10/4 Weekly Edition

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

SPECIAL EDITION INSIDE! Clubs and organizations

The Official News Source of Sam Houston State University EXPLAINER P.2 This week there’s a lot going on nationally, so we run down the stories you should pay attention to.

Volume 129 | Issue 6

SHSU CREATES, P.3 Chasen Parker, a senior theater-turned-film major is The Houstonian’s spotlighted student.

SOUTHWEST, P.4 An Emmy nominated film was screened as part of Hispanic Heritage month with students.

/HoustonianSHSU

@HoustonianSHSU

LAS VEGAS, P.5 Opinion: Trace Harris breaks down the missteps of the Republican party after the shooting. @HoustonianSHSU

RIVALRY, P.6 Sam Houston State football is heading to Houston on Saturday to WIN the Battle of the Piney Woods.

HoustonianOnline.com

Campus crime steady with growth Former Enron CFO Fact Check: Crime rates for TSUS universities from 2014-2016

cancels controversial presentation

FASTOUT. Andrew Fastow cancelled his business ethics presentation at Sam Houston State University after five professors submitted a letter of concern to The Houstonian.

RYAN REYNOLDS Editor-in-Chief

Graphic created by Morgan Phillips | The Houstonian

KATS SAFE. The above data is The Houstonian’s analysis of the newly released crime report logs from universities in the Texas State University System. SFA has not been included here, as their data is recorded slightly differently and gives the school a much lower criminality rate of .7 using the same methodology.

EMILY DAVIS Asst. Associate Editor The Houstonian’s fact check series explores issues of contention around campus. Campus crime rates take the spotlight in the second installment.

Note: All numbers were recorded from each university’s annual crime report logs from 2016. Crime statistics listed are violent crimes only and exclude liquor and drug offenses.

Sam Houston State University’s 2016 Annual Security & Fire Report was released on Oct. 1 in which the University Police De-

partment collected, compiled, and published required information regarding campus crime statistics, policies, and services.

This report is required by all universities under the Clery Act of 1990. This document is produced each year and notification of its availability is publicized on or before Oct. 1 through both email and the university website.

“Page 5 of the report has the statistics for our 2016 annual security report that includes 20142016 statistics,” David Yebra Director of Emergency Management at SHSU said. “Based on previous years we are roughly at the same level or a little lower at

this point in time. It depends on category of reported crime.”

The newly released Campus Crime Statistics log breaks down individual crime by years. Of oncampus criminal offenses in 2014, there was one count of rape reported, one count of fondling, one aggravated assault, seven burglaries and two counts of motor vehicle theft, resulting in a total of 12 on-campus criminal offenses. In 2015, there were nine rapes reported, four burglaries and two motor vehicle thefts on-campus, resulting in 15 on-campus criminal offenses. For the last calendar year, 2016, seven counts of rape were reported, two robberies, one

aggravated assault, three burglaries, and four motor vehicle thefts reported on-campus, resulting in a total of 17 criminal offenses oncampus.

The number of crimes reported has seemed to have gone up in previous years, but this could be related to the increase of student enrollment of over 1,000 students since 2014. The numbers have increased, but the amount of criminal offenses per capita has decreased. In 2016, SHSU had 19,573 students enrolled, meaning that roughly one in every 1,151 students reported a —

Crime Rates page 3

SHSU expects minimal changes from new bill RYAN REYNOLDS Editor-in-Chief A new state law went into effect last month requiring public high schools, new drivers and police officers to receive training in how to act during police interactions.

Senate Bill 30, which was proposed shortly after the controversial death of Sandra Bland, is designed to aid the growing tension between law enforcement and

civilians.

“This is not the silver bullet that will impact the entire relationship between law enforcement and citizens,” state Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, one of the measure’s authors, told the Texas Tribune after the proposal of the bill. “But it’s a step in the right direction.”

Sam Houston State University is responsible for training officers, but the new legislature is said to have a minimal impact on the university’s teachings.

“It’s still too early for us to plan exactly what we’re going to do,” Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Dr. Phillip Lyons said.

“Our response to this is likely to be very minimal.”

State driving education programs are set to add police interaction into their curriculum in order to educate young adult drivers on how to behave during a traffic stop. The new instruction for law enforcement is mainly oriented towards wide-level officers, which

SHSU does not provide training for. The training requirements stated in Senate Bill 30 are mainly met at police academies.

“The University Police Department will not play a role in this initiative other than the training requirements for our officers,” Director of Emergency Management David Yebra said. “The remainder of requirements of Senate Bill 30 are pre-licensing requirements.

—

SB30, page 2

Andrew Fastow, former Chief Financial Officer of Enron, canceled his appearance at Sam Houston State University after five professors publicly objected to his visit by submitting a letter to The Houstonian Fastow was originally scheduled to appear Tuesday afternoon as a guest speaker at the “Rules vs.

Principles” event put together by members of the SHSU accounting department and Compliance Officer Joseph Agins.

“I have spoken with many students, faculty and staff who were very excited to attend and viewed this event as a positive learning opportunity for the campus community,” Agins said. “My colleagues and I worked very hard to make this event happen and started planning it nearly a year ago, So, I think to say we are disappointed is an understatement.”

The former CFO of Enron was scheduled to present on business ethics. Fastow pleaded guilty to two counts of wire and securities fraud in 2004, which landed him an eight-year prison sentence for his role in the accounting scandal that brought down the seventhlargest corporation in the United States. He was released from prison in 2011. Since then, he speaks publicly about his role in one of the biggest corporate collapses in American history. SHSU was not paying Fastow for his presentation.

