anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
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MONDAY NOV 20, 2017 VOL 1718 ISS 14
w w w. t he vangu ardus a. c om
Facebook group gives students book buying options Students look to alternative sources for cheaper books. Page 4
Due South to publish
Telling my mother I won’t be home
Get a sneak peak of USA’s student magazine.
Dear Debbie helps a reader tell her mother she won’t be home for Thanksgiving.
Pages 8-9
Page 11
USA responds to hazing deaths
The USA chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. Photo by Shelby Guidry BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN | REPORTER
In the last month, two college men have died from hazing-related activities at Florida State University and Texas State University, accord-
ing to CNN. The presidents of both universities have indefinitely suspended the Greek life on campus. Police found Matthew Ellis, a 20-year-old pledge for the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at TSU, dead
on the morning of Nov. 14. TSU suspended all Greek chapters immediately. Ellis’ death is the third reported college hazing-related death since August of this year. Added to this is the in investigation of a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at FSU who is charged with trafficking cocaine Furthermore, the FSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi is under investigation for causing the death of 20-yearold Andrew Coffey on Nov. 3 after a party the night before. The USA chapter of Pi Kappa Phi did not respond to requests for comments regarding the incident. Cathi Jones, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life, was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. The presiContinued on page 11
Higher Ed Day participation reduced BY: NATASHA SPRADLIN | REPORTER
Currently, USA only plans to send fifty-five students to Higher Education Day this year. Photo by Shannon Lundgren
Alabama’s fourteen public universities annually unite in Montgomery on Higher Education Day to stand before state lawmakers and rally for one-third of the Alabama Education budget. The event was open to all students in the past and the University of South Alabama frequently had the largest university delegation, with more than two hundred students. However, the Higher Education Partnership recently an-
nounced the rally will be limited to one bus per university on Feb. 22, 2018. The change reduces student participation from the hundreds to fifty-five students. SGA College of Education Senator Chelsia Douglas believes the Higher Education Partnership instituted a limit on student participation to provide better representation and facilitate a meaningful, personable experience for all involved. “Normally, it is as many students Continued on page 3
Health care reform law changes lives
BY: RACHEL SULLIVAN | REPORTER
Alabama passed a reform bill in March 2017 requiring insurance companies to cover applied behavior analysis care to autistic children. The mandate for insurance plans will not take effect until December 2018, but it is already affecting the lives of those who have fought to make it happen. ABA is a form of therapy usually administered by a technician under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst at an autism therapy center. Out of pocket it can cost over $45,000 a year according to Special Learning, Inc. “With kids with autism, early identification and early intervention is key,” Dr. Abigail Baxter, professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education at USA and project director of Passage USA said. “ABA is the oldest research-based intervention and provides the support those kids need to be successful.” Mobile native Cheryl Ankrom found out in 2014 how the lack of ABA coverage and availability in Alabama would affect her family when her 2 year old twins were both diagnosed with autism. “Having no legislation in place to help pay for ABA therapy not only meant that there was a financial issue, but also a lack of providers,” Ankrom said. “In April Continued on page 3
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anguard USA Police Report THE
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 STAFF Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Asst. Managing Editor Copy Editor Opinion Editor Web Editor Reporters
Shannon Lundgren Marissa Mason Richard Narramore Amber-Lynn Boothe Rachel Goodman Krisha Amin Hannah Blackburn Hannah Clayton Charles Harrison Natasha Spradlin Rachel Sullivan Tricia West Photographers Briana Cunningham Shelby Guidry
Advertising Advertising Manager Tiyana King Advertising Rep Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago
Advisors
Advising Heather Leigh Stanley James Aucoin Advisor Emeritus John Sellers
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, JagMail 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. 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 Office of Student Media. Issues are available at most University buildings and select offcampus locations. Freelance writers and photographers will receive payment upon successful publication.
To request additional issues at a stand near you, email: vanguarddistribution@gmail.com
11/09/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree The Grove Apartments Unknown person, with intent to deprive owner of property, stole listed article from listed location; value of stolen article does not exceed $499.00. 11/10/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Parking lot near Epsilon 1 Unknown person unlawfully entered victim’s vehicle while parked in Epsilon 1 parking area and took property without permission. 11/12/2017 Possession of a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit USA Medical Center Subject was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm without a permit 11/12/2017 Harassment or Harassing Communications Stokes Hall Known male subject has repeatedly called victim’s phone in excess of 50 times over approximately. 4 days, after she told him she did not want to see him anymore. 11/12/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Epsilon parking area Unknown person unlawfully entered victim’s vehicle while parked at Epsilon 1 parking lot. 11/13/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle Gravel Lot Near Fraternity Housing Unknown person, with intent to deprive owner of property, articles from the victim’s vehicle while parked in gravel lot near fraternity houses. 11/14/2017 Gamma Parking Lot Obscene material was drawn on a student’s vehicle while it was parked.
