The Special
Fall 2014
Staff Julia Carpio Mason Meyers Crystal Robertson Rachel Cohn Mia Johnson Floyetta Bates
Table Of Contents Hispanic Culture is Growing On Campus Pg. 3 Redefined Love
Pg. 6
“What Is Diversity?”
Pg. 9
Religious Diversity Is Alive and Well
Pg. 11
Melting Pot On Campus
Pg. 13
Rachel
Pg. 15
Director of the Hispanic Outreach Program, Luis Franco, speaking at last years Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off event.
By: Julia Carpio
Texas A&M University-Commerce is a very diverse campus. It is filled with many different cultures. The purpose of the Hispanic Outreach Program is to spread the Hispanic culture on campus, and it seems to have succeeded. Since the programs start in 2009, the number of Hispanic students on campus has increased from close to 400 to nearly 1700 in fall 2014. The retention rate of first year Hispanic students is now an impressive 70 percent. Recently, thanks in large part to the Hispanic Outreach Program and its efforts, the university was recognized as an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with Hispanic students making up 15 percent of A&MCommerce population. To be recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution population must be at 25 percent. Luis Franco, Director of the Hispanic Outreach Program, helps make these improvements. Aside from raising these numbers, the purpose of this program is to serve the Latino and Hispanic community on campus. “[The Hispanic Outreach Program is] a student support service on campus offered to ensure Latino and Hispanic students have a One Stop Shop service to help with admissions, registration, and to help them feel supported during college,” Franco said. Latino and Hispanic students can come to the Hispanic Outreach office and receive help on a number of things just as any student can come to the One Stop Shop for assistance with registration, admissions, scholarships, and other things. The program doesn’t only focus on helping once the students have gotten here. It also focusses on getting these students to come to A&M-Commerce.
“Hispanic Outreach can be broken up into three areas,” Franco said. “The first is outreach. We have representatives to support admission, host parent info sessions, and attend college fairs. “Then we focus on the process, help students apply, and discuss admissions, housing, scholarships, and everything else involved. After that comes the support. Our big goal is graduation. We want to support these students and focus on retention.” This Hispanic Outreach Program serves as a support service for Latino and Hispanic students, however, it is not an organization. Hispanic Outreach is however, over the Hispanic Student Association. The HSA is another way that the Hispanic Outreach Program serves as a service and support group for Latinos and Hispanics. Hispanic Outreach serves as the advisors for HSA. “HSA is a way students have found to get involved on campus,” Franco said. The HSA meets biweekly on Wednesdays at 5 o’clock and the organization is not limited to Latino or Hispanic students. There are many students involved who are not Latino or Hispanic at all, but simply interested in Hispanic culture. Aside from their meetings, these students also help with community service, provide their testimony when needed, help during Mane Event, and help with any events held by the Hispanic Outreach Program. For example, recently they helped with the Day of the Dead festival to spread awareness of Hispanic culture on campus. Other events the Hispanic Outreach Program and HSA contribute to would be Hispanic Heritage Month starting in the middle of September. “We host a variety of different lectures and cultural activities to spread awareness of Hispanic culture to other students on campus,” Franco said. Also hosted is salsa night in partnership with the Morris Recreation Center and the Cinco de Mayo program. The Hispanic Outreach Program and HAS are much like any other service office and student organization on campus. They each have a certain mission and a certain goal they are aiming to at-
A student celebrates Dia de Los Muertos festivites put on by the Hispanic Outreach Association. Aside from their meetings, these students also help with community service, provide their testimony when needed, help during Mane Event, and help with any events held by the Hispanic Outreach Program. For example, recently they helped with the Day of the Dead festival to spread awareness of Hispanic culture on campus. Other events the Hispanic Outreach Program and HSA contribute to would be Hispanic Heritage Month starting in the middle of September. “We host a variety of different lectures and cultural activities to spread awareness of Hispanic culture to other students on campus,” Franco said. Also hosted is salsa night in partnership with the Morris Recreation Center and the Cinco de Mayo program.
