SPORTS Ernest accomplishes goals despite rough childhood page 7
Want to work for The Daily Reveille? Apply at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Journalism Building.
Reveille The Daily
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015 POLICE REPORTS
lsureveille.com/daily
OPINION Louisiana abortion laws harmful to women page 12
thedailyreveille
@lsureveille
thedailyreveille
2 University students die after being found in pool
Volume 119 · No. 133
WESLEY FLEMING / The Daily Reveille
25-, 28-year-old were graduate assistants in Department of Physics and Astronomy STAFF REPORTS news@lsureveille.com Baton Rouge Police Department officers found two unresponsive people at the bottom of a pool near Tigerland just after 1 a.m. Sunday morning. The two were later confirmed by BRPD to both be University students. BRPD identified the victims as 25-year-old Anton Joe and 28-year-old Ishita Maity. Both are listed as graduate assistants in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the LSU Directory. After an officer retrieved both unresponsive bodies from the pool, located at 1315 Bob Pettit Blvd., EMS transported them to a local hospital. Officers found the pool closed and a gate to the pool locked, according to the after hours synopsis. Preliminary investigation indicates the two may have entered the pool area by jumping the fence. BRPD said the two died at a local hospital Sunday afternoon and that there were no obvious signs of foul play.
First-year membership data give insight into Greek Life demographics BY JOSE ALEJANDRO BASTIDAS Manship News Service Editor’s Note: The Manship News Service agreed to withhold “Anna’s” real name. While her sorority sisters treat her as one of their own, 19-year-old biology freshman Anna said she can hear other Greek students call her “the black one” in a whisper. Anna is the only African-American student in her Pan-Hellenic Council sorority. Apart from National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, the most
recent data from the University shows that of nearly 1,500 first-year students who were members of University PanHellenic Council and Interfraternity Council fraternities and sororities in fall 2013, only four were AfricanAmerican. LSU Greek Life is comprised of the Interfraternity Council, with 18 active historically white fraternities and one historically Latino; the Pan-Hellenic Council, with 11 historically white sororities, one professional sorority and a multicultural sorority; and the
National Pan-Hellenic Council with nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities. Only one African-American fraternity has a house on campus. After rushing with friends from her all-girls high school in Houston, Anna was selected by the sorority of her choice. She said she formed new relationships within her chapter and participated in events, but she noticed members of other Greek
see DIVERSITY, page 6
JAZZ FEST 2015 Despite inclement weather, the 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival kicked off this weekend with live music and local food offerings. Check out The Daily Reveille’s complete coverage from the first weekend of Jazz Fest on page 4. photos by RAEGAN LABAT / The Daily Reveille
page 2
The Daily Reveille
Monday, April 27, 2015
TODAY’S FORECAST
IN THIS ISSUE
T-storms
75 67
page 6
Reveille The Daily
B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803
Newsroom (225) 578-4810
Advertising (225) 578-6090
CHANDLER ROME Editor in Chief HALEY ROWE-KADOW / The Daily Reveille
page 13
ERIN HEBERT Co-Managing Editor REBECCA DOCTER Co-Managing Editor FERNANDA ZAMUDIO-SUAREZ News Editor QUINT FORGEY Deputy News Editor JOSHUA JACKSON Entertainment Editor MARCUS RODRIGUE Sports Editor TOMMY ROMANACH Deputy Sports Editor JENNIFER VANCE Production Editor RYAN LACHNEY Deputy Production Editor
JIM COLE / The Associated Press
CAMPUS BRIEFS
Cassidy discusses higher education, medicine BY WILLIAM TAYLOR POTTER wpotter@lsureveille.com As part of the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Sen. Bill Cassidy stood before a presentation room packed with students and faculty Friday to speak about bioengineering and the future of healthcare. What they heard, however, was just as much about politics as it was medicine. LSU President F. King Alexander introduced the senator and addressed federal higher education funding and how it relates to engineering. Alexander specifically mentioned the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, passed in 1965 to govern the administration of federal aid programs, which is reauthorized approximately every five years. When it was last reauthorized in 2008, Title IV federal student aid amounted to more than $169 billion for the 2012-2013 school year, and total student aid — including sources such as federal loans and grants — has grown to $238 billion, according to College Board’s Trends in Student Aid 2013. “So far, we’ve done a lot to support institutions that have sprung up, that have grown in the last 25
years — many of those for-profit institutions — but we haven’t done enough to support our public institutions,” Alexander said. Alexander added that of the hundreds of for-profit institutions receiving the same Pell Grants as the University, not one is going towards engineering or STEM fields because the programs are so expensive. When Cassidy began his lecture, he also addressed the importance of higher education institutions and the effect they have on a person’s future. “You will appreciate that you look over the course of your life, and in part, a large measure is guided by where you went to school,” Cassidy said. “I have the privileges I have now because of the education I had here.” Cassidy also addressed topics including the human genome project, communication among researchers and ethics in the future of medicine. After his lecture, one student asked Cassidy about the cost of higher education and how to get students to continue their education. In response, Cassidy criticized some of the federal plans for student aid, including President Obama’s American Opportunity grant program.
SIDNEYROSE REYNEN Opinion Editor ZOE GEAUTHREAUX Photo Editor MARYLEE WILLIAMS Radio Director SAM ACCARDO Advertising Business Manager PAIGE ROBERTS Marketing Manager
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The Daily Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes which may have been printed in The Daily Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or e-mail editor@lsureveille.com.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Daily Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies for 25 cents, please contact the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Daily Reveille is published daily during the fall and spring semesters and semi-weekly during the summer semester, except during holidays and final exams. Second-class copies postage paid at Baton Rouge, La., 70803. Annual weekly mailed subscriptions are $125, semester weekly mailed subscriptions are $75. Non-mailed student rates are $4 each regular semester, $2 during the summer; one copy per person, additional copies 25 cents each. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Daily Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, La., 70803.
Monday, April 27, 2015 FACULTY
The Daily Reveille
page 3 ENVIRONMENT
University will not halt ongoing Princeton Review names faculty searches amid budget cuts LSU a Green College Singer, executive director of Academic Policy, Employment, and Systems and Communication Editor’s Note: This is the third in a Services within LSU Human Rethree-part series dealing with fac- source Management, said while ulty research and budget cuts to faculty searches have produced candidates who are concerned Louisiana higher education. about the fiscal situation, they Despite the potential 82 per- have not seen the quality of the cent budget reduction facing candidates diminish. Singer said deans are aphigher education, Vice Provost for Human Resources and Facilities proaching conversations with proManagement Jane Cassidy said spective faculty and researchers in an email to The Daily Reveille by explaining the financial situathe University will not stop any of tion and helping them understand its ongoing faculty searches. How- what it will realistically mean for ever, she also said in the email the the University’s future. She said University will be “judicious” in she believes the information probeginning any new searches until vided to candidates by LSU Budget there is more certainty surround- Hub is also relieving concerns. “I think that ing the budget. they are feeling “We have re‘I think that [prospective more comfortable ally good information that the Leg- faculty] are feeling more about it and are comfortable about [the more likely to apislature is going to ply for a position University’s financial do the right thing and try to stabilize situation] and are more now that they have a full understandhigher education likely to apply for a of the big picfunding so that position now that they ing ture,” Singer said. we’re not up and have a full understanding The University down like we are of the big picture.’ traditionally reright now,” Cassidy cruits faculty and said in an interMIMI SINGER, researchers by view. “It seems like executive director of Academic posting advertiseevery year we don’t know, and I think Policy, Employment, and Systems ments on the weband Communication Services site, but to remain there’s a real move competitive amid in the Legislature.” In a previous report by The the budget cuts, the Human ReDaily Reveille, LSU President F. source Management recruitment King Alexander said there are al- team is collaborating with individready 125 faculty searches under- ual colleges on additional recruiting strategies, Singer said. way. “For example, search commitAccording to an email from Vice President of Communica- tees will actively recruit reputable tions and University Relations candidates who meet the specific Linda Bonnin, of those 125 fac- needs of the position at conferulty searches, roughly 100 are “in ences and through individualized progress” or “proceeding” search- emails/phone calls,” according es to fill existing positions of retir- to an email from the recruitment ing faculty. They were figured into team. Unlike many other schools, the budget last fall and are already the University does not use outbeing filled or posted. The rest of the searches are side firms to conduct its faculty searches — in fact, the University new, according to Bonnin’s email. “Basically, we are moving for- is one of few schools to have an inward with faculty searches that ternal unit dedicated to recruiting, are already in progress,” Bonnin’s Singer said. She said this is an advantage email said. “New searches are being evaluated on a case by case for the University because it albasis, and many will be delayed lows for a more personal experiuntil we have a clearer budget ence between the employer and the prospective employee. picture.” Cope said there is a handful of As the new fiscal year approaches, Faculty Senate Presi- incentives any university can offer dent Kevin Cope said the quality to attract faculty and researchers, of the applicants could be affected. including salary, benefits, preMany potential employees are tenure preparation for younger inattentive to the media, and the re- dividuals and equipment. Some may be drawn to the Unicent coverage of the state’s higher education woes will affect their versity because they have familial perceptions of the University as or disciplinary connections to the a future employer, he said, and state, but Cope said most of the the state’s history of budget cuts University’s incentivization will for higher education will make have to happen at the level of salaprospective employees hesitant to ry, benefits and perks like reduced course loads or sabbatical leave. commit to the University. In 2013, the LSU Board of Su“A person who has options will, of course, always exercise the best pervisors approved the Univeroption, which means that LSU is sity’s first salary increase in four currently at a serious disadvan- years, according to a previous retage, at least at the level of public port by The Daily Reveille. “The salary picture has cerrelations,” Cope said. However, Cassidy and Mimi tainly improved,” Cope said. “I
