The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
August 25, 2011
Volume 96 Issue 1
LOCAL
Tragedy strikes Southern Miss I can’t believe this happened. I was so excited about getting to go to usm with you. Here it is, the first day, and I see everyone but you. -Mazeigh Laurel Brown Come back. I don’t know what other male will just stroll right into Victoria’s Secret with me without complaining. -Peyton Hicks I guess that God just wanted another amazing Canadian singer in Heaven with Him. Never take any day with your friends for granted. -Sarah Elizabeth Miller The world has lost an immense amount of beauty. -Melissa Bryant We suffer the lost of an amazing man. I speak for myself and I’m sure many others when i say, his life,outlook,and positive uplifting spirit is truly encouraging and will always be remembered by those fortunate to have known him. Emezie you are so inspiring and will always remain..The world needs more people like you! -Steven Trevor Holloway
A USM sophomore died in Covington County Tuesday during a canoeing trip with a group of friends. Emezie Ezeala-Harrison, 19, of Ridgeland, Miss., drowned about five minutes into the trip on the Okatoma River at Seminary Falls. Ezeala-Harrison jumped feet-first off a cliff into the water, which is about 15 feet deep, and was taken under by the undertow, said Covington County coroner Chris TaQuila. The incident was reported to the Covington County Sheriff ’s Department at 11:35 a.m., and Ezeala-Harrison’s body was found about four hours later, TaQuila said. After an autopsy Wednesday, TaQuila said the death is “consistent with a freshwater drowning.” USM Dean of Students Eddie Holloway offered the university’s condolences to EzealaHarrison’s classmates, friends and family members.
“The Southern Miss community is deeply saddened by the death of Emezie,” Holloway said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.” Ezeala-Harrison’s friends remember him for being a talented musician who was always a devoted friend. “He was truly the most unique individual I’ve ever met and I will never forget him,” said Justin Moreira, a USM student and band-mate of Ezeala-Harrison’s. “As bad as we are all hurting today, please remember to pray for his dear family.” “His music taste was incredible, his talent irreplaceable and his smile unforgettable,” said Corbin McDavitt, a 20-yearold friend of Ezeala-Harrison. Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison has charge of the arrangements. Counseling services are available to students through Student Counseling Services in Kennard Washington Hall. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
President Jeffery McClendon stressed his organization’s support of the policy. “The SGA Senate voted unanimously to pass this legislation in the spring,” McClendon said. “We know it could rub both sides wrong, but that’s the beauty to the legislation. We can listen to both sides of the problem and try to make it better for everyone.” Before the new policy came about, smokers were required to stay at least 20 feet away from doorways of buildings on campus. Now, smokers will
only be allowed to light up in certain areas. The policy aims to encourage people to smoke less, and it also aims to prevent others from inhaling secondhand smoke. When implemented, it will require smokers to do so in certain designated areas. These areas have yet to be determined, but Student Health Services professional Jodi Ryder praised SGA for their work with the new policy. “SGA worked really hard in doing some surveys for designated areas,” said Ryder. “They
looked where people were smoking, where the most cigarette butts were. They saw the places where people were most commonly smoking, and we’re trying to put those zones near places where people commonly smoke. But we want them out of the common walkways. Chief Hopkins and I plan to go at night pretty soon, especially around residence halls, to make sure these areas are safe and well-lit.” Junior Elizabeth Kiehn is optimistic about the new policy, “I’m not opposed to
ELECTION
GEWW
WEATHER
Staff Reports Printz Staff
Emezie Ezeala-Harrison died Tuesday afternoon in Covington County. He was a sophomore from Ridgeland, Miss.
USM takes a breath of fresh air Sarah Hoffman Printz Writer To coincide with a fresh semester, Southern Miss students, faculty and staff face a new smoking policy on campus. Student Health Services and the Student Government Association collaborated last year to create the policy. When SGA President Erick Brown took office in the spring, the two organizations took steadfast lead in spelling out the new policy. SGA Vice
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other people smoking. It’s their choice,” said Kiehn. “But I don’t appreciate having to inhale it when I’m walking in and out of buildings.” Implementation of the policy is also yet to be determined. Once the policy goes into effect, smokers will receive warnings for smoking outside of designated areas for only a limited time period. Following that period, violators will receive fines from the University Police Department and other
See SMOKING, 5
INDEX
Calendar ..............................2 Crossword ...........................2 News ...................................3 Arts & Entertainment..........6 Opinion................................8 Feature ...............................9 Sports.................................11 GEWW.............................. 12