September 24 2015 by The University Star

THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 VOLUME 105 ISSUE 15

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CITY

Amazon selects San Marcos as a ‘prime’ location for new facility By Exsar Arguello SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @Exsar_Misael

Alkek librarian, Joan Heath, begins passing the six books down the human chain from Old Main to Alkek Sept. 23.

LESLY DE LEON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Students form human chain to commemorate symbolic move into Alkek By Kasandra Garza NEWS REPORTER @KasGarza

Students packed the quad to help Alkek kick off its 25-year anniversary with the “Bookit Brigade” event where students, faculty, alumni and staff formed a human chain from Old Main to Alkek Library. The event reenacted the original symbolic move of May 1, 1990, with a human chain of students, faculty, staff and community members. Alkek opened its doors a month later on June 4, 1990. The event began with speeches from Kenneth Pierce, President Denise Trauth and university librarian Joan Heath, who talked about what 1990’s Book-it Brigade and what its anniversary symbolizes for the library today.

Trauth said the event was to celebrate the original Book-it Brigade, which was the centerpiece of the dedication 25 years ago. “Some people thought libraries were going to go away and what we’re experiencing here is that the library is even more important to us and it is the university symbol of our intellectual life,” Trauth said. Heath started the pass with six books, including original work from Sandra Cisneros and an e-book, which then made their way to the top of the Alkek stairs. Pierce spoke about the importance of the library and how it will continue to change to accommodate the needs of its users. He also spoke about the library’s role in helping Texas State become a research institution. “The Alkek library contin-

ues to evolve by adding new technologies, increasing access to research content and creating spaces for library users to learn, create and discover,” Pierce said. “We look forward to the next 25 years.” The library retains ongoing value and importance as a central component of the university, he said. Lindsey Waldenberg, grad student and library staff member, said it was important for students to attend the event because it was a big part of tradition. “It’s important to acknowledge the past and invest in the future of Alkek,” Waldenberg said. Trauth said students showed up to display their recommitment to the library and what it stands for.

“They’re recommitting to not just the library building, but the whole notion of the library being the intellectual center of the university,” Trauth said. “(The library’s) role is changing and our library is evolving.” Lisha WilkinsonBarker, Texas State alumna, said she attended the event to show support for the library and what the university has become since her time as a student. WilkinsonBarker explained how the former library, located in the J.C. Kellam Administration Building, made things such as registering for classes a big inconvenience. Because JCK had one computer for over 10,000 students, registering for classes was a daylong process. WilkinsonBarker said

today’s library is far more efficient than the one computer system at JCK. Once the books reached Alkek, student body president Lauren Stotler discussed the importance of the library and how she hopes to return for Alkek’s 50-year anniversary. “This only happens every 25 years,” said Lynn Smeal, alumna and university cataloger. “It’s a historic moment and marks the beginning of Alkek’s transformation.” Heath said the outcome exceeded expectations. “I’m just so proud of the Texas State community,” Heath said. “I cannot tell you what is was like coming from Old Main to Alkek and with that kind of turn out, the enthusiasm and support. It was superb.”

DEBATE

City council candidates discuss experience, disenfranchised voters at debate By Lexy Garcia NEWS REPORTER @lexytg

City council candidates, their supporters and active participants in the community gathered at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos for a debate hosted by KTSW Tuesday. Place 5 candidates Frank Arredondo and Scott Gregson, Place 6 candidate Melissa Derrick and Place 6 incumbent Shane Scott discussed

their credentials and values and asked for the support of the local electorate. Each candidate had two minutes to deliver their opening statement and one minute and 50 seconds to answer each debate question. As a former councilman and mayor, Arredondo highlighted his experience as an elected official. Arredondo said one of the reasons he felt the need to step back into public office is to increase community outreach

and make city council more inclusive. “I’ve always been one to be a voice of the disenfranchised,” Arredondo said. As an active city volunteer, Derrick spoke of her work to preserve the San Marcos River and prevent irresponsible development near local neighborhoods. “I’m here to be a voice for the people I feel have been disenfranchised (and) the neighborhoods,” Derrick said. If Derrick were to be

elected, she said her biggest apprehension would be the threat of a continued polarization of the city on important topics, such as plans for development, job growth and river management. “If we communicate and compromise, we can create a San Marcos we can be proud of,” Derrick said. Gregson spoke on behalf of San Marcos’ charm and said he hopes to keep it unique. His vision is to make San Marcos the “epicenter of Central

