Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, February 6, 2017
Cameron Ranks High in Military Friendliness Justin Reff and Jacob Jardel
as the services they provide for servicemembers and its membership in certain programs that assist in the Collegian Staff transition from soldier to Cameron University civilian or, in the case of recently ranked as one of the the ROTC program, from top military friendly schools civilian to soldier. in two different rankings. Instructor of Military A panel from Victory Science SFC Eric Smith said Media awarded Cameron a he has seen the effects of some silver distinction, putting it of the listed transitionary within 30 percent of the Top services. After serving with 10 ranking. BestColleges. the military police, he wanted com also gave CU high to work with an ROTC marks, placing it 22nd on its program. After talking with list. his branch manager, Smith These lists recognize learned of a job opening at schools that embrace military Cameron, three hours away students and dedicate from where he grew up near resources to helping them Tulsa. succeed in the classroom and Since joining, Smith beyond graduation. Both noticed one unique advantage have similar criteria, such Cameron has when it comes
to working with the military: its proximity to Fort Sill. “There are a lot of people who retire here,” Smith said, “and most people who do retire have high school or college-aged children. For those who want to stay near home or with family, this is a great option. “They can stay home with their family in a community they’re familiar with and still get their education.” Cameron’s location is one of many reasons Smith gave for the university’s success on a national level. “This is an excellent program,” he said. “It competes with all the other schools throughout the entire nation. Not being a Division-I university just speaks for itself
as to the type of education and experience that you will get at Cameron compared to any other school.” Junior chemistry major and Cameron cadet Nick Meaux lived this experience firsthand. He said a good ROTC program was high on the list when he was initially selecting a college, especially since he had a scholarship for his involvement in the program. Cameron was his top pick, especially with the merits of its ROTC program and the school’s affordability. “Compared to OU and OSU, Cameron has the best ROTC program,” Meaux said. “[At] OU and OSU, [I’d] still be paying out of pocket, but at Cameron, [I]
Volume 96 Issue 2
Photos by Christopher Reif Graphics by Jacob Jardel
end up not having to pay for anything.” Since he started at Cameron, Meaux has grown to like the atmosphere as much as his program. “Cameron’s perfect,” Meaux said. “Cameron has everything I need here. It’s nice and small. You’re not overwhelmed [and] the people are friendly.” It is for this reason that he would recommend Cameron to others debating on attending here. “It gets [students] accustomed to the college lifestyle and the work they’re going to have to do—the responsibilities you’re going to have to take on,” he said. He said he experienced this type of growth not only
through living on campus but also through ROTC. He emphasized the lessons he learned that helped this maturation. “ROTC has helped a lot with that, especially some of the people I’ve interacted with. The coaches and mentors I’ve had in ROTC [made me] more responsible,” Meaux said. “I’m more levelheaded, taking everything with a grain of salt and being more disciplined.” For more information on these rankings, visit militaryfriendly.com/schools or bestcolleges.com/ features/ top-military-friendly-colleges. For more on Cameron University’s ROTC program, visit www.cameron.edu/ militaryscience.
Service on and off the field: (Top) A group of Cameron ROTC cadets navigate their way through a field training exercise. (Bottom) Vice President for University Advancement Albert Johnson, Jr., (left) speaks with cadet Nick Meaux during the ROTC Awards.
What’s inside Benefit dinner for a CU student Page 3
“Electra” set for Cameron debut
Basketball splits twinbill vs. Commerce
Page 5
Page 6
2
News
February 6, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
CU students return to Goodwill Robert King
business and accounting majors can work with VITA in two ways. Staff Writer “They can do it as a volunteer Cameron University and Goodwill or they can do it for credit as an Industries are working together with intern,” she said. “When we say for the IRS in the 2017 income tax filing credit, it means that they are given requirements for it to count as a three season. hour class.” Until April 15, both Lawton Some student requirements for Goodwill stores will be hosting the internship credit consist of junior the annual Volunteer Income Tax classification and a GPA of 3.0 or Assistance (VITA) program where higher. Students must successfully Cameron students either volunteer complete the IRS Link and Learn or intern to file people’s income tax online training and pass four tests on returns. required tax law knowledge. Goodwill stores of Southwest To learn how to use the software, Oklahoma and North Texas are among the locations where the VITA Tax Wise software training is provided in January. Interns must program takes place. commit to a minimum of 150 hours Goodwill has partnered with during the tax season: 20 hours of Cameron for six years to help training and testing with 130 hours provide student volunteers. The assisting customers with income tax VITA program is an opportunity filing. for students to train and become an To work as a paid volunteer IRS Certified Tax Preparer. Any students do not have to be business CU student is welcome to volunteer or accounting majors. All volunteers regardless of their major. and interns must go through the Goodwill stores in Wichita Falls training that is provided onsite and Chickasha are also hosting through Goodwill and the IRS in VITA. Walk-in tax preparations December and January to become are welcome – no appointments are necessary. All types of simple income IRS certified to file taxes. All who volunteer to file income tax filings are prepared for free. Proof tax returns and successfully complete of identification and all necessary training and tests are compensated income statements and forms are hourly for the time they spend required. preparing tax returns. CU Accounting Instructor Rocky Goforth, the Chief Bernadette Lonzanida said that
Financial Officer and VP of Finance at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas, said that Goodwill decided to start VITA when employees who received several hundred dollars back in their tax returns were paying up to $450 to have their returns prepared. “It left them with little money left in their returns,” Goforth said. “After
doing some research we found a need for this service in our community for many taxpayers who were paying large amounts to have their returns filed. We started this program to help people in our community keep the full income tax they earn each year.” Because the services of Goodwill and VITA are free, taxpayers can keep all of their income tax refund
money to use for whatever they wish. It helps to put more disposable income back into the Lawton community. If any CU students at the junior level or higher are interested in working with Goodwill and the IRS to file people’s income taxes, contact Lonzanida or Goforth for more information.
