DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 TUESDAY, JUNE 4,2018
@universitystar | universitystar.com
Volume 107, Issue 29
SUMMER IN SMTX LIFESTYLE Healthy Summer Stay mentally and physically healthy this summer. |PAGE 3|
TUITION
Tuition rates continue to hike
Summer Jobs
How to make money this summer |PAGE 3|
OPINION
Students deserve fair funding |PAGE 6|
Alcoholism
Romanticizing alcoholism |PAGE 6| Clear skies over Texas State Capitol
SPORTS Tennis See whats to come. |PAGE 8|
Baseball Season Recap See what you missed this season |PAGE 8|
STAR FILE PHOTO
By Brittlin Richardson News Reporter Tuition has continued to rise across public Texas universities due to unprioritized funding by the Texas Legislature. Compared to the cost of 15 hours in the fall of 2008 at $2,550, the cost of tuition will be $4,167 in the fall of 2018 totaling a 49 percent increase within the past ten years. The majority of the 38 public
universities in Texas have increased tuition rates for upcoming years. Between the fall of 2017 and the fall of 2018, Texas State increased tuition by $123. The University of Texas increased its tuition between $99-$114 and Texas A&M University increased between $276 and $367, both varying among majors. The Permanent University Fund, the second largest endowment in the world, was established 1876 in the Texas Constitution to benefit UT and TAMU
by setting aside 2.1 million acres in West Texas to be leased by oil, gas and other revenue-generating companies. Between 2004 and 2013, appropriations gained by the PUF funded nearly $1.5 billion in projects for the universities, allocated as two-thirds for UT and one-thirds for TAMU. .
SEE PAGE 3 TUITION
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
AWARD
Schools increase security measures
Student wins national writing award
By Erin Copeland News Reporter The May 18 Santa Fe high school shooting that left 10 people dead has local law enforcement agencies preparing in the event of a future attack on school grounds. As of June 4, 45 school shootings have occurred on school grounds in America. Texas has faced five alone, leading to the creation of Gov. Gregg Abbott's School Safety and Firearm Action Plan. The University Police Department is tasked with preventing and responding to these incidents. Captain Rickey Lattie, UPD interim director, said all officers are trained at The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center on campus. It is the primary institute for active shooter training. "We practice the ALERRT recommended avoid, deny, defend, which is first avoid contact and then deny access by of course locking down buildings, locking doors, things like
By David West Life & Arts Reporter
The sun sets June 4 over San Marcos High School. PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
that," Lattie said. "As a last resort, defend yourself. That is actually our practice recommendation. It is a fairly in-depth training. Our officers are well equipped."
SEE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS PAGE 3
The Society for Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards the Mark of Excellence Award to student journalists throughout the country. This year, a Texas State student was honored as a national finalist for general column writing. Tafari Robertson graduated with a public relations degree. but not before leaving his mark. Robertson won the SPJ 2017 Mark of Excellence Award for General Column Writing as KTSW’s multimedia director in 2016 before moving to The University Star his senior year. However, he didn’t consider his writing to be worth national notice.
SEE AWARD PAGE 5
SLAUGHTER
University's collaboration with U.S. Army and kill-buyers raises concern By Sandra Sadek Assitant News Editor Texas State is being accused of collaborating with kill-buyers sending Louisiana horses to slaughterhouses in Mexico, through their on-going work with the U.S Army. The university's involvement with the U.S. Army in Fort Polk became controversially known from a twitter post by user @EKBMary, claiming the actions bring shame to the state of Louisiana, where Fort Polk is located. The post was accompanied by the hashtags #Killbuyers, which are individuals that purchase horses with the intent of selling them to slaughterhouses,
and #HorseSlaughter. Several entities were tagged to the post including Texas State's Anthropology Department and various Louisiana news outlets. The university's Integrated Natural and Cultural Resources Team received $1.75 million worth of tasks orders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2017. The team is led by Todd Ahlman, director of the Center for Archaeological Studies, and is comprised of specialists from programs and departments throughout the university. Ahlman said the awarded project is to address trespassing horses, wild horses who accidentally enter the army base at Fort Polk in Louisiana. However, due to contract restriction, he could not divulge
any more information. "As part of our partnership with the U.S. Army at Ft. Polk, Texas State was asked to help manage horses on the post out of concerns for military personnel and animal safety," Ahlman stated in an email. "As a result, nonprofit groups like Freedom Reins and St. Landry Parish Animal Control and Rescue are finalizing the successful adoption of 76 horses." According to a declaration by Milton Wayne Fariss, the integrated training area management coordinator for the U.S Army at Fort Polk, Texas State University is helping Fort Polk with the capture, maintenance and transfer of wild, trespass horses on the base. As the primary contract holder, the
team hired Thompson Horse Lot, a business intending to sell horses for a profit, run by Gary Thompson, his brother Erby Thompson and Gary's son Jacob Thompson to aid the university in their task. If the horses are not sold within a certain amount of time, they are shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico, which is described on one of their Facebook posts as what the horses were intentionally purchased for. The biggest concern among animal defense organizations is the university's collaboration with this kill pen and the criminal history of the owners of the business.
SEE SLAUGHTER PAGE 2
The University Star
2 | Tuesday, June 5, 2018
NEWS
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DROUGHT
San Marcos enters drought restrictions By Evelin Garcia Senior News Reporter
Editors Editor-in-Chief: Carrington Tatum, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor: Katie Burrell, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu News Editor: Sawyer Click, starnews@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor: Diana Furman, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor: Zach Ienatsch, staropinion@txstate.edu Sports Editor: Anthony Flores, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief: Bayley Bogus, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor: Gloria Rivera, stardesign@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor: Cameron Hubbard, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Engagement Editor: Tyler Hernandez, starsocial@txstate.edu
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About Us History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 5,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, June 5, 2018. 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. Deadlines: Letters to the Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to publication. Corrections: Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and are brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible. Visit The Star at universitystar.com
Sawyer Click News Editor @Sawyerdabear
As Texas faces its hottest summer in years, the current drought has enacted limited water use for the City of San Marcos. The Edwards Aquifer, which flows directly into the San Marcos Springs, has dropped to 657 feet below sea level, calling for the Edwards Aquifer Authority to call stage one water-use restrictions into place as of May 21. The Edwards Aquifer Authority works to conserve and preserve the Edwards aquifer. It regulates Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer and oversees the Uvalde, Medina, Bexar, Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal and Hays counties. The stage 1 water-use restrictions limit the use of sprinklers to one day per week on a designated weekday determined by address. Irrigation using house-end sprinklers is allowed on designated weekdays from midnight to 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight. Irrigation with automatic systems is allowed once on the designated weekday from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning. Watering and using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed on any day at any time. Ann-Margaret Gonzalez, communication specialist for the Edwards Aquifer Authority, said the significance of stage 1 drought restrictions means people in the community need to lessen their withdrawal of water by 20 percent. “May is the make or break month," Gonzalez said. "The stages are
University drains fountain in front of student center. PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
based on the amount of rainfall we experience throughout the region. The stages are critical; they help us ensure that there’s water for people in the region.” Tom Taggart, the Public Services Executive Director for the city of San Marcos, said the aquifer levels drop rapidly because of high demand. “It’s essential that we all do our part to reduce water use now in order to avoid additional drought restrictions later,” Taggart said. Jan Klein, conservation coordinator of San Marcos, asks the community to comply to the restrictions in order to
avoid hitting higher drought stages. “We have no patrols for stage 1," Klein said. "We rely on our customers to tell us if someone is not following the restrictions. The whole point is to prevent the city from getting into those higher stages.” From August to November in 2014, Klein said the city of San Marcos reached stage 4 drought restrictions. Determining water-use restrictions is weather dependent. Cooperation from the community is important. For more information on stage 1 restrictions, visit sanmarcostx.gov/ droughtresponse.
