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SHIELD
T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 1 7 | U s i s h i e l d . c o m | v o l . 4 7 i s s u e 1 9
NAACP President calls for justice, unity
Photo by Megan Thorne | The Shield
Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People speaks out about equality, Black Lives Matter and Martin Luther King at the luncheon. “Hope is not an ethical luxurity,” he said. “It’s a moral necessity.”
by Riley Guerzini news@usishield.com @rguerzini
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order to the universe,” Brooks said. “That we as Americans can make things better, we as Americans can bring this country together.” Brooks said three lessons can be discerned from King’s work. Intrinsic value, the idea that everyone has value, interdependence, the fact that people depend on one another and moral order, the way people distinguish right from wrong are the three lessons. Brooks, who claimed the attention of nearly every eye and ear in the audience, also spoke on the increasing civil unrest across the country. “We cannot have a society that denigrates anybody,” Brooks said. “We have to have a society that uplifts everybody.” Brooks said he rejected much of the campaign of President-Elect Donald Trump, calling it “hatefilled.” “If he tweets, we can tweet too,” he said. “We can tweet love, we can tweet justice, we can tweet on behalf of the republic to bring together the republic.”
“We believe, like Martin, that there is a moral order to the universe. That we as Americans can make things better, we as Americans can bring this country together.”
Middle Passage didn’t make it. The 68-year-old Vietnam War veteran who marched from Selma, Alabama to Washington D.C. as part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s “America’s Journey for Justice” back in August of 2015 died just short of the nation’s capital as he was marching outside of the town of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Passage, who carried the American flag for the entire 920-mile journey, was marching for stronger voting rights in America. “My hardest day at the NAACP was telling a group of students that Middle died, but the hardest question I’ve ever been asked at the NAACP was, by those same students, ‘If a man was willing to die for the right to vote, why can’t we fight for the right to vote?’” President and CEO of the NAACP Cornell Brooks said. Brooks was the keynote speaker at Monday’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon in Carter Hall. The luncheon, sponsored by the Multicultural Center and the university Foundation, brought to-
-Cornell Brooks President and CEO of the NAACP
gether university students and faculty as well as community members to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day. “We believe, like Martin, that there is a moral
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MLK, PAGE 5
University hosts town hall Multiple education bills proposed by Riley Guerzini news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Four state legislators representing districts in Vanderburgh, Posey and Warrick County held a town hall with community members Saturday morning in Forum Two. The town hall, sponsored by the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Farm Bureau, featured Republican representatives Wendy McNamara, Thomas Washburne, McNamara Ron Bacon and Holli Sullivan. “It’s not an intimidating atmosphere, which I think the constituents appreciate, because they can have a dialogue with us,” McNa-
mara said. “They don’t always get to have that opportunity.” McNamara said the town hall gave the public the opportunity to fully explain what the concern or issue might be. She also said that when they are fully into session, the bills will begin to reveal themselves. “Being only a week into session, we don’t know what’s out there and what the issues might mean in relationship to local concerns,” she said. McNamara, who represents district 76, which includes the university’s campus, said secondary education is one of her focuses for this session. She also said the roads and transportation bill will be the legislature’s number one focus this session. “That will be the one getting the most information being sent out to the general public about,” she said. House Bill 1258, which will prohibit universities from banning firearms on campus, will be discussed this session. “I’ve always been one to defer to the campus, because they know who their population is,” McNama-
ra said. “I believe students should be able to protect themselves, but you’re also talking about a new life situation where a lot people in which the maturity part isn’t always there.” McNamara said she has not thoroughly reviewed the bill, but would like to have her constituent’s input on it. McNamara said she is “knocking on wood” for the session. She said she wants to focus on the nuts and bolts of the communities and get rid of burdensome laws. “Hopefully the committee chairs stick to the promise of not bringing in bills that cause controversy like it has been in the past few sessions,” she said. “We get drawn into those bills that take the attention away from what is really affecting our daily lives and our communities.” McNamara said she will focus on human trafficking and juvenile issues and believes her mission is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. “I think you will see a lot of those under-the-radar type bills being the common ones this year,” she said.
For more Information on higher education bills proposed in the 2017 Session, PAGE 3
Senate addresses Protection Policy by Riley Guerzini news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Brandon Field said frequent background checks are the reality of life in 2017. The Child Protection policy, which was discussed at the Faculty Senate meeting on Friday, was the subject of an email sent to faculty and staff (from Human Resources) who were due for a background check. Field, secretary of Faculty Senate, said some people took issue with the email, citing the language implied that they had some type of criminal record. “I came to the realization that this means different things to different people,” he said. “To communicate it in this way was a little offputting to some people.” Field said he wasn’t offended by the email and realizes that it is meant to protect both children and faculty. “You don’t think about it, because you don’t deal with little kids on a professional level,” he said. “You just have to be a little more alert.”
Field said it is the responsibility of the deans to identify the people who, in their job responsibilities, work with children. He said the dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education Zane Mitchell decided to have a background check on everyone in the college so as not to have to go through every faculty member and decide who will be working with minors and who won’t. “Faculty and staff members in any position identified by the university as working with or having access to children, whether regularly or intermittently, will be subject to periodic background checks during employment,” according to the university handbook. “For faculty and staff members in such child-access positions, the human resources department will conduct a criminal background check a minimum of every five years and a sex offender check every year.” Nicholas LaRowe, the chair of Faculty Senate, said he will talk to Human Resources in the near future to discuss the language of the email.
