The Daily Reveille — March 30, 2010

SG Election Central Get information about the candidates and their tickets on lsureveille.com.

UH-OH, BO

BEST BEER?

Malt Madness is down to the final two - Chimay Blue and Sam Adams. Log Spencer suspended indefinitely for academic problems, page 7. on to pick your favorite.

THE DAILY REVEILLE WWW.LSUREVEILLE.COM

VolumeÊ 114,Ê IssueÊ 119

Tuesday,Ê MarchÊ 30,Ê 2010

LAW

Former dean not prosecuted for theft

By Ryan Buxton

photos by SARAH HUNT / The Daily Reveille

[Above] Louisiana Sen. Dan Claitor, R-EBRP, speaks Monday to a group at the State Capitol. [Below] LSU students wait to speak with senators and representatives.

Senior Staff Writer

cause the House of Representatives was electing a new speaker pro tempore.

“We are here today because we want to make sure LSU guarantees a quality education and that teachers are not cut and the legislature takes us into account while making higher cuts,” said Garrett Collins, education sophomore and SG senate candidate.

Sen. Dan Claitor, R-East Baton Rouge Parish, spoke to several University students about their concerns to allow all parts of the state budget to be cut.

A former University associate vice chancellor and dean has been given a scholarship fund in her name after it was determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute her on the theft charges for which she was arrested last June amid her retirement.

The Ò Dean Carolyn Collins Distinguished Scholar and Citizenship Scholarship FundÓ was created in a March 3 agreement between Collins and the University to settle a dispute stemming from the handling of View the an internal audit which led to settlement at CollinsÕ a rrest. lsureveille.com.

The former University College dean was arrested in June 2009, shortly following her retirement announcement, after she was accused of putting $5,050 in University funds on her Tiger Card for personal use during a five-year span.

Collins, who was employed at the University for more than 25 years and was the first black dean of an academic college at LSU, denied the charges and said the funds were legally spent on meals for students and staff, according to an LSU Police Department report.

SPEAK, see page 15

COLLINS, see page 15

SPEAKING OUT

Students talk to legislators about future of higher ed

By Catherine Threlkeld Staff Writer

University students crammed the Louisiana State CapitolÕ s gallery, clustered around senators and anxiously waited for time to speak with their representatives during “Fund our Future” on Monday.

More than 60 University students were at the

Capitol throughout the day and attended the first day of the Louisiana State LegislatureÕ s spring session.

SG bused students to the Capitol between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., but many students stayed later to hear Gov. Bobby JindalÕ s speech. Ò It was a huge success. We started engaging students in conversations with representatives,Ó said SG President Stuart Watkins. “We didn’t come to protest. We came with a proposal that outlined solutions instead of emotional rhetoric.Ó Students filled out requests to speak to their representatives as they entered the Capitol. They spoke with more senators than representatives be-

A voter’s guide to today’s SG election Leading the Way

received 40.9 percent (2,194 votes) of the first vote

Students FIRST

received 27.9 percent (1,493 votes) of the first vote

Presidential candidate - Brooksie Bonvillain VP candidate - Chris Sellers

Presidential candidate - J Hudson VP candidate - Dani Borel

Issues

Issues

•Fee bill: “Students have every right to know the breakdown of their funding and what they’re contributing to this University.” - BB •Class Gift project: “I voted yes because I felt like the constituents I spoke to, those I’m entrusted to represent through the Manship School of Mass Communication, were in favor of this fee.” - BB •Board of Supervisors position: “I will definitely represent the University on the Board of Supervisors. I have full confidence in my vice presidential candidate.” - BB

•Fee bill: “It should be very clear what we spend our fees on. On the billing statement, we should have an explanation of what the fee is.” - JH •Class Gift project: “One thing we do criticize is there was no input from the entire student body. What we’d like to do is ensure that students get to vote on this.” - JH •Board of Supervisors position: “I will not seek that position on the Board of Supervisors. If I am elected, I want to be here bettering the life of students. I’m elected for here and I will stay here.” - JH

Supported by:

Speaker of the Senate Tyler Martin

Supported by:

Geauxing the Distance candidates Theo Williams and Millena Williams

Editor’s note: The tickets are listed in alphabetical order by presidential candidates’ last names.

Information compiled by Staff Writer Catherine Threlkeld

Also on the ballot: Student Government Constitution amendments

•The student body voted 82 percent in favor of the Student Government Constituion amendments, but students will vote on the change again today.

•The reason the amendments are reappearing on the ballot is because a student filed a complaint last Tuesday with Trial Court saying he felt the wording on the ballot was slanted toward persuading students to vote for it.

•The Trial Court did vote in agreement with the complaint, so the amendments will appear today on the ballot as SGCR No. 7, amendments to the SG Constitution.

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

Nation & World

INTERNATIONAL

NATIONAL

Twin suicide bombings kill 38 in Moscow subway during rush hour

Nine Christian militia accused of plotting to kill cops, bomb funeral

MOSCOW (AP) Ñ Terror returned to the heart of Russia, with two deadly suicide bombings on the Moscow subway at rush hour, including an attack at the station beneath the headquarters of the secret police.

DETROIT (AP) Ñ Nine alleged members of a Christian militia group that was girding for battle with the Antichrist were charged Monday with plotting to kill a police officer and slaughter scores more by bombing the funeral Ñ all in hopes of touching off an uprising against the U.S. government.

US at odds with Canada for not inviting indigenous group to forum CHELSEA, Quebec (AP) Ñ U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton took issue with Canada for not inviting all those with legitimate interests in the Arctic to what was supposed to be a gathering to enhance cooperation in the region.

Clinton said she had been contacted by representatives of indigenous groups who were disappointed they were not invited, according to prepared remarks for MondayÕ s Arctic Coastal meeting. She also said that Sweden, Finland and Iceland Ñ the three Arctic States not represented Ñ had similar concerns.

Palin has harsh words, steps up rhetoric against her detractors JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Ñ Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin had some harsh words for her detractors in the health care debate with a thinly veiled, March Madness-themed Facebook post in which she declared, Ò never retreat, instead RELOAD!Ó The title of the former Alaska governorÕ s Facebook post on Sunday was Ò Warning: Subject to New Politically Correct Language Police Censorship.Ó Palin then discussed

her love of college basketball and compared the NCAA tournament to a Ò heated, competitive primary election.Ó Tennesseee man pleads guilty in plot against President Obama JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) Ñ A Tennessee man authorities say is a white supremacist has pleaded guilty to plotting to kill then-presidential candidate Barack Obama and dozens of other black people in 2008.

Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Cowart of Bells, Tenn., pleaded guilty Monday to eight of 10 counts in an indictment accusing him of conspiracy, threatening a presidential candidate and various federal firearms violations. Under a plea agreement, he faces 12 to 18 years in prison, but a federal judge could choose a longer sentence.

Co-defendant, 19-year-old Paul Schlesselman of Helena-West Helena, Ark., pleaded guilty in January and will be sentenced April 15.

STATE/LOCAL

Katrina trailer ruled not unreasonably dangerous by federal jury

Ragin Cajuns hire Bob Marlin as new men’s basketball coach

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ A federal jury on Monday rejected a New Orleans manÕ s claims that government contractors provided him with a trailer after Hurricane Katrina that exposed him to dangerous fumes, dealing another blow to those suing the trailer makers.

Eight jurors unanimously decided that a trailer made by Forest River Inc. of Goshen, Ind., and occupied

by Lyndon Wright, 39, after the August 2005 storm was not Ò unreasonably dangerousÓ in its construction or design.

The jury, which deliberated for less than three hours after hearing two weeks of testimony, also found that Shaw Environmental Inc. of Baton Rouge was not negligent in installing WrightÕ s trailer.

The case is the second of several Ò bellwetherÓ trials designed to test the merits of and possibly resolve other claims over formaldehyde exposure in FEMA trailers.