“I think Mr. Fastow has plenty of opportunities to speak publicly and in the newspaper about his position,” Assistant Professor of History Jeffrey Littlejohn, a coauthor of the Letter to the Editor, said. “But I don’t think he has any role to play in educating undergraduate or graduate students in business at Sam in business ethics.”

Along with Littlejohn, Assistant Professor of German Ervin Malakaj, History Lecturers Zachary Doleshal, Zachary Montz and Aaron Hyams expressed their concerns about Fastow speaking to students in their letter last Friday.

“Fastow’s appearance at SHSU only helps him profit from his —

Fastow, page 2

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Page 2

Explainer: Updates

criminal offense on campus Per capita, that’s 0.86 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.

In 2016, Texas State University (TXST) had 169 criminal offenses committed on campus, ETHAN HORN including six rapes, 25 burglarAssociate Editor ies, nine motor vehicle thefts, 110 larceny thefts, 18 assaults The Houstonian’s Explainer and one arsonist. TXST had a column is usually reserved for a total of 37,979 students in fall single-issue piece delving into 2016, which means one in 225 the details of a complicated issue. students reported an on-campus This issue, it will serve a differcriminal offense Per capita, that’s ent purpose. In the last week, 4.45 criminal offenses per 1,000 there have been many specific students. issues that continue to ripple Lamar University had 22 around for us to focus on just criminal offenses reported in one, so here is a general debrief- 2016, including four rapes, three ing about all the things going on burglaries, one motor vehicle nationwide. thefts, four counts of dating vioFirstly, the budget reconcilialence and 10 stalking crimes. In tion period for the Senate expired 2016, LU had a total of 14,056 on Sept. 30, in effect making it student, meaning that one in more difficult to pass party line every 638 students reported a votes by ending a period where criminal offense on-campus Per Senate Republicans could shape capita, that’s 1.6 criminal oflegislation in a certain way to fenses per 1,000 students. require only a simple majority to The University Police Departpass legislation. ment maintains a strong presWith that expiration, it now ence on the SHSU campus and seems unlikely that Obamacare provides police services 24 hours repeal will happen this calendar a day, 365 days a year (includyear, and the last-ditch effort ing holidays). Additionally, the seen in the Graham-Cassidy plan university police department has been put to bed. provides a number of services Now, with healthcare generwhich consist of escorting serally out of the picture, Congress vices, vehicle jump starts and will move on to tax reform, stay crime prevention/awareness tuned for more on that from the programs.

Explainer in the future.

“SHSU remains a safe camThis week also marks the pus for several reasons,” Yebra return of the Supreme Court, said. “Primarily, our campus who will now welcome President community remains engaged Trump’s appointee Neil Gorsuch and actively involved in the to the bench. day-to-day activities. With this The court is slated to hear ar- being said, we know our campus guments on several high-profile community takes an active intercases on everything from gerest in SHSU and its safety. We rymandering to whistleblowing rely on our community to report protection. suspicious activities and to keep us informed of incidents.”

Visit HoustonianOnline.com for SHSU also utilizes the KatSafe the entire article.

Emergency System, which includes emergency notifications

Fastow, page 1 — criminality,” the professors stated in the Letter to the Editor. “Although he is not being paid for his speech here, Fastow is reported to be paid for speeches in professional settings.

Speaking at the invitation of the accounting department and the university’s compliance officer lends Fastow the veneer of professional and moral respectability that allows him to continue to enjoy the fruits of his fraud.

In this sense, Sam Houston State is being used.”

Controversial guest speakers

SB30, page 1 —

Crime Rates, page 1 —

at public universities have been a hot topic as of late. Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak at the University of California, Berkley during the university’s Free Speech Week last month before protests shut down the event.

Nearly 100 faculty members at the University of North Texas signed an open letter protesting Donald Trump Jr. as a guest speaker. The open letter condemned the university, saying the invitation was disrespectful to women, people of color and LGBTQ members of the community.

Sam Houston State University recently came in at Number 21 in the Top 25 Safest College Campuses list from RentCollegePads.com’s Ali Bartmer, who utilized the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus and Security Database in an analysis for that website. The website used the data to compile a list and create a “Crime Index”, which is derived from an Institution’s size relative to the number of criminal offenses on campus to determine the relative safety. The numbers range specifically from 2011 to 2015.

We are not involved in licensing drivers and the pre-licensing training requirements.”

“I think in general it’s a good idea for people to be aware of what to expect at a traffic stop and what their rights are,” Dr. Lyons said. “It also never hurts to remind the police of that as well.”

via text, email, voice, and social media messaging. SHSU also has a siren and loudspeaker system to inform our community of an emergency. This system is used and tested regularly.

There is also a KatSafe website and app for your phone that informs our campus community about how to prepare for an emergency. All students, faculty, staff, visitors, family and community have access to this information. The KatSafe website also includes short informative videos about what to do in certain emergency situations.

During Hurricane Harvey, the KatSafe website was accessed 57,409 times according to Public Safety Services.

“We routinely conduct training and information sessions across campus from specific organizational events to promote

community wide safety,” Yebra said.

The University Police Department also maintains high visibility on campus. UPD promotes and offers escort services during the evening & night time hours, in which university police officers will meet you and walk with you to where you need to go on campus if you feel unsafe.

“Our staff at Public Safety Services is dedicated and enjoys interacting with the campus and the community every day,” Yebra said. “Furthermore, we strive to develop internal and external relationships to help further our goals and objectives. Lastly, our collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in Walker County has been tremendous and is beneficial to our campus community.”

Although Senate Bill 30 does not aim to educate college students, UPD is already involved in outreach programs with students and the community. Officers are engaged with fellow Bearkats in a number of different forums, from formal training to one-onone engagements when out on vehicle or foot patrol.

