Issue 91, Volume 79

THE DAILY COUGAR

T H E

O F F I C I A L

S T U D E N T

N E W S PA P E R

O F

T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

Monday, March 24, 2014

Issue 91, Volume 79

O F

H O U S T O N

S I N C E

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Khator promises to keep to UH’s core mission Amanda Hilow News editor

As a testament to UH’s continuing growth, the University president publishes an annual report marking the previous year’s accomplishments.

In the 2013 President’s Report,

President and Chancellor Renu Khator noted UH’s upholding of its national rankings and its increase in the number of nationally ranked programs. Ten of UH’s graduate programs are ranked Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report.

For the first time, the Law Center is

ranked in the Top 50, and four of its programs are ranked in the Top 20.

“We certainly take pride in such accomplishments, but we exist because we educate and open young minds to the possibilities of their own potential. Everything else — rankings,

residence halls, recreation centers, research labs, athletics — only enhances our capacity to do so,” Khator said in the report.

“They are not the mission in themselves. It is important for us as administrators, faculty and staff to rededicate

ourselves to the core mission of our university, no matter how hard it is, no matter what demands it makes of us.

If anyone can shape the future of our higher education, we in Houston can.”

REPORT continues on page 2

CLASS

Task force to strengthen African American Studies Erika Forero Staff writer

Dean John Roberts of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences has appointed a task force to further develop the African American Studies curriculum by strengthening the minor and developing a proposal for a major.

Roberts said that one of the group’s goals is to make courses toward an AAS minor more easily accessible to students, emphasizing their availability outside of just the AAS department.

“The task force’s work will also focus on finding ways to better highlight the large number of faculty and courses at UH that explore the experiences of African people on the continent and throughout the diaspora,” Roberts said. “Since many of the African American Studies courses are taught in departments other than African American Studies, Roberts the task force i s c ha r g e d with developing ways of making sure that students will be able to more easily find and register for these courses.”

Specifically, the team will work on developing a process to make sure that these courses are regularly cross-listed and made available in one place to make things easier for those pursuing the minor.

Roberts appointed the members of the task force on Jan. 31 during a coming together of faculty who teach African American Studies courses throughout CLASS, according to a UH press release.

Rheeda Walker, associate professor of psychology, said she is excited to be a part of a team that is attempting to help bring to light the largely

THE FORCE The African American Studies task force is made up of:

• Chair James Conyers Jr., director of AAS • Gerald Horne, John and Rebecca Moores Professor in the Department of History • Phil Howard, associate professor in the Department of History • Janice Hutchison, professor of anthropology in the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies • Shayne Lee, associate professor in the Department of Sociology • Richard Mizelle, assistant professor in the Department of History • Demetrius Pearson, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance • Linda Reed, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of History • Rheeda Walker, associate professor in the Department of Psychology unnoticed rich cultural history of African-Americans in the U.S. and the diaspora.

“In academia, more effort is needed to stimulate scholarly activities and also community connections that bridge people to our cultural roots,” Walker said.

James Conyers, director of AAS since 2002 and chairman of the task force, said he agrees and that making more courses accessible to students is a good move to broaden the curriculum.

“The minor will also have an international focus, so it isn’t going to just focus on African-Americans in the U.S., but also it will have an international focus that will extend to Latin America and the Caribbean,” Conyers said.

“Already we work with Africa with our AAS continues on page 3

Presidential candidate of The “WE” Party, Naeem Abdullah, and his running mate have appealed their complaint against Student Government Association president-elect Charles Haston for directing expletives at the Election Commission to the SGA Court of Appeals. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

President-elect at risk Lingering complaints from former rival threatens newly elected leaders Nora Olabi Assistant news editor

Class A violations were jointly filed by the top of The “We” Party ticket against Student Government Association President-elect Charles Haston with the Court of Appeals to determine their merits.

