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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
anguard V
If it matters to you, it matters to us.
THE
MONDAY SEPT 5 2016 VOL 59 ISS 5
U S A D E F E AT S M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E By Casie Carr | Reporter
conferences due to its winning reputation. “We came through today, and to have
media and the public is programmed to
“Ever since the beginning of fall camp
believe that they were supposed to win just
we’ve been working on third down drives,”
T a hard-fought victory against Mississippi
the opportunity to win against an SEC
because they have three letters on their
USA quarterback Dallas Davis said.
State University on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.
West team, with extremely well-coached
jersey, but we came here and beat them
“Penalties don’t affect us. We just move on
athletes, is really a blessing,” Head Coach
today.”
to the next play.”
he University of South Alabama won
The final score was 21-20. This victory marked USA’s first win against an SEC team. The SEC is regarded as one of the most accomplished sports
Joey Jones said. “We beat an MSU team
For most of the first quarter, USA
USA safety Devon Earl agreed. “We
that is as well-coached as its going to get
held their own until MSU scored the first
by Coach Dan Mullen. To have a chance
touchdown.
to play those guys, you know you’re going against the best.”
knew that if we fixed those mistakes and
Cont. page 6
“We were confident going into this game,” USA receiver Josh Magee said. “We
Many players entered the game today
just needed to pay attention to the details,
wanting to prove their worth, according to
continue to have confidence and do what
USA safety Roman Buchanan.
we know and practice.”
“I’m just as good – if not better – than
MSU scored again during the second
those guys, and that’s how a lot of my
quarter, and then USA missed two field
teammates feel,” said Buchanan. “The
goal attempts and recieved four penalties.
“I’m just as good – if not better – than those guys, and that’s how a lot of my teammates feel. ... They were supposed to win just because they have [SEC] on their jersey, but we came here and beat them.” - Roman Buchanan, safety
USA wide receiver Chris Lewis celebrates the victory over Mississippi State. Image by Jaccob Hearn
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V
anguard
Featured Photo
THE
USA cheerleader Michael Gash runs the Jaguar flag across Davis Wade Stadium to celebrate a touchdown.
University of South Alabama Alpha Hall South Room 336, Mobile, Ala., 36688 Tel: 460-6898 I Fax: 414-8293 Advertising: (678) 644-7838 thevanguardeditor@gmail.com
Photo by Jaccob Hearn
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Life Editor Sports Editor
Jaccob Hearn Alanna Whitaker Megan McDowell Joel Goode Jason Ruffin Shawna Mason
Reporters Albert Terry Casie Carr
Advertising
Upcoming September Events
Advertising Manager Spencer Schuneman Advertising Rep. Tiffany Martin Graphic Designer Alex Jackson
Management Advising J. Sellers J. Aucoin Accounting Kathy Brannan
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Girls Night Out 5:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m. Location: USA Student Center Ballroom
Distribution Distribution Cory Judkins Cameron Hall
Mission The Vanguard, the student-run newspaper of the University of South Alabama, serves its readership by reporting the news involving the campus community and surrounding areas. The Vanguard strives to be impartial in its reporting and believes firmly in its First Amendment rights.
Send letters and guest columns to: thevanguardeditor@gmail.com Letters and guest columns must be received by 7 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the Monday publication. Submissions should be typed and must include the writer’s name, year, school and telephone number. All submissions become the property of The Vanguard. The Vanguard reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length and clarity. Letters will be limited to 300 words. Letters and guest columns are the opinion of the writer. The Staff Editorial represents the consensus opinion of the Editorial Board. All members of the Editorial Board have the same weight. The Vanguard has a commitment to accuracy and clarity and will print any corrections or clarifications. To report a mistake, e-mail thevanguardeditor@gmail.com. The Vanguard is published Mondays during the academic year, except for exam periods and vacations, and is published twice each summer. The Vanguard is supported in part by an allocation from student activity fees and operates in the Student Media Department of the Division of Student Affairs. Issues are available at most University buildings and select off-campus locations. The first copy is free. Additional copies are $1 each. Freelance writers will receive payment at the discretion of the section editor and will be notified.