“I think in general it’s a good idea for people to be aware of what to expect at a traffic stop and what their rights are,” Dr. Lyons said. “It also never hurts to remind the police of that as well.”

Police interaction courses will become a part of the high school curriculum next fall.

Even though students at SHSU will not be required to take any specific interaction courses, the Criminal Justice department is listening to the voice of the student body.

“Our usual approach is we always try and respond to student needs, and if there is a desire from a part of students to learn more about this [interacting with police], then regardless of the legislation we would step up and do that,” Dr. Lyons said.

“The legislation doesn’t really target our students, but as with anything else, if there’s a student need we’ll help them anyway we can to meet that.”

The authors’ intent of the letter was not to protest Fastow’s invitation, Hyams said, but to shed light on the reasons why he was brought and accepting to speak on campus.

“We were certainty not trying to see his invitation revoked, rescinded nor was there any intended state of protesting his presence on campus,” Hyams said. “We would’ve rather that he hadn’t have been invited, and that was a mistake, but since he was coming that perhaps opens up a chance to reflect more generally on the fact that whitecollared criminals live in a very

different justice system than the many prisoners we have here in Huntsville around us.”

While some have been concerned about Fastow’s right to free speech in this situation, Littlejohn said, it is important to acknowledge that Fastow was never stopped from attending.

However, it is important to note that the university offers free speech areas and there is a distinct difference between allowing someone to speak freely and promoting their speech through an event.

“I understand people who have concerns about freedom of

speech,” Littlejohn said. “And we certainty do not want to squelch freedom of speech.”

Agins and members who helped set up “Rules vs. Principles” are trying to get the event rescheduled. On the other side, Littlejohn, Malakaj, Doleshal, Montz and Hyams are trying to schedule an event for later this semester to discuss the Enron case, corporate fraud, whistleblowers and business ethics.

Specific details for both events will be announced in the next couple of weeks. Stay up-to-date with The Houstonian for more information.

According to RentCollegePads.com, there are approx. 12 crimes committed on SHSU campus yearly, on average. Other Texas State University System colleges in our area were not named on the list, such as Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas State University in San Marcos or Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.

Police Blotter: SHSU’s Finest Keep the Campus Safe Sep 27th: Death Investigation

The University Police Department was notified early Wednesday morning by the Huntsville Police Department that human remains were found on the property line of the Raven Nest Golf Course located near the I-45 service road. This property is not part of the main campus.

There is no threat to students, and the remains appear to have been there for some time. UPD is investigating in coordination with State and local law enforcement.

Sep 28th: Reckless Damage

An officer was dispatched to Piney Woods Hall, 2120 Avenue I, in reference to reckless damage. The complaint stated a female had entered a room without knocking and pushed the door hard enough to cause a hole in the wall. The officer issued a citation for the damage to University property.

Sep 29th: Harrasment

An officer was dispatched to the LEMIT Blackwood Building, 1600 Bobby K. Marks, in reference to a harassment report. The complainant advised she received a threatening email. She wished to pursue criminal charges.

Oct 1st: Driving While Intoxicated

An officer was monitoring traffic in the 1200 block of Sam Houston Avenue and observed a vehicle turn left where prohibited. The officer detected the odor of alcoholic beverages emitting from the driver. The officer determined that the driver was driving while intoxicated.

Assist Outside Agency

An officer heard radio traffic from Walker County Sheriff’s Office indicating that he was following a possibly stolen vehicle northbound on IH-45 that had exited onto northbound SH-19. The officer observed the suspect vehicle driving recklessly. Upon stopping, the driver exited rapidly and began running. The officer lost contact due to the dense trees and vegetation in the area.

Oct 2nd: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

An officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle traveling northbound in the 2300 block of Sam Houston Avenue because of a loose front tire. The officer detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The officer located a digital scale, a clear plastic container with marijuana residue, a metal grinder, a glass smoking pipe, and a small plastic baggie with raw marijuana leaves.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Page 3

SHSU Creates: Chasen Parker: Lights, Action!

RACHAEL VARNER Senior Campus Culture reporter Y.O.L.O. The saying a little dated now, but not obsolete. And not untrue. Except for a few brave souls, or for when consequences are minor, the human race tends to make practical decisions. People do what makes the most sense or what has the highest probability of success. And it’s okay to take risks or splurge every once in a while, but how about when it comes to someone’s career options?

Following one’s dreams sometimes comes at a price. Stability being the big one. The opposite is also true. Stability may come at the cost of getting stuck in some dead-end job, or maybe even a fairly decent job, but either way, it’s a job where there’s always something missing: passion.

Some think that there’s no point in life if they’re not doing what they love. One who shares this belief is Chasen Parker, a senior theater-turned-film major coming full-circle from SHSU to Emerson College in Boston and back to SHSU. “The first show I did in my life...was a show in my senior year of high school called You Can’t Take It With You, and the basis of it was that you should do what you want, not for the money, but because you love doing it,” Parker said. “I was originally set to go to [medical] school, and that message hit me really hard, so I dropped all of that.”

Strangely enough, it was You Can’t Take It With You that drew Parker to SHSU. During his tour of Texas schools, he met with the head of the SHSU the-

Photo courtesy Chasen Parker

BORN INTO THE BUSINESS. Parker is an American child actor, grandson of actress Eleanor Parker, starting his career at only two-years-old. Parker graduated from The Woodlands High School and found his way to SHSU.

ater department for an audition.

She then recommended he attend that weekend’s showcase the play that started it all. He saw that as a sign prompting him toward the

“I always loved watching super intense movies, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

-Chasen Parker life of a Bearkat.

