serving the university of texas at austin community since
@thedailytexan |
thedailytexan . com
1900
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
volume
119,
issue
NEWS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFE&ARTS
Texas scientists send letter to Gov. Abbott arguing the impacts of climate change. PA G E 3
In order to alleviate long wait times, UT should better fund the CMHC. PA G E 4
Former Texas bigmen face off against each other in San Antonio. PA G E 7
UT students, businesses buy fair trade to combat human trafficking. PA G E 8
90
CAMPUS
PROJECT
Moped drivers may face fines if unlicensed By Hayden Baggett @HaydenBaggett
angela wang | the daily texan staff Texas Cowboys, a men’s spirit gorup, has responded to the hazing allegations connected to the death of Nicky Cumberland, who died last fall returning from the Cowboys’ retreat after a fatal car crash. The Cowboys are best known for firing “Smokey the Cannon” at football games.
Texas Cowboys respond to hazing allegations, expel members Family of Nicky Cumberland calls the Cowboys’ statement “disappointing” and full of half-truths. By Lisa Nhan @lmnhan24
he Texas Cowboys released a statement Wednesday night in response to hazing allegations surrounding the events leading up to Nicky Cumberland’s death, saying no hazing or alcohol was related to the fatal car crash. The Cumberland family issued a response to The Daily Texan early Thursday morning. Cumberland died last fall after sustaining fatal injuries in a car crash on the way back from the Cowboys’ annual initiation retreat, in the early morning of Sept. 30. The crash occurred at 5:43 a.m. when police said the driver fell asleep at the wheel. “Immediately following the accident that claimed Nicky’s life, our judiciary board launched a third-party investigation,” William Furst, foreman of Texas Cowboys, said in the statement. “No alcohol or any form of hazing contributed in any way to the accident. At the retreat, no member was forced to stay up, nor were they intentionally deprived of sleep.” The Cowboys said in the statement that members were allowed to sleep, however many Cowboys made the choice to stay up late to bond with one another. Before the group left that morning, Cowboys leadership checked the driver to ensure he “had not consumed alcohol and (was) alert,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, the leadership did not check to ensure that all passengers of those vehicles were wearing seatbelts,” the Cowboys said. “The fateful decision of these members to not wear seatbelts that morning haunts us as an organization.” Cumberland, along with three of the five other passengers, were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to the crash report. During the vehicle’s rollover, Cumberland was ejected. The Cumberland family said the Cowboys’ statement contained half-truths, was missing key information and created “an illusion of accountability.” The Cumberlands went on to emphasize the role of sleep deprivation in the accident, calling the Cowboys’ comments on the matter “subterfuge.” “Nicky’s death was caused because the driver fell asleep,” their statement said. “The driver fell asleep because he was sleep deprived; he was exhausted and did not have enough sleep to embark upon a long drive. The Cowboys campfire went beyond 3 am, and he was permitted to drive around 4 am without sufficient sleep.” The Cumberlands also commented on the Cowboys’ “third party investigation.” “Within one day of the fatal accident that took Nicky’s life, their lawyers were on the mission to protect the organization,” the Cumberland’s statement said. “Our family remained in the dark of any legal actions taken by The
COWBOYS
page
2
For computer science sophomore Jonathan Granier, living life on the edge was part of his daily commute last semester. Granier, who was leasing a moped at the time, drove to his classes without a motorcycle license. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, this commute could have resulted in up to $300 in fines — three $100 charges — because it is illegal to operate a moped without a driver’s license motorcycle endorsement. Dustin Farahnak, UT Police Department officer, said students driving these vehicles without the required class M endorsement is a common occurrence across West Campus. “You do need a license to drive a moped,” Farahnak said. “For some reason, perhaps because of the cost savings of a moped, we often see drivers not caught up on their license, insurance or registration.” If a motor-driven cycle can break 30 mph, generate more than two horsepower or exceed 50 cc, it is classified as a motorcycle and requires a class M license endorsement to operate, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Farahnak said students regularly fail to get the necessary endorsement before driving their mopeds because it is expensive and time-consuming. Violators caught driving without the endorsement can be charged with driving without a license, Farahnak said. “A lot of it is a financial thing,” Farahnak said. “They don’t realize how easy it is to get your vehicle registered, to get your license, to take the classes you need to take, and they feel overwhelmed by their studies.” Granier said he originally planned on getting a license until he realized how lengthy the process was. “It just seemed like a lot of work and no one really cares,” Granier said. “The dude that I leased it from said not many people end up getting a license and he hasn’t heard of anyone getting in trouble in West Campus for it.”
MOPED
page
2
RESEARCH
UT study shows Austin salamanders in danger of extinction By Lauren Rahman @rahmanlauren
Overexploitation of groundwater led to the endangerment of 13 Central Texas salamander species, according to a new UT study. Three of those 13 species are Austin natives: the Barton Springs Salamander, the Austin Blind Salamander and the Jollyville Plateau Salamander. The salamanders studied, including three species only recently discovered, are specific to the Edwards Aquifer, said April Wright, biological sciences assistant professor at Southeastern Louisiana University and co-author of the study. “It really is a uniquely central Texas salamander,” Wright said. “They live in these subterranean caves; there is this whole world under there that we can’t see.” Thomas J Devitt, a
research fellow in the department of integrative biology, said urbanization caused the decrease in the salamander population. “Central Texas has some of the fastest-growing cities and counties in the nation … putting a strain on natural resources, especially water, and the environment,” Devitt said. “Overpumping of groundwater has caused (aquifer water levels) to drop and springs to stop flowing. This causes habitat loss for the salamanders.” Biology professor David Hillis said the salamanders are especially important because of their connection to the Edwards and Trinity aquifers. “They are a key to understanding the aquifers of Central Texas, which are basically the basis of the freshwater supply for pretty much all of Texas, either directly or indirectly,” Hillis said. Hillis said these salamanders
have restricted ranges and only live in these aquifers, so impacts on the aquifers impact the salamanders as well. Most of those species have very little protection, and those species are found in the most endangered part of the aquifer, which is shallower, and more subject to drought and development, Hillis said. David said it’s important to pursue conservation efforts of these species that aren’t found anywhere else on earth. “We should celebrate our native aquifer biodiversity,” Devitt said. “It’s a fascinating, underexplored environment with new species waiting to be discovered. Conserving these species is a win-win because what’s good for salamanders — clean water, and lots of it — is also good for Texans.” Austin has become very active in working to help promote protecting its existing salamanders,
Hillis said. “The city has a number of programs in the Watershed Protection (Department) to try to protect those watersheds and aquifers associated with the salamanders,” Hillis said. “The city is doing a lot of good things for the species that are found here.” Wright said one way to participate in conservation is to vote for candidates, city counselors and soil and water distributors who support water conservation efforts. The study, published mid-January, relied on samples collected since the late ‘80s, Wright said. “This paper was a long time in the making. We really were doing genomics through time,” Wright said. “It really is a love letter to these weird, unique, inherently Texan salamanders. For all of us, this is something deeply meaningful for a landscape that we love and a city that we love.”