To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com
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AED Blood Drive 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: USA Student Center
Sunglasses Nooner 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: USA Student Center
September 11th Remembrance 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Location: USA Student Center
Jaguar Productions Welcome 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Location: USA Student Center
Transfer Students Open House 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: USA Student
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USA Football vs Georgia Southern (Parents’ Weekend) 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Location: Ladd Peebles Stadium
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Study Abroad Fair 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Student Center
Sidewalk Step Show 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Location: Moulton Tower
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NEWS
USA Crime Report Gold Torch award presented to the USA Azalea chapter If you SEE something SAY something!
251-460-6312 08-30-2016
Accidental Fire |
Life Sciences Building An unknown person threw a lit cigarette into a garbage can, causing a small fire. 08-30-2016
Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Moter Vehicle| The Grove An unkown person unlawfully entered a vehicle and stole an unknown amount of gasoline from the tank. 08-30-2016
Theft of Property Third Degree| The Grove Building 10
Unknown subject(s) stole a bicycle. 08-30-2016
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Managing Editor | Alanna Whitaker acw905@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Sept. 5, 2016
4 chapters from the state of Alabama received the Mortar Board Gold Torch award at last month’s national conference. Holly Taylor, third from the left, is from the USA chapter. Photo courtesy of Jenni Szolwinski.
By Jaccob Hearn | Editor-in-Chief
The Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society presented the Gold Torch award to the Azalea chapter at the University of South Alabama. Mortar Board is the premier national
honor society recognizing college seniors for outstanding achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. The Gold Torch is a national distinction awarded annually to the most outstanding chapters of Mortar Board. Recipients of the Gold Torch excel
in all areas of chapter operations while promoting scholarship, leadership and meaningful service to their institutions. “We are extremely proud of our Gold Torch chapters,” Mortar Board National President Abigail Diehl said. “Their members set the bar for excellence as scholar-leaders on their campuses, and their innovative programming positively impacts their communities throughout the year.” Chapter President Holly Taylor of Saraland, Alabama, accepted this award at the society’s national conference, held last month in Indianapolis. This year, 36 chapters took home the Gold Torch, including four from the state of Alabama. Mortar Board provides opportunities for continued leadership development, promotes service to institutions of higher learning and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. Since its founding in 1918, more than a quarter of a million members have been initiated at 231 chartered chapters across the country. Mortar Board is proud to claim numerous industry leaders, university presidents, best-selling authors, professional athletes, award-winning actors and top government officials among its members. Learn more at www.mortarboard.org.
Correction: USA hosted second annual Kickoff Cookout Aug. 16 By Jaccob Hearn | Editor-in-Chief
Hitting an Unoccupied Vehicle| Delta Parking Lot
A student reported that an unknown vehicle struck her parked car in the Delta parking lot. The driver did not leave any information or identification. 08-30-2016
The University of South Alabama
Food included burgers, hotdogs, chips,
hosted its second annual Kickoff Cookout
snacks and sodas. Prizes ranged from
behind the Student Center during the
frisbees, Jag Swag and keychains.
Week of Welcome on Tuesday, Aug. 16. During the cookout, a variety of food,
helped lead to the success of the event.
written by Hannah Blackburn and Jessica Tillman, The Vanguard mistakenly
students who attended the event.
referred to Aramark, the company
beverages and giveaways, as AirMart. Aramark’s significant contributions
In the original print of the article,
beverages and free gifts were offered to
responsible for providing all of the food,
The Vanguard apologizes for the mistake and all online articles about the event have been edited to recognize Aramark as the benefactor.
The Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice & The University of South Alabama Foundation present:
Criminal Mischief Third Degree| Shelby Hall Parking Lot
THE FOURTH ANNUAL JUDGE HARRY J. WILTERS JR. LECTURE
A student reported that his vehicle was keyed.
IN SEARCH OF THE NATION OF IMMIGRANTS: BALANCING THE FEDERAL-STATE DIVIDE M. Isabel Medina Ferris Family Distinguished Professor of Law Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
20th
SEPT.
Students had a variety of options to choose from at the Kickoff Cookout thanks to Aramark. Photo by Emily Rodrick.
