Vo lum e 130 · N o. 3
E s t. 18 87
T hu r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 5, 2 019
IN THE KN O W Orgeron and Herman square-off
PHOTO BY CHRISTA MORAN
in Austin
BY BRANDON ADAM What happens in Austin between No. 6 LSU and No. 9 Texas this Saturday represents the culmination of a seasonlong coaching search and 36-hours of unbridled chaos that has been stretched into a three-year drama. There were lies, secret meetings, press conferences, phone calls and everything one can think of happens during a coaching search. Interim coach Ed Orgeron, Houston’s Tom Herman, Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher and North Carolina’s Larry Fedora were all vying for LSU’s full-time job. The drama reached a fever pitch at Kyle Field where many of the key pieces involved in Saturday’s game just happened to be all at once. The entanglement that spread across the country now retreats into Austin a little over 100 miles west of College Station where the drama hit its peak on Nov. 24, 2016. Monday, Nov. 21, 2016 Seemingly, Orgeron’s hopes of becoming LSU’s full-time coach fizzled when then sophomore running back Derrius Guice crashed down on top the Florida defensive line short of the goal line with no time remaining. After a very heated buildup to LSU and Florida’s rescheduled game following Hurricane Matthew, the Tigers lost 16-10 and were eliminated from Sugar Bowl contention. While LSU never set a deadline to hire a coach, a mid-December recruiting signing day was looming, and it was imperative to have a full-time coach in place. Losing a game against an inferior Florida team in the season’s final game at Tiger Stadium left a bad taste in many mouths and proved to many Orgeron wasn’t fit for the job. A change was needed. “We reported they were down to three candidates – Orgeron, Herman and Jimbo – and Jimbo was the favorite or who they might go after first, and I think I put in that story that date was going to be next Wednesday,” said Ross Dellenger, a reporter for Sports Illustrated who was the lead LSU reporter for The Advocate at the time. “So not the Wednesday before the thanksgiving game against A&M, but the next Wednesday was
Read on
page 2
see ORGERON, page 2
LSU’s misguided principles on display with end of transfer-fund policy BY THE REVEILLE EDITORIAL BOARD Scott Woodward’s tenure as LSU’s athletic director began as a breath of fresh air. His presence marked a departure from the well-worn road of Joe Alleva’s 11 years in the position. Woodward played up his Baton Rouge roots and took control of one of the nation’s most valuable athletic brands amid the turmoil of basketball coach Will Wade’s temporary suspension. Woodward sported his best purple and gold tie along with a Louisiana suit pin. He had the credentials. The Baton Rouge native had the Louisiana background. He seemed destined to finally push LSU past the vaunted rivals in Tuscaloosa. The enthusiasm brought on by Woodward dissipated as the air grew thicker and spring turned
to summer. Then, in late July, the new athletic director announced the re-evaluation of the seven-year old policy that transfers a portion of the athletic department’s surplus into the LSU General Fund. Meanwhile, the University faced a 3% budget shortfall. Last week, Woodward went one step further. He said the transfer-fund policy would most likely end after the 2019-2020 academic school year. Investing in University academics via the transfer-fund policy only stands to benefit Woodward’s athletic department. Being a well-funded, top tier research institution will aid in the recruiting process. An overwhelming majority of college athletes do not make a career out of sports. The student athletes themselves will benefit from stronger academics, renovated
buildings and a new library when they leave the comfy confines of the Cox Auditorium. LSU President F. King Alexander has remained quiet since Woodward’s press conference in July. Alexander used the opportunity to tout the Fierce for the Future campaign and to clarify that the campaign is not meant to devalue athletics. “Athletics isn’t declining,” Alexander told The Advocate. “It’s staying about where it has been in the past. The only difference is the aggressiveness that we’re going out there with the campaign to raise money on the academic side to make up for the years that we perhaps should have been doing both.” The conversation isn’t about athletics declining. It’s about growing academics and increasing investment in students. Alex-
ander vacated an opportunity to defend the academic institution he represents. The end of the transfer-fund policy does not signal the end of LSU’s financial troubles. It is short-term thinking that jeopardizes the University’s financial footing and just another example of how the University’s principles are misguided. Despite the budget shortfall, the University may be in its best financial situation in a decade, a testament to the poor state of higher education in Louisiana more than anything else. Enrollment numbers are up. The University welcomed its largest freshman class in school history, increasing tuition revenues. The fall 2019 freshman class has 7,700 students, only two years after that number sat under 5,000. The Fierce for the Future cam-
paign rolls on, reaching out to the LSU community for both athletic and academic donations. The University’s financial situation is precarious at best, though. Increased enrollment supplements the loss of state appropriations. The state’s higher education budget was slashed by 60% during Bobby Jindal’s eight years in the Governor’s Office. Though the budget has not been cut under Gov. John Bel Edwards, state appropriations are only a shell of their pre-2008 levels. University faculty did not receive a raise this year. Despite 3% merit raises in 2017 and 2018, faculty has only received raises in four out of the past eight years. With annual inflation at 2%, faculty essentially experience a pay cut in years without a raise.
