Issuu

JUST A BIT OFF THE Loyola University • New Orleans • Volume 94 • Issue 18

M THE MAROON FEB. 19, 2016

Facing a budget crisis, newly-elected governor John Bel Edwards warns of the government's inability to cover the state scholarship this semester and in the future By Lauren Saizan lesaizan@loyno.edu @Lauren_Maroon

For the 658 students at Loyola receiving TOPS this semester, their education was put at risk when Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the suspension of the payments from the program on Feb. 11. Tommy Screen, director of government relations at Loyola, explained that the suspension was only temporary, and that shortly after, it was announced that the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance plans to cover 80 percent of the payments for Taylor Opportunity Program for Students scholarship this semester. How much of the remaining 20 percent the state will pick up, Screen said, is yet to be determined. “The current legislative special session that is underway as we speak right now, they are determining how much of that 20 percent that’s left over the state is going to

pick up,” Screen said. Regardless of how much the state decides to cover, Screen said, referring to a university-wide email sent earlier this week by the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, the university plans to cover the rest. Screen said that the future of TOPS beyond this semester will be determined in the regular session, which will start in March and end in June. Until then, he said it will be difficult to know the university’s plan should there be a shortfall in funding for Louisiana residents who receive TOPS. “We will not have an idea until we know exactly what the funding is going to look like. We’re certainly paying attention to it. The university is proactively, through my office, alerting our state legislators and the folks that represent our students. I’m meeting with the SGA to organize an effort by our students to reach out to the legislators,” Screen said. Despite the lack of information, Screen said that he is going to do everything in his power to fight to

protect the funding. “A lot of people have an anti-private mindset. They think that kids who come to Loyola shouldn’t receive TOPS. We’re going to have to fight that thought because of the budget shortfall,” Screen said. Folks are certainly going to be questioning whether or not private institutions should be recipients and to be perfectly honest, the answer’s really simple. Private institutions aren’t the recipients of the awards. Louisiana residents who are students are the recipients of the awards.” Screen said that the TOPS program, as it currently stands, is likely not sustainable. According to him, the budget submitted by Gov. Edwards for next fiscal year calls for $60 million in funding for TOPS, which represents an approximately 80 percent cut in TOPS funding from last year. “That is money that the state has to put towards TOPS because it’s a dedicated fund from the interest off the tobacco settlement that has to go to TOPS regardless,” Screen said.

“At the bare minimum, there will be $60 million in funding for TOPS awards in the 2016-2017 academic year. Last year, there was approximately $235 million. So the number of awards would go from roughly 45,000 down to 9,000 at the current funding levels.” Diane Ottallah, economics sophomore who currently receives TOPS, said that she may have to work more to be able to attend Loyola if she cannot receive TOPS in the future. “If working more still isn't enough to cover TOPS, I face a severe blow to my higher education, which ultimately hinders my goals for the future,” Ottallah said. Ottallah said that she is frustrated that the state’s deficit has come to this. “John Bel Edwards now has to focus on cleaning up the mess Jindal left behind just so Louisiana reaches a stable, functioning state before he can improve us as a state. This isn't a Democratic or Republican thing, it is a making sensible decisions that benefit the state thing,” Ottallah

said. Roberta Kaskel, vice president of enrollment management, said that she is very hopeful that the state will continue to support all Louisiana college students. “Unfortunately, it is too early to know what changes might occur, if any, regarding individual criteria for the program and if changes would apply to current students and new students in a similar fashion,” Kaskel said. Screen said that he would be shocked if the rules regarding TOPS did not change during the regular session of the legislature later this year. “If we want there to be a sustainable TOPS program in the future, we’re likely going to have to change the rules due to the ever-increasing costs of the program. It’s a lot better to change rules and make sure there’s still a program of some sort as opposed to no program at all,” Screen said.

Loyola freshman dies in residence hall By Colleen Dulle mcdulle@loyno.edu @ColleenDulle

Kyra Koman, popular music freshman, was found unresponsive in her room the morning of Feb. 13 and confirmed dead on the scene by the New Orleans Coroner around 1:30 p.m. The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the cause of death. The coroner had not yet issued his report at press time. Koman, 19, was a native of Winchester, Massachusetts, according to an obituary published Feb. 16 in

the Boston Globe. The Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, said in a statement that an on-campus memorial would be organized, but the music industry department held its own memorial during the department-wide forum class Feb. 15. At the forum memorial, Lo Faber, extraordinary professor of music industry studies, recalled how Koman, who was known for her vocal talent, sang TLC's “Waterfalls” for a concert last semester. “She was very nervous when she walked in, but she did it, and she pulled it off brilliantly,” Faber said.