BY ROSE VELAZQUEZ rvelazquez@lsureveille.com
wouldn’t say it’s rosy. It’s just a little bit more blushingly pink than it might have been a few years ago, but the University is significantly behind its competition, both in the public and private university sector.” After two consecutive years of salary raises — one at 3 percent and the other at 4 percent — Cassidy said the University was able to catch up with many of its competitors who were unable to offer raises. With the total of the University’s salary raises at 7 percent, she said it was higher than the national average, including SEC schools. Singer said there is a compensation staff within Human Resource Management responsible for reviewing the salaries offered by peer institutions to ensure the University remains competitive. “We’re not the only ones that aren’t giving pay raises,” Cassidy said. “Higher education is struggling around the country.” It is unlikely the University will have the resources to provide a salary raise for the upcoming school year, Cassidy said, but University administrators would like to make salary raises for each school year possible in the future. Singer said salary is an important factor in attracting faculty, but there is more to recruitment. She said she has seen prospective faculty pass up offers of higher salaries in favor of the University’s other advantages, such as flagship status, a variety of insurance options, relocation packages, crossdiscipline and faculty collaboration and a benefit called “Stopping the Tenure Clock.” “Stopping the Tenure Clock” allows faculty on the six-year tenure track to request more time in the event of a family emergency or life-altering circumstance, such as the birth of a child or the death of a family member, Singer said. Few other universities offer this type of incentive, and most others that do only grant it under specific circumstances. Singer said the University has a wider interpretation of the qualifications for departing from the tenure track. As the only flagship university in the state, Cassidy said faculty and researchers are often drawn to the University for the same reasons as students. The University has a variety of collaborative research opportunities available to candidates, Cassidy said. There is a group within the Office of Research and Economic Development dedicated to bringing together faculty and researchers who might not consider their fields to be related for collaboration, she said. For example, a group of music, engineering and art faculty were brought together to work on the Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research Initiative, an academic research program focused on collaborative digital media.
BY CHLOE HUFF chuff@lsureveille.com
For the sixth year in a row, The Princeton Review named the University a Green College for its commitment to sustainable practices. Colleges earned points based on their sustainability-related policies and practices for a “Green Rating,” ranging from 60 to 99. Those universities scoring an 83 or higher earned their spots in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 353 Green Colleges: 2015 Edition,” released April 16. This year, the University earned an 85. Colleges on the list were not ranked. “This is our sixth year we’ve been in it, and our score keeps improving,” said Facility Services assistant director Tammy Millican. “To say that it’s been six years in a row says a lot about the growth of our program.” In 2011, Entergy donated two electric vehicle charging stations. At the time, there were no electric cars on campus. Today, there are 11 electric cars driven by students, faculty and staff who use those stations to charge their vehicles. “That’s a pretty big growth, and I think that’ll increase and you’ll see more charging stations in campus,” Millican said. Another charging station will accompany Residential Life’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building on campus. LEED-certified buildings promote renewable, clean energy and have a positive effect on the health of its occupants while saving money and resources, according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s website. The University racked up points for its Green Rating with its different recycling practices around campus. Millican said the recycling rate increases every month and should be above 50 percent soon.
JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille
An electric car recharges at the electric car charging station located in the South Stadium parking lot. The Litterati campaign, a project encouraging students to pick up or recycle litter after posting a picture of it to social media, received more than 100 posts. The University also received $10,000 from a Keep Louisiana Beautiful grant to clean the LSU lakes and install new recycling bins around the area. For the third year in a row, Millican said the Arbor Day Foundation named the University a tree campus, one of only four in the state, because of its caretaking of its trees. Facility Services worked with Student Government, Millican said, to put refillable water bottle stations in five more buildings, reducing plastic water bottle waste. Millican said The Princeton Review values sustainability efforts that involve all members of the campus community. “[The Princeton Review] liked the fact that we have a campus committee for sustainability with students, faculty and staff that meet to determine what our sustainability goals will be for the year,” Millican said. “It was important to them that we have everybody involved in doing that.”
APRIL
EVENT CALENDAR
27
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015 3:00 PM
EnvironMentors - Energy, Coast & Environment Building
5:30 PM
Bernard Terrace Elementary Kids' Orchestra Showcase - Bernard Terrace Elementary
6:00 PM ALL DAY
Move Your Mountain, Low Impact - Gus Young Park 20x20x20 National Compact Competition - LSU Union Theater
For more information on LSU events or to place your own event you can visit www.lsureveille.com/calendar
page 4
The Daily Reveille
azz Fest 20 5
Monday, April 27, 2015
RAEGAN LABAT / The Daily Reveille
[Left] A festival-goer uses an umbrella hat to fight rain during Dumpstaphunk’s show at the Acura Stage. [Center] Nigerian group Lágbájá performs in Congo Square. [Right] Festival-goers dance on the muddy grounds.
Rain storms, mud aren’t enough to stop Jazz Fest 2015 at the New Orleans Fair Grounds; John Legend, Keith Urban headline BY ASHLYN ROLLINS arollins@lsureveille.com NEW ORLEANS — The 2015 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival may have had some setbacks, but it still lived up to its tradition as an experience full of food, music, inclement weather and an overall good time. Day one started off slowly, as festival-goers were wary of the impending storms. However, once the acts took the stages to kick off the day, the crowd’s energy and spirits were lifted to high levels. While each performance brought something original to the cultural melting pot that is Jazz Fest, there were specific headliners that fans were anticipating the most. The popular spots to be at on Friday were the Acura Stage and Gentilly Stage, hosting acts that included Earphunk, Wayne Toups, Mia Borders,
Royal Teeth, Hozier, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Keith Urban and Wilco. Hozier’s set garnered one of the largest crowds of the day, with onlookers eager to watch the famed “Take Me to Church” singer perform. He showed versatility by playing many of the lesser known songs on his album and also covering pop singer Amerie’s “1 Thing.” Halfway through the closing acts, rain and wind set in and forced artists to pack up early. However, they did make what time they had memorable. Keith Urban and Wilco were two of the most popular closing performances. Their set times were the same, making fans decide on which to see, as they were on opposite sides of the festival ground. Wilco was the prime choice for festival-goers who weren’t die-hard country fans. The band won the
crowd over with its alternative sound, keeping the mood in step with Hozier’s performance just before them. Closing out the Gentilly Stage, Wilco left festival goers in high, rocking spirits. At the Acura Stage, Keith Urban honored his loyal fans. He played most of his hits, giving fans just what they wanted to hear. At the point he was supposed to stop playing, however, he instead took to performing out in the audience and squeezed in a few more songs before giving in to
the weather. Day two began sunnier, drier and hotter than expected, allowing festival goers to jump right into the eager atmosphere. With New Orleansbased bands kicking off the day, it was impossible not to feel lifted up by the upbeat jazz and funk bands of Robin Barnes, TBC Brass Band, Tank and The Bangas, John Lisi and Delta Funk! as well as several others. Taking in more of the festival experience, attendees seemed to enjoy the classic festival food staples such as crawfish Monica, mango freezes and strawberry lemonade. Many attendees also had more interest in the arts and crafts vendors in between sets, some coming from cities as far as North Brunswick, New Jersey, and Ellenwood, Georgia. However, the festival hit a minor setback around 1 p.m. when the rain started
John Legend was one of several big-name stars who performed at the Fair Grounds despite inclement weather in the area. RAEGAN LABAT / The Daily Reveille
again. It was expected, and attendees showed up prepared, making umbrellas, ponchos and rain boots fashion statements. Once the rain picked up to the point of no longer being able to walk around comfortably — or drily — people either left or took shelter in the tented areas throughout the grounds. Some brave souls remained at the stages, dedicated to listening as much as the musicians were to playing. All of the acts continued, unfazed by the weather and powering through their performances with an unrelenting attitude. The Revivalists embraced the rain the most, with frontman David Shaw jumping off the stage and meeting the crowd at the barricades. An hour after the rain subsided, fans raced out to finish their festival experience on a positive note, turning the festival into a muddy playground for the remainder of the day. Popular closers were The Who, Ryan Adams, John Legend and The Robert Cray Band, who undoubtedly brought the festival to a strong close. Day three’s weather seemed more cooperative, ending the festival’s first weekend on a high note. Some of the popular artists festivalgoers saw throughout the day included Flow Tribe, Sweet Crude, Cowboy Mouth and Allen Toussaint. To close the day, Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga and Pitbull also performed.
