Volume 115, Issue 11
the VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Parking Ideas Not Parallel Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33
Editor-in-Chief
The Chairs Council Meeting at the University of Central Oklahoma brought up a task force to discuss a new three-tier parking model last Friday. “It’s a suggestion not a guarantee,” said Josh Stone, director of Parking and Transportation Services. The UCO Parking Model Advisory Committee is reviewing the current model and seeing if changes need to be made. The committee is made up of all three senates – students, faculty and staff – with other UCO organizations involved, as well. Cars are parked across the far west end of the lot outside of LAR on Monday afternoon. UCO Transportation Services are suggesting new parking permit systems for next year. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)
continued on page 5
Bronchos Upset No. 23 Mules
Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg Reporter
The University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos beat No. 23 Central Missouri 48-30 in the final home game of the season to move to 5-4. "Overall this is as clean of a football game that we have played," Head Coach Nick Bobeck said. "I feel really good about the way we played. It was senior day and to send the kids out the way we did was pretty special. I'm really proud of them." After both teams opening drives stalled, UCM running back Koby Wilkerson punched it in from 8 yards to give UCM a 7-0 lead middle of the first quarter. UCO responded on the next drive as freshman walk-on running Bruce White, starting in place of injured running back Jake Standlee, ran it in from 13 yards for his first career touchdown to cap off a seven play, 85-yard drive to tie the game at 7-7 late first quarter. Following a stop, kicker Alex Quevedo hit a 41-yard field goal set up by a 27-yard pass and catch from quarterback Chas Stallard to
wide receiver Josh Crockett to take a 10-7 lead early second quarter. The Bronchos struck again on the next drive as Stallard found wide receiver J.T. Luper for a 26-yard touchdown to make it 17-7 middle of the second quarter. With a little over a minute to go in the first half, UCM safety Tyron Taylor came from the right side of the field and blocked Jay Tedesco's punt giving UCM the ball at their own 48-yard line. The Bronchos defense forced a three-and-out but on the following drive Stallard was picked off by UCM cornerback Monteze Latimore who returned it all the way down to the Broncho 12-yard line. However, linebacker Alex Figueroa came up big intercepting UCM quarterback Brook Bolles on the next play. UCO went into halftime up 17-7 The Bronchos offense totaled 238 yards in the first half, 184 came from Stallard. continued on page 12
Bruce White, No. 22, is lifted by his teammate after UCO’s upset victory over Southern Missouri where White scored two touchdowns and rushed for 134 yards on 22 carries. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
October 31, 2017
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CONTENTS
The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads.
Mental Health ......................................................................3 Around Campus/Vietnam Night ......................................4-5 UCO Award / Amazing Race.............................................6-7
Contents
For questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Disability / LaNier ...........................................................8-9 What’s up America? / Humor Column...................................11 Football/Wrestling........................................................12-13 Basketball/ Volleyball.....................................................14-15
STAFF Peter Agnitsch Faith Kelly Austin Moseley Cara Johnson
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor
Megan Thele Christian Tabak Nate Baldwin Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown
Copy Editor Reporter Sports Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist
Michelle Pennza Ryan Naeve Hayden Barzditis Teddy Burch
Graphic Design Photographer Photographer Advisor
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters. ADDRESS LETTERS TO: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista1903@gmail.com.
Mental Health
October 31, 2017
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$75 Million Mental Health Cut Faith Kelly
@TheVista1903 Managing Editor
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse is being forced to cut $75 million from its $215 million budget for the 2017-2018 budget year, and is having to decide what programs to cut out if the legislature does not put money towards them. On October 18, ODMHSAS held a press conference addressing the budget cut. Terri White, the commissioner of ODMHSAS, said in the press conference that the budget cut is a result of the Oklahoma Supreme Court throwing out a cigarette fee, which helped fund mental health services. Things like taxes are some things that help provide revenue to mental health services. "All we will be able to fund for the second half of the year are acute inpatient psychiatric beds for adults and children, crisis beds for adults and children, residential substance abuse treatment – which is the highest acute level of substance abuse care that is a bed as well as medication,” White said. “189,000 Oklahomans will be affected.” Julia Jernigan, executive director of the Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association, said anyone receiving these services either through Medicaid or state dollars will be impacted. Jernigan said legislatures need to decide on a plan by Wednesday, and the money runs out in December. Jernigan said, “If there’s no money put in place, then there would be cuts. But the legislature has the abil-
A group of lawmakers stand together on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, in Oklahoma City. A Republican-backed plan to increase taxes on cigarettes, fuel and alcohol to help patch the budget and pay for teacher raises has been shot down in the Oklahoma House. (Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman via AP)
ity to put money in to make sure cuts don’t go through.” According to Jernigan, Speaker of the House Charles McCall said that he would ensure money went toward mental health organizations. Julia Reed, Director of the Student Counseling Center at the University of Central Oklahoma said this budget cut could potentially impact students receiving these services, even those who are insured. “I believe as a behavior health
practitioner, we help people change,” said Reed. She said the places that students are sometimes referred to are able to offer an ‘all-around’ service who can provide clients with a comprehensive treatment plan. Without these places or them not being able to them function the same without the money from the budget, students might have to be referred to multiple places which can make treatment more challenging.
