MONDAY
FEBRUARY 15 , 2016 VOLUME 105 ISSUE 42
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CONSTRUCTION
Eight17 Lofts bought by Stonemont Financial Group By Madison Morriss SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
SAM KING STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER “Slow Poke” driving down left field at Unicycle Football, in the Golden Crown parking lot Feb. 7.
Unicycle Football: the San Martian sport of choice By Brigeda Hernandez NEWS REPORTER @brigeda_h
The games don’t start with a coin toss—they begin with two players jousting on unicycles. The San Marcos Unicycle Football League features teams with names such as the Gnarwhals and Los Bierdos. Although it is a rough sport, the league plays their games on cement lots, such as the parking lot behind Gold Crown Billiards on San Antonio Street. The spectacle that is the Unicycle Football League features a snarky field marshal, a DJ, and the Unibrawdz, the official cheer team for the league. They are all responsible for boosting morale among the players and the viewers. “This is what church is to
San Marcos,” said Chelsea Dasha, Unibrawdz member more commonly known as Ginger Root of All Evil. “We all worship these people that get up on the unicycle and entertain us, week after week, Sunday after Sunday, year after year.” The Unibrawdz are a central part of the UFL. In addition to keeping spirits high, they are in charge of the finances, paperwork and selling merchandise. When a cyclist kicks a field goal, the Unibrawdz are brought to the field to act as the goal posts. “We don’t cheer for one team more than the other,” said Unibrawd Annalisa Turner, whose moniker is Trash Boots. “We make fun of everyone equally.” The sport draws anywhere from 100 to 600 spectators to over 600 for the league’s
annual Stuporbowl, hosted at the San Marcos Activity Center. The UFL has received attention in the media from various local news crews and CNN. “I’ve heard of other leagues, but I’ve never seen video evidence or talked to anyone anywhere else that has played,” said Nick Leonard, captain of the Blackouts. “I think this is a San Marcos exclusive sport.” Marcus Garland started the league in 2008, which originally consisted of two teams playing in an alleyway by Tantra Coffeehouse. UFL is now in its eleventh season, with eight teams, and attracts rowdy and loyal fans every week. “It’s fun, it’s dangerous and exciting,” said Katinka Pinka, whose husband plays for the Gnarwhals this sea-
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
son. She has been attending games for five years. “It’s a lot of the same people that have been getting together since it started and we all kind of consider each other family.” Unicycle football was a childhood fantasy of Gar-
land’s. He started a juggling club while he was a student at Texas State, and began teaching others in the group how to ride a unicycle. He was able to get 15 people to pitch in for unicycles and that was
See UNICYCLE, Page 2
SAM KING STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Since January 2014, Eight17 Lofts construction has been halted, leaving residents who signed leases in September 2013 without a permanent home. Stonemont Financial Group bought Eight17 in September 2015, and is currently transforming the recentlyhalted construction into the student apartment building, Ella Lofts. “We purchased the former Eight17 and are now transforming it into an incredibly unique project for San Marcos,” said Zack Markwell, Stonemont Financial Group co-founder. “We are very excited to be delivering Ella this summer.” The Ella Lofts construction site is expected to be up and running by Aug. 1. “The property will provide a living environment like nothing else in the market, with a focus on resident service and experience,” Markwell said. “Construction is going great and the property is really coming to life.” The Preiss Company manages student housing properties across the country, including the Ella Lofts. “One thing that sets us apart from the third-party management companies is our residence life program,” said Kasey Munsch, Preiss corporate marketing director. “We do a lot of unique events and one of the main things is making our residences feel like they’re not just choosing an apartment, but a community.”
See ELLA, Page 2
UNIVERSITY
Q&A with Samantha Martinez, Student Government vice presidential candidate
Alma Mater lyric may soon be changed
The Student Government elections are quickly approaching. The University Star spoke with student body vice presidential candidate Samantha Martinez to discuss her campaign.
By Clayton Kelley and Lesly De Leon UNIVERSITY STAR NEWS STAFF @Claytonkelley @leslyd28
Major/classification: Political science sophomore Anna Herod: Why did you decide to run for student body president? Samantha Martinez: Going into Student Government, I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue the higher position. I’m always looking to reach my goals and reach for the next best thing. So, deciding to run for vice president, I feel that I can be the best fit for the position. I’ve definitely worked my way up and I feel like I’ve really learned the ropes of the program works, and
DARYL ONTIVEROS MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Samantha Martinez, political science sophomore, sits down for a Q&A with Anna Herod, news editor of The University Star, Feb. 11.
I’m really passionate about Student Government and giving my all to the school and doing everything I can to make better opportunities and make it a better place for the students.
