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INCLUSION ILLUSION LSU’s campus climate survey reveals students feeling uncomfortable, unsafe on campus
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The Manship School of Mass Communication announced it’s removing accounting and economics from degree programs.
ENTERTAINMENT
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LSU Tiger Band Drum Major Taylor Brownfield reflects on his national championship experience.
SPORTS
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Former LSU track and field star Mondo Duplantis writes his name in the record books on the world stage.
OPINION
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“It’s great that BRAF is planning to help restore the LSU lakes, the University’s neglect of them is shameful and embarrassing.”
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
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Minority students report higher levels of discrimination, safety concerns, survey says BY LARA NICHOLSON @laranicholson_ Results of LSU’s 2018-2019 Campus Climate Survey revealed many students, especially those in minority groups, reported instances of discrimination and unsafe situations on campus. The Campus Climate survey was created in 2016 to measure satisfaction and opinion on inclusion at the University. In fall of 2018, this test was released online to measure faculty, staff and student opinions, broken into four parts: satisfaction and support systems, campus inclusion experiences, perceptions of campus inclusion and concerns about campus inclusion. In the most recent campus climate survey, most students— particularly females, LGBTQ students and those within minority groups—reported feelings of inequality, lack of safety and/ or exclusion on campus. Beyond this, a higher number of majority students—white, male and heterosexual students—reported inequalities on campus than in 2016. About 1,914 students—6% of the student body—were accounted for in the study, compared to 18% of employees on campus. “It’s a really good chance for students to be heard not only [at LSU] but also at the state level,” University Title IX graduate assistant Kimberly Davis said. “The point is to hear from students and hear what their concerns are. We take that very seriously.” But the concerns held by students who completed the survey varied depending on their race, gender and sexual orientation. For example, almost half of African-American students and about one-third of Hispanic and multiracial students reported being made uncomfortable by comments regarding race, in comparison to only 9% of white students on campus. Respondents could leave comments after each block of questions in the survey. Only 9% of the students’ anonymous comments were positive. “I have felt looked down on by certain faculty, staff and peers because I have a working-class background and almost no financial/economic advantages,” wrote one student in the survey. Nearly half of all LGBTQ and trans/genderqueer students also felt discomfort on campus after hearing comments from fellow students regarding their sexual orientation, according to the survey. About one-third of these students also reported feeling uncomfortable due to comments from faculty and staff. “As an LGBT person of color, I do not feel completely safe or accepted at this university,” one respondent wrote. Last month, the Princeton Review ranked the University No. 11 on the list of the nation’s most LGBTQ-unfriendly colleges.
Sociology senior and Spectrum President Leigh Fresina said ignorance is the root of the problem. “People are uneducated about the LGBTQ+ community,” Fresina said. “That’s a fact. All they need to do is open their minds, even a little bit, and they’ll see that we’re just like them.” The University provides students with services like the Office of Diversity, Women’s Center, Multicultural Affairs and African American Cultural Center. However, less than half of male, white and/or non-LGBTQ students reported any likelihood of using such services. Since the 2016 Campus Climate survey, there has also been a rising number of students who believe that inequality does exist, but that it is reared toward students in majority populations rather than minority groups, women or LGBTQ members, including the following three comments from respondents: “The climate is worse for a white male than anywhere else, especially if you are religious and straight,” one student wrote. “When watching videos in class or discussing slavery, I feel that that all eyes are upon me because of what my [race] did 150 years ago.” “I’m not so sure why we care so much about diversity. From my point of view, inclusiveness is when all people are treated the same regardless of skin color or sexual preference,” another respondent wrote. “At LSU, they are so concerned with diversity that they make those people stick out like a sore thumb and let the ‘diverse’ people have more opportunities than the regular person.” “As a white male, I feel as though every year this campus takes more and more steps to make this a safe and great space for minorities and females,” one student commented. “However, when was the last time that the interests of white men were taken into account?” Students like mass communication senior Mary Dicharry were outraged to hear such comments made about the culture of the University and the Deep South. “If they feel oppressed because we are calling the general population of white, cisgender, heterosexual men on their actions, that’s their fault for not recognizing their own oppression of women, non-binary people and people of color,” Dicharry said. “Now, after hundreds of years of getting their way, they are upset because they are being held accountable for their actions.” Despite the comments, students who believe that inequality is present on campus remain in the majority. A majority of students also reported that from what they’ve seen, inappropriate jokes and comments are still tolerated on campus. In the survey’s comments, one student reported an experience where they were called a racial