Marlon Smith of Oklahoma City holds a sign as demonstrators pack the rotunda in the state Capitol to protest pending cuts to health and social services programs in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
“Someone can get wraparound services,” Reed said. “Even with insurance, I’d have to send you to four or five places to get those things.” UCO is only able to provide counseling services to students who are enrolled. “If you have a splinter you can’t get out, you might go to a doctor,” said Reed. “The parallel is to go to UCO mental health center. If that splinter infected, they might need a next level care. That is what the community mental health care would be.” Things such as drug rehabilitation programs also might be impacted. “The stabilization and having a place to go is helpful to us,” said Reed. “We do have students who come with criminal convictions. The veteran court and drug court have tremendous success. Some people got treatment and got better and were members of society.” Without funding, these programs might lack the ability to help people. “Sometimes we have to look to the research about what works and really work hard to fund that,” said Reed. “The values start to get in the way of how the research works. Sometimes we have to do what works and suspend out own bias. That’s hard to do. Self-interest is a hard thing to overcome.”
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Tuesday, October 31 , 2017 Lessons in Leadership: Former Oklahoma Attorney General Michael Turpen visits the University of Central Oklahoma to speak in this lecture series. Turpen will discuss his experiences as attorney general and leadership. Lesson’s in Leadership is a speaker series that features leaders from all backgrounds to talk to UCO students. The event is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Constitution Hall. Disability Awareness Days: The event is to educate and raise awareness to different types of disabilities. Disability Awareness Day provides a hands-on experience to show the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Broncho Lake. SPB Traits and Treats: The Student Programming Board is hosting Trait and Treats for students to be able to get candy on Halloween by sharing a leadership trait. The event is from 12-1 p.m. at the Clock Tower. SPB Hypnotized: Hypnotist Eric Mina is
coming to perform on Halloween at the University of Central Oklahoma. Mina is comedic hypnotist, who entertains his audience through the power of hypnosis. The event is from 8-9 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms.
Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation. UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 UCO Leadership Academy: UCOLA is a
program that focuses on developing ninth grade students as leaders in their communities. The event has leadership workshops, speakers, and team builders. UCOLA is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Nigh University Center.
Native American Heritage Month Kickoff: The event kicks off Native American Heritage
Month and includes lunch. The kickoff also has a keynote speaker. The event is from 12-1:30 p.m. in Ballroom A of the Nigh University Center.
Disabilities Awareness Days Speaker:
Steve Baskis will speak to UCO students about his experiences of being blind and about the Blind Endeavors Foundation. Baskis lost his eyesight 9-years-ago when a bomb hit his vehicle in Iraq. The Blind Endeavors Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness through adventure and exploration. The event is 1-2 p.m. in Room 127 at the Wellness Center.
October 31, 2017
Around Campus
Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.
Coutney Craggett: Craggett comes to UCO to discuss and teach students about the art of creative publishing. The event is from 5-6 p.m. in Room 211 of the Liberal Art building.
Disabilities Awareness Days Adaptive Recreation Activities: Disability Support Services is
The Strong Movement: The Strong Movement is a women’s community and supportive sisterhood. The creator Aillis Garcia’s goal is to inspire women to be their best by building both a strong body and a strong mind through healthy living and personal growth. The event is from 8-10:30 p.m. at Radke Theatre.
partnering with the Wellness Center for the UCO community to experience adaptive sports. The event has sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, goal ball, adaptive rock climbing, hand cycles, and wheelchair table tennis. The Activities are from 2-4 p.m. at the Wellness Center.
Non-Traditional Student Support Group:
The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2 -3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.
Fall Fest by ‘Chos Choices: The event is to provide substance and alcohol abuse education in a fun way. ‘Chos Choices will have educational cutline...... activities like true and false, lawn games with educations and a card making station to honor Ryan Hamm and Jordan DeShazer. Hamm and DeShazer were two UCO students, who were both killed after being hit by a drunk driver. The event is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Hamilton Lawn.
Thursday, November 3, 2017 Eurydice: Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice is a 2003 play that interprets the myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. The play will be shown from Thursday through Sunday in Mitchell Hall Theatre. Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Stress Paws: UCO offers students to take a
pause from their stress by seeing the therapy dogs. The dogs are going to be in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center from 3-5 p.m.
Trauma Recovery: This workshop address-
es topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships, and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.
TEDxUCOWomen: This is a simulcast event
of the TEDWomen event in New Orleans. The New Orleans event has several different speakers focusing on the theme of bridges. The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nigh University Center Heritage Room.
Friday, November 4, 2017 Grief Group: the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is holding a grief group for anyone grieving. The Group and individual session is From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center. Lunch and Learn: The Student Organizations Office’s Monthly’s lunch and learn session. The event discusses different topics. Lunch and Learn is from 12-1 p.m. at in Room 202 of the Nigh University Center SPB’s Let’s Get Bubbly: SPB is hosting bubble soccer for UCO students to be able to compete in a tournament. Students can also participate in a roll around obstacle course in a giant Zorb. The top team will win a prize. The event is from 6-8 p.m. at Plunkett Park. Frybread Social: The Office of Diversity and
Inclusion host the Frybread Social to be able to provide students a traditional Indian meal. The event is from 6-8 p.m. in the Cherokee Room.