diane sun
| the daily texan staff
2
CLAIRE ALLBRIGHT NEWS EDITOR @THEDAILYTEXAN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
This issue of The Daily Texan is valued at $1.25
ALUMNI
PERMANENT STAFF Editor-in-Chief Liza Anderson Managing Editor Forrest Milburn Assoc. Managing Editors Catherine Marfin, Andrea D’Mello Director of Digital Strategy Alexandria Dominguez Assoc. Editors Bella McWhorter, Emily Caldwell, Angelica Lopez Forum Editors Jennifer Liu News Editor Claire Allbright Assoc. News Editors Anna Lassmann, Sami Sparber
Video Editors Sarah Tang, Peyton Young Assoc. Video Editors Faith Castle, Bonny Chu Photo Editor Katie Bauer Assoc. Photo Editors Anthony Mireles, Carlos Garcia Senior Photographers Eddie Gaspar, Angela Wang. Joshua Guenther, Ryan Lam, Pedro Luna Life&Arts Editors Tiana Woodard, Jordyn Zitman Sr. Life&Arts Writers John Melendez, Landry Allred, Trent Thompson
News Desk Editors Gracie Awalt, Meghan Nguyen, Meara Isenberg, Hannah Daniel, Raga Justin
Sports Editor Ross Burkhart
Beat Reporters Chase Karacostas, Tien Nguyen, Chad Lyle, Katie Balevic, Hannah Ortega, Savana Dunning, Rahi Dakwala, Mason Carroll, Nicole Stuessy, Jackson Barton, Emily Hernandez
Senior Sports Reporters Robert Larkin, Donnavan Smoot, Cameron Parker
Projects Editor Ellie Breed Projects Reporters Maria Mendez, London Gibson, Lisa Nhan, Morgan O’Hanlon, Kayla Meyertons Projects Designer Rena Li Copy Desk Chief Kirsten Handler Associate Copy Desk Chiefs Jason Lihuang, Brittany Miller, Jimena Pinzon, Haylee Reed Design Editor Mireya Rahman Associate Design Editor Renee Koite Senior Designers Christiana Peek, Kendall Jordan, Nila Selvaraj
Assoc. Sports Editors Steve Helwick, Keshav Prathivadi
Comics Editors Channing Miller, Bixie Mathieu Assoc. Comics Editor Lauren Ibanez Senior Comics Artists Alekka Hernandez, Andrew Choi Social Media Editor Ryan Steppe Assoc. Social Media Editor Tirza Ortiz Engagement Editor Megan Menchaca Newsletters EditorPeter Northfelt Sr. Digital Staffers Iris Bilich, Alexis Green Audio Editors JT Lindsey, Morgan Kuehler Audio Producers Sara Schleede, Eric Kiehnau Editorial Adviser Peter Chen
ISSUE STAFF Columnists Brooks Johnson, Taylor Newman Comic Artists Diane Sun, Albert Lee, Barbara Daly Copy Editors Madison Johnson, Aubrey Medrano, Irissa Omandam, Divya Jagadeesh
L&A Reporters Abby Hopkins News Reporters Lauren Rahman, Laura Doan Sports Reporters Stephen Wagner
UT alumni follow unexpected paths to legislature By Katie Balevic @KatelynBalevic
Sheryl Cole and Ben Leman, House Representatives and UT alumni, did not have clear-cut paths to the Texas Capitol. Cole, D-Austin, served on Austin’s City Council from 2006 to 2014 without considering a run for the Legislature, but that changed when her district’s representation was on the line. “I served a long time on council, and then I went into business for myself, and I was very happy with that,” Cole said. “The issue arose very quickly about the potential that we would lose the African-American seat … I didn’t want us to lose the seat, so that was a big factor.” Cole prioritized public education and affordable housing during her time on City Council. At UT, she earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and then went on to study at UT’s School of Law. “I was really active on campus in the business school and the National Business League, which was the African-American organization that I was president of,” Cole said. “I had several female professors, and of course, I looked up to them … They definitely carried their own.” Cole said she doesn’t know how long she will be at the Capitol, but her biggest priority is her family. “I always joke that as soon as there’s a grandkid, I am out of here,” Cole said. Leman, R-Anderson, co-founded and ran a manufacturing company for 16 years before he considered public service, but he started out as a finance student at UT. “I was a serious student,” Leman said.
CONTACT US
c o w b oy s
MAIN TELEPHONE (512) 471-4591
continues from page
1
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Liza Anderson (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com
MANAGING EDITOR Forrest Milburn (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com
NEWS OFFICE (512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com.
AUSTIN WEATHER TODAY Feb. 1
HI LO
TOMORROW Feb. 2
67º 56º
HI 68º LO 58º
*uncontrollable sneezing*
BUSINESS & ADVERTISING (512) 471-8590 advertise@texasstudentmedia.com Director Gerald Johnson Business/ Operations Manager Frank Serpas III, Janie CastilloFlores, Brady Beal Advertising Manager Emily Cohen Product Manager Michael Gammon Asst. Advertising Manager Colten Crist Account Executives Tim Bauer, Diane Byram, Harlea Holmes, Julianne Phillipp, Paulina Siller Design Rachel CanoCooney, Tillie Policastro
THE DAILY TEXAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Semester (Fall/Spring) $60.00 Two Semesters (Fall & Spring) $120.00 Summer Session $40.00 One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer)
$150.00
To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address changes to Texas Student Media, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904.
ADVERTISING DEADLINES Monday
Wednesday, 12 p.m.
Tuesday
Thursday, 12 p.m.
Wednesday Thursday
Friday, 12 p.m. Monday, 12 p.m.
Friday Tuesday, 12 p.m. Classified Word Ads 11 a.m. (Last business day prior to publication.)
COPYRIGHT Copyright 2019 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in the print and online editions, are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission.
The Daily Texan, a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712. The Daily Texan is published daily, Monday through Friday, during the regular academic year and is published once weekly during the summer semester. The Daily Texan does not publish during academic breaks, most Federal Holidays and exam periods. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591), or at the editorial office (HSM 2.120). Entire contents copyright 2019 Texas Student Media.