see EDITORIAL, page 2
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
page 2 ORGERON, from page 1 going to be when they figured they would be done. “There was no real deadline, but we all knew or everyone kind of figured it would happen on that weekend after the Thanksgiving game or early that next week.” A five-member search committee assembled by athletic director Joe Alleva met on Saturday after Florida and again on Sunday. The decision was made Herman was going to be the guy, Orgeron was the fallback and Fisher’s role was something else entirely. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 From all accounts Fisher was going to be the guy. After LSU struck out a year prior and the Fisher deal fell through once the decision was made to retain Les Miles as head coach, the deal appeared to be back on. Except it wasn’t. A report stated LSU had extended an offer to Fisher. There was no offer. ESPN later said that night Fisher declined the offer. There was no rejection. As Dellenger puts it, Fisher was no longer a serious candidate at this point. His name was used as a diversion tactic to keep Texas at bay and not enter the Herman sweepstakes until the very last moment. Still, the reports about Fisher were still out there and LSU did nothing to dispel the rumors. “I think a lot of reporters were either straight lied to or whoever was telling them that stuff on that Wednesday about Jimbo, the people that were telling them they were lied to,” Dellenger said. “Or the people who actually knew were just kind of letting the stuff stay out there, and they were OK with that stuff being out there. “It was all lies or just misinformation or purposeful misinformation – people were lied to. Because behind the scenes it was all Herman. All the negotiations with Herman were happening.” Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 What was publically thought to be Orgeron’s final game as LSU’s interim head coach arrived. As Thanksgiving unfolded so too did behind-the-scenes negotiations between LSU and Herman. Redshirt junior center Lloyd Cushenberry said Orgeron went into the week with the same demeanor as always. Nothing
EDITORIAL, from page 1 Full-time instructional faculty earned an average of $85,021 in 2016, well below the national average of $95,521, according to a Southern Regional Education Board study. Merit raises aside, University instructors’ less-thanaverage earnings compromise the University’s ability to attract new faculty members. As enrollment numbers increase, so will the need to hire more faculty. The hiring process itself is expensive, costing about $5,000 per person, with computer and equipment costs approaching an additional $7,000. The University’s Campus Master Plan calls for the long overdue
changed, and Orgeron’s mantra on blocking out the noise was in full effect. “That game, we were focused on winning that game,” Cushenberry said. “There was a lot of talk. You all have heard a lot, we always blocked out the noise even then. We focused on winning the game, and whatever happened was going to happen. Leave it up to the AD and the top guys.” The noise reached a crescendo about 15 minutes before kickoff. Hornsdigest reporter Chip Brown was fed information and reported LSU not only offered Tom Herman, but he was very close to being named LSU’s next head coach. ESPN, who was broadcasting the game, ran a banner across the bottom of the screen stating Herman had accepted the job before later rolling that statement back and saying the two sides were instead close to an agreement. “I get up to go use the bathroom. It was right before kickoff, minutes before kickoff, 10 minutes probably after Chip had broken the news, and I get up to use the bathroom and I’m outside, and right when I’m about to go in the bathroom I see Joe Alleva goes into the bathroom,” Dellenger said. “So I’m like ‘OK, I’m not going to go to the bathroom. I’m going to wait outside the bathroom, and when he comes out then were going to have a talk.’ A couple minutes go by and then he comes out and I walked with him to his suite. He was happy to see me, obviously, and he was not happy at all when I broke the news to him that the Tom Herman report was out.” Alleva declined to comment, and for the rest of the night the news about Herman’s impending announcement as LSU’s coach loomed. LSU ended up routing Texas A&M 54-39, and Guice ran for a school-record 254 yards as the Tigers closed its regular season 7-4. Orgeron’s time as interim left a profound impact on the players and the administration and resulted in a 5-2 record with all wins by double digits and LSU setting multiple offensive records. Team leaders like Duke Riley and Ethan Pocic led locker room chants and gave televised speeches in favor of Orgeron getting the demolition of Middleton Library, along with Kirby Smith, McVoy and Broussard halls and the construction of new dorms. The plan is undoubtedly ambitious, but essential to the University’s plans to house all incoming students on campus. The University cannot remain on such perilous financial grounds forever. Will it get thrown off balance, leading to another shortfall? What if state appropriations are cut under a new governor in 2020? What if the Louisiana economy slips into a recession and enrollment figures drop? Will the construction stop? Will the University forfeit the Campus Master Plan?
job, and they weren’t the only ones in support. For senior Rashard Lawrence, it was about having the position coach that recruited him as the head coach and the familiarity Orgeron offered. “We didn’t want them to go out somewhere else and get somebody else,” Lawrence said. “We can’t speak on all the outside things, but as players we like Coach O.” Dellenger says the outpouring of support from the players meant a lot in the committee’s eyes and Orgeron also had inside support, but come Friday morning, the deal with Herman was still on going. Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 “I remember getting a call Friday morning driving back from College Station to Baton Rouge, and I stayed on the phone with this person for a good hour and they were telling me in a roundabout way, LSU was going to meet with Tom Herman Saturday,” Dellenger said. LSU gave Orgeron a chance to interview for the job officially on Friday, but the biggest change in the mood among LSU leaders came later that night. Texas lost to TCU 31-9, and Texas coach Charlie Strong was fired. The Longhorns set their sights on Herman. “As one person put it to me at the time on that Friday night, you’re sitting down at a game of poker and a rich, desperate man just sat down next to you so you’re screwed,” Dellenger said. “That’s kind of what happened.” Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 Dellenger received a phone call around 6 a.m. with news Orgeron was going to be hired as LSU’s coach. The only problem was Orgeron didn’t know yet. Dellenger had to hold the news for an hour, what he calls the longest hour of his life. The news finally broke, and eventually a press conference was held. “We’ve got our man,” said Alleva, who was not able to be reached for comment on this story, at the press conference. “He’s been here all along.” Later that day Herman was announced as Texas’ coach. A twomonth long coaching search and media circus came to end, but the public blowback was just starting. Alleva was hammered and Orgeron was doubted, and as The slightest of political or economic changes in Louisiana could throw the University into financial chaos, much like in 2012 when the transfer-fund policy was implemented. If the University faced a budget shortfall this year with the largest freshman class in history on campus, what will happen if the University fails to annually exceed enrollment expectations? The transfer-fund policy moves $7.2 million annually from the athletic department’s surplus into the LSU General Fund to be distributed throughout the academic institution. The $7.2 million is a pretty penny, and Woodward knows it. In his press conference in July,
the perceived day of reckoning looms, Alleva will not be there to support Orgeron. The beleaguered athletic director was fired in April and replaced by Scott Woodward, Texas A&M’s athletic director from 2016-2019. He was on hand as LSU’s coaching search unfolded in the press box at Kyle Field. “Two years ago, we’re going to play Texas A&M, and we don’t know what’s going to happen,” Orgeron said prior to LSU’s game against Texas A&M last November. “Jimbo Fisher was getting the job. That was Wednesday night. Then Thursday night, Tom Herman was getting the job. Then Saturday, Ed Orgeron got it. So, anything can happen. You’ve just got to keep on competing.” When asked about Herman this week, Orgeron said he “didn’t care.” The focus was now on the game and the players on the field, not what took place off of it. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 LSU and Texas will act as a formal conclusion to the last chapter of what may become a trilogy in the Ed Orgeron and Tom Herman’s story. Many members involved in what happened Thanksgiving weekend will reunite back in Texas. Herman and Orgeron will be front and center, but others like Woodward, Fedora, who’s now an analyst at Texas along with former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris, who entered the 2016 season as the Tigers starting quarterback will be there. “All of it is wild how its intertwined,” Dellenger said. “Louisiana and Texas, I don’t if it is because culturally south Louisiana is so different than every else in the country, but Texas and Louisiana, to me, don’t ever feel as sister, bordering states.” “It just feels like two completely different places, but in this case they are really intertwined. It’s really interesting.” As much of the talk will be about what goes on in between the lines, much will be made about the two coaches outside the lines and their intertwined paths to the present. The result sets the stage for a game of revisionist history or creates a forum ablaze with optimism about how the rest of the season unfolds. Saturday’s game isn’t just about LSU and Texas or two bordering states that seem so vastly different. where he first announced the policy would be re-evaluated, Woodward said the athletic department should be run like an “enterprise” and that the policy was “a poor way to run a University.” Though Woodward offered a softer tone at the Rotary Club event, his comments in July cannot be undervalued. Woodward said the elimination of the transfer-fund policy will ensure the long-term success of his athletic department. The athletic department has a new beach volleyball stadium and a gymnastics training facility, not to mention the recently renovated $28 million football operations building. What more does the athletic department need?