FROM FRONT SLAUGHTER One of the employers of Thompson Horse Lot, Jacob Thompson, was arrested Aug. 21, 2014, in Sallisaw, Okla., and was charged with second-degree theft of livestock. Thompson purchased almost 200 head of cattle in September 2013 from an auction without attempting to pay the $159,498 bill. In April 2016, he was charged again and sentenced to 10 years probation for theft of livestock and second-degree felony theft. Thompson attempted to purchase 400 head of cattle with fraudulent checks totaling $300,000. At a January 2018 adjudicatory hearing, Jacob Thompson was held liable for five Lousiana Department of Agriculture violations: selling livestock without a permit, engaging in commercial sale of livestock without a surety bond, transporting animals across state lines without proper health certificates, transporting equines across state lines without EIA certificates, and improper disposal of animal remains. When contacted, Thompson Horse Lot told The University Star to contact the university instead, as they said they were not interested in speaking. The U.S. Army is receiving backlash from animal and equine defense organizations for the involvement of the Thompsons in the removal of the horses at Fort Polk and for the supposed mistreatment of the animals there. Several animals rights organizations and horse experts have voiced their disapproval of the U.S. Army's tactics when it comes to handling and managing the horses along with the involvement of the Thompsons, prompting various petitions to circulate, asking local and concerned individuals to help put a stop to the army's work at Fort Polk. Pegasus Equine Guardian Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting wild horses in Louisiana, has been in a legal battle against the US Army since 2015. "Our goal is for them to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act," Amy Hanchey, president of Pegasus Equine, said. "Although we are focused on the army, we
"The Choctaw horse is threatened with extinction and the Spanish type is rare and is now itself in need of conservation,"
-Phillip Sponenberg
want to get the word out to the public and raise awareness." A preliminary injunction took place on Jan. 30, 2018, between Pegasus Equine and the U.S Army. They are currently waiting for the magistrate to rule on the evidence presented. An official amicus curiae brief filed by Phillip Sponenberg, a professor of pathology and genetics at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, who has studied horses for over 45 years, was used by Pegasus Equine in their preliminary injunction against the U.S Army to demonstrate the potential harm in removing the horses. According to Sponenberg's amicus brief,
some of the breeds at Fort Polk are in danger. "The Choctaw horse is threatened with extinction and the Spanish type is rare and is now itself in need of conservation," Sponenberg stated in his amicus brief. "Colonial Spanish horses are of great historic importance in the New World, and are one of only a very few genetically unique horse breeds worldwide. They have both local and global importance for genetic conservation." The attorney for Pegasus Equine, Machelle Hall, said the wild horses moved from Fort Polk often contract diseases their immune system is not used to, resulting in their death. An email correspondence between Ahlman and Jacob Thompson confirms there have been cases where captured horses were diagnosed with strangles, a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract of horses, causing enlargement of the lymph nodes in the throat, which may impair breathing. "Any animal that takes on change to a new environment becomes prone to sickness, especially when they take on rain and snow and temperature changes like that group did," Jacob Thompson stated in a Feb. 7, 2018email. Concerned citizens have reached out to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry regarding the mistreatment of the horses at Fort Polk. John Walther, assistant commissioner for animal health and safety in the department, has been issuing the following statement to concerned citizens: "We appreciate your concern for the welfare of the horses at Fort Polk and their capture and relocation. The Office of State Veterinarian within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is charged with the control of animal disease. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has assisted the federal government with testing the Fort Polk horses for Equine Infectious Anemia and Equine Piroplasmosis to prevent the spread of disease. However, Fort Polk is a federal enclave over which the United States has jurisdiction pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 52:1 and 40 U.S.C. § 3111. The United States Army has contracted with Texas State University for the relocation of the Fort Polk horses. Concerns about handling of the horses should be addressed to the US Army or Texas State University." Texas State began working with the U.S. Army at the beginning of the 2017-18 academic year, as stated in President Trauth's News from the Hill newsletter. According to the newsletter, the team will conduct archaeological surveys and support the management of cultural resources at U.S. Air Force bases and training facilities in eight states. The cooperative agreement between the university and the U.S. Army titled Horse Capture and Maintenance, is set to last 12 months, from Sept. 30, 2017, to Sept. 29, 2018, as stated in a U.S. Army Grant or Cooperative Agreement Award signed Sept. 30, 2017. The University Star reached out to representatives of Fort Polk for more information. No response was received.
The University Star
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | 3
NEWS
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
Sawyer Click News Editor @Sawyerdabear
STAFF
Special assistant for inclusion and diversity to begin work next month By Geoff Sloan News Reporter In response to April's student-led sitin protest, Texas State Office of the Provost announced Scott Bowman, criminal justice associate professor, will become the university’s first Special Assistant to the provost for inclusion and diversity. Students demanded the assembly of a task force of cabinet members, student leaders and faculty to address any other campus climate issues, among other demands. Eugene Bourgeois , provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, described what the newly created position will entail. "Bowman will develop programs that facilitate an inclusive academic climate," Bourgeois said. "(Bowman will) promote the recruitment and advancement of all faculty and ensure the policies and practices that affect
faculty is fair." After consulting Associate Provost Debbie Thorne and President Denise Trauth, a screening committee made recommendations to Bourgeois. The committee included Thorne, Dean of the College of Applied Arts Jaime Chahin and Chair of the Department of Communications Disorders Valarie Fleming. The selection process was limited to tenured faculty at Texas State and utilized campus community feedback from an anonymous survey. Bowman pursued the position because he believes the campus climate is currently fractured. Communication is one aspect Bowman hopes to improve in his new position. "I think there are a lot of things the administration and faculty on campus do and have done in order to produce a more diverse and inclusive community," Bowman said. "But it's not always publicized."
Bowman noticed how some students at the sit-in were not aware the Latina/o studies minor would be available in the coming fall. He believes there should be more conversation, publication and communication about diverse topics. "Ensuring that information is getting out matters and I think it's important," Bowman said. Najha Marshall, microbiology sophomore and president of PanAfrican Action Committee, looks forward to working more directly with the provost’s office this upcoming year. With PAAC’s strong focus on students this past year, Marshall wants to also include work with the provost’s office to ensure students’ needs are met. “I think that (Bowman) will actually push the Provost to make (the administration) think about some changes, making it more equal and making sure all students have the resources they need.” "What we do is student-centered, first
Criminal justice professor Scott Bowman stands outside the criminal justice building. PHOTO BY GEOFF SLOAN
and foremost," Bowman said. "If it's not resonating with the students then it doesn't mean anything."