Cowboys after the accident. We were never contacted by anybody conducting their internal “judiciary” actions to ask what evidence we might possess.” Following their son’s death, the Cumberland family requested an investigation into allegations of hazing at the retreat, including sleep deprivation and alcohol, physical and animal abuse. The Cumberland family said they were told by Cowboys who attended the retreat that hazing occurred before the crash. University and UT Police Department investigations are still ongoing. While the Cowboys denied that hazing was connected to the accident, the statement said “there were some activities perpetuated by a few individuals (at the retreat) that did not reflect the organization which we strive to be.” According to the statement, the individuals involved have been suspended or expelled from the Cowboys. Furst, who was recently selected as Foreman, said the Cowboys condemn the actions of these individuals, saying they did not align with Cowboy standards. “As foreman of the Texas Cowboys, I can confidently say that we are all ashamed of the way that some of our members acted on the night of our fall retreat,” the Cowboys’ statement said. However, the Cumberland family said suspending or expelling a few members is not a sufficient attempt at reform. “Throwing a few of the young men under the bus by dismissing them from the Cowboys creates the deceptive optical illusion that the abhorrent actions were atypical and did not occur in prior years, and that the remainder of the organization did not stand by and acquiesce or turn a blind eye,” the Cumberland’s statement said. The Cowboys’ statement said the accident has “changed (the Cowboys) as individuals and as an organization” and they hope to “salvage some good from this horrific tragedy.” Some members who were directly involved in the crash are now in leadership roles with the Cowboys. The organization also plans to “enact a campus-wide campaign in order to educate students on the importance of wearing seatbelts and practicing safe driving” and “take an active role as leaders on campus to abolish hazing.” In the Cowboys’
eddie gaspar | the daily texan staff Sheryl Cole, UT alumn and District 47 State Rep., conserved the African-American seat in her district. In her time at UT, Cole was the president of the National Business League, an African-American association, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She later graduated from UT’s School of Law.
“By the time I was a senior, I was ready to go because I had started a business in my mom’s garage my senior year.” Leman said working in the private sector before working in government gave him a better understanding of effective policymaking. “It’s the different views and different backgrounds that come
statement, Furst said the Cowboys “agreed not to adopt a ‘code of silence’” upon learning of their judiciary board’s investigation. “Our members have been upfront and truthful about the events that occurred that night throughout both the third-party investigation, as well as The University’s investigation,” the Cowboys’ statement said. However, the Cumberland family said the Cowboys did not properly honor state and UT policy on hazing. “Not one person came forward to report the prohibited and unlawful activities that occurred to the UT Administration,” the Cumberland’s statement said. “It wasn’t until we requested an investigation that anyone spoke to authorities. That’s a major part of the Code of Silence. Honoring the prohibition on the Code of Silence doesn’t simply mean to speak once caught.” “The truth is that without the senseless death of my amazing son none of this would have come to light,” the Cumberland’s statement said. “The sad truth is that if Nicky had not been killed most likely the same kinds of unacceptable hazing behavior would continue with the new crop of young men each year.” The Cowboys’ statement expresses their “goal to act as role models within our community” and how this “aspiration matters now more than ever.” However, the Cumberland family responded by saying the Cowboys’ response “does not honor Nicky’s legacy.” “The whitewash response by the Cowboys illustrates why The Cowboys currently cannot be trusted to provide the uncomfortable unvarnished truth and do not deserve to represent The University in its current form or to continue to use The University’s property,” the Cumberland’s statement said. “The response highlights the precise reasons behind some of the reforms we have demanded.” The Cowboys said this has been “a devastating year” which has “forever mark(ed) our time at The University.” “While it pales in comparison to the pain his family continues to experience, our organization is still reeling with the loss of our friend and brother, Nicky Cumberland,” the Cowboys’ statement said. “This has been an experience which no student, parent, or friend should ever have to endure.” To read the Cowboys’ statement and the Cumberland family’s response in full, please visit our website at www.thedailytexan.com.
together at the State Capitol that help make us effective at passing legislation that’s meaningful,” Leman said. Leman said his father died when he was young and left behind a letter emphasizing the importance of his civic duty. This inspired him to run for office. “He talked about how it is
important to do your duty as a citizen and participate,” Leman said. “That, probably more than anything, influenced me.” Leman’s advice to students is to follow their hearts in their career choices. “Don’t try to fit a round peg through a square hole,” Leman said. “Just pursue your passions.”
albert lee
moped
continues from page
1
In the past 60 days, UTPD has reported only one incident of driving without a license. Farahnak said he attributes this low number of reports to the police force’s concern for safety. “Those who are operating mopeds unsafely around West Campus are often committing several other offenses, such as no insurance, expired registration and lacking that class-M endorsement,”
Farahnak said in an email. “I would not stack every one of these charges on a citation. My first priority is the unsafe driving itself, such as wrong way driving, running stop signs and intoxication.” Mark Sze-To is a co-owner of Electric Avenue Scooters, an Austin-based moped dealer and DPS-sponsored administrator of motorcycle license courses. Sze-To said motorcycle courses in Texas range from $180 to $250 and take about one weekend to complete. “It’s a very good investment
| the daily texan staff
because it’s cheaper than crashing and it’s certainly cheaper than dying,” Sze-To said. “Statistically speaking, one is three times safer or less likely to crash if they have a motorcycle license versus if they do not.” But Granier said the insecurity of not having the proper license led him to be more cautious on his moped. “I drove a little safer because I didn’t have a license,” Granier said. “I was scared if I got pulled over it would be a big deal, so I would never speed or do anything stupid.”
3
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
f
RESEARCH
Letter details climate change
Scientists from Texas argue impacts of climate change to Gov. Abbott. By Rahi Dakwala @Rdakwala
T researchers signed a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott in early January discussing the future impacts climate change will have on Texas. Spearheaded by environmental advocacy group Environment Texas and climate researchers across Texas, the letter was written in response to Abbott’s unwillingness to answer questions about how climate change affects extreme weather in Texas, Environment Texas associate Emma Pabst said. Pabst said the goal of the letter is to let Abbott know climate scientists across Texas can be a resource to the governor. “(The scientists) can help the governor understand how we can adapt to climate change, so that the governor can lead Texas in future years as we deal with the effects of (climate change),” Pabst said. Pabst said Environment Texas never received a response from Abbott about the letter, which also listed some of the challenges Texas will face as climate change continues. “It indicates that the region of the United States that Texas is located in will experience rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as
albert lee
hurricanes, droughts, heat waves and wildfires in increasing frequency and intensity,” Pabst said. Locally, warming temperatures place the Edwards Aquifer, an important Austin-area water source, at risk of losing water, Pabst said. Rising sea levels are of special concern because of their many consequences, said Ian Dalziel, geosciences professor and one of the scientists to sign the letter. “As temperatures warm, water expands, causing sea levels to go up,” Dalziel said. “High sea levels will increase
the chances of destructive storms and tidal surges like the ones experienced during Hurricane Harvey.” To slow down the effects of climate change, Dalziel said the U.S. must cut emission of greenhouse gases. One way to do so is to shift to renewable energy sources, which Texas has made progress in, Pabst said. “Approximately 20 percent of the energy produced in Texas comes from renewable energy sources,” Pabst said. “We are the No. 1 producer of wind energy in the United States and have been for the past
decade or so.” Pabst said there is still room for improvement in harnessing renewable energy, especially through the solar sector. “Texas is ranked as the No. 1 state for potential of using solar energy but only ranks seventh in actual solar energy production,” Pabst said. “Better utilizing renewable energy is an important next step for Texas.” Another important way to mitigate climate change is by shifting to a more sustainable lifestyle, said Mimi Tran, an education and outreach leader at the Campus
| the daily texan staff
Environmental Center. “People can take steps like riding bikes or buses, reducing waste, and not throwing away leftover food,” said Tran, human development and family sciences senior. The Campus Environmental Center also provides help to other campus organizations to make their events more environmentally friendly, said Samid Mirza, a Green Events Project team leader. “All these small changes can help make a big difference (to fighting climate change),” said Mirza, a geography and business junior.