AH: If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? SM: If elected, I definitely hope to accomplish higher attendance at games. I hope to strengthen the communi-
See MARTINEZ, Page 2
Students may soon notice a slight change in one of Texas State’s staple traditions. Faculty Senate recommended changing a part of the Texas State song, “Alma Mater.” A lyric in the song may be changed from “raising the fallen, cheering the oppressed” to “aiding the oppressed.” President Denise Trauth spoke to the senators at their meeting Wednesday night about the recommendation. “Even changing a tiny part of the Alma Mater requires a lot of consultation,” Trauth said. “There are a lot of stakeholders.” Trauth said the senators
should expand their written proposal, include more historical reasoning for suggesting the change, and share it with various university organizations. Members of organizations such as Student Government, Dean’s Council and the Alumni Association should consider the proposal and send her feedback. “When we hear back from these groups we’re going to have to think about it,” Trauth said. “But I do want to explore this fully. It’s a legitimate request.” The different wording could change the meaning in an important way, said Gene Bourgeois, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. To “cheer” is not the same as “aid.” The word “cheering” was appropriate in the past, but
things have changed, said Roque Mendez, psychology professor. “This is probably as far as people would go, is to cheer the oppressed,” Mendez said. It wasn’t until 1963 that the first African American students were accepted into the university. It took 60 more years for people to do more than “cheer the oppressed” but to do something, Mendez said. Texas State alumnus former President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965, he said. “I don’t think it was enough for him to just sit back and cheer,” Mendez said. “He did far more than
See ALMA MATER, Page 2
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2 | Monday, February 15, 2016
NEWS
Anna Herod, News Editor @annaleemurphy starnews@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
UNICYCLE, enough for two teams. Few members knew how to ride a unicycle before being recruited. Though the field is just a bit smaller, the teams abide by normal football
ELLA,
The University Star
from front rules. It is a full contact sport and helmets are required. There have been no serious injuries in the league’s history, despite frequent pileups often involving several
cyclists. “It’s strangely addictive,” said Andy Grubbs, otherwise known as the Gate Crasher, who is responsible for keeping track of the down count.
has already served its purpose, bringing different demographics together. In the future, he would like to acquire a space to have the games.
MARTINEZ,
from front
Aug. 19 is the projected move-in date for Ella Lofts’ residents. “Construction is on schedule, if not ahead of schedule,” Munsch said. “The time between construction finish and Aug. 19 will be for finishing touches and making sure everyone’s apartment is up to par on their expectations.” Since the Eight17 Lofts incident, Ella Lofts hopes to let the residents know that it’s a fresh start. “I know that (Eight17) was a really big disappointment for a lot of Texas State students just based on the research that I had done,” Munsch said. “We hope to instill confidence in the students that it’s going to be finished and it’s going to be great.” Munsch said officials want to let residents know they have breathed a whole new life into the Ella Lofts apartment building project. “We just want to make this a really great place to live for students,” Munsch said. Texas State students have been looking into living there
“It’s like football but in a very different manner. A ball will bounce off of somebody’s head and into someone else’s hands and they’re gone.” Garland feels the league
and some have already begun signing leases with the apartment complex. “I wanted to live at Ella when it was Eight17, but when they went bankrupt, I didn’t think they would ever complete the project,” said Clayton Kolavo, public relations junior. “When I found out they were picking the project back up, I researched it and everything seemed perfect. So, that’s where I have decided to live my last year here at Texas State.” The apartment building is offering several amenities for residents, such as a rooftop lounge, infinity pool, 24-hour fitness center, yoga room, studying and event rooms, as well as flat-screen televisions for rooms. “Ella Lofts is going to be a really cozy and high-end experience,” Munsch said. “To me, all of the features and amenities are going to make our residents feel like they’re at a resort rather than a complex.” Munsch said the apartment building is meant to feel more like an escape from
classes. Within walking distance to the north side of campus, Ella Lofts is providing its residents with several amenities. “The locations and extremely helpful management are the main reasons I am going to be living at Ella Lofts,” Kolavo said. “Every year since I’ve been a Texas State student, I have tried to move closer and closer to campus because, to me, living next to campus is the most convenient thing ever.” This month, Ella Lofts is offering tours for future and prospective residents, where they will wear hard hats while viewing project areas under construction. “We're extremely excited to be able to show our future residents and prospects the bones of the operation and showcase our progress,” Munsch said. “Only certain areas of the site will be available for this kind of tour, but it will really give people the opportunity to get a real-life feel of the space that they will be calling home.”