On Feb. 21, Haston was accused of directing expletives at former chief elections commissioner, Kendrick Alridge, and Shreeya Uphadhyay, who assumed the position after Alridge. The complaint was brought by presidential candidate Naeem Abdullah and vice presidential candidate Roberto Martinez III of The “We” Party, according to the original complaint form that was filed March 3.

They cited sections one and Haston three of the Student Code of Conduct that relates to standards, harassment, disruption and obstruction, University policies and procedures, and mental or bodily harm, along with a section of the Texas Penal Code that addresses disorderly conduct — each of which are Class A violations.

The original complaint was found unmerited by SGA

Attorney General David Ghably. He found that there was “no mention” of mental or emotional harm, nor was there evidence of any demeaning, degrading or disgracing during his investigation, according to documents attached to the initial complaint.

“It is not clear which subsection the complaint in question would fall under ... I cannot find any link that would give the subsections justification,” Ghably said. “Charles Haston and Chief Election Commissioner Kendrick Alridge had a meal together on Wednesday, (Feb. 26). It lasted an hour, and there seemed to be no animosity towards each other.”

Dissatisfied with Ghably’s decision, Abdullah and Martinez filed an appeal with the Court at noon Friday, saying that Ghably did not sufficiently research the facts and that it was “virtually unexplainable” for him to come a decision to find the original complaint unmerited, according to the Complaint Claim Appeal that was filed. The witnesses listed on the original complaint include Alridge, Upadhyay, Vanessa Roche, Darcy Caballero, Arianna Cruz and Daniel Gray.

“I hope justice is served. We’re not here to accuse people of things they didn’t do. We’re just saying that these events took place,” Abdullah said.

SGA continues on page 2

2 \\ Monday, March 23, 2014

THE DAILY COUGAR

NEWS REPORT

continued from page 1

As the Texas Legislature heads toward a higher-education, outcomesbased funding model, UH is embracing the approach to student success by emphasizing strategic enrollment practices.

The average SAT score of entering freshmen in 2013 was 1138, compared to an average of 1060 in 2008. The stricter enrollment standards seem to correlate with UH’s freshman retention rate, which was recorded at 84.7 percent for Fall 2013, as opposed to 79.2 percent in Fall 2008.

“More than ever before, we concentrate on student success and degrees produced rather than simple head count,” the report said.

The report also cites living on campus as a driver of student success.

SGA

continued from page 1

Harvest Hill apartments

“All we’re looking for is justification of these actions.”

Evidence in the appeal was compiled to defend the assertion that Haston allegedly violated sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 3.12, 3.5 and 3.32 of the Student Code of Conduct and Texas Penal Code section 42.01(a1), (a2) and (a4) for shouting a profanity at the election commissioners.

Class A violations are classified as violations of the Student Code of Conduct and/or local, state and/or federal infractions; election fraud; falsified campaign documents; or identity theft.

The penalty for a Class A violation is disqualification and an automatic

After the opening of Cougar Village II and Cougar Place, the student residence capacity reached 8,098 in Fall 2013 — the second-highest among all Texas universities — increasing from 4,730 in Fall 2007.

“Along with the academic benefits this provides, it creates palpable energy and enthusiasm on campus every day,” the report said.

Among the notable projects cited in UH’s ongoing $1 billion construction program are the 40,000-seat football stadium, the Stadium Parking Garage, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building and the 1A Parking Garage across from Moody Towers. Substantial renovations have also been made to the Blaffer Art Museum, the University Center and the Central Plant.

To read the full report, visit uh.edu/ presidents-report. news@thedailycougar.com

referral to the Dean of Students Office, according to the SGA election rules and regulations.

If the complaint was found merited on appeal, a trial date will be set by the Court.

“This is a last-ditch effort to try and win the presidency through the court because he couldn’t do it with the voters,” Haston said.

Haston and his running mate, Erica Tat, captured 60.8 percent of the voters during the run-off elections when they ran against The “We” Party presidential slate.