Photo by Robert King
Returning Service: Senior accounting major Luis Diaz (right) helps a Lawton resident with their tax preparation. Diaz works with Goodwill as part of their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program with other Cameron students to provide residents with affordable tax services.
ROTC hits ground running on marathon training Jonathan Vann
the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building on Staff Writer April 19, 1995. For the second year MS IV cadet and team in a row, members of the captain Robert McCoy said Cameron University ROTC he extremely grateful for program put together a team the heightened support the to participate the annual ROTC program has given the Oklahoma City Marathon event. on April 30. “Right now, we have Since the inaugural race in sixteen members for the 2001, the marathon has been marathon team,” he said, a tribute to the individuals “which is up drastically from who lost their lives in the last year [when] the program
had only six participants.” For the past three weeks, the marathon team has endured a rigorous training regimen to prepare for the race. The team trains six days a week with hour-long runs and other runs of up to 20 miles at a time. MS III cadet Joshua Garcia said that this routine keeps everyone on the team on track. “The training regimen is
really good,” said Garcia. “Mr. McCoy is definitely the team pusher, but everybody pushes you in the group.” He also said that one of his main goals is to run the full marathon since he never ran 26.2 miles before in his life. MS III cadet Nick Meaux did the half marathon with the team last year. He said this year provides him with the perfect opportunity to fulfill a life-long goal.
“For me, I am hoping to accomplish a full marathon at least once in my lifetime,” said Meaux. “This is kind of a bucket list thing for me, and I am trying to do it in under four hours, which is normal time for someone running their first marathon.” He also said that he is looking forward to representing Cameron University and its R.O.T.C. program.
A member of last year’s marathon squad, McCoy had different hopes for the race and his fellow cadets who run in it. “My overall goal is to unify this team and to challenge them to limits that they did not know were possible,” he said. “I would really like them to see them grow into themselves and just be able to see that growth continue into other areas of their lives.”
Cal grapples with line of free speech, hate speech Tribune News Service The University of California-Berkeley was just mopping up after what appeared to be a small group of violent protesters from off campus shut down the speech of conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos – an appearance university leaders had staunchly defended despite hundreds of requests to ban him. Then came the tweet from President Donald Trump, which in an instant both blurred the facts and exacerbated the tension. “If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view – NO FEDERAL FUNDS?” Trump tweeted early Thursday. On Thursday, university officials, who had worked hard to make room for free speech, found themselves squeezed between outrage on both the right and the left. Also further inflamed was the already roiling UC debate about campus free speech _ not just as it concerned Yiannopolous but also a host of hot-button issues, including anti-Semitism, Palestinian rights, sexual harassment and racism. Scores of supporters, including many academics and California lawmakers, jumped in Thursday to defend the actions of Berkeley – home of the free speech movement more than five decades ago – and assert that Trump had no power to cut off federal funds. “Berkeley did everything right,” said Terry Hartel, senior vice president of the American Council on Education, which represents 1,600 universities and colleges. Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks resisted demands even from his own faculty members to ban Yiannopoulos’ appearance. Staff members spent weeks planning extensive security arrangements – bringing in dozens of police officers from nine UC campuses – and helping the Berkeley College Republicans obtain the technical equipment their event required. In a statement Thursday, the College Republicans condemned the “criminals and thugs” for violating their free speech rights – saying, “It is tragic that the birthplace of the free speech movement is also its final resting place.” But they also thanked campus officials
Hartel, of the American Council on Education, said that federal agencies may cut off funding to universities in ways prescribed by law – failing to enforce Title IX’s ban on sex discrimination, for instance, defrauding students or cheating in federal research grants. But no law allows funds to be slashed for allegations of free speech violations. Bill Foster, a congressman from Illinois who worked as a physicist before going into politics, said Trump’s threat to cut federal funds to Berkeley was completely out of line. “We spent hundreds of years developing the rule of law in this country,” he said. “If everyone is afraid of a strongman, it will set our political culture back centuries.” The UC Police Department has launched an investigation into Wednesday’s violence, which campus officials said was instigated by about 150 masked individuals hurling Molotov cocktails, setting fires, throwing Tribune News Service fireworks at police, pushing barricades into windows, and damaging campus and city Toeing the line: Breitbart News Editor Milo Yiannopoulos was at the center of property. violent protests that happened on Feb. 1 at the University of California-Berkeley. Police