MADISON MORRISS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
cation of students on several big events, or even events through organizations to other organizations. I hope to increase the acceptance of Greeks on campus and just kind of make it a better community for all organizations on campus and really making sure that everybody knows what’s happening on campus. AH: What are the biggest issues the student body faces, and, if elected, how do you plan on addressing those issues? SM: The biggest issues would definitely be attendance at games, the awareness of when games are happening. I know I’ve heard on several occasions for students “Oh, I didn’t know there was a game happening,” or that they didn’t know the season had started. So, usually that will happen. Definitely the communication about games, communication of organizations to other organizations. I feel like we are one big family so we should definitely support each other and be at each other’s events, Greek or nonGreek. Any organization on campus should just really be supportive of every one else. AH: How are you qualified to be student body vice president? SM: I started off with Freshman Council, coming into Texas State. So starting off that has really taught me the way Student Government works and what it takes to be the voice for your students and for your class, especially. That really taught me a lot and was my first steppingstone. And from there, I decided to run and campaign to be a senator at large, and having done that has taught me a lot about writing legislation and about doing stuff on a bigger scale for the
“It’s been an interesting phenomenon,” Garland said. “I’m proud of it, and amazed by everyone that has come together to make it happen.”
from front students. That’s definitely a bigger scale as far as classification goes. Freshman Council just kind of focuses on your class and going into the Senate is a bigger scale for the university as a whole. With that, I’ve been a part of the Pride and Traditions Committee, the Marketing Committee and the Senate Interviewing Committee. So that has really taught me to have good time management and learn all the different perspectives about Student Government and the insights about the university that a lot of people don’t even know. Most recently, I was just given the position of chief of staff and so I will be starting that this semester, so that’s really going to help me learn the higher part of the pyramid of Student Government. I’m going to work side by side with the president and vice president and that’s going to teach me a lot about the higher process of legislation and where all of that goes. I’ve taken stepping-stones and really gained that experience and continuing to gain experience. With my passion for the school, I can give firsthand what I want for the school. I’m really involved with a lot of organizations on campus so I can really provide that voice. AH: Why should students elect you? SM: I feel that students should elect me because I’m a really outgoing person. I’m looking for the better of our students. I’m looking for our future and how we can better our school, our reputation, and everything opportunitywise for our students. I’m definitely a genuine person, very down-to-earth and caring. So I can offer that in my position and make it easy for people to come to me if they have a problem or something they’re wishing to voice on
campus. I’m always looking for more ideas to present through legislation. I’ve had experience of writing two pieces of legislation within this past semester, so I’ve really gained experience in taking action and doing what it takes to make something happen. I think that with my alliance with Andrew Homann (student body presidential candidate), we really are a great team and work very well together. We actually worked on legislation pieces together, and so we’ve found that bond and go hand in hand. We’re just looking for the best interest of our peers. AH: Why are you better for the job than your opponents? SM: My involvement, I am a member of the Delta Gamma sorority along with a law fraternity. So I’m always reaching out to my friends and classmates who are involved in other organizations such as the Hispanic Business Association and other sororities and fraternities as well as several other organizations that take place on campus. I’m always supportive of my students and the athletes. Last year I was a Texas State cheerleader, so I really got the inside scoop about the athletics program and the way they function and the opportunities that they have. I’m always looking to help the athletes out especially. I feel that with my connections and with my involvement on campus, and because I am a people person, I’m able to connect with a lot of the students on a closer scale. I think that definitely separates me from my competition, or the other candidates. Because I have formed those relationships and those friendships. They’re not just peers to me on campus—they’re friends and I support them.
Eight17 was purchased by Stonemont Financial Group in September last year and is currently under construction for Ella Lofts. The apartments expected move-in date is Aug. 19.
ALMA MATER, that.” Changing the lyrics will be challenging and some traditionalists will resist this, Mendez said. There will also be people ready for change. The message is the times have changed, Bourgeois said. “It’s a rare thing that I would say this about one of our traditions on campus, but I think ‘aiding the oppressed’ is more reflective of the university’s mission and goals for students and alumni,” said Ted Ingwersen, former co-chair of the Pride and Traditions Committee. Ingwersen said when Jessie Sayers wrote “Alma Mater” in the early 1900s, “cheering the oppressed” might have been an appropriate thing to say for that time. “Now the university is much larger and we are much older and it’s more important for the alumni to ‘aid’ the oppressed rather than just ‘cheer’ the oppressed,” Ingwersen said. “I would like to believe that this is what Jessie Sayers would have wanted.” Ingwersen said the student body should have a say in the change as well, not just faculty. “I think that we’re a progressive school and we’re always looking to how Texas State can make a difference in the community as well as the state itself,” Ingwersen said. “As long as traditions are safe and healthy, tradi-
Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.
from front
tions can be a good thing for universities.” Political science professor Josh Quinn said the term “aiding” sounds like a less judgmental word. It is important to maintain a balance on the politically correct language. “Trying to communicate less judgment is one of the goals of political correction, at least when it doesn’t get run amuck and crazy,” Quinn said. He said it is essential to create an environment where people are allowed
to openly discuss what offends them and find a level of understanding with each other. “It’s possible to be on both of ends of the spectrum. I see people that I see could stand to be a bit more politically correct, but there’s also those that can be a little less hyper-sensitive,” Quinn said. “We all have strong feelings about things. Getting your feelings hurt shouldn’t be the end of it though—people should come to an agreement.”