“Hearing her do it, and the way she was backed up by the rest of the ensemble, was really one of the highlights of my semester.” Britta Erikson, music therapy junior, attended Winchester High School in Massachussets with Koman. She reflected on their time together, saying Koman would be missed. “Kyra was a joy to be around. Not only was she one of the most talented people I have ever met but she also was extremely kind and genuine to anyone who came her way,” Erikson said. The Maroon was unable to reach

Koman's family for comment at press time. Koman's funeral was expected to be held Feb. 18 in Winchester, followed by a private burial. Shiva observance will be Feb. 20 at Temple Shir Tikvah in Winchester, according to the Boston Globe obituary. Koman's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Koman's name to the Winchester High School Music Program, 80 Skillings Road, Winchester, Massachusetts. Loyola University will direct all questions regarding the investigation to NOPD.

LOYOLAMAROON.COM • FB.COM/THELOYOLAMAROON • @LOYOLA_MAROON

Via Facebook

February 19, 2016

THE MAROON

AIB

CRIME MAP AV E ST LE VIL SH NA

WAY ST BROAD

JEF

S. CARROLLTON AVE

LA LOYO

E TULAN

ST. CHARLES AVE

T NS SO FER

FRERET ST

AV E

BON AUDURK PA

Institutional Vandalism Biever Hall

Feb. 7

8:41 a.m.

Battery Cabra Hall

Feb. 8

11:43 p.m.

Institutional Vandalism Carrollton Hall

Feb. 9

7:12 a.m.

Vandalism Marquette Hall

Feb. 9

3:09 p.m.

DUI State Street/Freret Street

Feb. 12

1:41 a.m.

Vehicle Theft/Break In 400 Block of Pine Street

Feb. 13

10:58 a.m.

Theft Biever Hall

Feb. 14

11:19 p.m.

Drug Violation 7200 Block of St. Charles Avenue

Feb. 15

12:31 p.m.

Battery 5600 Block of Freret Street

Feb. 16

9:31 a.m.

E ST

IN MAGAZ STAFF

Assistant Editors: Nick Morea, Ryan Micklin, Skyllarr Trusty, Kristen Stewart Design Assistant: Zoë Heimbrock Social Media Coordinator: Taylor Galmiche Maroon Minute Director: Nick Ducote Staff Writers and Photographers: Kameron Hay, Marie Simoneaux, Nick Ducote, Haley Pegg, Chasity Pugh, Taylor Galmiche, Rodriana Edwards, Caleb Beck, Nick Reimann, Mark Robinson, Alena Cover, Taylor Ford, Gabriela Morales, Lawson Box, Alliciyia George

Sales Manager: Alisha Bell Business Manager: Emily McLaney Distribution Manager: Gabriel Garza Art Director: Khadija Aziz Sales Representatives: Scott Gonzalez, Bethany Washington Adviser: Michael Giusti

Correspondence maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the editor letter@loyno.edu Advertising ads@loyno.edu Web site www.loyolamaroon.com Twitter @loyola_maroon Facebook The Maroon @loyola_maroon Instagram Our office is in the Communications/Music Complex, Room 328. Send mail to: The Maroon, Loyola University, Campus Box 64, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 865-3535 (504) 865-3536 (504) 865-3295

CUSTOMER l FEBRUARY 15 CARRYOUT $

A LARGE

2 - TOPPING PIZZA ORDER ONLINE

WEEK

APPRECIATION

- 21ST

99 EACH

CODE:

9159

Delivery Available on orders of 2 or more code:

9159D

DOMINOS.COM

Any delivery charge is not a tip paid to our drivers. Our drivers carry less than $20. You must ask for this limited time offer. Minimum purchase required for delivery. Prices, participation, delivery area and charges may vary. Returned checks, along with the states maximum allowable returned check fee, may be electronically ___presented to your bank. ©2015 Domino’s IP Holder LLC. Domino’s®, Domino’s Pizza® and the modular logo are registered trademarks of Domino’s IP Holder LLC.