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slur and had a full drink thrown at their car after recommending to someone that they move their car in order to not get a ticket. Students reported often feeling a lack of support from peers, faculty and staff on campus, especially Hispanic and Latinx, multiracial and LGBTQ students. Students in the LGBTQ community also said they did not feel like part of the ‘LSU family’ more often than any other group. More than half of respondents said they have felt like an outsider at the University at least once, with multiracial and African American students reporting this more often than other racial groups. “I think the University as an institution is great at promoting/ instilling diversity, but I think some students still have a long way to go in truly accepting everyone,” one respondant wrote. Students also reported an overall lack of safety on campus: 60% of all students reported occasionally feeling fear on campus. Gender had a significant role to play on responses regarding fear on campus; while 65% of male students reported never fearing for their safety on campus, 70% of female and 74% of trans/genderqueer students reported feeling fear on campus at least once in a while. This discrepancy may be influenced by the series of stalkings and harassments toward women on campus in early 2019. Numerous incidents where women were aggressively confronted by non-
student men on campus circulated on social media, including a female student who was confronted by a stranger who repeatedly asked her for her phone number before removing her headphones from her ear. “Walking around campus at night is now generally considered unsafe,” one respondent wrote in the survey. The majority of the sexual harassment reports in the survey were retellings of personal experiences rather than eyewitness accounts. “To be completely honest, from what I’ve heard from the number of friends and people that I’ve known who have been raped or sexually assaulted by white, cisgender, straight men, these men receive minimal punishment—if anything—for their crimes, and it’s disgusting,” Dicharry said. “I don’t understand.” Eighty percent of all undergraduate students reported concerns about safety on campus. Other findings in the survey included that graduate students often felt as though they were underpaid, and that their already low wages were taken by “monstrous fee(s).” The two most common reasons among students considering leaving the University were scarce resources and problems with their specific degree programs. Other students also cited a necessity for renovating campus, such as additional sidewalks, renovating older buildings and additional lighting for walkways on campus.
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CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.
ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free. To purchase additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall. The Reveille is published weekly during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, 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 Reveille, B-39 Hodges Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
NEWS
E S R U O C
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CHA NGE
Manship School removes accounting, economics from degree program BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
The LSU Journalism Building sits on 3810 W. Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020. BY TAYLOR LANDRY @taylor.landry The Manship School of Mass Communication has changed its degree curriculum. Notably, challenging classes, such as accounting and economics, will be removed from the upcoming 2020-2021 course catalog. Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the Manship School of Mass Communication Josh Grimm confirmed the removal of Accounting 2000 and Economics 2030 from the mass communication degree program. “Those changes [the removal of Accounting 2000 and Economics 2030] have been approved and will go into effect this fall,” Grimm said. The need to reevaluate course requirements for mass communication students has been around for some time, Grimm said. “One of the first things I did
was try to see what we have done in the past and see what needs to be addressed,” Grimm said. “I noticed these requirements for Economics 2030 and Accounting 2000. I looked into it, and it turns out that the last time they were looked at was the year 1976 for accounting and 1986 for economics.” Although the courses have been taken out of future degree requirements, Grimm said, the Manship School still encourages students to take what classes interest them. “We looked into it and looked at what other colleges were requiring and ultimately determined that these classes should not be a requirement,” Grimm said. “That being said, students are still allowed and encouraged to take those classes.” Students who previously had to take Economics 2030 will now have to take a general education social science class, and students who had to take
Accounting 2000 will now be required to take another mass communication elective. Mass communication sophomore Emmaline Peneguy knew about the changes and is grateful that she now has the opportunity to take more classes relevant to her studies. “I am so grateful because those classes are not something I would be very interested in,” Peneguy said. “Now I can take another elective, which I’ll use to count towards my minor.” Changing degree requirements is a lengthy process. First, the proposal goes to the Manship School’s course of the curriculum committee and must pass a faculty vote. From there, it goes to the University’s course of the curriculum committee, which must approve the vote. Finally, the change has to be approved by Academic Affairs. Political communication freshman Nathalie Tardiff is glad the requirements are chang-
ing because it has given her a chance to take a class taught by the dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication. “In replacement of Econ, I’m actually taking Mass Communication 2030,” Tardiff said. “I can honestly say that I am happy to take this class, especially since the dean of the Manship School is the professor.” Students enter the University with the catalog that has been approved for that given year. Students can adopt a new catalog, but must adopt all course changes made to the new catalog. Most students can opt into the new catalog, Grimm said. The changes will go into effect in fall 2020, and students registered for the affected courses have been notified. “We do look at our curriculum pretty often,” Grimm said. “We are trying to encourage students to take a variety of classes that will prepare them for the job of their dreams.”