Tuesday 2016 at 7:00pm
Student Center Ballroom USA Main Campus Reception Following the Presentation For information, contact Dr. Ron Nelson 251-460-7161
4 It All Starts Here with the AASA By Albert Terry III | Reporter
The University of South Alabama African-American Student Association plans to begin a new era this year with the launch of their new brand, It All Starts Here. It All Starts Here is a program that will develop leadership skills in students through activism and community organizing. It is meant to be a first step for students who want to get involved and make change, according to AASA President Carl Thomas. Thomas said the slogan It All Starts Here is meant as an homage to alumni that have become well-respected figures with successful careers and to indicate that AASA membership can lead to great things for students that become involved. “It All Starts Here began in the early summer,” Thomas said. “It came out of thinking of people that went through AASA and are doing great things.” Those people, according to Thomas, include Dr. Michael Mitchell, former AASA president and current dean of students, and Danielle Watson, former Miss AASA and former SGA president. Thomas has big plans to build the organization starting with AASA Week on Sept. 19-25. It will be a week of service events and forums that go beyond a social aspect. The schedule for AASA Week has not yet been finalized, but Thomas has plans for what will take place. “Right now we’re in the process of discovering student-owned businesses
Filbert
Life Editor | Jason Ruffin jwr1321@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Sept. 5, 2016 for a student business fair,” Thomas said. “We also plan to have a panel of minority health care professionals and have them discuss their struggles and what inspired them to push through.” Another project in the works is a police brutality forum done in partnership with the NAACP and Collegiate 100, a subsidiary of the Greater Mobile chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. This forum will be the second part of a forum that took place last year. Thomas is excited for this year’s prospects and said that students have already shown a great amount of interest in AASA. According to Thomas, AASA has already reached 100 members out of its yearly goal of 300. However, there are goals that go beyond numbers. Thomas said that there is also a focus on more diversity and better membership retention this year. He hopes to achieve these goals with It All Starts Here and branding efforts for AASA itself, including a new promotional video shot earlier this school year. The video was shot by senior Trebreh Baaheth, an AASA member who also does film work for the Student Center. The video begins with a young man and woman, both exquisitely dressed, walking up the stairs toward Moulton Tower, where they join a group of well-dressed black students. The first portion of the video is in black and white, harkening back to the Civil Rights Movement and the style of dress common in that era. When the man and woman reach the top of the stairs, there is a flash forward to a modern setting. The scene is now in color and the students depicted are dressed in contemporary clothing including jeans, shorts, and sneakers all proudly displaying this year’s AASA t-shirts. “The concept is to show the new image of social justice and civil rights and that we’re still fighting the same fight,” Thomas said about the video. Thomas stressed that AASA membership is open at any time and that AASA is an inclusive organization.
LIFE
SGA to prioritize student outreach By Jason Ruffin | Life Editor
month to make SGA members more visible.
The University of South Alabama
“Basically we want to make sure
Student Government Association sat
students have access to SGA so first
down to lay out their priorities for the year
Monday of every month the entire SGA
on Thursday, Sept. 1 and named student
across campus will be wearing our SGA
outreach as a main goal.
polos along with our name tags.”
SGA is planning some changes when
Members plan on starting a new video
it comes to student interaction from
series outlining each month’s upcoming
events centered on meeting senators, to
events and projects.
changes in how SGA meetings are viewed. Members also laid out new initiatives designed to let students know what SGA is working on this year. According to SGA Vice President
Patel said he also plans to bring a relaxed environment to SGA meetings. “It’s a nice chill vibe to be in, and when you’re comfortable as a senator and comfortable as an officer I feel like that
Darshan Patel, on Sept. 28 the SGA is
will help enhance how we do productivity-
hosting Pizza With The President, an event
wise and how we help the school out.”
designed to get students closer with the
Patel also said he hopes this will
SGA and USA President Tony Waldrop.
encourage more students to come to SGA
Students will have a chance to talk and
meetings, and not have to worry about
present ideas to President Waldrop as well
acting or dressing too formal.
as their SGA members. “One of the things that came about is
“We want to hear the students,” Patel said. “We want to know the students
the preferred name policy,” Patel said. “So
opinion, that’s what we’re here for more
that was one of the things that came out of
than anything. Doing things like parking
Pizza With The President last year, which
ticket forgiveness day, keep having annual
is now a university policy.”
events like that is what keeps students
SGA Attorney General JuWan Robinson plans on using the first Monday of every
engaged, and lets them know we actually care.”