The SGA Court of Appeals will release its decision as to whether to merit the complaint at noon Wednesday. news@thedailycougar.com

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Monday, March 23, 2014 // 3

THE DAILY COUGAR

NEWS EDITOR

Amanda Hilow

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Flocking to the Fiesta Between Thursday’s ribbon cutting by Mr. and Mrs. Fiesta and B.o.B’s Friday-night performance, thousands of UH students were entertained by Cook-Off entries, greek varieties shows, inflatable obstacle courses, Coog Radio giveaways, and more. For more photos, visit thedailycougar.com.

— Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

AAS

continued from page 1

study abroad program to Ghana. This is an excellent addition for us to have.”

The task force will focus on only the proposal for a major, not a department, at this point in time. Conyers said expansion to a department may be able to happen much later down the road.

For now, supplemental courses from history, comparative cultures, English,

sociology, music and theater are available to students, providing them about 60 hours just in undergraduate AAS and another 30-plus hours in other departments in CLASS. Conyers said developing AAS is a great opportunity to keep up with competition.

“First of all, there is only one university in the state of Texas that offers a degree in African American Studies,” Conyers said. “That’s University of Texas at Austin. So, we would be the first

urban university in the state of Texas to offer a degree in AAS.” Conyers is excited to continue working on this development because students have long been expressing their desire to further their studies in the subject.

In his own study, Conyers looked at a random sample of 18 national universities. He found that, nationally, only two universities did not offer the degree in AAS out of the group studied — UH and the University of Utah. He also

found that, of the Category 1 schools — meaning universities that are located in a large metropolis — UH is the only university that does not offer a degree in African American Studies.

“The thing is, we’ve got the student population that is interested in the subject area,” Conyers said. “We don’t have challenges with attracting students to our courses. I just think it’s a good move forward for us, it’s a good fit for the University and it identifies that we are competitive with our peer institutions

inside and outside of Texas.”

Walker said she agrees and that there is no better place to further develop a strong AAS program than at UH. “Where better to do that,” Walker said, “than at the Carnegie-designated Tier One public research institution that happens to be situated in the fourthlargest city in the U.S., of which almost 25 percent of the population is made of black adults and youth and within a community that values education and

4 \\ Monday, March 24, 2014

THE DAILY COUGAR

OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL

opinion@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/opinion

CROSSFIRE

Phelps’ death calls for reflection on local campus bigots We must ignore the call for petty revenge

W

hen infamously horrible individuals were wiped, removed and shot off the face of the earth, unfortunately, no one was seen parading in the streets.

While there may have been a multitude of individuals who jumped for joy and screamed Kelly in exuberance Schafler upon the death of these corrupt people, they probably kept that kind of celebration to the confines of their homes.

For example, when Hamburg radio in Germany reported that Hitler had been killed, there was no uproar of liberated people brushing the shackles of their oppression off their shoulders.

Though this reported “killing” actually turned out to be a suicide — BBC reports that the Hamburg radio announced that Hitler died in Berlin while fighting the Red Army — there was no dancing atop freshly lain dirt to be planned.

Instead, there was cautious optimism.

This is the same attitude we should take in light of the recent passing of Westboro Baptist Church’s pastor, Fred Phelps.

In case someone doesn’t know the monstrosity that was Phelps, he was mostly known for his impact on people of different organizations, ethnic groups and sexual orientations — and by impact, I mean majorly offensive and bigoted words.

In fact, the URL for Westboro Baptist Church’s website is godhatesfags.com. Its explanation of this creed is a “profound theological statement, which the world needs to hear more than it needs oxygen, water and bread.”

I’m pretty sure the world needs oxygen much more than hearing the words of a decrepit, hateful, disrespectful and narrow-minded man.

From this website, viewers can see exactly how many “people whom God has cast into hell since you loaded this page” as well as the number of pickets that WBC has conducted: 52,350.

Understandably, many people have had fantasies about punching

Like the Westboro Baptist Church, Open Air Holiness Ministries and Bulldog Ministries claim to spread faith while antagonizing everyone around them. The latter have recently drawn large crowds of enraged students while standing in designated campus free speech zones. | File photo/The Daily Cougar Phelps dead in the face for his ignorance. However, now that he has passed, people are left wondering how to react.