The Daily Reveille
Monday, April 27, 2015 PHOTO STORY
festival international
de
louisiane WORDS JOSHUA JACKSON Entertainment Editor
PHOTOS EMILY BRAUNER Staff Photographer
From April 22-26, the streets of downtown Lafayette were filled with people celebrating Louisiana’s Cajun culture through music, food, dancing and art. For five days, Grammy Award-winners, international musicians and new acts performed during a long weekend as families and friends came together to partake in a 29-year tradition.
page 5
The Daily Reveille
page 6 STUDENT LIFE
Student organization celebrates African culture BY ROSE VELAZQUEZ rvelazquez@lsureveille.com University students and local community members came together Saturday night at the International Cultural Center to bring their African roots onto the stage for African Night 2015, “54 Shades of Africa.” The African Student Organization planned the annual event, which was sponsored by several businesses and organizations, including Student Government, Whole Foods Market, LSU Auxiliary Services, Baton Rouge Student Living and the United Nigerian Organization. It was a night of song, dance and theater exploring African culture in a way that was fun, entertaining and educational, said international studies senior and ASO president Adetutu Abimbola. Even Mike the Tiger made an appearance as guests took their places at tables adorned with rich purple table cloths and sparkling centerpieces. “This event, for a lot of people, is an avenue for them to showcase their heritage and also for us to promote our diversity,” Abimbola said. She said there were not only African students who attended and participated in the event, but a range of University students and community members from across the cultural spectrum came out to show their support. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony in which ASO members took to the stage to perform a dance routine and present the various flags of African nations. It was followed by a welcoming address from Abimbola that led to a series of performances, including a contemporary dance, an Afro-Caribbean dance, an African drama, African traditional dances and fashion shows. University students, dressed in colorful garments ranging from
orange and green skirts to glittering gold tops, brought energy and creativity to the stage with their renditions of cultural dance styles. Abimbola said approximately 70 University students and ASO members participated in the performances. Within the student organization, roughly 40 different African countries are represented. Mechanical engineering junior and ASO communications director Jordan Favret said she and her fellow dancers in the opening number and contemporary routine had been practicing and working on choreography since January. The choreography she contributed to the dance routines was inspired by music videos and the dances she learned from her friends in countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Kenya. As the group of traditional African dancers took to the stage for their first performance, the sound of beating drums filled the room. The performers entertained the crowd with a series of celebratory dances and a number of songs honoring their home countries. They came on stage a second time to perform a bushman dance, which was initiated by the words “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba.” The phrase roughly translates to, “Here comes a lion, father” — a Zulu chant popularized by the “The Lion King.” According to the performers, the dance is designed to imitate the warning of a lion’s approach. The group of traditional African dancers traveled to the University from Houston. When planning the event, Abimbola said ASO looks each year to book performers from across the country who fit into the mission of both entertaining and teaching the audience. Between the traditional dances, ASO members took part in fashion shows featuring two separate African-inspired clothing lines.
DIVERSITY, from page 1
organizations treating her differently. In November 2014, Anna said she looked forward to an event not sponsored by her sorority. Like other PHC sorority women, she wanted to be asked to attend an IFC fraternity event. Her hopes were crushed after the fraternity member she approached about going with told one of her friends he “wouldn’t take a black girl to that.” “I feel like more with the guys than the girls, there’s a lot of racism,” Anna said. “That guy didn’t want me to go with him to this event because of my skin color, so that was just an example for me.” University administrators agree that to promote diversity, the Greek community must be motivated. “I understand there’s a serious void of commitment to diversity, and it’s not always an intentional thing,” said Vice Provost for Diversity Dereck Rovaris Sr. “A lot of [fraternity and sorority members] haven’t been exposed to diversity in a meaningful way to say, ‘Hey, we’re a great organization, but let’s look at how much better we could be if we increase our diversity.’ Who cares what the founders of our organization said about who could or could not be included?” Associate Dean of Students and Director of LSU Greek Life Angela Guillory refused to answer direct questions on diversity in University fraternities and sororities. THE NUMBERS Data provided by the University shows — in addition to the four black students — 73 Hispanic students and 49 students from other ethnic and racial backgrounds were included in the overall number of freshmen with memberships to predominantly white Greek organizations in fall 2013. When the Manship News Service first requested data for a diversity breakdown of individual Greek organizations, the University cited an exception to the Louisiana Public Records Act because the precise document does not exist. The University is not required to create documents to
Advertising Sales Representatives
Please email your resume to jobs@birthdaypals.com Hiring in Alabama, Louisiana and Texas markets
satisfy requests under the law said Lloyd Lunceford, one of the University’s attorneys, in an email declining the request. However, the University provided documents showing first-year member data. Fraternities with five or less first-year members in fall 2013 were not included in the data. The data does not provide an accurate look at the overall racial composition of Greek organizations because it only includes the demographics of first-year members. THE OTHER SIDE Finance junior Adrean Barrios, a member of Sigma Nu, an IFC fraternity, said having a diverse background helps him stand out from his fraternity brothers. As a native Venezuelan raised in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Barrios decided to rush after hearing his high school friends were doing the same at other schools. Barrios said he incorporates common Hispanic references into his conversations — like joking about George Lopez — and considers himself fortunate to have that type of humor up his sleeve. “It’s apparent [that I am a member of a minority group],” Barrios said. “I just sold it, or projected it the right way. I’ll just crack my own little jokes. I’ll talk in Spanish for a second to catch people off guard. It’s its own joke.” Despite a lack of AfricanAmerican members, Barrios said his fraternity is diverse, mentioning Hispanic members from Louisiana and Texas, as well as a potential new member from Croatia. Data provided shows Hispanics are the largest minority group in predominantly white Greek organizations with 73 Hispanics out of nearly 1,500 first-year Greek members. UNEQUAL TREATMENT Petroleum engineering junior Denise Owusu, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an NPHC sorority, said growing up in Saudi Arabia showed her “what diversity really is.” She said the community acts differently toward NPHC organizations than they do to IFC and PHC organizations.
Owusu cited an incident at the University’s pancake breakfast in fall 2014 where members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and another African-American Greek organization started an impromptu step demonstration outside of The 5 dining hall. Owusu said someone called the police and the group was asked to leave. “I never want to make an excuse for racism by saying that if your parents are racist then you can be racist,” Owusu said. “Racism now is 100 percent your choice. I feel like with social media, we have so many resources to be more educated that our parents didn’t have before.” MAKING AMENDS Rovaris said the best way to improve race relations in LSU Greek Life, as well as on campus, is to educate the student body. The Office of Diversity, he said, is pushing to change the University’s curriculum requiring students to take at least one diversity-related course, such as women’s and gender studies or African and African American studies, to graduate. While the idea is in early administrative talks and there’s no set timeline for when or if the University will implement it, Rovaris said he considers this change one of his professional goals because it will allow all University students to understand the value of diversity. “Diversity is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic imperative,” Rovaris said. “The world in which our graduates are going to work in is a lot more diverse than the one their parents graduated in, and if you can’t understand and appreciate that… [Students] won’t be able to function.” LSU President F. King Alexander said in a statement that he encourages Greek organizations to integrate their populations. “I would like to see our fraternities and sororities change with the demographics of the nation,” Alexander said. “It would be in their best interest to do so. I would hope their national organizations agree with me and challenge their chapters to always be forward thinking.”
JOIN THE TEAM
We offer a protected territory, salary plus commission, company vehicle, and other benefits
If you have outside sales experience, are committed to building long term relationships with clients, and like to have fun, we’d love to talk to you!