ADVERTISE WITH THE

MAROON ADS@LOYNO.EDU

(504) 865 3536

The Maroon is published every Friday. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by The Maroon. All rights reserved. First copy free to students, faculty and staff. Every additional copy is $1.00. The Maroon is printed on 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “ACCEPTED” AND “REJECTED”? For some people, it’s 12 points on the LSAT. March 12th-June 5th, 2016

Mon/Wed @ 6-9:30PM Saturday @ 8:30-12:30AM Sunday @ 1-4:30PM 8200 Hampson Street, New Orleans Use LOYOLALAW2016 to save 20% on this course!

news

February 19, 2016 The Maroon

Carrollton Hall floods over weekend

100th night to be celebrated during the day By Nicholas Morea nbmorea@loyno.edu @nick_morea

By Emily Branan embranan@loyno.edu @embranan

After residents of Carrollton Hall were evacuated from the building on Feb. 13 due to flooding, Physical Plant works to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Thomas Raymond, assistant vice president for administration, said the flooding began after a water main in the Carrollton Hall equipment room started to leak. “We cannot be sure what caused the leak to develop, but we suspect it may have something to do with the extensive street and infrastructure improvements underway in the city of New Orleans,” Raymond said. He said the work that the sew-

erage and water board is doing in the city may have created changes in the water pressure, which could have lead to a leak starting. Residents were moved to the Danna Center while the residence hall was cleaned up. The students were treated to an impromptu pizza party in the St. Charles Room as they waited for the hall to be cleaned. At around 1 a.m., the first floor was cleaned up enough for residents to return to their rooms for the night. Raymond said Physical Plant staff made the repair by 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, and that they plan to replace some carpet and electrical equipment on the first floor.

See FLOOD, page 4

EMILY BRANAN/ The Maroon

The walkway between the Danna Center and Buddig Hall filled with puddles of water on Saturday, Feb. 13 (top). Two firetrucks park behind Carrollton Hall as firefighters respond to the flooding caused by the broken pipe (above). After a fire alarm evacuated the building on Feb. 13, residents waited until the hall was dry enough for them to return to their rooms for the night.

Loyola expands their freshmen recruitment strategy By Nicholas Morea nbmorea@loyno.edu @nick_morea

Loyola has increased its recruitment in preparation for the start of the 2016-2017 school year. Emily Bomersback, associate director for marketing and communications in the Office of Admissions, said the admissions office is putting forth its best effort to attract students to Loyola. “During travel season, our admissions counselors hit the road and traveled to events across the country, as well as internationally, to spread the word about Loyola,” Bomersback said. She said the admissions counselors strive to make a connection with their prospective students. “The one-on-one attention is seen in all aspects of the recruitment cycle, from that first high school visit to the day the student moves into the residence hall,” Bomersback said. Despite this, Bomersback said there are challenges when it comes to recruitment. “A challenge that we often face is trying to paint the whole picture and the feel of being on Loyola’s campus for a student who hasn’t had a chance to visit yet. With over 4,000 colleges and universities in

existence within the United States, students have a lot of options when it comes to higher education,” Bomersback said. The athletic department is gearing up for recruitment as well. Brett Simpson, director of intercollegiate athletics, has already begun the process. “Our coaching staff works diligently to recruit student athletes to Loyola who will be successful in the classroom and in competition. We mostly identify talented student athletes by attending competitions and showcases around the country where a coach can see and meet recruits in person,” Simpson said. While it’s still early in the recruitment cycle, it’s confirmed that Loyola has 12 students ready to sign their letters of intent to enroll at Loyola. Simpson said these students will have the ability to join new sports that are growing rapidly. “We have tremendous growth opportunities in men’s and women’s swimming and competitive cheerleading/dance who will begin their first seasons of competition in 201617,” Simpson said. Gracie Palmer, popular and commercial music freshman, is a tour guide from the admission office, and takes time out of her schedule to show Loyola to prospective students. “The students come from all over,

The countdown to graduation will commence starting Feb. 22 when seniors will attend the 2016 Grad Fair to celebrate their last days at Loyola. The countdown to graduation will commence Feb. 22 when seniors have the opportunity to attend the 2016 Grad Fair to celebrate their last days at Loyola. In lieu of the traditional 100th Night celebration, the Grad Fair will invite students finishing up their last days at Loyola before receiving their degree to celebrate and prepare for commencement. At the fair, seniors will get the chance to take their graduation photos and get be fitted for their cap and gowns. For previous senior classes, 100th Night was a way to celebrate their“100th night” until graduation. Some of the events last year included a cupcake decorating contest, discounted lunch in the Orleans Room and an afternoon celebration in the One Loyola room. This year’s event will differ from last year, but Heather Seaman, director of student involvement, said the change is not substantive and won’t be a return to the original 100th Night celebration as seen in 2014. Seaman said she sees this celebration as a chance fro students to reflect fondly on their time at Loyola. “I do think this event is important and a great way to kick off the start to senior celebrations,” Seaman said. “We received positive feedback from seniors participating in both events last year, and we look forward to the same response this year.” Tyler Steele, music therapy senior, isn’t happy with the change from the original 100th Night. “I like tradition and the idea of celebrating being seniors, however making it less significant kind of sucks and it’s unfortunate,” Steele said.