Letter from the Editor At the end of this semester, journalism instructor and former Vanguard advisor John Sellers will retire. This marks the end of an era for him and for the students who were fortunate to have been taught by him. As a professor, Sellers taught his students the principles of journalism: AP style, editing, news values and so on. But Sellers also taught by example. His kindness and compassion changed lives. It changed mine. Sellers saw something in me that I never saw: the ability to be Editor-in-Chief of this newspaper. Without his encouragement, I never would have applied to be a reporter on this paper, nevermind one day apply to run it. For better or worse, having this position has been one of the defining experiences of my life. Professor Sellers, thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in me.
I am not the only person who thinks highly of Sellers. In consultation with several former Vanguard Editors-in-Chief, we have decided to name Sellers Advisor Emeritus of The Vanguard. We are deeply grateful for your tutelage. We hope you enjoy your well deserved time on the golf course. Thank you for everything. ~Shannon Lundgren, Editor-inChief
John Sellers is hereby named Advisor Emeritus of The Vanguard. Photo courtesy of John Sellers
NEWS
3 Healthcare reform law, continued Continued from page 1
of 2015, I moved with my twins to Mishawaka, Indiana, to live with my husband’s mother so we could purchase insurance on the open marketplace to cover ABA therapy for the twins, specifically my son, who was then three and a half.” Ankrom witnessed improvement in her children as they began receiving ABA therapy as well as relief that insurance in Indiana helped the significant financial burden. “My son has been at BACA (Behavioral Analysis Center for Autism) since July of 2015,” Ankrom said. “He has learned to use the bathroom on his own, dress himself, speak and make simple requests and has said to me, ‘I love you mom’. He has many less disruptive behaviors and meltdowns than before we moved and can respond to questions and instructions in ways we never imagined he would. After one year at BACA in the Sprouts Preschool Program, my daughter who is considered high-
functioning, was able to transition into a public kindergarten and was the 3rd best reader in her class. She is not considered special needs and doesn’t need an IEP.” The move to Indiana was not the Ankrom family’s first plan. Cheryl Ankrom made efforts in Mobile to reach out to legislators about reforming the insurance policies regarding ABA therapy and autism treatments. Mayor Sandy Stimpson declined making contact with Ankrom to support coverage for ABA therapy in the insurance plan for the Mobile Fire Rescue Department where her husband worked at the time. “Before making the decision to move to Indiana, I advocated for autism insurance reform in Mobile by doing a 2 part news story with Modupe Idowu on Fox 10 News,” Ankrom said. “Also, I met with Lorri Unumb, who was the Director of State Government Affairs for Autism Speaks, and began a grass roots effort with other parents of autistic children in the area and
across the state to begin the process to get legislation passed for the state of Alabama. I was told at the point of the diagnosis for my son, that early intervention was key. When we learned the lengthy process involved in working with state legislators to get a bill written and then passed, we decided it was in the best interest of my son to move where he could have immediate help.” For many families, moving to where therapy is available is not an option. This could mean a child going years without receiving treatment, or having to resolve to lesser quality treatment that can be afforded. For Ankrom, moving meant leaving her oldest daughter, a senior in high school at the time, in Mobile to finish school and live with her dad. Ankrom’s husband had to stay in Mobile for a year to sell their house and find a job in Indiana. “Finally, legislation in Alabama was passed last summer for the autism insurance mandate,” Ankrom
said. “The bill passed was not the same level of coverage that is available in Indiana, but is comparable to other states. We have decided to move back to Mobile, after spending two and a half years in Indiana.” While Ankrom is optimistic in the changes for Alabama, Baxter feels that this is only a stepping stone for the services that need to be made available for children with autism. Ankrom and Baxter agree that this insurance reform was long overdue and both accredit the work of affected parents and families to being the ultimate influence in this bill. “The holdup was politics and being willing to spend money on people,” Baxter said. The insurance reform still has over a year before it takes full effect and there will be specific requirements in insurance companies to provide it, but the families who will finally receive ABA therapy are hopeful in seeing the steps being made because of their efforts.