B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803
NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811 Editor in Chief CALEB GREENE Managing Editor HAILEY AUGLAIR Digital Editor BRITTNEY FORBES News Editor BAILEY CHAUVIN Deputy News Editor RACHEL MIPRO Sports Editor KENNEDI LANDRY Deputy Sports Editor BRANDON ADAM Entertainment Editor WHITNEY HICKS Opinion Editor KARLI CARPENTER Production Editor LUKE JEANFREAU Co-Photo Editor ALYSSA BERRY Co-Photo Editor CHRISTA MORAN
ADVERTISING (225) 578-6090
Layout/Ad Design MATTHEW OAKMAN Layout/Ad Design EMILY POOLE Ad Design SARAH FRANCIONI Sales Representative EMILY MARANTO
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 CANNABIS CREATED LSU AgCenter partners with GB Sciences to produce medical marijuana BY KIMSEY STEWART @KimseyStewart Anyone who has ever been put on hold by the Office of Admissions can tell you, LSU is an award-winning institution that participates in ground-breaking research. It comes as no surprise then that LSU Agriculural Center is partnering with GB Sciences Louisiana for the research and production of medical marijuana. GB Sciences Louisiana President John B. Davis said the partnership between the AgCenter and GB Sciences is the first of its kind. “This doesn’t exist anywhere else in the United States or in the world,” Davis said. The production facility in Baton Rouge built by GB Sciences began the full-scale production of therapeutic cannabis in March and released its first products in early August The facility includes a 6,000-square foot laboratory space which the AgCenter will use for research on the cannabis plant. The GB Sciences lab currently employs 15 people, but Davis predicts the program could eventually employ up to 60 people. The project has drawn interest from Louisiana scientists and previously worked in regions with more robust medical marijuana industries, such as Colorado, the West Coast and Washington D.C. The AgCenter is currently talking to the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU Health Science Center about the possibility of conducting clinical trials. As of now, no active University students are allowed inside the facility, but AgCenter vice president Ashley Mullens hopes grad students will be able to
conduct research there in the future. GB Sciences produces three different formulations of therapeutic cannabis. The formulations contain different concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and have different delivery methods. The bill that granted the AgCenter one of two licenses in Louisiana to grow and research medical marijuana outlined what medical conditions are eligible for treatment via medical marijuana. The list of eligible medical conditions is wide ranging and includes disorders such as HIV and AIDS, cancer, seizure disorders and epilepsy, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease and PTSD. Davis said therapeutic cannabis is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. He recommends patients with a medical condition eligible for medical marijuana treatment talk to their doctors. Like any pharmaceutical, there is no blanket dosage that works for every patient. Patients with different conditions and symptoms will need different concentrations and dosages. “In all cases, the suggested recommendation is to start low and stay low until you find your most therapeutic level of medication,” Davis said. Davis and Mullens said the program has not received any backlash so far. Mullens said many people have a personal connection to someone could benefit from medical marijuana in the future. “We all have loved ones that will benefit from this product,” Mullens said. Davis believes the program hasn’t received any back-
page 3
Racial slurs slam Death Valley
BY PERLA RODRIGUEZ @perlajasminee
COURTESY OF LSU AGCENTER
Marijuana sits in the LSU AgCenter warehouse to be used medicinally. lash because it isn’t providing recreational marijuana but instead a medication for people in need. “When we think of medicine, we think of those family mem-
bers or friends within our circle who have a debilitating medical condition,” Davis said. “All that we really want is to provide them with is an improved quality of life.”
While most students were enjoying the LSU football team’s victory over the Georgia Southern Eagles on Saturday, a group of University freshmen were having raciallycharged comments volleyed at them. Biology freshman Christy Nguyen and her friends were about to exit Tiger Stadium with only two minutes left in the second quarter when they heard comments directed at them from eight feet away. “It was really humiliating; he was yelling, and everyone around was just looking,” Nguyen said. “He even had the satisfaction of seeing us leave.” According to Nguyen and her friends, political science sophomore Foxworth Vidrine repeatedly yelled for them to get out of the student section by using hate speech and referring to them with derogatory terms, including “ching chongs.” No one else in the area seemed affected by the incident, according to chemical engineering freshman Thao Ngo. “No one even tried to stop it,” Ngo said. “We were just shocked and had no clue what to do.” One of Nguyen’s friends took a picture of Vidrine, which Nguyen then posted on Twitter, hoping to identify him and bring the situation to the University’s attention. The tweet went viral, getting more than 33,000 retweets, and prompted some Twitter users to identify Vidrine. Most of the reactions to the tweet were positive, supporting Nguyen and her friends. Nguyen said most of the peo-
see SLUR, page 4
LSU student football tickets downloadable, students react BY JULIA-CLAIRE EVANS @juliaclaire1026 LSU student football tickets can be accessed by downloading them onto mobile devices instead of through students Tiger Cards. LSU Athletics assistant ticket manager Garrett Thibodeaux said these changes were mainly made because of students losing Tiger Cards on Friday night between the time the Tiger Card office closed and Tiger Stadium gates opened Saturday morning, according to LSU Athletics assistant Ticket Manager Garrett Thibodeaux.
“Even with all of the lost Tiger Cards, people still managed to keep up with their phones.” Thibodeaux said. “We wanted to try and be there on the phone.” Thibodeaux said a big issue in years past was students forgetting their Tiger Cards at home or even losing them on Saturdays at tailgates and not being able to get into the game. “It allows us to be a little more flexible with how students can get in,” he said. This year, students could buy general admission tickets to all home football games for $84, while Greek seating was $126.
Students who purchased tickets received an email with links to all of their home game tickets, which they could then add to their Apple Wallet on their phone. Communication disorders junior Sarah Leblanc said it’s easier to access her tickets through her phone versus her Tiger Card. “I think the downloadable tickets are more convenient,” Leblanc said. “I don’t have a phone pocket on the back of my phone, and I don’t carry a purse because it’s too expensive to buy a clear purse. Having it on my phone is kind of convenient.”