CAMPUS
Experts discuss dangers of repeated head trauma in football By Laura Doan @ledoan17
Four days before the Super Bowl, football players, doctors and sports journalists sat down to discuss the dangers of repeated head trauma in football and how to find a safer path forward. UT’s Center for Sports Communication Media’s hosted a conversation Thursday about the future of football in the McGarr Symposium on Sports and Society. The o conversation comes at a time when awareness of football’s long-term brain damage risk is increasing. UT’s football team has had at least three former players diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head trauma, according to the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Communication studies professor Michael Butterworth, who directed the event and is the director of the center, said the central goal of the panel was not to fix the problem, but model how to talk about it. “As we will confirm today, there is no simple solution,” Butterworth said. “In short, we are in need of not just a conversation about head trauma and the future of football, but also a vocabulary for how to have
joshua guenther | the daily texan staff Former UT-Austin football player Eric Metcalf, center, discusses the future of football with Journalist Patrick Hruby, left, and Kathleen Bachynski, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health.
that conversation.” Kathleen Bachynski, a postdoctoral fellow at New York University Langone Health, said head trauma
in football is a public health issue, and safety interests should be placed above entertainment. “Because there are over 3
PUBLIC AUCTION
UNIVERSITY of TEXAS ONLINE AUCTIONS SURPLUS PROPERTY Located at J.J. PICKLE CAMPUS 10100 Burnet Road Austin, Texas
Items could include office furniture, classroom furniture and fixtures, lab and research equipment, industrial machines, speciality items, vehicles, electronics, kitchen appliances, abandoned items and more. New items will be added 3 to 4 times during the month. See www.swicoauctions.com for Terms & Conditions and details. 10% Buyer fee. Items to be removed within 7 days of invoice date! JimSwigert, #9214 979-224-2861 Lance Swigert, #15939 979-219-4902
!
million football players in the United States every year, that’s one reason this is a public health issue,” Backynski said. “If you were
designing these sports from the ground up from the public health point of view, you’d be designing a sport that you can be able to play for the entire rest of your life, until you’re 60 or 70, which cannot be said of tackle football.” Panelists talked about increasing player awareness of health risks, increasing penalties for headto-head collisions and starting kids in the sport much later than elementary school. Several panelists agreed efforts for change are complicated by the fact football is a well-loved and lucrative sport. Michael Rosenthal, who played college football at Notre Dame and later played nine seasons in the NFL, said he would go back and play again despite knowing about the elevated risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. “Would I do the journey all over again?” said Rosenthal, who is now the head football coach at Austin High School. “Absolutely.” Sports journalist Patrick Hruby said both fans and industry leaders will have to reckon with safety issues to move forward. “If you want to preserve, protect and enhance this game, in the future, it’s going to take changes,” Hruby said. “This is something you need to do for the game you love.”
4
LIZA ANDERSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @TEXANOPINION
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
COLUMN
COLUMN
jackie tovar
| the daily texan staff
Students need legislature to reinstate straight ticket voting victoria smith
| the daily texan staff
By Brooks Johnson Columnist
To combat wait times, UT should increase funding for CMHC By Taylor Newman Columnist
In January 2018, UT President Gregory Fenves announced free counseling sessions at the Counseling and Mental Health Center for students. It was a huge win for students on campus. Since then, there has been a 45 percent increase in student attendance, said Katy Redd, associate director for prevention and outreach at the CMHC. With such a massive influx of students, the University needs to increase funding so that the center can hire more staff to match students’ needs. The CMHC has tried being creative to combat the increase in student demand. “We’re always working with our clinical system to be adaptive,” Redd said. “If we see that there are long wait times, we’ll work with our system to see if there are ways we can provide services in a different way to students.” When asked about average appointment wait times, Redd said she did not know if the center keeps track of that information. According to Redd, this may be because not all students who seek help end up going to an individual appointment. Without this data, it’s impossible to tell how long students wait to get an appointment with a counselor. But given that students have to call or show up in person to schedule their first session and the massive increase in students coming to the center, it’s reasonable to assume
counselors are not often going to be able to see the students for day-of appointments. This was the case when Martin Flores, an applied movement sciences sophomore, visited the CMHC a month ago. It was his first time reaching out to a professional, and he waited two weeks to talk to one of their counselors. By the time he got an appointment, he had already worked out a way to solve his issues.
The burden to help students isn’t only on the CMHC anymore. ”
“There was nothing really left for me to get out of the session,” Flores said. “I wasn’t upset about it, but I was thinking (that) a lot can happen in two weeks.” Sometimes, stress and difficulty in our lives can be solved on its own. In Flores’ case it worked out for the best, but not everyone can work through their mental health issues alone. The CMHC is doing its best to provide resources to students. But the simple fact is there are more students than available resources at this time. The
LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.
center has added on more counselors at individual colleges to help alleviate some of these issues. An example is the Counselors in Academic Residence, or CARE, program. The idea is if a student chooses to reach out to an adviser or professor and the person believes the student might need mental health advice, they can send the student to the CARE counselor in their college. “We (advisers) regularly refer students to our CMHC CARE counselor,” Moody adviser Alexia Apollo said in an email. “Aside from individual referrals, we introduce our CARE counselor at new student orientation.” Having a counselor in your college is a huge benefit, and it seems the CMHC staff is trying to alleviate the increase in students looking to use CMHC counseling. At this point, the CMHC has done what it can to provide alternative resources to those who need more immediate help. In addition to the CARE program, it has a 24/7 emergency hotline and wellness courses to address more common issues. But when students require oneon-one attention or simply feel uncomfortable talking in front of a group, they should be seen sooner rather than two weeks after they report the issue. The burden to help students isn’t only on the CMHC anymore. It’s on the University to improve funding and support students by hiring more counselors for the CMHC. Newman is a journalism junior from Frisco.