LAFAYETTE (AP) Ñ Bob Marlin, the menÕ s basketball coach at Sam Houston State since 1998, has been hired by Louisiana-Lafayette.

Marlin, who signed a fiveyear contract, replaces Robert Lee. LeeÕ s contract was not renewed earlier this month after the Cajuns finished 13-16 this season, losing to Louisiana-Monroe in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference tournament.

@ lsureveille, @TDR_news, @TDR_sports

Rez Week 2010 Celebrating the Resurrecion of Jesus Christ Hosted by 11 Campus Ministries Monday- Prayer @ 8pm @ the Clock Tower Wednesday- Worship Service @ 7pm in Howe Russell 130

Weather 75 46

TODAY

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Making the Pay grade Tuesday, March 30th, 7:13 pm. 205 Tureaud Hall Attire: Buisness Casual For more information, contact, Samantha White, swhit37@ tigers.lsu.edu

PAGE 2

Coast guard evacuates 69-year-old tug captain in Southwest Pass VENICE (AP) Ñ The Coast Guard has evacuated a 69-year-old man from a tugboat in Southwest Pass near Venice.

The Eighth Coast Guard District command center received a call at approximately 9 a.m. Monday from Trevor Weeks, a crewman aboard the tugboat.

TODAY ON lsureveille.com

PHOTO BLOG: Vintage plates

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Read about the team’s offense coming around in recent games on the baseball blog.

AROUND THE TREES

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THURSDAY

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FRIDAY 83 64

SATURDAY 79 53

NICOLE KARAMICHAEL / The Daily Reveille

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) 5784811 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-34 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. Secondclass 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.

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THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

PAGE 3

EXHIBITION

23rd annual Vet School exhibit features 75 pieces Art from 36 states, Canada and Poland

By Mallory Logan Contributing Writer

Horses, dogs and zebras are among many animals residing in the School of Veterinary Medicine Library until April 25.

The veterinary school’s 23rd annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art held its opening reception Saturday at 6 p.m., which was open to the public and served as a fund-raiser.

“The community aspect is more important to me than the fund-raising aspect,” said Christine Mitchell, Vet School library director.

The best-in-show recipient receives $1,000, and the five judges’

award recipients receive $100. The 10 honorable mentions and the people’s choice award do not receive monetary compensation. All of the pieces were displayed with a selling price, and 20 percent of the revenue will go toward various Vet School projects yet to be determined.

“In the past, money has been given to special projects,” Mitchell said.

Some of the revenue this year may go toward re-designing the consultation room, Mitchell said.

“The consultation room is where families put their pets to sleep, and it needs to be as warm and comfortable as possible,” Mitchell said.

More than 200 artists from 36 states, Canada and Poland submitted 477 pieces and 75 were selected, according to the Vet School’s Web site.

“Only two veterinary students submitted entries, and neither of them were selected,” Mitchell said.

But it is rare to find a collegeaged artist in the show, Mitchell said.

“Most artists are not under 25 years old,” Mitchell said.

The local artist who won best in show last year has three pieces in this year’s exhibition.

She said she is honored to have a spot in the competition.

“The first time I entered the contest, I thought it was only local, but then I saw artists from all around the country in the show,” said Margaret Rice, local artist and University alumna. Rice said she promotes the exhibit to the community.

“All of my friends come to the show ... I tell a lot of people about it because I don’t think the community is well informed,” Rice said.

EMILY SLACK / The Daily Reveille

Patrons view art at the International Exhibition on Animals in Art show in the Vet School Library Saturday. The show features 75 pieces and runs until April 25.

Everett Besch, founding dean of the Vet School, proposed the idea to the librarian at the time, and she developed it, Mitchell said.

Contact Mallory Logan at mlogan@lsureveille.com

SESQUICENTENNIAL

Nominations accepted for service award, due April 30 Chancellor to honor up to 10 winners

By Ryan Buxton Senior Staff Writer

Nominations are being accepted for the Chancellor’s Sesquicentennial Service Award.

The award, which is part of the University’s sesquicentennial celebrations, will honor individuals or organizations with an honorable history of service to the University, said Rachel Smith, a coordinator in the Office of the Chancellor.

The award is a collaboration between the chancellor and the

LSU Serves the World Committee, said Jan Shoemaker, co-chair of the Serves the World Committee.

“The chancellor and the Serves the World Committee wanted to draw attention to LSU’s commitment to community and recognize those in the LSU family that fully demonstrate that commitment,” Shoemaker said.

The presentation of the award coincides with the goal of the Sesquicentennial Committee to spotlight service in the community.

“It was a goal of the Sesquicentennial Committee to highlight service throughout the year, and this is our opportunity to highlight those who have gone above and beyond for the University, the Baton Rouge community and

the Louisiana community,” Smith faculty, staff and students, will said. review the nominations and seAs many as 10 winners will lect finalists. The chancellor will be chosen to then review them receive the and has the final award, Smith say on winners, said.

Smith said.

Those eliThe winners gible for the will be notified award include during the sumindividuals or mer and honored organizations by the chancellor Rachel Smith comprised of coordinator, office of the chancellor in a special cerefull-time or mony during the part-time students, faculty and staff 2010 Homecoming football game, members and University alumni, Shoemaker said. according to the LSU Serves the This year’s award is special World Web site. because it’s branded with the sesOnce nominations have been quicentennial. Smith said it’s unreceived a committee of nine sure if the award will be given in representatives, three each from future years.

‘‘

‘The sesquicentennial shows how the University is different.’

BAGPIPE MAN

MELANIE SCOTT / The Daily Reveille

Social worker Stanley Masinter plays the bagpipe for the grief and bereavement class during the Honoring and Remembering Ceremony on March 29, in front of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes.

“The sesquicentennial shows how the University is different, special and unique, and we want to honor people that are just those things,” Smith said.

Shoemaker said the chancellor’s commitment makes his presentation of the award fitting.

“We have a chancellor now who has, in many ways, publicly acknowledged his commitment to community,” she said.

Nominations, including selfnominations, are due by April 30 at 4:30 p.m. More information about how to nominate can be found at www.lsuservestheworld.com.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 4

COMMUNITY

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

PROGRAMS

Survey CPEX extends deadline for application ranked BR Funding offered for ‘The point of planning four communities 10th best is not to over-regulate ... but to empower those communities.’ job market

By Rachel Warren Contributing Writer

La. voted happiest state in 2009 poll

By Grace Montgomery Staff Writer

Baton Rouge is the 10th best city for young adults, according to a recent survey by business Web site Portfolio.com.

Young adults make up 26 percent of Baton RougeÕ s population, the survey said. Ò Because of the University, there are many locally based industries that would be good for college students, but Baton Rouge is not unique in that aspect,Ó said Duha Altindag, economics doctoral student.

The survey ranked 67 metropolitan areas that had at least 750,000 residents in 2008.

Portfolio.com used a 10-part formula to determine the top cities based on factors such as the annual rate of population growth, per capita income and unemployment rate for residents aged 1834.

Seventeen percent of young adults in Baton Rouge have bachelorÕ s degrees, and 7.3 percent of young adults are unemployed, the survey said. Ò But there are other things to consider like crime rates, which are increasing in the area,Ó Altindag said.

A 2009 survey by Science Magazine ranked Louisiana the happiest state, which could be a factor, Altindag said. Ò ItÕ s also been found [that] warmer weather contributes to happiness,Ó Altindag said.

Attending school in Baton Rouge could help establish connections to find jobs in the future, said Norbert Redmond, English senior. Ò I think Baton Rouge is more of a college town than a place IÕ d want to have a career,Ó said Amy Seldon, architecture sophomore.

The survey ranked Austin, Texas, first because of its job increase of 99,200 during the last five years and 2.8 percent annual employment growth rate.

Austin had the highest concentration of young adults of the areas surveyed Ñ 28 percent of residents are young adults, according to the survey.