One of the biggest concerns among students about the update was the fact that phones die, especially after a long day of tailgating. “I dislike the new downloadable tickets,” kinesiology junior Julia Savoie said. “I think everyone’s phone is going to die, and the lines are going to take much longer to get through. It’ll just be a hassle.” However, the LSU ticket office has ways to combat this problem. Thibodaux said there will be two charging stations at the student ticket gate and 1,000 portable chargers were given out to the
first 1,000 students that arrived at the game. Another problem that has arisen in previous years was students giving other students their Tiger Cards in order to get into the game. Biological sciences junior Martha Town believes less students will be able to use other students’ tickets to get into the game now that tickets must be downloaded onto students’ phones. “I think these downloadable tickets are going to be a lot more
see TICKETS, page 4
Thursday, September 5, 2019
page 4 SLUR, from page 3
TICKETS, from page 3
ple who retweeted the tweet or reached out to them were also minorities who sympathized with the discrimination they experienced. However, there were also those who disagreed with Nguyen’s choice of going public with the events. Nguyen said one person went as far as telling her, “I hope you get beat up.” Nguyen said several students who reached out to her on Twitter didn’t believe Vidrine’s actions to be out of character. “That’s his character, everyone that talked to us said he’s known to be like that,” Nguyen said. As of Tuesday, Vidrine has not reached out to Nguyen or her friends with an apology for his actions, which came to them as a surprise. “People are just going to act like it never happened,” Ngo said. Nguyen and her friends attended a lunch meeting with Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Mari Fuentes-Martin on Tuesday. According to biology freshman Madaleine Vo, the meeting didn’t address potential consequences for Vidrine at all. “The whole meeting was essentially about how we can react as a community versus finding any type of consequence or solution,” Vo said. The group met with Fuentes-
Martin prior to their meeting on Tuesday. According to them, they were told that Vidrine’s words were not threatening and were protected by his right to freedom of speech. “We just didn’t understand that because hate speech and freedom of speech are two different things,” Vo said. The group doesn’t believe the University is handling the situation properly. “They haven’t even addressed it,” Ngo said. “The way that they’re handling it is by teaching the victim and the people around the victim what to do if that happens again instead of dealing with the person who actually did the hurtful act. It makes us feel like we did something wrong or are unwelcome.” The group feels as though they are being victim-shamed for speaking out against Vidrine and the racism they experienced. They feel the University is more focused on its reputation than addressing the situation. “It was our first home game, too,” Nguyen said. “It almost makes us not want to go back.” The Reveille reached out to Vidrine. He has not responded nor provided any comment. The Reveille also reached out to Fuentes-Martin. She has not responded nor provided any comment.
convenient,” Town said. “I think it’ll be harder for people to use each other’s tickets to get into the game. I think it’ll prevent that,
which is cool for LSU.” Thibodeaux said the downloadable tickets don’t use a barcode, so if a student were to try and screenshot their ticket and send it to a friend, the screenshot
would not scan at the gate. “I think we’re going to have a lot less ID misuse, and a lot less people having to go visit Student Advocacy, which I think is a good thing,” Thibodeaux said.
JULIA-CLAIRE EVANS / The Reveille
Students enter the Aug. 31 LSU football game against Georgia Southern using their downloadable tickets.
FITNESS CLASSES
Gone Viral? You need Express Care
SPECIAL EVENTS CYCLE ON THE DECK
ZOMBIE ZUMBA PARTY
Walk-ins Welcome!
INVERSIONS AND ARM BALANCES
BACKBENDS
BRGeneral.org/ExpressCare
SEPT. 18
SEPT. 25
GOAT YOGA OCT. 23
OCT. 31
NOV. 13
RIDING THROUGH THE DECADES OCT. 28 - OCT. 31
YOGA GLOW FLOW DEC. 14
For more Group X classes, visit lsuuniversityrec.com/fitness
ExpressCare Urgent Care Clinic
Nicholson Gateway
Highland Village
Dutchtown
(across from Tiger Stadium)
(at the South Gates of LSU)
(13201 HWY 73, Ste. 102)
SPORTS READY TO RUN
K’Lavon Chaisson is back after a long road back from injury
It’s third and 17. Georgia Southern has the ball at the 18yard line and hands it off to running back Matt LaRoche, who cuts right and starts to cut upfield. LaRoche is about seven yards past the line of scrimmage when
sophomore linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson blindsides him from the right, jarring the ball loose, creating the second turnover of the game for LSU. Chaisson, is back. The road for Chaisson to that point however, was long and arduous, dating back to September 2, 2018. Chaisson went down in the
fourth quarter of the Tigers season opener against Miami and every LSU player, coach and fan held their breath. The Monday following the game LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced that Chaisson had a severe knee injury and would be out for the remainder of the season dealing a crushing blow to the Tiger defense. But Chaisson wasn’t ready to
LSU: The Real DBU MYLES KUSS @kussmyles
throw in the towel. After having surgery to repair his torn ACL 18 days after suffering the injury, Chaisson posted a tweet asking “Who’s running the 5k with me tomorrow?” with the hashtag #Likeitneverhappened. Throughout the season, Chaisson was seen on the side-
Reputation, as the people say, is everything. If you back up your words with actions, your reputation can spread and sometimes can precede you and control the course of conversations and life. When it comes to LSU, everyone knows the reputation: one of the best factories for defensive backs who want to have successful careers in the NFL. LSU is not alone in transforming young upstarts to big time stars as THE Ohio State, Florida and Alabama have shown the world that they can mold players to compete at the highest level. And now the University of Texas wants to join this exclusive club. Not only is this a club with incredible teams, this is a club that produces winners and has the players to back it up. Texas has none of those factors, and their defensive backs are now just seeking attention for an upcoming matchup against Goliath. They are getting the attention because some of the longhorn players wore shirts sporting the words “There’s only one DBU.” They are absolutely correct with that statement, and it’s simply not them. Who have the longhorns produced in the past 10 years since Earl Thomas? I’ll answer that question: no one of note. Kenny Vaccaro was drafted in the first round by the Saints in 2013, and I watched him closely.
see CHAISSON, page 6
see DBU, page 6
BELLA BIONDINI / The Reveille
BY JACOB BECK @Jacob_Beck25
page 5
DIVING
LSU diver Anne Tuxen overcomes risky double leg surgery BY ELIZABETH CUI @lizzie_cui Norweigan native and LSU diver Anne Tuxen was forced to redshirt her freshman season. After years of believing she had shin-splints, she found out that she had exertional compartment syndrome in both her legs. This is a condition affecting the compartments within the lower legs with excess pressure buildup, causing extreme pain. In Tuxen’s case, all four compartments in her shins were affected. “It was extremely hard to find out that I wouldn’t be able to dive with the rest of my freshman class,” Tuxen
said. “I was really looking forward to representing the Tigers.” Tuxen underwent surgery on both of her shins. This involved cutting the fascia away from the compartments in her legs, resulting in several months without the use of her legs. Taking legs away from anyone is difficult for the person, but taking legs away from an athlete, whose primary job is to jump, is on a whole other level of frustration. “I was very sad for a long time,” Tuxen said. “I moved from my home in Norway to dive in America, and when I was told I wouldn’t even be able to walk, it was truly devastating.”