Monday, April 27, 2015
At our new Siegen Lane Location! Host, Server, Bartender, Busser, Dishwasher, Line Cook Apply at 3613 Perkins Road
• Competitive pay for kitchen staff • Servers walk with cash • Employee discounts and free meals • 401K and health insurance for qualified hourly employees full and part time • Uniforms and training provided
Sports
Monday, April 27, 2015
page 7 SOFTBALL
LSU falls in 10-2, mercy-rule loss to Missouri
BY JACK WOODS jwoods@lsureveille.com
Running Home
Ernest overcomes rough childhood to enjoy championship career JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior Aaron Ernest runs the men 4x100 meter relay during the 2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou on April 4 at the Bernie Moore Track Stadium. BY MARIO JEREZ · mjerez@lsureveille.com On Aug. 29, 2005, Aaron Ernest sat in an overcrowded car with seven relatives for more than 12 hours, uncertain of his future or the fate of his home as it was about to be ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Ten years later he has emerged as a Junior National Champion, an NCAA champion and one of the most accomplished sprinters in LSU track and field history. Ernest grew up in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, a neighborhood infamous for its street violence. Ernest’s father was killed when the future Tiger was only two months old, leaving only his mother to support five children and forcing Ernest and his siblings to work at an early age. “It was tough growing up,” Ernest said. “I remember a lot of being kicked out of houses and lights being turned off and stuff like that for months at a time and for summers at a time.” Ernest said all the adversity he faced growing up helped
him in the long run. “It was rough, but looking back on it, it made me who I am today, so I’m appreciative,” he said. The Lower Ninth Ward was one of the hardest hit parts of New Orleans during Katrina, and Ernest’s family was forced to relocate to a small town in Alabama, bouncing from home to home until finally finding a stable place to live. Ernest attended Homewood High School, where he became a football standout at wide receiver. He received official offers from Kentucky, Louisiana Tech and Wake Forest and made official visits to LSU and Nebraska. Ernest said he first tried running track in the eighth grade but didn’t like it. He was convinced to join track in high school and went on to become one of the best sprinters in the country. Ernest knew he could have a future in football, but knew only one place could mold him into an excellent sprinter.
see ERNEST, page 15
The No. 3 LSU softball team fell, 10-2, to No. 15 Missouri on Sunday, losing its second series of the season. The loss is also the Tigers’ third consecutive, a streak they haven’t seen in more than a year. Missouri (35-10, 13-7 Southeastern Conference) raced out to an early lead, and the deficit was too much for LSU (41-8, 13-7 SEC). LSU earned two walks in the top of the first inning, but Missouri sophomore pitcher Tori Finucane stranded LSU’s two baserunners, keeping LSU off the scoreboard. Missouri immediately took control of the game in its first trip to the plate, opening up a 4-0 lead after one inning. Missouri used two singles, a walk and a home run off freshman pitcher Allie Walljasper to get out to its quick start. Freshman third baseman Amanda Sanchez’s two-RBI single gave Missouri the lead. Sophomore catcher Kirsten Mack’s two-run home run capped the scoring in the inning. LSU chipped away at Missouri’s lead in the top of the third. Junior shortstop Bianka Bell hit
see LOSS, page 11 BASEBALL
Big breaks shift away from Tigers in series finale against Aggies BY DAVID GRAY dgray@lsureveille.com The magic was gone. After rallying for two thrilling wins in this weekend’s heavyweight showdown, the No. 1 LSU baseball team ran out of steam against No. 2 Texas A&M in a 6-2 loss Saturday at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers had already secured the series win with two dramatic come-from-behind victories Thursday and Friday, but a three-game sweep would’ve put LSU firmly in the driver’s seat of the Southeastern Conference race with nine SEC games left in the regular season. But in the series finale, the Aggies (37-7, 13-7 SEC) caught nearly all the breaks on a wet, mostly dreary day at the Box. After heavy thunderstorms forced a three-hour weather de-
lay, the magic that had saved the Tigers (37-7, 14-6 SEC) the previous two nights was gone, and in its place were missed runs, missed plays and a missed sweep. “We wanted a sweep more than anything,” said junior shortstop Alex Bregman. LSU, which overcame a 2-0 deficit Thursday and a 5-2 deficit Friday for two emotional victories, faced a similar situation against the Aggies in Game 3. Like the first two games of the series, the Tigers found themselves in an early hole against the Aggies on Saturday. Only this time, LSU was responsible for its own deficit. With one away in the third inning, LSU junior first baseman Chris Chinea botched a routine throw from Bregman, which allowed Texas A&M junior catcher Michael Barash to safely reach first.
It went downhill from there. LSU freshman starter Austin Bain (1-2, 2.83 ERA) struck out a batter, and the Aggies took the rookie right-hander for four runs — all unearned — on four consecutive two-out singles before a ground out ended the inning. Chinea, whose fielding error kickstarted the Aggies’ highscoring third, blamed himself for the costly mistake. “When I turned to look at Alex, I didn’t pick up on the ball,” Chinea said. “By the time I picked up on it, it was on me already. It just hit my glove and bounced off. I shouldn’t be doing that. No excuse there.” The Aggies’ third inning explosion would’ve been a little easier for the Tigers to stomach had they taken advantage of a few scoring chances of their own
see FINALE, page 11
BRANDON JOLICOEUR / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior outfielder Jared Foster (17) swings at the ball during LSU’s 9-6 win against Texas A&M on Friday at Alex Box Stadium.
The Daily Reveille
page 8
Monday, April 27, 2015
Saints shouldn’t rush to draft QB Tigers have strong BEW’S CLUES JAMES BEWERS Sports Contributor Sports fans aren’t easy to please. That’s not a groundbreaking statement, but it’s an important reminder. Our enjoyment is predicated on an athlete’s ability to produce and ultimately win championships. Anything less, and we’re disappointed. That’s what makes investing in any particular team fun. So what do you do when one athlete has accomplished those things and more but now sits in the twilight of his career? New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is in that position. Though he played like an elite quarterback for most of the last eight years, Brees wasn’t Superman last year. Fans started to see his greatness fade like so many aging quarterbacks before him. Even though he seemed to embrace the task, it’s completely unfair to put the 35-year-old Brees on the same pedestal he occupied in his prime. He simply can’t win games by himself. The 2009 Super Bowl team had three Pro Bowl offensive lineman and two other good ones, which resulted in the Saints’ sack numbers being near the bottom of the league. Not only did that team have one of the top passing offenses, it was also the sixth-ranked rushing offense with more than 130 yards per game on the ground, creating the most explosive total offense in the league. Brees was the face of the
showing at Penn Relays
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass Dec. 28, 2014, during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla.
BY JACOB HAMILTON jhamilton@lsureveille.com
BRIAN BLANCO / The Associated Press
team that lifted the Lombardi Trophy, but the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. Last season, the whole was not greater. In fact, the Saints weren’t good at all. They lacked all the qualities that made the ’09 team great, and they were often painful to watch. Even three straight games in the MercedesBenz Superdome, a place where they thrived in 2013, couldn’t save the Saints’ season. As the quarterback, Brees naturally received much of the blame. Fans wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to fault Brees for his team’s shortcomings, but to do so would be shortsighted. While many fans claimed Brees’ arm strength is diminishing, the quarterback actually tied with Pittsburgh signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger for most passing yards in the league last season. That has much to do with his league-leading number of attempts, which is 31 more than the player in second, but it still displays his consistency from year to year. Brees was also tied for third in the league in interceptions last season, but it wasn’t even the highest total of his career. Considering he attempted 659 passes, which was the second
TRACK AND FIELD
most of his career, I would expect to see more than 17 interceptions. On the flip side, with the injury bug hitting the team early on, the Saints fell near the bottom of the league in passing yards, rushing yards and points allowed per game. The defense sacked quarterbacks only 34 times, 15 less than the previous season, and New Orleans held a minus 13 turnover differential, which was second to last in the league. Regardless of the facts, draft experts still believe this is the year the Saints need to draft a quarterback. With five of the first 78 picks, it’s something the Saints should consider, but some have suggested general manager Mickey Loomis may take that chance in the first round. With so many other holes to fill on the defense and a quarterback who has at least three more good years still on your roster, why rush? Brees may not be the man he was four years ago, but now may not be the time to prepare for the future. James Bewers is a 21-year-old mass communication junior from New Orleans. You can reach him on Twitter @JamesBewers_TDR.