Higher Education Day, continued Continued from page 1
as the university can bring,” Douglas said. “You come and you holler at the rally, you walk in the parade, you go outside and sit on the lawn and then you head back to your university. There are a whole lot of students and a small group of legislators and it has been hard to get a word in or a point across.” According to Assistant Director of Governmental Relations Nick Lawkis, two-thirds of the education budget used to go to grades K-12 and one-third would be distributed between Alabama’s fourteen public universities. Now, roughly 25 percent of the total budget goes to higher education while K-12 receives around 69 percent. Lawkis is hopeful the change in structure on higher education day will create a lasting impact on legislators.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days legislators are actually in session,” Lawkis said. “During a session, if they don’t break for lunch, they don’t come out. They stay on the floor and debate their bills. So a lot of the challenge is making sure we get them out. What we are trying to do this year is get a smaller group of students from each institution and get more legislators out of the building to network and spend more one on one time.” The fifty-five students who will attend Higher Education Day on behalf of USA have been preselected by SGA. SGA Attorney General Grace Newcombe said they sought students who actively participate in conversations on campus regarding the education system and Alabama’s current political state. “I will be meeting with those invited at the beginning of Spring
semester to inform them of the changes made to Higher Education Day as well as why it is important to us as college students,” Newcombe said. SGA declined to announce the selected students at this time. “We looked at students we believed would communicate to our legislatures the importance of higher education and its impact on us as students,” Newcombe said. “There is no one-size-fits-all definition of leadership because everyone leads differently. Our goal when selecting attendees was to accurately represent the students at South Alabama. We made sure to include students from various organizations to make sure the conversations held would be diverse and represent the many different organizations on South’s campus.” Senior Taryn Hammond is con-
cerned the selection process is not fair. She said she feels left behind. “I’m still a student leader even if I can’t be actively involved in an organization on campus,” Hammond said. “I’m getting my education to better myself and become a productive member in my community. My education matters too. I would’ve liked to have access to the same opportunities to share my experience.” The opportunity to submit questions to the preselected student leaders for state legislators will be available during an event called Falling in Love with Higher Education. Falling in Love with Higher Education is still in the beginning stages of development but students can get involved through social media by using the hashtag: #Falling4HE.
4 NEWS Controversial posters found at USA
Students found unapproved signage at USA on Nov. 15. Photo by Richard Narramore BY: MARISSA MASON | MANAGING EDITOR
Students found posters stating “It’s okay to be white” on several of the academic buildings around campus on Wednesday, Nov. 19. They have since been removed. The slogan “it’s okay to be white” originated on an website called 4chan when one anonymous user suggested posting signs stating “it’s okay to be white” would garner media attention. According to one anonymous 4chan user, the purpose of the campaign was to incite racial tensions. Though the movement was scheduled to take place on Oct. 30, the posters were not seen at USA until Nov. 15. “It’s been said by smarter people than me that the way to respond to hate or bad speech is more speech,” Department of Communication Chair Dr. James Aucoin said. “Good speech. Speech that, in this case, would talk about diversity being a part of our society. I think more speech discussing this issue and the ideas of the people who are posting it and countering these ideas with better ideas is a good way to respond to it.”
Aucoin, whose research has focused on law and journalism continued, “I think the people posting these have a legal right to be heard. I don’t like their message and I think we have a legal right to take them down if we disagree with them because it’s a political act to take them down as well [as put them up].” USA declined to comment on the specific nature of the signs and cited USA’s free speech policy. “The University of South Alabama recognizes and supports the rights of students, employees and visitors to engage in expressive activities in a lawful manner on campus,” Director Communications and Media Relations Bob Lowry stated. “The University’s policy in this regard is to promote the free exchange of ideas and the safe and efficient operation of the University. The University of South Alabama posting policy requires that flyers be approved in advance, that the sponsoring organization be identified and that the flyers be posted in designated areas. Since these requirements were not met, the posters were removed. Visitors
violating this policy will be subject to immediate removal or eviction from campus. Students violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.” African-American Student Association President Chelsia Douglas commented on the importance for USA to try to accept one another universally. “I also believe it is okay to be you, as long as you accept me for being me,” Douglas stated. “We must accept ourselves and those around us in order to build a better America for all citizens and a better USA for all students. As a Jaguar, I would rather focus our attention on initiatives that uplift the student body here at South. Signs that express acceptance of things that aren’t of ‘society’s norm.’ Signs that encourage students to be a better them. Signs that simply state, ‘It’s okay to be YOU.’ Most importantly signs that follow University guidelines and are approved for posting.”
SGA President Carl Thomas Jr. encouraged students to have empathy for each other. “Our university strives to provide an inclusive atmosphere where all individuals are respected and allowed to express themselves regardless of race, gender, color, age, sex, disability, nationality and religion,” Thomas stated. “I admonish you to take a walk in your fellow students’ shoes. Let’s take a moment in our day to appreciate each other’s unique qualities and cultures. No matter where we came from, or what our past consisted of, we are all one. Progression is possible when all steps go in the same, positive direction.” The USA College Democrats denied any involvement and refused to comment on the incident. The USA College Republicans were unavailable for comment. To find more information on USA’s free speech policies, check out USA’s student handbook, The Lowdown.