news brief

NICHOLAS MOREA / The Maroon

Parking spots in front of Marquette Hall remain reserved for Admissions staff. The Office of Admissions is working to recruit incoming freshmen for this next school year.

but meeting a kid from California really helps me put my own personal spin on why I chose Loyola and how I can form a personal connection with the student,” Palmer said. Palmer finds the Jesuit values to be the biggest part of getting students to come to Loyola. “We try to make sure it’s more than religion; it’s a way of ideals and a way of life. The education of a whole person is key. We want everyone to feel welcome when they come here,” Palmer said. When it comes to the music program, Palmer said her major is an

asset to her. “I usually have one music industry student on my tours, and I feel more in my element when it comes to talking about my major. Since the program is compact and inclusive, I can give more of a personal experience, especially on audition days,” Palmer said. National College Decision Day will be May 1, and Loyola is looking forward to gaining some new wolf pups to welcome to the Pack.

University Counseling Center to hold group session about self-care The University Counseling Center is continuing its anxiety group sessions with a session about selfcare and stress management. This group session will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It will take place in the Student Success Center, located in room 112 of Marquette Hall. Asia Wong, staff counselor for the University Counseling Center, will lead the discussion about the factors that lead to stress and how people can make a change. This group session is open to all students, regardless of their attendance to prior sessions.

LASO to hold Lunar New Year celebration

The Maroon

February 19, 2016

CONT’D: Broken pipe floods residence hall

By Brian Wollitz bawollit@loyno.edu

The Lunar New Year was celebrated on Feb. 8 and the Loyola Asian Student Organization looks to ring in the new lunar year with singing, dancing and food at their Tet Event. LASO’s Tet Event will be held Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in the St. Charles Room, and it’s set to bring students together from all across the Gulf Coast to Loyola to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Typically, LASO puts on the Tet Event with University New Orleans or Tulane, but this is the first time multiple schools are participating, and LASO has been planning this event since summer. Que Nguyen, psychology prehealth freshman and LASO member, said she is looking forward to combining traditions. “It’s exciting seeing how everywhere else celebrates Tet and, by coming together, we will get to have really different aspects,” Que Nguyen said. Not only will the event celebrate the Lunar New Year, but it will also raise money for Kids Without Borders, a philanthropy project that provides help for orphans to succeed once they leave their orphanages. Nancy Nguyen, pschology prehealth junior and LASO president, said Kids Without Borders is a worthy cause to which to donate. “Once they turn 18, they are kind of left off on their own, so Kids Without Borders provides sources for them: books, mentoring programs and everyday education for them to be able to live on their own,” Nancy Nguyen said. The Tet celebration is the biggest event in the Vietnamese year. Anthony Tran, parish coordinator of Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, said this celebration is a way for people to welcome in the new lunar year and make peace with the previous year. “As the clock strikes, fireworks are accompanied by dragon dancing, which symbolize the casting away of evil spirits and bringing in happiness,” Tran said. LASO’s goal is to give people who attend the chance to celebrate and further raise awareness about the Asian culture at Loyola as well as in the greater New Orleans community.

news brief Residential Life begins room selection process for 2016-2017 school year Students who want to live on campus next school year need to apply for housing before Feb. 29. According to an email sent out on Feb. 16 by Chris Rice, associate director of operations, applications are accepted until the end of February. Special accomdations requests are due by March 2. Room selections will take place from March 14 to 18, and time slots will be decided based on quality points.

EMILY BRANAN and GAGE COUNTS / The Maroon

Water gushes out of Carrollton Hall on Saturday, Feb. 13 (above). A dryer in Carrollton’s lobby helps to get the carpet dry after the flooding (bottom right). Carrollton residents were treated to cupcakes saying “no leaks, just treats” on Feb. 16 (bottom left). After a fire alarm evacuated the building on Feb. 13, residents waited until the hall was dry enough for them to return to their rooms for the night.

FLOOD, continued from page 3 Raymond said Physical Plant staff made the repair by 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, and that they plan to replace some carpet and electrical equipment on the first floor. “We reacted quickly to extract the water and have kept damage to a minimum,” Raymond said. According to emails sent out by Amy Boyle, director of Residential

Life, physical plant workers spent the rest of the night and next day repairing the pipe and restoring water pressure in both Biever and Carrollton Halls. Water pressure was completely restored in both halls around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 14. Residential Life partnered with Sodexo to give residents of both Carrollton and Biever Halls cupcakes

promising “no leaks, just treats” on Feb. 16. Physical Plant workers spent the next few days making repairs and helping to clean up the mess left by the water. “We continue to monitor conditions in the building, and to clean and deodorize the affected area,” Raymond said.