Texas.” Reading from a clipboard, Scott said he felt the city has been doing an excellent job providing citizens with basic necessities needed for day-today life. Scott said he believes the job of a councilman is to take leadership. “It’s about being an individual thinker that won’t be (persuaded) by special interest groups, but that will take into account the community

New investors are developing the nearly vacant Springtown Shopping Center with the aid of a tax rebate deal proposed by city officials. When Endeavor Real Estate Group purchased the Springtown Center located on IH-35 and Springtown Way in November, only a few locales of the 200,000-square-foot plaza were occupied. Endeavor plans to redevelop the center, investing as much as $25.7 million into it, said

City and county officials agreed to rebate sales and property taxes from Springtown over a 10-year period. For the first two years of the agreement 100 percent of any property taxes and 90 percent of any sales taxes generated by the center will be rebated. Both figures will drop to 80 percent for the third and fourth year, and decline by 20 percent every following year until they reach 20 percent in the final two years of the agreement, according to the article. Scott Gregson, Place 5 city council candidate said

reenergizing the center will attract more tax dollars. However, he is opposed to rebating Springtown’s sales and property taxes. “We have other needs as a city and I want to make certain that as we give away our sales and property tax dollars we continue to fund the things we must have like public safety and EMS,” Gregson said. Funding for EMS comes from general city revenue, which is supplemented by sales and property taxes, he said. Instead of the money being used for needed services, tax rebates will be

—ADRIANA CRUS, PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER SAN MARCOS PARTNERSHIP

pumped back into developing Springtown, he said. Gregson said $6 million in economic incentives was offered to the developers of the Stonecreek Crossing Center back when the project was proposed. “We’re a growing city with growing needs and because of that we have a changing landscape with respect to where our money is coming from,” Gregson said. His opponent Frank T. Arredondo, said the tax rebates will perpetuate economic development within

See SPRINGTOWN, Page 2

See AMAZON, Page 2

See DEBATE, Page 2

City, county officials approve deal to attract tenants to nearly-vacant Springtown Shopping Center Cody Buck, principal of Endeavor Real Estate Group. New additions to the Springtown Center include Spirit Halloween, Gold’s Gym and The Spot, an entertainment venue, Buck said. Gold’s Gym and The Spot will occupy the former location Target abandoned when they moved to the Stonecreek Crossing Center in March 2009. Gold’s Gym will take up 42,000 square feet, while The Spot will take up 34,000 square feet. Along with the alreadyestablished locales, the two tenants will make the center half-occupied.

“BECAUSE WE HAVE THE REAL ESTATE THEY ARE LOOKING FOR, AND A GOOD STUDENT POPULATION WITH A DRIVING WORKFORCE IN THE CITY, AMAZON COMING TO SAN MARCOS BECAME A REALITY.”

Cruz said Amazon considered building a location in San Marcos in 2012, but the company decided to add a facility to a neighboring city northeast of San Antonio, Schertz, instead. “Because we have the real estate they are looking for, and a good student population with a driving workforce in the city, Amazon coming to San Marcos became a reality,” Cruz said. She said the facility’s addition to the city will pave the way for more economic development in the future. Amazon’s San Marcos location will house smaller items including phones, cameras and toys, Cruz said. The “diverse workforce” of Austin, San Antonio and San Marcos coupled with the city’s geographical location makes the city the right spot for a new facility, Burke said. “The beauty of San Marcos is that we are sitting at the epicenter of the corridor,” said Scott Gregson, Place 5 city council candidate. “We have prime real estate, a great university, and an environmentally engaged community.” Cruz said the addition of an

CITY

By Lesly De Leon Chavez SPECIAL TO THE STAR @leslyd28

The eighth corporation on Forbes’ list of most innovative companies in the world will host its grand opening in San Marcos next December. Amazon is set to open an 850,000-square-foot facility on McCarty Lane, said Adriana Cruz, president of the Greater San Marcos Partnership. She said the operation will bring “economic gain” to the city and provide jobs for hundreds of people. Kevin Burke, economic and development coordinator for the City of San Marcos, said city officials want to push economic development and competitive enterprise. Amazon’s addition to San Marcos will bring 350 full-time positions with benefits and the possibility of up to 1,000 positions total. Cruz said that Amazon has a good track record of providing employees with benefits. City officials expect the company will provide employees with “quality jobs” complete with medical insurance and other health benefits.