Senior thrower Rodney Brown highlighted LSU’s efforts at the Penn Relay Carnival with his second consecutive men’s discus title as the men’s and women’s track and field teams turned in several personal bests and winning performances during the three-day event. Senior thrower Tori Bliss and sophomore jumper Nataliyah Friar put the Lady Tigers on the board early Thursday with titles in the shot put and long jump. Bliss unleashed a throw of 56 feet, 5.75 inches to become the second Lady Tiger in history to win the shot put title at the famed Philadelphia meet. As Bliss was on the podium, Friar raced down the runway and jumped a personal-best 20 feet, 7.75 inches. She became the first Lady Tiger to claim the event championship at the Penn Relays in 22 years and joined former national champion Daphnie Saunders as the only meet champion in the event in school history. “I’m extremely happy to get the win,” Friar said in a news release. “This weather and wind didn’t make jumping any easier for us today, but I knew that I just had to give it my all and be better than my competition. Everyone had to go through the same things in our preparation and in the competition, so you just have to battle through it.” The women’s shuttle hurdle relay team stepped on the track Friday and extended LSU’s streak of winning a Championship of America relay title at the Penn Relays to 24 consecutive years. Freshman jumper Danielle Phillips, junior sprinter and hurdler Chanice Chase, freshman sprinter and hurdler Mikiah Brisco and freshman hurdler Daeshon Gordon outlasted second-placed Auburn with a winning time of 54.22 seconds. After setting the meet record in the discus and being crowned the Men’s College Individual Athlete of the Meet last season,
Brown rewrote history on the final day of competition. Brown, who entered the meet No. 1 in the nation in the discus, broke his own Penn Relays meet and school records when he unleashed a throw of 213 feet, 4 inches on his second attempt. Brown is now a perfect six-for-six in the discus this season, and he is favorite as the Tigers have one meet before the postseason. “It’s a really big meet to throw at,” Brown said in a news release. “The fans are right there behind you in the ring. All of my teammates were here cheering me on, so that gave me confidence going in.” Sophomore hurdler Jordan Moore followed Brown with an event title of his own. Moore qualified eighth in the 110-meter hurdles, but he turned in the fastest time in the finals as he crossed the line in 13.84 seconds, one-hundredth of a second ahead of Clemson’s Justin Johnson. The Tigers went out on top in their last event of the weekend with a season-best time of 3 minutes, 2.61 seconds in the 4x400-meter relay race. Senior sprinter and hurdler Quincy Downing, junior sprinter Fitzroy Dunkley, senior sprinter Vernon Norwood and junior sprinter Darrell Bush finished more than two seconds ahead of second-placed Texas A&M to win LSU’s fifth Championship of America in the event. The men’s 4x400-meter relay team gave LSU its sixth title of this year’s competition and the 70th Championship of America relay title in program history. “It’s a great illustration of the consistency this program has shown each year we have come to the Penn Relays,” said LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver in a news release. “It is a special meet, and our athletes take great pride in the way they represent LSU when they come here. We are proud to add to our history this week.” You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.
JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior thrower Rodney Brown throws the discus April 4 during the 2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou at the Bernie Moore Track Stadium.
The Daily Reveille
Monday, April 27, 2015 GYMNASTICS
page 9
Follow The Daily Reveille on Twitter to stay up to date with LSU sports. @TDR_sports
JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore all-arounder Ashleigh Gnat performs her beam routine April 17 during the 2015 NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
Gnat ready to lead as seniors move on BY JACOB HAMILTON jhamilton@lsureveille.com When gymnastics season drew to a close at the 2015 NCAA Championships, so did the careers of five LSU gymnasts. Three of the Tigers graduating in May are among the most accomplished gymnasts in LSU history: Rheagan Courville, Lloimincia Hall and Jessie Jordan. With 39 All-American honors among them, they are leaving big shoes to fill on every event. But sophomore all-arounder Ashleigh Gnat spent the whole season proving she’s just as talented as the graduating seniors. “The leadership we have this year is so incredible with [Jordan, Courville and Hall],” Gnat said. “I can only learn from everything that they have shown to us. Hopefully, next year I can step up.” After an All-American freshman season on vault and floor, Gnat competed in the all-around competition seven times during the regular season and picked up regular-season All-American honors with the No. 13 regional qualifying score in the country. She ended the season No. 10 in the RQS rankings on floor with a score of 9.930 and advanced to the NCAA Individual Event Finals on the event. Of the four LSU returners who qualified for the individual finals, Gnat claimed the highest place on the podium at fifth. Courville said Gnat’s confidence is at an all-time high and that it will help her lead the team. “I have seen [Gnat] do some of the most amazing routines I’ve ever seen [in practice], and she has competed them well,” Courville said. “I don’t think that, mentally, she was in a place
to do that last year because she didn’t have enough confidence in herself, but what we have seen from her this year is an amazing all-around performer.” Jordan said Gnat will be a great leader for the Tigers because her talent matches anyone’s in the nation and she has all the leadership qualities needed to lead a team to the Super Six. “This year, we have really worked on ... people stepping up as leaders,” Jordan said. “[Gnat] has done an excellent job of that. She has some of the qualities to be a great leader, and she has shown that this year. I will definitely be looking forward to her stepping up into one of those leadership roles next year.” Gnat won’t be alone. Freshman all-arounder Myia Hambrick finished No. 18 in the regular-season vault RQS rankings and qualified for the individual event finals. She earned a spot on the podium during the awards ceremony with an eighthplace finish. LSU coach D-D Breaux said the Tigers also have a talented group of freshmen coming in, ready to restore LSU’s name in gymnastics after it fell just short of qualifying for the Super Six. She said the class, led by Lexie Priessman and McKenna Kelley, was active on Twitter and text messaging, saying LSU’s early exit doesn’t define it and that its legacy will live on. “[Gnat] is going to be a good leader for this team,” Breaux said. “She is level-headed and leads by example. We have some really strong personalities in freshmen coming next year, so she will have a lot to lead. She’ll have a stable behind her.” You can reach Jacob Hamilton on Twitter @jhamilton_TDR.
page 10
The Daily Reveille
Campus Click MOBILE CHECK DEPOSIT
Monday, April 27, 2015
SM
C A MPUS C LI C K SM
DEPOSIT CHECKS THE QUICK AND
EASY WAY WITH CAMPUS CLICK
SM
Make deposits anywhere with your smart phone or tablet from Online Banking. Download the Campus Click
SM
app today and start making deposits.
SERVING LSU SINCE 1934
campusfederal.org | 225.769.8841
Tues. April 28 - Fri. May 1 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. May 2 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. 258 LSU Student Union
Free coffee provided! Rooms available on first-come, first-served basis and will accommodate 1-4 students.
Monday, April 27, 2015 LOSS, from page 7 her 14th home run of the season to cut Missouri’s lead to 4-1. However, Missouri responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the same inning. Missouri took advantage of a single, a walk, a wild pitch, an error, three stolen bases and a sacrifice fly to stretch its lead to 7-1.
After plunking her second batter of the inning, Walljasper exited the circle in favor of sophomore pitcher Kelsee Selman. Walljasper completed 2 2/3 innings and allowed seven runs, four of which were earned. Selman prevented any more runs from crossing home plate, but Missouri wasn’t done scoring. LSU got another run back in
The Daily Reveille the top of the fourth. Sophomore second baseman Constance Quinn and senior center fielder A.J. Andrews reached on consecutive errors. Quinn was able to take third on Finucane’s error. Missouri turned to freshman pitcher Paige Lowary, but sophomore right fielder Bailey Landry’s ground out in the following at-bat scored
page 11 Quinn. Missouri immediately answered LSU’s offense again in the bottom of the fourth with another three-run inning. A walk and single coupled with an error by Andrews gave Missouri runners on second and third with nobody out. An error by Quinn allowed Missouri to push two more runs
RONNI BOURGEOIS / The Daily Reveille
LSU sophomore infielder Sahvanna Jaquish looks down on April 20 during the Tigers’ 5-2 loss against Texas A&M at Tiger Park.
FINALE, from page 7 in the first two frames. LSU racked up five of its 11 hits in the first two innings against Texas A&M junior starter Kyle Simonds, but the Aggies’ defense kept runs off the board with a few momentum-swinging plays that were missing in the previous two games of the series. Texas A&M junior outfielder Logan Taylor threw out Bregman at the plate in the first inning and later teamed with senior shortstop Blake Allemand and Barash on a 7-6-2 relay to get Chinea out at home in the second. Chinea’s play at the plate came moments after Barash gunned down Tigers junior outfielder Andrew Stevenson, who was caught stealing. LSU coach Paul Mainieri couldn’t explain his team’s misfortune. “We had three base runners thrown out early in the game,” Mainieri said. “We were hitting the ball hard [but] had nothing to show for it.” The Tigers eked out two runs in the bottom of the fourth, but senior designated hitter Chris Sciambra’s run to make it a 4-2 game was the last LSU mustered against the SEC’s top pitching staff.
The Aggies held LSU, the nation’s No. 3 hitting club, to a .176 batting average (3-for-17) over the last five innings. The Tigers went hitless in three of those innings. The Tigers — who won in walk-off fashion Thursday before erupting for seven runs in their final two innings Friday — didn’t score after their two-run fourth inning Saturday, leaving four runners on base in that span. “We dug ourselves a hole, and against their pitching staff, it’s awfully hard to come back,” Mainieri said. “We did it a couple of times this weekend, but [Saturday] it wasn’t meant to be.” Though the Tigers failed to complete the sweep of Texas A&M, they managed to grab hold of the SEC-West lead with three weekend series remaining. LSU survived a series with the Aggies in the regular season, but the Tigers are certain they’ll have to do so again in the future. “We’ll match up with them down the road, whether it’s in the SEC Tournament, Omaha or the national championship,” Bregman said. “We’ll see them again.” You can reach David Gray on Twitter @dgray_TDR.
BRANDON JOLICOEUR / The Daily Reveille
LSU senior infielder Conner Hale (20) catches a ball during LSU’s 9-6 win against Texas A&M on Friday at Alex Box Stadium. Job #: 96261.04
Ref #:
across and extend Missouri’s lead to 10-2 after four innings. Lowary retired LSU in order in the the fifth to seal the run-rule victory and series for Missouri. LSU will look to bounce back in Game 3 at 6 p.m. today. You can reach Jack Woods on Twitter @Jack_TDR.