GALLERY
yulissa chavez
| the daily texan staff
SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to editor@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability.
With the end of the election cycle came a quiet, yet drastic change to Texas’ voting landscape. The ability for UT students to streamline the voting process with the push of a single button is valuable. However, straight-ticket voting, or the easy process of selecting all the candidates from one party is no longer an option. Eliminated by the Texas Legislature in 2017, straight-ticket voting served as a simple way for voters to elect those who aligned with their parties views while avoiding an overflow of bureaucratic options. It was often maligned by members of both parties who argued that voters should evaluate each candidate individually on their merits and that if a voter is uninformed about certain races, they should not be voting in them anyway. However, if these are the strongest initiatives that favor the elimination of straight-ticket voting, the purpose for doing so appears rather insignificant. While it has been popular to criticize the practice of straight-ticket voting for candidates by political party, partisan affiliation remains the best way to understand and evaluate the underlying philosophy and perspective of candidates. “I think no longer having this ability will definitely decrease turnout among students in the future, especially since the elections fall during the stressful period of midterms,” said Krisha Jariwala, a communication studies freshman. “I’m usually too busy to pay attention to the down-ballot races, so voting straight ticket was the best way for me to have a general idea of their positions without having to research them all.” While it may not matter in high-profile local and state races, the lack of exposure for many administrative and judicial candidates makes partisan affiliation crucial. This is never truer than with judicial elections, where candidates are limited in their abilities to characterize their positions, leaving UT students with little information to make an evaluation. “It’s no question that a large portion of (UT) voter turnout was based on exciting candidates at the top of the ticket, so we can certainly expect that down-ballot races will have a decrease in ballots cast,” said Jacob Springer, a government sophomore and the chief volunteer deputy registrar of TXVotes. “Many down-ballot races are about to be a lot closer. So while this turnout might decrease, the importance of those votes increases.” Compounding the problem, the very length of the ballot serves as an endurance test for many UT voters who have little time to study the positions of judicial and local offices relegated to the last pages. Straight-ticket voting allows student voters the opportunity to have their voices heard throughout the ballot. Legislators argue the public should abstain from voting if it is uninformed about certain races. However, the solution to a lack of public awareness should not be promoting silence. If anything, the elimination of straight-ticket voting should encourage students to be even more vocal about their political activism. “While I prefer to cast my vote in each individual race, I think it is useful in getting votes cast in small races that are wildly important,” Springer said. “We now have the further responsibility of increasing voter education and really emphasizing the importance of casting a complete ballot, rather than just casting one in general.” The reality is that many students will not know everyone on the ballot because of how long and complex it is. Partisan affiliation — regardless of your preference — gives voters a chance to make a choice based on philosophy, and straight-ticket voting increases public participation in democracy, which is something both sides of the ballot should support. Johnson is a journalism freshman from Austin.
RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it. EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and receive updates on our latest editorials and columns.
5
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
MUSIC
Utalent’s Tommy Sanchez to release EP in March
joshua guenther
| the daily texan staff
Business freshman Tommy Sanchez describes his musical style as “twangy blues rock with a twist of Lennon.” Austin’s live music scene. A self-described old soul and “musical mutt,” Sanchez’s musical style is a mixture of country, jazz, blues and rock. Editor’s Note: “In depth at UtalSanchez’s main musical influent Records” is a weekly column ences — Stevie Ray Vaughan, Blues highlighting the 2018–2019 student Brothers and The Beatles — were artists under the UT record label, first introduced to him by his father Utalent Records. at a young age. He said the songs he To most college students, the listened to growing up helped inspire countless fliers and posters lining his aspirations to perform onstage. campus and city streets have long “(‘Johnny B. Goode’) was one of since blended into the background. those songs that I would sing, but I For Thomas “Tommy” Sanchez, a would change it to ‘Tommy B. Goode’ Utalent Records flier pinned to a light when I was a kid,” Sanchez said. post on his way to class was the dif“That became the dream, to be like ference between a simple hobby and a that little boy who grows up playing childhood dream. guitar and maybe one day my name Business freshman Tommy Sanwill be in lights.” chez is one of five student artists Sanchez began playing piano and to Utalent Records, only guitar before age 10, and although Texas Student signed Media will keep youUT’s connected record label, during this he also played the saxophone in high with daily linksstudent-run to the news, sports and culture school year. After seeing a flier for school, he’s remained most passtories shaping UTpost community. Utalent onthe a light near his dorm, sionate about the guitar. Much of Sanchez auditioned with the hope his guitar skill was self-taught, but it would serve as an open door to Sanchez said Tony Morales, his high
By John Melendez @mister_melendez
GET SOCIAL WITH TSM
school jazz band director, was his musical mentor and helped expand his horizons. Morales taught him throughout his four years of high school. He said Sanchez was an astute musician and had a refreshing outlook on the classic rock styles people know and love. “There’s still so much for (Sanchez) to uncover about himself as a musician, frontman and as a singer-songwriter,” Morales said. Sanchez plans on releasing an original three-song EP in March that will showcase his versatility by including rockabilly, soul and 1960s pop musical stylings. He said the goal of his music is to build upon his musical influences in order to keep those genres alive. Aerospace engineering freshman Robert Estrada is Sanchez’s songwriting partner and the two have been close friends since high school. He’s helped write for Sanchez’s upcoming EP and said Sanchez has evolved into
a more confident artist both on and off stage. “(Sanchez has) become more charismatic and less nervous,” Estrada said. “(He’s) gaining inspiration from his experiences, and it’s changing him for the better.” Sanchez regularly performs Monday nights at the Cactus Café & Bar’s Open Mic. He’s also looking to form a stable band that will allow him to perform his original songs and covers. Upon graduating, Sanchez hopes to use his business degree to help run and maintain venues that keep regional genres like Texas blues or western swing alive for the next generation of artists and fans. Sanchez said he doesn’t have to be the world’s most famous artist to know success. “(Success is) playing with one of my heroes in one of my favorite venues,” Sanchez said. “Or when the crowd goes ‘Go, Tommy, go.’ Then I’ve made it.”
{
Housing available Our apartments at Signature 1909 feature chic modern furniture*, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, plank vinyl flooring, in-unit laundry, premium views and so much more. Select the perfect place to call home from our wide range of floor plans. Our one, two, three, four and even five bedroom apartments are available in various layouts, each with their own characteristics and modern charm. Impressed? We don’t blame you - but there’s still so much more to the Signature lifestyle. Explore some more, then give us a call at 512-234-4888 or swing by our leasing office today. We’ll be waiting for you.