AustinÕ s music and art scenes contribute to its high number of young adults, the survey said.

Detroit was ranked last because of a slow income growth and the largest decline in overall jobs.

Contact Grace Montgomery at gmontgomery@lsureveille.com

The Center for Planning Excellence offers funding to communities throughout Louisiana to improve conditions for current and future residents using a program called Smart Growth Seed Funding. The deadline for applications for this yearÕ s program has been extended to May 14.

Phillip LaFargue, CPEX director of communications, said the program works with neighborhoods and entire parishes to improve conditions.

The money comes primarily from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, but CPEX works to find other sources of funding as

‘‘

Phillip LaFargue

CPEX director of communications

well.

CPEX chooses from a pool of applicants based on capacity and the amount of funding a community needs, LaFargue said.

Once a community is chosen, CPEX managers work with parish presidents and city mayors to determine the specific needs of the community.

The public chooses which option best suits the community needs, and a consultant forms a plan. Ò The point of planning is not to over-regulate or impose on com-

munities but to empower those communities,Ó LaFargue said.

Lafargue said CPEX has worked with Tangipahoa Parish in the past and is currently working with St. Charles Parish and Ascension Parish.

Haley Blakeman, project manager for St. Charles Parish, said the parish experienced rapid growth in the 1980s, but expansion has greatly decreased since then.

The parish plans to use funding to improve the community while helping the people who already live there, she said.

Project manager for Ascension Parish, Tara Titone, said the parish has experienced a completely different problem.

Population in Ascension Parish is expected to double during the next 20 years, she said. The parish needs a more complex sewage system, a bigger transportation system and more sidewalks to

accommodate the growing population. Ò TheyÕ re planning for how theyÕ re going to accept the population over time in a sustainable way,Ó she said.

Approximately 95 percent of planning for Ascension Parish is complete, Titone said. The parish recently had its first public hearing to discuss the details of land-use with parish residents and plans to have more in the next month.

The Smart Growth Seed Funding program began in 2005 with the assistance of Sen. Mary Landrieu, said Camille ManningBoone, director of planning.

Most communities did not have comprehensive plans when Hurricane Katrina hit, and CPEX is looking to help communities be more prepared, she said.

Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com

WEATHER

Low, cool temperatures expected in April, May

This winter was coldest in 32 years

By Jacob Most Contributing Writer

Students trying to spend spring break in the sun could be in for cooler weather when they return to the University in April.

The University has experienced unusual weather this year because of the El Ni– o climate pattern, said Barry Keim, Louisiana state climatologist. Ò The forecast for April and May should be cooler than normal,Ó Keim said. Ò The enhanced precipitation experienced this winter should begin to wane during this time.Ó El Ni– o is a disturbance of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical portion of the

‘‘

‘The forecast for April and May should be cooler than normal.’

Barry Keim

Louisiana state climatologist

Pacific that affects weather patterns around the world, according to the National Weather Service.

El Ni– o affects South Louisiana by causing coastal storms to form in the Gulf of Mexico that cause wet and cool weather, Keim said.

Keim said the increased rainfall caused by El Ni– o should decrease soon if it has not already, but temperatures should remain cooler than normal through April and May. The biggest effect the cold

and wet weather has had on campus has been higher heating costs so far this semester, said Sam Territo, associate director of facility maintenance.

Territo said the University didnÕ t have a problem with leaks this winter because the coastal storms caused by El Ni– o only affect buildings from one side, so finding potential problems was easy.

Keim said this winter was the coldest on record in 32 years and the sixth coldest since 1895, when records began to be kept.

He also said the rainfall totals in southeast Louisiana were extraordinarily high this winter. Ò The levels of precipitation

‘‘

‘Levels of precipitation shattered records ... in southeast Louisiana.’

Barry Keim

Louisiana state climatologist

shattered records at many locations in southeast Louisiana this December,Ó Keim said.

Contact Jacob Most at jmost@lsureveille.com

TuEsdAy, MArch 30, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

LEGISLATION

Governor says budget woes can prompt change in Louisiana

By The Associated Press (AP) Ñ As deep budget cuts threaten state services and jobs, Gov. Bobby Jindal told lawmakers on the opening day of the annual regular session Monday that the money troubles also provide a chance to change the way Louisiana does business. Ò It is our job to give our people a new Louisiana so our children and our grandchildren can pursue their dreams without leaving home. I know weÕ ve got enormous challenges, but these are enormous opportunities,Ó Jindal told a joint session of the House and Senate.

Louisiana’s financial difficulties have overshadowed other debates, as lawmakers, state agencies and public colleges brace for more budget cuts Ñ on top of three rounds of reductions levied over the past year and a half. Ò The stateÕ s no different than a family. You have to do things differently when thereÕ s less money,Ó said Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Kenner. Ò But IÕ m sure the people that are going to get cut arenÕ t going to look at it as an opportunity.Ó A deficit of up to $400 million is projected for the remaining three months of the current fiscal year, and lawmakers will have to rebalance this yearÕ s budget before they can devise a final plan for next year.

Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, of New Orleans, said this session would be the most difficult she’s seen in her decade in the Legislature.

Jindal proposed a mix of onetime funding and cuts to balance next year’s $24.2 billion budget. Disagreements have already emerged between the House and Senate about how much should be

TIM MUELLER / The Associated Press

Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., speaks to a joint legislative session Monday as the 2010 regular legislative session begins at the State Capitol.

trimmed and how much state trust funds should be tapped to fill gaps in the 2010-11 fiscal year that begins July 1.

In his speech, the governor said lawmakers need to unlock some of the state funds that are dedicated to specific programs, ease the ability to tap into state trust funds in difficult budget years and tie dollars to performance standards.

The speech hit several recurring themes for the governor, repeating comments heÕ s made to chambers of commerce, rotary clubs and other groups around the state.

Jindal contrasted his approach to the state budget problems with Washington officials, saying Louisiana won’t raise taxes or deficitspend to cope with the wide-ranging shortfalls. Neither is allowable anyway: tax increases can’t be considered in the regular session this year, and the state is constitutionally required to maintain a balanced

budget each year.

One of this sessionÕ s most heated disputes is expected to center on a bill by Sen. A.G. Crowe, R-Slidell, that attempts to nullify the federal health care overhaul, arguing the congressional legislation is unconstitutional.

Tea party groups in the state have made CroweÕ s bill one of their top priorities for passage in the session, while the LegislatureÕ s black caucus is vowing to fight it.

Besides financial matters, lawmakers are debating an array of ideas that include looser gun restrictions, a red light camera ban, tougher laws for drunk drivers and sex offenders and changes to state ethics laws.

The legislative session runs until June 21.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

ACADEMICS

La. to try again for federal ‘Race to the Top’ education grant

By The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS (AP) Ñ LouisianaÕ s education chief says the state will apply again for federal Ò Race to the TopÓ money after losing out in the first round, but he expressed little desire to amend the stateÕ s plan just to placate school boards and teachers who had objected to it.

The U.S. Department of Education on Monday awarded Delaware and Tennessee $600 million as part of the $4.3 billion program to help states improve student performance and transform struggling schools. Louisiana had been one of 16 finalists, ranking No. 11 among 40 states plus the District of Columbia that applied for the grants.

Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said during a

telephone conference that state officials will take a look at what went into federal departmentÕ s decision and reapply for a second round of money. Federal officials will collect new applications for the program in June. Ò We hope to come back in the second half and win the ball game,Ó Pastorek said.

Exactly how the state’s application might be adjusted will be decided after officials look at the education departmentÕ s scoring, Pastorek said.

He said federal officials had expressed concern that only about half of Louisiana public school students would be in school districts or charter schools that signed on to participate in the Ò Race to the TopÓ program as proposed by state

officials.

The stateÕ s plan would have required changes in the way schools operate. One of the most controversial changes would link teacher pay, retention and promotion to student achievement.

Twenty-eight of 69 school districts and most charter schools in the state signed on.