Danielle Horton, philosophy pre-law sophomore and Carrollton resident, said she was surprised by the initial chaos of the flooding, but believes Residential Life and physical plant staff have done a good job handling the problem. “They’re doing well with the resources they have,” Horton said.

SPORTS

February 19, 2016 The Maroon

Sports briefs Nick Parker carries men’s basketball team to a four-game win streak Nick Parker, sophomore guard, scored a career high 40 points in a 84-79 victory against Bethel University on Feb. 17. At the half, Parker had 20 points as Loyola was up 44-29 against Bethel. It wasn’t until there was two minutes left in the game that Bethel took the lead. Loyola retook the lead for good on a pair of free throws from Parker and secured the team’s fourth straight win. Parker’s 40 points are the most in the SSAC this season. The Wolf Pack returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. against the University of Mobile.

Baseball team drops two out of three against Webber International ZACH BRIEN / The Maroon

Oliver Blackstone, Loyola keeper, tackles Andrew Brekus, Gulf Coast Gumbeaux chaser, at Crawfish Cup at Tulane University on Oct. 10, 2015. The quidditch team’s next tournament is the Consolation Cup, which will be held on April 2.

Quidditch season comes to a close By Gabriel Garza jggarza@loyno.edu @GabeGarza13

For the first time since 2012, the Loyola quidditch team will not be traveling to San Marcos, Texas to compete in the Southwest regional tournament this season. Etefia Umana, captain of Loyola’s quidditch team, said he is disheartened that the Student Government Association does not have the money to support the team going to regionals. “I’m a bit disappointed. Regionals is all about getting a World Cup

bid, and I wanted to see us perform under that pressure,” Umana said. The team’s record stands at two wins and eight losses this season. Since the team will not be competing at a regional tournament, they are unable to qualify to compete in the U.S. Quidditch Nationals. Instead of going to regionals, the team will be traveling to San Marcos, Texas to play in the Consolation Cup on April 2. The Consolation Cup consists of teams that did not make the cut to qualify for USQ Nationals. Keevy Narcisse, president of

the quidditch team, said the team came in with a lot of new players this year and that practice helped the team grow. “A lot of players this season got way better than I ever expected. While our record may not be the best, we put forward a lot of effort and I’m proud of the team,” Narcisse said. There are eight seniors on the quidditch team that will be graduating, which will leave the team in the hands of the new talent next season. Looking back at his last season, Umana said that it is nice to see

new people come out and play quidditch. “I just hope that after this season, the legacy of the program continues. That people are willing to run miles and work hard for this silly fun game, that I hope continues when I’m gone,” Umana said. Oliver Blackstone, keeper, said that with the season coming to an end, he is proud to see the team give its maximum effort. “I think we’re leaving on the best note we can, it’s a club and we have a lot of fun and I think it’s the most important thing for us,” Blackstone said.

New program encourages students to “get fit” By Haley Pegg hapegg@loyno.edu @haleypegg

Loyola’s athletic department has a new program for the spring semester to help students get in shape and learn new workout techniques. The Get Fit Pledge offers classes throughout the semester open to all students and faculty members who have signed up for the pledge. Classes include self-defense fighting classes, wellness bike ride excursions, body weight workouts and others. Megan Byas, Loyola fitness coordinator, started the Get Fit Pledge program and is responsible for coordinating the classes. Byas said the pledge is one of a kind this semester because Loyola does not offer any similar programs. “The Get Fit Pledge is important to everyone affiliated with Loyola because it is a simple incentive and motivator to help you stay committed to physical activity throughout the semester,” Byas said. Krav Maga is a system of survival that involves self-defense fighting and personal safety techniques. Instructors from Triumph Krav Maga, a local company that teaches these

techniques, came to Loyola to teach self-defense fighting classes as part of the pledge. Adam Watts, Krav Maga instructor, said he believes that physical fitness is an important aspect for students and all people. “Being in good physical condition is incredibly important. Your brain will work better, you’ll live longer and you’ll be happier,” Watts said. Jaima Young, psychology freshman, is an active member of the pledge. She signed up for the pledge to expand her workout routine. Young said the pledge has helped her maintain physical fitness and has taught her new workout techniques. “Loyola should definitely continue to host programs like the Get Fit Pledge. If it weren’t for the pledge, I wouldn’t have known there were group exercise classes or that they would be so much fun,” Young said. All Loyola students and faculty members are able to sign up for the pledge online and then retrieve their Get Fit punch card at the Office of Student Involvement in the lower level of the Danna Center. Signing up is free and pledges must bring their punch card with them to attend the free classes.