Opinion
page 12
Monday, April 27, 2015
S U O R O G I R RESTRICTIONS New abortion restrictions border on unconstitutional, endanger women statewide LSYOU, BUT DEFINITELY NOT ME LOGAN ANDERSON Columnist It seems Gov. Bobby Jindal is spending his last few months as governor trying as hard as possible to make Louisiana the worst state in the union. Not only is he gutting education and pushing the Legislature to pass a religious freedom bill MSNBC producer Steve Benen said would “put Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act to shame,” but he also doubled down on the incredibly harmful abortion restrictions proposed last November. The Department of Health and Hospitals released a new version of the controversial abortion clinic regulations that were first introduced last year. Pro-choice advocates were hoping the revised regulations would have multiple changes. No substantial amendments were made to the proposal. The original bill was drafted as an “emergency,” meaning there was no public hearing or outside input on the proposed laws. In its original state, the restrictions included a mandatory blood test and a 30-day waiting period for women seeking abortions. This restriction was dropped in January after opponents argued that attaching a four-week waiting period to a procedure that cannot legally be performed after someone is more than 20 weeks pregnant would unconstitutionally limit access. This was the only thing removed. What remains are multiple restrictions considered to be TRAP laws, or Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers. These laws are based on the ones that sparked Wendy Davis’ famous Texas filibuster and would likely shut down all five of Louisiana’s abortion clinics. TRAP laws are restrictions on clinics that are imposed under the
The Daily Reveille Editorial Board
Chandler Rome Erin Hebert Rebecca Docter Fernanda Zamudio-Suarez Quint Forgey SidneyRose Reynen
Editor in Chief Co-Managing Editor Co-Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor
guise of making abortions safer. These regulations include requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinics, mandating the walls of clinics be wide enough to accommodate stretchers and subjecting abortion providers to random inspections. Even when clinics attempt to adhere to these over-the-top restrictions, they are barred from doing so. Planned Parenthood plans to build an ambulatory surgical center in New Orleans that fulfills all of the TRAP requirements. Construction was supposed to begin in 2013. However, threats from the Catholic community of New Orleans halted work. Last January, Archbishop Gregory Aymond vowed that no construction company contributing to the surgical center would ever be hired by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In a city where the Catholic Church controls multiple schools,
apartment complexes and nursing homes, this threat proved incredibly effective. Construction on the clinic has slowed substantially as Planned Parenthood scrambles to find companies that will work with them. TRAP laws are not the only dangers to reproductive rights working through the Louisiana Legislature. The House Health and Welfare Committee will review the Louisiana Pre-Natal Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits abortion based on gender and provides grounds for civil action against anyone who has an abortion because they are unhappy with the gender of their fetus. State Rep. Lenar Whitney, R-Houma, who filed the bill, did so in an effort to protect female fetuses. “It is sad that people in our world would kill unborn children simply because they are baby girls instead of baby boys,” Whitney said.
courtesy of KEEP LIFE LEGAL
Signs posted around New Orleans argue in favor of increased abortion regulation.
Editorial Policies & Procedures
The sex-based selection that Whitney is fighting against does not happen, as proven by a 2014 study performed by the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum. Pro-life activists claim abortions are the reason more boys are born than girls, but the study found no causal relationship between the availability of abortion procedures and the ratio of male to female children born. These laws are nothing but harmful and dangerous for the people of Louisiana. When denied the right to a safe and legal abortion, people begin to seek illegal avenues to terminate pregnancies. Amy Irvin, a founding member of the New Orleans Abortion Fund, told ThinkProgress in January that a black market for abortion-inducing drugs was already emerging. “There’s anecdotal evidence that people are selling pills on the street — they’re telling women it’s the abortion pill, but who’s to say if that’s really what it is,” Irvin said. “It’s very scary. Women are saying that if the clinic is closed, they’ll resort to illegal means or home remedies.” Lawmakers are forcing the state back into a pre-Roe v. Wade world, where terminating pregnancy was often done in unsafe conditions, leaving people much more vulnerable to complications. Jindal does not have the right to throw Louisiana under the bus on his doomed run for the White House. Citizens do not deserve to have their constitutional rights taken from them so a soon-to-be-irrelevant politician can say he fights for life. Hopefully, for the sake of all Louisiana citizens, pro-choice advocates take down these laws — because if these amendments stand, getting a safe abortion in this state will become nearly impossible. Logan Anderson is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Houston, Texas. You can reach her on Twitter @LoganD_Anderson.
The Daily Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Daily Reveille is an independent entity within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, paper or University. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille. com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must have a contact phone number so the opinion editor can verify the author. The phone number won’t be printed. The Daily Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration without changing the original intent. The Daily Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Daily Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the Louisiana State University Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
Quote of the Day ‘Religion is like a pair of shoes. Find one that fits for you, but don’t make me wear your shoes.’
George Carlin American comedian May 12, 1937 — June 22, 2008
Monday, April 27, 2015
Opinion
page 13
Gov. Jindal’s op-ed shows flaws in proposed legislation STOP THE HATE JAMES RICHARDS Columnist Everybody knows “that guy.” He’s the one who makes you sigh, facepalm and shake your head all at once from his overwhelming idiocy. For me, Gov. Piyush “Bobby” Jindal is that guy, except instead of facepalming, I want to put my palm in his face. On Thursday, Louisiana’s least-favorite Indian-American bigot decided that making sure the Legislature finds a solution to the $1.6 billion budget shortfall can wait. Instead, he penned a pitiful opinion piece for The New York Times entitled “I’m Holding Firm Against Gay Marriage.” He should’ve called it “I’m an Unoriginal, Insensitive Blowhard Who’ll Never Be President” — or at least, that’s what I gathered from the nearly 900word hackwork. Without yet getting into the ridiculousness of the column’s content, it’s obvious to anyone who has paid attention to Louisiana government recently that the op-ed is serving two purposes for Jindal. First, it’s an attempt to distract the national media — and presumably rich campaign donors — from his abominable performance as governor. This is doubly true for the recent budget crisis, where he’s provided no guidance to state legislators on, for example, what kinds of cuts to corporate tax credits he’d be willing to sign into law. Secondly, it’s another misguided effort to gain the sympathies of social conservatives
NATI HARNIK / The Associated Press
Gov. Bobby Jindal speaks Saturday at the Iowa Faith and Freedom 15th Annual Spring Kick Off in Waukee, Iowa. who’ve already decided that former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is their new-age banjo Jesus. Heads up Jindal: Anyone paying attention knows your position already. They either don’t agree with you or have already found a better candidate to support. Getting into the meat and potatoes of it, Jindal’s central claim is that House Bill 707, the “Marriage and Conscience Act,” is not designed to create a right to discriminate against gays and lesbians. He said the law does nothing more than make “our constitutional freedom so well
defined that no judge can miss it.” This is a load of nonsense for two reasons. First, if Jindal is correct that the legislation only deals with constitutional protections and not discrimination, then this bill is completely and utterly pointless. Because of something called the First Amendment, every U.S. citizen has the right to religious freedom as long as their practices do not interfere with the rights of others. Let’s be honest here. Does anybody actually think there is a danger of Louisiana and its judges suddenly reversing their
support for traditional marriage? Considering Louisiana was one of the few states to have its ban on same-sex marriage upheld by a federal district judge, it doesn’t look like things will change here until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue. If you’re still not optimistic about the ability of Louisiana courts to properly support the First Amendment, consider the state’s 1999 anti-SLAPP law, which gives defendants a special motion to dismiss a lawsuit right off the bat if it falls within the right of free speech. If the state’s Christian
businesses in Louisiana are just exercising their constitutional right to freedom of religion, then they should have no issues winning their cases without the Marriage and Conscience Act. What really prickles my peaches, however, is Jindal’s unending hypocrisy. In the column, he says, “A pluralistic and diverse society like ours can exist only if we all tolerate people who disagree with us.” What he means is same-sex marriage proponents will have to tolerate those who don’t believe in same-sex marriage if we want society to function. However, when a gay couple has the audacity to ask Jindal to tolerate their different conception of love, Jindal tells toleration to go drown in the Mississippi River. He’d rather support every measure possible to make them feel unwelcome and unloved in this state and around the country. I know I’m leaving out a lot on Jindal’s misconstruing of economic conservatism with social conservatism, straw-man attacks on liberals and conspiratorial views about companies who support marriage equality. I only have so much time to type and so many inches of paper to fill — I honestly don’t think I could fit it all. One thing’s for sure: Jindal has somehow managed to make me like him less and less with each passing proclamation from him or his team. I never knew someone could fall below rock bottom. James Richards is a 20-yearold mass communication sophomore from New Orleans. You can reach him on Twitter @JayEllRichy.