But the Louisiana School Boards Association and the Louisiana Association of Educators, one of the two major teacher unions in the state, objected to the plan. The other major union, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, endorsed the plan while expressing reservations.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at news@lsureveille.com

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

Revelry

Tuesday’s

225

2

THE DAILY REVEILLE Today’s KLSU 91.1 FM Specialty Shows: Beat Street (Trip Hop) 9 p.m.-11 p.m.; Underground Sounds (Underground Hip-Hop) 11 p.m.-1 a.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

2

Things to do in Baton Rouge while everyone is on vacation

• Barisal Guns at Varsity Theatre – Thursday, April 1 at 9 p.m.

• 2010 Capital Area Start! Heart Walk Thank You Concert at Varsity Theatre – April 9 at 8 p.m.

Places to get a tan on campus

• Parade Ground • Quad Benches

5 Ways to tranform your house into an oasis

Boombox iPod: Memorex miniMove Mi3X — $38

Towel: Ombre Velour Beach Towel, Land’s End — $17.50

Outdoor string lamps: Central-Hub Electric Sphere Lantern (4) — $199.99

Students on Facebook are finishing the sentence: letting me walk to class in peace. I hope.”

— Linsay Williams saving trees, reducing pamphlets and annoyance.”

— Valerie Wade

leaving us the hell alone.”

— Dustin Michael Drewes

“I hope SG finishes the initiative of ...

I hope SG accomplishes NOT making fees mandatory for something that is called a GIFT? The $30 ‘Class Gift’ is fine for those who want to participate, but implementing it (or even thinking about doing so) during a recession and in the midst of the state’s budget woes is ridiculous. Tuition is going up, classes getting bigger, and students who are going to have trouble getting a job after they graduate have to buy a BRICK? Insane.”

— Thomas Richard

‘No Left Turn’ signs on Highland Road all thoughout campus to prevent traffic delays, and opening a brothel/ bar in the union stocked with <21 LSU girls.”

— Adam Trent McLain

getting the word out about binge drinking.”

— Cindy Ford Cochran it’s actually called the ‘Graduate Walk’ now, not the class gift.”

— Joshua Sterling

Visit The Daily Reveille’s Facebook and Twitter pages to answer more questions like this.

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Beach chair: Rio Beach Chair (lay-flat) — $44.95

MELLOW MUSHROOM Pint Night. FREE Pint Class w/ purchase of Draft @ Regular Price FREDÕ S Tonight: $2.50 Bud Light Lime & Wheat; $5 Jack Daniels doubles Wednesday: $2.50 Imports, $3 Doubles, & $2 Shots all night Thursday: 8-10 Ladies Night Every Night: $2 Shots 12-2 and $1 SoCo & Limes all night

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Sports

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

PAGE 7

ns io at ol vi of ty ri ve se w e vi re to AA C N r fo LSU waits ‘Any time you have a problem, it’s obviously not good, but it’s important to have the mechanism in place to catch things when you do have a problem. ’ Herb Vincent, LSU senior associate athletic director and associate vice chancellor for Universi

ty Relations

GYMNASTICS

LSU earns No. 2 seed in regionals

By Staff Reports

‘It’s not to say they weren’t violations, but as fa the NCA A will view it, those will be very r as the punishment and how favorable toward LS U.’ Phil Breaux, Universi ty business law profess

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Potential penalties include fines, probation

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

Daily Reveille file photo

Former wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy watches football practice Sept. 2, 2009. Violations involving McCarthy have been brought to light by investigation.

Coming clean and acting quickly were the best decisions LSU made in light of the internal investigation into recruiting violations surrounding former defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and former wide receivers coach D.J. McCarthy.

Phil Breaux, a business law professor who also teaches sports law, said self-reporting the incidents and cutting ties with the player and coach involved could help

LSU as the NCAA reviews the severity of the improprieties.

“One big plus is [the violations were] self-reported,” Breaux said. “No. 2, the coach who seems to be primarily involved was discharged. The third big plus is the student who was involved never participated in any of the games. It’s not to say they weren’t violations, but as far as the punishment and how the NCAA will view it, those will be very favorable PUNISHMENTS, see page 11

The LSU gymnastics team will head to State College, Pa., for the Penn State Regional on April 10, the NCAA announced Monday.

LSU (11-7-1) will carry a No. 2 seed into the postseason meet. Oklahoma will be the No. 1 seed for the meet, and host Penn State will be the No. 3 seed.

Maryland, Ohio State and New Hampshire are the Nos. 4, 5 and 6 seeds, respectively, in the Penn State Regional.

LSU has now earned a postseason berth for the 26th straight season and has been to the Super Six the last two seasons.

The top two teams and top two all-around competitors not on a top-two team at each regional will advance to the NCAA Championships in Gainesville, Fla., on April 22-24.

Seven Southeastern Conference schools, including LSU, earned regional bids for the 2010 postseason.

The other six SEC schools in the postseason are Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky. Florida, Georgia and Alabama earned No. 1 seeds, Arkansas was given a No. 2 seed, Auburn pulled a No. 3 seed and Kentucky pulled in a No. 4 seed.

Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at sports@lsureveille.com

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Spencer suspended for neglecting academic obligations Johnson: Team needs to ‘grow up fast’

By Chris Branch Sports Writer

LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson dropped a bombshell just minutes into his Monday press conference.

Johnson said junior guard Bo Spencer, LSU’s leading returning scorer for 2010-11 at 14.5 points per game, was suspended indefinitely because of his “lack of fulfillment to his responsibility to academics.”

Spencer will not be able to

participate in any team activities. Johnson did not give many details about Spencer’s situation.

“We’re in a situation right now where outside of him and a few other guys, we do a good job in the classroom,” Johnson said.

“He hasn’t met his academic responsibilities. It’s pretty short and simple.”

JOHNSON REFLECTS ON LAST SEASON Johnson can finally file away the 2009-10 season.

Gone is 11-20. Gone is 2-14 in Southeastern Conference play.

Gone is the stigma of being one of the statistically worst teams in school history.

Johnson is done looking back.

“In terms of reflecting, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect,” Johnson said. “I’ve got a pretty good idea of what’s in front of us. The guys that are coming in are going to have to grow up fast.

The guys that are returning are going to have to remember what just happened every day.”

SCHEDULE “FULL OF CHALLENGES” The schedule won’t be any easier in 2010-11 for LSU. Non-conference games against Houston, Memphis, CHALLENGES, see page 11

J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

LSU junior guard Bo Spencer, right, works around Georgia freshman guard Vincent Williams on March 6 during the Tigers’ 50-48 win against the Bulldogs in the PMAC.

PAGE 8

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

FAMOUS AMOS

Winning Tigers’ pitching has been good, not great I was watching the Elite Eight on Friday night, and I received an email from the LSU Sports Information Office saying the LSU baseball team would be playing a doubleheader Saturday because inclement weather was expected in KnoxAmos Morale ville, Tenn., on Sports Columnist Sunday.

I watched most of game one of Saturday’s doubleheader when LSU headed to Tennessee for its first road trip of the season — by most, I mean the innings thrown by LSU’s equivalent of New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, left-hander Chris Matulis.

I say Matulis is Joba-like because, like the Yankees pitcher, the Tigers’ sophomore has great stuff, but the organization doesn’t seem to have a place for the hurler.

But I digress.

All I saw watching the game were sunny skies and an LSU team that seemed to find a way to win even without the dominant pitching it displayed last season.

The Tigers swept the Volunteers after losing last year’s series against Tennessee, 2-1. The Tigers showed they could correct the errors that led to some early season losses against

J.J. ALCANTARA / The Daily Reveille

LSU sophomore pitcher Joey Bourgeois, in his Tiger debut, steps up to pitch during the Tigers’ 4-0 win Feb. 21 against Centenary at Alex Box Stadium.

a Kansas team that played out of its mind against LSU. The Tigers have been on a roll since the 2-1 series loss to the Jayhawks, losing only in the Southeastern Conference series opener against Arkansas.