The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
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The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
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Never a typical day Higher-ed bills proposed for the 2017 Session
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Loesch
Kathy Oeth, an administrative associate in the College of Liberal Arts works on returning emails after coming back from lunch. Oeth was housed in a temporary office because of construction in the dean’s office.
by Sarah loesch
Special to The Shield
Throughout all of the colleges and departments at the university there is a group of people who work behind the lines to keep the day running smoothly. Administrative assistants work on various tasks which can range from curriculum to admissions. There are certain times during the year when some tasks might be more relevant to others. If the dean of the Liberal Arts college has an emergency so does Kathy Oeth. As an administrative associate, putting together the dean’s calendar is just one of her duties among working with new hires, adjunct contracts, being a liaison with Human Resources and more. “I usually come in with an idea of what I want to get accomplished,” she said. “Very often that gets cast aside by things that come up.” Oeth said she isn’t sure she has a typical day, her job contains constant variety. She started November of 2010 as an administrative assistant hired by former Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Michael Aakhus. From there on she moved to the communications department because she wanted to learn more about how the university functioned. She said she loved working the front desk and interacting with the variety of people who would visit the communications department. Oeth said she knows others who don’t enjoy the barrage of people that can come as part of a front-desk job, she thrives on the variety. “I always say I would get more work done if I didn’t talk to people because I love to interact. Then she took a position
with Special Events and Scheduling Services. There the business side of a university was more prevalent than the academics, Oeth said while both are fine, she prefers the academic side. “I missed some of the culture of the academic world,” Oeth said. She said she likes working with students because so many are hardworking and have goals and aspirations. When students visit advisers they often come across a member of support staff before they ever get to their professor or instructor, Oeth said. “Sometimes when you’re support staff, you are sort of the key to retention whether you realize it or not,” she said. Mohammed Khayum, the dean of College of Business, said support staff can make a big difference in retention. He said a student’s experience really starts with how an issue may have been dealt with when it was first brought to hand. “They are the face of the college in many ways because they are the point at which most people interact with the college in the first point,” Khayum said. “They are very central and critical.” Though she moved around on campus, Oeth is now back where she began in the liberal arts college. She said she feels it’s the right place for her to be, but if you’re moving around and learning that’s good as well. “I love liberal arts because there are so many diverse personalities here,” Oeth said. “It’s just really interesting the mix of people.” She said everywhere she has worked at the university her co-workers have been “hard workers.” “When it’s all said and done it’s really about how
people work together,” she said. “How we make each other feel, as well as educating people.” Oeth said she feels as an employer the university values support staff perhaps more than other places of employment might. Here she said the campus community has made good strides to finding tangible ways to value support staff. She said though she feels lucky in Liberal Arts, there may be pockets within the university where support staff are not valued like they should be. “It’s been my experience in any place that I’ve worked that you have some people who really value every employee and then you have some people that are more focused inwardly,” she said. “They don’t take into account all of the people who make everything happen.” Oeth and a former senior administrative associate used to make jokes that they were “saving lives in the LA.” She said sometimes when administration or higher ups become overwhelmed with their duties they may forget some of the solutions to problems. Support staff is very valuable because they often know who to call to make things happen, Oeth said. “We sort of catch the ball that (administration) drops,” she said. Oeth said she is always looking to climb in her career and she has some goals for a future on campus, but right now she doesn’t plan on moving again soon. “If I could have a position of more responsibility that would encompass (inclusion and connections) that would be a good fit for me,” she said. “But overall I’m pretty happy here.”
USI Security Incident Log 1/09/17 - 1/16/17 Drug Offenses: Drugs: Incident OʼDaniel South - 8076B OʼDaniel Lane 1/09/17 11:39 p.m. Code of Conduct- Failure to comply OʼDaniel South- 8076B OʼDaniel Lane 1/09/17 11:39 p.m. Fire Alarm: Cooking McDonald East: 919 University Court 1/10/17 12:00 a.m. Theft: University Property Rice Library 1/11/17 12:00 a.m. Harassment OʼDaniel North Apartments: Craig Building 1/11/17 12:53 a.m.
1/12/17
4:42 a.m.
Protection-Restraining OrderInformation Private Property 1/12/17 7:36 a.m. Battery- Simple Assault Private Property 1/12/2017 7:36 a.m. Welfare Check Counseling Center 1/12/17
11:31 a.m.
Alcohol Offenses- Underage Possession McDonald West Apartment- 804B McDonald Lane 1/12/17 9:52 p.m. Fire Alarm- Cooking OʼDaniel North-7952A 1/13/2017
10:45 p.m.
Fire: Faulty Alarm OʼDaniel South Apartments: 8016A OʼDaniel 1/11/17 2:07 a.m.
Property Damage-University The Loft 1/14/2017 5:00 a.m.
Property Damage- University OʼBannon Hall- 1720 Rochelle Lane 1/11/17 5:58 p.m.
Criminal Mischief The Loft 1/14/17
Criminal Mischief OʼBannon Hall- 1720 Rochelle Lane 1/11/17 5:58 p.m.
Fire Alarm- Cooking McDonald West- 920B Eckels Lane 1/14/17 7:31 p.m.
Property Damage-University Governors Hall- 1700 Rankin Lane 1/12/17 4:42 a.m.
Fire Alarm- Cooking OʼDaniel North Apartments 1/14/2017 10:33 p.m.
Criminal Mischief Governors Hall- 108 Governors Hall
5:00 a.m.
Fire McDonald East Apartments 1/14/17 10:43 p.m.
Parking Violation McDonald West- Hanly Building 1/15/17 4:15 a.m. Traffic Accident Parking Lot D 1/15/17
1:12 p.m.
Fire McDonald East- 929 Varsity Drive 1/15/2017 3:46 p.m. Injury Report McDonald East Apartments- 929 Varsity Drive 1/15/2017 3:46 p.m. Injury Report OʼBannon Hall- 1720 Rochelle Lane 1/15/2017 11:22 p.m. Illness Report OʼBannon Hall- 1720 Rochelle Lane 1/15/2017 11:22 p.m. Incident Report- Information Only Unknown 1/16/17 12:05 p.m. Injury Report McDonald West Apartments- 818B Jarrett Lane 1/16/17 4:41 p.m. Fire Alarm- Cooking McDonald West Apartments- 912A Eckels Lane 1/16/17 6:36 p.m. Illness Report Physical Activities Center 1/16/17 8:10 p.m.