National indifference to climate change hurts Louisiana SMALL THINGS CONSIDERED ALEX MENDOZA Columnist Last Wednesday marked the 45th annual Earth Day. However, judging by the current effects of climate change and our lackluster attempts to fix it, it is unclear how much longer Louisiana will be along to join in the celebration. By now, you’ve heard reports of California’s unprecedented drought — one that Stanford climate scientists have linked to climate change. Californians, with relatively easy access to clean, safe water, may be able to cope well with the severe water shortage. People in less-industrialized nations are not so lucky.
Droughts caused by climate change have wreaked havoc on developing nations for years. Take Brazil, where crop failures from lack of rain have forced thousands of farmers into the slums surrounding major cities like Rio de Janeiro. Or Kyrgyzstan, where past increases in water prices have inspired violent riots that have killed hundreds. In this regard, climate change presents an unfortunate irony. Industrialized nations with the greatest capacity to reduce carbon emissions, a major factor in climate change, have the least incentive to do so. This is because they are also most prepared to deal with the effects of climate change. In Louisiana, we should be particularly sensitive to the plight of people affected
by climate change. After all, Louisiana is subject to its own brand of climate change-sensitive environmental disaster: coastal erosion. Every hour, Louisiana loses a piece of wetlands the size of a football field. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Grand Isle is eroding faster than almost any coastline in the world. The EPA says climate change compounds coastal erosion, increasing the vulnerability of coastal populations to hurricanes and oil spills. In a state where 60 to 70 percent of residents live or work in coastal areas, that is a monumental problem. Yet, we continue to treat climate change as a joke. Florida politicians have banned any mention of the words “climate change” by members
of its environmental agency. Businesses are slow to adopt greener forms of energy, and electric cars remain an expensive and impractical option. We bicker about oil pipelines while ignoring the underlying issue: our continued reliance on oil. Climate change skeptics are another issue altogether. In all likelihood, politicians will keep arguing, Americans will keep driving Hummers, and factory owners will keep spewing pollution, even as Louisiana sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps we won’t see the look of realization in their eyes until climate change becomes more than just a coastal issue. But by then, it will likely be too late. The time has come for putting aside greed, political arguments and Western excess.
The time has come for getting serious about climate change. We need stringent emissions regulations, robust clean energy initiatives and an attitude overhaul on things like responsible water and electricity usage. We need these things because without them, Louisiana is going to disappear sooner rather than later. Climate change is going to continue causing disasters across the globe, and it will only be so long before first-world countries start to feel the heat. Hopefully, when the rest of the nation opens its eyes, Louisiana will still be here. Alex Mendoza is a 22-year-old political science and international studies senior from Baton Rouge. You can reach him on Twitter @alexmendoza_TDR.
page 14
Announcements
Employment
The Daily Reveille
Housing
Monday, April 27, 2015
Merchandise
Transportation
Classif ieds
To place your ad, visit www.lsureveille.com and click classifieds
For Rent Lease Today, Move in August 1st. Luxury Multi-Story Condo 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath @ $1650/month Includes: Optional Monthly Maid Service, Pool, Club House, Gated Parking & Appliances Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos 2405 & 2403 Brightside Lane On LSU Bus Route hollisleech@ yahoo.com _____________________________ STORE YOUR STUFF - STUDENT SPECIAL Get first month FREE. Climate Control of Louisiana and Stor-it Mini Warehouses. 3147 College Drive just past the RR tracks. Enter through College Creek Shopping Center (FedEx store). Various sizes, covered loading, video cameras, and alarms. 24/7 access, UHaul Truck and Trailer Rentals, Boxes and other Moving Supplies. We love students. Stop by or Give us a call at 927-8070. Check us out, reserve a unit, manage your account and pay on line at: www.selfstoragebatonrougecollegedrive.com. _____________________________ 21 SOUTH AT PARKVIEW APARTMENTS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!! All qualified applicants who apply in April for a 7 or a 9 month lease will receive $400 CREDIT!!! All qualified applicants who apply in April for a 13 month lease will receive a $1000 CREDIT!!! 2 SWIMMING POOLS ON SITE, GATED COMMUNITY, FITNESS CENTER, LARGE DOG PARK ON GROUNDS, UPGRADED UNITS AVAILABLE!! LARGE DOGS WELCOME!! COME AND SEE ALL THAT WE HAVE TO OFFER!!! 225-500-0021 4944 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD. _____________________________ 4 Bedroom/ 4 Bath Townhouse Brightside View Dr $1800 call Mike 225-802-6898 _____________________________ Walk to LSU, 2/1 wood floors, wyoming street,$625,pets OK. McDaniel Properties owner/agent 388-9858 _____________________________ LSU Library Apartments 1&2 bedroom flats & townhouses. Gated, crown molding, wood flooring, some have w/d, laundry on site, swimming pool. On site manager & on site 24 hr
Services
Costs: Minimum $5 per day. Personals free for students Deadline: 12 p.m., two school days prior to the print publication date
maintenance. $475.00-$700.00. Call (225) 615-8521. _____________________________
begins May 1st! Please call today. 225924-6273 _________________________________
MOVE IN SPECIALS Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos & Lake Beau Pre Townhomes, 2 & 3 Bedrooms Accepting Deposits for Summer/Fall Move In Dean & Company Real Estate 225-767-2227 www.deanrealestate.net _____________________________
WELSH’S CLEANERS 5454 Bluebonnet rd. Hiring part time counter clerk. Afternoon shifts and some Saturdays. Flexible schedules!! Great for students!! call Megan at 588-1945 or apply in person. _________________________________
$TUDENT $PECIAL!! WALK TO LSU! LARGE 1 BR APT. ON SITE MGR. 225 769-7757 / 225 266- 8666
Help Wanted Louie’s Cafe: Hiring cooks, servers and dish staff. Apply in person, online, or via email. louiescafe.com 3322 Lake Street _____________________________ If your looking to make some extra money as a student on the side, my business is expanding in the Baton Rouge area. I am an LSU student who works with several pro-athletes endorsing sports nutrition as well as working with makeup artist that sponsor Mrs. America-USA. I’m only looking for a few motivated individuals to work 5-10 hours a week. Call or email me at 985-255-6872 SDInc. info@gmail.com. -Katelyn _____________________________ Now hiring FT/PT Kennel Tech / Bather. Must be able to work every other weekend and some holidays. Must love dogs to apply. Please stop by to fill out an application. _________________________________
Store Manager - Smoothie King Start Your Management Career Today or Make Some Extra Money While You Are In School. Now Hiring ALL Management and Team Member Positions For Several Locations in Baton Rouge and Gonzales. Send Resumes to Jon@ skmanagers.com or apply in-store at 6556 Siegen Lane _________________________________ Great summer job working near pool! Bocage Racquet Club Now Hiring for summer staff to work in our Shark Shack. Great pay with tips and free meals! Job
Local GNC Franchisee looking to hire Part-Time Sales Associates. Flexible Scheduling and Employee Discounts. Send resume rwelp@mackienutrition. com _________________________________
Cooks/Cashiers/Supervisors Email: ssbbq@voodoobbq.com _________________________________
Gino’s Restaurant is seeking part time hostesses. Please apply in person between 2-5pm, Monday - Friday at 4542 Bennington Avenue. _________________________________ Part-Time Office Admin Assistant We’re a cool, hip IT company. Looking for a fun, smart person to help us out. Job is in Baton Rouge. 8-10 hours/wk. Visit our website at jobs.puryear-it.com to apply. _________________________________
Nothing Bundt Cakes is looking for frosters to work noon to 7 pm M-F. Training provided. Must be 18 or older. Starting at $8. Call to set up an interview: 924-9002. _________________________________ AM & PM Summer Teachers needed M-F 8-12 & 3-6. Send your resume to parkviewbps@gmail.com or apply in person at 5750 Parkview Church Rd. Baton Rouge, La 70816 _________________________________ Local lawn service in need of crew member. Good driving record and work ethic required. Pay weekly. Call 225-226-0126 or mchollawn@gmail.com. _________________________________ HELP WANTED: Animal Health Clinic, small animal veterinary clinic located at 4803 Perkins Road. Looking for receptionist as well as veterinary assistant, please come in to fill out an application. PT/FT. Offer flexible hours. Must be able to work some weekends/holidays. _________________________________ Summer Camp Counselors and Lifeguard positions available for Summer Camp. Children ages 5-12. Experience with children required. Full and Part-time M-F. Camp ends at 6:00 p.m. No weekends. Must be 18. River Road Summer Camp 225-336-9030. _________________________________ NOW HIRING Cashier, Fry Cooks, Bus boy/girl, and Bartenders. Please email bayou1974@yahoo.com _________________________________ NOW HIRING VooDoo BBQ & Grill