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NEWS

The University Star Alexa Tavarez, News Editor @lexicanaa starnews@txstate.edu

UniversityStar.com @universitystar

FINANCE

New TSUS partnership will offer additional college aid for nontraditional students By Darcy Sprague SENIOR NEWS REPORTER @darcy_days

Higher education may soon be more accessible for nontraditional students. Texas State University System officials announced a partnership with Modern State Alliances Sept. 10 to offer a program called “Freshman Year for Free.” The program will provide free online Advanced Placement-style classes for nontraditional students beginning next fall, said Mike Wintemute, associate vice chancellor for governmental relations for TSUS. Modern States Alliances will offer 30 free online open

courses, including course material, digital textbooks and possibly online tutoring, Heintze said. After completing a course, students will be required to take its corresponding AP or College Level Examination Program test to receive credit at participating universities, he said. “(TSUS) is always looking for new ways to reduce the cost of a college degree,” Wintemute said. The “Freshman Year for Free” program is aimed at nontraditional students such as older, working adults, said Michael Heintze, associate vice president of enrollment management and marketing. “(The students) are think-

ing of going back to school, but they are unsure if they can do it,” Henitze said. “They are unsure (because) of the cost.” Students who enrolled at Texas State this fall can expect to pay at least $39,760 in tuition over the course of four years, not accounting for any increase in annual cost of room and board, according to the university’s website. Since the cost of tuition for this fall and next spring is $9,940, every hour of credit costs approximately $331, according to the website. “The program has good intent and it may have success in encouraging working adults toward a college program,” Heintze said. “It’s a great way for them to explore their pos-

the city,” Sambrano said. Patrick Ygnacio, San Marcos resident, said he came to the debate to learn more about the new candidates. “I know the voting history of the incumbent (Shane) Scott,” Ygnacio said. “I had an idea

of who I was going to vote for after following the candidates on social media. (The debate) reinforced where I’m currently sitting.” Ygnacio said he wished not to reveal which candidate he is planning to vote for.

sibilities.” “If (the program) helps a person realize a dream and improve their ability to support their family, that’s what higher education is about,” Heintze said. Wintemute said 57 percent of students take out loans for their first year at Texas State. The program could help decrease that percentage. TSUS is the first public system in Texas to partner with the program. Wintemute said TSUS officials began discussing the possibility of a partnership with Modern States Alliance during the summer. Presidents from each university within the system met to discuss the topic of partnership before

the announcement was made. “As a public university system, our first mission is to educate Texas,” Wintemute said. “While there might be concern for loss of revenue, there is a greater good—giving students an opportunity to reach goals.” He said 72 percent of students have to work while earning their college degree. “Anything we can do to reduce the burden on (students) is worth it,” Wintemute said. Rodrigo Lozano, biology senior, said he came to the university with enough credit from AP tests to be considered a junior. “The AP tests allowed me to cut down on the amount of hours that I have to take,”

Lozano said. “That saved me a lot of money.” Lozano said he estimates that he saved nearly $32,000. He is going to use the money he saved to further his dream of becoming a doctor. “My dad never finished college,” Lozano said. “So he has to work really hard to support his family. My dad really pushes me to work hard now so that I can have a better life.” Lozano said his dad works two jobs and worries about finances. “AP tests gave me a chance at college,” Lozano said. “I don’t regret a single test I took, even the ones I didn’t get credit for. I would have taken more if I could.”

DEBATE, from front as a whole,” Scott said. Zachariah Sambrano, business management junior, said he attended the debate to support Arredondo. “Arredondo speaks for those in the community who don’t have proper representation in

“IF WE COMMUNICATE AND COMPROMISE, WE CAN CREATE A SAN MARCOS WE CAN BE PROUD OF.” —MELISSA DERRICK, PLACE 6 CANDIDATE SAM KING STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Other members of debate dissent as Shane Scott discusses his plans for re-election Sept. 23 at the Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos.