Phelps and other followers of his church could often be found insulting and condemning humans

who did not live life exactly the way he believed it should be led.

He also notoriously picketed the graves of American soldiers and Jewish institutions and also led anti-gay protests.

Made infamous for these

skewed viewpoints, Phelps is proof that though hate can fuel one to an old age, it will eventually eat a person from the inside.

As Phelps’ estranged son, IGNORE continues on page 7

It might be petty, but communities can get closure by picketing and protesting at Phelps’ funeral

H

e was an architect of antagonism — living proof that a constant flow of hatred can fuel the human body well into old age.

Fred Phelps the once-ringleader of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, has died at 84. Many will be overjoyed upon hearing this news.

In case anyone is unfamiliar as to Marcus why that may be: Arceneaux Phelps, his children and his church are widely known for disdainful protests, such as picketing the funerals of American soldiers and posthumously scolding them for supporting homosexuals.

In a 2010 interview with the Huffington Post, Phelps explained his

rationale, saying, “Soldiers’ funerals are the right place. The Lord has killed him. The soldier shouldn’t be there dead. But this is the God that delivered 10 different plagues — and nothing worked. So here we are.”

Phelps’s years of psychological torment and public disruption have led to two polarizing positions for individuals in regards to his funeral: revenge or peace?

Thomas Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas, said, “This is our moment as a community to rise above the sorrow, anger and strife he sowed and to show the world we are caring and compassionate people who respect the privacy and dignity of all.”

Accompanying Witt’s sentiment, an array of bloggers are urging

THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Amanda Hilow SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Monica Tso PHOTO EDITOR Izmail Glosson OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Laura Gillespie, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

readers to embody a higher sense of morality and leave Phelps’ family be.

But human beings have a deepseated desire for retribution, as implied by America’s system of capital punishment. And it’d be ever-sopleasurable to see the WBC receive a taste of its own medicine when its main firebrand’s flame goes out.

Large wooden signs with admonishing words undulating passionately across the street from Phelps’s funeral would certainly be a kind of poetic justice — especially if rainbowcolored. And there’s no doubt many are scrambling to hatch a plan on the best way to go about this.

Before such deliberations, however, here are some facts about this notorious fellow.

Phelps used to be a civil rights

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250

attorney — he was eventually disbarred — who once fought for the eradication of Jim Crow laws in Topeka, Kan. He made the claim that he “systematically brought down the Jim Crow laws” of that city.

Eventually, Phelps switched from protecting the rights of downtrodden blacks to supporting the condemnation of the downtrodden gay community. On top of that, 11 of his 13 children have law degrees — if this doesn’t showcase the glaring difference between academic intelligence and emotional intelligence, I’m not sure what will.

With this information, one can see that there is some complexity in Phelps’ bigotry. His “hate dial” is not set to maximum overdrive, as opposed to the clichéd prejudice of a

words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major.

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KKK member. But, inspired by biblical belief, this old, decrepit man drew a line on civic duty when it came to homosexuals. Phelps felt that unless we did something about “the gays,” Americans would eventually turn into proverbial stones of salt like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Clearly, he was being led by Old Testament notions of denunciation, not the more merciful displays of character brought about by Jesus — i.e., “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

But it’s suspicious that the only minority the WBC rants about is the LGBT community — it doesn’t care about murderers, liars, adulterers, idolaters, etc. It’s all about the gays — and sometimes Jews.

PROTEST continues on page 7

be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

Monday, March 24, 2014 // 5

THE DAILY COUGAR

SPORTS EDITOR

Christopher Shelton

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GOLF

Coach’s vision allows UH to take flight Christopher Shelton

Sports editor

Six years ago, assistant coach Chris Hill marked 2014 on his calendar.

Though he worked for Houston Baptist at the time, Hill knew he would soon join his good friend Jonathan Dismuke at UH. Hill and Dismuke, the director of golf, believed that 2014 would be the year that the Cougars would go from also-rans to regaining the national prominence the program once enjoyed when legendary former coach Dave Williams led UH to 16 national titles.