The Hispanic Outreach Program and HAS are much like any other service office and student organization on campus. They each have a certain mission and a certain goal they are aiming to attain. “The difference [in these programs] is our interest is Hispanic culture and helping these students be successful in college,” Franco said.
Redefined Love By Crystal Robertson
Love has been redefined by preference of labels; grouping individuals by race, culture, professional status, or most importantly gender roles. Judgment is constantly cast towards those in the same sex community, yet they have demonstrated pride in their sexuality and cope with the formalities of our society. Texas A&M University- Commerce, Assistant Director of Greek Life, Zach Shirley has established himself as an African American professional in spite of his sexuality.
attraction are substantially higher than estimates of those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. There are also nearly 700,000 transgender individuals in the US. An estimated 19 million Americans report that they have engaged in same-sex sexual behavior and nearly 25.6 million Americans acknowledge at least some same-sex sexual attraction.
According to Gary J. Gates, writer for the Williams institute, comprised that slightly 1.8% of majority 1.8% compared to 1.7% identify them as lesbian or gay. This cultural gender belief system suggests that masculine and feminine gender roles are distinct, stable, and tied to biological sex. The concepts of masculinity and femininity are viewed as polar opposites. People who have some traits of a prescribed gender role are expected to hold other traits of that gender role as well. Resulting in estimates of those who report any lifetime same-sex sexual behavior and any same-sex sexual
Shirley is not part of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and queer (LBGTQ) community but is connected to any of the established groups in some fashion by sharing a common social status. Shirley also identifies with the adversities that present it to those individuals who choose to embrace their sexuality in a LBGTQ community. Casey Gore, freshman student at A&M Commerce, restates that some LBGTQ communities are not always to one’s liking depending on preference such as Pride Alliance.
“I am black, male, educated, and gay”, Shirley said. “In this society I consider myself to be a quadruple minority that has to adapt in order to succeed.”
Pride Alliance is an organizational group on this campus that unites, educates, and supports those dealing with same sex matters. The group is open-minded to those from any sexuality background. Also they speak on the student’s right to requested an affirmation of their policy of non-discrimination on this campus. “There are not many difference we have in how we treat each other within a gay community, choosing to be a part of group just allows individuals to create a support system”, said freshman, Casey Gore. “Even gay people
had to males was morally wrong according to my upbringing”, said Shirley. While never truly adapting to the heterosexual community he presumed to overexpress his masculinity in order to be accepted by his peers throughout grade school. At age 18, Shirley indulged in a first encounter with male confirming his truths about his sexuality.
“After my first male encounter, I knew my true desires,” Shirley said. “Instead I choose to continuingly suppress my feelings and entered a three year relationship with a woman pretending “I am black, male, educated, and gay”, it was a long term Shirley said. “In this society I consider love while in myself to be a quadruple minority that has college.”
to adapt in order to succeed.”
make fun of other gay people, just like heterosexuals do.” He refers to the transition from a heterosexual community to sharing a same sex relationship is a long journey of discovering yourself. A same sex relationship with a man does not pose a huge difference other than determining who the dominant partner is. Unlike heterosexual relationships, gender roles define that women are submissive while men are the dominant beings. Shirley explains the ongoing battle that he and his partner continuously share in order to prove who will possess the ultimate control. “I knew at an early point in life something about me was different, in my third year of grade school the attraction I
Shirley ventured to Paul Quinn College, a historical black college located in Dallas, TX to further his education. He declared to suppress the attraction shared among other males and focused on portraying an image of hyper-masculinity. Directing his attention to career driven objectives, Shirley joined numerous undergrad organizations. He continued to establish himself with involvement on campus led him to be a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, Student Government Association Vice President, and homecoming king. “My mother is like a hard core Christian when I came out she got very upset, however for most parents the anger passes on but
the realization of if they don’t like the child they created they may drive them away”, said Gore. 2005, he entered into Texas A&M University- Commerce graduate program and the decision to introduce his family of a dual identity presented itself on Christmas Eve. Raised in a traditional African-American religious family, each member in the house hold took a different standpoint for Shirley’s sexual behavior. His father was disappointed while Arvetta, his mother a RN Neonatal nurse, educated him on the risks of wanting to experience a same sex relationship. Eldest sibling, Tamara, took full responsibility being she was the predominant caretaker after parents divorced when Shirley was 8 years old.