SPRINGTOWN, from front by pumping dollars back into the shopping center. “We’re not getting any (taxes) now as it is,” Arredondo said. “We’re not getting the value that we should be getting from it, because it’s vacant.” He said any property taxes collected are going to be something the city didn’t have anyways. “The mere presence of things happening in the part of town is a benefit to the community,” Arredondo said. Shane Scott, incumbent candidate for Place 6, agrees with Arredondo regarding the tax rebate agreement. “We need Springtown developed,” Scott said. “It’s the gateway to our city, so if it’s just empty it makes our city look rundown.” The agreement allows investors to feel confident they’re building something that’s backed by city and county officials, Scott said.

AMAZON, from front “I’d like to see it bustling with activity,” Arredondo said. “It’s going to be good because there’ll be not only activity but there’ll be revenue coming in—property taxes, sales taxes and the additional consumption within the surrounding area.” Representatives from Endeavor Real Estate Group are very excited about the direction and momentum the center will have, Buck said. “Both tenants are large traffic drivers and will be bringing customers into the project on a regular basis,” Buck said. The real estate group is continuing to attract other business to revive the nearly vacant shopping center, Buck said. “We continue to market the project to the best-in-class operators and look forward to continued success while also understanding that projects like this take time,” Buck said.

Amazon facility is important because city officials want more jobs available for students, which should allow them to stay in San Marcos after graduation. Cruz said if big corporations like Amazon continue to look at San Marcos as a possible location, the ability to keep students in the city post-graduation is higher. “Maintaining students

here in San Marcos has been difficult in the past, but we can change that,” Cruz said. “The fact that a globally recognized company chose San Marcos is really going to put us on the map.” Gregson said he wants San Marcos to grow in a “positive way” without losing the roots of what the community is about. The city could easily lose its

culture and natural environment if officials are not careful about mass development. “We need to grow in a way that respects the environment and ourselves,” Gregson said. “If we do this in a smart way, we can bring economic development and preserve what makes our city so special.” Burke said his main goal as an economic developer is

to bring positive investment to the community. He predicts other companies will follow in the city’s footsteps in the near future. Cruz said the beauty of San Marcos is the university attracts companies willing to make development investments in the city. “We have so many assets to offer, and this is a game-changer for our city,” Cruz said.

Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.

CITY

Blanco Vista Elementary implementing new tactics to improve campus climate after former principal resigns By Lexy Garcia NEWS REPORTER @lexytg

Hays CISD officials are aiming to thaw “tense” relations at Blanco Vista Elementary School after instating a new principal. Since the resignation of former principal Rebecca Shea, Sandra Valdez has been selected to fill the position. Shea resigned back in April as a result of the petition submitted by parents and faculty upset with her management style. In response, Hays CISD officials plan to implement all recommendations from the findings of K12 Insight focus groups formed amid her resignation, said Tim Savoy, public information officer for Hays CISD. “We heard the folks that protested and we’re gonna COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge

do a better job on our end to address those complaints more thoroughly and quickly,” Savoy said. Many parents stated in board meetings back in April that they were unhappy with how Shea treated the duallanguage program. “The awareness and sensitivity to the concerns are now heightened by the administration both at the campus and district level,” Savoy said. According to the K12 Insight summary, Shea immediately announced her intention to leave Hays district and move out of state after focus groups were conducted.

Shea’s letter of resignation indicated her departure was “unrelated to recent events regarding Blanco Vista.” Shea finished the 2014-2015 school year as principal. Valdez, former principal of Jose Damian Elementary School, has an extensive background in managing bilingual programs and student bodies. Savoy said Blanco Vista has begun working toward creating a site-based advisory board, including Spanishspeaking volunteers and parents from all special programs the school accommodates to thaw tension on campus. The advisory boards will conduct

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and evaluate the dual language program, implement a social and emotional learning program and evaluate protocols for addressing campus complaints. The focus groups included perspectives from parents and staff groups, Savoy said. K12 aimed to define what could be done to improve the atmosphere of the campus through four main components.

K12 Insight’s summary concluded that faculty relations and support, parent and community involvement and campus leadership and programs and service were the main components that needed to be addressed. Spanish-speaking parents and staff of the focus group said the climate of the school changed when Shea started at Blanco Vista. Shea was

described as lacking interpersonal skills and made decisions that were not always in students’ best interests, according to some participants of the focus groups. “Sometimes there are situations that are not easy to talk about,” Savoy said. “We’re pleased with the detail of the report.”