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The University Star
Monday, February 15, 2016 | 3
LIFESTYLE
Carlie Porterfield, Lifestyle Editor @reporterfield starlifestyle@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
UNIVERSITY
Life in a TXST Living-Learning Community By Stacee Collins LIFESTYLE REPORTER @stvcee
A Living-Learning Community groups Texas State students together based on a common interest, all while providing them with resources, relationships and residential support. According to the LLC website, there are currently 11 communities like Future Teachers, Journalism and Mass Communication, PreMedical/Pre-Dental and Terry Scholars. The LLC program requires students to enroll in courses together, attend at least seven out-of-class events and live on the same residence hall floor. A residential assistant and faculty advisor are chosen for each community. The RAs are upperclassmen experienced in the specific major of an LLC. They plan events, schedule meetings and design study
groups. Sarah Christie, microbiology junior and PreMedical/Pre-Dental LivingLearning Community RA, said the out-of-class events benefit students. “If you push for a really big event, it’s very beneficial for them,” Christie said. “I do think there’s a lot of purpose to it. A lot of people don’t get the experiences that you will as a freshman in the LC.” Christie said the PreMedical/Pre-Dental LLC has participated in many events. Last semester, all interested students were CPR certified and had one-on-one connections with their professors. This semester, the community plans to visit a medical school and army hospital. Melissa Espinoza, exercise and sports science freshman, said she is in the Future Teachers LLC and has benefited from attending events.
“We’ve done events like going to teacher conferences or going to high schools or going to elementary school plays and helping out,” Espinoza said. “I think it’s really beneficial, especially for resumes later on. We’re actually putting in volunteer hours, whereas most people aren’t going to have that because they don’t have the resources for it.” Espinoza said there are many other resources available for students in LLCs. “We have study groups and we do some of the classes together, so we study for the classes we have as a community,” Espinoza said. The events, study groups and co-enrolled courses have helped Espinoza build friendships within the LLC, she said. “Once we started doing group bonding, we definitely got to know each other,” Espinoza said. “I
think these are all people that I’ll talk to four or five years down the road.” Juan Aguirre, computer science sophomore, said he is in the Terry Scholars Living-Learning Community and the program has helped him form relationships with other students. “It really shows us how much alike we are,” Aguirre said. “We all assumed we were going to be completely different, but in a sense we were all about the same.” Aguirre said the coenrolled courses have had positive effects on students. “You were able to depend on someone else,” Aguirre said. “Everybody was able to help each other out.” Espinoza said living in a space with students in related majors is helpful. “You have someone to ask questions to and you’re all taking the same sort
of classes since you have the same major,” Espinoza said. “It’s easier to get help and it’s easier to understand things whenever you’re with people you know are in the same major.” Kimberly Garcia, public relations junior, said she is in the Journalism and Mass Communication Living-Learning Community and being around likeminded students is beneficial. “All having our major in common, it kind of gives us a railroad track to follow in order to talk to different people and meet different people and see what they think about certain things,” Garcia said. Grasping a better understanding of the field she’s going into is Garcia’s favorite part of the LLC, she said. “Learning communities enhance learning within your major,” Garcia said.
“In a short amount of time, I was able to figure out which concentration I wanted to do because of the Learning Community.” Christie said her favorite part about being a LivingLearning Community RA is helping out the students. “I think the most important thing for a freshman is needing support and encouragement,” Christie said. “I think it’s important for me to be there. It’s not so much a job for me, but, at the same time, I am there as a support system so I can reach out to them.” Aguirre said the LivingLearning Community is more than just a group of students in the same residential hall. “We’re supposed to be a family,” Aguirre said. “It makes us feel a lot more comfortable with each other. So far, the community is like a family.”