FROM FRONT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS Lattie said students play a large role in preventing these attacks. Once risks are identified, UPD's team of faculty, staff, psychologists, doctors and police officers proactively work to stop problems before they occur. "If you see behavior that's concerning to you, one of the first things we ask you to do is call the police department and let us know," Lattie said. "We're going to look at the case you've forwarded to us and then we'll usually make contact with them, find out if there's anything going on that should be concerning, or if they need assistance or help." Andrew Fernandez, SMCISD's executive director of communication and
community relations, said their schools have several safety measures in place. These include drills hosted by the SMPD and faculty with an open-door policy. The district has social and emotional counselors at all campus locations. In addition, SMCISD schools only have one entry point into the main building of their campuses, which require each person to be buzzed in. "I don't think there's a magical answer to why these situations are taking place or why they're not taking place at certain districts," Fernandez said. "All we can do is prepare for situations like this and have conversations with our students and make sure their needs are met from a teacher
standpoint, a counselor standpoint, an administration (standpoint). That's the ultimate goal: to make sure when they come to school every morning they feel safe." SMCISD partners with SMPD. Community Services Officer Sergeant Rich Mizanin said a step SMPD has taken is establishing that school resource officers maintain an active presence on campuses. "The San Marcos police department had two full-time school resource officers trained through the National Association of School Resource Officers to deal with any type of incidents that could come up in a high school setting," Mizanin said.
Another product of this partnership is mental health officers, which are available to aid in preventative measures once risks have been identified. "If the school resource officers are referred to deal with a student, they'll contact the mental health officers that we have here at the police department," Mizanin said. "We currently have three full-time mental health officers whose only job is to deal with any type of mental health-related case." Suspicious behavior can be reported to SMPD at 512-753-2108
FROM FRONT TUITION Jennifer Beck, director of Retention Management and Planning, said although reasons for students leaving the university are individualized, finances are always within the top five reasons. "The university has been very diligent about keeping the cost to attend Texas State as low as it can. Every time a decision is made to increase tuition or a fee, there is a lengthy process," Beck said. "(Despite tuition increases,) Texas State continues to be one of the most affordable public universities in the state." The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with evaluating higher education institutions and transmitting recommendations for improvement, including funding and formula recommendations, to the Governor, legislature and institutions. For the 2018-19 biennium, the THECB recommended an increase in funding to general academic institutions of 9 percent, or $423.1 million. According to The Center for Public Policy Priorities, the Legislature increased funding by 0.9 percent, or $43 million instead.
Eric Algoe, Vice President of Finance and Support Services, said the cost of providing education to students is far more than what is paid in tuition at public universities, requiring the cost to be partially subsidized by the state and federal government. Texas State's Legislative Appropriations Request for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 stated faculty have a 32 percent higher than state average teaching load while being paid 12 percent below average. Algoe said the university is working to close the gap and be more in line with peers. "There is value to the nation in continuing to have public universities provide affordable education to its citizens so trade-offs must be made," Algoe said. "We have to fund higher education at a level so it continues to be affordable and accessible to people of every walk of life." The majority of the allocated funds to each public university is based upon The General Academic Institution Instruction and Operations Formula, accounting for the number of classes offered by an institution in a three-year period, enrollment changes and hours
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The University Star
LIFE & ARTS
Diana Furman Life & Arts Editor @Dianna9696
PROFESSOR
Professor works for justice, equality in new role By Sonia Garcia Life & Arts Reporter With an understanding of justice and years of experience at Texas State, one professor is taking on an important position. Scott Bowman, associate professor in criminal justice, is the new Special Assistant to the Provost for Inclusion and Diversity. The new position is designed to create an inclusive and diverse faculty experience. It should help facilitate more diverse courses and assist in hiring a high-performance staff. Bowman said while the position primarily revolves around faculty, students should have a role in the development. “As (students) go into a global market, having knowledge of diverse and inclusive ideas, principles and concepts of knowledge can only make the students stronger,” Bowman said. Bowman grew up in Arizona. He said growing up around diverse cultures led him to build relationships with all kinds of people at a young age. Bowman said he sought to respect and understand those around him. Bowman attended Arizona State University for his undergrad in psychology, then continued to graduate
school where he got his Ph.D. in justice studies. Bowman said when he decided to take on graduate school, he realized there was much more to learn. He said he grew the most as an individual when he decided to further his education. Bowman said he enjoyed the classes dealing with worldly issues. The program he chose allowed him to become more knowledgeable on how to hold dialogue on complex topics such as race, class, gender and critical legal studies. Bowman said his graduate degree exposed him to new terminology and information about his experiences growing up. He was able to understand the complexities of justice, acknowledging his experiences as a straight African-American male were different than those of other ethnic or sexual orientation groups. For the past 12 years, Bowman has been a teaching faculty member at Texas State. He said his goal has always been to ensure the best possible delivery of information to students of diverse backgrounds. Dr. Sherri Benn, director of Student Diversity and Inclusion, has known Bowman for as long as he has been at Texas State and said he is perfect for the position. “When Dr. Bowman first came
(to Texas State) he was already a very competent and knowledgeable individual in regard to justice, equality and identity,” Benn said. “He has continued to advance his knowledge, understanding and skill set over the years. He is really dedicated to staff and professional development.” Bowman said how people perceive justice is an important concept to him because of its complexity in everyday life. He said he believes contemporary society has sacrificed the idea of justice in exchange for ownership of ideas, thus limiting compromise. Bowman chose to teach in the field of criminal justice because it gives students the opportunity to not only understand the topic, but question the effectiveness of practices used today and address how things can be changed. Christine Sellers, professor and director of the school of criminal justice, said Bowman has been a great asset. “Bowman is one of the most reasonable and logical individuals I have ever encountered,” Sellers said. “He understands human interaction in the way most intellectuals don’t, and it makes him an outstanding individual.” Each step Bowman has professionally taken has impressed those around him.
Scott Bowman is the new special assistant to the provost for inclusion and diversity. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT BOWMAN
As the Special Assistant to the Provost for Inclusion and Diversity, he is taking on a large role that could not be more fitting.
RESCUE
Conservation canines save sea turtles By Diana Furman Life & Arts Editor Along the Coastal Bend region of Texas, little pawprints left in the sand are leading to the protection of sea turtle nests. K9’s 4 Conservation is an organization that aims to protect sea turtle nests with search and rescue dogs. Christian Fritz, graduate teaching assistant, is training two of his own dogs to find and identify Kemp’s Ridley and Hawkbill nests in order to protect the endangered species. Fritz began his work as a K9 Handler in 2013 after serving in the Air Force for eight years. He said his experience in the military ignited a love for goal-seeking. Fritz said fighting for a successful mission alongside his team is what drew him to working with search and rescue dogs. Fritz was drawn to conservation training after learning about the endangered sea turtles in Texas. During his research, he found there to be a lack of organizations centered solely around training dogs to protect nests. Fritz took it upon himself to fight for this cause. “I’m a student, I had no summer job," Fritz said. "I thought this was something I could really do. Trained dogs can be up to $20,000 but I already have two and I’m willing to get this started.” Fritz has been training dogs for five years. His first dog, Saul, is certified nationally for search and rescue. Fritz said Saul has taken quickly to conservation training, and the dog's previous work in search and rescue provides a strong foundation.