Thursday, September 24, 2015 | 3

The University Star

LIFESTYLE

Mariah Simank, Lifestyle Editor @MariahSimank starlifestyle@txstate.edu

UniversityStar.com @universitystar

UNIVERSITY

Coming up: Library special events By Denise Cervantes LIFESTYLE REPORTER @cervantesdenise

When most students go to the library, they don’t expect to come across a board game from the ‘90s or the opportunity to meet their favorite author. However, Alkek Library is working to make those events and more a reality for students throughout the fall semester.

OCTOBER On Oct. 1, Joan Heath, associate vice president and university librarian, said students will have a chance to read excerpts of banned books from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. during the “Read-out” event. “People can sign up for a five-minute reading slot or upload a video of themselves reading a banned book, and we will be having a playlist going in the Instant Theatre,” Heath said. In addition to Banned Book Week, students can also view a screening of the film Who is Dayani Cristal? Oct. 21 as part of the library’s film series, Heath said. Heath said the film’s premise relates to this year’s common experience theme. “It is about a migrant who died crossing the border to the United States,” Heath said. “It is a story about who this missing person was, his family and tracing his steps and what happened.”

NOVEMBER November will consist of five major events, including an open house, game night and the first Long Night event of the semester. The library will be hosting a retro-style game night Nov.

4 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., which will offer students the opportunity to play a variety of ‘90s board games, Heath said. Heath said the event was created in honor of Alkek’s 25th anniversary and the class of 1990. One of the month’s biggest events will be Alkek’s open house Nov. 7 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Heath said. The event is designed to showcase the library’s collections and services with a particular focus on the organization’s new 3D printer. Liz King, library experience librarian, said the open house is a great a way to show off resources that may be unfamiliar to students, faculty and members of the community. “The open house is a way for us to share with members of the public who don’t know what our future plans are and what’s really cool in libraries,” King said. Alkek will be hosting Rodrigo Moya’s Photography and Conscience exhibition reception on Nov. 15 from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Heath said. Moya’s gallery is already on display in the Wittliff collections, but the reception will offer guests the opportunity to meet the artist. “We are having the official opening and book signing for that event,” Heath said. “Moya will be here, which is also very exciting and a great opportunity for all of us.” King said the first “Long Night @ Alkek” event will be held Nov. 17, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. The event, co-hosted by the Student Learning Assistance Center, Brilliant Bobcats and the on-campus housing facilities, is scheduled to occur prior to Thanksgiving break to help students finish their assignments before going

SAM KING STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Alkek Library prepares for events celebrating 25-year anniversary.

home, King said. “We’re trying to help students on projects that they procrastinate on,” King said. “You can come for that long night, and we’re right here with you.” The long night will consist of study help and stress relief stations, King said. “There’s a silent dance party, bubble wrap station, yoga,” King said. “So you go from station to station to studying, but you also get study breaks.” Heath said November will end with Geographic Information System Day on Nov.

18. Heath said the library recently hired a GIS specialist who will teach students and staff how to use the technology. “We will be demonstrating using GIS in various ways,” Heath said. “We just want to promote and help campus students and everyone on campus become more aware on how GIS is used.”

DECEMBER Heath said the library teamed up with a local volunteer organization to bring trained therapy dogs into the

library Dec. 7-8 after a lot of success with the event in the past. Students can visit with the animals from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. to help relieve anxiety before final exams. “This is just a stress reliever during final exams, and that is why we keep doing it,” Heath said. “It’s a successful event. You’d be surprised by how many students come by. It’s just a little break.” To end the semester at Alkek, the library will be hosting its “25 Hours @ Alkek” event Dec. 8-9 from 8 a.m.-9 a.m, said Sarah Naper, director of research and learning

services. The event aims to help students prepare for their final exams, Naper said. “We do this towards the end of the semester knowing people will be coming here with final exam anxiety,” Naper said. “The idea is to come here and for 25 hours we will be here to assist you more than what we even normally are.”