Anyone watching the Tigers can see this team is different from the team that won the program’s

sixth national championship — but that may not be a bad thing.

Last year’s team won with dominant pitching and a potent offense that sent balls flying into the stands. This year’s team relies more on manufacturing runs and playing solid defense.

The pitchers for LSU haven’t been bad this year. They look like

minor leaguers compared to last year’s squad.

Last year’s team featured the 2009 SEC Pitcher of the Year, Louis Coleman, and 2009 All-American Anthony Ranaudo. Ranaudo returned but has been a non-factor, making just his second start of the season in game one of the doubleheader Saturday against Tennessee.

The staff instead has been fronted by junior Austin Ross, who at times has shown himself to be an elite pitcher in the conference but at other times has looked just plan awful on the mound.

Filling out the rest of the rotation are freshman Jordan Rittiner, who is a solid pitcher but needs a good defense behind him to be successful, and sophomore Joey Bourgeois, who at times has looked like a veteran ace on the mound and other times not so much.

To put things in perspective, last year’s staff finished with an ERA of 4.02, while this year’s staff sports an average of 4.30.

It isn’t too dramatic an ERA spike, but the numbers don’t show the Tigers’ on-field woes. LSU pitchers have allowed quite a few big innings this season. The Tigers have allowed four or more runs in an inning seven times this season.

But this hasn’t translated to losses. The Tigers have dropped just three of their 23 games this season.

Why? This team is mature. The hitters have confidence in themselves, and LSU never feels like it’s out of the game when it falls behind.

This is why there is no substitute for experience. Take game two of the LSU-Arkansas series as an example.

The Tigers fell behind, 4-1, after Bourgeois had a rough third inning.

But LSU maintained its composure and was able to mount a rally in the seventh inning to take an 8-7 victory.

The pitchers don’t panic and get nervous when they make mistakes.

They just regroup and try to do better against the next batters.

LSU’s hitters don’t add extra pressure, either.

And that’s why they are winning. LSU is playing every phase of the game well, not just certain parts.

The Tigers are playing smart, and that is what makes them a championship contender.

If LSU can keep playing smart and finding ways to win, it is almost guaranteed a trip to Omaha in June.

Amos Morale is a 22 year-old history major from Houston. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_amosmorale3.

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

TuEsdAy, MArch 30, 2010

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 9

AROUND THE SEC

Seven SEC baseball teams appear in this week’s rankings No. 5 LSU is topranked in conference

By Johanathan Brooks Sports Writer

Seven Southeastern Conference teams find themselves in the Baseball America poll this week.

No. 5 LSU is the conferenceÕ s top ranked team, up two spots from last week.

The Tigers (20-3, 5-1) went 4-0 last week after taking a midweek game against Louisiana-Lafayette and sweeping Tennessee in a three-game weekend series. Ò IÕ m proud of our players for earning three tough wins,Ó LSU coach Paul Mainieri said in a news release. Ò Sweeps in the SEC Ñ at home or on the road Ñ are rare, and IÕ m pleased we were able to get the victories. We

still have some areas in which we need to improve, but we demonstrated the poise necessary to win the games.Ó LSU has won seven of its last nine games.

The next-highest ranked team is No. 8 Florida.

The Gators (18-5, 4-2) were a .500 team during the last week as they dropped two of three games against Ole Miss on the road but got a midweek win against Florida Gulf Coast.

Three SEC teams occupy consecutive spots in this weekÕ s poll.

Arkansas, Ole Miss and South Carolina are the Nos. 10, 11 and 12 teams in the nation this week, respectively.

The Razorbacks (18-5, 4-2) went undefeated this week after taking a two-game series against McNeese State and sweeping Alabama in conference play.

Ò IÕ m proud of the team,Ó Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said in a news release. Ò They had a good week, going 5-0. We did it a lot of different ways with relief and starting pitching, timely hitting, home runs and we turned a lot of double plays and it all paid off.Ó The Rebels (19-6, 4-2) went 4-1 on the week by beating Southern Miss, Saint Louis and taking two of three from Florida.

The Gamecocks (19-5, 5-1) went 3-1 last week after beating Georgia Southern and winning the weekend series against Auburn.

Vanderbilt is No. 20 in this weekÕ s poll.

The Commodores (21-4, 4-2) went undefeated at 5-0 last week.

Vanderbilt beat Lipscomb, Wright State and Kentucky during its current six-game streak. Ò ItÕ s almost like you had

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Lady Tigers shift to offseason Chancellor reflects on 21-10 season

By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor

The LSU womenÕ s basketball players have a newfound gap in their typically busy schedule.

The 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. time period during the week will be spent doing something other than practicing in the PMAC. Returning players will continue working out with their teammates throughout the offseason, and school will also become a priority as the semester winds down.

Only individual meetings with the coaching staff remain for the team.

Senior guard Allison Hightower will have a different offseason than the rest of the Lady Tiger squad.

Hightower said she has to wrap up her classes at LSU before she looks to her professional future. Ò IÕ m just going to continue to work out and focus on class,Ó she said.

Hightower said she is close to reaching her ultimate goal at LSU: graduating. Ò All I have is nine hours to graduate,Ó she said. Ò IÕ m looking forward to walking across the stage.

ThatÕ s what I came here for.Ó Hightower is entering the WNBA draft after a storied career in Baton Rouge.

She finished as the 13th alltime leading scorer in LSU history with 1,508 points. She is fifth alltime in games played with 136 and sits atop the ranks for blocks by a guard with 89. Ò When I look back on it, I had a great career here,Ó Hightower said. Ò I feel like im leaving on a good note.Ó

Hightower said she will be in New York for the draft April 8.

Hightower, who went to Juan Seguin High School in Arlington, Texas, hinted at a desire to play for the San Antonio Silver Stars, but she said she had one more thing on her wish list: playing with former LSU teammates in the WNBA. Ò It would be great to play with a former [LSU] player,Ó she said.

Seven former Lady Tigers are currently on WNBA rosters.

SEASON IN PERSPECTIVE LSUÕ s 2009-10 season didnÕ t go exactly as expected Ñ at least in the eyes of womenÕ s hoops pundits.

The Lady Tigers were No. 9 on the preseason Associated Press poll and peaked at No. 5 before losing their first game to Nebraska.

LSU was picked to finish first in the Southeastern Conference by a panel of media and second by coaches.

But third-year coach Van Chancellor said he is pleased with a 21-10 record and a 13th straight first round win the NCAA tournament. Ò IÕ ll never think you can think you had a bad year when you finished tied for third in your league and you went to the NCAA playoffs,Ó Chancellor said.

Chancellor said team must get tougher mentally. Read more at lsureveille.com.

Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com

one in the bank and you just chip away,Ó Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said in a news release. Ò Our guys could have just been satisfied with the series win and they werenÕ t and that says something. I am proud of them.Ó The final SEC team to get a ranking this week was Alabama.

The Crimson Tide (16-6, 2-4) dropped five spots to No. 25 in this weekÕ s poll after not winning a game last week.

Alabama lost a midweek contest against Auburn and was swept

by Arkansas during the weekend.

SEC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Arkansas sophomore third baseman Zach Cox was named the SEC Player of the Week for his feats last week.

Cox batted .556 for the week and had eight RBIs. HeÕ s currently riding a 23-game hitting streak and is No. 2 in the SEC with a

.435 batting average.

Vanderbilt sophomore Sonny Gray, SEC Pitcher of the Week, pitched seven innings against then-No. 21 Kentucky on Friday night and limited the Wildcats to no runs on four hits. He struck out six batters and walked only three. Ò Sonny allowed three walks, but they didnÕ t hit him too much and he was very sharp in getting through seven innings, which was needed on a Friday night,Ó Corbin said.

Ole Miss left fielder Alex Yarbrough was the conferenceÕ s Freshman of the Week.