Hill is no fortune teller, but his premonition proved correct. UH, which was No. 180 when Dismuke arrived, has risen to No. 8 in Golfweek’s rankings.

“The history was here, and Houston is a golf community. It gets behind junior golf and player development,” Hill said. “Where there’s history, they’ve done it before, and the pieces were here. We just needed Jonathan to put them back together.”

The Cougars and junior Roman Robledo have swept three consecutive team and individual titles, including a defeat of No. 1 Alabama at the

SOFTBALL

UH sweeps Temple in AAC opener

Assistant coach Chris Hill (left) said he knew the No. 8 Cougars would have a breakout season after the team worked harder than ever this offseason to reach its championship goals. | File photo/The Daily Cougar Querencia Cabo Intercollegiate on March 4. The win stopped Alabama’s 11-game winning streak.

UH will put its three-game winning streak on the line Monday with a trip to Palm City, Fla., where it will face 11 teams in the top 30 during the Valspar Invitational at Floridian.

The Cougars’ success this season didn’t surprise the coaching staff or the players. Hill said he knew the team was ready to compete at a high

sports@thedailycougar.com

tournament, the Cougars have won four tournaments and crept into the top 10.

Some of the Cougars’ ascension can be attributed to Robledo’s growth as a golfer. He leads UH with a 70.86 scoring average, 15 rounds of par or better and seven rounds in the 60s to earn a No. 15 ranking among individuals. Robledo, a two-time American Athletic Conference Golfer of the Week and a Golfweek National Player of the

sports@thedailycougar.com

BASEBALL

West’s career day propels Cougars Sean Alder Staff writer

The Daily Cougar news services Junior infielder Jaime Edwards drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning and UH walked off with a 7-6 win over Temple to complete the series sweep on Sunday.

The Cougars improved to 16-10 on the year and opened American Athletic Conference play with a 3-0 mark.

UH began American Athletic Conference play by posting a pair of 8-0 run-rule victories over Temple on Saturday.

Senior pitcher Diedre Outon allowed only one hit for the second time this season in game one. She went the distance by throwing 5.0 innings to earn her fifth win of the year in her one-hit performance.

In game two, UH jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. It then cruised to the 8-0 shutout win.

UH’s first three batters scored and stole a base to set the tone in the second win of the day.

level when the golfers “worked harder than they’ve ever worked” during the offseason, but the players knew earlier.

“We knew right after we won conference that we were going to do something special,” said senior golfer Curtis Reed. “Amongst us, we were saying, ‘We’re going to be good. We’re going to be really good next year.’”

Since winning the Conference USA tournament for the first time since 2001 and making the NCAA

Week, has won four tournaments in 2014.

However, Robledo said the team’s chemistry and competitiveness have helped him develop as a golfer.

“The way our team works, we’re tight. It’s like a brotherhood,” Robledo said. “We’re there for each other no matter what.”

Before Robledo’s recent hot streak, Hill said his golfers reminded him of the 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons, who didn’t have a star but played well as a team to upset the glamorous Los Angeles Lakers in the finals.

Like the Pistons’ Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown, Dismuke took over a program starving to return to championship contention.

Now, the Cougars have championship expectations and expect to win every tournament they enter. Brown has already earned a title, but Hill has no doubts that Dismuke will win at the championship level.

“I met Jonathan six years ago when I was at Houston Baptist. He was the first person I met while I was recruiting. Wherever he was going to coach, I was going with him,” Hill said.

“He’s the best coach in golf.”

Sophomore pitcher Jared West took the mound for his third start of the season. He had a good start by retiring the side in two straight innings and came away with four strikeouts.

West pitched eight innings and set a career-high 11 strikeouts in UH’s 7-1 win over Charleston to complete the series sweep. He allowed only one run and had no walks.

“I felt pretty solid after the first inning,” West said on his career day.

