THE BG NEWS ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
Friday, September 26, 2014
VOLUME 94, ISSUE 16
LSU invites other cultures
Latino Student Union works to provide safe space, inclusion for students By Ashley Hardwick In Focus Editor
The Latino Student Union is an organization that was founded in 1972, but since then has opened their doors to more than the Latino community. “We wanted to give students a place to exist in their own culture. [Now] we have provided a safe space of inclusion and a means to fight oppression and promote social change,” Public Relations Chair Chris Lanton said. Although the goals of the organization have always been consistent, Lanton knew something still didn’t feel right. He decided one of the first steps for the organization [after his election] was to change the name of ‘Hispanic’ heritage month to ‘Latino’ heritage month in the city. “We are not all Mexican, there is more than one image of Latino. We’re trying to break those stereotypes and rewrite an image that’s a positive one,” Political Action Chair Catheline Perez said. Lanton stresses the importance of allies and says another goal for LSU this year is to welcome students of all ethnicities. “The topics are about Latinos— but I’m not Latino,” Lanton said. “We now have a sign that says, ‘Not Latino? Not a problem.’” He says his initial hopes were to collaborate with other organizations and to invite more people to be supportive but allies should not be LSU’s main focus. “It’s not always beneficial to be inclusive— we need to make sure our doors are visibly open to everyone, but that Latino issues are the focus,” Lanton said. Treasurer of LSU Hannah Cardenas admits she was reluctant to join LSU due to her past experiences with racism. “I’m a first year generation student, but my story is a little different. I’m a townie,” Cardenas said. “Coming from BG, it’s a predominately white town. You
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T ext -A L ibrarian Students can text librarians, get answers to brief questions on the go By Kathryne Rubright Pulse Reporter
Along with friends, family and co-workers, students may want to add the Texta-Librarian service to their contacts list. During any hours Jerome Library’s research and information desk is staffed, students can text 419-318-1999 with questions about the library or about research. “We realize that students access information in lots of different ways. Sometimes people are in the library to talk with a librarian in person, sometimes they’re on the phone with a librarian, sometimes we’re chatting with them online,” said Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. “Text-a-Librarian is just another way to reach students in a meaningful way where students are at the moment and when they need our assistance.” Most students have phones and are used to texting family, friends and possibly even professors, Bushong said. With the
See LIBRARY | Page 2
See LSU | Page 2
Ecstasy specialist becomes new director
PIED FOR A CAUSE
Jon Sprague, new director of Attorney General’s Center of The Future of Forensic Science, research specialized in analysis of ecstasy, Emily Johnson Reporter
MARIE COURONNE | THE BG NEWS
BLACK STUDENT UNION president Greg Harrison awaited a pie in the face Thursday afternoon. If a student registered to vote they could pie a student leader in the face. A voter education panel will be held Oct. 30.
MAC PLAY BEGINS BG football has suffered 2 losses on the season, but they are now focused on conference play. They travel to UMASS Saturday for their first MAC game. | PAGE 3
If anyone had asked Jon E. Sprague twenty-five years ago if he would be the new director of the Attorney General’s Center of the Future of Forensic Science he would say “There’s no way.” It’s been a long journey for Dr. Sprague but he is ready to give back to Ohio. “This one really intrigues me ... This is truly innovative.” Sprague said. Sprague started his first day with his new position Monday Sept. 22nd. The Ohio Attorney General’s Center of the Future of Forensic Science is the partnership of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation,
THE MOUNTAINTOP
The University theatre department presents “The Mountaintop” this weekend. The play is about Martin Luther King’s last night. Read more in | Page 6
BCI and the University. The center is a state-of-the-art Ohio crime lab that will be used with law enforcement over 22 counties and will give students and faculty members new opportunities and learning in Forensic Science. “Dr. Sprague brings a wealth of scientific knowledge and expertise, and we look forward to the energy and passion he will bring to the center,” President Mazey said in a press release. The Center will be offering specializations in forensic chemistry, forensic biology and forensic investigation. In the future, there is hope to expand the options into areas such as forensic account, digital evidence,
WATCH THE ROAD Columnist Deanna Huffman discusses the struggles everyone faces with inconsiderate drivers, pedestrians. She wishes people were more respectful. | Page 5
criminal psychology and more. The University Research & Economic Development and BCI collaborated to look for candidates for the new director position. “We were looking for someone familiar with BCI, has worked in academic programming and professional training, and someone who is an established researcher … And Dr. Sprague fit the bill,” Michael Ogawa, Ph.D. Vice President of the Research and Economic Development and Dean of the Graduate College said. Sprague, a native of Angola, Michigan, was attracted to pharmaceuticals at an early age from his
See SPRAGUE | Page 8
HOW WOULD TEXT-A-LIBRARIAN BE BENEFICIAL? “If a class gives out certain books we have to read, we can ask if they’re there.” Molly Musial, Environmental Science, Junior