Information gathered from USIʼs Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.
HB 1012 Authored by: Rep. Wes Culver Description: This bill would require a state educational institution to show a statement of the total money the students are paying to attend for that semester and an itemized invoice of expenses showing how their payment is being used.
HB 1281 Authored by: Rep. Holli Sullivan Description: This bill would allow the commission for higher education to extend some eligibility for grants or reductions in tuition or fees for recipients whose institution has closed. It includes various higher education matters as well.
HB 1069 Authored by: Rep. Ronald Bacon Description: Adds meningitis to the required immunizations a student heading to a residential campus of a state educational institute must have. It also repeals a provision which requires a state institution to spread information about the meningococcal disease and immunization.
HB 1130 Authored by: Rep. Edward Clere Co-Authored by: Rep. Edward Delaney Description: Provides press protections to student journalists in K-12 and state educational institutions.
HB 1111 Authored by: Rep. Sheila Klinker Description: Would create a sales tax exemption for college books purchased for a college course. HB 1258 Authored by: Rep. Jim Lucas Description: Would prohibit any regional campus from “imposing an enactment, measure, policy, or rule that prohibits or limits the legal carrying, possession, or transportation of a firearm while: (1) on land; or (2) in a building or other structure; leased or owned by the state educational institution.”
HB 1368 Authored by: Rep. Milo Smith Description: State agencies would receive a tax exemption for property owned by or leased to them. SB 15 Authored by: Sen. James Tomes, Sen. Blake Doriot Co-Authored by: Sen. Eric Bassler, Sen. Jon Ford Description: Encourages state educational institutions to research the use of hemp oil in the treatment of intractable epilepsy. SB 48 Authored by: Sen. Frank Mrvan Description: This bill will require students to attend high school in Indiana for at least three years, enroll at a state educational institution
no later than the fall semester or graduate from a high school in Indiana or receive an equivalent to a high school diploma in Indiana in order to receive the resident tuition rate. SB102 Authored by: Sen. James Merritt Description: Makes an appropriation to the mental health and addiction services for a loan forgiveness account. SB 339 Authored by: Sen. Ed Charbonneau Description: Requires students attending a state educational institution to be immunized against meningitis. SB 423 Authored by: Sen. Michael Young, Sen. Michael Delph Description: Provides that postsecondary educational institutions with campuses in Indiana may not adopt sanctuary policies. SB 480 Authored by: Sen. Eric Koch Description: Allows veterans who served during the Cold War to receive a deduction from the assessed value of taxable property that the veteran owns. Also, it allows children of those veterans to receive a tuition and fee exemption at state educational institutions.
SB= Senate Bill HB= House Bill For more information regarding the 2017 session visit http://iga.in.gov/
briefs Trilogy Health Services fund scholarships The university’s Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness is partnering with Triology Health Services to increase opportunities for students who have an interest in working with the elderly. Trilogy is funding $50,000 toward six scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students with different clinical and nonclinical disciplines. “According to the U.S. Census, the population aged 85 and over is expected to grow exponentially in the upcoming decades. Because of this projected increase, there is a great need to enhance geriatric competence across the healthcare workforce,” Ann White, dean of the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions, said in a news release. The partnership has allowed the university to become the first university in Indiana to have an Administrator-in-Training Residency Program incorporated into the undergraduate and graduate studies.
Masters of New Lifelong Science in Learning proNursing climbs grams offered ranks The new list for Spring The online Masters of Science in Nursing and Health Professions was ranked 21st in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The ranking came as part of its Best Online Programs ranking release Jan. 10. Besides the overall ranking, the program was 16th nationally for faculty credentials and training. The online degree offers specialties in: AdultGerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, AdultGerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Management and Leadership. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2017 Lifelong Learning classes was released to show its noncredit courses. The courses are open to anyone in the community. There are also scholarships available for university students who want to register for the noncredit courses. Junior, senior or graduate level students in good standing are eligible to enroll in eight proffessional development courses for free. The new courses are: Intro to Yoga, Leadership Challenge Workshop, Crappie Fishing Techniques, Creating Unforgettable Characters, Smart Photos With Your Phone, Making it Look Real, Certificate in Professional Presentation and Communication Skills, Certificate in Business Writing, Beginner Woodburing, Tales of the Tea Leaf and an LSAT prep course. All course are available at USI.edu/LifelongLearning. Registration can be taken online or by calling USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989.
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Features
The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
‘The art of educated guessing’
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Rogers
Criminal justice major Ayla Taylor stops to read the schedule on the board in the inspection room at the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s office. Ayla has been interning at the coroner’s office since the beginning of the semester.
Intern finds experience at coroner’s office by Sarah Rogers
Special to The Shield
As part of the 2016 Basic Reporting class students wrote about a student and their internships. Student journalists were able to follow students during a day of their internship while others found students with an independent study. The projects ranged from working in the coroner’s office to research about the effect of climate change on plants. This semester The Shield will run a series showcasing these stories. Ayla Taylor has held the organs of drug overdose victims in her hands. The junior criminal justice major learned from that experience that when someone dies of a drug overdose, their organs are heavier because of the liquids. “I knew when I transferred (to the university) from the University
of New Mexico I wanted to find an internship related to my criminal justice major,” Taylor said. Taylor found an internship with the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s office. Taylor said most internships were already filled when she came to USI. “I had to push pretty hard to get this opportunity,” she said. Taylor said everything she has seen so far is pretty much what she expected. “I have gotten to pick up some livers; hold some brains,” Taylor said. Taylor said she’s wanted to go into the criminal justice field since she was 12 years old. Her biggest inspirations were shows like “Blacklist” and “Person of Interest.” Taylor said being able to intern has given her practical experience she never would have received sitting in a classroom. “There are things you cannot
learn in a classroom,” Taylor said. “People think the liver is the size of your fist, but it’s actually the size of your head. Doing your job hands on gives you the ability to ask about abnormalities.” Taylor described a bullet that never exited the head of a victim, and a car accident that was so bad they did not even perform an autopsy. “We just took tissue samples,” Taylor said. Taylor said most of the cases have been drug overdoses. “We call these ‘negative cases,’” she said. “That means there was no other cause of death than drugs.” Deputy Coroner, Deb Smith, said she has been working at the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s office for 20 years. “We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” Smith said. “We virtually never close.” Smith said the main function of the interns is to observe the work
being done in the office. “Our hope is that whoever comes into the office wants to learn,” Smith said. “We hope the internship turns out to be all they hoped it would be.” Smith said Taylor’s internship started out a little slow. “When (Taylor) first came to intern here there wasn’t a lot going on,” Smith said. “Death is not really something you can predict or plan for. (Taylor) became more involved toward the end of the semester when cases started to pick up.” Smith said Taylor began coming in after hours and participating in autopsies. Taylor described her internship as the art of educated guessing. “You never know what actually happened to a person,” Taylor said. “You can make guesses based on the evidence you see, but it’s basically a mystery. It’s fascinating.”