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OPINIONS

The University Star Brandon Sams, Opinions Editor @TheBrandonSams staropinion@txstate.edu

UniversityStar.com @universitystar

THE MAIN POINT

Women, girls should never feel inadequate

he Emmys aired on Sept. 20 and it was quite the night for women. Unfortunately, it was only a novelty. The proper representation and appreciation of women in media is a thing we all need a little bit more of. There is much to be desired in the diversity department of the media we all consume on a daily basis. Women are being left out of the process and ignored for their male contemporaries. Vanity Fair came under fire last week after announcing that late-night television was better than ever. The only problem? Not a single woman was included in their 11-person spread. Although primetime audiences are largely female at a rate of almost 2 to 1, the numbers clearly do not translate to the diversity of the talent portrayed. Network executives still think it’s a better idea to keep trucking along with the lone-man narrative of late-night comedy shows, instead of progressing along with America’s demographics. Even worse are the shallow portrayals women are usually reduced to in media. There is little else women are allowed to portray or embody beyond youth, beauty and sexuality. We should shy away from teaching girls their identity and value lies in their physical attractiveness and its benefit for the male gaze. To curb this problem, instituting the Bechdel Test would be a good start to reaching equity in representation for women in media. The Bechdel test has one simple rule: a work of fiction has to feature at least two women, with names, who converse with one another about something

BIRMY MICHELE STAR ILLUSTRATOR

ISRAEL GONZALEZ STAR ILLUSTRATOR more than just a man. Simple enough concept, yet barely half of 2015 films passed this simple test. The inequalities continue to exist because those behind the cameras stayed the same while the country progressed. Content is only as good as its creator, and if a creator sees the world from a male perspective, then the content produced will predominantly be from a male focal point. According to the Women in Media Center, in 2013 94 percent and 87 percent of theatrical directors and writers were men, respectively. As a result, a disproportionate number of the lead talents were men, as the gender of the director and writer informed the focal point and center narrative. Women made up only 25 percent

of theatrical leads in 2013, and that is an abysmally low number. To add insult to injury, the highest paid actress in 2014, Angelina Jolie, made about the same as the two lowest-paid male actors on the same list—$33 million per project. Not only are women being denied equal representation, but they are also being paid less for it. Women are 51 percent of the American population—they are the majority. Women are only asking for their fair share of the media pie. Achieving equality in media should not be an act of Congress. It is imperative that people can see themselves as fleshed-out, multidimensional characters in the media they consume. The underlying message behind a lack of representa-

tion is that women do not matter—at least not as much as their male counterparts. Their narratives are not important, their voices are not legitimate and their representation is an afterthought. Showrunners and movie directors can barely manage to have women in roles other than love interests for the male characters who take precedent. With more women making the executive decisions behind the camera, multidimensional depictions of women in front of the lenses will be sure to follow. No longer will databases have to wonder whether or not more than half of the movies within a given year pass the simple test of having women talk to one another at least once about more than just a man. After all, without women

there would be no men—the least the media could do is provide parity in female depictions. Women can be more than beautiful actresses portraying a man’s object of affection. The lives of women do not center on or revolve around men. While there is nothing wrong with adhering to the status quo of beauty and sexuality, the problem arises when that is all a woman is expected to do. The cultural image of what a woman’s value is supposed to be as it relates to media images is a damaging one—especially to the psyche of young girls and ambitious women who may strive to be more and seen as better. The key to aspiring is having an example—a model. Without an idol to

represent that something is possible, people feel as if it’s unattainable. Women and girls should never feel as though they are inadequate because the media portrays them as less present than their male counterparts. It is time for the media to reflect the society. It is not a man’s world anymore. Women are making strides in the workforce and communities everywhere. The world is the oyster of little boys everywhere. They know they can do anything because this world has been altered in their favor. Now, it is the women’s time. They have been eagerly waiting their turn for millennia and it’s about time society gave it to them. Time to shine, ladies, now’s your chance— lights, camera, action!

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.

POLICE

Police brutality not just a black problem

Mikala Everett OPINIONS COLUMNIST

@Mikala_Maqella

t is important that we acknowledge all lives lost to law enforcers. Sandra Bland and Freddie Gray have garnered major media attention, but many other cases of police brutality against minorities can fall to the wayside. Police and law enforcement officials are employed to uphold the law and protect this country’s citizens. How are minorities or any individuals in this country supposed to feel safe when there are cases like Antonio Zombrano-Montes and Sureshbhai Patel’s occurring all across the country? Antonio ZombranoMontes was a migrant orchard worker in Washington who was shot and killed by law enforcement officers after surrendering. Now, his wife has no