COMMUNITY
Fifth Annual Drag Out Funny highly anticipated By Denise Cervantes ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE EDITOR @cervantesdenise
San Marcos locals will have the opportunity to participate in a unique night filled with comedy, burlesque, aerial pole dancing, glamour and drag this coming weekend. Bobcat Pride Scholarship, a volunteer-driven program for LGBTQIA Texas State students, will host the Fifth Annual Drag Out Funny show or “The Pink Party” Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. on Stonewall Warehouse’s Smirnoff Vodka stage. People 18 and older can buy pre-sale tickets for $15 on the Bobcat Pride website and $20 at the door. Featured headliners are Houston’s Lady Shamu , San Antonio’s Tencha La Jefa and Austin’s Brass Ovaries, according to Heather Aidala, Bobcat Pride Scholarship executive director. Aidala said attendees can expect a variety of entertainment. “We have fourteen different performers. Some of them are actually groups,” Aidala said. “The Drag Out Funny comes from the fact that it’s drag, and
the funny part is that it’s comedy and that was kind of purely how it started off five years ago, and through the years, we’ve added more of a variety touch to it.” Odette Tan, Brass Ovaries performer, said she is excited to see what The Pink Party will bring. “It’s going to be really upbeat,” Tan said. “One of the other girls in the group said her routine will involve a lot of twerking. I’m just ready to have fun and see who’s a part of it.” After the first year, the Drag Out Funny show began to ensue different themes. The theme will be pink this year, according to Chitah Daniels Kennedy, master of ceremonies. “It’s very simple,” Kennedy said. “Wear pink— think pink. Right now with the elections, everybody is either a Democrat or a Republican. They’re blue or red, but pink is sort of like, ‘Let’s all just come together.’” Aidala said she encourages attendees to dress up for the event, as they will be giving audience members an opportunity to walk the catwalk during the show. “We’re encouraging
people to dress up,” Aidala said. “Wear pink, play with it, gender blend with that color. It’s definitely a time where people can dress in drag or just plan it out big.” Aidala said the event is open to all identities and is highly anticipated each year. “People love it,” Aidala said. “People just have a good time, and while it’s at a bar, the focus is not on drinking—really, it’s just to be in a place where people feel safe and all identities are accepted.” Aidala said the event will host a raffle for a trip to San Diego for two. “There will be a silent auction at the show,” Aidala said. “This year, we expanded and some items will be silent auction and others you can bid on. Others will be a part of the raffle drop bucket. We’re putting some of our gifts into packages and then our grand prize is a trip for two to San Diego.” Aidala said this year’s goal is to raise $10,000, which is $3,000 more than last year’s total. “The majority of the donors’ money goes back to the Texas State students,” Aidala said.
Chris Rue, Stonewall Warehouse owner, said he was thrilled when approached to host the event at his bar. “It’s just a tremendous honor to help the students we are aligned with,” Rue said. “We really couldn’t have asked for a better organization filled with great people. So, we’re just honored they wanted to do something with us.” Kennedy said the greatest part of the event is being able to support LGBTQIA students. “At the end of the day, we are supporting our LGBTQIA students,” Kennedy said. “What they’re going to do later on in their life—what we give these students—is going to come back to the organization years down the line. We just keep building every year. It’s for the future of our community. We’re trying to make leaders.”
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4 | Monday, February 15, 2016
The University Star
OPINIONS
Brandon Sams, Opinions Editor @TheBrandonSams staropinions@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
JOURNALISM
Responsible Journalism Registry would restrict freedom of speech
THE MAIN POINT
Allison Chavez OPINIONS COLUMNIST @AllisonChavez21
MARIA TAHIR STAR ILLUSTRATOR
Professors listen up College is supposed to be the middle ground between adolescence and adulthood, where people hone their skills and education—not a simple ride of mediocrity and professor apathy. Many students have, at this point in time, encountered at least one professor who confesses at the beginning of the school year how easy their class is going to be. They will often use a catchy tagline such as, “This class is designed to be the least amount of work possible for both of us and for the best grade.” The message is suppose to elicit a sense of calm and ease in the student’s heart, but what it truly embodies is everything antithetical to the collegiate experience and the general purpose of higher learning. At some point students may thank these professors, but in the long run
the instructors are doing us a huge disservice. The point of taking a college course is supposed to be for enlightenment, not simply easy grades. Professors are not preparing talented and exceptional future-professionals by just allowing students to coast through the semester because they do not feeling grading papers. On the other hand, students are not going to be productive members of the workforce when they discover that they actually know nothing, because their degree was essentially given to them. Having the degree is one thing, but having the knowledge and the know-how is another, more important one. College can be stressful, and as students we do not know the horror of being a professor in charge of grading and teaching hundreds of students per semester.
Naturally, they would want a semblance of a break. However, when you cement yourself in the field of education that is the price you pay. Texas State is still shaking off the image of “party school,” and when it seems as though your professors are too busy getting their drink on themselves to do the work, it is not that hard to see why. The fish stinks from the head down, and when the gatekeepers of education are apathetic to the learning environment and more interested in their free time, their underlings are sure to follow. Some students come to classes eager to learn and wanting to walk out of college with an air of expertise. Having a professor who admittedly cuts corners robs undergraduates of a worthwhile experience. Students have a certain
level of respect and admiration for the professors who tell them up-front that a class will be challenging, because the result will be beneficial to their career or general life. More professors need to be like that. Now, this editorial is not a diatribe against the great men, women and people of non-distinct gender identities who provide all the students of Texas State with a fine education. Instead it is a plea to treat us with due respect for our time and money spent on our education. The hope for a student is simple: to walk out of college better with retained knowledge and expertise, not just fine marks. Students want to actually learn—that is why they can to college, after all. So, with all due respect, let them.