STUDENT LIFE
LSU students reflect on MIP offenses
BY MARYKELLY MUNSTER @mkokayokay A lot has changed for college students over the past decade, including the consequences of underage drinking. Today, a first offender can expect a $200 fine plus the additional cost of chemical abuse classes and substantial court fees for drinking under the age of 21 years old. As law enforcement technology continues to advance, the risk of being fined for underage drinking has also increased. Larry Cooper, a senior legal investigator for the Baton Rouge Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said the new technology police have developed to assist in detecting alcohol in the ambient air surrounding a drink. “[The passive alcohol sensor] is calibrated yearly,” Cooper said. “It will let us know whether there’s something inside a container, whether they dropped it or poured it out or whatnot; it can still sense the signature.” A common misconception is that a minor in possession infraction is simply a ticket. How-
see MIP, page 4
STUDENT LIFE
Native American Student Organization to bring back powwow BY CHARLES FISKE @chuck_fiske LSU’s Native American Student Organization is aiming to increase the University’s awareness and appreciation of Native American culture on campus, beginning by planning a return of the organization’s annual powwow. Communication disorders junior and NASO President Shea Ferguson said powwows are important in terms of spirituality and camaraderie for Native American tribes. “A powwow is a time for Native American dance and culture exchange,” Ferguson said. “You would typically have a circular dance pattern, and in the middle there’s drummers and singers.” Native Americans make up less than 1% of the University’s undergraduate student popula-
tion. There are just 102 American Indian and Alaskan Native undergraduate students at the University, according to the 2019 LSU Fall Facts. “It’s very underrepresented, but I will tell you that Native American students are typically first-generation students,” Ferguson said. Ferguson also said many of the first-generation students grew up on reservations, which she described as “insular.” She said transitioning to a diverse college campus can be difficult due to the way these students were raised. The last NASO powwow was in 2014. However, after many of the organization’s members graduated, NASO lost traction at the University. “There aren’t enough records to say what happened,” Ferguson said. “I just know that I’m here now, so I’m going to try
to get it back.” NASO’s efforts come Over the past few semes- at an exciting time for the ters, Ferguson and other NASO University and its Native officers have made a con- American history. Recent studcerted effort to ies conducted by shed light on the the LSU Geolprominent hisogy Department tory of Native suggest that the “We do think that Indian Mounds American culture and the omni- people will support on the corner present foothold Cypress and us. We just have to of it has on the state Field House Drive make enough noise.” could be the of Louisiana. oldest manmade Ferguson also structures in the said the Student world. Senate has shown SHEA FERGUSON Following the interest in the NASO President release of this powwow’s return, and could g roundbreak i ng be a key resource research, NASO in obtaining funding and even submitted a Letter to the Editor local business sponsorships for of the Reveille that discussed the event. its plans to work with the Uni“We do think that people versity to preserve the Indian will support us,” Ferguson said. Mounds. “NASO has been attempting “We just have to make enough to put together, in partnership noise.”
with the school, [better security for the Indian Mounds], but this can only get done with awareness and involvement,” the statement said. “NASO needs more recognition and acknowledgement from the school so we can get the security for the mounds that they deserve.” NASO intends to host the powwow in April. The organization has received support from the LSU Agricultural College to find a location for the event. Ferguson hopes that revitalizing this practice on campus will provide the entire student body with a glimpse into the beautiful and storied history of Native Americans who have called Louisiana home for so long. NASO will hold an informational meeting open to all who are interested on Monday, Feb. 17 in the Office of Multicultural Affairs on the third floor of the LSU Student Union.
Monday, February 10, 2020
page 4 MIP, from page 3 ever, police officers distribute summons or written notifications in place of arresting and booking minor offenders in exchange for a promise to appear in court. The ABC made 578 MIP arrests in 2019 alone, according to Cooper. The number of arrests grows when factoring in other departments’ numbers. Michelle Preau, an LSU alumna from the class of 2014, noticed a change in the public
perception of MIPs even during her time at the University as a business major. There was an increased police presence at the bars and tailgates from her freshmen to senior year. “The first year it didn’t seem so bad, but the second year we had to really start watching out,” Preau said. Preau recalled that the police were “jerks” in their handling of distributing summons. After receiving a summons herself, Preau paid almost $300 in fines and had to attend one Saturday
morning class to expunge the charge from her record. A 20-year-old LSU history senior, who spoke on her experience receiving an MIP on the condition of anonymity because of pending litigation, also felt that the police officers involved were callous. The night she received her summons, the authorities were raiding Tigerland bars. “I saw somebody dressed like a police officer, so I put my drink down,” she said. “He came up and grabbed me by the
arm and said, ‘Little lady, come outside.’” Most attorneys advise their clients to attend a pretrial hearing instead of appearing in court. Those clients who choose to fight their charge can face up to 30 days in jail and other fines associated with court costs if found guilty. This LSU student, however, had family connections to a lawyer who could help her through the pretrial process to avoid jail time. “My lawyer just said it’s a
money grab,” the student said. “They don’t actually care. It’s just the money, because they [police officers] could drink at 18.” She also said the pretrial process involved paying for and attending two chemical abuse classes and covering court fees and fines adding up to $435. Though it has been a crime since 1986 to consume alcohol under the age of 21 in Louisiana, an arduous legal process follows students if they receive an MIP.