Yarbrough batted .450 with a .520 on base percentage during the weekend series against Florida.

Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com

PAGE 10

THE DAILY REVEILLE

TuEsdAy, MArch 30, 2010

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010 PUNISHMENTS, from page 7

toward LSU.” The violations highlighted in the report include illegal telephone calls during Hicks’ recruiting process and Hicks receiving impermissible transportation and housing before beginning his career at LSU. Breaux said there are two categories to consider when it comes to punishments the NCAA could impose.

“The first is a secondary violation, which is the less serious,” Breaux said. “It refers to an isolated or inadvertent event with only a minimal recruiting advantage. All the other violations are referred to as major violations.

These typically provide an extensive recruiting advantage.”

Sanctions for secondary and major categories often overlap, Breaux said.

He said several potential

CHALLENGES, from page 7

North Texas and Wichita State and road games against Virginia and Rice will highlight the slate.

“When you look at next year’s schedule, it’s going to be real challenging for us regardless of who we play and where we play,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be extremely challenging. The incoming class is going to have to grow up fast.”

JOHNSON EXCITED FOR INCOMING CLASS The incoming recruiting

THE DAILY REVEILLE

PAGE 11

punishments will not be an option for the NCAA to impose upon LSU, such as vacating wins in which the student-athlete participated or prohibiting the head coach or staff members from offcampus recruiting, because the coach and player involved are no longer on campus.

The NCAA is also unlikely to suspend coach Les Miles because he was not knowingly involved in the violations, Breaux said. Miles “inadvertently” made some illegal phone calls to Hicks but did not know his calls exceeded the NCAA limit because McCarthy’s previous calls were not logged in LSU’s compliance system.

“They might impose some fines if it’s a secondary violation – it could be from as little as $500 up to $5,000,” Breaux said.

“They may limit the amount of financial aid and scholarships you can use in that particular sport,

up to 20 percent of the maximum number of awards. That’s a pretty serious penalty for a secondary violation.”

Breaux said the school could be placed on a two-year probationary period or be prohibited from postseason competition if the NCAA decides LSU committed major violations. “[Probation] is a pain because you’re being watched, but you aren’t actually being punished other than being watched,” Breaux said. “That might not be that bad, unless you get into trouble again while you’re on probation. You may be punished by precluding postseason competition in the sport. That would be a big one.”

Breaux said other sanctions could range from public reprimands to a show-cause order, where LSU would take part in a hearing by the NCAA Infractions Committee and argue why the

University shouldn’t be penalized.

Herb Vincent, LSU senior associate athletic director and associate vice chancellor for University Relations, said Thursday the NCAA had not yet declared an exact time frame for the investigation.

“The NCAA has to review it and decide if it wants to gather any more information,” Vincent said. “It’s impossible to know what’s on their docket and how fast they may move or discover what they want to find out more about.”

The self-reporting eases the sting the violations brought to the football program, Vincent said.

“Any time you have a problem, it’s obviously not good, but it’s important to have the mechanism in place to catch things when you do have a problem,” Vincent said. “It speaks well of our compliance department that

we were able to catch this so early in the process.”

Vincent said LSU “gained no competitive advantage,” as Hicks did not participate in any games, and McCarthy was removed from the recruiting trail.

Nearly all names and locations were redacted throughout LSU’s report, and Breaux said determining how much redacting is permissible in an NCAA report is often a difficult balancing act.

“You have two scales of justice here: the public’s right to know and then on the other side are privacy rights,” Breaux said.

“You want to err on the side of privacy caution if you’re LSU. Part of those names are students who cooperated.”

class may have to adapt quickly to the college game with the possible absence of Spencer.

Johnson isn’t too concerned.

Guard Ralston Turner, point guard Andre Stringer, guard/forward Jalen Courtney and forward Matt Derenbecker are a highly touted crew. Add in the verbal commitment of guard K.C. RossMiller, and the backcourt doesn’t have many holes.

“On the perimeter, the guys coming in, forget the experience factor or lack thereof,” Johnson said. “They’re skilled, they can shoot it, they can pass and they

can catch. I really look at this team next year, if everything goes well, that we have a chance to be a team that’s real balanced.”

Johnson did pause his enthusiasm. He reiterated while he believes this class will succeed, nothing has happened yet.

“I stick to my guns in that you judge a recruiting class at the end of its career and not at the beginning,” Johnson said.

at the 2009-10 season on Sunday night at the team’s annual postseason banquet.

Graduating senior Tasmin Mitchell took home Most Inspirational Player and Most Valuable Player honors to lead the night. Freshman forward Eddie Ludwig also won two awards — Coaches’ Award and Most Improved Player.

Freshman forward Dennis Harris nabbed Sixth Man of the Year honors, while sophomore forward Storm Warren was named Best Defensive Player.

“I think guys were taken

back a little bit in terms of attendance and how much support this program and this basketball team has gotten over the year,” Johnson said. “There were probably 250 to 300 people. That speaks volumes to the commitment and the passion from our fanbase in a lean year like this. For me, it was a time to honor the seniors — Alex Farrer and Tasmin Mitchell — on their way out.”

MITCHELL, LUDWIG, HARRIS GARNER AWARDS Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff took one last peek

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Opinion

PAGE 12

OUR VIEW

TuEsdAy, MArch 30, 2010

Monday’s protest a good sign, but just the beginning Monday was a good day for the student body.

Student GovernmentÕ s Fund Our Future March gave students a great opportunity to see and speak to their legislators face-toface. And initial reactions from those legislators are encouraging.

SG deserves credit for organizing the protest. And we commend all the students who took the time to attend.

That said, this is just the beginning.

The battle for LSUÕ s budgetary

future is by no means anywhere close to finished. The stakes are too high for anyone interested in the UniversityÕ s future to remain quiet this legislative session.

Gov. Bobby JindalÕ s current plans for the session will do a lot to ease the pressures on LSU, but those plans have no concrete effects unless the legislature actually implements them. And the chances of that happening are significantly diminished if legislators arenÕ t getting feedback saying they should be pursuing

these policies.

ThatÕ s where you come in.

Students need to begin actively petitioning legislators to stop giving higher education the ax while other programs get scraped with a file. Call, e-mail or send a letter to your legislator telling him or her to remove the constitutional and statutory protections on the other parts of the budget that cause our disproportionate fiscal pains.

The current system is unfair and unwise Ñ and our legislators

need to be loudly told to fix it.

Keep informed. SG, the administration and The Daily Reveille are all committed to keeping students in the loop. Pay attention for later organizational efforts to get the word out.

Everyone on campus has been hearing about these cuts for almost a year now. WeÕ re all tired of hearing about how our class sizes will increase, our professors will leave, our scheduling will become a mess and our resources will shrink.

But Monday marked the beginning of the legislative session that will decide our funding for the next year, and it’s officially crunch time.

Pay attention. Get involved.

ItÕ s your education thatÕ s up for debate, and itÕ s your responsibility to make sure it retains its quality.

Contact the Editorial Board at editor@lsureveille.com

CANCEL THE APOCALYPSE

Arrest warrant should be put out for the pope The pope, Joseph Ratzinger, must be arrested.

IÕ ll admit, a slew of horrendous criticisms would not be unjust about this column Ñ if one were to only read the title. But I must ask you, the reader, dispose of bias in this rare occasion Ñ as I have had to do so to write this column.

I can only think of Green DayÕ s rock anthem, Ò Holiday,Ó which is heavily critical of the United StatesÕ recent war practices. Precluding all live performances, Billie Joe Armstrong, lead vocalist and front man, proclaims a necessary antecedent: Ò This song is not anti-American ... ItÕ s anti-war!Ó And in true Ò Jesus of SuburbiaÓ fashion, this column is not anti-Catholic ... It’s anti child rape!

I donÕ t particularly care who or what someone identifies as Ò GodÓ Ñ pending those beliefs do not allow for a child to be tortured.