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.
Journalists should cherish the freedom to report the goings-on of the world without restrictions while they still have it, as it looks like a Republican representative from South Carolina is trying to limit that liberty. Republican State Rep. Mike Pitts has proposed a bill that would create a “responsible journalism registry” with which journalists would have to register before being allowed to disseminate news or being hired by a news organization. Essentially, the registry aims to set up certain guidelines for journalists to follow. If they break these requirements, they could be fined or even sent to jail. The last time we saw this conservative lawmaker was when he was defending the Confederate flag’s right to fly at the South Carolina Statehouse. So, clearly he isn’t the brightest bulb in the pack. Though this obscure representative claims his main objective in proposing this bill was to shed light on how the press represents and reports gun issues, the legislation nonetheless brings into question just how free the right to free press is. If such a bill could so easily be proposed just to make a point to those who would set up restrictions on guns, who’s to say some other wise guy might not get audacious and set the action in motion? Just for giggles and grins, let’s picture what
life with a controlled press would be like. Just think, under this bill, journalists would be confined to what the Secretary of State and a panel of people thought was appropriate. In a world where a small group of people could decide what to disseminate to the public, everything the people consumed would be filtered and twisted to fit what those in power thought was “appropriate.” This would give the Secretary of State and its sidekick panel an enormous and disconcerting amount of power. Luckily, it seems the people of South Carolina have dodged a bullet. The odds of this bill actually passing are just about zero. One, the press have just about had a conniption at Pitts’ attempt to censure them, so the likelihood is even if this bill manages to pass, there is no way these savvy professionals would allow their voices to be controlled for long. And two, as many journalists pointed out, this proposed bill is clearly unconstitutional, and there’s a zero percent chance that it would actually manage to weasel its way into getting passed. It is becoming increasingly clear this proposal was merely a way for the moronic Pitts to protest the demonization of his beloved guns by the media. It seems this was his way of trying to show those who would enforce gun control that doing so would go against the constitution. Lord, what a baby. So, now that we know a “journalism registry” will not be passed any time soon, let us take a moment to truly appreciate our right to free speech and free press. Hell, go out and shout your appreciation from the rooftops. This is America. They cannot stop our liberties. Yet. —Allison Chavez is a journalism freshman
RACISM
Black people cannot be racist, and here’s why
Mikala Everett OPINIONS COLUMNIST @mikala_maqeulla
Minorities cannot be racist. I’ll say it louder for the people in the back who did not hear me—minorities cannot be racist. Racism is the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race
or races. That definition was not found on Tumblr or Buzzfeed, but good ole Merriam-Webster. The system of racism begins with a race designating itself as superior to another. To carry out acts of racism, a race must have power and privilege. There has never been a time in American history when a race other than white has had power and privilege over another—especially in the case of AfricanAmericans. Now this is not to say that minorities cannot be prejudiced or practice discriminatory behaviors because they definitely can and have done so. Bigotry, the stubborn intolerance of any race, creed, belief or opinion different from one’s own, can be practiced by any race. As a part
The University Star Editor-in-Chief...........................................Kelsey Bradshaw, stareditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor........................................................Anna Herod, starnews@txstate.edu Sports Editor..............................................Paul Livengood, starsports@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor......................................Carlie Porterfield, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Brandon Sams, staropinion@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor..............................Daryl Ontiveros, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief....................................Abby Marshall, starcopychief@txstate.edu
of a community that has experienced tremendous amounts of bigotry and racism to this day, it is important that we as AfricanAmericans direct our anger and hurt at the institution of racism and not people. People are not born with prejudice or racism. Harmful and hateful ideologies such as, “All black people lie, steal and kill,” have to be taught. I know it hurts when you see yet another act of police brutality against someone who looks like you. I know how it feels to realize that our race makes up 38 percent of arrests for violent crimes even though we are only 12 percent of the population. I know exactly how it feels to be pulled over just because you are black. African-Americans made
up 42 percent of stops on the New Jersey turnpike, yet others claim we are being whiny when we bring up past and current discrimination. I know how it feels to proclaim that “black lives matter” and have someone have the audacity to claim that “all lives matter,” as though I was implying they did not. I know it seems like we are at the bottom of the barrel or that we are no more important than the gum on a shoe, but that is not the case. We are important. There are those out there raised on racist ideologies and beliefs that will try to put us down and tell us that our issues and our voices are not important. And they are 50 shades of wrong. We must remember when faced with adversity
that institutional racism is very much alive, but that does not mean that it cannot be overcome. We must remember not to let hate seep into our souls and corrupt us. We must be strong, and we must love. How would it look for us to take on the characteristics—the hate—of our oppressors? Although we may not have the power or privilege to be racist, we do have the power to stand up for what is right. Now it’s time to put
that left fist up and get in formation. —Mikala Everett is a mass communications junior
A February
Black History Month Column Series
In honor of Black History Month, the opinions section will spotlight a column written by one of The University Star’s black staff members in each issue. The University Star hopes to showcase a variety of perspectives in the new series dedicated to bringing issues in the black community to light.