LSU’s Mardi Gras Ball
Music, Dancing, Food, and Fun! Presented by Student Activities Board and Residence Hall Association
Thursday, February 13 7-11 p.m.
Royal Cotillion Ballroom LSU Student Union
Free admission. Bring your Tiger Card.
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@lsucampuslife
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ENTERTAINMENT
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LEADER OF THE BAND With the Golden Band behind him, Taylor Brownfield is living his dream. BEN CAPLAN / The Reveille
Drum Major Taylor Brownfield leads the band down Victory Hill beofre Lsu’s football game against Northwestern State on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. BY ENJANAE’ TAYLOR @_queenet_ “As soon as the time went down and the confetti shot off it was like literally living a dream.” Junior Taylor Brownfield has dreamed of being the drum major for The Golden Band from Tigerland since he was four years old. Not only is he now living out his dream, but he can say he played at this year’s biggest college football game. Brownfield is a music performance major with a focus in percussion. He became drum major after playing cymbals his first two years with the band. He grew up with parents who are fans of LSU, who introduced him to the band’s
music at a young age. Brownfield recalls the first time he saw the band in person, coming down the hill, and how he instantly knew he wanted to become a member. “I was right next to the barricade, small four-year-old Taylor, and I saw the band come down in their uniforms and it was just very eye catching,” Brownfield said. “I thought, wow, that would be so cool to be that person.” Now he is that person. Brownfield was well prepared, too. He was in band from sixth grade to high school, where he was drum major for two years. He also participated in Drum Corps International for two years before attending the University.
Being in the band was his dream, and the University, itself, also lived up to drum major’s expectations. Getting to attend a prestigious music school and meet people from LSU’s diverse student body has also been a highlight for Brownfield. Brownfield loves marching down Victory Hill and playing pre-game for thousands of Tiger fans, where he first fell in love with his current position and the Tiger Band. “Getting to create such a high energy atmosphere for all the fans right off the bat before the football team comes out is just an experience that can’t be described in words,” Brownfield said. Brownfield expressed the grat-
itude he and his bandmates have for the experiences they have and continue to make. The national championship game was indescribable for the musician. Even though there can be pressure being in one of the best bands in the country, Brownfield is trying to enjoy the ride and have fun representing the University. “Not everyone gets this chance and it’s been eight years since LSU has been to a national championship, so that’s been eight years of Tiger Band members who haven’t gotten to experience what we just experienced, and even to win on top of that,” Brownfield said. Brownfield has one more year to continue to live out his child-
hood dream while working toward his future. He wishes to continue the great legacy of the band while focusing on building connections. “I think the biggest thing in the band is just the relationships you make with the people around you, and that’s what’s going to last longer than being in the uniform and playing those famous four notes,” Brownfield said. “So, really just being able to have a friendly environment and then create a culture of friendship that band members can be a part of, I would say that’s probably the biggest thing next year along with the great shows and the great atmosphere of being in Tiger Stadium.”
BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY
Cottonwood Books caters to Baton Rouge bookworms BY MORGAN MONEY @MorganPMoney In today’s world, ordering a book can be done in three simple clicks. Go online, add it to your cart and check out, all from the comfort of your couch. However, independent bookstores like Baton Rouge’s Cottonwood Books offer a more personalized approach to shopping. Located less than two miles from campus, Cottonwood Books has been open for 34 years. Stepping into the store, you are greeted with the sight of endless books waiting to be read. As you walk through the store, you might find yourself picking up an unexpected title or two. Anyone can find a book, even if they aren’t looking for one. The store sells a variety of genres ranging from fantasy to autobiographies, and everything in between. What the store is most known for is its used and rare sections.
People are able to bring their own books into the store and trade for a new book. Those in the possession of rare, well-kept novels are able to sell them to the store for cash. This unique opportunity provides an endless selection of books that tell a story before they’re opened. “It’s such a cute local bookstore,” University sophomore Emma Lane said. “They have floor to ceiling books and they have such a variety of old and new titles. It feels like a secret book lair.” While the store is close to campus, it rarely sees student shoppers. However, choosing to shop at Cottonwood offers more than just a stress free shopping process. It’s a unique experience that benefits the local economy. The bookstore allows people the opportunity to put their money back into the Baton Rouge community. By shopping at the independent book store rather than an online powerhouse com-
THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES
New, old and rare books sit on shelves, waiting to be purchased at Cottonwood Books on Wednesday ,Jan 24, 2018. pany, they are supporting their neighbors. “Shopping local lets you get to know your fellow businesses and neighbors.” Cottonwood Books owner Danny Plaisance said.