Tuxen is a hard-working and high-level athlete, so it was no surprise that she worked hard to recover quickly. “She recovered extremely well, and, based off of comparison of previous research, she was about a month ahead of schedule for return to activity,” said Joshua Bunch, a graduate assistant trainer with swimming and diving last year. “What made a huge difference in the recovery is her compliance to the program.” Tuxen represented her home country, Norway, this summer at the 2019 FINA World Championships and
see DIVING, page 6
COURTESY OF LSU CREATIVE SERVICES
page 6
Thursday, September 5, 2019
VOLLEYBALL
LSU volleyball’s success thrives on veteran leadership BY ANTHONY MOCKLIN @anthony_mocklin This season, the LSU volleyball team returns three senior players: Anna Zwiebel, Milan Stokes and Sydney Mukes. All three have had countless volleyball experience and are likely to use their knowledge to help the new freshmen recruits. Zwiebel in particular has extensive knowledge both on and off the court. Back in 2017, she became only the second player in program history to be named to the COSIDA All-America Third Team with a 4.09 GPA in Kinesiology. “Anna is a model student-athlete,” said coach Fran Flory in a press release. “She is driven to excel on the court and in the classroom.” Freshman Karli Rose showed flashes of Zwiebel this past weekend, who led the team in assists and aces in 2017. Rose tallied a match-
CHAISSON, from page 5 lines cheering on his teammates. He didn’t want to have a negative impact on the team, but rather show that even though he couldn’t play, he still wanted to positively affect the team. Chaisson showed the progress he was making rehabbing his injury running sprints in a video on Nov. 8, just three months after the surgery. The video made waves on social media as the recovery timetable for an ACL injury typically doesn’t include serious training until much later in the rehab process. Going into the 2018 season, Chaisson’s fellow teammates gushed about his explosiveness and what kind of season he could have for the Tigers. Former Tiger linebacker Devin White predicted that Chaisson would break the single-season sack record, and while that obviously didn’t come to fruition then, the possibility still remains. The expectations for Chaisson’s 2019 season are as high as they were in 2018, if not higher. “We believe he can be a 12 to 15 sack player for us this sea-
high 22 assists against UT Arlington. “Karli is a dynamic, explosive athlete who will bring a different style to the setting position,” Flory said. “Her ability to impact the game from all facets will open the opportunity for us to run a more diverse system.” The Tigers do not get to play on their home turf until Sep. 20; however, this gives these seniors plenty of time to help the freshmen adjust and have confidence knowing that fans will rally in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to support them. Stokes, who hails from California, knows this all too well. “There’s just nothing like PMAC,” Stokes said. “Away SEC games are always rowdy, but what I love is coming back to Baton Rouge and being able to play in front of our own crowd and feeling that support.” son,” Orgeron said. Chaisson was named to the AP and ESPN Preseason AllAmerican team, along with the Butkus award watch list, showing that Chaisson is well regarded by not only Baton Rouge, but also nationally. This offseason Chaisson was awarded the coveted No. 18 jersey by his coaches and teammates, an honor that is given to players that show leadership, character and a hard-working mentality. “Sometimes as a football player you might forget, or it slips your mind about what a blessing it is that we have this game, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that,” Chaisson said. Chaisson showed no rust in his first game back for the Tigers, almost like the injury never happened. But it did, and Chaisson knows he’s better because of it. “I know God has a plan, even after the injury, I had to realize that this was happening for a reason,” Chaisson said. “Now I’m stronger mentally, and ready to take advantage of this opportunity that I have.”
BILL CONTI AND THE LSU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Anita Anwusi, freshman middleblocker, had a team-high eight blocks against UT Arlington. She accounted for almost all of the team’s blocks along with senior Sydney Mukes, who had seven. Mukes (six-foot-one) and Anwusi (six-foot-three) have been a defensive force through their first weekend tournament. Mukes will surely be able to help Anwusi improve her blocking abilities even more. “Anita is an incredibly gifted athlete who will bring a different level of physicality to our gym,” Flory said. “She will have an amazing future in this sport far beyond the collegiate game.” LSU has opened the season at 2-1 with victories over UT Arlington and Houston. The Tigers will travel to Ames, Iowa for the Cyclone Invitational Sept. 7-8 against Penn State and Iowa State.
MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille
The Lady Tigers celebrate after scoring a point during their 2-3 loss against Texas A&M in the PMAC onw Sept. 30, 2018.
DBU, from page 5 Besides one solid season, he has not held the high standard as coming from the self-proclaimed Texas DBU. He was also their last defensive back first round pick while LSU has had three defensive backs picked in the first round alone, which does not include other defensive positions. While Texas is lying to themselves, the shirts should actually be a positive motivator for LSU. Everyone on the stacked secondary has maintained quite because they know what it really means to go to the defensive back university: talking softly and hitting loudly. Coach Ed Orgeron has already said that Grant Delpit might be the best safety that he has ever seen. Add Kristian Fulton and Derek Stingley, and you have a real threat that does not need shirts to tell them who they are. These players hit loudly and most importantly, so have the ones before them. Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Ma-
thieu, Jalen Mills, Tre’davious White and the list goes on and on for the wider receiver menaces that excel at the top level. Texas simply lacks the reputation and players to back it up. All they have are the shirts on their backs telling them that they are special. They aren’t special; they will be another secondary that will be torched by Joe Burrow and the new high octane offense that LSU brings into Austin. The Texas defense has given another reason for the Tigers to exhibit no mercy on their university, and the real DBU will lead the charge without exuding much effort. I, and all Tiger fans, cannot wait to see what Dave Aranda has up his sleeve to teach the Longhorns exactly how to play competitive and competent defense.
DIVING, from page 5 the European Championships. She competed in the women’s ten-meter individual
events as well as the women’s three-meter and tenmeter synchronized events with her younger sister Helle. This was Tuxen’s first World Championships and performing at one of the highest levels in the international diving circuit is an incredible achievement for Tuxen. “Anne’s hard work and dedication in rehabilitation post-op have given her a full recovery,” said head diving coach Douglas Shaffer. “I’m excited that this difficult time is behind.” Tuxen is prepared to participate in the women’s platform events and threemeter events this year. Tuxens goals are to remain unhurt and will maintain rehab in her shins to ensure her health. She also aims to final at this year’s Southeastern Conference championships and score at this year’s NCAA championships. “I’m excited to finally be part of the team,” Tuxen said. “I’m excited to do what I love the most, which is to dive.”
Before..
..After
Monday, Sept. 17, 2019 7:30 P.M. LSU Union Theater General $18 // Student $11 lsu.edu/cmda/events (225) 578-5128
BREWING NEW IDEAS
.
(225) 578-6090 admanager@lsu.edu
Design Services
Thursday, September 5, 2019
page 7
REV R ANKS THE A LIST
Dan Berlinka and Nina Metivier
What starts as a cliche teen drama quickly turns into a sci-fi murder mystery. With so many twists and turns, the show leaves you guessing to the very end, if you decide to stay that long.
Lana Del Rey’s new album is her most truthful yet BY MASIE O’TOOLE @masieotoole
EnJanae’ Taylor @_queenet_
READY OR NOT
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
If you don’t like overly bloody scenes I would sit this one out. The animations were so realistic and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You could almost feel the chunks of human flesh fly out of the screen. Overall the directing, acting, and production of ‘Ready or Not’ were some of the most enjoyable aspects of the movie.