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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Monday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Monday, February 15, 2016. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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SPORTS
Paul Livengood, Sports Editor @IAmLivengood starsports@txstate.edu
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
MEN’S BASKETBALL
FROM TRANSFER TO STARTING FORWARD By Matt Perry SPORTS REPORTER @Matt_Sperry17
How does one become a starting forward for the Texas State Bobcats? For Cameron Naylor, it was anything but easy. Since he was a kid, basketball was Naylor’s life. Naylor was always keeping busy. Whether it was school or sports, he was always occupied with something. “Growing up in a certain area, my mom wanted me to stay as busy as possible,” Naylor said. “I didn’t really have free time. It was always school, sports, school, sports.” Naylor played at Paxon School of advanced studies before graduating from Providence Day School. The talented Naylor averaged 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 steals per game in his junior year. Moving on from high school, Naylor went to the
University of North Florida. As a Florida native, the forward wanted to stay close to home. After his freshman year, Naylor transferred to Tallahassee Community College, where he was named First Team All-Conference. The forward’s best game at TCC was a 30-point, 12-rebound performance with 11-for-18 shooting and 8-9 at the free-throw line. Rob Flaska and Jim Shaw, assistant coaches, traveled to Florida and watched Naylor. Flaska got a call from the former coach at TCC about “a certain young man who was being looked at by some schools as big as Purdue,” and that Coach Flaska should definitely keep an eye on him. Key factors during Naylor’s recruitment were how well he played, his bounciness and skills. Talvin Hester, former assistant coach, went to Florida and returned with a scouting report on Naylor,
consisting of nothing but good things. “(Hester) was fired up about him,” Flaska said. Texas sparked an interest for Cameron and his mom, mainly because of the education program, and they really liked what they saw. “I liked the fit and thought it was the best fit for me,” Naylor said. Naylor came to Texas State as an education major because of the department’s good reputation. “That’s one of the reason’s he came to Texas State,” Flaska said. Naylor was looking at Texas State and Florida International. But, Georgia State, Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy were also looking to bring him to their respective universities. Naylor decided to transfer from TCC to Texas State. “We ended up winning out,” Flaska said. One of the biggest difficulties Naylor had to overcome was grinding through
the recruiting process for a second time, after transferring once before. Getting used to the new system was probably one of the biggest things Naylor had to overcome. Transferring to a community college, Naylor had a “looser system than UNF.” Then, he had to learn and adjust to Texas State’s highly-structured style of play. “The kid’s got to shoehorn into the system in place,” Flaska said. “Coach Kaspar has a certain system that he’s had success with, and he’s going to stay with that system.” Naylor was placed in the starting lineup last season with Kavin Gilder-Tilbury, junior forward. Toward the end of last season, the senior proved his talent when the Bobcats upset the Georgia State Panthers. Naylor learned two new offenses, joined Texas State and went through tough challenges to finally get his shot at the starting lineup
this season. After pre-season, the forward broke his nose, causing a small setback before returning to the starting lineup and playing solid basketball. Naylor has had some upand-down games and been one of the guys for the Bobcats this year, but “he has to be consistent,” Coach Flaska said. “His game has evolved to know the system, but he has to be consistent these last nine games.” Naylor wants to finish his academic career, barring his dream of playing basketball professionally. “I believe in myself and I think I have the ability to play professionally. It’s my dream,” Naylor said. If Naylor can finish the rest of this season with a solid performance, there is a chance he could play overseas. “I’m hoping he finishes out with a consistent year,” Coach Flaska said. “He could have a chance to play overseas. I think how he
finishes will be critical.” Naylor is currently majoring in mass communications with hopes of pursuing a master’s degree. The senior doesn’t have a certain plan if he if he doesn’t end up playing basketball professionally. His dream is to “make a lot of money and just give it back to kids that are less fortunate and grew up in certain situations like (he) did.” This season hasn’t gone as planned, but Naylor is confident the team can qualify for playoffs with support of students, coaches, fans and family. Naylor looks to help the Bobcats in their playoff hunt by doing whatever the team needs or asks of him. There is nothing more he would like than to finish senior year with a good spot in the Sun Belt tournament and a chance to play for a conference championship.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MEN’S BASKETBALL By Paul Livengood SPORTS EDITOR @iamlivengood
With eight games remaining, the Texas State Men’s basketball is three games back from a .500 record. The Bobcats currently sit at 9-12 overall. At the beginning of the season, Coach Danny Kas-
par made a prediction for his team that hasn’t happened at Texas State in over a decade. “I expect to have the first winning season that Texas State hasn’t had now in 14 years,” Kaspar said. “I told my players, ‘I expect you to be a top-tier contender in the league.’” The Bobcats need to
win six of the final eight games in order to prove their coach right. Looking at the remaining games on the schedule, reaching .500 seems a bit far-fetched. Texas State has lost games to six of the final eight opponents left on the schedule. The only two opponents Texas State defeated are South Alabama and
Arkansas State. The Bobcats are in danger of not even making the post season, which hasn’t happened since 2013. Texas State started the season strong just like in 2015. The Bobcats won six of their first nine games, but proceeded to lose eight of 12 since.