“Plus, the money stays in the window of the community.” The store is known for its annual birthday bash in October where all inventory is 25% off, but offers sales throughout the year.
LOCATION 3054 Perkins Rd.
HOURS Mon-Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5
page 6
Monday, February 10, 2020
Monday, February 10, 2020
An LSU student smiles while a goat stands on his back on Feb. 7 during Goat Yoga on the Parade Ground.
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Two goats stand on top of an LSU Student on Feb. 7 during Goat Yoga on the Parade Ground.
BAH-MASTE University students headed to the Parade Ground on Friday to enjoy a recent fitness trend, goat yoga. PHOTOS BY BENCAPLAN
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FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 10, 2020
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Mustang or Impala 4 __ at; show contempt for 9 Suffix for perish or agree 13 Baseball’s Ruth 14 Bert’s buddy 15 Boast 16 As strong as __ 17 Dwindling 19 Diamond or garnet 20 Outer garments 21 Third-largest U.K. city 22 Furious 24 Quayle or Rather 25 Wolf or St. Bernard 27 Kilt pattern 30 Modify to make fit 31 Provide with fresh weapons 33 Violinist’s rod 35 Curved bones 36 Ladd or Sawyer 37 Carry 38 Reply to a texter’s pun 39 __ headache; reason to take Sudafed 40 Relocated 41 Made airtight 43 Hug 44 Passing craze 45 Pulsate 46 “__ Me Back to Old Virginny” 49 Number of sons for Trump 51 “Grand __ Opry” 54 Horseback rider 56 Cries from the flock 57 Transports something heavy 58 Small weight 59 Rainbows 60 __ out at; attack verbally 61 Trivial; insignificant 62 JFK’s predecessor DOWN 1 Walking stick 2 Horrible 3 Harrison or Reed
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
4 Put to sleep before surgery 5 Thin pancake 6 __ more; again 7 Christmas trees, often 8 Charge 9 Part of AWOL 10 Cheese with a white coating 11 Come to shore 12 Custard ingredients 13 Work at the grocery store 18 Warning device 20 Isn’t able to 23 Tears 24 “I __ you!”; words of a challenge 25 Rob Reiner’s dad 26 Foreign farewell 27 Sunbathes 28 Not at all deceitful 29 Musical symbols 31 Melon shell 32 Thirsty Frenchman’s need
2/10/20
Saturday’s Puzzle Solved
©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
34 Marries 36 Passed away 37 Barcelona bull 39 Murders 40 Barn mama 42 Anew 43 2001-09 U.S. vice president 45 Stretch of land 46 Jailbird’s room
2/10/20
47 Color similar to turquoise 48 Carpets 49 Word of agreement 50 Helpful clue 52 Shoestring 53 Curvy letter 55 Spinning toy 56 Evil
SPORTS RAISING THE BAR
Former LSU Star Mondo Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record
BY JARED BRODTMANN @_therealjarbear It has been a long time coming for LSU Track and Field legend Mondo Duplantis, but he has finally written his name in the record books. Duplantis broke the men’s pole vault world record Saturday afternoon at an indoor meet ´ Poland with a 6.17-mein Torun, ter jump. A native of Lafayette, Duplantis had a remarkable season pole vaulting with LSU Track and Field last year, setting the indoor and outdoor collegiate records, winning the NCAA indoor championship and finishing as a Bowerman finalist. Now competing professionally for the Swedish national team, he has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pole vaulters in history at twenty years old. After breaking the six meter mark just four days ago in Düsseldorf, Germany, Duplantis had attempted the 6.17 world record mark that same meet. On his descent, he narrowly clipped the bar, and fell short of his historic goal. It seems as though it was only a minor obstacle in the inevitable fulfillment of Duplantis’s greatness. “I’ve wanted to break the world record since I was three years old,” Duplantis told reporters post meet. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m on cloud nine right now. There’s no se-
cret to what I do; I just put in a lot of hard work.” Duplantis comes from a family of athletes, with his dad Greg and brother Andreas formerly
competing as pole vaulters, his Swedish mother Helena formerly competing as a heptathlete and volleyball player, and his brother Antoine, LSU baseball’s
all-time hit leader and a professional baseball player in the New York Mets organization.
see MONDO, page 10
page 9 SOFTBALL
LSU Softball opens with five victories BY REED DARCEY @ byreeddarcey LSU softball kicked off its season with five wins in its first five games. LSU softball defeated the Central Arkansas Bears 3-2, opening its season with a victory on a chilly, windy night in Tiger Park. The air was so cold, in fact, that it took the Tigers some time to warm up. They opened the second inning down one run. The Bears’ leadoff hitter slapped an infield dribbler over Preseason All-SEC pitcher Shelbi Sunseri’s head, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the second inning, Amanda Doyle hit a double into deep right, sending Akiya Thymes home from first. The Bears could have ended the inning, but a throwing error sent in another run. A powerful Georgia Clark solo homer widened the LSU lead to two after Central Arkansas stranded two runners. The home run was the first of her career. “I thought it was going to be a double off the wall,” Clark cracked. “I thought I’d have to run it out a little bit, so the wind helped us
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
LSU freshman pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis is interviewed in the Carl Maddox Field House on Feb. 19, 2019.