Shirley said, “Facing judgment, hatred, and negativity pushed me to become comfortable with who I am today, I no longer go out my way to hide myself.”
Others like Shirley have found a place where acceptance exists. Introduced at a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity event, Blue and White weekend, there Shirley met his partner of 5 years.
Presently, at age 33, he looks at his past knowingly some acts were conducted because the fear of overwhelming judgment challenged his true character. Although, his inner conscience tried to convince himself of a lie he did not believe.
Instead of dabbling into legal affairs, Shirley considers a commitment ceremony with his partner when referring to long term arrangements. Similar to marriage and common in the LGBTQ community; this is their way of symbolizing an intimate bond individuals who will partake in the occasion. Shirley calls marriage a pageant showcase
“Expressing my sexuality mean getting married to me,” Gore said. “I dream of being married to my husband and having an awesome family and kids just like everyone else on this planet”, said Gore.
which ends in divorce that he rather not rush into.
“Life is like a constant race, a race that won’t allow you to slow down or stop. My job is to keep those around me in the race, helping them in their race”
Religious D Alive and Well at TexasA&M University-Commerce By: Mason Myers
Diversity Religion is a hot topic in society right now, and at a university located in the Bible Belt, one would think that there would not be much diversity in the way of religion. However, at Texas A&M University – Commerce, the student body is made up of various religions and beliefs. With student organizations like the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), Catholic Student Ministry, and Muslim Student Association, students have many places they can go to in order to practice the religion or belief they are the most comfortable with. The school has more than 100 student organizations. Many of these organizations will accept members of any faith or lack thereof. Organizations like the Organization of Future Enterpreneurs, Cricket City Improv, and Sigma Phi Phi are examples of some of these groups. “We have many different beliefs represented in our organization,” Sigma Phi Phi parliamentarian Andrew Hudson said. “It’s very cool to see so many people of different faiths hanging out and getting along.” Even the organizations that are specific to one religion are open to anyone. One student on campus, Thurman Allen, is an established atheist, but helps out the Baptist Student Ministry from time to time, due to friends he has that are members of the BSM. Also, events held by these organizations are open to the general public, not just people who follow that specific religion. “Religion hardly ever comes into play here,” OFE president Justin Mitchell said. “Everyone works together to reach a common goal here. I think the same can be said for most organizations on campus, regardless of anyone’s beliefs.” Even among the religion-specific groups, there are some groups that have an even more specific interest. One of these unique student organizations is the Uniquely Bynded Praise Dance and Mime Ministry, who show their worship through dance and mime. These student organizations are very welcoming to all religious faiths and beliefs even if you do not belong to those faiths and beliefs. Groups from traditional Greek organizations to an organization based around the ever expanding art of the mime, they all seem to be open to anyone and everyone.
“What is Diversity?” By: Floyetta Bates
Senior linebacker, Kristoddie Woods said, “Not being used to old ways, and new people. College is di-
Misty Lair, Director of Applied Science said, “Gender and cultural awareness with peers and students.”
“When I think of diversity I think of being musically diverse.” -Tevin Fuller, art student “Individuals that can bring different outlooks to strengthen civilization.” -Eddie Pinkard, patrol
Premed student Jincy George views diversity as accepting people based on their perception of themselves, not about where you come from but who you are. “You do you boo boo.”