Busy Chiropractic Office seeking young professionals interested in FT/PT Front Desk/Assistant position. Must be able to take direction, multitask, and work well with patients. DROP OFF YOUR RESUME TO BE CONSIDERED. M/W/ Th(8-11AM,1-5PM)/Tu(9AM-1PM)/ Fri(8-11AM). LeBlanc Spine Center 10245 Siegen Lane, A Baton Rouge,LA 70810 _________________________________ Intern needed for web site design and social media maintenance. Mac based online media production training business. Great way to get a resume started, growth potential. Contact benb@bbalser.com _________________________________ NOW HIRING! Responsibilities include care and supervision to campers as well as facilitating all games, activities, arts & crafts, and field trips. Qualifications: Candidates must be minimum age 18 & available to work Monday-Friday; highly motivated, dependable with knowledge & experience working with youth & children ages 4-16 yrs. Exp. working in a structured youth program preferred. Must pass pre-employment background check and drug screen. Apply in person at any of the following locations: A.C. Lewis YMCA (924-3606) Paula G. Manship YMCA (767-9622) C.B. Pennington, Jr. YMCA (272-9622) Dow Westside YMCA (687-1123) Baranco-Clark YMCA (3446775) Southside YMCA (766-2991) Exx-
onMobil (906-5424) Americana Zachary (654-9622) _________________________________ Fulltime in-home care worker, 15 year old girl with autism and muscular disorder. Background check, references and reliable transportation required. Must be able to swim. Bluebonnet/Highland Area. Safe relaxed work environment _________________________________ Need a career? Louisiana Seafood Exchange; the most reputable name in wholesale seafood supply is looking for energetic sales people. Erick 985-3736113 _________________________________ Friendly dentist and staff looking for a pt/ ft help for summer and school year. No experience necessary. Pt hours are M-Th 2-5. Email resume to rbranstetterdds@ yahoo.com. _________________________________
Local market research firm seeking 15-20 students to conduct a door-to-door survey in Baton Rouge this Saturday & Sunday. Hours 8:30am to 4:30pm. Pay $100 cash per day plus $10 for gas. If interested, email info@percyandcompany. com and I’ll be in touch. _________________________________ Jason’s Deli is looking for DELIVERY DRIVERS and CASHIERS for our Baton Rouge location! Competitive pay and flexible hours. Apply online at: jasonsdelijobs.clickandhire.net _________________________________ Behavioral Intervention Group (BIG) is a team of dedicated therapists focused on providing the skills, teaching environments and learning opportunities necessary to improve the quality of life for children with autism and other developmental disorders. BIG provides children with a highly individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program that is continually modified to meet the child’s needs as hey progress. As a BIG line therapist, you’ll have a opportunity to gain valuable experience providing ABA services. Our therapists receive intensive training an are taught to be scientists, decision-makers, and leaders. This is a full time position starting with an hourly
The Daily Reveille
Monday, April 27, 2015 Lease Today, Move in August 1st. Luxury Multi-Story Condo 3 Bedroom/3.5 Bath @ $1650/month Includes: Optional Monthly Maid Service, Pool, Club House, Gated Parking & Appliances Arlington Trace & Summer Grove Condos 2405 & 2403 Brightside Lane On LSU Bus Route hollisleech@ yahoo.com _____________________________ STORE YOUR STUFF - STUDENT SPECIAL Get first month FREE. Climate Control of Louisiana and Stor-it Mini Warehouses. 3147 College Drive just past the RR tracks. Enter through College Creek Shopping Center (FedEx store). Various sizes, covered loading, video cameras, and alarms. 24/7 access, UHaul Truck and
Trailer Rentals, Boxes and other Moving Supplies. We love students. Stop by or Give us a call at 927-8070. Check us out, reserve a unit, manage your account and pay on line at: www.selfs-
toragebatonrougecollegedrive.com. _____________________________
21 SOUTH AT PARKVIEW APARTMENTS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!! All qualified applicants who apply in April for a 7 or a 9 month lease will receive $400 CREDIT!!! All qualified applicants who apply
in April for a 13 month lease will receive a $1000 CREDIT!!! 2 SWIMMING POOLS ON SITE, GATED COMMUNITY, FITNESS CENTER,
Don’t be a beach! in new business with a classified!
Place yours today at lsureveille.com
page 15
ERNEST, from page 7 “I knew if I was going to run track anywhere it was going to be at LSU,” Ernest said. LSU coach Dennis Shaver said he stopped recruiting Ernest after the football team did not offer him a scholarship. He was surprised to receive a phone call shortly before national signing day from Ernerst asking if the Tigers were still interested. LSU welcomed Ernest with open arms. Shaver said being a multisport athlete has helped Ernest accomplish all he has during his collegiate career. “He’s a student of all sports and a real knowledgeable guy,” Shaver said. “Sometimes the knowledge he has about everything that goes on in the sports world is incredible.” Shaver has seen Ernest grow into one of the NCAA’s elite sprinters in his four years at LSU. JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ / The Daily Reveille He said, despite a stellar colLSU senior Aaron Ernest runs the men’s 4x100 meter relay during the 2015 LSU Invitational Battle on the Bayou on April 4 at legiate career, bigger things are the Bernie Moore Track Stadium. ahead for Ernest. has been a huge influence on him are numerous. He’s a three-time He said it’s important to stay “He’s the kind of person who during his time in Baton Rouge. Southeastern Conference chamfocused throughout the season still has the ability to improve the “He’s (Brazell) like a big pion, a 9-time All-American and a and not get satisfied with his next few years, even from what he’s done now,” Shaver said. “As brother for us,” Ernest said. “He national champion in the 400-me- recent success, as he has learned many times before. he learns more about what he’s played in the NFL and ran in ter relay. Ernest took home the SEC in“My recent success is drivcapable of doing with his body the Olympics, so he’s been there door title in the 200-meter dash ing me to do better because he’s going to continue to im- and done that.” The former Olympic hurdler this past indoor season at the SEC now that I have this target on prove.” and Cincinnati Indoor Championships. my back, everyone wants to During his Bengal said ErHe went on to capture fourth beat me,” Ernest said. “I want to recruitment and ‘The situation he was in nest’s background place at the NCAA Indoor be a national champion this year LSU career, Ermade him humble … At has been a huge National Championships. in everything I do.” nest formed a the end of the day, I think motivating factor Ernest is now in his final outrelationship with door season for LSU and his last You can reach Mario Jerez on past track greats knowing where he comes during his career. “The situation season as a collegiate athlete. Twitter @MJerezIII_TDR. Xavier Carter from makes him work ten and Trindon times harder on the track.’ he was in made FOR RELEASE APRIL 27, 2015 him humble,” BraHolliday, who zell said. “At the BENNIE BRAZELL, THE Daily Commuter Puzzle by Jacqueline E. Mathews he said he looks up to and assistant LSU track and field coach end of the day, I think knowing tries to emulate in ACROSS where he comes 1 United States his performance. Marine __ He also said assistant coach from makes him works ten times 6 Sir Guinness harder on the track.” 10 Troubles Bennie Brazell, a five-time 14 Worship Ernest’s accolades at LSU NCAA Champion with the Tigers, 15 Autumn 16 __ years; 2012, 2016, 2020, etc. 17 Engine 18 News, for short 19 Gray wolf 20 First showing of a movie 22 Small piano 24 Ashen-faced 25 Bits of corn 26 Classic simple baby toy 29 VCR insertion 30 Wonderment 31 Threaded metal fastener 33 Rice mixture 37 Indian woman’s robe 39 Cabs 41 Realtor’s joy 42 Church songs 44 Naps 46 Scottish denial 47 Capitol feature 49 Indian & Pacific 51 Alike 54 Mend socks 55 Old sayings 56 Spotting 60 Geneva or Erie 61 Stylish 63 Ethical 64 “That was __; this is now” 65 Cry from a sty 66 Examine carefully 67 Type; variety 68 Golf shop purchase 69 Perceive; feel DOWN 1 Sleep outdoors 2 Smell 3 Learn by __; memorize 4 On time
5 Soap operas 6 Burning 7 “Penny __”; Beatles song 8 Tiny fellow 9 Not open 10 Chicago’s state 11 Africa’s Sierra __ 12 Can wrapper 13 Blemishes 21 Vote into office 23 Abbr. in the names of some high schools 25 Small fruits with fuzzy skins 26 Too hasty 27 Out of town 28 Six years, for a U.S. senator 29 Irritated 32 More unusual 34 Actress Turner 35 Actor __ Arkin 36 Charges 38 Poor 40 Weasel with a short tail
Saturday’s Puzzle Solved
©2015 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
43 White fish 45 Is frugal 48 Phillie Phanatic or San Diego Chicken 50 Audience’s request 51 Table seasonings
52 53 54 56 57
Boise’s state Creator Piers Four and five Wrought __ fence 58 Captures 59 Delight 62 Hurry
MAKE MONEY. MAKE CONNECTIONS. MAKE YOUR START. APPLY TODAY! Advertising • The Daily Reveille • LSUReveille.com • Legacy • Gumbo • KLSU • Tiger TV
Apply at:
Content >> lsureveille.com/application Revenue >> lsureveille.com/advertising/application