“I just had to pound the zone. I kept doing it, and it worked out for me.”

UH (19-4) completed its fourth series sweep of the season. Head coach Todd Whitting said his team’s ability to close out teams, which he said wasn’t a strong suit last season, has been a vast improvement.

“Sundays haven’t normally been a really good day for us,” Whitting said. “I’m really proud of their effort for regrouping and going to work

over the last four to five innings.”

Three singles and a game-changing five walks allowed the Cougars to put the game away in the eighth inning. Three of UH’s five runs scored off walks. Charleston finally retired the side after 11 UH batters, but pitchers Aaron Stewart, a senior, and junior Jared Robinson came in to secure the win.

With two outs in the 7th inning, redshirt senior Casey Grayson reached first base on a walk. A passed ball from Charleston and singles from sophomores Justin Montemayor and Justin Vidales gave UH a 2-1 lead. With UH clinging to a one-run lead, West retired the side in the eighth inning and picked up his 11th strikeout.

Head coach Todd Whitting said he was proud of West’s outing.

“Eleven punch-outs against what I think is one of the best offensive teams we’ve played all year. That’s pretty impressive,” Whitting said.

“Eleven strikeouts against what I think is one of the best teams we’ve played all year is very impressive.

The Cougars completed their fourth series sweep of the season by defeating College of Charleston with strong pitching performances, including sophomore Jared West’s career-high 11 strikeouts on Sunday. | File photo/The Daily Cougar He hadn’t been real sharp early on, and he came out today, regrouped and got going.”

Whitting said he is optimistic for the rest of the season and also looking to build on the team’s sweep of

Charleston to develop further, saying, “It’s a process, and we have to keep going all the way through June until we stop playing.” sports@thedailycougar.com

6 \\ Monday, March 24, 2014

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Monday, March 24, 2014 // 7

THE DAILY COUGAR

OPINION

IGNORE

PROTEST

Nathan Phelps, said in a post on Facebook, Phelps was “destroyed by the monster he made.”

USA Today reported on the multiple media sources that are encouraging angry Americans to protest Phelps’ funeral in a classic “what goes around, comes around” gesture.

With Facebook pages such as “Fred Phelps Death Watch” and “Protest Fred Phelps’ Funeral,” members of the online world took to these forums to express their rage, contempt or compassion.

As for the “church” that was the product of Phelps’ hatred, according to CNN, it does not plan to hold a funeral for Phelps.

Shirley Phelps-Roper, Phelps’ daughter, told CNN of this decision.

“We do not worship the dead,” Phelps-Roper said.

It’s understandable that they would be wary of a funeral. In light of all the funerals they themselves had protested, it’s not surprising that there are members of the LGBT community, as well as outside advocates, who would have to resist the urge to picket his funeral as due punishment.

However, a manhunt for justice is not what the world needs, because the fact that this man is dead is celebration enough.

The old saying of “an eye for an eye” is child’s play, and we are not children.

This same idea should be used when encountering extremist groups that come to UH to preach their disdainful views, such as Bulldog Ministries and Open Air Holiness Ministries.

It’s understandable that students may occasionally wish to reach into the mouths of these radicals and scrub out their brains and hearts with steel wool and a bar of soap, but that is not realistic.

While I do not believe that these groups should be allowed to speak in the University’s free speech areas because they are not students, the freedom of speech is protected by our First Amendment — even prejudiced speech.

Unfortunately, that means that we will continue to be faced with these insolent and heinously ignorant people. The best thing to do — after blatantly pointing out their idiocies — is to smile.

I am not advocating blissful ignorance. I am merely advocating for rising above — while hateful individuals are justly lowered into the cold, unforgiving ground.

At least Bulldog Ministries — the demagogues who like to roam UH’s campus — covers a larger spectrum of “sinners.” According to it, neither the sex-before-marriage males nor the short-shorts wearing females of UH will be allotted ice water in hell.