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Men’s basketball season starting recap BY: CHARLES HARRISON | REPORTER
The 2017-2018 Men’s Basketball season is off to a rocky start, going (2-2) with big losses coming to the Texas Tech Red Raiders and La Salle Explorers early on. The Jaguars struggled to get traction early this season following a tough loss to Texas Tech on Friday, Nov. 10. The Jaguars returned home the following Monday, Nov. 13 to face off with the University of Mobile Rams. The young Jaguars team struggled in the first half of the UM game despite being heavily favored to win. The Jags only outscored the Rams by four while they shot below 50 percent in all categories but free throws, letting the Rams snatch up 14 rebounds. The second half of the game against Mobile was starkly different from the first with the Jags scoring 10 unanswered points in the open-
ing three minutes the Jags were able to quickly pull away from the Rams The Jaguars went 13-22 shooting field goals as they outscored the Rams 42-24 in the second half setting up a 71-49 win in their first home of the year. The Jaguars then went back on the road for their third game of the regular season to face the La Salle Explorers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. La Salle exploded at the start pulling ahead to a 10-0 lead after five minutes that the Jags would spend the rest of the game struggling to erase. Once again in the first half, shooting appeared to be one of the Jags larger problems with the field goal percentage at 40.7 percent, and the three-pointshots at 30 percent the Jaguar offense seemed anemic early as La Salle climbed to a 47-27 lead at the half. The Jaguars once again found
their feet in an effort lead mainly by sophomore guard Jordan Andrews and sophomore Trhae Mitchell paving the way for the jags to turn a 20-point deficit at the half to a close five point lead with a little over two minutes to go. Despite outscoring the Explorers 46-34 and shooting above 50 percent in every category the Jags were not able to pull through with a win. With the Explorers hitting a three point shot with only 1:04 to go on the clock they were able to seal the second Jaguar loss of the season. The Jags refused to dwell on the loss long, traveling to Uncasville, Connecticut for a dominating win against the University of Maine Black Bears. The Jaguars lead this game with solid defensive play. With 16 defensive rebounds and seven turnovers, the Jaguars were able to get out to an early lead that only grew as the game went on.
The Jags also leaned heavily on sophomore forward Josh Ajayi as he posted one of his better performances this season going 6-10 shooting field goals and pulled down three of the Jags 20 total first half rebounds. The Jaguars continued to keep Maine under their thumb in the second half outscoring the (0-3) Black Bears 32-20 to set up a much needed 68-46 win for the Jaguars. The Jaguars plan to return home next week to start the first of three straight home games. The Jags intend to face the (2-2) Stetson Hatters at the Mitchell Center on Wednesday, Nov. 22 they then plan to play games against the New Orleans Privateers and The Southern Mississippi University Golden Eagles before heading back on the road to face Florida International University on Dec. 1.
USA Women’s Soccer wins SBC title BY: HANNAH BLACKBURN | REPORTER
The USA women’s soccer team secured their fifth consecutive Sun Belt Conference title having downed Coastal Carolina in the conference final. This season, the Jags went 9-1 in conference play, losing only to to Arkansas State October. Despite the loss in the first round of the NCAA Division I tournament, head coach Richard Moodie was very happy with this season. “To win among other Division I schools was an amazing feat for us,” Moodie said. “It takes an army to really put this thing together. The girls did all the hard work on the field and had to overcome a lot of adversity. They went above and beyond my expectations, and none of it could have been done by one person. Also, the coaching staff was phenomenal at getting everyone properly prepared, again, it really was a group effort that needed everyone’s contribution.” Strong defense played a major
role in keeping conference opponents out of the win column, and junior defensive player Hannah Godfrey was just as happy about the getting the title. “Of course, it was a great feeling to win,” Godfrey said. “It was our goal at the beginning of the year to win another conference championship, and we lived up to that potential. We had tired legs, but I think we did a great job of pushing through. Next year I would like to get another one. It would be great way to end my career here.” For Moodie, the toughest part of the season was the conference play. “You have to play conference teams twice, so that can be the hardest part of the tournament,” Moodie said. “It may be an easy win the first go-around, but then you have to keep up your strength both physically and mentally to beat that team again.” The end of this season means the end of college play for Moodie’s seven seniors, but with juniors like Godfrey, he will be able to find
team leadership easily, as he begins to fill the spots the graduating players will leave behind. “Our coaching staff just finished recruiting in Florida at the junior college championship,” Moodie said. “We have to replace seven girls and we feel confident we can get that caliber of player we strive to have, but at the same time, we want to also work on developing
the players we already have. We want our girls to step up and seize the moment and take the reigns of being great players. We have a great coaching staff that will do a great job at finding us the players that can take us to another conference championship.” To find out more about the USA’s soccer program, visit USAJaguars. com.
The Jaguars take home their fifth consecutive SBC award. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars
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USA students created a Facebook page titled USA Bookswap to combat the rising prices of textbooks and supplies. According to College Board, American college students spend an average of $1,200 on books and supplies each year. Many USA students feel this burden, and have chosen to opt out of traditional ways of obtaining textbooks for the upcoming semester. The Facebook page has over 500 members and allows students to sell their used textbooks to other students and trade textbooks with their peers. This gives students room to negotiate prices when trying to buy books and allows them to find the best price possible. A used Biology 122 textbook on USA Bookswap was on sale for $40 on Nov. 17, while the same used book from USA bookstore cost $116 pre-tax for the 2018 Spring semester. “It was created in the 2014-2015 school year by myself and my committee in First Year Council,” USA Bookswap Admin Riss McCraney stated. “The idea was proposed within our committee as we were looking to save money on textbooks and wanting to help the freshman class with that as well.” “I used USA Bookswap one year when my Pell Grant wasn’t as much as I expected it to be,” USA Senior Brandon Schrad said. “I probably saved close to $200 on three textbooks I needed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone short on cash. You can even sell your old textbooks to get money for new textbooks.” While Facebook pages like USA Bookswap has the potential to save some students hundreds of dollars, some students can’t fully rely on services like this for their full textbook cost.