The Student Publications Board of the Texas State School of Journalism and Mass Communication is conducting an all-campus open petitioning process to select a student as Editor-in-Chief of The University Star. Term begins one week following the final issue of 2016 Spring Semester publication schedule. Applicants must be available to serve the entire term of the appointment. Each applicant is asked to complete a written petition, which is subsequently screened by members of the student publications board. The board will interview qualified candidates for the position. The student publications board includes the journalism sequence coordinator in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, the assistant director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a member of the print medium who is selected by the director of student publications. The director of student publications and the current editor-in-chief serve as ex-officio members for the committee.
Minimum Qualifications To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester during the term office. Students graduating in the final semester of the appointment (Spring 2017) may be enrolled in fewer hours as long as they meet graduation requirements. Applicants must have worked in a professional editorial environment, or have served as a section editor at a university student newspaper. Students of all majors and classifications, including graduate students, may petition for the position. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university when submitting an application. Applicants must maintain a 2.5 semester and overall grade point average during their time of appointment. A student who falls below the 2.5 grade point grade semester average will forfeit the office even though he/she maintains an overall 2.5 grade point average.
The University Star Mission
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The editor is the primary student editorial administrator for The University Star and has authority in all personnel matters and makes the final decision regarding news, sports, feature, photo, Web and opinion content. The editor determines daily operation guidelines, provides a role model for professional behavior, delegates operational authority and fulfills policies and procedures as determined by the student publications board and faculty adviser. The editor oversees meetings and handles personnel problems, evaluates all copy and artwork for each publication. The editor-in-chief is responsible for hiring, properly training and supervising all members of the editorial board. The editor-in-chief promotes relations between the publication, the community and campus organizations. The
The strong non-conference record was due to playing weak non-conference opponents such as UT-Tyler, McNeese State, Prairie View A&M, and Howard Payne, who are all non-Division I programs. Texas State has boasted a 3-9 conference record thus far, which shows its competitiveness against pro-
grams of equal prestige. This time next month, we will all have figured out if the Bobcats have what it takes to end a 14-year-old drought, or start the beginning of a new era—one of winning seasons and competing for conference championships. Only time will tell.
editor-in-chief is also the voice of the publication with the community.
Term of Office Term of office begins following the final publication of the Spring 2016 semester and runs through Spring 2017 semester. Applicants must be able to serve the entire term of office in order to be considered for the position A salary is paid during the term of office.
Petitioning Process Applications for the position will be due by noon, Wednesday, March 30 to the Director of Student Publications, Trinity Building, Room 107. People interested in petitioning should sign a candidacy list in Trinity, Room 107 and acquire an information package. Qualified applicants will be notified and interviews will be scheduled beginning April 4. Selection of the editor-in-chief will be made shortly after interviews have been completed. Formal assumption of duties will begin one week after the final newspaper of the Spring Semester is published.
Petitioning Deadlines Applications for the position will be due by noon, Wednesday April 1 to the Director of Student Publications, Trinity Building, Room 107. People interested in petitioning should sign a candidacy list in Trinity, Room 107 and acquire an information package. Qualified applicants will be notified and interviews will be scheduled beginning April 13. Selection of the editor-in-chief will be made shortly after interviews have been completed for the position. Formal assumption of duties will begin one week after the final newspaper of the Spring Semester is published. PACKETS AVAILABLE: March 2, noon; Trinity, Room 107 INTERVIEWS Will be scheduled beginning April 4
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