Chief Margo Bennett blamed the for supporting them and protecting public cut in funding. trouble last night on so-called Black Bloc safety. But Aaron Parsons, an astrophysicist at anarchists, who marched on to campus in Dirks also condemned the violence, which UC Berkeley, said Trump’s Twitter threat military fashion, brandishing clubs, highhe blamed on armed individuals clad in black was not being taken too seriously around the grade fireworks, baseball bats and homemade who used paramilitary tactics to shut down campus. shields. They are well known in the Bay Area, the event. They threw commercial-grade “People have expressed a little bit of mild where they often show up at protests. fireworks at police, hurled barricades through concern, but the consensus is this is probably Sgt. Sabrina Reich, UCPD public windows and started one fire. bluster like what we have seen many times information officer, said campus police made “The violence last night was an attack on coming from the president,” Parsons said. one arrest last night of a nonstudent, on a the fundamental values of the university, “There are a lot of layers of bureaucracy charge of failing to disperse. She said police which stands for and helps to maintain and about what work gets funded, and it’s often are reviewing video to try to identify suspects, nurture open inquiry and an inclusive civil decided by a committee of your peers,” he but no one has yet filed a police report about society, the bedrock of a genuinely democratic said. “To reach all the way into the bowels of being assaulted or injured. nation,” Dirks said. institutions that are supporting science would An early estimate of damage is around UC officials did not directly comment on be an incredible level of micromanagement $100,000, according to campus officials, and Trump’s tweet about federal funding, but and there would be very little legal standing includes fixing broken windows at the MLK concern about funding under the president for doing so.” Student Union, replacing a generator that already had come up at the Board of Regents Erwin Chemerinsky, a First Amendment caught fire and was destroyed, sand-blasting meeting last November. expert and the dean of UC Irvine School of paint off the concrete steps of the student UC receives nearly $9 billion in federal Law, said Congress sets conditions for federal union, cleaning up graffiti and possibly funding for education, research and health funding, not the president, and any attempts replacing some pavers and trees on Sproul care – a significant chunk of the system’s $25 to use federal money to coerce local and state Plaza. One tree on the plaza was badly singed billion budget. Federal funds are UC’s single governments into desired actions would run by flames. largest source of research dollars, amounting afoul of the 10th Amendment. The city of Berkeley’s Downtown Business to more than $3 billion. “The president has no authority to cut Association is reporting damage to more Both the National Science Foundation and off funds, nor should he be making these than 10 businesses including several banks, a the National Institutes of Health declined to kinds of threats he has no authority to do,” Starbucks, a TargetExpress and both a Sprint comment on Trump’s tweet about a possible Chemerinsky said. and a T-Mobile store.
February 6, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Student Life
3
New year, new CKI officers Stacie Larsen and Christopher Reif
so people will understand that when there is a need, CKI will be there to Collegian Staff help.” Youngblood Cameron University Chapter of Circle said she plans on K International (CUCKI) held their first handling stressful pinning ceremony in celebration of their newly elected officers and new members from situations by surrounding herself 2 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 22 in the Wichita Room. with people who love This semester’s elected officers include President Raven Youngblood, Vice President and support her. “CKI is a family,” Hunter Collins, Secretary Stacie Larsen, she said, “and that Editor Talitha Simpson, and Treasurer family right there in Candace Craig. itself helps with the CUCKI founding President and current District Secretary Robbie Day and Red River stress and actually Lt. Governor Jesica Rios, recognized the new makes the stress officers and members for their involvement in worth it.” According to the organization. Williams, CKI Sophomore criminal justice major and as a whole is the Lieutenant Governor of the Oklahoma largest student lead CKI District Megan Williams said this involvement from district officers was a great organization at the collegiate level with experience. organizations in “It was like a two-in-one deal,” she said. “We got to pin the officers and welcome them countries such as into a new year and also got to welcome in the Panama, Canada Photo by Stacie Larsen new members with a pin that they get to keep and France. She Promoting the club: (Left to right) Treasurer Candace Craig, District Secretary Robbie Day, and Vice said the purpose of as memorabilia.” her job is to charter President Hunter Collins promote CKI at the spring organization fair. Youngblood, a freshman and elementary more schools in the education major, said she joined CKI after region. learning about the organization during Williams said. Youngblood said she and other newly “I chartered a chapter at USAO,” she said, freshman orientation. According to Williams, the purpose of CKI inducted officers are hard at work planning “I was in Key Club in highschool,” she said, “and they chartered with 51 members. That is to help better the community. community service