SPORTS
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Sports Editor | Shawna Mason smmtheii@gmail.com Monday, Sept. 5, 2016
Lady Jags dominate with four victories By Casie Carr | Reporter
This past weekend, USA Women’s Volleyball hosted an invitational, welcoming Florida A&M, Florida International and Southeastern Louisiana. The Jags matched up with Southeastern Louisiana and won 3 - 2. At their second tournament of the season, USA walked away with two wins, one of which was a shutout. USA then defeated Florida International 3 - 0. The game leaders were outside hitter Iva Durdanovic, and middle blockers Sarah Richardson, Kelley Hartman and Mechell Daniel. The second day USA defeated Florida A&M 3 - 1. After their opening invitational in Birmingham, Alabama, from Aug. 26-27,
USA Volleyball players set up a spike during one of the invitational matches. Photo by Jason Ruffin.
the Lady Jaguars walked away with two wins and one loss. Their first game against Indiana State was a close win, with a final score of 3 - 2. The second win of the season was a 3 - 0 shutout against Nicholls State. The last game of the invitational was a tough one for the Lady Jaguars against Samford. USA Volleyball’s only loss this season ended 0 - 3. Kelley and Lauren Hartman, freshmen twins on the USA Women’s volleyball
team, are excited about this season. Kelley described her experience so far on the team. “My favorite part about being on this team is that I am inspired every day to become a better player and a better person by the awesome team and staff,” Kelley Hartmann said. Lauren Hartmann is in agreement, stating that, “everyone has such a good work ethic and gives off so much positive energy.”
The pair are confident in their team’s abilities this season. Their goal, along with the rest of the team, is to win the conference tournament. Head Coach Amy Hendrichovsky said she is confident in her women’s volleyball team this season. “The depth, leadership, and work ethic of these ladies make our team very promising for the upcoming games,” Hendrichovsky said.
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SPORTS
Monday, Sept. 5, 2016
USA linebacker Bull Barge prepares to pounce on MSU quarterback Damian Williams. Photo by Jaccob Hearn.
USA claims historic win Cont. from page 1 looked toward the next play, that we would be alright.” In the second half the Jaguars pulled ahead of the Bulldogs. “After the first half we just came out and played better,” Davis said. “Since the beginning, coach has told us to play fast and finish strong. We didn’t play as fast as
we should have in the first half, but in the second half we sure did finish strong.” With one minute left to play, MSU had driven to the 20-yard line and only needed a field goal to win the game.
USA quarterback Davis Dallas hurdles over MSU defensive back Brandon Bryant. Photo by Jaccob Hearn.
The team is really coming together this year, according to Davis. They’re growing
percent.” “I’m a part of the South Alabama
as a family and becoming a team like no
Jaguars that beat MSU,” Buchanan said.
other.
“That’s how I look at it. I’m one of 105. I
“I’m so proud of the guys around me,”
can’t make plays unless they do their job
“I was biting my nails when they got
Earl said. “The things that have changed
inside the 20, but we went out there and
since I’ve been here - its been a long time
“I don’t know what this means for
gave it all we got,” USA tight end Gerald
coming. You can feel it. You can feel the
USA because this is the first time this
Everett said. “He missed it so the rest is
love between the players, the coaches and
has happened, but we want to change the
history. Now we know what we really
the community.”
culture,” said Earl. “We want to create a
can do after our debut upset. Going into
and vice versa.”
“They’ve put in their work and they
winning culture, and we’re beginning to
conference games now, if we don’t perform
know there is character on this team,”
do that. We won, but we aren’t satisfied.
up to our potential, then we are going to
Jones said. “These guys have have bought
We aren’t stopping.”
be extremely upset.”
into my motto of ‘one heartbeat’ 100
USA wide receiver Chris Lewis drags six members of the MSU Bulldogs defense behind him during the first quarter of the game. Photo by Jaccob Hearn.
OPINION
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Opinion Editor | Joel Goode jdg908@jagmail.southalabama.edu Monday, Sept. 5, 2016
Ethical perspectives of the death penalty By Joel Goode | Opinion Editor
The death penalty issue has exceptional relevance in Alabama. We have the highest per-capita execution rate of any state in the nation. Additionally, we are the only state in which judges are allowed to override a jury’s decision to impose life in prison for the death penalty. In popular myths we are presented with two archetypes: the hero and the anti-hero. What distinguishes them is how either behaves when presented with a vulnerable antagonist. The hero will spare the villain who no longer poses a threat. Meanwhile, the anti-hero will seek ultimate revenge. In fairness, real life is more complex than myths, and archetypes hardly align to real human beings. A corrective example would be the excellent 2001 film “In the Bedroom,” which realistically portrays a scenario in which a couple’s son is shot to death. Abetted by nepotism and a broken legal system, the remorseless killer is set free. Shocked and angry, the parents murder him. Whereas a heroic society sees violence as a last resort, the overwhelming philosophy of our legal system is that prison should be a hell-like deterrent. The U.S. is alone among developed Western countries in its reputation for inhumane prison conditions, much of which are due to overcrowding. If finding and paying for space is an issue, then a solution may be to empty our prison cells of the thousands of nonviolent drug offenders who currently inhabit them.