Dasha searches the beach for a Kemp's ridley nest . PHOTO COURTESY OF K9S 4 CONSERVATION
His second dog, Dasha, is originally from Bosnia. She was initially trained as a drug detection dog for a police force in Texas. Fritz adopted her after the company declared her a soft dog. Soft dogs are scent-trained dogs who react poorly to harsh correction. When a trainer utilizes aggressive correction, the dogs no longer seek out the correct scent in fear of punishment. Fritz has individualized training methods for his two dogs. The dogs take turns searching and rescuing. Fritz spent a month training Saul and Dasha to detect sea turtle nests. Their duty is to pick up the scent of the nest and mark the exact location. Fritz will then report
the nest to the sea turtle conservation team. The area will be flagged, and the eggs will be protected until the baby sea turtles hatch and make the journey to their lives at sea. Fritz said dogs provide a much more efficient detection of nests than the sand probes, which are used by conservation teams. Fritz’s dogs are able to move quickly and detect multiple nests using scent alone. “The dogs can find nests in a matter of minutes,” Fritz said. “My goal is to have them work on those windy, rainy days when humans have a harder time finding nests with sand probes.” Fritz is currently working toward his
Ph.D. in criminal justice at Texas State and taught a Comparative Criminal Justice class this past spring. Makayla Castille, criminal justice senior, said she heard Fritz briefly mention K9's 4 Conservation during class and was intrigued. Castille got in contact with Fritz and is now a part of the organization. Her sorority, Lambda Xi Delta, works alongside K9's 4 Conservation by fundraising, training dogs and running social media management. “Christian and I have been talking and I even plan on having my own conservation dog in the coming year,” Castille said. Marisa Campbell, advertising senior, is a member of Lambda Xi Delta. She said K9's 4 Conservation is planning to train more rescue dogs in the future. The organization helps sea turtle conservation in a way that hasn’t been widely utilized before. “We’re essentially helping two organizations as well as the health of the oceans,” Campbell said. The dogs will train during the year in San Marcos and deploy to Corpus Christi in May 2019 during the nesting season. K9’s 4 Conservation is currently a nonprofit. Fritz said the organization accepts volunteers and donations in any form. Shirts with the logo are available on their website as well. Fritz, Saul and Dasha are ready to sniff out turtles no matter what the weather. Their hard work will pay off as they set out on a mission to save sea turtles across the coastline.
The University Star UniversityStar.com @universitystar
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | 5
LIFE & ARTS
Diana Furman Life & Arts Editor @Dianna9696
HEALTH
How to have a healthy summer By Sonia Garcia Life & Arts Reporter
College life can take a toll on students with late nights and microwaved dinners. However, a break after a long semester can be used to attain and maintain mental and physical health. Working toward regaining and keeping up with health does not need to be difficult and these resources can help.
MOTIVATION The school year can leave students feeling drained. The first step to combat the feeling is to find motivation. Taking the time to listen to a motivational speaker or attending a seminar are options for the start of a cleansing journey. The Austin Convention Center will host the Real Estate Wealth Expo on June 9 where world-class celebrity instructors will teach ways to be motivated and businessorientated. Speakers include Tony Robbins, Daymond John, Tod Talbot and Catrina Kidd. Attendees should register on their website beforehand. The cost starts at $69. More affordable options can be accessed from a smartphone or computer. The power of YouTube can take anyone to a motivational seminar for free. Tony Robbins talks are available online as well as TED talks on motivation. For readers, it takes the right book to find the inspiration to be productive. Motivational books can be found at developgoodhabits.com.
NUTRITION Part of feeling mentally and physically strong is allowing the body to feel replenished. Becoming self-aware of the
nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle is a step in a positive direction. Heat Bootcamp, a group fitness center, offers free nutrition seminars to educate the community on the nutrients needed for a healthy body. The seminars include frequently asked questions about nutrition. They are instructed by Maude Herndon, dietitian and fitness professional. Cody Richardson, co-owner and general manager of Heat Bootcamp, said the next nutrition seminar will be focused on preparing meals throughout the week. This seminar will target working professionals and students who are having difficulty eating well due to busy schedules. “Movement is necessary, but nutrition is essential for life," Richardson said. "You can’t have one without the other and that’s why we love to have these seminars. The foundation of a healthy lifestyle is your diet.” The next nutrition seminar will be held in July at the San Marcos Heat Bootcamp location, 110 Martin Luther King Dr. To stay up-to-date, visit their Facebook page at Heat Bootcamp - San Marcos.
FITNESS Yoga is a viable option for exercise. It is more than just twisting into a human pretzel and bending into downward dog. There are plenty of physical and mental benefits that come from the exercise. According to the American Osteopathic Association, physical benefits of yoga include flexibility, improved respiration and better energy. It is also a great way to manage stress. Jenni Martin, exercise science graduate student, is an assistant for Physical Fitness Wellness 1101. She instructs on different forms of yoga and its history.
Texas State students playing a game of beach volleyball at Sewell Park PHOTO BY JONATHAN FLORES
“A lot of us go through our day and we're extremely stressed," Martin said. "I think being able to sit down, relax the mind, meditate and breathe through the stress you may be encountering is a great way to center yourself." Occasionally, Martin hosts free yoga sessions at Sewell Park. Her next session will be at 7 p.m. June 24 and open to everyone. For further information visit her Twitter: @jenni_martin. The Recreation Center on campus can be intimidating for first-time gym goers. However, it has different group-fitness classes offered all summer that guide newcomers through workout routines. A variety of classes are offered like cycling, HIIT, pilates and yoga. Prices start at $40 for a full summer of classes or $4 to try out a single class. Cats Crunch, a free ten-minute class,
is offered at 6:20 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Cats Crunch is a quick ab burner that includes a variation of crunches and planks. Magdelena Barnes, chemistry junior, has been leading classes at the Rec Center for a year and is an instructor of Cats Crunch. “The great thing about the group fitness classes is (they) are meant to fit any fitness level,” Barnes said. “Cats Crunch is a great class to go to for your first time. If you have ten minutes to spare, try it out, because it’s a good starting place.” More information can be found at The Recreation Center's website. These resources are easily accessible when replenishing mental and physical health. The summer allows for time to find balance between physical activity, healthy eating habits and a positive mindset.
surrounding the Texas State community, Robertson decided to dive into unknown territory and learn about Greek life’s effect on students. “The Horrors of Day-to-Day Student Suffering” is about how student hardships are seen as a rite of passage by society. This was considered one of Robertson's more personal columns. “I was pretty much at a low point and describing my life at the time,” Robertson said. Robertson has moved on from Texas State, but is still remaining active in the community. He is currently working as the site coordinator for Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Austin, a program helping kids from low income families combat learning loss over summer break. While at Texas State, Robertson founded the Pan-African Action Committee (PAAC). April Anderson, vice president of PAAC, said Robertson's impact on the
community is being seen. "If it weren’t for him, Texas State wouldn’t have gotten the ball rolling for a black studies minor," Anderson said. "The sit-in would have never been initiated, and students would not have the fervor they do now to make Texas State a better university for all." Robertson never considered writing as a career, but a way to get his ideas publicized. There were always two factors driving him to write his columns: getting people to see a different opinion that may change their beliefs and sending a message to Texas State and the administration alike to look for ways to improve the school. “I wanted to galvanize students,” Robertson said. “Texas State can and should do better because the students are great and deserve better.”
FROM FRONT AWARD “I was just writing for myself,” Robertson said. “I never really thought of my writing competitively or how good it was compared to others on a national level. I was just thinking about it being for the paper; (my writing was) kind of good but never thought of as award winning.” Robertson wrote about topics affecting the Texas State and San Marcos communities. Three of those stories were selected to be presented to SPJ: “A Campus With No Greek Life,"; “Texas State Lacks the Cultural Infrastructure Necessary for Student Success,"; and “Underachieving Football Programs Should Be Cut Like Public Schools." Carrington Tatum, University Star Editor-in-Chief, worked with Robertson. Tatum credits Robertson for helping him find clarity in his writing. “He helped me recognize there is no compromise in right versus wrong,” Tatum said. “This means when writing
opinions, you have to be very direct with your language. Say exactly who did what to whom or else you’re hedging on the people you claim to represent.” Robertson talked about his process for writing and how much work went into some columns. “I do a lot of research,” Robertson said. “I spend a good chunk of time researching and reading a lot about an issue before even starting (to write)." It was during this process that Robertson says Tatum was instrumental in narrowing his focus by giving him the constructive criticism he needed. “It’s pretty rare to get solid feedback on your writing in school,” Robertson said. “In our meetings we would have a lot of back-and-forth about topics and pitches.” When Robertson began writing “A Campus With No Greek Life,” he had no knowledge of Greek life, nor did he care about it. However, because of the events
MONEY
Easy ways to make extra money this summer By Paola Quiroz Life & Arts Reporter
pages. Colloquium purchases books they already have in stock and ones that have not been requested for the following semester. The University Bookstore buys back books for 50 percent of the purchased price but only for books that are required for the following semester. However, wholesale services are still available for books not needed by the bookstore.
Keeping up with summer expenses without a job can be tough, but is doable and effortless with the help of several businesses located in San Marcos.
UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE Clean out your closet and sell your unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories at Uptown Cheapskate. Jason Dominguez, Uptown Cheapskate assistant manager, said when buying clothes, employees look for styles that have been popular within the last two years, as well as cool, trendy vintage clothing coming back in style. “We aren’t looking for just party outfits,” Dominguez said. “We also look for items people can wear to job interviews or to really nice places.” The store sells items for 70 percent of the retail value and customers receive a third of that. However, they offer 25 percent more in-store credit, and every now and then 40 percent more. “We love high-end items,” Dominguez said. “Whenever it comes to very expensive brands, we do extensive research. We price accordingly and give the customer the best amount.” According to their website, clothing
FAVOR
Colloquium Bookstore on 320 University Drive. PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
must be freshly washed and in great condition to earn the most money. There cannot be any stains, tears, rips or missing buttons clothing items must be in current fashion.
CASH FOR BOOKS Each semester, books are purchased for classes and often never reused. However,
those books are worth reselling for money. Colloquium Bookstore buys back used books in two ways: online or in-store. To sell books online, visit Colloquium’s website or go to their store on 320 University Drive to get cash immediately. During major buyback periods like summer, books might sell for up to 50 percent their original price. Books must be in good condition with intact covers, have no torn pages, water damages, or missing
Choose your hours. Make serious cash. Explore your city. Favor gives its employees all the liberty they need. Runners can set up their own schedule, and clock in and clock out whenever they need. All that is required is a smartphone and a reliable form of transportation. Favor runners earn between $10-$18 an hour. Runners receive tips in their entirety and all scheduled hours have minimum guaranteed earnings. Additionally, as a Favor runner, one can “run” in any Favor city. This means runners in San Marcos could also run in Austin and possibly make more money since it is a bigger metropolitan area. These three simple ways might not pay the bills after one day, but they can help pay for sweet temptations such as dinner or a night out with friends.
6 | Tuesday, June 5, 2018 UniversityStar.com @universitystar
The University Star
OPINIONS
Zach Ienatsch Opinions Editor @zachnatch
Texas students deserve fair funding Texas State's tuition has been rising every year since 2008, which is not unusual for any Texas university. However, the rate at which Texas State's tuition is rising outpaces that of the University of Texas and Texas A&M. This is due to a Texas constitutional endowment called the Permanent University Fund in 1876. The PUF designates 2.1 million acres of Texas as land to be leased by oil and gas companies in order to provide funding to only the University of Texas and Texas A&M, the first universities in Texas. Between 2004 and 2013, the PUF funded $1.5 billion in projects for the two universities. While the PUF remains a "competitive advantage" for the two universities according to UT's website, the rest of Texas' 36 other public universities do not receive the same funding for a competitive edge.
This fund supports two universities while Texas State, like other universities, faces rapidly rising tuition costs, underpaid and overworked faculty and struggles to fund the expansion of basic amenities like parking and courses. This sort of selective funding demonstrates a dismissal of other Texas institutions and the education they provide as less valuable to the Texas Legislature, despite all public institutions offering mostly the same service for the exact same goal: a skilled and educated Texas as well as bastions of higher research. At the bare minimum, education should be as accessible as possible to all people because of its empowering nature. Moreover, no person willing to learn should be denied an education simply because they cannot afford it. No Texan should be discounted because they do not attend the legislature's
preferred institutions. Beyond whatever merit of legacy UT and TAMU may have, there is no practical reason to distribute this funding the way it has for much of Texas' history. While UT and TAMU are touted as the premiere Texas schools, it is important to note that one cannot simply explain away this discrepancy with the notion that if a student wants to attend a school with more funding, they should have worked harder in high school to attend these two universities. Students' reasoning for not attending those institutions extends beyond academic prestige. Some public universities have better specific major programs than UT or TAMU. Some students may need to attend school closer to home, but do not live anywhere close to Austin or College Station. Affordability is always a factor or it can
even be a choice of preference for no discernable reason. In no scenario does a student's choice in public schooling justify receiving less of an opportunity than their contemporaries at a different Texas campus. This is not to disparage UT, TAMU or students of either university, they are entitled to the best education they can get. The same generosity should be extended to all Texas students by the state legislature. The state does not gain anything from cheapening the education of the majority of its young people. If Texas really wants to disprove the stigma of indifference to education, it will make equal access to education a priority. The PUF is a good place to set an initial example. It will make Texas and Texans stronger, smarter and more equal.
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.
MENTAL HEALTH
ALCOHOLISM
Mental health facilities can worsen conditions By James Debbah Opinions Columnist Editor's note: Chandler Swain is a friend of columnist James Debbah. Swain uses they/them pronouns. As Americans shell out tax dollars, citizens expect they will be put to good use and as an effort to serve the improvement of our society. When people drive to their jobs, the roads are expected to be well maintained and bridges to be adequately constructed. When individuals retire, they hope to receive enough assistance in social security to keep afloat. When they visit hospitals, there is the expectation they are optimally maintained and each person will return healthier than before they entered. Consider if someone were to be admitted to a hospital and was not only mistreated, but left in poorer shape than before. Now imagine this not only the case with one person, but multiple people: this is the realistic view of the typical state of our country’s mental rehabilitation centers. People are admitted to these facilities because of a need for deliberate and conscientious care. Mental health can be a fragile thing and is something that should be handled by highly specialized professionals. Sadly, this does not seem to be the reality. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, across all states in the U.S., only one had a requirement for the caretakers to at least have a master’s degree to administer treatment. Conversely, 14 states had no requirement for any certification at all.
SEE PAGE 7 MENTAL HEALTH .
ILLUSTRATION BY MAKENNA TIMOTEO
Alcoholism in college students remains an important issue in summertime San Marcos By Carissa Liz Castillo Opinions Columnist Alcohol is a frequent issue within college communities. It can be found at most house parties and almost every night out on The Square. Texas State is widely viewed as a “party school,” and that is a moniker many students are proud to uphold. The difference between alcohol and other drugs is that, besides it being legal, alcohol is often portrayed as fun and harmless. This is not the case when you look at statistics surrounding alcohol and college students. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 37.9 percent of college students ages 18-22 binge drink, or consume an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. The institute reports that 1,825 college students 18-24 die from alcohol-related injuries. Additionally, 696,000 students between those ages report being assaulted by another student who has been drinking. With those statistics in mind, it is obvious that alcohol is indeed a drug with consequences. There need to be measures in place to combat the effects of alcoholism, especially in populations where there is a high density of college-aged people. Alcohol abuse led Texas State administrators to take measures like suspending fraternities for alcohol-
related violations after the death of a student and Phi Kappa Psi pledge, Matthew Ellis. Texas State incorporates alcohol safety and awareness training for all new students entering the university in an effort to reduce alcohol-related incidents. However, what tends to happen after those suspensions and trainings are completed is the prevalence of the romanticization of alcohol, especially in San Marcos and Texas State. The glorification of alcohol comes from several places, like ads where alcohol is associated with being cool, having good times and being likable. This influences the quantity of alcohol younger audiences decide to drink when going out. There are societal norms and expectations that influence how and why some people drink. Vulnerable people feel the need to validate expectations from peers and drinking establishments, but this can be unhealthy behavior and can lead to over drinking. There is research supporting the idea that the fun of drinking is in the mind, not in the bottle. Within San Marcos, there are countless ways for Texas State students, even those underage, to drink. The cheap drink specials advertised on The Square, party buses, house parties and endless opportunities Austin and San Antonio bring are all gateways to irresponsible
alcohol use for students. Underage drinkers may not find success in bars without a fake ID, but measures are not taken for house parties or anyone with an older friend who could purchase alcohol for underage individuals. Alcohol may have immediate and long-term effects on college students’ education. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that about 1 in 4 college students report academic consequences from drinking. These include skipping class, falling behind, doing poorly on exams and having an overall lower GPA. Alcohol, like most everyday vices, is okay when used in moderation and responsibly. However, on college campuses, responsible drinking is not often common knowledge. There are measures put in place to try and slow or eradicate alcohol-related incidents, but more often than not, they are to no avail. Texas State students should practice safer alcohol consumption, especially in the summer when students do not have access to all of the resources Texas State offers. Moderate, safe and responsible drinking should be the goal for all students, mainly because college students are a targeted and vulnerable population when it comes to alcoholism. - Carissa Liz Castillo is an English senior
The University Star
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | 7
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
Zach Ienatsch Opinions Editor @zachnatch
TALK IT OUT W Makenna Timoteo https://theuniversitystar.camayak.com/media/ ee0c23e6-c879-459f-a2eb-538c6c24c29b/06450716-9285-4466-a837-
DEBATING THE ISSUE Stand with Israel By Jordan Drake Opinions Columnist
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Divest from Israel By May Olvera Opinions Columnist
Protests along the border between Israel and the Gaza strip have once again led to clashes between Palestinian protestors and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The death toll has reached over 1,10 people. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement led by Palestinian Activists has reached a fever pitch as they try to turn Israel into an international pariah. The BDS movement should be rejected as it is built on ridiculous demands, propaganda and the basis it that it lies to support the delegitimization of Israel. Israel is not perfect and has taken part in many controversial things, like its settlement policy and right of return. However, this does not even begin to cover what the state has had to deal with since the moment it was created. Due to modern Israel's creation at the hands of the League of Nations and the British, the neighboring Arab states were outraged by its existence and multiple wars were fought between Israel and these Arab neighbors over its right to exist as an independent nation. Israel faces an unprecedented amount of scrutiny over what has happened in these disputed territories. At the same time, Russia can land-grab unprovoked and without warning and Myanmar can commit genocide on a religious sect in its own country with little sustained international outcry. The global community yawns at these events, but is quick to jump down Israel’s throat any chance they get. The reality is BDS runs a great public relations campaign and depicts the so-called horrors that Israel puts on the Palestinian people. A great example is what is happening now along the Gaza border. Over 100 people have been killed, which BDS refers to as a massacre. However, those people are not innocent protestors but members of the terrorist group Hamas, which took over as the official government of Palestine in 2007. Hamas has been planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the border and attempting to rush people through checkpoints so the Israelis are too overwhelmed to deal with the terrorists hiding among the crowds. In reality, Hamas is willing for this civilians to die so they can further their cause and BDS helps them by printing Palestinian-friendly news. A good example of BDS omitting information to pass an agenda is posting articles on their websites about the destruction of hospitals in Gaza. At first glance, this seems like a horrific international war crime. However, an article the Washington Post published in 2014 shows that Hamas actually uses hospitals, schools, mosques and even residential areas to store weapons. Another example is how BDS claims Israel stole Arab land but the notion that the land is exclusively Arab is not the truth. The disputed lands, which include West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan Heights have been controlled by vastly different groups through history. These different peoples include the ancient Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, various Muslim Caliphates and now the modern Israelis. Palestine has never been an independent nation. That region of the world was called Judea because of the large Jewish population living there. This was until 135 AD, when the Romans renamed it Syria Palaestina to embarrass the Jewish people who had been causing issues in the province. The Israel issue is that of anti-Semitism and public relations. BDS has a left-wing media on its side, happy to push their narrative. According to ADL Global 100, about 26 percent of the world’s population is anti-Semitic as of 2015 and this number has only risen. Some outlets report anti-Semitic incidents have risen sixty percent in 2017 alone. Israel is not perfect, as no country ever is. But society must reject the demands of BDS, which only exists to push propaganda. To support BDS is also to indirectly support Hamas, which rose to power on a campaign promise of ending the only free nation in the Middle East. This cannot stand and Israel should be allowed to protect itself from this evil. - Jordan Drake is a communications senior