Monday, November 7, 2017 Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Support:
The Center for Counseling and Well-Being and Mosaic Mental Health are teaming up to offer a gender affirming therapy group for UCO students. The group offers attendees to connect with others having similar experiences. The session is from 3-4:30 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center.
Mind Strength: This is an open group for students to learn skills and activities on enhancing awareness. The group meets from 12-1 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Food and Culture of Germany: UCO Nutrition Department show the connections between Russian and German food culture. The event will showcase traditional foods from Russia and Germany. Food and Culture of Germany is 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 216 at the Liberal Arts Building.
UCO
October 31, 2017
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Parking Ideas Not Parallel Continued From Page 1
Stone said their task is simple: analyze parking and decide if it needs to be changed. If so, they will make a recommendation of what needs to be changed. The recommendation would be vetted through Stone, the University Planning Council and then the Presidents Council. If the councils decide on a three-tier parking model, it would force students and faculty to buy their own parking spots by charging prices in three zones. The closest Zone A would cost $150, Zone B farther away $100 and Zone C the farthest $50. In the proposal, all the zones would be enforced day and evening. The new parking model would also be the first time that faculty and staff have to pay for parking in nearly ten years. Zone A would consist of the closets spots, which are currently faculty parking only. However, buying a Zone A permit won’t guarantee your
Cars are parked in the lot north of the Liberal Arts Building Monday. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)
parking spot. For example, if Zone A is full you must move to Zone B and if Zone B is full you would have to move to Zone C. Some faculty and staff are worried that the three-tier parking system could hurt future UCO employees. “It’s a particularly harsh penalty for those who are paid the least through the university,” said Dr. Mary Carver, chair of the Mass Communications Department. “I think that makes the job to find part-time instructors that much more difficult.”
“I don’t think it would hurt,” Stone said. “It depends on how we set it up.” Carver said she does not recall paying for parking during her time at UCO. Since 2008, under former President W. Roger Webb, faculty and staff have not paid for parking. Stone said the university has not been able to give raises and cost of living increases for faculty and staff for years. For now, UCO has the “hunt-
ing-license model,” which sells as many parking permits as people want to buy without the guarantee of a parking spot. “It worked great in the 1990s when universities had low enrollment, tons of land. It just wasn’t a big deal,” Stone said. “It’s not the case anymore. Universities are growing, land is being taken up with buildings. There’s just not enough parking anymore to accommodate that type of model.”
VSA Sings the Night Away
Vy Luong @TheVista1903 Reporter
Almost 200 people joined the Vietnam by Night show hosted by the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) last Tuesday to learn about Vietnamese culture. “We want to promote Vietnamese culture to the UCO and Oklahoma community,” said Anh Dinh, VSA Secretary. The show had many performances such as dancing, singing and a flash mob. The Vietnamese students also invited guests to join a traditional dance to have a real experience with Vietnamese culture. “The highlight of the show is the fashion show when we show many kinds of traditional costumes,” Dinh said. The Vietnamese Student Association also had support from the Malaysian Student Association, Asian American Student Association, International Student Council of UCO and other Vietnamese students in Oklahoma with the performances. The guests could try some traditional Vietnamese cuisine like spring rolls, fried rice, Vietnamese-style
fried chicken, sponge cake and drinks. “We received a lot of good feedback from the guests, and it is the motivation for us to have more events like this in the future,” Dinh said. She said the event is also a chance to unify Vietnamese students at UCO. “It has been three years since the last time we had the Vietnam by Night,” said Dinh. “As a new generation of VSA members, as well as VSA officers, we want to have something that we can all remember.” Dinh said they have prepared for this event since the end of last semester. VSA President Linh Doan said they face many challenges because this is the first time they hosted a huge event like this. “[As the first time] we did not even know how to reserve a room or how to get the approval,” she said. Dinh is the performance director of this event. She said most performers have never danced or performed before. “It is hard for us to figure out a schedule that can work with everyone,” Dinh said. “It becomes more
Students stand on stage during Vietnam by Night in Constitution Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 24. (Provided/Ashely Brown)
challenging when we have more than 15 people perform for the flash mob and fashion show.” Doan said budget was the biggest difficulty for them because the event costs around $2,000 but they received less than half of that from the International Student Council. “We went to many Vietnamese businesses in Oklahoma to ask for their sponsorship,” Doan said. “Luckily, some of them are willing to help us. We also received sponsorship from the Vietnamese American
Community of OKC” She said they got several costumes and decorations from previous VSA members. Other fashion and dance costumes were donated by current members. The VSA members also did several bake sales to fundraise and promote the event. “Four of us baked about 250 cupcakes in around 7 hours,” Khuyen Bui, a VSA member, said.