And the anticipated Ò audacityÓ it took to construct this column was nothing more than calling things as they ought to be.

Anyone, no matter how powerful or loved, must be implicated for allowing children to systematically be raped.

Right?

But what is the warrant for the arrest of His Holiness, Joseph Ratzinger?

YouÕ re entirely entitled to ask, “Is my claim justified?” I’ll let you decide. But first, here are the facts.

I would have liked to supply a list of the child rape scandals exposed during the last century

involving the Catholic Church in almost every country on Earth, but this newspaper couldnÕ t hold them all. Rather, only two such accounts need be named to issue a warrant for the arrest of His Holiness.

An 11-year-old German boy, named Wilfried F., was taken on a retreat with a priest, Father Peter Hullermann, in 1979. There the boy was given alcohol, stripped Andrew naked and robertson forced to Columnist perform oral sex on his priest. The abominable act was exposed, and the guilty parishioner was moved from Essen to Munich for Ò treatmentÓ Ñ determined by none other than Joseph Ratzinger. Promises were issued that the priest would not be allowed to Ò workÓ with children again Ñ but all too soon after HullermannÕ s reinstatement, allegations arose again declaring more children were molested.

And who was made aware of the perpetually pedophilic priest returning to child work via a memorandum sent directly to his office and did nothing? Hint: He now wears a pointy hat.

You may well be asking, Ò Why arenÕ t predatory priests in prison?Ó That leads to my second point.

Ratzinger, before being elected pope, issued a confidential letter to every bishop in 2001. The contents include: When a clergyman learns that another child rape

THE DAILY REVEILLE Editorial Board NICHOLAS PERSAC JERIT ROSER GERRI SAX ELLEN ZIELINSKI MATTHEW ALBRIGHT

Editor Managing Editor, Content Managing Editor, External Media Managing Editor, Production Opinion Editor

has occurred, he must not inform anyone other than the Vatican.

Breaking silence on the matter bore penalty of excommunication.

The only jurisdiction capable of handling the matter was the Vatican, according to RatzingerÕ s secretive docket.

Just to be clear, according to RatzingerÕ s letter, if one rapes a child he is to be reported to the Vatican and no other authority, so he can receive Ò rehabilitation.Ó One could face excommunication if he discloses the crime to nonVatican authorities, such as local law enforcement.

But how just is this Vaticanissued justice?

If Cardinal Bernard Law is any indication, itÕ s basically a get out of jail Ñ and hell Ñ free card.

Law stood accused of knowingly covering up and enabling two pedophilic priests to continue their Ò practiceÓ in Boston, and the man admitted to it. He now resides not in jail, but in Rome as an archpriest.

Fun fact: The cardinal himself sat on the conclave to elect Ratzinger as pope in 2005.

Child rapists do not deserve psychiatric treatment and relocation to yet another diocese, they deserve jail time or worse. Rape victims who have been shamed by the men they called Ò FatherÓ

deserve justice. Those who enable or cover up any of the aforementioned atrocities deserve prosecution, and this includes Pope Benedict XVI. Regardless of your faith, this world has no place for predatory rapists nor their enablers.

Can I get an amen — and an arrest warrant?

Andrew Robertson is a 23-yearold religious studies senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_arobertson.

Contact Andrew Robertson at arobertson@lsureveille.com

BEST AND WITTIEST

cartoon courtesy of KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

EdITOrIAL POLIcIEs & 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. 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-26 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 Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

QuOTE OF ThE dAy Ò What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.Ó

Ralph Waldo Emerson American essayist, poet May 25, 1803 — April 27, 1882

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

MURDA, HE WROTE

Opinion

PaGe 13

Obama should stay tough with Israel, push for peace Last week was big for the Obama presidency. Much attention was rightly given to the controversial health care reform bill, but it overshadowed several major developments outside the countryÕ s borders.

China and Russia unsuccessfully negotiated with Iranian President Mahmoud AhmadinejadÕ s government to slow down IranÕ s nuclear ambitions. After the meeting, it seemed the two major powers Ñ who have thus far been soft with Tehran Ñ were now open to imposing sanctions.

News in Russia leaked that officials were crossing the t’s and dotting the iÕ s on a new nuclear arms reduction pact with the United States. The agreement will require a 25 percent reduction in each countryÕ s nuclear arsenals and a reduction in launching capacity (without affecting American ambitions for a European anti-missile system), according to reports.

But perhaps the most

significant development has been the tone struck by the Obama administration with Israel.

The Israeli government announced plans to increase the number of Jewish settlements in Gaza earlier this month, on the heels of a visit by Vice President Joe Biden. Expanding the settlements is widely considered to be counterproductive to the ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinians Ñ an issue of American interest for decades.

In a move coordinated by President Obama, the vice president expressed American discontent by arriving more than an hour late to a state dinner arranged for him.

So when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington last week, he brushed off suggestions that relations between the two countries were on the rocks. After all, the United States has provided diplomatic as well as financial support since it was formed after World War II.

This brings up an important fact. Who does the United States give the most foreign aid money to? Is it Haiti Ñ a country where 80 percent of people live below the poverty line? What about Angola, where about 20 percent of children donÕ t live past year one?

Mark The corMacMurdo rect answer, of Columnist course, is Israel. We give our Jewish friends about $3 billion per year Ñ about a fifth of the foreign aid budget.

And it isnÕ t going to buy butter.

It almost exclusively goes to buy guns (high-tech, American guns).

I generally donÕ t like to involve myself in the Israeli-Palestinian debate because itÕ s obviously complicated. I simply havenÕ t done enough homework Ñ like getting a Ph.D in Israeli-Arab relations Ñ to paint a picture for the

road to peace.

But I do know that building new settlements is not going to solve the problem.

As far as IÕ m concerned, if you receive money from your parents in college you donÕ t just have to listen to what they say because they are your parents. There is a real pragmatic calculation you make about whether or not you want to receive your next check.

IÕ m not suggesting America is entitled to direct IsraelÕ s foreign policy decisions. Its decisions are its alone. But when the United States is heavily funding its government, it puts us in a position where its decisions affect us and consequentially, we should have a say.

After all, the big secret about why we were attacked on 9/11 isnÕ t that they Ò hate our freedomsÓ as our president said, or (entirely) because we are not Muslims. The policies of Israel Ñ who we support Ñ are seen as antagonistic against Muslims.

IÕ m certainly not suggesting we should act under duress, giving in to an evil ideology. But the fact is if the Israel-Palestinian debate could ever be settled Ñ or at least tamped down Ñ it will only increase the safety of all concerned parties (and make better use of American foreign aid).

The president needs to maintain a strong hand against anyone who threatens the peace process in the Middle East Ñ whether itÕ s Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Palestinians or the Israeli government. Right now, that means being tough with our ally to ensure they are serious about peace.

Mark Macmurdo is a 23-yearold history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.

Contact Mark Macmurdo at mmacmurdo@lsureveille.com

DAMAGED GOODS

Facebook statuses about health care sound like war

ObamaÕ s health care plan passed.

The reason I can tell: Facebook statuses. The home page is a war zone, where everyone is general of his own country, spewing machine-gun-blasting insults from around the nation.

Hot off the presses is the Republican friend. Ò Obama is a no good socialist. IÕ m moving to Mexico where I can use my gun, and my money wonÕ t be stolen.Ó Everybody knows this guy.

He regurgitates his parentsÕ rhetoric. The friend who uses Glenn Beck transcripts and Wikipedia as proper examples in public debate at a dimly lit bar.

I will most likely berate this guy with comments like Ò Why donÕ t you just hush?!Ó or Ò You donÕ t know.Ó Those comments are my way of disagreeing Ñ jokingly. No one can see my facial expressions as I say it because itÕ s Facebook. The status gets 25 more comments from his conservative cronies.

Right after my comment comes another Republican kid, Ò Who are you, Matt Sigur?