Selfless and soaring Student cycles for a cause by Gabi Wy
features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Some students, alongside attending classes and working jobs, also contribute to causes bigger than themselves. Through this series, Selfless and Soaring, The Shield will feature Screaming Eagles who promote change through charity.
Photo COURTESY OF RAEGAN BALL
Junior undecided major Raegan Ball will ride his bike across the country this summer, stopping at hospitals and handing out scholarships for young adults with cancer.
Raegan Ball likes to live life in other people’s shoes. “Any time I talk to someone, I try to take life from their perspective,” the junior undecided major said. “I like to think about their friends, their families and how things affect them.” This summer, Ball will be doing just that, as he bikes across the country and delivers scholarships to young adults with cancer. He’s participating in the 70-day, 4,400-mile trip through the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. As he journeys from Baltimore to San Francisco, Ball and other college students will stop at hospitals along the way. “Cycling has always
been a passion of mine, and I’ve personally had quite a few people in my life affected by cancer,” Ball said. “This is a great fund to help people my age with cancer get back into school.” Ball said his uncle Dave suffered from cancer, and dealing with his death influenced his desire to fundraise for others. “(His death) was the first big death in my life,” he said. “That really impacted me and made me want to try and help people.” While cancer has taken some of his family members, Ball said the recoveries have outweighed the losses. “I always try to be the optimist,” he said. “While cancer is an awful disease, there’s a high chance you’ll get through. There’s a higher rate of success than it used to be.” Ball said although he’s known people with cancer, this trip will be the first time he’s talking to people his own age with the disease. “It’ll be emotional to see people my age and how they have to deal with pain,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being able to see them smile and re-
cover. They get stronger day-by-day.” Alumnus Jason Miner said Ball has “always been a philanthropic kind of person.” “I hope he has fun and learns a lot about himself,” Miner said. “I hope it inspires other people to do something they wouldn’t normally do and take risks.” In order to participate in the trip, Ball must raise $4,500, which Miner said wouldn’t be difficult. “He’s a kid that’s got a big heart,” Miner said, “and he’s good at raising money.” As Ball’s fraternity ‘big,’ Miner and Ball have spent a lot of time together, often cycling. “He’s always there for you, and we push each other to do better,” he said. “Biking across the country will be life-changing for him. Miner said he can’t wait to see how Ball’s trip unfolds. “We’ve been talking about the cool parts of the country he’s going to get to ride through and this opportunity to ride across the country,” Miner said, “but it’s less about riding and more about the journey.”
The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
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REVIEW
MLK continued from Page 1
Netflix delivers series of fortunate decisions In theaters now
Photo by Megan Thorne| The Shield
Alicia Dowell joins in with the audience to sing “Lift Every Voice” led by representatives from USI’s Gospel Choir. Dowell is an Emerging Young Leader through the collaboration with Lincoln Elementary School and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. “I’m happy and excited to see the speaker,” she said.
President of the Black Student Union Clifton Jett sat next to Brooks during the luncheon. “I knew the luncheon was going to be a big deal, but I didn’t know how big of a deal it was going to be until I came face-to-face with Mr. Cornell William Brooks, along with the mayor of Evansville and others,” he said. The freshman theatre major said it was his first time attending the event and thought that it was well-prepared. “We have some really special guests today with
us and I just know that a lot of the audience members will take something from Dr. Cornell William Brooks speech,” he said. Jett said he spoke to Brooks prior to the luncheon and they discussed how Brooks, being the president and CEO of the NAACP, compares to Jett as president of the Black Student Union. He said they also discussed leadership within their community. “History repeats itself and Martin Luther King made history and I would love to see his history re-
peat itself,” Jett said. “Everything that he did will forever live on.” Jett said he is hoping to see more African-American students attend the university and believes events like the MLK luncheon will do just that. “That is what I wished for and that is what’s happened,” he said. “Every day I see more and more African-American students on USI’s campus and now we just have to focus on increasing that graduation rate.”
Netflix has produced a television version of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” seemingly custom-made to impress my inner 14 year old. Having grown up reading Snicket’s marvelously macabre and depressing novels about the misadventures of three children stalked by an evil actor hell-bent on stealing their fortune, I’ve waited quite some time for a good visual version to come along. The last time a studio took a shot at adapting the series the end result was a sloppy mess of a film that attempted to cover three books in the span of an hour and a half. This 2017 television version learns from the mistakes of its failed cousin, stretching each book into multiple full length episodes. While all three of the Baudelaire children bear a great deal of acting burden (and carry it quite well), Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris) absolutely steals the show with his horrible acting, sly
disguises and penchant for misusing words. While I never would have chosen Patrick Warburton to play a live action Snicket, I find myself coming back to each episode excited to see how Snicket will be worked into the plot. Instead of Snicket simply being the narrator of the books who occasionally drops hints of personally visiting the locations described, he’s a tragic figure who regularly breaks the fourth wall to warn audiences of upcoming
events. In book form “A Series of Unfortunate Events” was basically a grammar lesson in disguise. I’m thrilled to report those lessons are still present, including Snicket’s trademark “a word which in this case means” explanation scenes. The Netflix version escalates this even further by having unreliable characters snootily define commonplace words or wrongly define a complicated word while refusing to be corrected by a child. At its heart the series is an imaginative romp through a world of depressing things happening to good people. There will be no happy ending to this show, but then again Snicket’s warned me about that every single book and every episode and I’m still watching. This is everything I’ve ever wanted out of a book adaptation.