UCO Award
October 31, 2017
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UCO Recognized for Black Male Initiative Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter
The Association of State Colleges and Universities recognized the University of Central Oklahoma as one of the winners of the Excellence and Innovation awards for the Black Male Initiative and Fellows Program at their annual meeting last week. The retention and mentoring program, which began in 2014, received the ASCU’s Student Success and College Completion award for its connection with UCO’s mission and strategic agenda, contribution to significant institutional improvements and programming and for its grounding in research and best practices. While this recognition is appreciated, the true honor in the program’s win has been in its ability to inspire other colleges and universities, according to MeShawn Conley, the director of UCO’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. “It is always nice to be honored for work, but what has been even more important to us is that we have been asked by so many universities about our Black Male Initiative program and if we can provide insight on how the program was established at UCO so that they can implement a similar program,” Conley said. “If this honor continues to allow us to inspire and work with other campuses so that it create campus environments where student thrive, that is the real award.” The program is one of the university’s three mentoring programs that also includes the Hispanic Success Initiative and the Native American Success Initiative. Along with academic and professional mentoring, these programs also provide opportunities for networking, internships, tuition waivers and participation in other cohort activities. Designed to be what Conley describes as intentional in its mission, the initiatives are one of the universi-
A group of UCO students pose during the 2016 Black Male Summit, hosted at the University. (Provided/Vista Archives)
ty’s primary tools to support a campus community that is inclusive and equitable in addressing academic success and retention rates among all students. “For many institutions, they interpret that to mean the absence of specific programs like the Black Male Initiative, Hispanic Success Initiative and Native American Success Initiative. But I am so fortunate to work at a university that understands that intentional programs that serve our first-generation students, low-income students and, in this case, students of color are the epitome of equity and inclusion,” Conley said. When the Black Male Initiative and Fellows Program began in 2014, the grade-point average among the university’s African-American freshmen students was 1.7 and the group had the lowest retention rate from freshman to sophomore and the lowest graduation rates among all the university’s student populations. In response, UCO launched the program in the fall 2014 semester with 20 freshmen and two distinct parts: the Black Male Initiative Cohort and the Black Male Fellows
Program. Upperclassmen provide peer-to-peer mentoring and support through the cohort, while the fellows program provides community outreach efforts and academic support, mentoring and leadership development for at-risk students. Since then, the program has expanded to 60 freshmen students for the 2017-2018 academic year and grade-point averages among African-American freshmen have risen to 2.4 and retention rates by more than 20 percent. “Through being involved in this program, I was able to be my true authentic self and was able to gain insight on how to navigate through college. I was able to develop personal and business relationship with individuals that look like me and to gain the confidence to explore the different opportunities that were out of my comfort zone,” said Jordan Broiles, one of the original freshmen of the program. Now a senior, Broiles has gone on to not only be an active supporter of the program but of diversity and inclusivity across campus as president of the university’s Diversity Round Table, an organization within the ODI that is dedicated to providing resources and representation for the campus’ diverse
religious, racial, gender and gender identity populations. Programs such as the Black Male Initiative contribute to this by providing under-represented students the opportunity to receive support from within their authentic community, according to Broiles. “This program allows students to be around those that looks and share the same cultural background. Attending a predominately white institution, many under-represented students feel lost and this program provides a sense of belonging,” Broiles said. As the success of the ODI’s initiatives allows for an increased number of participants, the office also hopes to eventually see these success lead to programs such as these playing a role in secondary schools, preparing students for college success before they get to campus, according to Conley. “My hope is that the initiative programs continue to reach more students, that once incoming freshman complete the program they will come back as mentors, and that we continue to have faculty and staff support,” Conley said.
UCO
October 31, 2017
UCO’s Amazing Race
Members of the Arab Student Association pose with their Amazing Race envelope on campus during UCO’s Amazing Race, hosted by the International Student Council. (Provided/JR Hollis)
Vy Luong
@TheVista1903 Reporter
A group of five Malaysian students won the prize of $500 from the cultural scavenger hunt called Amazing Race hosted by the International Student Council (ISC) last Friday. Each member got a $100 gift card to the UCO Barnes and Noble bookstore. “I learned that my friends are amazing and that it was easy for us to work together because we vibe really well together,” said Shi Qi Ting, a member of the winning team. The event was from 4 to 7 p.m. Although the temperature was around 40, ten teams walked across campus in their Halloween costumes to join the event. “It was really cold! I think because it covered such a large area, moving about and trying to minimize time between each station and not wasting time was a little hard,” Ting said. Three other students won the Halloween costume contest and received $50 gift cards. “Since the event would be held around Halloween time, we thought it would be a good idea to foster the celebration of Halloween with our event, and introduce it to some internationals who may have never celebrated it before,” said ISC Vice President Alexander Le. The event is based off of the reality television
show "The Amazing Race". Participants had to have a team of five to compete. After they finished a task at a booth, they received a new clue. “We want to promote global cultures, connect international students and local students and let the students have the chance to be familiar with the buildings on campus,” said ISC Event Manager Seh Lu Han. Twelve country associations had booths across UCO's campus and Central Plaza, where the International House is located. The activities were based on the choice of each country. Most countries brought a traditional game or dance to share with other students. “My favorite was India's station where they taught us how to dance a Bollywood dance,” Ting said. The Malaysian Student Association chose their traditional bamboo dance as their booth task. The Vietnamese Student Association chose their traditional game called ball and chopstick. Le said the most difficult part for this event was getting the word out. “We wanted to promote relationship international and Americans, and strengthen the bridge between the two communities here at UCO,” said Le. “We were trying to reach out to more Americans, which is a bit difficult, considering we are the International Student Council."