see SOFTBALL, page 10
MEN’S BASKETBALL
LSU basketball loses heartbreaker in overtime to Auburn BY ANTHONY MOCKLIN @anthony_mocklin The 18th-ranked LSU basketball team fell to No. 11 Auburn on Saturday dropping, to 3rd in the Southeastern Conference. LSU (17-6, 8-2 SEC) took Auburn to an overtime showdown on the road, falling short, 91-90. It was a defensive battle early in the first half before LSU got things going from deep. LSU hit five three-pointers en route to a 22-3 run to take a 30-15 lead. Auburn responded with threestraight three-pointers to cut the lead to four, but LSU brought it back up to 10 following threes from Skylar Mays and Marlon Taylor. LSU closed out the first half with a 42-30 lead. Darius Days had a game-high 15 points shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep. Mays added 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
LSU held a double-digit lead for most of the second half before Auburn cut the lead to four with 4:32 left to play. LSU brought the lead back up to eight before an Auburn three made it a five-point game with just over a minute to go. Auburn hit two more threepointers to cut the lead to two with 47 seconds left before tying things up. Mays missed a last-second attempt and the game went into overtime. Auburn hit three threes to start the overtime period and took a seven-point lead, the team’s largest of the game. Mays took over and scored six-straight points for LSU to cut it to one with 16 seconds remaining. Mays stole the ball and gave it to Emmitt Williams for the slam to take a one-point lead with nine seconds left. Auburn’s J’Von McCormick drove in the lane and
JULIE BENNETT / Associated Press
see BASKETBALL, page 10
Auburn guard J’Von McCormick (5) shoots the game-winning basket in overtime over an LSU defender during an NCAA college basketball game Feb. 8, 2020, in Auburn, Ala. auburn won 91-90 in overtime.
page 10
Monday, February 10, 2020
SOFTBALL, from page 9 out tonight.” Aliyah Andrews saved a run with a tough snag deep in center, and Taylor Pleasants slapped a double into the left-center gap, but was left in scoring position as the fourth inning concluded. The Bears deployed aggressive base runners to cut into the lead. A runner stole second, but catcher Morgan Cummins thwarted her attempt to steal third. Cummins then stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded, but popped out to end the fifth inning. The Tigers’ second error, this
one by Pleasants, put a runner in scoring position. Two sacrifice flies brought the Central Arkansas runner home and the Bears within one run. LSU failed to build on its lead in the ensuing inning. A line drive into left-center in the top of the seventh prompted Head Coach Beth Torina to pull Sunseri, replacing her with sophomore Ali Kilponen. Kilponen struck out two batters to close the inning, earning her first career save and preserve the LSU victory. After the game, Kilponen said her top velocity reached 70 mph in the fall. Sunseri faced 25 batters and
struck out only one, allowing six hits and two runs. LSU continued its early success over the weekend during the annual Tiger Classic. On Friday, the Tigers scored a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma State. LSU proceeded to sweep action on Saturday with a pair of wins over Florida A&M and Oklahoma State. Freshman Taylor Pleasants hit a walk-off home run in the seventh inning to defeat the Cowboys. The Tigers finished weekend play with a no hitter on Sunday against Florida A&M. Ali Kilponen, Taylor Edwards and Victoria Abrams combined for the nohit performance.
MONDO, from page 9 “I can’t thank my parents enough for helping me to get to where I’m at now,” Duplantis said on his support system. “All the support I had from everybody is the reason why I
BASKETBALL, from page 9 floated a layup to edge out the victory over LSU. Mays led all scorers with 30 points to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists. Days added 19 points and seven rebounds followed by Javonte Smart and Trendon Watford’s 12 points apiece. LSU nearly doubled Auburn’s points in the paint, but Auburn hit 18 three-pointers, with 13 of them coming in the second half
did this.” With the Summer Olympics approaching, eyes from all over the world will be on the Louisiana native as he continues to leave his mark on history. No one expects him to accomplish anything less. and overtime. Auburn had three 20-point scorers including freshman Devan Cambridge, who knocked down 7-of-10 threes. “Tough loss but it was two really good teams slugging it out,” coach Will Wade said. “Cambridge was the difference, just like he was against South Carolina. I thought [Auburn’s] guard play and Cambridge was tremendous.” LSU will look to bounce back Tuesday, when the Tigers return to the PMAC for another SEC showdown against Missouri.