husband to love and his mother, no son to adore. Meanwhile, 57-year-old Sureshbhai Patel was walking down the street when cops were called because there was reportedly a “skinny black guy” looking “suspicious.” Turns out, Patel is not African-American but a man from India who came to America to visit his son and grandchild. The cops forced Patel to the ground upon making contact, injuring his spine and partially paralyzing the man for life. He is someone’s father and grandfather. Imagine what it must feel like to see a loved one paralyzed by the same people Americans trust to keep them safe and protected. Over 850 lives have been lost to police, ranging from white to brown and, of course, black. 850 families now have a gaping hole where their loved one once resided. Police did not protect those who they swore to keep safe over 850 times. These people are gone now—no longer laughing, smiling, fighting and loving. The saddest part is that this number continues to grow. Black lives matter, as do Latino lives, Indian

The University Star Editor-in-Chief...........................................Kelsey Bradshaw, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor.......................Imani McGarrell, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters................................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor....................................................Alexa Tavarez, starnews@txstate.edu Sports Editor.............................................Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor.........................................Mariah Simank, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Brandon Sams, staropinion@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor......................................Preslie Cox, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief....................................Abby Marshall, starcopychief@txstate.edu

lives, Asian lives and white lives. I refuse to say “all lives matter” because the intent of that phrase is to take the power, meaning and intention away from the “Black Lives Matter” movement. The “Black Lives Matter” rallying cry was not made to say black lives are more important. The movement was created to say black lives also matter in a society that has historically and routinely dehumanized us as people, and continues to do so. We all need to stand together now, because police violence is not just the black fight—this is the American fight. Americans everywhere are fighting for a country everyone can feel safe in. Please Bobcats, when you happen to be pulled over or approached by law enforcement, be polite, respectful and compliant—no matter what your race is. Think not only of yourself, but family, friends and the people you have yet to meet. This is not a rant against police and law enforcement, but a plea to my fellow students and friends to please be careful with their lives. If we won’t, who will?

FOOTBALL

Adding a deaf section to Bobcat Stadium good idea for university

Autumn Sprabary OPINIONS COLUMNIST

@AutumnSpabary

new season of football has begun at Texas State, but this year the football experience will mean a lot more to a specific group of students: the deaf. Bobcat Stadium will now have a specific section for hearing-impaired students to enjoy the game and all the thrills just as much as everyone else. The addition of a section for deaf fans at Bobcat Stadium is probably the most exciting universityrelated announcement I have heard since classes started. The section, which is located on the 35-yard line, will seat up to 1,000 fans. The hearing impaired and those fluent in sign language will gain access to the reserved seating and have their ticket price discounted from $25 down to $10. The section will host an interpreter, who will translate the com-

mentator coverage during the game. I could not be more thrilled for the equality and opportunity being extended to the Bobcats that make Texas State the diverse campus it is. Football games are loaded with different sounds and conversation, which contribute to creating an exciting atmosphere. I cannot speak on behalf of the hearing impaired, but attending a football game is an immersive experience for pretty much all five senses. I can imagine those who may not have use of all their senses may feel as though they are missing something because aspects of the experiences are inconveniently foreign to them. But with the new seating section added to the stadium, the hearing impaired can now be included in every aspect of the game. As a matter of fact, I feel like we should provide this kind of opportunity everywhere. Hearing-impaired students are not just football fans— they are Bobcat fans. Texas State should provide sections for the hearing impaired at every school function. Volleyball and basketball games—heck, even the Quidditch team—would have a better turnout if the school were to provide an equal opportunity for every student to enjoy all of the

activities Texas State has to offer. My passion may seem random or inauthentic, but there is a reason I am such an advocate for this cause. Throughout school, I played sports with a friend of mine, Isabella, who was deaf. Isabella was extremely athletic and would start for just about any team she would play on. When she was not playing, she was attending games and learning from the players by observing them. Isabella had this opportunity because the school provided an interpreter to accompany her to these games. Hearing impaired students are still students. They like to have a good time, just like anyone else at Texas State. As Texas State continues to progress in its quest for equity and diversity, students have the obligation to speak up and tell the school what they expect from their university . Texas State has made incredible strides to make their campus a mosaic of students, but it still has a ways to go. In the near future, students with disabilities of any kind will hopefully have the opportunity to go out and support their school. In the meantime, I would say the football team has gained a new and pretty awesome section of fans. Go Bobcats! 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666

