Oct 2 2017

anguard V If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

THE

MONDAY OCT. 2, 2017 VOL 1718 ISS 10

w w w. t he vangu ardus a. c om

SGA Update SGA approved a new supplemental travel grant last Thursday.

South Alabama Coach departs from Jaguars Bryant Vincent will no longer coach for the Jaguars.

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Dear Debbie Caught in a relationship with an overbearing partner? Dear Debbie has answers.

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YAL challenges USA’s policy on free speech

Student sues USA after Title IX hearings

By Hannah Clayton | reporter

Members of YAL protested on campus on Sept. 26. Photo by Briana Cunningham

By Carleigh Lloyd | Contributing writer

The University of South Alabama Young Americans for Liberty chapter hosted its first of many free speech events this week on Tuesday, September 26.

YAL’s goal is to educate the student body about the USA policies regarding free speech.

“These policies, or speech codes, are outdated and unconstitutional; they put certain students in a posi-

tion to be oppressed, as the University administration arbitrarily chooses to which students these policies apply,” said Alice Bessette, Vice President of the USA chapter of YAL. “We are out here constructing a dialogue and educating students about these issues,” said Alex Staudt, YAL’s National Director of Free Speech. “These are issues that affect every student on campus.”

Indeed, restricted free speech can

affect what a student can say in the classroom or promote on campus, everything from handing out pocket Constitutions to bringing controversial speakers on campus.

“For example, USA mandates that fliers be approved prior to distribution on campus. This is a form of prior restraint which has never been upheld in the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court of the United States,” Staudt said.

Continued on page 4

A male USA student, known only as “John Doe,” is suing the University of South Alabama following several Title IX hearings, according to Mobile county court records.

Title IX regulates all institutions concerned with education that receive federal funding, whether they are public or private, and was expanded in the past 15 years to include sexual misconduct, according to the Department of Education.

Historically, Title IX is most well-known for its application in women’s athletics as the law makes requirements such as “female and male student-athletes receive athletics scholarship dollars proportional to their participation,” according to the DOE. John Doe, a Mobile county resident, was found to be the responsible party in two Title IX complaints concerning sexual misconduct filed in late 2016 while he attended USA Continued on page 5

USA responds to #TakeAKnee movement

By Krisha Amin | Web Editor

Athletes across the U.S. are taking a knee to protest police brutality. Photo by Shelby Guidry

The University of South Alabama had various responses to the recent controversy surrounding professional athletes kneeling during the National Anthem.

USA issued statements last year on Nov. 28, 2016, through JagMail and again this school year on Aug. 17, 2017, concerning free speech, which extends to this subject matter.

“Freedom of speech is a right

enshrined in our Constitution. It is also a responsibility,” a released statement by the Office of the President on Aug. 17, 2017 read.

While USA President Tony Waldrop has no doubt the topic of Continued on page 8

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Vanguard 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 Shannon Lundgren Managing Editor Marissa Mason Copy Editors Amber-Lynn Boothe Richard Narramore Opinion Editor Rachel Goodman Web Editor Krisha Amin Reporters Hannah Blackburn Hannah Clayton Charles Harrison Natasha Spradlin Rachel Sullivan Tricia West Photographers Briana Cunningham Shelby Guidry Muqit Asif Khan

Advertising Advertising Manager Tiyana King Advertising Rep Preston Smith Graphic Designer Jennette Bago

Advisors

Advising Heather Leigh Stanley James Aucoin Pub. Coordinator Thomas Ausborn

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.

NEWS

USA Crime Report 09/21/2017 Duty Upon Striking an Unoccupied Vehicle Shelby Hall parking lot Victim’s vehicle damaged in Shelby Hall parking lot while it was parked and unoccupied

09/26/2017 Harassment or Harassing Communications No location given A student has been receiving harassing communications via text message and email from an ex-girlfriend.

09/22/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Humanities Parking Lot Unknown subject(s) used an unknown instrument to break the victim’s front passenger window and removed a laptop and wallet from the front seat.

09/27/2017 Theft of Property Fourth Degree, $499 or less Archaeology Museum Bldg On Sept. 15 four individuals stole a speaker from the Archaeology Museum Bldg. on campus.

09/25/2017 Theft of Property Second Degree (Greater Than $1500 to $2,500) Dining Facility An individual(s) stole 10 brass Pasta Machine Dies from the Dining Hall.