I’ve sat directly in front one of these Bulldog “gentlemen,” smiling and watching them exercise their freedom of speech. Some students pulled out their phones and enjoyed the show; others went about their daily business, desensitized to such antics.

If 18- to 20-year-olds do not

continued from page 4

Senior staff columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

You understand this is a win-win situation for me. If the fags win, and the country accepts them, then fine. Then they win. But it’s the end.”

continued from page 4

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Fred Phelps, said to Mother Jones magazine about how he believes his victory is assured, regardless of societal progress agree with the venom spouted from a fanatical group on campus yet can still comport themselves in a respectful manner, perhaps the same should be done with Phelps’ funeral and the WBC as a whole.

No, thank you, though.

How about this: A massive order of rainbow-colored flags, jackets, signs — the works — are ordered by anti-WBC groups. If and when Phelps’ funeral is held — maybe on a cloudy,

muggy day — protesters light up the streets and avenues with their pro-gay attire and sing songs — preferably by Elton John or Freddie Mercury — of love, joy and peace.

Actions such as this might seem petty and childish. And rightly so — fire doesn’t put out fire. But it should be done, because Phelps and the WBC win no matter what. Whether or not people respond to the WBC’s hate, its members are satisfied.

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Phelps made this clear in a 1999 interview with the magazine Mother Jones.

“You understand this is a win-win situation for me. If the fags win, and the country accepts them, then fine.

Then they win. But it’s the end,” Phelps said.

Such words arouse much anger and resentment. So go ahead and satisfy that vengeful instinct. Don’t let them have all the fun. Return the WBC’s non-violent displays of hatred with non-violent displays of unapologetic homosexual support and acceptance.

Opinion columnist Marcus Arceneaux is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Get your speech on.

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3/11/2014 1:05:06 PM

8 \\ Monday, March 24, 2014

THE DAILY COUGAR

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

Monica Tso

EMAIL

arts@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

EVENTS

Sounds of music Frontier Fiesta concerts draw crowds of students Sonia Zuniga Contributing writer

The annual Western tradition started off with a bang at Frontier Fiesta, leading to the highly anticipated musical performance Thursday night.

“If you like music and great entertainment, there is something for everyone,” Student Government Association vice president-elect Erica Tat said of the Fiesta tradition.

“All these little pieces are coming along, bring(ing) everybody together. We have a great line-up and good smaller headliners to go with it.”

Tents filled up with students, alumni and other guests.

“It’s been a really successful first day,” Tat said. “It had more activities for the students to do, and it’s been very well planned. From the variety shows to the stage setup, it’s a better layout, so it’s looking good so far.”

The carnival was a great opportunity for the Hispanic Business Student Association

and Finance Association.

Finance junior Adil Rajabali and finance senior Oscar Vaquerano represented the Global Energy Management and Finance Association organization at Frontier Fiesta.

“It’s awesome seeing everyone come out, leaving studying aside and having a great time,” Rajabali said. “Incoming freshmen and transfers get to see that we work hard and play hard.”

The two members hoped these events lead to future recruitment.

“We’ve been planning this event for two to three months,” Vaquerano said. “It’s a lot of work but worth it.”

These events were new to pre-pharmacy freshman Jewel George, who found the festive atmosphere loose but full of potential.

“It’s my first time here at Frontier Fiesta.

The musical performances were pretty good,” George said. “It will be fun to see the next big shows.” arts@thedailycougar.com

Pop group, A Great Big World, hyped the crowd with its hit single, “Say Something,” on Thursday evening during the annual Frontier Fiesta. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

Pop band, A Great Big World As A Great Big World performed its hit single “Say Something,” Cougars sang along to the well-known chorus while taking notice of their other songs.

“I checked out their album a little bit,” Tat said.

“They’re really good; it’s a bit of a warm-up for me.”

Advertising sophomore Susan Moosavi went to Frontier Fiesta last year and caught Thursday’s show

Rap artist, B.o.B

arts@thedailycougar.com

Country group, Love and Theft

Maritza Rodriguez Staff writer

Students waited all week after seeing flyers across campus highlighting the rap artist who performed at this year’s Frontier Fiesta.

