Horticulture program sells mums at Pullen Farm, page 6B
The Murray State News TheNews.org
Oct. 4, 2013
Shutdown, Affordable Care Act hit students
Vol. 88, No. 8
Take Back the Night
Lexy Gross || Editor-in-Chief cgross2@murraystate.edu
With a continuing government shutdown and the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, many college students are asking one question – what does this have to do with me? For Sydney Verrier, freshman from Anchorage, Alaska, both topics have everything to do with her. Verrier’s father is a chief master sergeant in the Air National Guard and has worked for the military for 30 years. She is afraid her father will be forced to retire if he is left unpaid during the shutdown. Although lawmakers recently voted to continue pay for troops, 400,000 civilian workers will still be furloughed. “The day and age we live in, anything is disposable and the concern for human life and well-being doesn’t exist anymore,” Verrier said. “I just wish they could agree on Obamacare, whether it’s a yes or a no – I don’t care.”
How did it happen? Because Congress could not pass a spending bill on which both parties agreed, the government was forced to shut down. The House of Representatives, which is run by a Republican majority, presented a bill that did not fund the Affordable Care Act. Since the proposed bill did not support the new healthcare legislation, the government was shut down. This will end as soon as President Barack Obama can sign a spending bill. There have been 17 shutdowns since 1977; the longest was 21 days.
How does shutdown affect me? College students might not see many personal consequences, but there are a few things that will change in education and everyday life:
see SHUTDOWN, 6A
Kate Russell/The News
Samuel Hawkins, or “Snacks,” of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America performs an original poem on the damage of sexual assault.
A call to action Kate Russell || Staff writer krussell13@murraystate.edu
Cutchin Field was packed with students last night – and they were not there to watch a soccer game. Hundreds of Murray State students attended the annual event Take Back the Night, presented by the University’s Women’s Center. The event creates awareness of violence and sexual assault. Mike Young, associate vice president of Student Affairs, began the event with a request for the students present
Students, reports show increase in elevator issues
to stand against violence and rape. “Whether you have been impacted, know someone who has been impacted or are realizing for the first time the extent of the problem, commit tonight to be a part of the solution,” Young said. He spoke briefly, then introduced the first speaker, Hannah Bradley. Bradley, a surivor of sexual assault by a coworker, told those in attendance her story. She described the aftermath of the assault, and how she felt convinced that she was the one to blame. But as she continued her story, it
Ben Manhanke Assistant News Editor bmanhanke@murraystate.edu
For many, the thought of being stuck on an elevator is a nightmare, or at least would be an inconvenience. For residents of Hart Residential College, though, malfunctioning elevators have almost become routine. In the month of September, starting the 7th, Hart residents have reported an elevator breaking down 12 times, nine of these times resulting in at least one person being trapped on the elevator temporarily. The latest of these malfunctions occurred Monday. Aimee Habimana, senior from
transformed into a tale of personal perserverence and growth. She described her positive experiences in both therapy and martial arts training, and the way those experiences changed the way she views herself. “I am more than a victim. More, even, than a survivor. I am a wife, a student, a caretaker, a sister, a music lover, a friend, a daughter,” Bradley said. Along with Bradley’s story, there were poetry readings, two more per-
see NIGHT, 6A
Louisville, Ky., and a residential adviser in Hart, said she has noticed in the past two weeks that the elevators in Hart have been breaking down frequently. She said almost every time she works the desk someone gets stuck on an elevator or it malfunctions. Habimana was one of four girls who were stuck on an elevator in Hart on Sep. 20. She said her and the other three girls were traveling to the 6th floor when, around the 4th floor, she said they heard a loud noise followed by the sensation of being dropped. When the doors to the elevator opened she said they were back on the first floor. That same day, approximately nine
hours after the initial malfunction and after the case was referred to Facilities Management and Central Plant, the same elevator broke down again, trapping another student. Facilities Management was called back again and was called two more subsequent times with reports of the elevator still not working properly the same day. Habimana said she has lived in Hart for three years and the elevators have never been as bad as they have been this semester. She said three to four times a week people are getting stuck in elevators or Facilities Management is coming in to fix them.
see ELEVATOR, 6A
Study abroad gives new insight Rebecca Walter || Staff writer rwalter@murraystate.edu
When Paige Dale, junior from Bowling Green, Ky., studied abroad last year, the experience gave her a different perspective on what life is like in another country. “I broadened my world view during my semester abroad,” Dale said. “I loved being able to experience a different culture.” Dale said the experience made her more mature, and helped her to better be able to do things on her own. She said study abroad programs provide a unique way for students to travel and learn in another country. Murray State offers more than 200 programs for students to study abroad in more than 40 countries, making it possible for students to experience and travel the world. Jamie Booth, education abroad coordinator, said students who study abroad get to see how big the world is
Kate Russell/The News
Two students enjoy food from a local restaurant in Regensburg, Germany. while learning a great deal about themselves. “Often students feel more independent and able to better make decisions after studying abroad,” Booth said. “Students are also able to make connections and friendships across the
globe, which is a big benefit personally and professionally.” He said students are able to use the benefits from their experience abroad in their future careers as well.
see ABROAD, 6A
WHAT’S
FRESHMEN SENATORS
INSIDE
SGA representatives give class Shutdown coverage shows incomof 2017 a voice, 2A petence in national media, 4A
OUR VIEW
Kate Russell/The News
FALL ON THE FARM: Two kids roll around in the corn pit at Fall on the Farm this year. The event is hosted by the Hutson School of Agriculture and students help with everything from a petting zoo to milking cows. Read more on page 3A.
OVERTIME VICTORY
FRIEND REQUEST
Football opens conference play Would you connect with a professor via social media? 5B with a narrow win, 1B