Acting flows through his family’s blood. His parents, Rich and Annie Parker, starred in movies like Die Hard and Robocop. Three-time Oscar nominee Eleanor Parker, Chasen Park-

er’s grandmother, appeared in over 80 movies and TV series throughout her career. She even earned the nickname “Woman of a Thousand Faces,” one of which was the Baroness from The Sound of Music (1965).

Growing up in such a family, it shouldn’t be any surprise that Parker would follow in their footsteps. But while his relations did influence his view of the big screen, they had little to do with his decision to go into filmmaking. He’d rather not have “the family trade” define his path.

“When I was a kid, I always watched the older Clint Eastwood westerns...and people that make incredible work that is entertaining, but [work that] you can also get a lot out of,” he stated. “I always loved watching su-

per intense movies, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Theater extended into narrative filmmaking when Parker was 18 and began to connect with people who were already making their way into that field. At 23, he had completed four 14 to 40-minute short films with another in the works. “[‘E’] is a fantasy-fiction-revenge story taking place in 1994 with the whole Enron scandal, way before any of it went public in 2001,” Parker said.

Parker shot and directed “E” back in August 2015 and the final cut will start its festival run in Las Angelas, California and Miami, Florida in the coming weeks.

Next on the agenda is pulling together “American Fishtrap,” the piece that Parker is proudest of.

Stephanie Kewish Photography

DESIRE TO FILM. Parker has been interested in film and filmmaking from a young age. Finding the perfect shots, angles, lighting and correct cinematography are what Parker looks for in his films. Parker is able to communicate well others to create films that send a message to the audience.

To Parker’s relief, this project was near effortless. A team of about 40 cast and crew members packed up for a five-day shoot in the middle of nowhere, where a man with one hundred thousand acres of property allowed the team to assemble, free of charge Except when it came to their campfire scene. The property owner worried about the city’s burn ban and the potential risk of losing his land to either fire or the government. Parker and his group understood, of course, but their film would have a gaping hole without the scene. Thankfully, one of the team’s producers remembered a chance event from the day before.

“We were shooting on a historical site in Burnet, Texas, and the mayor of the city showed up... and she was like the nicest lady in the world, and she gave me one of those ‘adult nods’ [as if to say], ‘If you ever need anything, give me a call,’” he stated.

So he did, and after explaining their predicament, the mayor told him to wait 15 minutes. A little time goes by, and sure enough, Parker gets another call.

“I [got] a phone call from the fire chief of the city saying the mayor gave us ordinance to bypass the burn ban for that property, and he was going to bring two fire trucks with his best squad to come monitor the shoot to make sure everything [went] smoothly.”

And the shoot progressed exponentially better than expected.

“It was the most epic day of filming I’d ever had, not just because we had fire trucks and everything, but the campfire scene included this massive shootout using real guns – shooting blanks – and I’d never done that, so that was incredibly exciting,” Parker stated. “We also had tons of horses and wagons come to set – that was pretty cool.”

Once the final cut for “American Fishtrap” is ready in December, it will follow a similar path to that of “E.” In the coming months, Parker plans to submit the film to festivals that will hopefully keep it in circulation until 2018 or 2019.

Looking ahead to graduation and beyond, Parker is still deciding between moving to Austin for a while or heading straight to L.A.. Either way, he intends to make his first feature film within the year.

“If you have something that you love, do that,” Parker said.

“Like, I could die tomorrow, and I’d rather go out knowing I was doing what I loved, or at least trying to.”

No one should have to give up on their dreams. Not entirely. It might be wise to have a backup plan, but, if there is something that someone enjoys, and he can do it well, then the only person holding him back is himself. This is it. College prepares students for the long run. Don’t settle for what’s “practical.” Don’t let the opportunities pass you by. After all, you only live once.

“Channel Zero: No-End House” TV Season Preview LINDSEY JONES TV/Film reviewer Syfy’s critically-acclaimed anthology series “Channel Zero” snares its prey in a web of psychological disparity, unnerving bouts of silence, and confounding cinematic angles in its already refreshingly nightmarish follow-up second season “No-End House.”

Writer and producer Nick Antosca, known for “Hannibal” (2013), “The Forest” (2016), and “Channel Zero: Candle Cove” (2016), returns as executive producer, showrunner, and writer for this second installment inspired by Brian Russell’s Creepypasta tale. Together, with director Steven Piet (“Uncle John”) and cinematic veterans Harley Peyton (“Twin Peaks”), and Don Mancini (“Hannibal,” creator of “Child’s Play”), they constructed a show of increasingly unsettling experiences, questioning reality and turning the very mind against itself.

“No-End House” tells the story of a young woman named Margot Sleator (played by Amy Forsyth) who visits the No-End House, a bizarre, traveling house of horrors comprised of several rooms, each more increasingly disturbing than the last. And whoever is brave enough to make it to the last room… never comes back.

While the premise sounds utterly cliché, “No-End House” teaches its audience a lesson in underestimating storytelling. This season takes the most overused horror trope of all time—a haunted house— and gives it a much needed transformation. Instead of the classic creeps, monsters, and demons to overcome in the same-old trigger-pulling, exorcism way of doing things, our characters must survive their way through their own cannibalistic memories with nothing but their own nightmares to guide them. In only two episodes, this season fantastically haunts its viewers into utter captivation, urging

them to watch each episode, and ultimately the entire season, until its very end.

While episode one (“This Isn’t Real”) gave a disappointingly underwhelming introduction into the world of the second anthology chapter, the following episode “Nice Neighborhood” more than proved itself and “No-End House” as one of the few exceptionally pleasing to behold piece of horror television this year — “AHS: Cult” leading the forefront.