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Design Editor...............................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor............................Anna Herod, starasstnews@txstate.edu Account Executive............................................Hanna Katz, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Morgan Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive..........................Angelica M. Espinoza, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.......................................... Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...............................Kelsey Nuckolls, kjn16@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator........................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday 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 Thursday, September 24, 2015. 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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Thursday, September 24, 2015 | 5

The University Star

SPORTS

Quixem Ramirez, Sports Editor @quixem starsports@txstate.edu

UniversityStar.com @universitystar

FOOTBALL

BOBCATS FACE FAMILIAR FOE IN LAST NON-CONFERENCE GAME By Paul Livengood ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @IamLivengood

Similar to the game against Prairie View A&M, there is a sense of familiarity with Houston, due to the large majority of Texas State’s players being from that area. These are players some Bobcats played either with or against in high school. Being focused for this game should not be an issue for Texas State. If Texas State shows up to the Cougars’ backyard like they did in 2012, the Bobcats will be ready to play. “They’ll speak to it better than I, but I remember in pregame warm-up that night asking a couple of our coaches, ‘Wow. We are kind of weird here, what’s going on?’” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “What it was is they were really ready to play. They had their pencil sharp and they were spot-on.” Family and friends will be in attendance for a lot of these Houston-bred Bobcats, including Demun Mercer, sophomore wide receiver. Mercer hopes to perform well in front of his home crowd. “I’m back home,” Mercer said. “I’m in the backyard. We have to be on the same page from the game plan to focus. I know we will have a lot of fans and friends hitting us up, but we have to stay focused and dedicated.” Mercer, Jafus Gaines, senior wide receiver, and Tim Gay, senior linebacker, went to Chavez High School and played football together with and against a number of players on the Houston Cougars roster. Mercer said that even though they are familiar with these players, he and his teammates have to stay focused and keep working hard, because he knows the Cougars are working just as much as the Bobcats. Familiarity extends beyond the players, too. Houston Associate Head Coach Craig Naivar worked for Texas State under Franchione as a defensive coordinator from 2011-2013. “Oh, I think both of us knows how the other thinks,” Franchione said. “We both have to make some adjustments to make sure we don’t think like we always think. Craig has spent several days defending us before, although we have changed a lot since he was here. We’ve changed a lot of our vocabulary.” The vocabulary may have changed since Naivar left, but the concepts remain the same. Texas State still runs an up-tempo, spread offense Naivar is accustomed to seeing.

The coaching factor will probably have a higher impact on the outcome of the game due to this familiarity between personnel. Both teams carry a highpowered, balanced offense dependent on the quarterback. Houston averages 295.5 passing yards per game to Texas State’s 270.3, and the Cougars rush for 246 yards per game while the Bobcats run for 243. Both teams average 43 points per game, but where they differ is the defensive side. Texas State’s defense has been exposed in different ways this season. First, it was the athleticism of Florida State. Then Prairie View A&M exposed the Bobcats in the air, throwing for 323 yards. Southern Mississippi excelled through the air and on the ground, throwing for 333 yards and running for another 280. On the flip side, the Cougars’ defense has held strong. The Cougars are holding their opponents to 49.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. This is a crucial point of emphasis, because the run game is Texas State’s biggest strength as a team. Tyler Jones, junior quarterback, leads the team with 247 rushing yards, followed by Rob Lowe, senior running back, with 207. Chris Nutall, senior running back, has 122 rushing yards to finish the three-headed rushing attack. Cougars are a 16.5 points favorite at home. However, don’t let the point spread fool you. The last time these two schools crossed paths, the point spread was almost double this year’s, and the outcome was far from expected. “That was a special night,” Franchione said. “Our first game in FBS level football

STAR FILE PHOTO

and I think we were something like a 36.5-point underdog, maybe the largest point spread in college football history to win. That was a very memorable evening.” Fast-forward to three years later, and the Cougars and Bobcats meet again. The Bobcats are on the brink of going 1-3 entering a front-end heavy conference schedule. “If we got through it 2-2, it would be better with a road win out of it,” Franchione said. “But no matter what, next Sunday the non-conference schedule is over, and you start conference play. Right now, we just need to focus about being 1-0 this week and then get to open week and evaluate what we can fix. Then we’ll get ready for the long haul of conference play.”

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