The Student Program Board hosted hip-hop recording artist B.o.B on Friday night at the Bud Light stage.

Students crowded around to catch a glimpse of the artist, sing along and dance to his music.

Born as Bobby Ray Simmons Jr., B.o.B grew up in Georgia. Although he’s been traveling to get away from the cold weather, he felt that this show would turn out great because of the warm, breezy weather.

“I love when the weather is good, and I don’t have to worry about a raincoat,” B.o.B said. “It’s always a good crowd when the weather is good.”

The bright lights and rumbling speakers on stage heightened the artist’s performance to create an unforgettable experience for the crowd.

Computer engineering technology senior Ogaga Ogbodu said the performance was well-planned and thought it reached out to the audience.

“I think the show’s great,” Ogbodu said. “I’m a big fan of B.o.B, and I like what UH is doing by bringing artists like this.”

B.o.B performed many of his hit songs, such as “Headbands,” “Airplanes” and “Nothin’ on You.” During the performance, the audience danced and sang along, and some were even invited to dance on stage.

this year.

“Their other songs are really catchy,” Moosavi said of the leading band, A Great Big World. “The campus is so big, and people commute; it’s a cool way (to) bring everyone together and have fun while meeting new people.”

Janeka Porter Staff writer

Rap artist, B.o.B performed popular songs such as “Nothin’ on You” and “Airplanes” as some students danced on stage. | Sarah Hoffman/The Daily Cougar B.o.B said he feels that his style of music has many forms to get his audience going.

“I can adapt to any type of song or any genre,” he said. “I think it’s because I listen to some type of music at the time, and I may go through a spill of just listening to EDM, or I might listen to rock music — whatever fits my palate at that time.”

Members of the audience brought glow sticks and waved their arms in the air to follow the rhythm of the music. Mathematics freshman Marisa Cortes sat on a friend’s shoulder to get a better view of the artist. Cortes said she enjoyed the show and feels that UH should have more similar events and artists.

“UH should definitely have more festivals like this,” Cortes said. “It’s a

great way to get the school together, and things like this is what makes me feel that our school has pride.”

B.o.B was nominated multiple times and won awards for his hit tracks at the Teen Choice Awards and Soul Train Awards. B.o.B said he wants his audience to not only have a good time at his shows but to express themselves during that time. “(This show) is supposed to be a very liberating type of experience,” B.o.B said. “That’s something that can’t be said or told. It has to be told over a body of work or over many bodies of work, and it is a story that is kind of unfolded as I brush through by different albums, different themes and concepts.” arts@thedailycougar.com

Students screamed and crowded the Budweiser stage waving foam lightsticks as country band Love and Theft graced the stage and ended the concert series lineup for Frontier Fiesta.

Love and Theft members Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson sing lead vocals and play guitar, respectively. Love and Theft made its chart debut in early 2009 with the single “Runaway,” which reached the Top 10 on Billboard Hot Country Songs. “Angel Eyes” was its second song to reach the Top 10 on Billboard Hot Country Songs.

Love and Theft performed songs from its self-titled album, “Love and Theft,” released in 2012, as well as previously recorded songs and songs from its

new album they announced will be in stores Friday.

As smoke rose from the stage, the duo appeared at their microphones and opened the show, performing the single “She Gets Me.” Following, they performed songs from their album “Inside Out,” “Amen,” “Real Good Sign,” “Girls Look Hot in Trucks,” “If You Ever Get Lonely” and fan favorite “Angel Eyes.”

They also performed their new single, “Night that You’ll Never Forget,” and more.

After performing the final song, Liles threw his guitar pick into the crowd, and students jumped to get the signed pick from the artist.

“I loved all of it. My favorite song was ‘Let’s Get Drunk and Make Friends,’” said accounting junior Maddie Patterson. arts@thedailycougar.com

Country Music Television award-winning duo Love and Theft touched the hearts of the crowd on Saturday evening. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar