March 7, 2011

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Vanguard The

Serving USA students and the University community since 1963

March 7, 2011 |VOLUME 48, NUMBER 25

Student recants sexual assault story

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University of South Alabama’s student newspaper

Portals Almost Complete

By Daniela Werner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

University officials are keeping mum about whether the student who recanted her sexual assault allegation from last month will face disciplinary action from USA. University Chief of Police Zeke Aull said the student, who Tuesday evening told USAPD the story was untrue, wouldn’t face criminal charges. Neither Director of Public Relations Keith Ayers nor Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. John Smith would comment about possible sanctions the University could impose on the student. Ayers sent all University e-mail accounts a message Wednesday saying that the alleged victim told USAPD “that the incident did not occur, which was consistent with the findings of USAPD’s investigation. The case is now closed.” The student never filed a formal complaint, but an investigation ensued from the account the student told to an unidentified University official, who notified USAPD. The student told the USA official she had been attacked while on an early morning run Feb. 17 at the jogging trails near Technology and Research Park Building III. Ayers e-mailed the campus that evening about the alleged incident, including information from the student’s description of her attacker: “ … A white male, approximately 5-feet-7 to 5-feet-8, medium build, with facial stubble, and light colored eyes,” according to the e-mail. After what the chief called a “thorough investigation” that found several inconsistencies with the student’s account, campus police concluded that the incident never happened, Aull said. No suspects were named in the investigation, he said. Aull said he doesn’t want this to discourage USA community members from reporting any future attacks to USAPD. Campus police will do everything they can to help an assault victim, he said. “It’s important to know that two weeks ago, our jogging trails were safe, and today they are safe,” Aull told The Vanguard. “Tomorrow they will be safe.”

see SEXUAL ASSAULT | 3

IPolice Blotter p. 2

Colin McGee | Photo Editor

Engraved stone to be used in the Stadium Boulevard portal sits outside of Stanky Field. A total of three portals are being constructed at USA, including one where University Boulevard meets North Drive and one where it meets South Drive.

USAPD to help students prep for Spring Break travels

inside

Opinion | page 7 Planned Parenthood Should Planned Parenthood be a part of federal budget cuts?

Etc. | page 8 Screaming Moonpie Courtesy of Zac Edwards

Check Your Ride is a USAPD program that will debut this Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in front of campus police headquarters on Stadium Boulevard. Students will be able to get their cars checked for safe fluid and tire pressure levels before jetting for Spring Break.

By Daniela Werner EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

USA Chief of Police Zeke Aull wants you to get to your Spring Break destination and back safely, but he wants you to make sure your vehicle is in good shape before you hit the road. Check Your Ride, one of USAPD’s newest programs, will debut Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. when campus police will be in front of USAPD headquarters on Stadium Boulevard checking student vehicles for normal fluid, tire pressure and oil levels free of charge. The program is Aull’s brainchild and meant to help students – especially ones living in dorms whose cars may not get used much while school is in session – ensure their vehicles are ready to take on miles of road over the break. Not only will students get some free car Happenings p. 2

maintenance, but officers will be there to help teach students how to check their vehicles. “We get calls all the time [for students] to get a jump [of electricity],” Aull told The Vanguard. “What they really need is for us to show them how to [take care of their vehicles]. Officers will tell students if they see parts like belts and hoses that need to be replaced, Aull said. Students don’t have to live on campus to get their cars checked, either. Aull said he plans on making Check Your Ride a regular event before big vacation periods in the academic schedule, like the winter and summer breaks. Spectrum Collision Center, located at the corner of Airport Boulevard and Cody Road, is donating supplies to help make Check Your

Campus Pulse p. 6

see RIDE | 16

Distractions p. 18

The shot Serda’s hopes will become Mobile’s signature drink.

Arts & Entertainment | page 10

Pee-Wee is Back Paul Reuben makes a return as Pee-Wee Herman on Broadway.

Sports | page 14 Jaguar Basketball Both men’s and women’s hoops fall to UALR at SBC Tournament.

JagLife p. 19


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