Alexandria Duque @AlexInTheMedia
Since the beginning of her career back in 2012, Lana Del Rey has always stayed true to her style. Each song is a nostalgic, sad-girl package of quotable lyrics wrapped up in a bow of 1960s Americana and delivered straight to the door of every teenager with a broken heart. With each new album, she delves deeper into that aesthetic, pulling handfuls of material from the past to apply to her modern self. She’s become a character, a creation that fits into neither past nor present. It’s fantastic, and her newest album, is proof. The strikingly-titled “Norman F**king Rockwell!” is a hazy, 14-song collection of the kinds of emotional turmoil only someone like Lana Del Rey routinely experiences. The album flows around in a kind of truthful spiral as it shows
the complexities of love and life. One minute, the artist is mourning the loss of “The Greatest” love she’s ever had, the next she’s partying it up— and subtly flexing— on “Doin’ Time.” As with any life, Lana Del Rey’s is complex. This album does a great job of communicating that instead of putting in any particular effort to avoid contradictions between tracks and moods. It’s a whirlwind, but isn’t that what life’s supposed to be? Because of that, it feels like the most truthful collection the artist has produced yet. Every experience is then taken and dipped in some Old Hollywood glamour, and voila! An album, ready to hit the shelves and provide a great cry-inducing soundtrack. Even without paying much attention to the lyrical content, it‘s easy to tell this album gets deep. Every instrumental decision was made to portray the feelings behind the lyrics
instead of giving Del Rey’s voice a backdrop. Seeing as the album was produced by Jack Antonoff, the frontman of Bleachers and the mastermind behind Lorde’s “Melodrama,” the translation of feeling to instrument should come as no surprise. It’s nice that no neon-dipped synth pop was slipped in, a trademark style of the producer. The whole album was instead wholly and completely Lana, and it would have been a shame if it wasn’t. Her aesthetic is what she’s known for and what her fans and listeners have come to expect. For the most part, “Norman F**king Rockwell” isn’t anything shocking, but it’s good that it isn’t. Instead of trying to reinvent herself every few years, Lana Del Rey knows what she likes and sticks with it. Her style works for her, and, as she keeps getting deeper and deeper into it, it just gets better.
LOVER Taylor Swift
The entire album is just amazing. The music is catchy and enjoyable while the lyrics are relatable. There’s a track for every mood. Taylor has a way of phrasing things that connects with people in such a way, it’s like she’s in your head and she’s putting your feelings and thought into the words you couldn’t find at long last. I just love her. My psycho soulmate.
Lia Salime @liasalime
THE SAILOR Rich Brian
Lyrically, Imanuel covers a wide range of topics, while keeping the centralized story, of his quick rise in the hip-hop world and his struggle to remain not only relevant, but true to himself, at the forefront of the album. It speaks on unexpected moments of life, while being an unexpected delight in and of itself.
Charles Jones @saxycj
Read the full reviews online at lsureveille.com/entertainment courtesy of
WIKIPEDIA
Classifieds
Thursday, September 5, 2019
page 8
Now twice a week. To place your ad, visit www.lsureveille.com/classifieds and click Submit an Ad
Costs: $0.34 per word per day. Minimum $3.75 per day. Personals free for students
Help Wanted
For Rent
Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date
make a
splash with YOUR business!
Raising Cane’s - Now Hiring Near LSU Our Hourly Crewmembers understand that our concept is simple and unique we only have ONE LOVE quality chicken finger meals! At Raising Cane’s you get an exceptionally high quality product served quickly and conveniently. We can do this because we offer a limited menu. The specialized systems developed by Raising Cane’s allow us to maintain a level of quality unmatched in the industry. Our Hourly Crewmembers commitment to this concept will not allow us to compromise our quality, cut corners or clutter our menu with new products that do not fit our core menu offering. Please visit www.raisingcanesjobs.com to complete an online application. Waiters / waitresses needed Dearmans 7633 Jefferson Hwy Shifts run 10:30-3/3-8, scheduling is flexible Apply in person.
RentBR.com See Apartments and Houses For Rent Around LSU. Schedule Viewings at RentBR.com
HOUSE FOR RENT: 4BR 3BA $1400.00/mo. 1370 ASTER STREET. Call/text/email for appointment.225-907-4850 225redstick@gmail.com. AVAILABLE NOW! Brand new carpet installed, freshly painted, all appliances included. Great for students, grad/Vet students. Steps from River Road, easy access to levee path. Close to downtown. Steps away from campus, can walk or bike to campus. On LSU Bus route. Very spacious. 4 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 large living areas, large kitchen. MUST SEE!
8-10 Hrs./Week General Front office, Emphasis on Financial Analysis and Insurance Verification. Email Resume to appt s @ b ato n r o u ge d e nt i s t . c o m Yard/house upkeep. Up to 10 hr/wk. $8.75/hr. Near campus. reply sims1166@bellsouth.net Household/clerical worker for retired prof near campus. 10 flex hr/wk. Start $8.75/hr.resume sims116 6 @bellsouth.net.
Place a classified at LSUReveille.com
LsuReveille.com!
Boil Up
Some Interest!
1 BR 1 bath available now in a 3 BR 3 bath condo in small quiet gated development off Brightside Dr and 1 block from Nicholson. The other 2 BRs are rented to LSU juniors; need a 3rd person. Rent is $500/month plus 1/3 of utilities. Contact regalcfo@ gmail.com or text 225-278-8575.
Place a Classified today!
our classifieds are
TEA-RIFFIC!
place a classified at
$TUDENT $PECIAL! LARGE 1 BR APT. WALK TO LSU! $650 / MONTH 225 266-8666
LSUReveille.com
FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 5, 2019
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Former Florida governor Bush 4 “Pirates __ Caribbean” 9 Reach a high point 13 Symbols for kisses 15 Characteristic 16 TV’s “The Amazing __” 17 Old phone feature 18 Teeming crowd 19 Kiln kin 20 1/3 of a pregnancy term 22 Prescriptions, for short 23 Comedian Sahl 24 Siesta 26 Vises 29 Failing to mention 34 Disneyland attractions 35 Virginia or Georgia 36 Arabian or Yellow 37 Passionate 38 Funny & clever 39 Armed conflicts 40 22nd letter 41 Hemorrhoids 42 Depart 43 Teacher 45 Go to __; have a breakdown 46 __ Wednesday; start of Lent 47 Chef 48 Waterbird 51 Unscrupulous 56 Dry streambed 57 Revolving engine part 58 Metal fastener 60 As slippery __ eel 61 Cognizant 62 Thickheaded 63 No longer wild 64 Bet 65 French article DOWN 1 Buddy Ebsen’s hillbilly role 2 Way out
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
3 Forest animal 4 “Do unto __…” 5 Winter roof coating 6 Pastry 7 Animal pelt 8 Endless time 9 On the dot 10 Roof overhang 11 __ a test; passed easily 12 Griffey Sr. & Griffey Jr. 14 __ down; lost weight 21 Cleaning tools 25 Broke bread 26 Thirst for 27 Short-__; brief 28 Avignon farewell 29 Furry swimmer 30 Floor pads 31 Soul singer Hayes 32 Chutzpah 33 Helium & hydrogen 35 Farm building 38 Drop out
9/5/19
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
39 Saturday & Sunday 41 Faux __; social blunder 42 Roaring beast 44 Pooch 45 More destitute 47 Task 48 Slap
9/5/19
49 “Fuzzy Wuzzy __ bear…” 50 Actor West 52 Dubuque’s state 53 Male animal 54 First king of Israel 55 Magazine title 59 Scale divisions: abbr.