Rating 5/5 BY Gavin gaddis
Shadowhunters gives hope for more development
REVIEW
Mondays on Freeform
Fences: Bleak, but thought provoking
“Fences” isn’t a comfortable watch. The Denzel Washington flick, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, poses important questions about race, family and loyalty, and it isn’t easy to swallow. Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) lives with his wife, Rose (Viola Davis). Their son Cory aspires to become a college football player, earning an interview with a university recruiter based on his talent. However, Troy is skeptical, as he had failed to enter Major League Baseball when he was younger, blaming it on his status as an African-American in a white society. “Fences” is often bleak. Washington’s character is constantly cynical and while some characters argue he was an enforcer of tough love who always meant well, some characters viewed him
In theaters now
as simply selfish. Watching that type of character create tensions in a family otherwise so loving and bonded makes for the opposite of a happy-golucky experience. While the bleakness at points was wearying, Viola Davis’s performance as a broken but committed wife invigorated the movie with
Rating 4/5 BY Gabi Wy
the energy and passion she brought to dialogue. I’d say the Golden Globe she just acquired for it is well-deserved, as is an Oscar nomination (hopefully). The movie itself does feel like a play, in that monologues dominate the more than two-hour runtime. I felt I might enjoy it much more as a play, as movies don’t always lend themselves well to minutes and minutes of one character talking. However, I appreciated the movie for creating a bigger audience for a poignant narrative. However cloudy the sky seemed as characters encountered misfortune, the movie is jampacked with life lessons and thoughtful reflections of what family really means. While sometimes difficult to process, as is life itself, “Fences” is a story worth telling.
With a new year comes another chance for producers to get it right. “Shadowhunters” just kicked off its second season and has already premiered its first three episodes. Firstly, “Shadowhunters” is based off of a book series, “The Mortal Instruments,” which has been very near and dear to me since middle school. It’s one of numerous series that take place within Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter universe. The show, like the book, is about a girl named Clary Fray who lives a normal, mundane life until the night she witnesses three strangers with markings on their skin murder someone they claim to be a demon. Soon after, Clary is introduced to the world of Shadowhunters, a hidden race of Angel-blooded warriors committed to protecting humans from demons and driving demons back to their own worlds. But after coming face-to-face with these Shadowhunters, Clary’s mother is kidnapped by an enemy wellknown to the Angel-blooded warriors and Clary’s mother as well. Desperate to save her mother, Clary is thrust into the Shadow World where her life will change forever. After being disappointed by the movie adaption of this series, I was excited that my favorite book series of all time was given a second chance of being brought to the screen. After watching the first season around the same time last year, I can safely say that I much prefer this adaptation compared to the poorly-made film. But that does not mean I have zero issues with “Shadowhunters.” Oh no, I have plenty of critiques that is only natural for a fan of the books to have. There were many negatives in the first season, but I’m glad to say there were positives too. But as that was only the first season, I have much hope for improvement in the future seasons of “Shadowhunters,” and I have already seen a few in the first three episodes of the second season premiere.
For one thing, the visuals are already so much better this season. Right off the bat I noticed the change in appearance of Portals and how they look so much more real and less cheesy than those purple space-looking things last season. The combat scenes are well-done and look realistic. The weapons have been improved and blessed with clever details that make them look more like they were described in the books. I would also like to note how well the actors have settled into their roles. The actors have grown so comfortable with each other and their characters, it is noticeable. It’s a relief to see more character-driven story lines instead of the plot-driven ones we received in the first season. Emotional moments don’t really work if the audience has not become attached to the characters yet. I am pleased to see that the characters are having more time to explore their relationships with one another, though I wish the writers would slow down with developing the ‘ships.’ Yes, many book fans love the couples within the books, but one of the great aspects of ‘shipping’ is the build up and getting to watch all of that pay off once the two characters finally get together. This especially points to the relationship between Magnus and Alec, and Jace and Clary. Another issue I have with the show is the writing. Although I’m sure everyone
would prefer for the show to follow the books exactly, it’s unfortunate that it never seems to quite happen in book-to-screen adaptations. However, if the show followed the general idea of the books and created its own rules in a way that made sense, then I find that it would be alright. As long as the characters are given justice, the general plot is still there and the show is entertaining, then I’m more open to it. However, the writers of the show just seem to be making up rules willy-nilly with no concern whatsoever if there are plot holes. And there are many plot holes. For example, it seems that there is a rune for everything. The runes only exist to give Shadowhunters the special abilities they need in order to fight demons. If there’s a rune or solution to anything, then there are no limits to this world. If there are no limits, then how is there supposed to be struggles for the characters to deal with and develop around? The idea of magic without boundaries is probably what exasperates me the most about the show, aside from the choppy dialogue and weird plot twists the writers feel compelled to toss in every time the show seems to be making great improvement. In short, I have hope that the story will develop and improve once the new showrunners for the series come in the next episode. As I’ve said before, this show is an adaption of my favorite book series, so of course I want it to do well. However, in order for it to get better, the writers need to stop and consider the way the author wrote this amazing fictional world and how she has woven everything together to make sense and be entertaining. If they follow the rules of this incredible world full of Shadowhunters and demons and other mystical creatures, then there is no doubt the show will improve for the better.