Housing available At Dobie Twenty21, we offer many areas where you can socialize with your friends. Our rooftop park features basketball, lounge areas, and an outdoor theater. Cool off at our skyline pool with stunning views of the city. Hang out in our rec room with foosball, pool table, gaming stations, and vintage arcade games. Get some homework done in one of our 11 artistically designed study rooms. We also offer a tech center with brand new computers and free printing. The fitness center includes state-of-the-art fitness cardio and weight equipment. Enjoy delicious and well-balanced meals with your unlimited meal plan at the Dobie Café. We make life easier with fully furnished apartments. Contact our office and schedule your private tour today!
WATCHTSTV.COM Facebook at texasstudenttelevision Twitter @texasstudenttv
digest.texasstudentmedia.com
Reduce • Reuse • Recycle ADVERTISING TERMS There are no refunds or credits. In the event of errors made in advertisement, notice must be given by 10 am the fi rst day of publication, as the publishers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. In consideration of The Daily Texan’s acceptance of advertising copy for publication, the agency and the advertiser will indemnify and save harmless, Texas Student Media and its offi cers, employees and agents against all loss, liability, damage and expense of whatsoever nature arising out of the copying, print-ing or publishing of its advertisement including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees resulting from claims of suits for libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright and trademark infringement. All ad copy must be approved by the newspaper which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. Advertising is also subject to credit approval.
DAILYTEXANONLINE.COM Facebook at dailytexan Twitter @thedailytexan
6
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Friday, February 1, 2019
Crossword ACROSS 1 Dominant figure 16 High-end Italian sports car 17 1997 Notorious B.I.G. hit whose title lyric precedes “strictly for the weather”
29 Cosmetics company whose letters appear in left-to-right order in “cosmetics company” 30 Electron particle emission 32 Relative of cashmere
18 Queen who styled herself as Isis, familiarly
34 Money replaced by euros
19 ___ Lopez opening (chess tactic)
36 Prepare for a bomb, say
48 Rose 49 Screw up 51 New toy? 53 Legislative body of Russia 54 “Gil Blas” author 58 Everywhere 59 Things that contain 59-Across that contain 59-Across that …
Edited by Will Shortz 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
No. 1228 10
11
12
13
14
SUDOKUFORYOU 1
15
16
19
21
2 1 4 3 7 4 9 2 6 3 5 1 3 8 1 2 9 4 6 9 4 8 2 7
20 22
25
26
30
27
23
24
28
29
31
32
34
35
33
35 Thrash
DOWN 1 Online gamer’s problem 38 Euphoria 20 Some superhero 42 Court plea, 2 Orate attire briefly 3 “100 Years … 100 Movies,” e.g. 21 Yankees All-Star 43 County east of pitcher Severino 4 Many employees Devon of the Lego 45 “If u ask me …” 22 Chris of “The company Good Wife” 46 America’s busiest 5 So airport after ATL 24 Four-thirds of a 6 Seriously and LAX dram: Abbr. shortchange 47 ___ América 7 ___ Little, “The 25 “___ time!” (soccer Wire” character 26 Brother-to-be tournament) 8 Prolific 9 Event of 1964 ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE and 2020 C A R O M E T N A J A W 10 It’s two hours A L O N G A L O O F E P A behind Pacific: Abbr. T O T E M S K Y W R I T E R A H A B S E S S I O N S 11 Memorable time W A T C H T V T T O P 12 12 points, B O O E Y E D E R M A typographically A E R I A L R E CON R E E L 13 Many a battery H R E CON E S I A G O charger E M O T I CON Y O Y O M A 14 Instrument S L O P CON T A I N E R whose name comes from T E L E CON R O S E S B A M the Latin for A G E T O A L L I T A L O “heavenly” G I R A R D I A R T I S A N G E A R O I L N A I L S I T 15 Hard to eat quietly, in S T A L E D E S T I N Y adspeak
36
37
38
42
43
46 49
39
44
54
40
41
45
47
48
50
51 55
52
53 56
8
3 5 7 9 8
17 18
9 3
57
58 59
Arrr matey. This scurrvy beast is today’s answerrrrrr. Crop it out, or it’ll be the the fishes for ya!
PUZZLE BY DAVID STEINBERG
21 ___ Dems (U.K. political party, informally)
31 Designer Gucci 33 Indicator of a coming storm
47 Host Bert of old game shows
1 7 50 Gucci competitor 4 3 26 “Je vous en 52 Corner office, 39 Communication ___” (French maybe means since 6 9 for “You’re 1911 welcome”) 53 Out of juice 40 Hobbit corrupted 27 City on the 7went 8 55 Car that by the Ring Mexican border defunct in 1936 41 “That HURTS!” 28 Things that 9count2 56 Place to amaze 42 Refusal with a sheep contraction 29 Noted arms manufacturer 44 Lewdness 57 Pair of 3 nines? 5 Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 8 1 puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 5 4 23 Highish bridge holding
36 Friend of Tarzan 37 Tar
48 Vim
2 5 8 1 6 4 3 9
4 7 5 9 3 8 2 6
9 8 2 6 5 1 4 7
3 6 1 4 7 2 5 8
6 2 4 3 8 9 7 1
8 9 3 5 1 7 6 2
5 1 7 2 4 6 9 3
Today’s solution will appear here next issue
6 7 9 4 1 5 3 2 8
3 1 5 8 6 2 7 4 9
8 2 4 7 9 3 1 5 6
4 8 3 1 5 6 2 9 7
7 9 6 2 8 4 5 3 1
2 5 1 9 3 7 6 8 4
1 4 7 5 2 8 9 6 3
9 6 2 3 4 1 8 7 5
5 3 8 6 7 9 4 1 2
Did You Know? Lorem ipsum
Pacing yourself to one drink per hour can help you stay in control,
It’s what 1 in 3 Longhorns do. @UTBruceTheBat 2018 UT-Austin National Social Norms Center Survey
7
ROSS BURKHART SPORTS EDITOR @TEXANSPORTS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
NBA BASKETBALL
Aldridge, Allen battle in San Antonio Two former Longhorns battle after Aldridge named an All-Star. By Steve Helwick @s_helwick
AN ANTONIO — Prior to Thursday night’s tipoff at the AT&T Center, Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge earned his seventh All-Star selection in his 13-year career, his third in four seasons with San Antonio. With his team leading by one and 51.1 seconds on the clock, Aldridge unleashed his stardom, drawing a foul while sinking a strong layup to secure the Spurs 117-114 victory over the Nets. “LA made some huge plays down the stretch,” Spurs point guard Derrick White said regarding the clutch basket. “The floor was kind of spread. We had a lot of shooters out there. He had a mismatch, so I tried to go over the top. He had a nice catch and finish.” Aldridge, who played for the Longhorns in 2004–06, responded to his recognition with a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double. His defensive matchup in the paint may have been 13 years younger, but the two share a close connection: alumni status at the University of Texas. Nets center Jarrett Allen, a Longhorn from 2016–17, served as Aldridge’s primary counter when the two shared the floor. But the team employing an All-Star prevailed to win a nailbiter, continuing to rally around the Texas alumnus. “He’s had a great season and
carlos garcia | the daily texan staff Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge battles down low against Nets center Jarrett Allen on Jan. 31, 2019, at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Both big men attended the University of Texas for their collegiate careers.
has really kept us together,” head coach Gregg Popovich said. “During the tough times when you’re really discombobulated, he’s been a beast all season and it’s a good reward for him to make the All-Star team. He deserves it.” Aldridge converted on just 5-of-13 field goal attempts in his 38 minutes, but he delivered in the rebounding and physicality departments. As the Spurs’ premier rebounder, Aldridge was effective on box outs on the both ends, sparking his team on the glass and as a veteran leader. As a result, the Spurs have checked off their fourth straight victory.