ENTERTAINMENT BAD TO THE BONE
page 9
Joseph Bones Co. creates eerie artwork with Gothic flair BY ALEXANDRIA DUQUE @AlexInTheMedia When people think of art the first thing that comes to mind might be stained glass windows in a cathedral, sparkles and glitter, or murals of flowery meadows. To Baton Rouge artist, Joseph Santa, art comes in the form of skulls, black spiders and teeth. Santa is the owner of Joseph Bones Co. which is his line of sculptures and molds. His artwork includes pieces like the Redback Spider Skull, melting candle skull, heels with teeth and more. Although his artwork isn’t traditional in doctrine, it is an intriguing combination of cameo art with gothic elements. Growing up, Santa was always an artistic child sketching and doodling. He had always been a master at two dimensional art. It wasn’t until he moved to Baton Rouge seven years ago that he began woodworking and molding. Some of his early works were molds of skulls he made using clay and resin. Satisfied with
the way his creations were turning out, he began to pursue his strange art pieces further, like fusing his skulls with animals and anatomical molds. “If you found a human skull remains and you wanted to use it as an ornament, how would you make it work?” Santa said in regards to his artwork. Although his style is far from ordinary, there is a method to the madness. Santa’s style is inspired by his favorite artist, Tim Burton. Burton is widely recognized for many of his films such as “Alice in Wonderland,” “Beetlejuice,” “Corpse Bride” and more. Burton’s artwork can be described as a gothic suburbia style. His “hideous” animations and characters inspire many artists all over the world. One of Santa’s most popular art pieces, the set of teeth and a tongue inside of a woman’s heel, was actually inspired by “Beetlejuice” and “Alice in Wonderland.” Most of his skull work is inspired by his favorite movie “Mad Max.” In order to turn his sketches
into tangible three-dimensional work, he must first start with a clay mold. From there, he casts the mold in silicon and then recreates the base skull using resin. Lastly, he uses clay on the hardened resin then bakes it for the final product. Once the skull is complete he adds other elements and tops everything off with a coat of paint. His sculptures take anywhere from a weekend to two weeks depending on the complexity of the piece. Santa hosts a showcase for local art called “Yard Art” which gives upcoming artists an opportunity to gain exposure and sell their art. Unlike most art shows, Yard Art is completely free for the artists and the public. It is held every month at Brickyard South in downtown Baton Rouge from 4-7 p.m. The next showcase will be Sept. 29. All of Santa’s work and contact information can be found on his Facebook or Instagram page @Joseph_bones_co and Joseph Bones Co. It takes a true artist to turn something disgusting and creepy
BEN CAPLAN / The Reveille
Joseph Bones Co. creator Joseph Santa presents his sculptures in his Baton Rouge home on Sept. 3. into art and an even better person to raise awareness for local art in the community. Santa is a master at both of these crafts.
“I do it because I love it,” Santa said, “It is a passion of mine and I love the reaction it gets from people.”
FASHION
Gretta Garments provides sustainable vintage clothing BY ENJANAE’ TAYLOR @_queenet_ LSU alumna Grace Chetta is growing her business while helping save the environment in style. Chetta created Gretta Garments, where she sells unique custom sustainable clothing from vintage fabric on her Etsy shop and Instagram account. While at LSU studying apparel design, Chetta made the most of her college years. Along with being the fashion show chair in 2016 for the textile, apparel and merchandising departments annual fashion show, Chetta also studied abroad in Florence and interned for Vera Wang in New York. Chetta learned a lot about what the actual industry looks like and what to expect from her internship with the big designer. “Being in large working studios like that was pretty cool, and just seeing the inner workings of a brand and how a product comes from an idea to a finish garment,” Chetta said. “The internship at Vera Wang really gave us a lot of freedom to kind of pick a department to shadow so I got to learn a lot.” Chetta also interned for Suzanne Peron in New Orleans and
eventually ended up working for the designer after graduation. She was able to take all the experience she had gathered over the years and use them to her advantage. “Really working for Suzanne is what gave me the confidence to feel like I had the skills to be making my own custom sized clothing,” Chetta said. “I mean, just practicing with her- the actual pattern making, draping, designing process and more, working with a client really put all those things I learned at LSU into practice.” Chetta is now taking all she’s learned and applying it to her own business Gretta Garments. Growing up, Chetta watched her grandmother sew and her funky sense of style always gave her inspiration. When her grandmother passed away, she left behind a huge collection of vintage fabrics. As a tribute to her grandmother Chetta still continues to make clothing with those fabrics. She sees it as a great way not only to remember her, but to also to work on the projects didn’t get to finish. Chetta aims to make designs that fit her vintage fabrics, so she starts with the fabric rather than with a sketch of her design. ‘60s mod styles and ‘70s bohemian looks are mainly
what the designer creates when she makes her custom pieces. “With all of my designs, I’m trying to make something that is easy to wear and versatile,” Chetta said. “So, really when I’m coming up with a design it’s making something I would want to wear and something I think my friends would want to wear.” Being in control of her own designs and creative process also allows Chetta to be as sustainable as she wants. With the amount of waste in the fashion industry, Chetta wants to ensure she doesn’t contribute to fast fashion. “That’s why I wanted to make clothing that is versatile and easier to wear for multiple occasions, that you can wear over and over again,” Chetta said. “Something that is high quality that is going to last a long time.” Now Chetta is planning her very own fashion show to show off her latest sustainable creations. The fashion show, being held on Oct. 10 at Circa 1857, will be a great opportunity for people to discover Gretta Garments. The event will have food, drinks, music and a market set up afterwards with her and several other artists selling their work.
COURTESY OF GRACE CHETTA
Grace Chetta designs and creates versatile vintage pieces for the everyday woman. After working part time at a law office doing secretary work to save money for her business, Chetta decided to leave to take the leap of faith and work full time as a designer and make pieces for her show. “[I’m] just trying to make clothing for the confident care-free lady,” Chetta said. With multiple designs in the works, recently being accepted
to Mid-City Makers Market and her upcoming fashion show, the sky is the limit for Chetta and her career. “Gretta Garments is meant for the everyday woman and to be for whether you’re a young professional working or whether you’re a mom or whether your both. It’s meant to be easy to wear and make you feel great in it,” Chetta said.