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“I do worry at times that it competes with the bookstore but Fleur the majority of the people I know, 2 Bedroom Flat 2 Bath including myself, will still get some 1,014 Sq.Ft. of their books from the bookstore Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ 2 AND 3 BEDROOMS each semester,” McCraney stated. FLEUR PRICES STARTING AT $895* USA Bookswap user Sara Cherie 3 Bedroom Flat Breighlen suggested students might 2 Bath Residence Amenities *PLEASE CALL THE LEASING OFFICE FOR MORE •DETAILS Air Conditioning 1,367 Sq.Ft. have difficulty finding all of their • Heating books through the group. • Patios/Balconies • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups “I would use [USA] Bookswap • Carpeting more if there were more people • Vinyl Flooring • Full Size Kitchen selling books on it,” Breighlen • New White said. “Sometimes I can find one or Shaker Cabinets Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop two books I need, but never all of Throughout CHERIE them.” • Range • Refrigerator “It started as a closed group and • Microwave has continued to be, and it has • Dishwasher Amour • Garbage Disposal 3 Bedroom Townhouse grown by word of mouth,” USA Features 2.5 Bath Bookswap admin Michalyn McCommunity Amenities 1,415 Sq.Ft. • Fitness Center Graw stated. “Personally, I used the • BBQ Area site throughout my college experi• Surface Parking • Playground ence. It was useful during my basic Fleur 2 Bedroom Flat • Pet Friendly N courses as these books were plenti- 2 Bath FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR • Swimming Pool & 1,014 Sq.Ft. Wading Pool ful and usually the same text was Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ AMOUR • Sports Court Pet:COMMUNITY $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ used in all of the same courses.... Rent: $ •AMENITIES Dog Park It allowed me to save quite a bit of MI RABEL L E LE ASING CEFLEUR NTE R • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 • FITNESS CENTER• Nearby Transportation and Highways: I-65 & I-10 • BBQ AREA 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com money in college. Less money spentCherie 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING Residence Amenities plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject on books meant less loans at gradu-2 Bath Floor • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information. • PET FRIENDLY • Heating ation. I am a Nursing major, so the 1,367 Sq.Ft. • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL • Patios/Balconies • SPORTS COURT site didn’t help much after I started • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • DOG PARK my professional courses.” • Carpeting & • NEARBY TRANSPORTATION Vinyl Flooring • HIGHWAYS: I-65 &•I-10 Students, however, have other • Full Size Kitchen options besides USA Bookswap • New White Shaker Cabinets to obtain their textbooks for the Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ AMENITIES Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop RESIDENCE new semester. Many students have Throughout • AIR CONDITIONING CHERIE • Range turned to third party textbook re• HEATING • Refrigerator • PATIOS/BALCONIES tailers to get through the academic • Microwave • WASHER/DRYER HOOK-UPS • Dishwasher Amour year. • CARPETING • Garbage Disposal 3 Bedroom Townhouse • VINYL FLOORING “I would say one of the main 2.5 Bath • FULL SIZE KITCHEN NEW WHITE SHAKER CABINETS reasons students shop here [at third1,415• Sq.Ft. • QUARTZ COUNTERTOP THROUGHOUT party textbook retailer, Campus • RANGE • REFRIGERATOR Bookstore] instead of the USA • MICROWAVE bookstore is the price,” Campus • DISHWASHER N • GARBAGE DISPOSAL Bookstore Operations Manager FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ Chris Hartsfield said. AMOUR Students can visit USA Bookswap at facebook.com/groups/ M I R A B E L L E L E A S I N G C E N T E R • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com USABookSwap, and check the USA Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject Bookstore’s website for quotes on to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information. prices for the Spring 2018 semester. PAN.
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MMofA to host free weekend BY: MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mobile Museum of Art is celebrating our special exhibitions with a free weekend of art and music, Dec. 2 and 3. Mobile Museum of Art will offer free admission through the weekend to all Mobile County residents from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday includes a free outdoor concert featuring performances by Crowned Jewelz and Jamell Richardson, PowerLines Poetry, and fashion designers Brandin Stallworth of Lit Clothing, Antoinette Warbington and Conz 8000 Grillbillies food truck will serve local fare starting at noon. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets
for the concert, and visit the exhibitions anytime throughout the day. The Museum will also offer free guided tours of the special exhibitions, Posing Beauty in African American Culture, 5 Mobile Artists, and A Painter’s Hand: The Monotypes of Adolph Gottlieb. Sign ups for tours will be at the MMofA front desk on a first come, first serve basis. Sunday, the Museum will also be open with free admission to tour the galleries on your own. MMofA’s free weekend is made possible in part by Mobile City Council Members Levon C. Manzie, Bess Rich, C.J. Small, John C. Williams, and Fredrick D. Richardson, Jr.