Rating 3/5 BY Darrian Breedlove
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Opinion
The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
SCREAGLE CALL Question: “How do you feel about the new Welcome Center?”
Name: Kaylee Monroe Major: Long Term Care Grade: Junior Answer: “It’s completely fenced off but nothing is happening. It is not very pretty to look at.”
Illustration by Philip Kuhns
Elephant in the room by sarah Rogers opinion@usishield.com @suruhgrace
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The conservative elephant walking around a liberal arts college proudly proclaiming she plans to be a journalist. I am the elephant. While I identify as an Independent, I would be lying if I said my views do not fall mostly with the conservative ideology. I am a dichotomy of two opposing forces. On one part I am an intellectual, liberal-arts minded, intelligent college student; on the other I am a 19-yearold Christian with conservative views. Those two halves of myself, equally making up who I am, contradict each other in a society that says you have to be one or the other. You have to choose be-
tween being open-minded and intelligent, and being religious and conservative. According to The Washington Times, liberal professors outnumber conservative professors twelve to one. Why does this matter? Because as much as college professors say they do not show their views, most college students are smart enough to pick up on the subtle comments to figure out where their professors stand. And with the majority of college professors being liberal, these subtle comments have a stinging effect on their conservative students. Most conservative college students realize their views are not going to be agreed with on a majority number. They accept most of their peers would frown at their viewpoint. That’s why most conser-
Healthcare hesitations by Grace Poynter ghpoynter@eagles.usi.edu
In 2009, President Barack Obama was sworn into office and from that day America changed in many ways. Under the Obama Administration, America welcomed its first African American President, unified ties with Cuba for the first time, and created the first universal health care plan, passing in 2010, and supplying every American with affordable healthcare. The Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare, is created differently than most healthcare plans. Obamacare appeals to Americans who cannot normally afford healthcare. Not only has Obamacare changed the face of healthcare in the United States, but it has required every American citizen to have some sort of health care plan, regardless of any previous desire for it. Donald Trump said in his first 100 days in office he will repeal Obamacare for good. What does this mean for the 20 million people who would lose benefits? What does this mean for
an unemployed college student in need of a healthcare plan? Trump has yet to lay out a detailed plan on how to repeal and replace Obamacare, but there is no doubt he will follow through with his promise. My advice on the preparation for the uninsured is to either find yourself a suitable job that will give you healthcare or find an insurance agency that is the right fit for you. It is your choice whether you wish to be under a health insurance plan; it’s an acceptable choice if you’re someone with no health concerns or if you are a person who doesn’t live on the edge. Hopes are high for what the President-Elect Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, along with the members of his cabinet, have in store for the citizens of the United States. What Trump has in store has the potential to be the greatest or the worst America has ever seen. Many have the opinion that the worst is upon us, but America elected Donald Trump, so the people are going to get what they asked for.
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vative students rarely share their views. Our society has so quickly paired conservatism with hate, intolerance, stupidity, and close-mindedness that students refrain from selfidentifying as Republican. They fear losing the respect of their peers and professors. They fear being seen as “red-faced Dave” talking about guns and gay marriage at the Donald Trump rally. Walking into the newspaper room full of other journalism majors, I knew what I believed was not typical of my major. When I thought of a journalist, I pictured a spunky feminist liberal with a quick-witted tongue and fire engine red hair. I pictured someone writing satirical articles with hipster glasses and a screwthe-system attitude. I did not fit the ideal jour-
nalist mold. I felt as if I was deceiving my peers and professors by keeping my voice quiet as they talked about politics. After the election, I walked home with one of my fellow writers. Talking about the election, I took a deep breath as I revealed I did not actually agree with her. It was the first time I voiced my opinion. I prepared myself for the surprise, and the way she would look at and think of me differently because of what I believed. “I never knew that about you,” she said after a pause that seemed to last a lifetime. “I figured I was the only one on staff who thought like that, so I never share my opinions,” I replied. “You are different than what I imagined someone conservative would be like,” she said.
She told me that she thought I was intelligent, open-minded, and accepting; aspects she would not have attributed to someone with conservative politics. On one end, her words flattered me. On the other end, her words deeply troubled me. As much as I rejoiced over her praises, I found it problematic that the aspects I strove to possess were seen as atypical of someone with my political ideology. America is a country that is making leaps and bounds in promoting acceptance, love, and freedom of belief. However, it seems as if public universities are some of the most hostile places for conservatives. Higher education is crucial for young adults, and it should promote freedom of thought. It’s okay to be a college student and conservative.
cmcarlton@eagles.usi.edu
In the past five years, streaming video content has become the popular way to enjoy television and movies. Being able to retrieve your favorite show or watch a memorable movie at the tap of a finger is the reality we all live in. Companies like Netflix and Hulu are the two, main streaming video service providers currently. People can subscribe to their libraries of content by paying an inexpensive monthly payment. This provides them the complete confection of popular shows and movies for their viewing pleasure. A phenomenon, widely known as binge-watching, is the act of committing your life, and in extreme cases, your soul, to a selected series on either Netflix or Hulu. Streaming your way through each episode, falling ever so blissfully into a show-hole. Many people possess this guilty pleasure, including myself. Once you start a show, and your mind is captured into the supremacy of ‘What is going to happen next?’ your fate is sealed. It is like a contract your brain has willfully signed, to devote your precious
moments of free time to the plot of the show. I am currently experiencing this ultimate devotion to my current show, Smallville. The show boils down to an expansive prequel to the popular Superman series and how Clark Kent was raised into the crime fighting superhero we all recognize today. This plotline paired with intense action and multiple bouts of intense drama are what initially captured my attention. Out of the ten seasons the series produced, I am currently sitting mid-season three. I only started Smallville three weeks ago, so I am averaging about a season a week. It does not take a whole lot of time to become engulfed by a show. These past three weeks have been quite enjoyable; Smallville has given me something to get excited about and look forward to the next time I can find out what Clark Kent’s newest troubles will be. My binge-fest has affected many aspects of my life. I have denied multiple invitations with my friends to hangout, due to my fear of missing out on my show. However, I look at it as utilizing an inexpensive avenue for my entertainment.