events that will benefit was a huge accomplishment, “and this [organization] “What sets us apart from other not only the students involved but also the not just for me, but for is the collegiate version.” organizations is that we are more involved in university and local community as a whole. “CKI is a family, and that them. They did an awesome service,” she said. “It is one of our main focuses As a newly-elected She believes that collaborating with other job.” officer, she said her along with fellowship and service.” organizations is vital in creating a sense of family right there in itself She also chartered hope for CKI is not Youngblood said that being part of the fellowship amongst the community and helps with the stress and an organization in only to increase student organization has enhanced her communication growing CUCKI as a whole. actually makes the stress Southwestern Oklahoma involvement, but also the skills and affected her on a personal level. “[When] I moved here to Lawton,” State University. According understanding of what “When I came to CKI, I realized there’s Youngblood said, “I didn’t have any friends worth it.” to her, this process takes the club stands for and so much more that goes into not only the other than my roommate who moved here Raven Youngblood a tremendous amount of how important it is to volunteer work but also the organization with me. I’ve met a lot of friends through Freshman work. Her job is to help the community. as a whole,” she said. “I’ve learned that CKI.” make that process run “It’s a very young CUCKI President communication is definitely key when you are Youngblood also added organizational smoothly. organization,” in a board position. growth is not the only upside of joining. “Another thing [I do] Youngblood said. “It “CKI has definitely helped me grow as far “It’s a lot of fun,” she said “and not only that, is making sure that I’m the bridge and the just started in 2015. We [need to] get out as maturity because it put me in a place of the feeling you get when you’re [performing] connection between the district and the club.” leadership but also in a place of responsibility.” all kinds of service is incredible. there and serve and put our names out there
Benefit dinner supports service dog fundraiser Cheyenne Cole
benefit was to inform the community that Breig needs Teddy to be trained A&E Page Editor as a service dog and needs the funds to @cheyenneccole send him to GladWags. Student Support Services (SSS), in conjunction with the When Breig, a member of SSS, CU Wesley Foundation, hosted a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit at told Thomas that it would cost $8,500 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the Wesley Foundation to raise money for to send Teddy to GladWags, Thomas, a student who needs to send her dog to service training school. along with other SSS staff members, In 2013, sophomore English education major Katherine felt determined to find a way to help Breig learned that she suffers from seizures, which were Breig send Teddy to GladWags. misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder Thomas and when she was a child. SSS freshman “Having this dog is going guidance Breig mostly suffers from absent seizures but has had convulsive grand mal to take away some of her specialist seizures. apprehension that she’s Cathleen Dutton “Absent seizures are where you just going to have a seizure in brainstormed blank out,” she said. “You can be talking until Dutton class or at home.” and just zone out. I’ll snap to it, and I’ll came up with the just continue talking to you like nothing idea of a benefit Doreen Thomas happened. Student Support Services dinner. “I also have the ones where you can Breig said she Photos by Cheyenne Cole talk to me, and I can hear you, I just don’t was shocked that understand what you’re saying.” Thomas and Dutton would go to such Serving for service: Student Support Services staff members Cathleen Breig said it isn’t safe for her to drive, cook, or be alone in lengths to help her. Dutton (center) and Doreen Thomas take part in the Spaghetti Dinner Benefit general, so her fiancé and her mother raised money to buy an “I just went to her [Thomas] and on Jan. 26. Proceeds went toward Katherine Breig CU Freshman English major Australian Shepherd, Teddy, with the intention of Teddy being asked if she had any ideas,” Breig said. student’s efforts to send her dog to a training school for service dogs. trained to be Breig’s service dog. “I didn’t even know she was going to “It’s to the point where I am scared to drive,” she said. “I do go all this way for me and do all this for me. I was beyond blown and found that Australian Shepherds are loyal, focused and smart. She is confident that after going to GladWags, Teddy drive. I go to school and home. I’ve never in my entire life been away.” grocery shopping by myself. Ever.” If the money is raised, Teddy will attend GladWags, a service will be a great service dog. “He’s very intelligent,” she said. “Everybody that sees him Doreen Thomas, Director of SSS, said the goal of the dog training school, for a year to learn how to sense when Breig is going to have a around me, they’re like, ‘He’s gonna do it. He’s going to make it. seizure and how He is brilliant.’ “I have full confidence in him. He’s a great dog.” to help her when Thomas said having a service dog who can alert Breig to it happens. possible seizures will take a huge weight off Breig’s shoulders by Breig will swab her mouth, giving her freedom to live her life without fear. “If you’ve never walked in someone’s shoes who has epilepsy,” and if Teddy Thomas said, “things that we take for granted like going to the smells a certain grocery store, being able to drive someplace without fear or chemical that’s being home by yourself – you don’t think about those things but emitted from the brain during someone like Katherine, that’s something that she always has to think about.” a seizure on the Thomas hopes Teddy will give Breig the confidence to swab, he will continue her education and reach her career objectives. warn Breig that “Her goal is to become an English teacher for high school,” she is about to Thomas said, “and having this dog is going to take away some of have one. her apprehension that she’s going to have a seizure in class or at Before home.” purchasing When students see Teddy or any other service dogs on Teddy, Breig researched which campus, they should ask the owner before petting the dog to dog breeds make avoid setting back the service dog’s training. To donate to send Teddy to GladWags, go to the best service gladwagsservicedogs.com, click “Support Us,” then “Donate,” dogs based on and specify that the donation is for Katherine Breig. their qualities
4
Voices
February 6, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Photo courtesy of Tribune News Service Graphic by Jacob Jardel
The patriotism of political dissent Jacob Jardel
Managing Editor
@JJardel_Writing The first few weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency have been a sight to see. Demonstrations at airports, immigration offices and other venues dotted the landscape of the nation. The Women’s March became a worldwide movement for equal rights. Meanwhile, scientists plan their own march to reemphasize the importance of their field. In short, a myriad of groups is vocalizing their dissent to the policies already making their way into law less than a month into the new presidency. Whether it’s accessibility to a visible platform or just a larger movement as a whole, protests seem to be more prolific than ever. And it’s one of the most
American things we can do. It sounds counterintuitive, criticizing and rallying against the leader and figurehead of a nation out of love for said nation. Many individuals will even say that it’s best to respect what the President does without argument. Trust the process to work everything out. Regardless of stance on Presidential respect, though, there are two major worries that come with waiting things out. First of all, it assumes all individuals are on or can get to equal playing fields of society, which is inherently untrue. Say what you want about the American Dream, but it seems to be dwindling. In 2015, Joe Pinsker of The Atlantic wrote an overview of a study where teens felt the American Dream either didn’t exist or existed only
with numerous conditions. A study from the Equality of Opportunity Project revealed that the reality of the Dream dwindles with each passing decade. Alana Semuels reported on that study in a December 2016 piece in The Atlantic. In it, she mentioned the two reasons the EOP cited for this decreasing belief in this staple tenet of traditional American society. “More benefits are accruing to those at the top,” she said. “Those at the bottom, on the other hand, are not able to achieve as big a share as they once did. Their wages are not growing, so they are stuck at the same level as, or below, their parents.” But the problem doesn’t start and stop with wealth as a whole. There is more to it, particularly regarding resources, wealth and how the
two can shape a society. “Because they have access to private schools, elite colleges and homes in good neighborhoods, wealthy parents have little incentive to back spending on public education, affordable housing and other services they don’t use,” Semuels said. “Without support, these services fall by the wayside in poorer neighborhoods. Yet it is those services that often do the most to increase social mobility.” So the assumptions underlying the American Dream belie the true nature of equality in the nation and, with it, the ability for all people to trust the process. But there is one other problematic aspect to blindly following and waiting. It runs counter to the tenets of democracy on which our founders built our nation.
In the fledgling years of America, the Founding Fathers publically and demonstratively spoke up against the tyranny of King George III. As we grew into the nation we are now, past generations of vocal dissenters laid the groundwork that would become our current society. For better or for worse, active protest gets things done – or at least noticed. Regardless of their merit or their intent, these arguments brought attention to the state of the nation and the things that needed fixing. None of that would have happened with passive acceptance. So to silence someone for their viewpoints not only negates the First Amendment but also puts government in a stagnant feedback loop built on citizen complacency – none of which works to better our country.
After all, isn’t that what we all really want – a better America? Yes, it’s a pretty great place with freedoms that many others want so dearly. It’s why people from all walks of life come here in the first place: not to kill or to die, but to live. But it can also grow. It can become greater than it is or ever was. The path to that greatness doesn’t happen with application of outdated principles, nor is it a process that happens in a vacuum. It happens with understanding and a willingness to help others as well as ourselves. It happens with active citizens using our differences to make a diverse mosaic instead of a whitewashed melting pot. It happens with the acceptance of nothing but the best for our country. It happens with dissent.