AURIANNA CORDERO / The Reveille
LSU junior outfielder Aaliyah Andrews (4) slides to second base during the Tigers’ 11-0 win over Troy on March 13, 2019, at Tiger Park.
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille
LSU sophomore forward Darius Days (0) dunks the ball during the Tigers’ 90-54 win over the University of New Orleans on Dec. 3, 2019, in the PMAC.
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OPINION
page 11
LSU Lakes’ restoration needed, badly neglected by University EVAN ON EARTH EVAN LEONHARD
@evan_leonhard
As the flagship university of Louisiana, it may not be surprising to hear that campus was once bordered by acres of swampland. In 1933, the surrounding swamp was donated to the University under the stipulation that the land be converted into a series of lakes and public pathways. This resulted in the LSU Lakes. However, unless proper action is enacted quickly, these idyllic bodies of water might tragically revert to the swamp from which they came. After decades of neglect, the lakes are on the verge of an ecological collapse. Fortunately, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), a local non-profit dedicated to the improvement of public life, is spearheading a campaign to rescue the lakes from its
quickening decline. BRAF’s efforts are undeniably a long-awaited victory. However, scientific studies suggest the lakes’ condition is pressing. With the project set to begin in 2021, the attempt at restoration is long overdue and may be too late. The six lakes that flank the eastern edge of campus are iconic, time-honored landmarks that have served as the scenic backdrop for generations of students. I remember the tingling nerves I felt driving along the lakes on my way to orientation. The lakes were the first glimpse of campus I saw as a full-fledged college student, and I will never forget that. Their contributions to University life go far beyond the nostalgic musings of students and alumni. The lakes, although often appreciated aesthetically, are rarely thought of in the context of their cultural and commercial significance. In a recent Reveille news article, reporter Lara Nicholson
laid out many of the less explicit roles the campus lakes perform for the University’s benefit. She mentioned the enviable locale of Sorority Row, the rowing team’s daily practice routine and even former LSU president F. King Alexander’s use of the lakes as a recruiting device. Nicholson went on to describe the lakes’ predominant ailments as sediment buildup, causing decreasing depth, rampant algae growth, suffocating fish and creating appalling amounts of pollution. Moreover, the University has been aware of these deplorable conditions for a long time, but has neglected to take significant action. “All these problems combined have caused the once eye-catching, natural University landmarks to return to the murky swamp it was before. These issues have been mostly ignored since 2008, when the Army Corps of Engineers recommended in a report that the lakes be dredged,”
Nicholson wrote. With the University evidently turning a blind eye, BRAF stepped in with a $1 million plan to dredge the lakes and finally put an end to their toxic, swampy downfall. BRAF’s intervention signals an irrefutable triumph for the health of the lakes, but an embarrassing defeat for University leadership. The fact that an outside organization needed to intervene on behalf of the University’s own campus is absurd. The situation is reminiscent of the Campus Mounds on Dalrymple, another priceless LSU landmark left unguarded without any serious attempts at preservation, needlessly deteriorating. It is disheartening to see the University continue to neglect the historical and environmental treasures of its campus. However, the work BRAF plans to begin in 2021 is immensely important, and should be applauded as the long-anticipated redemption for some of the University’s
most valuable and beloved assets. Evan Leonhard is a 19-year-old English and philosophy major from New Orleans, Louisiana.
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
Six lakes surround LSU’s Campus in Baton Rouge on Jan. 24, 2020.
Coronavirus fears spread, minorities groups scapegoated GRACE UNDER FIRE GRACE PULLIAM
@gcpulli
In the wake of the world’s latest pandemic, anti-Asian rhetoric has found its way back into mainstream American landscape with a startling ease. Those of you who have been paying attention may note that the racialization of foreign-borne disease is far from a new phenomenon. Consider the public reaction to the 2014 Ebola outbreak, mass hysteria described by CNN correspondent Robin Wright in the same year as “...increasing racial profiling,” and “reviving imagery of the ‘Dark Continent.’” In September 2014, the first case of the Ebola virus was reported on American soil when Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian native visiting family members in Dallas, Texas, was diagnosed. Duncan later died as a result of the illness. He was the first of two casualties related to the outbreak to occur in America, with the other claiming the life of Nebraska surgeon Martin Salia the following month.