Unlike most so-called horror programs, this anthology amuses itself with peeling back layers of psychological traumas through cinematic angles and sound (or lack thereof). The muted and still depiction of the No-End House cul-de-sac at the beginning scene in “This Isn’t Real” immediately raised arm hair—subconsciously warning the audience that what they were getting into is not so easily predictable… or easily escapable.

This show’s chilling oddness and talent in using silence to haunt

its viewers upholds “No-End House” as something promising.

Along with its prowess to unhinge, “No-End House” centers on intriguing and realistically flawed characters that push the show in sometimes frustrating, yet frighteningly raw ways. The character dynamics between the Margot, who is still grieving over the sudden death of her father, and her very-flawed best friend Jules (Aisha Dee) is interesting to behold because the script fleshed out these characters so authentically well that their mannerisms, contrasting personalities, psychological scars, and even the wedge driven between their friendship is evident in how they interact— well embodied by both Forsyth and Dee. The other characters, namely Margot’s father John Sleator (John Carroll Lynch), bring an air of tension and mystery to the storyline that compliments Margot and Jules’ relationship in unpredictably satisfying ways.

Despite the psychological

limp of a first episode, “Channel Zero: No-End House” episodes one and two breaks the mind’s barrier as its own paranoia-inducing piece of horror that stands on its own pedestal in the dread department. It’s not American Horror Story, but “No-End House” holds its own as a mind-altering, spine-tingling television show gift-wrapped with an air of mystery to its awaiting audience. Those who enjoy American Horror Story’s unique imagery and finesse in screwing with minds will enjoy “Channel Zero: No-End House” for its breathof-fresh air taste in storytelling and powerful, yet subtle imagery that will make a permanent home in the minds of those wanting to watch.

You can catch “Channel Zero: No-End House” on Syfy Wednesdays at 10/9 central.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Page 4

Southwest of Salem honored for Hispanic Heritage month INDYA FINCH Asst. Campus Culture Editor Full Disclosure: Indya Finch is a Fellow with the CHSS Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

The Emmy nominated film “Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four,” was screened on Sep. 21 as part of Hispanic Heritage month.

The National Organization of Hispanics in Criminal Justice co-hosted the event and many in attendance were Criminal Justice students.

The director, Deborah Esquenazi has been traveling with the film, and while the women who were the subjects of the documentary were not there, Esquenazi answered questions after the film.

Amanda Venta, Psychology professor, opened the event by introducing the film and the director, who did not watch the film but joined at the end for the Q&A. The documentary focuses on the case of four San Antonio area lesbian women, Anna Vasquez, Cassandra Rivera (called Cassie in the film), Kristie Mayhugh and Elizabeth Ramirez (called Liz in the film).

The quartet were accused

Indya Finch | The Houstonian

AFTER THE FILM. Deborah Esquenazi smiled after the event. Students were excited to have an opportunity to discuss an Emmy nominated move with the director herself.

of gang-raping two nieces of Ramirez, Vanessa and Stephanie, in the late 1990’s.

The film follows their trial and conviction and gives interviews that were conducted in their respective prisons. The film delves into the details of the

Indya Finch | The Houstonian

STUDENTS SHOW UP. Students filled an academic room in CHSS to watch and interact as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month event.

case and background information about the “Satanic Panic,” that had infiltrated the society and made people think that homosexuals and day care services were using children as sacrifices and molesting them.

There is a lack of evidence that the women committed this crime, but there is clear evidence of homophobia in how the police weaponized the women’s sexual orientation as the motive for such a crime.

The women refused plea deals and went to trial, which resulted in guilty verdicts and lengthy sentences.

The film is an important factor when considering the eventual exoneration of the women after spending many years in prison, and the struggle of proving one’s innocence after they have already been tried by a jury of their peers; and importantly after being judged by the media and the general public.

Looking around the room during the film’s more emotional moments, many students were crying. The film packs informa-

tion, emotion, and delicacy into a documentary that took seven years to make.

“I want the audience to get whatever they need to get from the film,” Esquenazi replied.

Her main goal was to exonerate the women involved, and that happened. As far as opinions or ideas, it should be up to the audience.

“I think it’s about criticizing power and where it comes from.

In any of its form. Whether that’s in the criminal justice system or the power within a household,” Esquenazi said when asked about the criminal justice angle of the documentary.

The film was heartfelt, and any of those who watch it can feel the vulnerability, the strength, and the struggles of those women who maintained and fought for their innocence.

“There was no objectivity. At all. Who says I wasn’t crying behind the camera?” Esquenazi said.

This is a must see documentary, and it was an extraordinary

“There was no objectivity. At all.

Who says I wasn’t crying behind the camera?”

-Director Deborah Esquenazi

event for those who were in attendance. This is just one of many more Hispanic Heritage Events on campus created for students to learn and enjoy.

Posters on campus display the next several events going throughout October.

“Younger Now?” Miley Cyrus reframes herself in new album... again KRISTA KISTLER Contributing reporter It appears this young pop star is done with her “crazy streak” and has travelled back into reality. Miley Cyrus came out with a new album called “Younger Now” earlier this week and it has fans raving. Her old style took a complete turn as she created the album.

Her previous album “Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Pets” is random, crazy, and inde-pendent; “Younger Now” is slower, sweeter and sincere, focused on the genre of pop-rock and

“Younger Now” is slower, sweeter and sincere, focused on the genre of pop-rock and country vibes. country vibes. Fans on comment discussions are saying that she is going back to her roots, which is clear when you listen to her new album.

Her new album is a loud statement that portrays Cyrus overcoming her past and reinventing who she is in 2017. Her song, Malibu, was written while she was in a car on her way to the Voice. In a recent interview with Zach Sang, she comments, saying that she recorded it right after she got to her trailer; she states that the song is made for Compiled by Houstonian Intern Natalie Boyd, Graphic Design by Arturo Mosqueda listening in a car.

In her song “Rainbowland”, LET US KNOW! The Event Calendar is a space for you! If you have an event that needs some attention, let us she sings with Dolly Parton, know and email eic@houstonianonline.com. We try and highlight unknown events from across campus that are free or cheap for all students to attend. If you are interested, just send us a quick paragraph about the event and any giving a country aspect to the album. Some other songs that associated artwork. Oh, and thanks from all of us here at The Houstonian for reading! It means a lot to us.

have more of a country vibe, such as, “Miss You So Much,” “I Would Die For You,” “Bad Mood,” “She’s Not Him,” and “Inspired.” These songs were written out of deep emotion but with wild passion, mourning, change and reconciliation.

Her album isn’t all country though. Her song “Thinkin’” sounds a lot like her old R&B style, but still strays from being too “out there” compared to her previous album.

The track “Younger Now” has a line that explains fully what she believes about herself when she sings, “Even though it’s not who I am, I’m not afraid of who I used to be.” In this song, she shows that although she is on the journey to starting over, she knows that many will be critical of her in her claim to truly “change.”

She makes this song to explain that she is not proud of what she used to do, she is still aware that she must own up to her reputation thus far. The album is a restart for her as she and Liam Hemsworth reunite.

While most may look at her new album and think that she is just in another “phase” of trying to get attention, many interviews have shown that she is sincere in her plans to a better, more sustaining life. She still wants to make music, but without the influence of drugs, alcohol and society pulling her along telling her what to do.

Visit HoustonianOnline.com for the full review.

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Page 5

How not to react to a mass shooting

TRACE HARRIS Senior Viewpoints reporter Just after 10 p.m. on the Las Vegas Strip, shots rang out at the Route 91 Country music festival.

The festival ran for three days, with Country star Jason Aldean closing out the festival. Aldean and festival goers assumed they were hearing fireworks or stereo feedback when the shooting began Sunday evening.

64-year-old Stephen Paddock fired thousands of rounds from automatic weapons on the 29 floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort. His room overlooked the festival and as Paddock

checked in on Thursday, he presumably scouted the targets all weekend. When a SWAT team entered Paddock’s room and killed him, they found an arsenal of 17 fully-automatic weapons. Paddock had purchased some of the weapons while in Vegas. Paddock is a resident of Mesquite, Nev., but formerly lived in Mesquite, Texas and had a home in Reno, Nev. His homes in Mesquite and Reno were raided. Interestingly, Paddock’s father was once on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list.

The Islamic State referred to Paddock as a warrior of theirs, though, these claims were unsubstantiated and proven to be false. This is not the first time ISIS has claimed responsibility for killings they were not involved in. However, this is not to say Paddock was not a terrorist. President Trump referred to the act as “pure evil.”

What the President, the media, and right-wingers will not say is that Paddock was a terrorist. The common media narrative with white terrorists is

to question their mental health.

This is an insult to those with mental illness who are nonviolent, and it’s never a question for non-white shooters. Let’s be clear, this was the largest massshooting in American history, resetting the record from the Pulse night club massacre, which President Trump politicized. At least 59 people were killed, with 527 others injured. The color of one’s skin or religion or lack thereof does not dictate whether someone is a terrorist. This is an act of domestic terrorism.

Just as Sandy Hook was, Pulse, Oklahoma City, Charleston, and Aurora.

The sickening truth after the shooting is that many gun company’s stock prices rose.

After mass-shootings, more American’s arm themselves. This happened after Sandy Hook.

The NRA receives positive light and support too. They mocked the memory of those children killed in Sandy Hook and will presumably do the same here.

A bill legalizing gun silencers was already set to go through

Congress. Now, that bill ought to be under more scrutiny. Without the sound of gunshots, hundreds more could have been killed.

Paddock was a terrorist. He killed more people through massshooting than anyone else. If Omar Mateen is a terrorist, so is Paddock. The common response by the Christian-right with the reoccurring hurricanes and shootings is “pray for [fill in the blank]”. Well, it is not making a difference. Legislation will, and it’s time to restrict semi and fully-automatic weapons.

Civilians do not need military weapons for hunting. The second amendment was about building a militia if the government became oppressive, not saying we should be able to have an arsenal. Back in the days of the founding fathers it took several minutes to load a round, now we can shoot thousands in a minute.

Bottom line, companies and organizations which profit on the death of Americans should not be supported.

Pa ws UP

Paws up to Lance Miles being named the Baseball Director of Operations, from second base to a fancy office!

Paws down to the amount of money I spent on orange face paint for Battle of the Piney Woods, Be on the lookout for a tall orange man.

Should one depend on medication?

MASEY WHITE Asst. Viewpoints Editor After being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the eighth grade, I have gone through an onslaught of different medications to try to balance the chemicals in my brain enough to function.

I have relied on medication to get me through the day for over six years. Because of this, I often became frustrated with myself because of this dependency. I felt like I was weak because I couldn’t get through the day without taking several different

medications. So, at some point last semester, on one of my “upswings” I decided that I didn’t need to keep taking four pills a day to feel okay. Unfortunately, this was a huge mistake.

I was all right for a few months.

I finished off the semester okay and had a laid-back summer. I experienced a little bit of anxiety from work, but nothing I couldn’t handle. However, when it was time to come back to school, it was a different story.