No defending the First Amendment Defense Act Payton Williams
Therefore, I am forced to believe, sadly, that President Donald Trump is not of sound mind. Assistant Editor The First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) @youresovanya is a bill currently circulating through the House Having a job is important. Ways and Means Committee. It is an anti This truth is universal. Most people would LGBTQ bill with motives so transparent, it not think to dispute it. The society in which we calls into question the very use of that word live is largely built on profits; for better or worse, for fear someone might think the Republican we have to make those profits somehow. legislators who drafted it were even trying to When someone is of the mindset and hide something. physical capacity to complete a job, that person According to Congress’ website, the bill is, in theory, eligible for the job. A person of states the federal government cannot take sound mind would most likely never be of the discriminatory action against a person who opinion that someone’s romantic life, or their believes or “acts in accordance with” a religious sexual preference, should influence this decision. belief that marriage and sexual relations are to be between a man and a woman. The bill also states clearly that its definition of a person is not narrow but in a way represents corporations as well. Of great interest here is the inclusion of the phrase “acts in accordance with.” With this phrase, the bill’s authors take time to note that the bill protects not only thought or speech but also any action that would openly discriminate Tribune News Service against someone whose About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
sexual orientation doesn’t meet the religious requirements of another person – Such as not allowing someone to have a job. By specifying that a person can be defined as a corporation, and that the actions of such a “person” work in accordance with a religious belief against homosexuality, the bill clearly states that, if someone chooses to fire someone else based on that person’s sexual orientation, such an action would be protected under this bill. This is morally disgusting. There is simply no better phrase to describe it, and for someone to defend such a bill would be an act of callousness, an almost inhuman disregard for other people’s rights. President Donald Trump has defended this bill and has voiced his intent to sign it into law. On the Trump/Pence official campaign website, Trump gives his clear endorsement for the bill. “Activist judges and executive orders issued by Presidents who have no regard for the Constitution have put these protections in jeopardy,” Trump said. “If I am elected president and Congress passes the First Amendment Defense Act, I will sign it to protect the deeply held religious beliefs of Catholics and the beliefs of Americans of all faiths.”
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.
Managing Editors - Joel Frambes and Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Cheyenne Cole Student Life Editor - Christopher Reif Copy Editors - Stacie Larsen and Joel Frambes Assistant Editors - Stacie Larsen and Payton Williams Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Robert King, Justin Reff, Vicky Smith Markel Turrell, Jonathan Vann, Payton Williams Photographer - Christopher Reif Advertising Manager - Jacob Jardel Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
Newsroom Staff
But this bill is not a defense of religious liberty. It is a defense of centuries-old bigotry, of deeply-held hatreds masquerading as a moral compass. This bill is a resounding trumpet of governmental support for those who hate LGBTQ people – for those who believe that those members of our families, that those friends, that those citizens of this country whose sexual orientations differ from the Christian norm are less than they are – for those who feel that they deserve less. And they’re in luck, seeing as how someone as powerful as President Donald Trump, the Leader of the Free World, supports these views. But Trump does not speak for us. He demonstrates this each time he voices his support for the most hateful or most reactionary of political measures. When he speaks in support of a bill as craven as the FADA, he shows his hand as a spokesman for the most ignorant among us. Trump does not speak for us. We speak for us. And here, we are allotted a great opportunity to do so. Call your congressmen. Go to protests. Write and speak to anyone who will listen. The truth is not a luxury item. It has to be defended, or we run the risk of losing sight of it entirely. Letters Policy
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
February 6, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
A&E
5
Theatre prepares for ‘Electra’ Cheyenne Cole A&E Editor
@cheyenneccole
Cameron’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts continues its “Celebrating the Stages through the Ages!” themed theatre season with a production of Sophocles’ “Electra.” The play focuses on Electra (Joy Christie), a young woman yearning for justice after her father’s death. Her sister Chrysothemis (Samantha Eddy) argues against it, pleading for her to comply with their mother’s wishes. Electra is unable to accept her sister’s advice and continues to plot the death of her mother and step-father. Assistant Professor of Theatre and “Electra” director Dr. Deidre Onishi said it was time for the students to participate in a play such as this one. “Seeing Greek tragedy brings up emotions that we sometimes hide,” she said, “that we sometimes shy away from, and it’s good to have that.” Onishi made the decision to include Japanese-style movement in the play to amplify these emotions. “I was looking for movement which was not realistic,” she said, “that had that sense of weightiness to it that Japanese traditional theater has.” Students and the Lawton community can watch “Electra” at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 18 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 19.
An electric performance: (Left photo) Joy Christie (left) plays Electra and Samantha Eddy plays Chrysothemis in Theatre’s production of “Electra.”