The winning team of UCO’s Amazing Race, hosted by the International Student Council, jump in the air following the race. (Provided/JR Hollis)
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October 31, 2017
Disability
Disability Guidelines Rescinded Christian Tabak @TheVista1903 Reporter
The U.S. Department of Education rescinded more than 70 guidance documents pertaining to the rights of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in its latest effort to review and update existing regulations as part of the Trump administration’s policy reform mandate. “Each item has been either superseded by current law or is no longer in effect. Removing these out-ofdate materials will make it easier for schools, educators, parents and the public to understand what guidance is still in effect,” the DOE said in a press release Oct. 27. Included among the guidance rescinded are numerous general guidelines under IDEA dating as far back as 1994 pertaining to the educational rights of students with disabilities, Dear Colleague Letters and more specialized guidance pertaining to subjects such as specific school requirements, provisions for Native American students with disabilities and the implementation of community-based education programs. While the more than 600 sub-regulatory documents represent a significant number of guidelines authorized by the DOE to support IDEA, the DOE clarified that all of the regulations continue to stay in effect with more up-to-date guidelines that have already been authorized. “There are no policy implications to these rescissions. Students with disabilities and their advocates will see no impact on services provided,” said Liz Hill, press secretary for the DOE. The department began reviewing its guidance documents in all areas after President Trump signed an executive order in February requiring the federal government to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens and to focus on those regulations identified as being outdated, unnecessary or ineffective. While review of the documents by advocacy groups for students with disabilities have found that the department’s assessments of the documents as out-of-date appears to be accurate, many have criticized the department for not having made the process more transparent. “Although our initial review of the list of rescinded documents indicates that many have updated versions or the statutes to which they refer have been recently amended, the mere fact that parents and advocates are left
In this Oct. 13, 2017 file photo, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos speaks during a dinner hosted by the Washington Policy Center in Bellevue, Wash. The Associated Press has learned the Education Department is considering only partially forgiving federal loans for students defrauded by for-profit-colleges. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
to figure out whether replacement documents are available or not shows OSERS [Office of Special Education Rehabilitative Services] disregard for their first obligation to parents and families as recipients under IDEA,” said Denise Marhsall, executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. In explaining the rescissions, the DOE did outline the inclusion of both stakeholder outreach on the issues and public input, which the DOE said resulted in more than 16,391 comments being submitted prior to public input deadline of Sept. 20. Non-profit legal advocacy group the Southern Poverty Law Center specifically criticized the DOE for moving ahead with removing several guidelines that, while perhaps outdated, provided parents and students with more detailed explanations of their rights. “Families of disabled students need clear, accurate and consistent information about their rights under federal law, and the education department must provide it. Instead, by rescinding guidance documents without a clear explanation for their removal, the department has given disabled students and their families reason to believe that it is not acting in their best interest,” said Zoe Savitsky, the center’s deputy legal director.
LaNier
October 31, 2017
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Little Rock Nine Member Inspires UCO Kateleigh Mills @kateleighsuz Reporter
The youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, Carlotta Walls LaNier, made a speech about her experience desegregating Little Rock's Central High School in 1957 last Thursday. The Nigh University Center's Constitution Hall began to fill up just shy of the event at 6 p.m. UCO students who arrived early received a copy of LaNier's book, "A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock." The UCO Student Association's President Stockton Duvall welcomed the crowd and explained how LaNier became the top choice for the speaker series following the events in Charlottesville. Duvall said the event was put on by UCOSA, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Leadership Central. Sept. 25 marked the 60th anniversary of the Little Rock Nine's integration into the all-white Central High School. "I enjoy college campuses and high school students both," LaNier said."I feel that you are really more open and willing to absorb and listen to what is going on and question what is going on." LaNier explained to the crowd that the first lesson in leadership is to know that sometimes change takes time. She went on to note the relationship between leadership and character and how they complement one another. "Leadership is a public external characteristic, while character is a private internal trait," LaNier said. "Leadership is what we show to others. Character is the driving force inside us that often determines the kind of leader we will be." Lanier began to explain what it meant to grow up in the Jim Crow
Carlotta Walls LaNier signs copies of her book for students after speaking in Constitution Hall at the University of Central Oklahoma Thursday, Oct. 26. (Kateleigh Mills/The Vista)
South. She detailed how she couldn't swim in public swimming pools and couldn't use the public library, as well as having to ride at the back of bus and sitting in the balcony of theaters. "I could only go to the zoo on a certain day of the week," LaNier said. "As if the animals knew the difference." Lanier said her parents instilled in her that she was just as good as the next person and that things were going to change. She said during her time in Little Rock she experienced countless bullying such as people walking on her heels, knocking her books down and being pelted by rock-laced snowballs. LaNier also said that the school didn't let any of the Nine join extracurricular activities. She said she even had her house bombed by two white students, and as she found out this past year, her chemistry teacher
who helped create the bombs. At the end of her talk, she gave advice to the crowd. She said to not tolerate racist jokes or comments and to expand the mind by volunteering for nonprofits who help others. She said to read newspapers and the editorial pages to be able to determine fact from fiction. "In the end the truth still matters," LaNier said. Following the her talk, LaNier was interviewed by Diversity Round Table President, Jordan Broiles. Broiles asked her about the Little Rock Nine Foundation which was established in 1999 to help provide financial support and a mentorship program. Broiled asked LaNier if there were people who had reached out to her or any of the other Nine to apologize, to which she responded yes. However, she wanted to highlight that not all of the students at the school that didn't go out of their way to hurt any of the Nine, but that they were silent.