#STAYSAFELSU 1-7 SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING WEEK
September 5-21
8-14
22-28
LSU CARES WEEK
WE’RE COMMITTED WEEK
HAZING PREVENTION WEEK
Visit lsu.edu/staysafe to complete the LSU Safety Checklist.
OPINION
page 11
Louisiana must move toward renewables AIN’T NOTHING BUT A THING DRAVEN COLEMAN @ColemanDraven Louisiana needs to reconsider its role in energy production as climate change threatens the future of the state. The fossil fuel industry and Louisiana are intertwined, as seen in their histories. Native Americans first used oil from natural seeps in primitive medicines, and explorer Hernando Desoto reportedly used an oil-based mixture to seal his ships. Shortly after the oil boom started in east Texas, Louisiana drilled its first successful oil well in 1901, and the precursor for today’s Exxon refinery opened in Baton Rouge in 1909. It was not until 1923 that companies started using seismic exploration to improve their productivity, which led to the opening of the first offshore well a mile off the Louisiana coast in 1934. Today, there are only three parishes in Louisiana that do not have oil or natural gas wells, according to the Independent Petroleum Association of America. The Energy Information Association reports that Louisiana accounts for 7% of the United States’ natural gas production, so the state’s economy naturally relies heavily on energy production. Louisiana’s fossil fuel industry makes up almost a quarter of total state revenues and employs 6% of the workforce, according to the Department of Natural Resources. We are fortunate for the wealth the fossil fuel industry provides Louisiana, but the state is only in this position because our predecessors realized the importance of innovation to stay competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace. It is for this reason that we must adapt or die. Expanding into renewable energy production will diversify the economy and put Louisiana on the forefront of a growing market. Renewable energy currently only accounts for about 4% of Louisiana’s energy production, according to the EIA. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, renewable energy “comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished.” Renewable energy sources that could thrive in Louisiana include solar, geothermal
Video game-caused violence a hoax cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI
and biomass. Geothermal is potentially the best option, though, since it can utilize old oil and gas wells to reach the depths required to harness pressurized heat. Popular arguments against transitioning to renewable energy cite damages to the state economy and job losses in the fossil fuel industry, but it’s a long-term project and not an overnight transformation like the goals presented in the naive and purely idealistic Green New Deal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. It will take many years and millions of dollars to switch from a fossil fuel-based infrastructure to one mostly supported by renewable resources. Owners and benefactors of the fossil fuel industry could benefit greatly because they are the ones with the capital necessary to facilitate this type of modernization and would dominate the infant renewable energy market in Louisiana. Job loss would not be an issue either because new employees would be trained in the renewable energy sector to compensate for those exiting the fossil fuel industry. Economic benefits aside, Louisiana stands to gain the most from this adaptation because it also has the most to lose if climate change is not checked. The state is already plagued by a land loss epidemic, so rising ocean levels will only expedite the process and eventually submerge large swaths of south Louisiana, including New Orleans, Houma and Lake Charles. Rising ocean temperatures will devastate the seafood industry, which also plays a major role in the state’s economy. Hurricanes and flooding will become more frequent, too, as storms feed on the tropical gulf waters. Costs dropped drastically over the last ten years for renewable energy technology, so it is more feasible now than ever before to tackle this momentous undertaking. Continued investment in renewable energy will only make it more affordable and efficient over time. Action to combat climate change is necessary to guarantee the future of Louisiana, and decreasing our fossil fuel dependence is a great step in the right direction because progress is the only way forward. Draven Coleman is a 21-year-old Mass Communication senior from Wesson, Mississippi.
No one should be ridiculed for not attending college I SAID WHAT I SAID MAYA STEVENSON @mayasstevenson College can be as expensive as it is exhaustive, and while it is usually expected for people straight out of high school to attend university, it’s not the only option for recent graduates. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “College isn’t for everyone.” Well, it’s true. I know several people who weren’t comfortable with the rigorous nature and environment of university. It wasn’t for lack of trying, either. We don’t all thrive in the classroom setting or under the academic pressures that come with being enrolled full time. The world often forgets intelligence is not strictly confined to academia but that everyone excels in their own way. For people outside of college, that might be learning a trade or joining the workforce and making their way up the ladder. No career path is the wrong career path, as long as it works for the person pursuing it. Most college students know
someone who began university, stayed for a year and left, knowing college wasn’t for them. There’s nothing wrong with finding that out for sure, but it’s not hard to know whether you like school or not. Depending on how your university fees are paid for, even with programs like TOPS, people who leave college might end up in a worse position than they began. It’s important to be honest with ourselves, rather than wasting time and money. The University’s graduation rates are fair, with a 38% graduation rate within four years. That number increases to 64% within six years, and both statistics are slightly higher than the national average. However, I’ve noticed in Louisiana, high school students aren’t exactly encouraged to pursue other career paths instead of going to college. It’s also important to note some Louisiana high schools do not adequately prepare their students for higher education, making it easier for them to drown once enrolled in a university. The state is even ranked No. 49 in higher education, being No. 48 overall in education. There’s a stigma that forgoing college means you’re going to laze
Editorial Policies and Procedures EDITORIAL BOARD Caleb Greene Hailey Auglair Bailey Chauvin Rachel Mipro Karli Carpenter
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.
around all day, but that’s not true. There are many jobs that don’t require a college degree that can provide fruitful careers. For example, Louisiana has many plants and oil companies. A quick search shows several job openings at the ExxonMobile plant in Baton Rouge and the Shell Oil company in Geismar that do not require degrees. There are even state jobs which don’t require degrees. There’s no reason to discount trades, either. I know hair stylists and mechanics who make more than college-educated professionals. Heating, venting and air technicians, plumbers and electricians are just a few examples of trades that pay well. In this day and age, where there are so many markets to succeed in, college degrees are great if they’re a part of the career path you’ve chosen. However, the truth remains that college is not for everyone, which is fine. Success comes in many forms, none of which is the only acceptable one. Maya Stevenson is a 20-yearold English and Philosophy sophomore from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Quote of the Week “If I had any talent in the world... I would be a great diva.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Supreme Court Justice March 15, 1933 — present
WE DO IT ALL! Promote Safe Operations
Support Robust Offshore Energy Production
Ensure Environmentally Sustainable Operations
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement drives safety performance and environmental stewardship improvements beyond regulations through innovation and collaboration. Our mission has far-reaching benefits for the country and our employees have unparalleled opportunities to shape America’s energy future.
OUR ENGINEERS: Conduct drilling and production engineering reviews by analyzing proposed operations. Review conceptual, preliminary and nal elements of deep water operation plans. Investigate oshore incidents, prepare reports and make recommendations. Perform reservoir studies through mathematical simulation, material balance calculations and other analytical methods. Analyze pipeline and structure design and installation.
Visit BSEE at the Career Expo September 10, 2019 Visit our Website at: www.bsee.gov
Email us at: BSEEcareers@BSEE.gov