“The whole thing I’ve been preaching is to take care of the homestand,” Aldridge said. “And we’ve done that so far.” On the other end of the court, Allen scored 14 points, with several of his baskets resulting from his signature pump fake under the basket. It’s a move Allen has become accustomed to, and it’s often a golden ticket to the free throw line. For a near 7-footer, Allen did an excellent job running the floor. In one sequence Thursday night, he emphatically rejected DeMar DeRozan’s layup and sprinted down the AT&T Center floor for an and-one layup seconds later. In one of his best outings of
his sophomore campaign, Allen recorded a statistic he had previously attained just nine times in his 122-game career — a 3-pointer. On a fastbreak in the third quarter, Allen positioned himself in the corner and cleanly swished a high-arcing three. Thanks to Aldridge’s impact down low, Allen only collected three rebounds, but fighting for rebounds is an area in which he’s already progressed exponentially. “It’s really come out of nowhere. It wasn’t a point of emphasis,” Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson said on Allen’s rebounding prowess. “I just think it’s the Ed Davis effect. I think he said, ‘I watch Ed Davis,
MEN’S BASKETBALL
and if Ed can get them, so can I.’ It’s also the physical development. He feels stronger and more confident.” With 3-point shooting and rebounding improvements, Allen could be well on his pace to becoming a future All-Star. His Longhorn counterpart, Aldridge, didn’t earn a selection until his fifth season, but the All-Star Game is now a fixture on his February schedule. “We’re having a good season as a team and I’m definitely thankful to go again and I don’t take it for granted,” Aldridge said. “It shows the hard work I’ve put in and my teammates have put in has paid off.”
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Longhorns try to recover from loss ahead of Red River game
ryan lam | the daily texan file Forward Dylan Osetkowski puts the ball on the floor and drives toward the basket during the Longhorns’ 73-63 upset of Kansas at the Frank Erwin Center on Jan. 29, 2019.
Osetkowski finishing Texas career strong By Robert Larkin @r_larkintexas
Dylan Osetkowski could see the lead dwindling on the scoreboard. After a break at halftime, Texas’ offense had fallen into an unproductive motion of missed shots and turnovers, allowing Kansas to make a run and get back into the game. Determined to get the Longhorns out of a funk, the senior forward took matters into his own hands. On three of the next four possessions down the floor, Osetkowski called for the ball down on the low block. And his assertiveness worked, with his bruising post moves allowing him to grab easy points in the paint. When he got double-teamed, he simply kicked it back out to guard Courtney Ramey for an easy three. The end result was Osetkowski scoring or assisting on seven straight Longhorn points, switching momentum at a pivotal moment almost midway through the second half. “I feel like my bread and
butter is in the post,” Osetkowski said after a team-high 16 points in the Longhorns’ 73-63 victory against Kansas. “I made strong moves, do what I do and the ball went in the basket.” It’s been Osetkowski who has exuded a needed confidence and aggressiveness for the Longhorns in recent weeks. After a tough stretch to begin the season, the San Diego native has turned into one of Texas’ most productive players. Since the Longhorns’ road loss on Jan. 14 against Kansas, Osetkowski is averaging 13.2 points per game and 8.2 rebounds — both figures above his season average. Part of Osetkowski’s strong play stems from a desire to make the most of the remaining few weeks of his college career, which has led him to flourish over the last five games, head coach Shaka Smart said. “He has an understanding that he’s a senior, and he has a certain number of games and weeks left,” Smart said. “It changes our team when he has that mindset because he brings a toughness that we need and makes our guys a
little sturdier out there.” When Osetkowski plays at a high level, the Texas front court becomes a formidable unit. Combined with forward Jaxson Hayes, the two are able to push around even the Big 12’s most elite teams. On the court, Osetkowski has developed into a vocal leader, unafraid to share his opinion with his teammates. By sharing what he’s faced and what he’s learned, he hopes to guide his younger teammates through the ups and downs of a tough conference slate. With his time at Texas coming to an end shortly, Osetkowski just wants the Longhorns to seize the moment. Stepping up as an aggressive player and vocal leader will help the team accomplish that. “Really (Kerwin Roach II) and I are both trying to share every experience we’ve come through college,” Osetkowski said. “We both know time is getting shorter and shorter here at Texas, so both of us are trying to make most of the opportunity we have. We’re just trying to get everybody on the same page in practice and in games.”
joshua guenther | the daily texan file Guard Sug Sutton surveys the floor during Texas’ 64-58 loss to unranked West Virginia at the Frank Erwin Center on Jan. 28, 2019. Sutton had crucial late game errors stifling a Texas rally.
By Stephen Wagner @stephenwag22
Texas hasn’t looked great this season. A team that has been on the border of being considered a powerhouse the last two years has been uncharacteristically inconsistent throughout the season, thanks to injuries and transfers. At times, the No. 12 Longhorns have looked just a step away from being Big 12 contenders. During others, like on Monday night against West Virginia, they’ve looked human. Now, head coach Karen Aston’s squad is on the outside looking in on its hopes of hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, with two matchups against Baylor, a consistently top-five ranked team, left and a date with rival Oklahoma on Saturday. “Records go out the window (in the Red River Rivalry),” associate head coach Jamie Carey said. “It’s going
to be a tough mentality that we’re going to meet on the road, and one we’re looking forward to.” In the Longhorns’ last meeting with the Sooners on Jan. 9, the contest came down to the wire. Texas blew a double-digit lead and Oklahoma came within a bucket of tying the game on six straight possessions in the fourth quarter, but the Longhorns ultimately prevailed. Now, going into Norman, Texas has plenty to fret. “We have to take it one game at a time,” Texas forward Joyner Holmes said. “Everybody’s playing their best basketball right now, and we do need to focus on Oklahoma.” One thing that has been a recurring nuisance for Texas has been the turnover problem. Even in home victories, costly turnovers and inconsistency at the beginning and ends of games have given Texas more than a few scares. “I’ve had some turnovers in the past few games, the point guards have had some
turnovers,” Holmes says. “We’re making the correct reads but not always the right plays.” One of the point guards Holmes is referring to is junior Sug Sutton, who committed six turnovers in a potentially detrimental loss to West Virginia. Sutton, who was in tears following the loss to West Virginia, has rebounded in the past two days. “She’s a competitor. She feels an immense amount of pressure with how we perform, day in and day out, as a point guard should,” Carey said. “I think having a day off was good for her, and I think (Wednesday) was even better.” While the Big 12 Championship is not yet entirely out of the picture for Texas, the vision is slowly going out of focus. A victory in Norman won’t put Texas back into the running for a Big 12 title, but there’s no denying that Saturday afternoon is a must-win. Texas will face off against Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma, on Saturday at 3 p.m.