In March 2017, the United Nations reported the question of whether Israel could become an apartheid state in the future had become irrelevant. However, Israel, as the report stated, had already become an apartheid state. Two months later, Gov. Abbott signed a bill prohibiting state agencies, including public universities, from boycotting companies involved in the Israeli occupation of Palestine or contracting companies that boycott the occupation. One year later, on May 14, Israel unleashed fury upon Palestinian people, killing at least 59 and injuring more than 2,700 individuals during mass protests. Now, when it is most vital to act, Texas students are not guranteed their tuition dollars will not end up facilitating brutal human rights violations the Israeli government is carrying out. The restrictions the Texas legislature put on public universities to formally engage in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement are clear violations of American constitutional rights. The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in NAACP v. Clairborne Hardware Co. (1982) that boycotts to bring political, social and economic change are indisputably protected under the First Amendment. It is then entirely unconstitutional for the state to penalize companies and institutions for engaging in peaceful political resistance. Currently, Texas State helps fund the occupation of Palestine most notably through partnerships with Sabra Dipping Co. and Hewlett Packard. Sabra hummus may be found at any convenience store on campus. According to Forbes, The Strauss Group funds the Israeli Defense Force’s Golani Brigade and owns half of Sabra Dipping Co. The Brigade has been actively involved in every conflict with Palestine since the Israeli State’s founding. As for HP, every computer lab on campus is equipped with their scanners and printers. Their custom-made technology can be found at every major checkpoint along the West Bank, playing an active role in controlling and restricting the movement of Palestinians. According to Human Rights Watch, at least five categories of major violations under international human rights laws characterize Israeli occupation. Among them are unlawful killings, development of settlements, forced displacement, unjustified restriction of movement and abusive detention. HRW cite that in 2008-09, 2012 and 2014 Israeli troops killed over 2,000 Palestinian civilians and targeted civilian structures. Since 1967, authorities have facilitated illegal settlements in the West Bank, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention. They illegally demolished homes and displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, while simultaneously restricting movement to and from the Gaza Strip. It is enormously important that students who are opposed to funding these violations do what they can to resist them. It is also vital to be aware of where the first step lies. In this case, it is not with school administrators, but with the state legislature. It would be dishonest to not acknowledge the crimes committed by armed Palestinian groups. According to HRW, between 1987 and 2017, Hamas killed 1,079 Israeli civilians and have arrested and abused a number of peaceful dissidents. However, these violations were not directly funded and facilitated by the United States. Anti-BDS groups, like the Anti-Defamation League, argue BDS movements have been partially responsible for increased anti-Semitic violence seen across the US. Whether or not BDS movements are at fault, the increase of violence is real. On campus, there have been anti-Semitic, white supremacist flyers plastered on walls, making Jewish Bobcats fear for their safety. Any organized Palestinian liberation movement that arises on campus must be ready to strongly condemn any anti-Semitism on campus. Likewise, it is in their best interests that Jewish Bobcats join the efforts against the American-funded Israeli violence directed at Palestinians. Such a complicated issue requires genuine dialogue between people with different experiences and concerns. To pretend to have the answer for this conflict is arrogant at best. However, funding the continued massacre of Palestinians is indefensible and the state legislature’s violation of free speech is unacceptable. The university needs an organized movement to defy both. - May Olvera is a journalism senior
ILLUSTRATION BY MAKENNA TIMOTEO
FROM PAGE 6 MENTAL HEALTH Chandler Swain, a sophomore attending Our Lady of the Lake University, understands these institutional problems on a personal level. As a freshman, Swain struggled with maintaining their mental health, prompting them to start visiting one of the counselors on campus. This is a service most college campuses, including Texas State, provide and is a place anyone should be able to seek comfort and help. Swain had made visiting the counselor a regular part of their routine. Life started looking better and the sessions seemed to be bringing some benefit to Swain, but things took a turn for the worse after several visits. The counselor had determined Swain was at risk to themselves and made the decision to forcibly admit them to a mental care facility. In response to their justified terror, they were calmly assured they would be discreetly brought to the facility, only for them to be publicly and forcefully handcuffed and escorted out the doors and into the vehicle that would transport them to the facility. Even en route to the establishment, Swain was completely left in the dark about the details. No consent was asked for and none of
their family members were notified. “The thing that pissed me off the most”, Swain said, “was that I was there because I was put on emergency detention. You’re legally not allowed to leave, but I wasn’t told any of this. So I was handcuffed publicly and taken to a place twenty minutes away and ordered to undress upon arrival." This does not seem like the kind of treatment that anyone experiencing a high degree of mental stress should be undergoing. The suddenness, the forcefulness and the unexplained nature of this would be incredibly jarring to anyone. "However, no one introduced themselves, none of the people let me know where I was, no one answered any of my questions," Swain said. One can only imagine how traumatizing this could be for someone. The people who should have been there to help Swain were coldly throwing them into a blind and terrifying situation. Commanding Swain to undress and not even giving them any hygienic products to shower with. Swain described the demeanor of these care takers that were in charge of carefully looking after all patients. "I was obviously upset and kept
According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, across all states in the U.S., only one had a requirement for the caretakers to at least have a master’s degree to administer treatment. Conversely, 14 states had no requirement for any certification at all. asking what was going on and was completely and rudely ignored," Swain said. "I was put in a room with a woman who was schizo-typical and they kept laughing at her. Other patients were much more distraught
than I was." This seems like the kind of behavior that would most certainly get any mental health worker fired. And it is a grim picture of our mental health facilities, given this was allowed to happen and went unpunished. A few days later, Swain was finally released and allowed to resume their classes. However, the trauma that comes with experiencing something like this is something that remains. To anyone with a loved one that may be struggling with their mental health, this is something that should cause extreme alarm. Swain had gone to their counselor seeking healing and refuge and was unwittingly thrown into this negative experience. This country conducts mental facilities with the least “care”. This is a situation that was able to occur likely because of the hiring of under qualified individuals in such a delicate position. It is important to note that Swain represents just one of many instances. Perhaps their story can inspire the real mental health reform that is long overdue in the United States. - James Debbah is a computer science junior.