This semester I took on way too much. I quickly found myself way over my head; I was overwhelmed. I soon fell into a state of severe depression and anxiety. I got to the point where every time I tried to leave the house, I would have a panic attack. I was falling behind in every aspect of my life, and this was just worsening my anxiety.

To make myself independent from my medication, I instead made myself incapacitated by my mental illness.

As someone that struggles to ask for help and does everything in my best efforts to do

everything on my own, it took a lot of humility to decide finally I needed help. I couldn’t keep living like this. I simply needed medication to function.

When weighing my options between not depending on the medication, and having to spend the day in bed because I was too anxious to leave my apartment, I decided a little dependence wouldn’t hurt me. It wouldn’t be costing me my independence, but would rather be granting it to me. Using medication as a crutch is not a terrible thing, as long as I am still making my efforts.

So yesterday I stifled my pride and went to see my doctor. I got back on my medication, and am now working back to get to where I was before. Thankfully, my professors have all been incredibly understanding, and they are working with me.

However, this was still a major setback for me.

I learned that, although I may be dependent on medication to function normally, it also allows me to be more independent. It enables me to be able to go about

my day without as much anxiety and sadness. It also permits me to be able to complete all of my daily tasks and handle my busy schedule. Without depending on my medication, I am crippled by my anxiety and depression.

Depending on medication allows me to have freedom.

Although it is still difficult for me to rely on medication, I realize that I just need a little extra help to get through my day. It’s no worse than taking some Advil to help get rid of a headache or Tums to get rid of a stomachache. Taking medication to assist me isn’t weak; it is simply me recognizing that I can’t do everything on my own.

I also know that I cannot depend on the medication alone, and I have to put in some of my efforts. I have to use coping methods and take control of my recovery to function at my best capability. While it’s still a constant struggle, I know that relying on medication to give me an extra boost is making me independent from my illness.

Pa ws

DOWN

/HoustonianSHSU @HoustonianSHSU @HoustonianSHSU

White guilt does not address reality of race relations

CALEB BRUNSON Senior Viewpoints writer Race relations in the United States is a tough subject involving many factors like history, economic status and culture. Ever since immigrants arrived at Jamestown, Va., relationships between Caucasians and other minorities have been generally hostile. Although we legally achieved equal rights among race and ethnicity in the 1960s by outlawing public segregation, tensions among different ethnicities remains

high. In fact, race relations dominate political discussions this decade, many adopting the narrative that minorities are still treated unequally under the law.

Shelby Steele, a conservative, African American author, discussed the concept of “white guilt”. Her belief was that many white people feel guilty about the collective current and past actions of whites on minorities.

Steele is correct that white guilt is an issue when dealing with race relations, although whites feeling guilty about themselves does not address the reality of race relations today.

Some people argue that because of the way white people treated minorities in the past, they should feel guilty about minorities’ current misfortunes.

That means that a white person could treat minorities as equal and dedicate his life to improve the plight of minorities, but still be condemned for existing. It is unfair and hypocritical to argue that whites, or anyone for that

matter, should feel retroactively blameworthy of actions committed by other people in their group, because being part of a race does not make anyone better or worse. As an example, Native Americans in Aztec culture, prior to the Spaniard’s conquest in the 16 century, made human sacrifices to the night god Tezcatlipoca and conquered lands of their enemies through military conquest. But that does not mean Native Americans should feel guilty for their ancestors’ actions because doing so would dehumanize them with a past that does not define who they are now. No one should feel that they must carry their father’s sin, let alone that of their ancestors.

In addition, white guilt advocates often question whether mixed-race individuals with Caucasian background should be categorized under the guilty party. By white guilt’s logic, are we supposed to assume that mixed-race individuals with Caucasian and minority (or even

multiple minorities) backgrounds should condemn themselves, or claim perpetual feelings of oppressions because of being a minority? With the additional complications that mixed-race

“With the additional

complications that mixed-race people face in race relations, throwing in the question of white guilt only makes their dilemma worse.”

-Caleb Brunson people face in race relations, throwing in the question of white guilt only makes their dilemma worse.

It has been over 150 years since the United States abolished slavery and over fifty years since legal equality was put into practice among race and ethnicity. Public segregation is illegal, and nearly everyone accepts that no one is unequal based on the color of one’s skin.

Since then, we have seen the rise of minorities in the middle-class, as the fall of segregation offers them opportunities previously denied before. The bearing on improving racial relationships falls equally on whites and minorities. We must not accept racism from minorities if we do not accept it from white people, nor should we feel sorry for the actions of other people when we have no involvement in them. Our country’s past with race relations are dark, but we should not hold grudges or feel guilt over what our ancestors or even our parents did. To improve our relationships with people of other races, we must start by treating others as equals, a crucial part of healing the wound of race relations.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ryan Reynolds ............... 936-294-1505 STAFF Ethan Horn.............................Associate Editor Morgan Phillips.................. Viewpoints Editor Tyler Josefsen ............................ Sports Editor Arturo Mosqueda.....Campus Culture Editor Arda Küçüköz ..... ................................Web Editor

STAFF, cont.

Jordan Likens............................... Copy Editor Masey White............................Assistant Editor Indya Finch .............................Assistant Editor Emily Davis..............................Assistant Editor Hivan Moreno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor Natalie Boyd .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Intern CJ Marshall. . . . . . . . . .Senior Photographer

Editor’s Note Subject matter in this newspaper and on www.HoustonianOnline.com does not are subject to the approval of listed information, call 936-294-1505.