8
TIANA WOODARD & JORDYN ZITMAN LIFE&ARTS EDITORS @THEDAILYTEXAN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
FOOD
Local businesses support fair trade Fair trade organizations fight global trafficking with every purchase. By Abby Hopkins @abbyhopkins_
ach year, workers all over the world perform backbreaking labor for unfair compensation. Although the issue may seem foreign, many everyday purchases, even those at UT, contribute to labor trafficking — the second highest form of trafficking. To combat rapidly increasing human trafficking, some UT students and local businesses are committed to purchasing fair trade products despite the costs and challenges. Fair trade organizations aim to diminish labor trafficking by ensuring safe conditions and fair wages for workers while empowering them to enhance their communities. Avery Leshan is a member of UT’s International Justice Mission chapter, the largest anti-slavery organization in the world, and aims to buy fair trade products whenever possible. “A lot of people don’t realize this, but a lot of the things we purchase are made by people who aren’t paid fairly, if they’re paid at all,” said Leshan, an international relations and global studies junior. While products such as
barbra daly
| the daily texan staff
coffee and chocolate have many fair trade alternatives, Leshan said there are few for food and technology markets. Despite wider availability, fair trade coffee can be a costlier option. Beth Beall, co-owner of Texas Coffee Traders, said part of the price of coffee comes from ensuring workers are able to earn a living. “Enjoy the lovely coffee,” Beall said. “But also appreciate where it comes from and what we can do to make sure these
people are thriving.” Coffee Traders began practicing fair trade with roasters in Costa Rica. For every pound of coffee sold in the U.S., a dollar is sent back. Beall said the impact comes not only from the pay, but also from programs and other resources that allow workers to thrive. “The whole thing with fairness is, let’s be fair,” Beall said. “A huge bulk of our business is fair trade because we know it makes the difference.”
College students understand this impact, which is why Texas Coffee Traders partners with universities such as UT to offer fair trade options on campus at locations such as Robert Lee Moore Hall and the Pangea Cafe, Beall said. Amy Lloyd, store manager of Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade specialty shop on Burnet Road, decided using fair trade products is a small way she can contribute to solving a bigger problem.
“I can’t change the big crazy that’s out there, but I can change how I’m going to purchase something,” Lloyd said. Some are hesitant to make this costly sacrifice if there are cheaper options elsewhere, Lloyd said. However, when she tells origin stories about the items, she said customers are often sold. “When you look at jewelry from Cambodia where the artisans are taking bombshells left over from the war and making
beautiful jewelry from it, that’s something unique you can’t get when shopping at Target,” Lloyd said. Another hesitation comes from those who don’t think it’s a feasible change to make in their lives. However, Leshan said starting with one product, such as coffee, makes it less overwhelming and still makes a difference. “I don’t think ease in my own life should mean slavery in someone else’s,” Leshan said.
CAMPUS
Hook Up, Horns: Students discuss hookup culture
w tch us at YOUTUBE.COM/THEDAILYTEXAN
EXHIBITION OPENS OPENS EXHIBITION FEBRUARY 9, 9, 2019 2019 FEBRUARY 21st and and Guadalupe Guadalupe Streets Streets 21st www.hrc.utexas.edu www.hrc.utexas.edu
jeb milling
By Tiana Woodard @tianarochon
Coming into college, marketing sophomore Sarah Fincher, like many freshmen, looked forward to the typical college experience. She couldn’t wait to take part dorm life, late nights at the PCL, rowdy parties in West Campus — and sex. “(UT) was a completely new environment,” Fincher said. “Everybody else was making out at parties, getting drunk all the time — I felt like I needed those crazy college experiences.” Fincher is not alone. Many students immerse themselves in hookup culture at UT, lining themselves up for a college experience filled with adrenaline-charged excitement and the unknown. Hookup culture’s exact prevalence among students is debatable, but the reasons for which students choose to be a part of it are even more unclear. Nathaniel Day, public relations and radio-television-film junior, said the prevalence of hookups in student life may result from pressure to match their peers’ sexual experience — a danger even he admits to succumbing to when first participating in casual sex. “I would feel like I was so young and in college, that I should have so much experience,” Day said. “At that point, I wasn’t even having sex because I truly wanted to. It was just because I wanted to up my count.”
Many students choose to not engage in hookups as well. One of these students is advertising junior Gabrielle Rose, who cites religious and secular reasons for staying out of hookup culture. “Sex between two people that love and have that commitment to each other — that’s the most beautiful form of it,” Rose said.
I would feel like I was so young and in college, that I should have so much experience. At that point, I wasn’t even having sex because I truly wanted to.”
N AT H A N I E L D AY
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND RTF JUNIOR
“Outside of those boundaries, it can be messy and really hurtful.” As someone who’s stepped out of such boundaries, Day can attest to the emotional hazards Rose warns against. Day said his insecurities are heightened when hooking up. “My self-worth definitely decreases when I have sex because
| the daily texan staff
the people I’m hooking up with, they don’t really want me,” Day said. “They just want my body in that sense.” Even those outside the hookup culture aren’t immune to its emotional impact. As a church group leader, Rose said that she’s had to support many peers through struggles arising from this culture. “I see (their pain) when they’re telling me their stories and when they’re processing through them,” Rose said. “I wish I hadn’t gone through it, whether you’re doing it yourself or you’re helping someone heal through it.” Through this form of self-examination, Day said he’s managed to walk away from emotionally taxing experiences and is more sure of himself and his homosexuality than ever before. “I’ve definitely become a lot more secure in my sexuality and who I am, even if there are rough patches here and there,” Day said. “I’ve never felt more secure in my entire life.” Despite potential risks and occasional slip-ups, Fincher said she wouldn’t have changed her freshman year in any way. Hookups have served as her means of exploration, providing her with memories that she’ll carry with her for her entire life. “If you’re not into (hookups), you’re not into it, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” Fincher said. “But if you and this person are 100 percent on board, I say go for it. It’s (only) negative if you make it.”