The University Star
Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | 8
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
Anthony Flores Sports Editor @Borntorun_19
BASEBALL
Bobcats complete eventful season Appalac hian State. Leading the Bobcats in batting average for the season was Jaylen Hubbard , junior infielder, with a .313. Hubbard led the team with 71 total hits, followed closely by Jonathan Ortega, junior infielder, who had 66 hits. season Derek Scheible , senior outfielder, made the By John comes the most of his last season, leading in both runs Paul Mason II end of several scored (43) and home runs (12). Sports Reporter collegiate careers. Luke Sherley , senior infielder, led the Hanging up the glove team in RBIs, racking up 43. Sherley The baseball team after this season are cemented his legacy by appearing saw its season come to eight seniors on the team: in 221 career games, the record an end at the hands of the Dylan Paul , Luke Sherley , for most appearances by any Troy University Trojans May Jared Huber , Derek Scheible , baseball player in Texas State's 26 in the Sun Belt Conference Mickey Scott , Travon Benton , history. Championship Tournament. Cam Baird and Skyler Valentine . The senior class set the The 2018 season proved to be a For Paul, the experiences and example for the team roller coaster of ups and downs for memories that came from the through the highs and lows. Texas State. The Bobcats started good and bad of this season and Their unwavering desire the season strong by defeating the througho ut his career are what he will for success, no matter what Oklahoma State Cowboys. They went cherish the most. the scoreboard read, is on to lose the series two games to "I'm truly blessed to have been something Head Coach Ty one. However the competitiveness apart of this season," Paul said. "We Harrington looked at with shown in the series proved to be may have not accomplished some great pride. a signature throughout the year. goals we had set for ourselves "I have a tremendous Early in the season, the as a team, but the memories amount of respect and Bobcats scored several we made with each and admiration for the senior class marquee victories, earning every one of these guys is and the effort they put in this year," a NCAA national somethin g that is truly Harringto n said. "It was a bit up and ranking of 30 irreplaceable." down, but through it all, (the team) kept after a home competing. I am very proud of them. I victory over thought they did good for our program." For the coach, the effort of his players made up for what may be considered a mediocre record. "Our expectations and desires were higher than that," Harrington said. "But our guys still played hard through it all, even when they were fighting an uphill battle."
Texas State Bobcats scoreboard cleared for closing the 2018 season PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
With the end of the Texas State Bobcats dugout. PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
TENNIS
SOFTBALL
Texas State tennis prepares for comeback season By Michelle Joseph Sports Reporter After the completion of a rocky campaign for Texas State tennis, the team looks toward the 2018-2019 season as a chance for redemption. Challenges the team faced came from playing a tougher schedule, one that was deliberately made more difficult by head coach Tory Plunkett. "I arranged the toughest schedule in the conference," Plunkett said. "We played the most nationally ranked teams than any other (team) in our conference. My thoughts were if you are going to be the best you play the best." With the season over and summer in full swing most players have gone home. For Julia Navajo-Melendez, senior player, spending time away from tennis allows her to re-energize and refocus herself for the grind to come. “I used to think taking time off from tennis entirely would result in losing skills and being even further behind,” Navajo-Melendez said. "Having the summer break to disconnect from the team is really beneficial. (The players) come back to the courts in August with all the energy and motivation we need for the long season and practices.” Now having had time to digest the season, the Spanish native is now able to recognize what worked, what didn't and what needs improvement for the upcoming season. “Working hard during practice really pays off, and we saw how everybody improved a lot during the fall, specifically the freshmen,” Navajo-Melendez said. “We had such a young team with four freshmen and I think we lacked a little bit of
confidence in ourselves. I really think all the players on this team have the potential to do wonderful things for Texas State.” Alex Jones, senior player, will be taking on the role of student coach in 2018-2019. For Jones, this last season on the court was one filled with highlight moments. “We had many amazing moments throughout the year, as well as tough ones,” Jones said. “Beating Northridge 4-3 in California was probably the best moment for us, as we lost 3-4 to them the year before." The student coach has big plans for the team moving forward, with an eye focused on qualifying for conference play. “Our main goal next year is going to be to qualify for conference,” Jones said. “We play every team in the conference and only the best qualifies, so that'll be an enormous goal for us.” Jones has experienced good and bad times in her two years with Texas State tennis, but ultimately looks forward to her new role. She has the full intention of guiding them toward future victories. "The team still means a lot to me, as I was with them for two years and went through many ups and downs,” Jones said. “I want them to win even more. I cannot help on the court, but it'll be with coaching and attitude." Despite struggling in 2018 Coach Plunkett has high hopes looking ahead, using this season as a teaching lesson for the team. "This was a building year," said Plunkett. "We gained valuable experience for the following years. For the upcoming season we have many positive points to be excited about our future success,
Bobcat Tennis Complex at Texas State University. PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD
Bobcats form a team huddle against their opponent. STAR FILE PHOTO
Bobcats win big in 2018 By Anthony Flores Sports Editor Success has not been a stranger to the Texas State softball program in its 18 seasons under head coach Ricci Woodard, a trend that continued in 2018. The Bobcats dominated the season from beginning to end on their way to the program's first Sun Belt Conference championship. The team made an appearance in the NCAA Regionals where they eventually fell to the UCLA Bruins. Seeking redemption after coming up short in back-to-back SBC final appearances, the Bobcats defeated rival Louisiana, the winner of the previous two championships in 2016 and 2017. “Championships usually come if all the other things fall into place," Woodard said. "With this group, they had all the pieces that they needed. It was fun just to know that we could put all the pieces together and get the result we all wanted.” The Bobcats ended the season with an overall record of 43-16 and a Sun Belt Conference record of 18-5. Of their 43 wins, 21 were home victories. Shining for the Bobcats on the offensive end was Hailey MacKay, sophomore infielder, who led the team with 60 hits. MacKay hit 12 home runs and 39 RBIs. In her final season, Ariel Ortiz, junior shortstop, proved herself. Ortiz finished second on the team with 28 scored runs, 52 hits, six home runs and 37 RBIs. Ortiz was named First Team All-Sun Belt Conference. Leading the team in runs scored (30) was Christiana McDowell, freshman outfielder. For McDowell, success for this season meant pushing herself beyond her limits to grow as an individual and teammate. "I grew a lot as a person in my
faith and learning how to use lessons I had learned and apply those to my teammates and program," McDowell said. "I knew everyone was good in this conference. I found a way to be better so we could take this program to the next level.” Holding up the defensive end of the game was the Bobcat's pitching staff, led by one of Texas State's alltime great players, Randi Rupp, senior pitcher. In her fourth and final season, Rupp was a defensive stalwart, ending the year 28-12 with an ERA of 1.26, 317 strikeouts and a .194 opposing batting average in 39 starts and 47 appearances in the circle. The senior pitcher added several accolades to her resume in 2018. She was named First Team NFCA AllCentral Region, Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year and First Team AllSun Belt Conference. Rupp ended her time in the circle in record-breaking fashion posting 110 career wins, 1,270 career strikeouts, 197 game appearances and 1,057 innings pitched. With the departure of Ortiz, Rupp, and other seniors Sara Rupp, Jaeylen Young, Jaclyn Molenaar and Sierra Steimel, it falls on the shoulders of the younger players to continue the success of Texas State softball. "You hope you already have people here that got to experience what it took for (the players that are leaving) to get to that level," Woodard said. "You hope (the younger players) learned from the best." Now familiar with the taste of championship gold, next year's team understands what it takes to reach the top. “That is the standard, champions." McDowell said. "That is what we are going to strive for every year and we know it is possible."