"If they had spoken up, I think things would've been different," LaNier said. LaNier finished her time at UCO signing copies of her book. The next installment of the speaker series is set to be in the next few weeks, Duvall said.
“I feel that you are really more open and willing to absorb and listen to what is going on and question what is going on.” – Carlotta Walls LaNier
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October 31, 2017
What’s Up America?
What’s Up, America?
In this April 23, 2017, file photo, large jars of marijuana are on display for sale at the Cali Gold Genetics booth during the High Times Cannabis Cup in San Bernardino, Calif. California is kicking off recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1, 2018, but there will be plenty of confusion as the new market takes shape. Some places are banning sales, while only a small number appear ready to issue licenses. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File) In this Feb. 27, 2003, file photo, Dennis Banks, one of the founders of the American Indian Movement (AIM), speaks to the crowd gathered to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the AIM standoff at Wounded Knee, S.D. The family of Banks says he died Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, at the age of 80. Banks was a co-founder of AIM and a leader of the Wounded Knee occupation in 1973. (AP Photo/Doug Dreyer File)
In this Oct. 23, 2017, photo, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez arrives to court for his federal corruption trial in Newark, N.J. The judge in the bribery trial of Menendez and a wealthy friend is facing a decision on a motion for a mistrial. Attorneys for both defendants filed papers with the court Sunday, Oct. 29. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
United States Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl arrives at the Fort Bragg courtroom facility for a sentencing hearing on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, on Fort Bragg, N.C. Bergdahl, who walked off his base in Afghanistan in 2009 and was held by the Taliban for five years, pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. (Andrew Craft/The Fayetteville Observer via AP)/The Fayetteville Observer via AP)
Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman reacts after hitting in the game-winning run during the 10th inning of Game 5 of baseball’s World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, in Houston. The Astros won 13-12 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Humor Column
October 31, 2017
Growing Pains
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Warning: This is a Fictional Column Intended for Satire Eight-year-old Jimmy Stevenson was arrested last night after neighbors thought he was a 40-year-old man trying to go trick-or-treating with the local children. “He has Growns Disease,” said Angela Stevenson, mother of Jimmy. “It started when he was four. He grew a beard and he got much taller within a few days. And by taller, I mean he was seven-foot-four and he could hold a basketball with one hand.” Growns Disease affects one of every four billion people. Doctors describe it as “a sudden growth of everything in a person that causes them to look like they are 40-yearsold.” “I like trick-or-treating,” said Jimmy. “This year my mom let me go as my favorite character from T.V., Kevin. He is so funny, but I don’t think my friends thought it was a good costume and that made me sad.” “We shouldn’t have let Jimmy go as Kevin from The Office,” said Angela. “Honestly, we shouldn’t have let him go trick-or-treating alone on Halloween either. There is a lot of fault here and I’m going to accept most of it.” Officer Rick Carlton was the first to respond to the call and has never seen something like this before. “Why did they let their kid dress like that?” asked Carlton. “The boy was
Halloween candy is piled into a bowl for trick-or-treaters. Jimmy Stevenson, 8, was arrested when neighbors mistook his Growns disease for him being a 40-year-old man. (Provided/Pixabay.com)
asking other trick-or-treaters if they wanted any of his candy. But, to me, it looked like a 40-year-old bearded man in slacks was trying to give kids candy on the most dangerous night of the year. I tackled him to the ground immediately.” Scientists at Edmond Ivy League College University (EILCU) wanted to test the boundaries of society in understanding those who are affected by Growns Disease. Austin Farraday
led a research team in a hands-on experiment. “I dressed myself up as an eightyear-old-boy,” said Farraday. “Science is complicated. The more experiments we can utilize, the better results we can get. So, I went to the zoo dressed as a little boy, grabbed a lollipop that was too big for me, and talked to some people.” Josh Duvall, another scientist at EICLU questioned the validity of the
experiment. “It was just a weird thing to do,” said Duvall. “I was with Farraday at the zoo as his ‘dad’ and it didn’t go well at all. In this instance, he is an older man, so when he ran up to children it made it really creepy.” “Society needs to understand Growns Disease better,” said Farraday. “They wouldn’t let me ride the miniature horses because I was too big. I understood what life is like for someone with Growns Disease. To not be able to ride miniature horses? Unfathomable.” Jimmy was released earlier this morning and Edmond Police released a statement apologizing and said that “he really looked like a disgusting old man.” “Next year I want to dress up as my second favorite character from T.V., Pee Wee Herman,” said Jimmy. “Halloween is the one time of the year where I can be whoever I want to be.” “He isn’t going to be Pee Wee Herman,” said Angela. “We might not even do Halloween next year, this was a lot.”