09/25/2017 Harassment The Grove The victim reported a known female had harassed her at The Grove Apartments.

09/25/2017 Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle Intramural Fields shell parking lot An unknown person entered victim’s unlocked vehicle, and took property from two listed people.

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

Get a degree at USA, not a police record. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

09/26/2017 Identity Theft Unknown person without consent, authorization or permission, and with intent to defraud, obtained the victim’s identifying information and accessed their financial resources.

09/27/2017 Assault Third Degree Student Center A female student was assaulted by her roommate in front of the Student Center.

09/29/2017 Possession of a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit Possession of Marijuana Second Degree The Grove Possession of a Concealed Pistol Without a Permit and Possession Of Marijuana 2nd were committed.

NEWS

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New rule for Supplemental Travel Grants

SGA Treasurer Kevin Aria announced the new rule in the SGA meting on Sept. 29.

Photo by Briana Cunningham

By Natasha Spradlin | Reporter

The SGA approved a new rule to

the Supplemental Travel Grant during their weekly meeting on Sept.

28.

An STG is a financial request from a USA student organization or entity to SGA’s Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee allocates funds to student groups whose activities directly benefit the students and request funds after the semester budget has been approved.

Organizations that are actively registered in the student portal OrgSync and attend Student Organization Leadership Day are eligible for $2,000 from appropriations every fiscal year, which begins

on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30 the following year.

STGs cover conferences where students are actively participating.

For example, competitions and research presentations are generally covered. However, most mandatory conferences such as annual chapter or national meetings are not covered.

SGA Treasurer Kevin Aria announced the new rule allows student organizations to request STGs without needing to fully deplete their appropriation funds first. SGA has budgeted $5,000 towards STGs for the fall semester. STGs have a total cap of $1,000 and can be used

for up to $500 per student.

“Essentially, we’re giving organizations more flexibility with how they can use their funds,” Aria said. “Prior to this rule, organizations would often use half of their appropriations funds for a conference that could’ve been covered by STGs.” Student organizations interested in applying for STGs, cosponsorships, or appropriations can do so through OrgSync. All questions regarding STGs, cosponsorships, or appropriations and how to apply for budget and/or payment requests can be sent to sga.treasurer@ southalabama.edu

SGA approves budget for fall semester 2017

By Shannon Lundgren | Editor-in-Chief

The SGA approved their $239,235 budget for fall 2017 in their Sept. 28 meeting. The items in SGA’s budget fall into eleven categories: • $85,000 allocated to appropriations, which is money that will be used to fund recognized student organizations throughout the semester • $5,000 allocated to Supplementary Travel Grants, which student organizations can request to fund travel to conferences • $15,000 allocated to cosponsorships • $10,000 allocated to senate projects • $30,000 allocated to SGA members’ salaries • $35,000 allocated to homecoming • $5,181 allocated to administrative expenses, such as office supplies • $7,500 allocated to internal branches, such as FYC, Executive and Legislative branches.

• $11,125 allocated to miscellaneous expenses • $24,500 for the LiveSafe app and campus USA Today subscription • $10,930 allocated to events such as Girls’ Night Out, Bro Code, Week of Welcome, etc.

To see a complete breakdown of the SGA fall 2017 budget, contact sga. treasurer@southalabama.edu.

This table shows the eleven main categories of the SGA’s fall 2017 budget. Graphic by Jennette Bago

NEWS

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Greek Convocation focuses on community

Members of USA’s Greek life discussed having a sense of community among one another. Photo by Camden Bradford

By Rachel Sullivan | Reporter

Members of the 20 Greek organizations on USA’s campus came to listen to guest speaker Bonny Shade speak on community in Greek life for their 2017 Greek Convocation on Sept. 28.

Bonny Shade is an educational empowerment speaker for ForCollegeForLife, an agency for educational speakers, as well as the assistant director for Sorority and Fraternity Life at UNC Charlotte. Shade advocates for united Greek life and positive outreach on college campuses. She came to talk to USA Greek students about the importance of community within the organizations.

“We have no option but to be united,” said Shade. “Greek life depends on it.”

The current presidents of the individual organizations are challenging the students to come together as a community to work together in bettering the campus, the community and each other. To help in that initiative, Shade gave students four methods to use in building community.

The first step is what she calls “wings ‘n things.” According to Shade, the first step in community is to create relationships, which starts with meeting people from other groups. Shade told students that there is no better way to get to know people than to

share a meal with them.

Some examples Shade gave of bonding involved discussions on hot topics in the Greek community. She discussed increased deaths in the Interfraternity Council, the validation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the question of transgender membership in the National Panhellenic Conference. Shade told students that these are things to be discussed together to unite as a community.

The second step is to create “ties that bind.” Shade said this means to find similarities and use them to come together in service, leadership and friendship.

“If we can’t find commonalities,

we can’t find common ground,” Shade said.

The third step is to “unleash the kraken” of these efforts and make change happen. Shade challenged students to stop disliking community and start doing something to change it. Shade directly encouraged students to call out and upon their leaders and each other if they see something unacceptable or see room for improvement.

The fourth step Shade gave is “Don’t stop. Get it, get it.” Shade told students not to stop trying and reaching out to each other and others on campus.

“If we’re not willing to share ourselves with others, we’re never going to get there,” said Shade.

Bonny Shade left the Greek Life of USA with the challenge of finding their community. She stressed that community is necessary to thrive on a college campus. The leaders of the Greek organizations committed to step up to the job of unifying their organizations in hopes of growing within the groups as well as outward into USA’s campus.

“We all share a core of brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship, leadership and community service,” Shade said. “If you don’t care, there’s the door.”

To keep up with the changes being made in your Greek community, follow USA Greek Life on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

YAL challenges USA’s policy on free speech, cont’d

YAL has an established chapter on USA’s campus. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Continued from page 1

USA does not have dedicated free speech zones but rather, areas

zoned by administration for free speech activities.

Other codes include a specified list of areas USA students or employees are prohibited from what USA’s student handbook, The Lowdown, calls “expressive activities.” The Lowdown states that these areas include those “between the street side of University buildings and facilities on the periphery of campus from the portal of North Drive to the corner of campus at Old Shell Road and University Boulevard and to the portal of Stadium Drive and the public sidewalks, areas within one hundred feet of academic buildings or residential housing buildings, Mitch-

ell Center and grounds, Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza, and USA Health System’s Hospitals, Clinics and grounds, with the exception of public streets and sidewalks at those facilities.”

According to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education rating system, USA’s policies are restrictive because “Any expressive activity beyond the Student Center will require that the University be able to identify the University individual or organization involved and that person or organization must abide by these regulations.”

FIRE states that its mission “is to defend and sustain individual rights at America’s colleges and

universities. These rights include freedom of speech, legal equality, due process, religious liberty, and sanctity of conscience—the essential qualities of individual liberty and dignity. FIRE’s core mission is to protect the unprotected and to educate the public and communities of concerned Americans about the threats to these rights on our campuses and about the means to preserve them.”

YAL will host another Free Speech event on Tuesday October 3 from 1:30-4:00 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby, as well as a follow up meeting on Thursday, October 5 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in the Student Center Room 254.

NEWS

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Student sues USA after Title IX hearings cont’d

The DOE is reviewing Title IX. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Continued from page 1

on an Army ROTC scholarship, according to court records.

In his Aug. 31 court hearing, as part of his motion, Doe cites “the decision of the University of South Alabama (“USA”) to impose disciplinary sanctions against the Plaintiff [Doe] in violation of his constitutional rights and in violation of the University’s own rules, regulations, and procedures” as grounds for suing the university, according to court records.

The original Title IX complaints were filed by three female USA students, known in the court records as Roe 1, Roe 2 and Roe 3.

Roe 1 and Roe 2 filed a Title IX complaint with USA citing an event that occurred on or around Sept.

4, 2016. The two were involved in a threesome with Doe, during which Roe 1 and Roe 2 were under the influence of alcohol and therefore could not consent, according to Doe’s recollection of events during the court hearing.

Roe 3, a sorority sister of Roe 1 and Roe 2, filed a Title IX complaint concerning a sexual encounter with Doe that took place three months prior. Roe 3 was under the influence of alcohol and also unable to consent, according Doe’s testimony.

Doe filed his own Title IX complaint against Roe 3, citing that she had intentionally failed to inform him that she was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease prior to their sexual encounter, according to the hearing.

The University Disciplinary

Committee found Roe 3 not responsible in the case of Doe’s Title IX complaint, according to court records.

The UDC found Doe as the responsible party following the hearings and suggested he be removed from the ROTC scholarship program, suspended from USA until Spring 2018, complete 20 hours of community service, attend 12 hours of educational training and remain on academic probation until the completion of his undergraduate studies, according to court records.

When Doe appealed the ruling, Dr. Michael Mitchell, Vice President and Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, denied the appeal, according to court records.

Doe cites many events as violation of his due process and civil rights, such as the allowing of the UDC to consider unsworn witness testimonies, the misconduct of a Title IX advocate and the mismanagement of his own Title IX complaint against Roe 3 because he is male, according to court records.

Title IX advocates are University staff trained by the Mobile Rape Crisis Center, according to the University website.

Additionally, Doe mentions the controversial “Dear Colleague Letter” released by the Office of Civil Rights in 2011 as giving the University grounds to violate his civil rights, according to court records.

According to court records from the most recent hearing, Doe requested the University provide a copy and transcript of the disciplinary and appeal hearings held by the University, as well as any investigation documents related to the Title IX hearings and complaints.

Title IX, a federal law enacted as part of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial

assistance.”

The Office for Civil Rights enforces Title IX compliance among universities as part of the DOE. The Dear Colleague Letter, while not legally binding, outlined how the OCR would examine a school’s Title IX compliance. The letter required schools investigate sexual misconduct even if law enforcement was involved.

As outlined in the USA sexual misconduct policy located on the University webpage, when an individual makes a Title IX complaint, the Title IX coordinator will follow up with the complainant and then appoint an Investigating Officer to the case.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” - Title IX Dr. Krista Harrell, the Associate Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator at USA, is responsible for training, administration and education of all Title IX procedures within the university and provides complainants “with assistance and support,” according to the USA policy.

USA defines sexual misconduct in the University policy as “an umbrella term that includes sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and retaliation,” according to the policy.

USA uses several categories to determine whether an act of sexual misconduct constitutes a hostile

environment, such as but not limited to, the age of the potential victim, the length of the event and the severity of the conduct, according to the policy.

The Title IX coordinator then implements interim measures if he or she deems necessary. In Roe 1 and Roe 2’s Title IX complaint this meant filing a “no contact” order on Doe, according to court records.

If the respondent does not claim responsibility for the misconduct following the Investigating Officer’s decision that the complaint is valid, the UDC holds a hearing, according to the policy.

The hearing is comprised of the complainant, the respondent and the UDC. The UDC is comprised of both students and staff that have completed training coordinated by a Title IX Deputy Coordinator, according to the policy.

The UDC listens to the Investigating Officer summarize his or her findings as well as witnesses from either party before retiring to make its decision, according to USA’s policy.

USA’s document detailing “Victim’s Rights in Cases of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking” states the University uses a standard of proof called “the preponderance of evidence” when determining the responsibility of a sexual misconduct complaint.

This means that the violation of the Student Conduct Policy “more than likely” occurred, according to the policy.

Individuals found responsible of violating the sexual misconduct policy are subjected to disciplinary action that ranges from requiring the individual not repeat the behavior, to expulsion or dismissal, according to the policy.

Both parties are informed of the UDC’s decision following the hearing and the Title IX Coordinator informs the respondent of the disciplinary action suggested.

Both have the right to appeal the decision within five days of recievContinued on page 6

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Title IX, cont’d Continued from page 5

ing notice. Appeals are handled by the Dean of Students, Dr. Michael Mitchell, and are final, according to the policy.

The ability of either party to appeal the hearing results was another part of the Dear Colleague Letter heavily scrutinized by critics, as originally only the respondent held the right to appeal.

Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced her intention to make changes to the Title IX policy, while revoking the Dear Colleague Letter on Sept. 22, according to a press release by the DOE. DeVos said that her department would follow normal rulemaking procedures and that they would solicit public comments on the matter, unlike the last released set of guidelines, according to the DOE website.

The revisions will include the

removal of the “preponderance of evidence” standard and promptness requirements as well as giving schools the right to decide who can appeal and requiring schools to consider equal interim measures for both parties, according to the DOE. Following DeVos’s press release, many groups such as ServJustice, a national nonprofit concerned with victims of sexual assault rights, voiced concerns that the Title IX revisions would only help accusers and not victims of sexual misconduct. ServJustice stated “it [the DOE] has no legal authority to advance rights for only accused students under Title IX.” As the DOE works on its revisions, it refers schools to a “Q&A on Campus Sexual Misconduct” and the “Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance,” according to the DOE.

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NEWS

USA hosts “Swim 4 Life”

By Hannah Clayton | Reporter

The Aquatics Department at the Student Recreation Center hosted its annual Greg Florian “Swim 4 Life” memorial swimming lessons, on Monday, Sept. 25.

The program is led by the Recreations Center Aquatics Director, Daphne Tyson.

The swimming lessons are strictly for non-swimming, current University of South Alabama students, according to Tyson.

There is a $10 registration fee for the lessons to keep students committed to attending. All fees go back to the Aquatics Department fund to help pay student instructors, according to Tyson.

Classes are not larger than ten students per instructor, with 3 student instructors teaching this year, according to Tyson. Each lead student instructor is a certified water safety instructor through the American Red Cross Association, according to Tyson.

There are eight total classes, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Participants learn how to swim, but also learn life-saving safety precautions during the class, according to Tyson.

“Every class is different depending on the level of the swimmer,” Tyson said.

Students learn breathing techniques, strokes, basic water skills and floating techniques, according to Tyson.

To teach students about water currents, instructors will take them into a part of the outdoor pool that has simulated currents, according to Tyson.

The swim lessons are held in the fall to encourage students to attend the spring series of lessons

and continue improving their swimming skills, according to Tyson.

Tyson began the “Swim 4 Life” memorial program in the fall of 2014 following the drowning of a former USA student and Student Rec Center employee, Greg Florian and his brother, David Florian.

Both brothers drowned at Blackwater River in Santa Rosa County on June 3, 2014. The brothers were walking along the sandbar when they reached some unusually strong currents and were swept out into deep water, according to Tyson. Greg and David did not know how to swim, according to Tyson.

“A huge population of students are non-swimmers,” Tyson said.

Prior to his death, Greg, the youngest of 10 children, had recently become engaged. Greg worked at the front desk of the USA rec center while attending classes, according to Tyson.

Greg was commonly known as “Napoleon Dynamite” around campus because of his tendency to dress up as the character during school athletic events, according to Tyson.

While Tyson has never had to depend on her swimming skills to save her own life, she said this is because she understands how to identify dangerous conditions.

Part of the memorial program is teaching students how to identify those situations, according to Tyson.

The Aquatics Department holds lessons every fall at the outdoor pool in the Student Recreation Center. Normal classes are held year round at a minimal fee for USA students.

Learning to swim can save your life, but it can also be healthy and fun. Photo by Shelby Guidry

7

SPORTS

8

USA responds to #TakeAKnee movement, cont’d

Kneeling during the National Anthem has sparked debate. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

you are doing what you might be doing because it’s a very visible and passionate topic for many people.” kneeling while the National AnMost of the time, student athletes them plays has been discussed beare in the locker room when the tween coaches and players behind National Anthem is playing. This the scenes, he has so far neither heard nor seen any negativity from is primarily because of the peculiar of a respective sport and the way that end.

“I certainly support our students, game operations are run. Baseball, whether they are athletes or not, to softball, soccer, track and baskethave the ability to have free speech,” ball are some exceptions; these players are on the field when the Waldrop said. “On the other hand, I think that it is very important that National Anthem is being played.

So far in these individual sportthey behave professionally. That ing facets, there has not been a doesn’t mean that there would be notable standout moment where a any action taken against our stuUSA student athlete has engaged in dents if they participated in this this behavior. behavior but obviously we’d want “Last year, this became a topic them to think about what they were and it’s a topic now so I anticipate doing and whatever they did to do more conversation about it,” Erdit in a very professional way.”

Dr. Joel Erdmann, USA Director mann said.

“There was a little bit of talk back of Athletics, noted that there would when the first instances occurred be no consequences with regards and we put out the statement,” to scholarships if USA student Waldrop said. “The free speech athletes, who were present on the statement is true now just as much field or court while the National Anthem was playing, did decide to as it was then and it will be true in the future, so I wouldn’t say protest. there’s a buzz going around within “I think part of the administrathe administration or among the tion’s role is to make sure that if coaches.” students and student athletes are Yet, Waldrop mentioned that considering doing something, USA’s current free speech stance know why and what their internal reason for doing something of that could change if the University was called out for certain actions taken nature is, whether it is at a sporting event or in some other setting,” by students. This would depend on Erdmann said. “Just make sure you the nature of the action, primarily whether it was disturbing and loud have a clear understanding why Continued from page 1

or not.

“I and the leadership of the University support the ability for our students,” Waldrop said. “I’m not saying go do it. You have the right to do it, but please don’t do it in a way that would be disruptive, and I do not consider the things that have been done so far to be disruptive.”

So far, the African American Student Association instigated the “South Sits” protests last year, where 20 to 30 students sat while the anthem was playing. They protested at three home football games.

AASA did not report any troubles with the University for exercising their freedom of expression.

“In college, you are trying to find yourself so you are trying to understand both sides of the story,” Douglas said. “You are trying to understand what the protesters are saying about the inequalities in the United States but you are also trying to understand the national pride side of it.”

Because of the history encapsulating this topic, there is support for either side of this discussion.

“The veterans of the University of South Alabama are well read, global travelers, and patriots,” Daniel Sundbeck, former President of the Student Veterans of America USA chapter, said. “We do not promote nor condemn this type of

behavior perpetuated by the NFL or President Trump. I would be disheartened if coaches began allowing such foolishness to take place at college level sporting events.”

For some people, taking the knee is more than a symbol. It’s about the internal plight that unfortunately defines people of color.

“It’s not about the flag,” Douglas said. “It’s not about the country as a whole or about the patriotism.

It’s not about disrespecting the military. There are military personnel who are also involved in the protests. It’s not necessarily about the National Anthem. It’s about the justice system. It’s about the government and it’s about the hidden oppression inside of the government. I think that’s what people need to understand.”

Both Waldrop and Erdmann admit that they don’t really know why such an iconic protest hasn’t been picked up at the collegiate level.

However anything is possible.

“I’d only be guessing quite frankly,” Waldrop said. “Who knows? It seemed to die away for a while and now it’s flared way back up and it could roll over into college athletics as well. Right now, with things happening nationally, it’s hard to predict anything.”

SPORTS

Offensive Coordinator leaves the Jaguars

By Marissa Mason | Managing Editor

The University of South Alabama released a statement on Monday, Sept. 25 stating that assistant head coach Bryant Vincent would cease working with the USA football team effective immediately.

“Vincent was in his third season serving as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach and in his sixth on the USA staff overall,” USAJaguars.com states.

Both coaches commented on the situation, though there was no noted specific occurrence listed for Vincent’s leaving.

“Sunday afternoon, Coach Vincent came to me and expressed concern about our current status and what is best for our program moving forward,” Jones said. “After meeting with him, a decision was made to relieve him of his duties.

Bryant is a great friend and has always had the best interests of our student-athletes in mind. I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work. I wish him the very best.”

Vincent echoed Jones’ statement and gave thanks for the opportunities he was given.

“I went to Coach Jones’ office Sunday, we sat down and had as long discussion and we both agreed that it was time for a change for the program.” Vincent said. “The University of South Alabama has been great to me and my family.

I appreciate Coach Jones and [Director of Athletics] Dr. [Joel] Erdmann giving me this opportunity. I think there are great things ahead for this football team. These are a great group of kids and this is a good football team. I wish these student-athletes and coaches nothing but the best.”

Richard Owens, USA’s offensive line coach and former NFL tight end, is set to be taking over the position after Vincent’s departure.

Though Vincent will no longer be with USA, the Jags still have a busy season ahead of them. The next game will be against rival Troy University for a Sun Belt Conference game on Wed., Oct. 11.

“After meeting with him, a decision was made to relieve him of his duties.”

- Joey Jones

USA players end their non-conference season with several leadership changes.

Photo by Shelby Guidry

9 Inside Athletics: Rodrick Sikes

By Hannah Blackburn | Reporter

The USA men’s basketball program welcomed new talent, junior guard and Biloxi native, Rodrick Sikes, who was a standout player in his junior college days.

While playing for Southwest Mississippi Community College, the Dean’s List recipient and Mississippi junior college MVP tied for ninth in scoring in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I conference, which included shooting 76 percent from the free-throw line and 42.9 percent from the floor. Sikes helped his team win a Mississippi state junior college championship and earned NCJAA All-Region 23 and Second-Team All-America honors.

“Receiving those awards was a very humbling experience,” Sikes said. “My freshman year was a rebuilding year. I think my sophomore season was my breakout season. I worked hard in the summer and I think all that hard work paid off.”

Having the ability to get the open shot was something that took a lot of practice but that hard work played in his favor.

“I spent a lot of time working over and over on form shooting,” Sikes said. “That was a big focus of mine. I also did a lot of beach workouts to help me work on my explosiveness.”

Basketball is something that has been in his life since a child; he was practically born with a basketball in his hands. Both of his parents played college ball and he grew up shooting hoops with his brother, who also played in college. Having a family with ties to the sport was a big help in the development of his career.

“I started playing as young as 2, as far as I can remember,” Sikes said. “My parents gave me a choice to play, and I fell in love with basketball. Having a basketball family really helped. They helped

RODRICK SIKES 2016-2017 STATS

Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

Games Played 27 Minutes 32.6 Points 22 Rebounds 5.5 Assists 1.3 Blocks 0.3 Steals 1.1 Field Goal Percent 49.2 Three-point percent 38.8 Free Throw Percent 74.6 me practice and they gave me insight, or they would take me to the gym to help me workout.”

Tenacity and determination are two things Sikes knows well. It was what allowed him to get to where he is today.

“Coming out of high school, I didn’t have any offers which kind of hurt because I thought I was a better player than that,” Sikes said. “But everything happens for a reason. I just put my trust in God, and after playing junior college I had 21 Division I offers.

It came down to South Alabama, Central Michigan and Moorehead State. They all had everything I wanted, but since they all had what I wanted, there’s no need for me to travel far away from home when South is right here.”

The basketball season is right around the corner and practices are already underway. To find out more about Sikes or the men’s basketball team, visit USAJaguars.com.

10 My Boyfriend tries to control me

Is my relationship unhealthy? I don't want to over think this and ruin a good thing.

- Stuck-In-Love Dear Stuck-In-Love: The line between what is healthy and what is not healthy in a relationship is very easy to blur when you care about someone so much. That being said, I think that your instincts that something is off are correct. What you have described does not sound like a healthy or happy partnership.

No amount of chocolates or flowers gives someone the right to control and manipulate you. If someone gives you a gift, they should do it Sometimes a gift isn’t so sweet. Photo courtesy of pxhere.com without expecting anything in return. If they do expect something, then it becomes manipulation

By RACHEL Goodman | Opinion Editor rather than a kind gesture.

Dear Debbie: Don’t get me A bit of jealousy will develop in wrong, I love my boyfriend. He's any relationship but the situation so sweet to me. He buys me my that you have described is not norfavorite candy (white chocolate) mal. My advice is to get out now. and texts me good morning every Cut all contact with him and see if morning and good night every day. you can breathe easier. He will try He's doing everything right. I've to guilt you into staying with him, never dated someone so attentive but you will never be happy if you before. But something feels wrong. do. Block his number if you need Last night he brought over my to, but get out. favorite flowers and wanted to If you don't believe me, ask your watch a movie with me, and suddistant friends what they think denly I felt like I couldn't breathe. of your relationship. I can almost When I told him we had already promise you they will agree. spent every night together this When, and if, you end this week and I needed to work on relationship (you totally should) homework, he got upset. He told make sure that someone else is in me I am so lucky for all the things the vicinity to hear if you call for that he does for me and that no help. I know it is hard to imagine other guy would treat me as well as someone you care about harming he did. you but this controlling personality I immediately felt guilty and is consistent with someone who is allowed him to stay but I felt physically abusive to their partner. uncomfortable the whole time.

He is already controlling you in I've noticed that many of my close more ways than you realize and friendships faded since I began using guilt to make you do as he dating him. My boyfriend gets wishes. very jealous anytime he sees that He knows how to play on your I am in contact with other men, emotions and you need to establish even if it is in a completely plathat firm distance to see him for tonic way. He says that this opens what he really is. the door to cheating and that he Reach out to your friends. I am doesn't talk to other girls, so I sure they miss you. If you feel shouldn't talk to other guys. lonely, stay with them and talk to He thinks I should appreciate them about your feelings. I promise how protective he is because it if you end the relationship, you will means he cares. His words makes look back months from now and sense, but something feels wrong. see what a bullet you dodged.

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