A&M-Commerce has students from all different backgrounds and all over the world. It is important to know about diversity in all of its aspects no matter gender, religion, sexuality, race, or anything else that can set one apart from others.
Melting Pot On Campus By: Mia Johnson
The Sam Rayburn Student Center where students of many different cultural backgrounds gather.
Texas A&M University-Com merce has come along way. Previously East Texas State University, A&MCommerce has been opened for 125 years and desegregated for 50. Students and faculty joined together for a walk commemorating desegregation. A&M-Commerce doors opened in 1889 at it’s original location in Cooper, Texas. After a fire wiped out the campus, the school was then moved to Commerce. In 1964, A&M-Commerce was one of last the two universities in Texas to desegregate.
it’s good to see how diverse it is and how everyone is embraced. A&M-Commerce’s demographics include 58.13% white, 18.31% black, 7.72% Hispanic, 7.25% Asian, 10.25% international, and 8.47% other. According to the university website, A&M-Commerce has over 1,200 international students from 50 different countries. Asian, middle eastern, and Nigerian exchange students represent a large percent of the foreign population.
I attended A&M-Com merce from 1973 to 1977,” Ethel M. Holly said. “There was no racial tension and a huge amount of blacks either commuted or lived on camblack “There was no racial tension and a pus. We only had one huge amount of blacks either com- professor named Dr. Talbott who later became the dean of the guidmuted or lived on campus. ance department. There were Taiwanese exchange students as well.” “The factor was the 50th anniversary that a lot of people weren’t even aware about which is pretty sad,” sophomore and NAACP secretary Holly Williams said. “This was one of the last schools to be integrated but people barely acknowledge that. But
Disabilites and According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disability is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Examples of disabilities include deafness, blindness, paralysis, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorders. Under the ADA, disabled Americans are protected from discrimination in “employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications,” and can request needed accommodations. College students who qualify can register for academic or housing accommodations with the Student Disability Resources and Services on their college campus. At Texas A&M University-Commerce, there are 275 students registered at the SDRS. Of those 275 students, accommodations provided have been 12 in deaf/hard of hearing, 50 in psychiatric, 15 in vision impairment, 7 in orthopedic impairment, 45 in ADD/ADHD, 51 in medical condition, 73 in learning disability, 15 in Autism/Asperger’s, 6 in neurological disorders, and 1 in language disorder. The accommodations for those specific categories
depend solely on the needs of the student, but commonly requested accommodations include testing at the SDRS office’s testing room, extra time on tests, and food allergy accommodations. Disabilities themselves, as shown in the types of categories for accommodation, vary extensively and have different levels of commonness. According to the CDC, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder as of 2014; 3 out of every 1000 children are hard of hearing or deaf; and 80% of students who have learning disabilities have dyslexia, to name a few. With medical advancements, diagnoses have grown in number for autism spectrum disorders from every 1 in 88 children being diagnosed in 2012.
the Disabled By: Rachel Cohn Disabilities themselves, as shown in the types of categories for accommodation, vary extensively and have different levels of commonness. According to the CDC, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder as of 2014; 3 out of every 1000 children are hard of hearing or deaf; and 80% of students who have learning disabilities have dyslexia, to name a few. With medical advancements, diagnoses have grown in number for autism spectrum disorders from every 1 in 88 children being diagnosed in 2012. According to a pamphlet by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, DARS, when meeting a person with disabilities, “treat the person with a disability the way you want to be treated. It’s okay to ask about their disability and it’s also okay for them not to talk about it. It’s okay to use words like ‘see’, ‘hear’, ’run’, and ‘walk’ when talking to people with disabilities. When talking to people who use wheelchairs, if possible, sit down so they won’t have to look up at you. People who are blind can hear what you say as well as anybody; don’t speak loudly when talking with them or to them. Don’t characterize people by terms that reflect their disability or use words that demean or produce negative perceptions. People with disabilities are usually as healthy and strong as anyone else.”