Jack-O-Lanterns carved for Halloween. (Provided/Pixabay.com)
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October 31, 2017
Football
SPORTS
Bronchos Upset No. 23 Mules Continued from Page 1 UCO started the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run from White as the Bronchos took a 24-7 lead early in the third quarter. UCM responded with a scoring drive of their own as kicker Alex Langer hit a 25-yard field goal to cut the Bronchos lead to 24-10 in the middle of the third quarter. The Bronchos hit a field goal on their next drive as Quevedo nailed a 25-yard field goal to make it 27-10 late in the third quarter. UCM opened the fourth quarter with a 31-yard touchdown on a pass from Bolles to wide receiver Jaylen Zachery to cut the Broncho lead to 10 early in the fourth quarter. The Bronchos offense responded two-plays later as Stallard found wide receiver L'liott Curry open in the middle of the field and after a broken tackle took it 64-yards for a touchdown to take a 34-17 lead. On the first play of the drive, cornerback Stephan Robinson corralled a deflected pass for an interception and returned it to the UCM 32-yard line. The Bronchos capitalized on the turnover four plays later as Stallard connected with Curry for a 28-yard touchdown to take a commanding 41-17 lead early in the fourth. Later in the fourth, the Bronchos put seven more points on the board as Stallard dumped the ball off to wide receiver Josh Crockett for a 45-yard touchdown to extend the Broncho lead to 48-17 early fourth quarter. UCM did not back down, as Bolles found wide receiver Wesley Thomas for a 59-yard touchdown pass to make it 48-24. Following a Broncho three-andout, UCM running back Devante Turner punched it in from the 1-yard line to cut the lead to 18 in the middle of the fourth, 48-30 after the two-point conversion was no good. After Stallard threw another interception, Broncho linebacker Colton Lindsey picked off Bolles and returned it to the UCM 38-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
Josh Crockett, No. 6, heads for the end zone in the Bronchos 48-30 win over the University of Central Missouri on Saturday. Crockett finished the day with 7 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
Following a turnover on downs, the Bronchos forced another turnover as defensive back Trent Ellis intercepted Bolles at the 24-yard line to seal the Bronchos first-ever win over UCM. "It's a great group and program defining group," Bobeck said about the senior class. "When you get tough kids, high character kids that you can mold and they allow you to mold them you can do some pretty special things and that's what they've done." The Bronchos finished with 576 total yards of offense and 28 first downs. Stallard finished his final home game throwing for 381 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions on 26-of-40 passing and added 78 yards on the ground. Luper finished his final home game snagging 11-catches for 124 yards and one touchdown while Crockett finished his final home game hauling in 7-catches for 114 yards and one touchdown. Curry finished with 6-catches for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns. "You try to get those kids the ball," Bobeck said. "If you get those guys in space it's hard to tackle them. The offensive staff did a great job with the gameplan and they were able to execute and put up some numbers."
Fifth-string running back White, from Tulsa East Central High School, who was pressed into the starting role due to injuries and departures led the running attack with 134 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. "It goes back to character with Bruce," Bobeck said. "He was willing to go in there and take his redshirt off last week and go out and start this week. He's a tough kid maybe 5'5 150lbs but it doesn't say much about the kid. He's tough and he's not afraid. I'm proud of him and it's a story that I'll tell for a long time."
Defensively, the Bronchos held UCM 11.9 points under their season average. Linebackers Lindsey and Chris Pogi led in tackles with 10 and 7. "We were able to stop the run," Bobeck said. "If you stop the run you have a chance to win. As the game went we forced them to throw and we knew we could force some turnovers. Those guys did an unbelievable job." The Bronchos look to keep the winning momentum going as they travel to Washburn next Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Wrestling
October 31, 2017
13
Wrestling to Takedown Season Austin Moseley @Austin_Moseley Sports Editor
With 15 national championships, and 43 players combining for 65 individual championships, the University of Central Oklahoma wresting program is one of the most decorated in the country. The 2017-18 wrestling season is about to begin and UCO Head Wrestling Coach Todd Steidley said his team has these championship aspirations. “I really like the nucleus of our team and our expectations are always to compete here at UCO for a national title,” Steidley said. The Bronchos enter the season ranked eighth in the country in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 25. Junior Josh Lindsey is ranked fifth in the 125-pound division and returning senior All-American Caleb Cotter is ranked fourth in heavyweight. Steidley said it’s nice to be ranked and have the respect from coaches around the country, but what really matters is where you end up at the national tournament. When it comes to the hype surrounding his team, Steidley took a page from Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban, “If you eat that rat poison eventually it’s gonna get you." This translates to don’t get caught up in what others say about you. Steidley says the group of guys he has this year are extremely hardworking and he hasn’t addressed his team yet on blocking outside noise. “Our goal is to improve every day and prepare for regionals and get to the national tournament,” Steidley said. For fourth ranked Cotter, he will be looking to avenge last year’s first round loss in the national tournament. Cotter ended up winning his consolation matches and finished seventh in the heavyweight division. Entering his final year at UCO, Cotter has his eyes on a national championship. Steidley said Cotter would be disappointed in himself if he didn’t finish out on top. “He has the work ethic, desire and talent to win a national championship,” Steidley said. “He’s that caliber of an athlete.” Steidley also mentioned the incoming recruiting class as a reason why the Bronchos are ranked so high to start the season. According to USA Magazine’s recruiting rankings of the
Junior Dakota Head pins a wrestler from the University of Nebraska Kearney during a Spring 2017 match. Last year Head went 10-4 and placed third at the MIAA Championships. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)
top non-Division I schools, UCO had the best incoming class in the entire country. “Last year we really were very fortunate [in recruiting] and we're excited about this years freshman class,” Steidley said.