When it comes to the court system, death is always more time-consuming and expensive than life. According to a study conducted by the conservative think tank Goss & Associates, the state of Nevada currently spends $1.4 million more on the death penalty than it would on lifewithout-parole prosecutions. Refocusing our funds away from violence and towards care for our prisoners can help end a vicious cycle that brings in misguided, impoverished youths and releases them back into the world as traumatized adults exponentially more violent and antisocial. According to data gathered by the ACLU, not only is the death penalty more costly, but innocent people are sentenced to death; executions can be horrifically botched. Also, blacks and Latinos are executed in gross disproportion to whites for the same crimes, and the murder of white victims substantially results in more death penalty prosecutions than the murder of minority victims. Setting aside human incompetence, the overall attitude taken by the legal system towards justice should be one of benevolence. Even granted a dream society with flawless legal workers, the sanctioning of death against a prisoner still symbolizes the disappearance of humanity. If the character of a community reflects the virtuosity of its people, then a less murderous state produces a humane citizenry.
Submission: Let strangers into your car? Submitted by Anonymous Student
Last Wednesday, I spent 30 minutes scanning the South parking zone for parking after first arriving on campus around 10 a.m. After avoiding two nearaccidents when fellow student drivers failed to obey common sense traffic laws by cutting in front of me, I nearly gave up. Then I came upon a student in the parking lot shared by Shelby Hall and the Academic Services Center, who looked like he was heading towards his car. I slowed down and asked him if he was going to his car. Indeed he was, but unfortunately he realized he was walking in the wrong direction and was actually several rows away from his car. Trying to follow him on foot as he cut through the rows and I circled around the lot would’ve been foolish as another car, by pure luck, would’ve likely found themselves next in line for his spot. Our solution? We mutually agreed that the best thing would be for me to let him in my car, and we’d go to his car a couple rows away together. I had seen the student around before, so I felt comfortable letting him in my car and shortly thereafter we went our separate ways. So is that what we’re expected to do
now? Let strangers into our car in order to find parking? Less than three years ago a female USA student was forced into her own car by an assailant who, under the threat of violence, made her drive him off campus where he raped her. Should we have to let strangers into our cars then? Or should the university do something about the parking problem that has festered for years without being properly addressed? No. Of course not, because for a long time the recommendation has been to arrive on campus 30-45 minutes before your class in order to find a parking spot. That’s convenient only if you’re not working to pay tuition, buy books, feed your family, etc. Suggesting students just “arrive early” instead of putting the problem onto the administration’s plate is an awfully privileged thing to say, and doesn’t speak to the largely progressive nature of this administration’s recent decisions. This is an issue that affects all students and the administration should act on it accordingly.
The front of Stokes Hall, one of many dorms on USA’s campus. Photo courtesy of southalabama.edu
Submission: Resident advisors op-ed Submitted by Akshay Aluri
“I’m just documenting the situation.” Resident assistants have been taught this chant during their training, partly in the hope of averting the wrath of disgruntled residents, partly because if the RAs are to continue their relationship with their residents they can’t afford to seem judgmental or resentful. The problem with this obligatory disclaimer is that it isn’t true. The RAs don’t hate residents for waking them up at 2:00 in the morning, but they do feel terrible “documenting a situation” that should not have occurred in the first place. Many men and women have worked hard, writing long essays, prepping their resumes and training for many hours to get a job that isn’t just about “documenting the situation” but also about meeting people, making friends and fostering community on campus.
Look past the part of their job that they have an obligation to do and towards the part that they, and hopefully you, will enjoy. Two days ago, RAs in the Beta/Gamma community pooled money to buy their residents 100 chicken fingers from Foosackly’s to bring them together and spark a conversation. Two weeks before the chicken finger day, RAs ordered pizzas, popsicles, cornhole and board games to relax their residents after a long first week of classes. The resident assistant job is, to say the very least, a complex juggling act of a job where writing citations is one of many aspects. RAs, not for a lack of trying, know that they cannot befriend every resident, but still hope to see them at events and be greeted, at the very least, with a smile.