USA professors honored BY: GABRIELLE EASTERWOOD | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mortar Board Senior Honor Society held its annual Top Professor banquet recently to honor professors in numerous departments across campus. Each member of the Mortar Board chose to invite a professor who had been exceptionally helpful to them. Professors were honored when Mortar Board students who selected them praised them for the special efforts on their behalf. There were more than 30 top professors, honored guests and Mortar Board members. USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop congratulated those being honored and thanked the students who believed these special teachers should be honored. He also praised students for the efforts they made to qualify as members of Mortar
Board. Gabrielle Easterwood presented Heather Leigh Stanley as her selection for Top Professor. This was the second time Stanley, who teaches and advises in the Department of Communication, had been honored by Mortar Board. “As an educator you hope to influence students positively,” Stanley said. “It’s humbling when you are recognized for all of the work that you do.” Many of those honored said they had no idea of the impact they have had on their host student. Mortar Board is a honor society at USA. Juniors who meet a certain GPA requirement and a certain level of campus involvement are selected to be members of Mortar Board. Students should watch for applications sent in USA email during the latter half of the spring semester.
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Due South
Due South is the biannual student magazine for The University of South Alabama. It was written by students of USA for members of the Mobile community. The magazine went through a full re-vamping this semester, with this upcoming issue looking completely different from any in the past. Despite its different appearance, Due South is still a lifestyle magazine which focuses on forming a bridge between the campus and the Mobile community. It contains stories in the sections of Students, Campus and Community. Due South retains its iconic compass logo, which symbolizes the magazine’s goal of pointing the reader in the right direction for entertainment, advice and community news. Editor-in-Chief Sara Boone
hopes to increase readership of the magazine this semester. “I hope that the re-branded cover and inside layouts will make people feel more inclined to pick one up and read it all the way through,” Boone said. “It is really an excellent piece of work, and each writer and photographer worked extremely hard to get to the final product.” The Fall 2017 issue features stories about living with Cystic Fibrosis, recalling Venardos Circus, cooking Thanksgiving dinner in a dorm room, tips for being a student at USA and many more. Due South will be available for free on Nov. 29, 2017. Copies will be located in boxes near The Vanguard locations. Until then, enjoy these snippets of stories that will be in Due South, and don’t forget to pick up a copy of your own.
HELP WANTED Freelance Photographers: A photographer will be given instructions and paid for each photo that Due South chooses to buy (not per photo taken). Photographers are responsible for providing photos for all stories in Due South. Photographers are paid as freelancers.
USA’s student magazine, Due South, is looking for staff members for the Spring 2018 semester.
Freelance Writers: A writer is responsible for writing the stories for Due South. Writers will be assigned stories or may request stories themselves. Writers are paid as freelancers.
Email your resume and two samples of your work or a digital portfolio to duesouth@southalabama.edu to be considered. Be prepared to interview for the position.
Life beyond the walls: Battling cystic fibrosis
Lexi Naughton peers out the window of a hospital while being treated for Cystic Fibrosis. Photo by Lexi Naughton By lexi naughton | contributing writer
Death. Often the most horrifying and crushing concept in the world, but a harsh reality for me.
Each day, the face of death stares me down with its darting eyes and menacing grin. When I look in the mirror and see the dark circles under my eyes, the sharp outline of my ribs and collar bones, the
devastating scars from various surgeries and procedures, the awkward protrusion in my upper chest where my port has been placed, peeling palms and chapped lips and pale, sickly skin, I see death. Not only do I see death, but I feel it through the short, gasping breaths often followed by a faint wheeze, chills caused by frequent fevers, delirium due to my extreme fatigue and overall disinterest through no fault of my own.
Nothing about my outer appearance indicates life. In fact, it screams death. I discovered this reality at a very young age when I was diagnosed with the chronic, genetic disease known as Cystic Fibrosis. One could describe this hilariously ironic disease as a type of progressing domino effect, where each little calamity causes the next but to an even higher degree. Continued in Due South.
9 Moulton Tower: a musical muse By sara boone | contributing writer
Moulton Tower is the most iconic piece of scenery on The University of South Alabama’s campus. It inspired USA student Tyler Brandon to do something no other student has done before. He composed and conducted his own concert honoring Moulton Tower. Brandon’s parents said that his first day on campus, he saw the bell tower and said “that tower is going to mean something to me one day.” Brandon’s premonition was right, because he decided to use the bell tower as inspiration for his research thesis for the Honors College. As a music education major, Brandon did not want to take the typical route, spending hours thumbing through books or dissecting fruit flies for research. In-
stead, he wrote and conducted his own concert dedicated to the bell tower. Dr. Greg Gruner took on the challenge of becoming his research mentor, and Brandon said that he has been nothing but helpful on this two-year journey. Brandon said he chose Gruner as his mentor because he has been his trombone instructor since arriving at USA. Brandon said he and Gruner have a similar style of composing. Gruner even ended up playing the trombone in the concert. Brandon said he decided to dedicate the concert to Moulton Tower because of the impact it has had on him. “I have been fascinated with it ever since I came to South.,” he said. “I love bells. When they ring, they produce so many different sounds...” Continued in Due South.
Tyler Brandon conducts the opening piece in his self-composed concert. Photo by Sara Boone
Big community, bigger change By akshay aluri | contributing writer
To a stranger, Mobile is just another town in southern Alabama, but at the heart of our city lies a diverse population, whose voices, for far too long, have not been heard. This past year, the CEO of Community Foundation of South Alabama Rebecca Byrne asked Tony Waldrop, president of The University of South Alabama, to collaborate with organizations such as Mobile United, Austral, Springhill College, Bishop State Community College, Boys and Girls Club, The Community Foundation of South Alabama and the Office of Mayor Sandy Simpson to start the Empowering Change initiative. Multiple community leaders from each organization gathered together to decide on how to improve the future of Mobile. They concluded that the inclusion of people of various races, religions and ethnicities would be the best way to bring
people together and move the community forward. Thus, the Empowering Change initiative, supported by grants from the Newman’s Own Foundation and the County Commission of Mobile, was created. Of Empowering Change, President Waldrop said, “A core component of the University of South Alabama’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of the people in the Gulf Coast region. When we were approached by the Community Foundation to partner on this effort, we immediately saw an opportunity to fulfill that part of our mission and to facilitate constructive conversations about the issues and challenges of our times.” The leaders of various collaborating organizations echo the same sentiment. Rebecca Byrne, president of the Community Foundation of South Alabama, said, “With the partner-
ship of the University of South Alabama and the support of the city and the county, we are excited to build upon and complement the many efforts to foster an inclusive and welcoming community in Mobile.” The vision for Mobile through
the Empowering Change initiative is “to become a community in which all persons are welcomed, included, valued, respected and empowered to thrive and succeed.” The Mobile County Commission... Continued in Due South.
The Empowering Change panel discusses the movement and their thoughts on the inclusion of Mobile. Photo courtey of Empowering Change Mobile
OPINION
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Senate candidate accused of abusing young girl
Judge Roy Moore. Photo courtesy ofwikimedia.org
BY:CHARLES HARRISON | REPORTER
The Washington Post released a story accusing Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl named Leigh Corfman in 1974 on Nov. 9, 2017. Since this story broke, seven other women have come forward, claiming Moore initiated inappropriate relationships with them during their teenage years. The former Alabama State
Supreme Court denied all of the allegations, but many people, including GOP leadership, remain unconvinced and it raises the question of what should happen now. As these accusations have circulated, many people have floated various ideas, including criminal prosecution. In the event he wins the special election, there are recourses the Senate can then take as a punishment to Moore including, refusing to seat him or voting to have him removed from his seat after he assumes it. Criminal prosecution seems the obvious choice to handle accusations like these. After all, Moore would have been 32-years-old when the alleged assault of the then 14-year-old Corfman occurred, yet there is no precedent to bring this to court, due to statute of limitations. While Alabama Statute 15-3-1 says there is no existing statute of limitations on a sexual offense
where the victim is under 16 years old, it doesn’t apply to this specific case. The statute passed in the middle of the 1980’s only applies to cases that have occurred since it became law, Therefore, there is no legal precedent to bring Moore to criminal court in Alabama, since his alleged indiscretions took place in 1979. In the event Moore does win the special election and goes to assume his seat in the senate, he still may have to face these allegations. An idea that is being discussed by various political pundits is that the Senate can refuse to seat Moore. This is not actually possible due to Article 1 section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, which says that the Senate may not regulate an election in a state. However Article 1 Section 5 of the Constitution states that both bodies of Congress may disciplines their members for indiscretions setting up a precedent that could leave to Moore’s removal.
A civil case is the last possible legal recourse for Moore’s accusers. . They could sue Moore for damages and he could be required by law to pay restitution to the victims if found guilty by a jury. This is the most likely going to be the most likely way to see a verdict handed down, unlike in criminal proceedings, where a person’s guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt. In a civil case, one must only convince a jury that what they said is, in fact, true without having to provide a confession or completely irrefutable evidence. The real question in the coming weeks will be one for the voters alone as the wrestle with their own personal morality. Yes, this man is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, but in the United States we have a long standing precedent that an individual is innocent until proven guilty. With the Alabama election closing on Dec. 12 voters will soon decide.
What I learned from studying abroad
Natasha on her trip to Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Natasha Spradlin BY:NATASHA SPRADLIN | REPORTER
I started my undergraduate career in 2012 with a dream to study abroad, but as a first-generation college student from a low-income family, my prospects seemed dim. My freshman year, I could not help
but wonder how I could pay for a trip abroad, let alone afford to study in another country. My financial responsibilities made it difficult to entertain the idea that I could achieve my goals. “People like me don’t study abroad,” I said. “I’ll never be able to save enough money.” Self-doubt is a powerful, crippling emotion. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was selling myself short. I assumed I was being realistic; it was better to accept my fate than work unnecessarily hard for an improbable outcome. In one year I talked myself out of studying abroad. Self-doubt caused me to make excuses instead of find solutions. Graduation rolled around faster than I thought it would and by my junior year, I felt lost. One day, I sat down and wrote a list of my long-term and short-term goals. In bold letters, study abroad
stared me in the face. I’d be lying if I said I no longer felt self-doubt when I solidified my goals in writing. The difference was I decided to stop letting the word “no” dictate my life. I quit calling study abroad a dream because it wasn’t a dream. My grandmother always told me, “Make a plan and work the plan.” Study abroad was a plan and I was going to work it! If one program did not work for me I looked for another. I started to consider questions such as whether I wanted to satisfy credits for my major or my gen-ed requirements while abroad. I looked for shorter programs because I knew a semester or yearlong program was not a feasible option for me due to work. I set a budget and searched for programs that fit in my budget. I applied for scholarships and I wrote essays.
I bookmarked programs that gave me the option to apply my financial aid to the cost. If a program included meals, airfare and/or housing it became a top contender on my list. If it did not, I let it go. I am proud to say my plan worked. In May, I studied abroad for the first time. I chose to go on a USA facultyled Biology program with Dr. Mata in Costa Rica and I had the time of my life. The opportunity to learn biology in the rainforest vs. a classroom was an invaluable experience. I gained a better understanding of the world. I made lifelong friends. I discovered new and exciting foods. However, the greatest lesson I learned while studying abroad is I can do anything I set my mind to. I found myself again through leaving my comfort zone and if you ask me, you can’t beat that.
OPINION
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Dear Debbie: I won’t be home for Thanksgiving
Sophomore Emily Steinwinder summons the courage to tell her mom she won’t be home for the holidays. Photo by Richard Narramore BY:RACHEL GOODMAN|OPINION EDITOR
Dear Debbie: I’m not going home for Thanksgiving, and I have no idea how to tell my parents. Thanksgiving has always been a really big deal to them, my mom especially. She always really enjoys cooking with me and teaching me the right way to prepare the turkey
and dressing. I’m a sophomore this year and I want to spend Thanksgiving with my boyfriend’s family. We have been dating since December of last year and I feel like things are getting pretty serious. I have met his family several times and feel very comfortable with them. His family lives in Daphne, which is so much closer than mine, in Auburn. I pay for my own gas and I just can not see spending the time and gas money to go home for Thanksgiving when I could just celebrate it with my boyfriend. I know my parents will be really upset, but I feel like this is the right thing for me. How should I break the news? - Turkey Trouble Dear Turkey Trouble: I think it is important that you tell them as soon as possible. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and the worst thing you can do is blind-
side them with this information the day of. If you are planning on spending Christmas at home, you could mention this to sweeten the news. It makes a lot of sense that you would not want to drive all the way to Auburn and back for Thanksgiving when you are going to be home in a few weeks for Christmas anyway. You mentioned that you pay for your own gas; you could explain to your parents that you are choosing to spend the holidays with your boyfriend in an effort to save time and money. They will want reassurance that you still love them and want to spend time with them. Make sure that you repeat that you love them when you tell them and do not immediately get defensive if they respond negatively at first. Give them a chance to state their opinion, even if you disagree with it. It is natural for a parent to be sad
at the thought of their child missing a holiday with them for the first time; it means you are growing up. I think that many fights between parents and their children begin because the child feels resentful of being controlled, and that their independence or maturity is being questioned. This assumption is normally an operation that can be avoided if the situation is handled with care. If your parents tell you that they want you home for Thanksgiving, make sure that you respond calmly and rationally. If you are able to get your thoughts across without the conversation turning into a fight you will be much more successful. Do not let them guilt you out the choice you have made. You want to spend Thanksgiving with your boyfriend, and you have every right to. You obviously love your family and do not want to hurt them, but do not let your love for them change
USA responds, cont’d Continued from page 1
dent of the Interfraternity Council was also unavailable for comment. President Tony Waldrop did not comment on the cases and referred comments to Dr. Michael Mitchell. However, the involved national chapters of the fraternities from FSU and Texas State extended their apologies and plans of action to CNN news. “Our hearts go out to the Florida State community in this tragic loss,” Mitchell said. “It is always difficult to lose a student, but it is especially difficult when that loss is totally preventable. Hazing education and awareness is a continuous effort on all campuses with Greek communities and we must all remain vigilant in our efforts to change the culture.” “I don’t think they (USA) are taking it seriously,” Summer Smith said, a junior elementary education major at USA. “I think that there
should be a different tradition for this. Why nearly kill yourself for this kind of thing? They try to tell people that it’s nothing like what is in the movies, then this happens and the fraternities at other schools continue on.” What this means for the Greek life at USA remains to be seen. After a lack of response from Greek representatives and the fraternity involved, one can only wonder where this university truly stands on this tragic issue and what “efforts to change the culture” are occurring.
There have been three hazing-related deaths in the U.S. since August. Photo by Shelby Guidry
Questions for me? deardebbievangaurd@gmail.com
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