Canon Randall, wrestles in the 125 class and was ranked as the sixth best wrestler in the country. Brik Filippo, another freshman, was the seventh best recruit in the nation. “All of our freshman that are in the room right now are doing a great job
and we're just really excited about their future,” Steidley said. The Bronchos have their Bronze and Blue Scrimmage Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in Hamilton Field House before facing off against Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday.
Senior Miguel Barreras performs a takedown on a wrestler from the University of Nebraska Kearney. Barreras led the team in takedowns with 110 last year. (Ryan Naeve/The Vista)
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October 31, 2017
Basketball
Basketball Ready to Tip Off Ryan Jackson
@TheVista1903 Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball team will have a scrimmage against the University of Oklahoma Nov. 3 in Norman. The Bronchos will prepare by having two scrimmages before Friday's matchup. "I’m grateful that we have the game. It’s good for our program and I hope that we compete and represent ourselves right in that game," said Guy Hardaker, head coach of 12 years. Hardaker said he knows that OU's size and athleticism will play a factor, but he said that his girls are tough and very skilled in their own way. "I think we’re going to go in there and play hard and see what happens," said Hardaker. "It’s an opportunity for all of these girls to go out there and show them that they can compete at the highest level." Senior guard Melinda Murillo was first team All-Conference and averaged 14.4 points and 3.4 assists per game. "I know there will be a lot of schools that will be trying to pay close attention to her this year," said Hardaker. Senior forward Jesheon Cooper
Madison Lee, No. 4, defends the basket at the UCO vs. Central Missouri Women’s game at the Hamilton Field House on February 2, 2017. (Provided/Vista Archives)
lead the league in blocks and made the first team all-defensive team while averaging 10 points a game. "I think she’s been a pleasant surprise," said Hardaker. "I could only play her about 20 minutes a game
last year, but she has come in this offseason and she is in shape. I'm hoping that I’ll be able to play her 30 minutes a game." Hardaker said that he has a handful of kids that are going to be major
contributors this season and will try to play everyone and plans on not redshirting anyone right now. "I expect to see a lot of mistakes and I think they have to make those mistakes before you can correct some of the stuff that you want done," said Hardaker. Hardaker said that this year he plans to change from a half-court man defense to an up tempo defense, where they play full court-press in order to increase their shot opportunities. "I want it to be a fun, exciting game," said Hardaker. "I want to increase our crowd and get some people here and hopefully support those girls a little bit. I think if we could just get something going positive here we have a real chance this year.” The Bronchos first home game of the season will be on Dec. 7 against Southwest Baptist University at 5:30 p.m.
Marley Anderson, No. 17, prepares to shoot into the basket at the UCO vs. Central Missouri Women’s game at the Hamilton Field House on February 2, 2017. (Provided/Vista Archives)
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Volleyball
October 31, 2017
15
Volleyball Wins the Weekend Nate Baldwin
@nbaldwin05 Sports Reporter
The No. 11-ranked University of Central Oklahoma Volleyball Team won both games over the weekend defeating Missouri Southern State on Friday then Southwest Baptist on Saturday. Despite setbacks the Lady Bronchos are 25-3 on the season with a 12-2 conference record. “We’re working through some injuries,” Head Coach Edgar Miraku said. “The tough part was getting into a good flow.” The first game of the weekend resulted in a Lady Bronchos victory in straight sets. In the first, UCO jumped to a 6-1 lead that forced MSSU to call both of their timeouts. The Lions followed it with a five point swing. That’s when the Lady Bronchos began to pull away. Jordan Cramer made a dig late in the set to give UCO a double-digit lead. Alexis Washington then took a set-up pass to end the first set 25-14. As the game settled into the second set, MSSU took their first lead 14-13. Miraku called a timeout, displeased with the level of energy from the team. “You got to have someone behind you pushing you.” Junior Hitter Taylor Bevis said. The team came out of the timeout scoring three quick points and got back into the lead. “They responded well,” Miraku added. “That’s what you want.” With the set at 23-18, Callie Bangasser took the ball and served the final two points of the set. The third set of the best-of-five match would be the last. Bevis finished with a game-high 15 kills. Eight of which came in the third set
Defensive Specialist Jordan Cramer, No. 12, cheers during the Oct. 27 volleyball match against Missouri Southern in Edmond. UCO won the match 3-0. (Provided/UCO Photo Services)
to close out the Lions. “It’s all about being in the game,” Bevis said. Saturday the Lady Bronchos rolled through 2-25 Lady Bearcats winning in straight sets once again. Davis, combined with Karyn Chrisman, finished the game with 18 kills and a .432 hitting percentage. It was a total team effort as Malia Kaaiohelo contributed six kills of her own.
“We have a great group of girls,” Bevis said. Ericka Scholl also racked up 23 assists and three service aces while Bangasser finished with a matchhigh 14 digs. Allie Davis took the game over in the third scoring seven kills. The game was tied at four when Davis’ two kills helped jump start a 7-0 run for UCO. There are four games remaining in
the regular season. The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association quarterfinals begin Nov. 14. “We try to build on our momentum to get better and better so we can peak at the right time.” The Final home-stand, Nov. 9 and 10, Bevis and the Lady Bronchos will take on Emporia State and Washburn.
Next Year’s FAFSA is Now Available! The 18-19 FAFSA is now available October 1. APPLY AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE for OTAG.
Beginning 18-19 Oklahoma Promise students must complete the FAFSA each year.