The Loyola baseball team earned a split on Feb. 13 as they edged out Webber to grab a 3-2 victory in game one of the doubleheader. The Wolf Pack got off to a fast start in the final game as they took a 5-0 lead. However, Webber International recovered with five runs of their own in the sixth inning. Loyola scored one more run in the top of the seventh, but Webber used the last half inning to score two runs to win by a score of 7-6 in game two. Loyola sits at 4-4 on the year after starting the season with threestraight victories. The team returns home to take on the College of Saint Joseph on Friday, Feb. 27, with the opening game of the doubleheader set to start at 4 p.m.

Tennis team struggles to start 2016 season The Wolf Pack lost their first home game against NCAA Division III opponent Belhaven University on Feb. 12. The women fell 9-0 to Belhaven, while the men lost 8-1. The team traveled to William Carey University on Feb. 13 where the men lost 8-1, and the women lost 6-1. The Wolf Pack remain winless on the season as their record falls to 0-8. The Wolf Pack’s next home game is at City Park Tennis Center against the University of Mobile on Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.

NBA celebrates All-Star weekend in Toronto

Courtesy of Student Involvement

Raymond Price, mass communication junior, practices Krav Maga in the Danna Center. The Get Fit Pledge is a movement to help students get in shape and will last all semester.

The 2016 All-Star game was won by the Western Conference as they defeated the East by a score of 196173. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was named MVP for the second straight time. This was the first All-Star game held outside of the U.S. and also became the highest scoring in its 65year history. Golden State Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson beat defending champion and teammate Stephen Curry to win the three point shootout. Defending dunk contest champion Zach Lavine of the Minnesota Timberwolves edged out the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon in the final round to secure his second consecutive dunk contest victory.

C R O S S W O R D

THE MAROON

ACROSS

1. Siri counterpart 10. Inst. with a weekly “Big Picture Science” radio program 14. Short-term hospital service 15. Demonym that may have a second “a” 16. Ignores 17. Wise guys 18. One of the Noldor, in Tolkien 19. Pitcher’s goal 20. Kind of red 21. Dark genre 23. Holy __ 25. Child expert LeShan 26. When many take breaks 28. Work with a partner 29. Dropbox’s blue box, for one 30. More, to Nadal 32. Chain with day care 34. Lollygag 37. Stay in the cooler 38. Refreshing ice cream with blended cookies 40. Mattress problem 41. First name in couture 42. Brand at 32-Across 44. “Pipe down!” 48. Child support org. 49. Road safety feature 51. Family __ 52. Schools abroad 54. Genre of the late David Bowie 56. Dove shape 57. “Iron Chef America” host Brown 58. Step out 60. Hunger Games competitors 61. “We don’t promise you a rose garden” sloganeer 62. Transposes letters, say 63. Tom Jones hit written by Paul Anka

DOWN

1. Lead source 2. Spotted cat

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 15. 20. 22. 24. 27. 29. 31. 33. 34.

Company Alfa Romeo sports cars More, to minimalists Flash Got down pat Diner kitchen shout Minute Heineken logo feature It’s trained on a nest Name meaning “God’s gift” Flash Tweeter, say Phrases on seals Sends in Musical piece Icel. is its only member without a standing army “Perhaps” Soap, for example Short stops? She played Arwen Undómiel in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy

35. Albee’s “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?,” e.g. 36. Enjoy The Atlantic 38. Government nutrition guide 39. “Holy cow!” 43. Wilde tragedy 45. Roger Ebert’s Illinois birthplace 46. Ready for dinner 47. Reason for Luther’s excommunication 49. Target section 50. Family matriarchs 53. Ages 55. “The Social Network” actress Rooney __ 58. Gloomy one 59. Pickles on “Rugrats”

GET CONNECTED STAY INFORMED

Follow The Maroon on social media for the latest news around campus. The Maroon

@Loyola_Maroon

The Maroon Mobile

February 19, 2016 THE MAROON

SUDOKU

For the weekly puzzle answers, download our app!

February 19, 2016 THE MAROON

RELIGION

RELIGION BRIEFS Pope Francis urges governments to open their hearts to migrants

ZACH BRIEN/ The Maroon

Johannah Williams, political science sophomore, (left) and Jasmine Coleman, business management senior, (right) sing with the Genesis Gospel Choir at the Black History Mass in the Ignatius Chapel on Sunday, Feb.14th. The mass, which was led by the Rev. Maurice Nutt, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, focused on Black history in America and Christianity’s role in it.