Faculty Advisor Marcus Funk ......................... (936) 294-3553

Call for pricing and deadlines

Advertising

BUSINESS MANAGER Paty M ason ........................... 936-294-1500 ADVERTISING MANAGER Carlos Medina............ .................. 936-294-1495 ADVERTISING STAFF Alyssa Chavez .................Social Media Director Elizabeth Ruiz................. Marketing Consultant Caleigh Cooper..............Marketing Consultant Kaitlin Huckeba..............Marketing Consultant

The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Page 6

Welcome to Sam Houston State rivalry week!

W HO’ S T HAT

K AT ?

Clue #1: This week’s ‘Who’s that Kat?’ features a brother and sister student athlete duo.

Clue #2: His favorite Harry Potter is Prisoner of Azkaban. Hers is Goblet of Fire.

Clue #3: She is a senior, and he is a freshman.

Photo courtesy Brian Blalock

AN AXE TO GRIND. Sam Houston State University football was all smiles in 2016 after beating Stephen F. Austin 63-28 at the Battle of the Piney Woods.

TYLER JOSEFSEN Sports Editor The oldest existing football rivalry in Texas will be on display Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston as the Sam Houston State University Bearkats will beat the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks in the Battle of the Piney Woods.

The Bearkats are looking to turn the page after a tough upset on the road by the University of Central Arkansas last weekend.

UCA handed SHSU its first Southland Conference loss since 2015. As the Bearkats look to rebound after that tough game on The Stripes in Conway, they turn their attention to putting up a lopsided score against SFA. SHSU is not the only team out for blood, though. The ‘Jacks are coming into this game following a whopping 35-0 defeat against McNeese State. They will also be

looking to avenge last year’s loss to the Bearkats when they were blown out 63-28.

It would seem, however, that while the Bearkats are gearing up to beat the Lumberjacks, SFA is preparing for defeat as their athletics website is already looking toward their game at UCA two weeks from now. SFA’s football website put out a preview story on Monday, but instead of talking about the Battle of Piney Woods this weekend, they skipped ahead to preview its matchup with UCA on Oct. 14.

There are other important storylines to take note of besides just the Lumberjacks’ lack of confidence. Bearkats senior quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe needs just one touchdown pass to break the all-time SHSU touchdown record. Senior defensive lineman P.J. Hall will be looking to break through SFA’s offensive line the entire game as he continues to chase the SLC

career sack record.

The quarterback matchup will be something to keep an eye on. The Lumberjacks are led by their junior quarterback Foster Sawyer, who has thrown for 623 yards this season and four touchdowns. Briscoe nearly matched those numbers in one game this year when he threw for 411 yards and four touchdowns against Richmond. His season numbers have been great, as he has 14 touchdowns (13 through

the air) and 1,311 passing yards through his first four games.

The head-to-head statistics point to a Bearkat victory, as well. SHSU has won the last six consecutive meetings between these two teams, outscoring SFA 291-186 in those games. The Bearkats enter this game 3-1 on the season, while SFA has started 2-3.

The Bearkats will have their claws out as their offensive weapons hit the field on Satur-

Photo courtesy Houston Texans

Powerlifting raises the bar HIVAN MORENO Asst. Sports Editor The Sam Houston State University powerlifting team has received a virtually brand new workout facility after making major upgrades to its weight room.

The team gave its practice room a makeover earlier this month. The upgrade consisted of nine new squat racks and benches and the new quantity is

not the only improvement about the equipment.

“Overall it is really nice and the quality of the equipment a major upgrade,” club president Nathaniel Flores said.

The upgrade was certainly a group effort. Rec Sports and the Kinesiology department lent a helping hand, and so did an alumnus of the program.

“We had some help from one of our former members—assistant coach Gordan Glen,” Flores

day. Sophomore wide receiver Nathan Stewart has over 100 receiving yards in each of his last three games. Senior running back Corey Avery is coming off his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. Head coach K.C. Keeler just continues to pile up victories.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., and SHSU’s victory will be televised live on ESPN3.

get their reps in. Before the new equipment, it took long hours for all of us to practice, but now it only takes about two.” said. “He works at Sorinex, a With the new season under company that helps rebuild way, the team has set their sights weight rooms.” on their first meet. Despite only The new room has made a ma- one member competing in the jor impact on the team’s practice meet, the team feels confident in habits as well as their individual their lifter. schedules. One of the biggest “Only one member is going advantages to the new improve- to compete in that meet because ment is the shortened workout it is early in the season,” Flores time. said. “We needed a veteran to “We had eight to ten people compete so we are going to send that practiced at once,” Flores Michael Cazares. Cazares is a said. “With only two squat racks, great guy; he can do a lot so we it was difficult for everybody to are confident in him. Last year

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK COREY AVERY RUNNING BACK

One bright spot in Sam Houston State’s loss to the University of Central Arkansas Bears Saturday was senior running back Corey Avery. He pounded the ground the entire night as his heavy workload of 17 carries led to 134 yards and one rushing touchdown. His effort earned him the first 100-yard rushing game by an SHSU running back this season. He was also a dual-threat, coming out of the backfield for five catches, tacking on an additional 37 yards.

JORDYN VAUGHN OUTSIDE HITTER

Senior outside hitter Jordyn Vaughn has been a key component of Sam Houston State University’s success on the volleyball court year in and year out.

Her contributions were once again crucial as the Bearkats had a perfect week on the court, going 3-0 against Nicholls, New Orleans, and Southeastern Louisiana. Vaughn finished the week with 50 kills and 23 digs on her way to being awarded the Southalnd Conference Offensive Player of the Week.

he finished in the top 10, so he can do anything and everything.”

Flores will compete in Galveston on Oct. 14.

Photo courtesy SHSU Powerlifting