Name: Taylor Nalley Major: Psychology Grade: Senior Answer: “I thought they would have finished it by now. I feel like the whole idea is a waste of money.”
THE
SHIELD Editorial Board
Happy bingeing by Maxywell Carlton
Name: Quint McGowan Major: CIS Grade: Junior Answer: “I don’t mind walking around it, but it would be nice if they could finish it so we could walk through it.”
Simple as that. I am saving money by just sitting on my couch, allowing autoplay take me to the next episode, which happens to be another forty-five-minute adventure. I could spend my time getting ready and going out and spending more money for short-term joy, but I would rather get my $7.99 monthly payments’ worth of endless binge-watching joy. Some have attacked my lifestyle by saying “You have no social life anymore!” or “What are you going to do when you finish the show?” and I respond simply with “I’ll still be alive when the show is over; I will be social then.” To me, my lifestyle is not concerning. Maybe I stay up till three or four in the morning, and maybe I only take designated bathroom and food breaks, but that’s completely normal. I like this me-time I am investing in. It shows I can make my own happiness without relying on others to provide that for me. And no, Clark Kent does not count. You will see me resurface soon, once I finish Smallville. For now, I will be visually enjoying my new-found hideaway. Happy bingeing.
Sarah Loesch Editor-in-Chief Riley Guerzini News Editor Gabi Wy Features Editor Sarah Rogers Opinion Editor NOW HIRING Sports Editor Nigel Meyer Chief Copy Editor Abigail Stanley Visual Editor
S ta f f NOW HIRING Special Publications Manager Now Hiring Page Designers Philip Kuhns Illustrator Megan Thorne Chief Photographer Gavin Gaddis Community Engagement Manager
Sales & Marketing S ta f f Now Hiring Sales & Marketing Director Jenny Pike Business Manager NOW HIRING Marketing Manager Danielle VanHooser Layout & Design Coordinator Gavin Gaddis Circulation Manager Tessa Holcomb Sales Consultant Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials represent a consensus opinion of the editorial board
Sports
The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
7
Archie’s Army aims for full stands
Photo Courtesy of Photo Services
Sophomore Matthew Kreutzer loads the t-shirt cannon during a 2016 basketball game while sophomore Megan Skaggs stands by with more t-shirt ammunition.
by Sarah loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
One of the first steps Matthew Kreutzer took as a freshman was joining Archie’s Army. The sophomore finance major was approached by then-senior Alex Hoffman, who was starting his revamp of the organization. “Alex’s sole goal was to start a snowball effect of making athletics at USI relevant to the students,” Kreutzer said. “The athletics here are pretty dang good in my opinion, but the problem is students don’t grab onto them like we would like them to.” Kreutzer, vice president of Archie’s Army, said the organization has faced an uphill battle. Getting people to come to games, sit in the right area and stand and cheer is a new struggle for Kretuzer. Voted “most school spirit”, Kretuzer led both the football and basketball student sections at New Palestine High School in Indianapolis. He said he never dealt with building a fan section up from the ground like Archie’s Army since both sections were well established when he was involved. “This one has died off in the past three years prior (to my freshman year), and Alex said ‘no, this is something that needs to be reckoned with,’” Kretuzer said. “This hasn’t been an easy job, but I don’t think we are going to stop this battle any time soon. We’re just going to keep fighting until something works.”
This week the men’s and women’s basketball teams have three games against GLVC opponents in the Physical Activities Center and Monday evening the teams played Bellarmine University. The PAC sold out for the first time this season and Archie’s Army was seated directly behind the basket dressed in Superhero garb.
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“If they can continue to do that then we’ll win more games then we lose here,” Gant said. Junior guard on the women’s team, Randa Harshbarger, said for most games the players are left to make their own noise, but not Monday night. “Tonight, especially defensively we heard the crowd,” Harshbarger said after the game. “That fueled us up and we used that for our little stops and breaks...It was nice having them.” Kretuzer said the organization tries to involve the rest of the crowd, students or community members, as much as possible. They’ve added a t-shirt cannon this year as part of a partnership with Coca Cola and with more funding this year they are able to make more purchases for prizes and incentives. “I don’t think we are going to be Purdue or Ohio State in the next four years before I graduate, and that’s not my goal because that’s not a feasible one,” he said. Kretuzer said his goal is to continue the snowball effect that Hoffman started the organization with and keep the ball rolling. “Though not everyone likes sports, a lot of people do,” he said. “If you can get a bunch of loud people together in the same room cheering on the same people, that’s a pretty cool thing. I do think a student section would do nothing but improve the school spirit on this campus in general.”
If you can get a bunch of loud people together in the same room cheering on the same people, that’s a pretty cool thing. -Matthew Kreutzer Vice President of Archie’s Army Both the men and women’s team lost to Bellarmine, but when it came down to important possessions and last minute opportunities the crowd was loud. Assistant coach for the men’s basketball team Kevin Gant said without the crowd the loss could have been much worse than eight points. “They help us stay in the game, if we wouldn’t have had that crowd we probably would have got buried,” Gant said. “They really kept us in it, we fed off the energy.” With six more home games this season, Gant said it would be good to keep the crowd up.
Strong start to senior season
by Sarah loesch
editor@usishield.com @seloesch
Men’s track and field thrower, Jalen Madison, earned first place in the weight throw last Saturday to start out his final season with the team. The senior hit the second best mark in school history with his throw of 52’01.80. He also placed 13th in the shot put. The Shield spoke with Madison to talk about his plans for his final season.