Black history mass celebrates faith and heritage By Sean Brennan shbrenna@loyno.edu

Music, laughter and prayer brightened the rows of the dimly lit Ignatius Chapel during this year’s Black History Mass. On Sunday, Feb. 14, the Loyola University Ministry held its annual Black History Mass, a Catholic service that celebrates Black History Month and faith. The hour-long ceremony was headed by the Rev. Maurice J. Nutt, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University, and featured music from Loyola’s own Genesis Gospel Choir. The Mass opened with announcements from Ken Weber, resident minister for Liturgy and Music at Loyola. As the service commenced, students of all ages and non-student churchgoers quietly shuffled into the chapel.

The in-chapel band accompanied Genesis Gospel Choir and began the service in song, as a volunteer read an excerpt from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Nutt then began his humor-filled homily with warm sentiment. “I’d like to give a shout out from one Catholic university to another,” Nutt said. “We Catholics got to stay together.” Nutt went on to discuss a wide variety of topics, ranging from lessons on African-American history to messages of empowerment and identity. Using humor, personal anecdotes and impassioned speech, Nutt involved the audience with call-and-answer prayers to drive home his main points on thankfulness of faith and ancestry. “You are all here at 9:00 at night because the faith that was passed on from your ancestors,” Nutt said.

He continued the service emphasizing the importance of those from the past. After recognizing a list of important African-American figures like W.E.B. DuBois and Fredrick Douglas, Nutt stressed a more individual thought. “Thanks be to God for your grandmas and grandpas and aunties and uncles,” Nutt said. “They may never have their names in the history books.” Nutt continued this message of thanks and repeatedly stressed the power of faith. “Faith is a way out of no way,” Nutt said. “It doesn’t make sense, but it works.” Nutt wrapped up his sermon with a promise to open prayers between Xavier and Loyola, and the mass continued with the traditional sign of peace and communion before closing with more music from the choir.

While the sermon was a celebration of Black History and of all in the Catholic faith, it was accented by the musical addition of the Genesis Gospel Choir. Alanna Everhart, vice president of the choir, was excited to perform at the mass, and understands the importance of gospel music in worship. “I think it shows that we may be going through something, but we can’t give up the fight,” Everhart said. The night was ended with student announcements and homemade jambalaya with Valentine’s Day cupcakes. David Thomas, finance and economics sophomore at Loyola and regular parishioner of Sunday mass, left the chapel praising the service. “The Priest had such a good way of engaging the crowd and the choir was fantastic,” Thomas said.

First fruits celebration involves sacrifice and putting God first By Jamal Melancon jmmelanc@loyno.edu @Jam_M_Mel

David Lopez, biological sciences sophomore, sought both God’s presence and better communication skills as part of what he prayed for during his sixth annual celebration of Primacias, or First Fruits, with the Iglesia de Dios Getsemani. In biblical times, it was believed that giving God the first bearings of one’s harvest could mean better harvests in the future. Modern practice of this tradition continues today in an effort to receive God’s blessing. The church of Dios Getsemani celebrates Primicias to gain a more intimate relationship with God through the practice of prayer and fasting, and this year their fasting period, whether of food or activity, took place from Jan. 11 to Jan. 31. Lopez prayed before every Primicias service to ask God to fill him with his presence, so that his presence would both remain in-

side Lopez and reflect onto others. Services benefited Lopez’s discernment, or ability to think biblically. “This got better as I would apply the sermons to my life, basically connecting the dots and knowing that every word preached was a seed for some part of my life,” Lopez said. Playing guitar for his fourth year as a musician in the ministry department, Lopez did feel burdened with the stress of attending daily church services after only being back home an hour after classes. He also offered his church tithes, part of his income, to support worship. “I presented God with my best offering through my musical ability and finances, essentially giving all I had left with the expectation and trust that God was going to provide for me and my family,” Lopez said. Lopez aimed to use his determination in making sacrifices to receive a blessing from God. He took on giving up social media use for a

week during his fasting in order to make room for God and to isolate himself from the mundane world. Jessika Velasquez, worship leader at Iglesia de Dios Getsemani, said Primicias’ origin comes from a feast the Israelites would put on after they gave up their literal first fruits from the harvest. The first fruits and vegetables they would reap would be delivered to the high priest. “First Fruits consist in that God wants preeminence in all that we are, and all that we do and all that we have,” Velasquez said. Velasquez said that Primicias is also a celebration that follows God’s example because he gave up his own first fruit in Christ. Elizabeth Goodine, religious studies professor, said the concept of First Fruits showed up first in the Old Testament, and its participation demonstrated showing gratitude to God and the people’s hope and trust that a greater harvest would follow for their offering. “You have to live a life that’s out

of the ordinary,” Lopez said. “You have to embrace what you believe in and just enjoy it, to be honest.”