Photos by Christopher Reif
‘Moonlight’ shines with poignant storyline Cheyenne Cole A&E Editor
@cheyenneccole
“Who is you, Chiron?” This question lies at the center of the poignant drama “Moonlight.” Critics praised “Moonlight” as one of the best films of 2016, generating accolades from prestigious organizations like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards – including a Best Picture nomination. “Moonlight” is writer and director Barry Jenkins’ second feature film, adapting the screenplay from the play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue” by Tarell Alvin McCraney. The film chronicles the life of Chiron, a poor, gay black man, in three chapters from his childhood to adulthood in Miami. Spoilers lie ahead for those who have yet to watch the movie. Although three different actors portray Chiron, it is easy to believe they all play the same character throughout the film because each of the actors embody him flawlessly through their mannerisms. From the first time the audience meets the protagonist as a small, shy boy, bullies are chasing him into an abandoned apartment. Chiron hides there until Juan (Mahershala Ali) coaxes Chiron into eating dinner with him. Juan takes Chiron to his home and introduces the child to his girlfriend, Teresa (Janelle Monae). Juan and Teresa learn soon enough that Chiron’s mother is an emotionally abusive drug addict. On a trip to the beach, Juan teaches Chiron to swim and gives him valuable advice: “At some point, you gotta decide for yourself who you’re gonna be – can’t let nobody make that decision for you.” Ali acts in a few of the best scenes of the film. In a particularly heartbreaking scene, a young Chiron asks Juan and Teresa what the word “f-----” means. Juan explains to him that it’s an insult to gay men but tells him that there’s nothing wrong with being gay. The relationship that Chiron develops with Juan and Teresa throughout his childhood and pre-teen years is an influential one that shapes Chiron for the rest of his life. It appears that Juan and Teresa are the only positive aspects of Chiron’s life. One other confidant in his life is a young boy named Kevin,
who tells him not to let the other boys push him around. He would later be a major player in Chiron’s growth. In the next phase of Chiron’s life, the audience learns that Juan is dead, though Chiron is still in contact with Teresa. His mother is demanding money from him, and he still experiences bullying at school. At this stage, he has his first sexual experience with Kevin, the only boy who treated Chiron like a human. However, Kevin betrays Chiron on the command of bullies – a betrayal that Chiron cannot take, especially from the only person he felt he could trust. These actions lead Chiron to lash out in anger, an event that changes the course of his life. The final chapter of “Moonlight” shows Chiron and Kevin’s reunion. As Barbara Lewis croons “Hello Stranger” from a diner jukebox, the two men reconcile. The movie does not try to shock the audience with an unexpected ending or incongruent message. The end is true to the rest of the film and to Chiron’s nature: quiet. The film’s superb score and visuals make for an even more powerful film. “Moonlight” highlights a common problem that gay men experience: the repression of their homosexuality because of a societally-imposed toxic masculinity. But never has the unique struggle of a gay black male been depicted so eloquently. Never has a film so fully and so personally explored the homophobia that gay black men experience within their community. Ali, who won both a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for his role as Juan, described “Moonlight” during an acceptance speech as a portrait of the unhealthy behaviors depicted within. “We see what happens when we persecute people,” he said. “They fold into themselves.” This depiction of the movie is nothing short of accurate. Before Chiron even gets a chance to find out who he is, his peers and his mother define him with bullying and homosexual slurs. Before Chiron is even a teenager, people spew at him hate that crushes his spirit and prompts him to live in a bubble. “Moonlight” is a fantastic, heart-wrenching film that deserves viewing, and Chiron’s story, representative of so many lives, is one that deserves telling. It is the film that deserves the title of Best Picture of 2017.
Graphic by Jacob Jardel
6
Sports
February 6, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Opposite results for Aggies vs. Lions Markel Turrell and Jacob Jardel
minute left. Junior guard Natalie Hableib had a career night, leading Cameron with 26 Collegian Staff points, 11 rebounds and Cameron basketball split six steals. Hableib said the a home doubleheader against whole team worked to help her achieve these numbers. Texas A&M-Commerce on “My shot was working Jan. 28 in the Aggie Gym. The women’s team pulled tonight,” she said, “and it felt really good. The team moved out a two-point win against the ball really well tonight, the Lions in the first half of and they knew I was hot the two-game set, while the men fell in the second half of tonight, [so] the team kept getting me the ball. “ the twinbill. Bonnarens tied a career Women’s Game high with a 22-point performance. Junior forward The Aggie women’s Savanna James and senior basketball team made a key guard Charron Montgomery stop in the final seconds to added 15 and 11 points, edge out the Lions 96-94. respectively, to the Aggies’ After trailing at the half, effort. the teams went back and Cameron pulled ahead to forth before CU broke a tie at 94 with a Jamie Bonnarens an 8-4 lead to start the game. Despite a number of runs free throw with under a
to pull close, they ended the first quarter behind 20-19. A back and forth second frame ended on a 10-4 Lions run to give them the lead 47-41. Bonnarens and Hableib led the second-half charge, scoring 14 and 12 points, respectively, to keep the Aggies within reach. Cameron took their first lead of the second half 63-62 with under two minutes left in the third quarter. The Black and Gold fell behind again in the fourth before a Parfitt McNair three broke 70-all tie. Two steals from Cristina Soriano and a Bonnarens three helped push the Aggies’ lead to 86-78, their largest on the night. The Lions charged back, knotting up the score at 94 with just over 30 seconds to go. Bonnarens hit the
go-ahead free throw with 18 seconds to go, and James’ block and free throw in the final 10 seconds sealed the victory of the Aggies. The Cameron women’s team improved to 8-10 overall and 6-6 in the Lone Star Conference.
Momoh was the only other Aggie in double figures, notching 11 points on the day. Fellow sophomore JV Long led the team in both rebounds (9) and assists (7). Momoh said that one aspect of the team’s play kept them from sealing the comeback. Men’s Game “I felt that we were out of wack defensively,” he said. Despite a pair of second “I feel what separated this half comebacks, the Aggie game was defense because we men came up short, falling couldn’t get stops when we 73-65 to Commerce. The Black and Gold tied it needed them.” Cameron started off the at 63-all with 4:23 left on the game on a 5-2 run before clock after Delvonte Pierre Commerce pulled ahead by hit his fourth three-pointer of the contest. Despite the Aggies’ effort, the Lions roared ahead to take their seventh conference victory. Pierre led CU with 14 points from the field. Sophomore guard Tyus
as much as 11 points in the first half. But the Aggies made a late run to cut the lead to 35-29 heading into the locker room. The Black and Gold built on that momentum in the second half, cutting an eightpoint deficit to take their first lead of the half 49-47 with just over 10 minutes to play, but Commerce would regain the lead minutes later and hold onto it for the rest of the game, winning 75-63. The Aggie men fall to 13-7 on the season, 6-5 in Lone Star play.
Photos by Markel Turrell Graphics by Joel Frambes
Unmatched: Dominance in the Open Era of tennis Jacob Jardel
But second-ranked Novak Djokovic is no pushover, either. He once held the top spot Managing Editor in the rankings for 223 weeks, amassing 12 @JJardel_Writing Grand Slam titles in the process. Of active players, only Federer (18) and Nadal (14) have One thing was clear after the 2017 Australian Open finals: Fans are witnessing more titles. the greatest generation of tennis ever. Sprinkled throughout the rest of the Top 20 are rising stars and some of the most Tennis diehards talk an almost unseen parity in both the men’s and the women’s consistent players in tennis today. Players like Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori draws with anybody in the Top 10 or Top and Stan Wawrinka represent some of 20 capable of pulling off a win. It is hard to dispute that argument because this lineup of Federer and Nadal’s greatest competition in players is truly one of the deepest of all time. recent time. Meanwhile, young guns like Nick But there are three people – all of whom Kyrgios and Lucas Pouille look to carry on competed in their respective Aussie Open the torch when the two greats retire. On the women’s side, the field below finals – who truly define the greatness of this generation. Serena contains a variety of greats like In one final, Serena Williams defeated Kerber, Madison Keys and Simona Halep – sister Venus for her 23rd Grand Slam title, all of whom have beaten Serena at some point in their careers. There are a variety of other the most in the Open Era and one shy of young up-and-comers ready to watch the Margaret Smith-Court’s all-time record. In the other, veterans Roger Federer and Rafael throne when Serena finishes her career. Nadal met for the 22nd time in a tournament Until then, though, Serena, Federer and final, with Federer taking home his record Nadal all add onto some of the most storied careers in tennis history. 18th major title. Beyond the on-court achievements are The three competitors combined for 55 career major titles in their careers and have legacies almost unrivaled in the sport of made a valid case for the mantle of greatest of tennis. all time. They were all, at one point, atop their According to a 2012 Bleacher Report piece, the Williams sisters helped usher in respective tennis rankings. an era of power in women’s tennis. Since As of Jan. 30, though, only Serena holds the top spot, overtaking German Angelique then, both have been models of success and Kerber for the ranking. Nadal moved up longevity. ESPN W’s Johnette Howard said three slots to the sixth position, while Federer their careers have a legacy that supersedes their on-court accomplishments. moved into the 10th spot. “On their way to elevating the game in The men’s Top 20 easily boasts the deepest field in tennis in a long time, keeping every way,” Howard said, “the Williams both Nadal and Federer from reaching the sisters have written a story that strains belief.” mountaintop of the rankings once again. But Serena has built a legacy all on her Sitting atop the rankings is Andy Murray, the own. Patrick Smith of The Australian added that, at this point, Serena’s only greatest British men’s player in 80 years. major competition is history and the Graphic nerves that come by Joel with it. Frambes
Otherwise, her position as the greatest woman tennis player is assured. “She will play on,” Smith said. “She will take over Court’s record. She will play until no one even needs to ask who has been the greatest.” Many tennis experts have made similar assertions about Federer. When on the verge of tying Pete Sampras for most Grand Slam titles, tennis legend Jimmy Connors commended him for his all-round talent. “In an era of specialists, you’re either a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist or a hard court specialist,” Connors said, “or you’re Roger Federer.” This all-around excellence has propelled Federer to a record 302 weeks atop the professional rankings in addition his 18 major titles. But the defining moments of his career have come against one equally legendary opponent in Nadal. Much of Nadal’s career accomplishments appear in regard to his rivalry with Federer
– and for good reason, since this rivalry is arguably the greatest in the history of the sport. No two players were so dominant for such a long stretch, especially when competing against each other. But Nadal’s accomplishments stand in their own merit. On top of the 14 major titles, Nadal has won Olympic gold twice and notched 81 consecutive wins on clay courts – his most successful surface. Nadal’s success is one that nobody could ignore, especially not his counterpart in tennis’ greatest rivalry. “My toughest opponent would have to be Rafa,” Federer said. “The way he plays against me makes it extremely difficult for me. I’ve played way too many clay court matches against him – that kind of scarred me, I think.” And with neither player slowing down any time soon, it appears the men’s draw will have more Federer/Nadal matchups to remind fans of just how great this generation is.