The Shield: When did you first get involved with the field events? Jalen Madison: I first started in track and field as off-season training for football. I wanted to play varsity after my freshman year and sophomores didn’t play varsity very often. Coach said ‘hey, if you come out for throwing I can almost guarantee you a spot on varsity.’ Football didn’t have a lot of opportunities for post high school.
The Shield: When did you realize you wanted to pursue track and field in college? Madison: I had a really bad injury playing football my senior year. I knew I needed to get away from the contact sport and push myself toward throwing. I was a decent thrower so I knew I had an opportunity. In the winter I knew I had shot to throw in college.
The Shield: What was your first year like transitioning from high school to
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Now Hiring: Sports editor
Photo Courtesy of Photo Services
Thrower Jalen Madison participates in a track and field meet during the 2016 indoor season.
college throwing? Madison: Freshman year was a trip. It was a big learning experience, just the difference between all year round training and in high school it was maybe January -May. Once your NCAA paperwork is signed you’re out on the track training. The Shield: What events are you in? Madison: During the indoor season, shot put and weight throw which is kind of the indoor hammer throw. During outdoor season I throw shot, hammer, discus and javelin. The Shield: Do you have a favorite out of them all?
Madison: Hammer has been my favorite ever since I learned it freshman year. It hasn’t always loved me back, but I’ve always loved it. I just like how it’s so technical whereas a lot of the other events you can have bad technique and win with strength. It’s not about who is the strongest or most athletic guy, if you work hard with technique you can become the best one. The Shield: How are you feeling heading into your final season as a college thrower? Madison: It’s kind of given me this all or nothing attitude. It’s my final year of competition and there are no
opportunities for me after this season with throwing. The goal is to qualify for the national championships. I’d just be ecstatic to be the first thrower in USI history to qualify. The Shield: How did it feel to have a first place finish so early in the start of the season? Madison: It gives me a lot of optimism. I hit my own personal record by almost three feet. To come out and set a big mark in the first meet is big. It just shows all the hard work was worth those early mornings in the weight room.
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The shield | January 19, 2017 | Usishield.com
briefs
Upcoming Games WOMen’s Basketball Jan. 19 7:30 p.m. University of Wisconsion-Parkside Physical Activities Center Jan. 21 3:15 p.m. Lewis University Physical Activities Center
men’s Basketball Jan. 19 5:30 p.m. University of Wisconsion-Parkside Physical Activities Center Jan. 21 1 p.m. Lewis University Physical Activities Center
Men’s basketball climbs rankings The men’s basketball team is climbing the national rankings this season, now sitting at ninth in the NABC Division II Top 25 and fifth in the D2SIDA/Media Top 25. The polls do not include Monday’s loss to Bellarmine University. The Eagles are ranked the highest out of any team in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and only Bellarmine and the University of Wisco nsin Parkside make the list. This is the highest the Eagles have been ranked since 2012 when the team was ranked second in the nation.
To see more photos from basketball games visit USIshield.com
Hoops for Troops set for Saturday The men’s basketball team will host the fifth annual Hoops for Troops Military Appreciation game Saturday when it faces Lewis University. The game is held to honor members of the United Staes Armed Forces and they will receive free tickets with their military ID or proof of service. They will also receive a yellow pin and a coupon for a free hot dog, chips and drink. American Legion Post 324, USI Veteran Military and Family Resources Center and the Student Veterans Association sponsor the event.
Taylor earns fourth award Senior guard Jeril Taylor earned his fourth player of the week honor by the GLVC. He earned the award after tying a USI single-game record for three-point field goal percentage. He set single-game records after scoring 50 points in a game and 35 points in a half. Taylor now matches former Eagle Chris Thompson for the most GLVC Player of the Week honors in a single season. Taylor averaged 35 points and 6 assists per game during the weekend road trip to Truman State and Quincy University.
Baseball players named ‘two to watch’ Junior Sam Griggs and senior Justin Watts were named Player and Newcomer to watch in the Indiana Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Griggs, a third-baseman, earned a spot on the NCAA II Midwest Regional AllTournament Team in 2016. He batted .342 as a sophomore and led the Eagles with 81 hits. Watts transferred to USI after two seasons at Northern Kentucky Univeristy. Prior to that he was at Lincoln Trail College. He had 89 strikeouts in 100 innings with NKU.
Scores Men’s basketball Truman State
Jan. 12 89-111
USI
Quincy University
Jan. 14 85-88
USI
Bellarmine Univeristy
Jan. 16 78-70
USI
Women’s basketball Truman State
Jan. 12 67-72
USI
Quincy University
Jan. 14 51-74
USI
Bellarmine Univeristy
Jan. 16 88-83
USI
-Jƅ*OŶ 8Jƃ) " 3Pž.NŰ5F Need some help adjusting to having a roommate? Here are a few tips to make living with a roommate go a bit easier for everyone. 1. DO sweat the small stuff. Talk to your roomies about the small things that bother you. Not addressing them can cause frustrations to build up over time and explode later. 2. Respect each other's things. This may seem like an obvious one, but it happens fairly often. Make sure you establish what is up for sharing and what is not. Don’t assume they know everything that is off limits. It may be a big deal to you, but that doesn’t mean it is for them. 3. Be open to new things. You and your roommate could be from totally different places and backgrounds. Be open to learning about what they like and where they come from. Knowing each other’s backgrounds will more than likely help you communicate with them. 4. You don't have to be BFFs. They don’t have to be your next “sister from another mister” or “brother from another mother,” however, you do have to live with them for the next year so be cordial. Take time to ask how they are doing, do something nice for them every once in a while, take time to get to know their favorite things, etc. 5. Follow "The Golden Rule.” It’s simple: treat your roommate(s) how you want to be treated. Don’t post about roommate issues on social media and the internet hoping your roommate will see it. This creates a hostile and uncivil environment. Need to contact your resident assistant or area coordinator? Find contact information at Who Is My RA? www.usi.edu/housing/current-residents/who-is-my-ra/