Sound like a socialist pig to me!

Hope you like AIDS!Ó How did ObamaÕ s health care plan all of the sudden turn into an AIDS epidemic?

Meanwhile, your perky Democratic friend is on the other side of town. Ò YAy! ObaMa did it right!

Yes we can? More like YES WE DID!Ó She probably equates free

health care to getting a lifetimeÕ s supply of medical marijuana and deodorant, but I do give her status a thumbs-up.

There are no comments Ñ her wall is pristine and full of her hippie friendsÕ love.

Further down her wall, one friend has said, Ò Your friendship is a ray of a sunshine! Be Matthew Sigur beautiful.Ó Then I reColumnist alize IÕ m not so sure I should agree with her at all.

I realize why I donÕ t ever talk politics.

Once you start the political talk around the campfire at my age, you never stop. You just keep adding twigs to the flame. If these people had a conversation in real life, it would be like listening to a loop of breaks squealing for six hours.

In real life, the mediator (i.e. me) will come in at some point and say, Ò I love you. Both of you.

IÕ m sorry to be creepy right now about that. By the way, could you stop yelling about Obama? The whole flipping bar can hear you.

Thanks. I love you.Ó It gets worse on Facebook.

There is no middleman to ease the tension Ñ just millions of Ò friends,Ó all wanting to spew opinions in the public domain.

All you do is sit there until your blood pressure goes through the roof. Until you shake your computer screen and throw it across

the room, yelling obscenities. Ò The world is so stupid. How come no one agrees with me?Ó Then you realize you have no computer because you just threw it across your room, stressing out over everyone elseÕ s stupidity.

Maybe you donÕ t get that mad. But you join a group either titled Ò Health care has passed Ñ letÕ s march to WashingtonÓ (which isnÕ t economically feasible at all, but hey, at least theyÕ re trying) or Ò Obama is the man!

You go!Ó (which could mean

anything).

After this update, and because Facebook is stalker central, the friends come back to berate you. See how itÕ s a never-ending cycle of terror?

Imagine if everyone just commented, Ò I see your point.

While I donÕ t agree, IÕ d like to be optimistic about this new plan.Ó YouÕ re right: ThatÕ s the blandest stuff ever. I like the war zone atmosphere better. On second thought, IÕ m just going to sit back and watch the best drama

since Ò Homicide: Life on the Streets.Ó Cynical and stalker-y? Quite, but IÕ d rather be indifferent than an idiot.

Matthew Sigur is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from West Monroe. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_msigur.

Contact Matthew Sigur at msigur@lsureveille.com

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TuEsdAy, MArch 30, 2010 SPEAK, from page 1

Ò ItÕ s crazy we protect everything except higher education and health care,Ó Claitor said.

Sen. Jack Donahue, R-St. Tammany Parish, said he thinks itÕ s important for students to speak to legislators. Ò IÕ m always a supporter of LSU,Ó Donahue said. Ò IÕ m a tremendous supporter of higher education.Ó Watkins said the legislators were surprised students took the time to go to the Capitol. Ò They kept saying, Ô WeÕ re proud of you for coming,Õ Ó Watkins said.

Besides talking to as many legislators as possible, students provided copies of SG Chief Economic Adviser Greg UptonÕ s budget proposal to each representative.

Many of JindalÕ s points were consistent with SGÕ s budget proposal, Upton said after the governorÕ s 2 p.m. speech. Those points included removing statutes making every part of the budget available for cuts, supporting the LA GRAD Act and allowing universities “flexibility” in return for high graduation rates. Ò It is important we make needed

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changes for higher education,Ó Jindal said. Ò We should give universities more flexibility, but in turn they have to do better performance.Ó Jindal said people wouldnÕ t stand for the UniversityÕ s athletics being as poor as its graduation rates, which he said are the second lowest in the South. Ò We need to demand the same excellence in the classroom that we expect on the athletic field,” Jindal said.

Upton said he also heard positive words from several of the legislators, but was disappointed many said nothing about removing statutes from the Louisiana State Constitution. Ò I think what was important is we would go as a group of students to a legislator,Ó Upton said. Ò We were saying this is a proposal of all the students.Ó Watkins said he approves JindalÕ s focus on higher education but said there is still room for improvement.

SG Vice President Martina Scheuermann said there is a real need for students to respond to the legislatureÕ s decisions. Ò A lot of legislators were saying

they hadnÕ t heard from their constituents,Ó Scheuermann said. Ò I think itÕ s part of the civic engagement process, and itÕ s more than just about the students that are on campus now.Ó Students from all degrees and years joined SG downtown, including Kirsti Ortego, mass communication freshman. Ò IÕ m here as an LSU student, and I know IÕ m only a freshman, but I know itÕ s going to affect us when we graduate,Ó Ortego said. Ò If our school goes down, so does the credibility of our degree.Ó College of Business Senator Anne-Marie Fontenot spent most of the day downtown and spoke to Sen. Eric LaFleur, D-Allen Parish, the senator representing her hometown of Ville Platte. Ò He has always supported higher education and will continue to do so throughout this session,Ó Fontenot said.

Students showing they care about legislative decisions shows they are concerned about LouisianaÕ s future, Fontenot said.

Contact Catherine Threlkeld at cthrelkeld@lsureveille.com

COLLINS, from page 1

Collins was unavailable for comment on this story.

Following an internal audit, the details of CollinsÕ transactions were reported to LSUPD, which forwarded the results of its investigation to the district attorney.

But Dana Cummings, a prosecutor in the District AttorneyÕ s Office, said after reviewing the evidence the case was ruled a Ò no bill,Ó which means no prosecution took place on the charges. Ò That means that, based on our opinion, there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges to proceed,Ó Cummings said.

Raymond Lamonica, LSU System general counsel, said he also determined the allegations didnÕ t merit criminal charges. Ò From my evaluation, I concluded that it was not a chargeable offense,Ó Lamonica said.

The district attorneyÕ s determination there was insufficient evidence and his own conclusion were made independently of each other, Lamonica said.

But the case should not have been forwarded to law enforce-

PAGE 15 ment without legal counsel being sought first, Lamonica said.

A recommendation was made that Ò management should consult with legal counselÓ to determine whether CollinsÕ s transactions were in violation of any laws, according to the internal audit report released in May 2009.

But the case was referred to law enforcement before any legal judgment was sought, Lamonica said. Ò The audit did not say that she had, in any criminal sense, misappropriated funds,Ó he said. Ò The audit addresses whether there were in place appropriate administrative procedures to document the proper use of funds, which is very different from saying someone misappropriated them.Ó The matter was settled in the March 3 agreement creating CollinsÕ namesake scholarship, a $2,000 per year award for a freshman or sophomore with a record of community service, according to a news release.

The University will make a $10,000 transfer to the LSU Foundation to fund the scholarship. That money will come from the chancellorÕ s discretionary fund, said Herb Vincent, associate vice chancellor for University Relations.

The compromise was made to solve any disputes between Collins and the University that could Ò lead to litigation and its inherent risks and uncertainties,Ó according to the settlement.

In exchange for the creation of her scholarship, Collins Ò unconditionally releases and forever discharges LSUÓ on any claims regarding the situation and agrees neither she nor anyone on her behalf will file any type of legal complaint against the University, the contract says.

Collins gave up any potential legal action in the agreement, but Lamonica said she never threatened the University with litigation.

Rather, the settlement was initiated by the System president and Board of Supervisors. Ò LSU regrets the manner in which the response to a routine audit was handled, and we are pleased that the incident has led to such a positive result,Ó LSU System President John Lombardi said in a news release.

The incident led to changes meant to prevent a similar situation from arising in the future, Lamonica said.

“We’ve clarified the recordkeeping process, and weÕ ve clarified the process when referrals are made to law enforcement officers without advice of the counsel,Ó he said.

Contact Ryan Buxton at rbuxton@lsureveille.com

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

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