quite happy with the quality. The sourdough toast was the standout part of the meal for me. It was perfectly toasted with just the right amount of butter and the just the right amount of fluffiness. Let’s address the most important question: What is the cocktail situation? While they do not offer bottomless mimosas or Bloody Mary deals, I was pleased with what they had for the price. For $5.00, you get one mimosa plus a shot glass full of orange juice and the remainder of the mini bottle of champagne that they used to make it. Depending on your preferences, you could easily get two mimosas for $5.00. Overall, the mimosas were fine. Not outstanding, but not bad either. I will say that the shot glass made things a little messy when trying to mix your drink – especially in the dark. I didn’t get a chance to try the Bloody Mary, but I imagine that they are similar in value to the mimosa. So, who would I recommend this for? If you are a movie buff or are just in the mood for a Saturday or Sunday matinee and you don’t want to wait to do brunch afterward, I would say go for it. If you were not planning on seeing a movie anyway and are just looking for a good meal on a weekend morning or early afternoon, there are better options out there.

Spotlight continued...

they haven’t made a “Turtleneck and Chain” remix with Trahan for AssFlat yet. Seems like a pretty easy one. A: Even more confusing is why I thought I would take him for two classes last semester. Q: Ouch. How’d that end up? A: Not bad, actually. Plus, as you know he’s an interesting professor and keeps the classes entertaining. Q: What made you want to go to Law School? A: I always knew I wanted to be a civil rights lawyer. In fact, I want to start a CAIR clinic. Q: What exactly is CAIR for those who might not know? A: CAIR is the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the clinics represent clients pro bono in discrimination suits. CAIR is also a great way to show positive Muslim influence in the community and help break down Islamophobia. Q: Is there a large Muslim community in Louisiana? A: Surprisingly enough, there is a sizeable one in New Orleans. Despite this, there isn’t a CAIR presence in the entire state of Louisiana.

THE CIVILIAN | FEBRUARY 2018

Part one: Silent

On the morning of November 29, 2017, over four million people turned on the Today Show to find Hoda Kotb in Matt Lauer’s place. Kotb along with show cohost Savannah Guthrie broke the news that Lauer had been terminated from NBC News. On the night of November 27, 2017, NBC received a detailed complaint from a Caitlin Mullaney colleague of Lauer’s about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace. While Staff Writer this was the first complaint against Lauer, serious review by NBC gave them reason to believe that this may not be the only incident.

At the time Lauer was just the latest in a continuing chain of powerful figures to fall from the revelation of sexual harassment allegations. The list of powerful figures to fall includes everyone from politicians and CEOs to top Hollywood executives and once-admired actors. While there are some notable allegations that have already made their way to the court system such as those levied against actor Bill Cosby, the start of the current on-set of revelations is often marked with the Harvey Weinstein scandal being brought to light. Until October 5, 2017, the name Harvey Weinstein, cofounder of the entertainment company Miramax, was one only known amongst the Hollywood circles, then on that date the New York Times published a story that detailed the decades of sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein. In the weeks following the Times story, the allegations against Weinstein began to mount, with numerous women, including actresses Uma Thurman, Rose McGowen, and Lena Headey coming forward with their stories. Since the Weinstein scandal broke there has been a cascade of over 71 high-profile men in the entertainment industry, news media industry, and politics that have been fired or resigned after accusations of sexual misconduct came to light; and over 28 high-profile men who have experienced other professional fallout short of release or resignation. As with Weinstein these allegations range anywhere from inappropriate comments to rape. (As of February 8, 2018) In addition to Lauer some of the other notable figures to fall include: Roy Price, Head of Amazon Studios, who resigned after allegations of harassment from an executive at Amazon; Kevin Spacey, Actor, who was fired and cut from numerous projects after allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct with

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a minor; and Jerry Richardson, Owner of the Carolina As news of allegations continues to break, and powerful men continue to fall, consequences of the sexual misconduct turn from career fallout to legal fallout, with investigations beginning and the possibility of charges being brought. One of the biggest legal matters that has come into discussion has been Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs). The New York Times has uncovered settlements between Weinstein and at least eight women, all of which are settlements of sexual harassment and assault cases that include NDAs, which prevent the women from going public with their stories. Weinstein’s alleged victims are not the only settled for silence cases, there has also been discovery of tens of millions of dollars that has been settled for NDA silence between Bill O’Reilly, former Fox News host, and alleged sexual harassment victims. A former assistant of Weinstein’s, Zelda Perkins, broke the NDA that arose out of her sexual harassment claim against him, explaining that the only reason that she settled the claim was because she felt like she had no other option. Also, that she was not alone in this feeling referring to a colleague that settled a similar claim for the same reason. In her decision to break the NDA and go public Perkins stated to Forbes, “Unless somebody does this there won’t be a debate about how egregious these agreements are and the amount of duress that victims are put under. My entire world fell in because I thought the law was there to protect those who abided by it. I discovered that it had nothing to do with right and wrong and everything to do with money and power.” The very issue of victims being pressured into muzzling NDAs was recently brought into the national spotlight during the trial of Larry Nassar, former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, who was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for decades of sexual abuse of the gymnasts he treated. Where gymnasts such as McKayla Maroney would face potential fines of $100,000 for speaking at the trial of their abuse by the doctor. When news of Maroney’s potential fine for speaking out became public numerous celebrities, including Chrissy Teigen and Kristen Bell, stepped up and offered to pay the fine to allow Maroney to have her story heard. This quick call to action in addressing the oppression of the victim, is part of a larger movement that has been brewing decades, women are tired of keeping quiet and “the clock has run out on sexual assault” #TimesUp.