As the death toll rose, cultural anxieties concerning the Ebola virus not only tainted the public’s perception of West Africa, where the outbreak originated but of African citizens themselves. Fearing widespread contagion, many Americans appeared increasingly supportive of an African travel ban, as well as a federally enforced quarantine on African nationals in the U.S. Seeking to take advantage of agitated racial tensions precipitated by the outbreak, a number of reactionary groups took to public forums to depict African Americans as potential carriers of the virus, even those who had never so much as set foot outside of the country. Most commonly, these depictions took the form of jokes and internet memes. Though many claimed the jokes were harmless, the anti-black sentiment driving the movement was clear. This proved detrimental to social progress in America and the effects are still felt today. And yet history has a way of repeating itself. It comes as no surprise that similar patterns of bigotry have begun to emerge in response to the outbreak of the new respiratory illness,
coronavirus. First observed in China’s commercial Wuhan district in December, the virus has made its way overseas to at least 26 countries, including 11 confirmed cases in the mainland U.S. In the nowquarantined district of Wuhan, the virus has claimed the lives of hundreds; however, among 176 international patients, no deaths have been reported. Xenophobic fringe blocs have already begun rolling out a slew of alarmist content falsely portraying Asians and those of Asian descent as being biologically predisposed to the illness due to racial factors. In addition to being categorically unscientific, these claims also constitute harmful racial stereotyping. Not only does the spread of such misinformation endanger society on a functional level, it can also cause harm on a personal level. Such was the case last month in Sydney, Australia, when bystanders, fearing the coronavirus, failed to attempt potentially lifesaving CPR on a 60-year-old Chinese man who had collapsed in the street. The man did not have the virus; it had been a heart attack which had caused him to col-
cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI
lapse. He died later that night. While this is certainly one of the more extreme scenarios involving the dangers of widespread misinformation, the narrative it presents is not an uncommon one. The mass panic surrounding the coronavirus has caused many people to alienate or otherwise mistreat their Asian and Asian-American peers. Such reactions are based primarily in fear. Fear is the most
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Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor
The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the 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 provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
dangerous pandemic we face today; deadlier than Ebola and the coronavirus combined. Fear is insidious. But the truth is that we can’t place a quarantine on fear. What we can and must do, particularly during times like these, is combat it with truth and reason and, yes, with kindness. Grace Pulliam is an 18-yearold creative writing junior from Zachary, Louisiana.
Quote of the Week “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson American essayist 1803 — 1882
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Monday, February 10, 2020
‘The Bachelor’ misogynistic, promotes unhealthy culture GABBING WITH GABBY GABBY MARTINEZ
@gobbymatinez
There’s no doubt that reality TV is engraved into American popular culture. As TV and technology advance astronomically, it’s quite the mystery as to why our intelligence continues to rise but shows like “The Bachelor” continues to prosper. “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” television series are the epitome of bait for oblivious young adult audiences. The shows are specially targeted toward women, which really throws a wrench into new-age feminism movements. It’s both a little hypocritical and funny that the show’s premise is everything women are terrified of in relationships: cheating. The actual premise of “The Bachelor” is for a man to date 30 women concurrently, only to narrow it down to three in the end. How flattering is that? It’s also humorous that the finalists get to take the bachelor home to their families, who are just as accepting of the conditions as the girls on the show are. I’d like to think that they’re just playing along, knowing that their daughters have the potential
courtesy of NZK PRODUCTIONS INC.
Colton Underwood and Cassie Ramdolph at the Bachelor’s final rose ceremony. to become a full-time Instagram model or even the next Bachelorette. Speaking of which, viewers would be mindless to think that people go on that show for actual love nowadays. It’s no secret that once a girl or guy appears on “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette,” their social media statistics skyrocket. Suddenly, they have a
job both as an influencer and a diet supplement salesperson. If they’re lucky and just perfectly generic enough, they can snatch a spot as the next “single-personput-on-a-pedestal” for six months. As for the “drama” that ensues on the show, there is none. The creators of the show play it safe, so that there isn’t a pinch of offensiveness or obscenities to
displease any particular group. However, the editors are great at cutting together absolutely nothing and making it seem like something to entice you to tune in. What do you expect when putting people with the most mediocre personalities together on a show where they all generally follow the same traditional beauty
standards? Only recently has the cast expanded to diversities outside of predominantly caucasian, yet they still ignore plus-sized and disabled women. Also, there’s a lack of LGBT+ representation amongst cast members, let alone the starring characters; there has never been an LGBT+ Bachelor or Bachelorette at all. Not only does this show inaccurately portray real-life relationships and beauty standards, but the franchise is also entirely built off of outdated, misogynistic stereotypes. This whole idea for the so-called drama entirely plays off of the worn-down stereotype of “catty” women. “The Bachelorette,” however, approaches a territory of almost constant toxic masculinity and alpha behavior. The truth is that “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” profit off of degrading and objectifying women. Even with attempts to preach “girl power,” it’s transparent that the franchises are nothing but Hollywood powerhouses that fund the network they air on. When it all boils down, the show brings in the exact audience that advertisers want. So, why fix something that’s not broken, right? Gabrielle Martinez is a 19-yearold mass communication freshman from Gonzales, Louisiana.
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