Courtesy of Victor Hugo

David Lopez plays guitar during Iglesia de Dios Getsemani’s 2016 Primicias celebration. Lopez has been a musician in the ministry department for three years.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — In a moment filled with powerful political symbolism, Pope Francis prayed Wednesday Feb. 17 at Mexico’s dusty northern border for the thousands of migrants who have died trying to reach the United States and appealed for governments to open their hearts, if not their borders, to the “human tragedy that is forced migration.” “No more death! No more exploitation!” he implored. Francis stopped short of calling for the U.S. to open its borders during a Mass celebrated just yards (meters) from the frontier. “We cannot deny the humanitarian crisis which in recent years has meant the migration of thousands of people, whether by train or highway or on foot, crossing hundreds of kilometers through mountains, deserts and inhospitable zones,” he said. “They are our brothers and sisters, who are being expelled by poverty and violence, drug trafficking and organized crime.” While migrant activists on both sides of the border cheered the gesture, Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump criticized it as a politicized and ill-informed move. “I don’t think he understands the danger of the open border that we have with Mexico,” Trump said in an interview last week with Fox television. “I think Mexico got him to do it because they want to keep the border just the way it is. They’re making a fortune, and we’re losing.” He and GOP hopeful Sen. Ted Cruz have vowed to expel all the estimated 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally and build a wall along the border from Texas to California. Asked to comment on the criticism, the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the pope is concerned about the plight of migrants everywhere, not just in the United States. “The pope always talks about migration problems all around the world, of the duties we have to solve these problems in a humane manner,” Lombardi said Tuesday. The Mass, celebrated in a field along a highway that parallels the Rio Grande, marked the climatic end of Francis’ fiveday swing through Mexico’s most marginalized places.

South Carolina reverend asks Christians to pray before voting in primary COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Rev. Franklin Graham is urging Christians in South Carolina to pray before they vote in the nation’s next presidential primary. As voters cast ballots in New Hampshire Tuesday Feb. 9, Graham held a prayer rally with an estimated 7,000 Christians outside South Carolina’s Capitol building on Feb. 9. He urged them to confess their personal sins, the sins of their slave-holding ancestors and the sins of the nation, which he said include same-sex marriage and abortion. Turning to electoral politics, Graham noted that South Carolina is about to be “inundated and invaded” by presidential candidates seeking support in this month’s Republican and Democratic primaries. Graham urged the crowd to “vote for candidates that stand for biblical truth and biblical principles, and are willing to live them.” He also urged Christians to consider running for office themselves.

Life &Times

February 19, 2016 The Maroon

Local artist and Loyola alum gains national success

By Skyllar Trusty sitrusty@loyno.edu @skyllarrtrusty

Amy Guidry, A’94, shows Loyola’s art students that national success could be just around the corner. Since finishing her degree and receiving the Loyola University New Orleans Visual Art Scholarship, an honor only awarded to one student in each graduating class, Guidry’s artwork has been shown in galleries and museums nationwide. “There was a lot I wanted to discuss with the world,” Guidry said. “I started to take more of a social commentary approach, expressing some pretty hard issues while also doing some tongue-incheek, which made it a little easier for the audience to handle.” Her work tackles issues from agribusiness to gay marriage to animal rights. Each piece is detailed with precision due to her previous penchant for drawing. Guidry’s national recognition is a bright point for young artists like Matthew Dietrich, visual arts senior, and Emily Kennedy, English writing and studio art senior, who are both gearing up for graduation in May. “It is always awesome to see someone from our program succeeding as a pro-

fessional artist. I’m not surprised,” Kennedy said. “Loyola’s Studio Art program is amazing and offers its students every opportunity to succeed in the art world.” In addition to Guidry’s model of post-graduate success, Kennedy recognizes her professors as the art department’s biggest and most obvious resource. “Our faculty is comprised of successful artists who bring their experience and advice into the classroom,” Kennedy said. “I have grown as an artist because of their advice, encouragement and criticism.” Guidry encourages students to continue knowledge-based endeavors. “I think a lot of graduates find that they leave school and their focus may meander a bit from where they originally started,” Guidry said. “But they will find that the skills that they obtained in classes do translate over into different fields.” Unfortunately, budget cuts and the art department’s move into the recently renovated Monroe Hall from the Broadway campus have both made what Kennedy refers to as a “bittersweet” impact on students. “We lost a few beloved faculty because of the financial situation,” Kennedy said. “We also lost a place that had become home to so many of us. St. Mary’s building was like a childhood home where you could see marks for how tall we’d grown and stains from accidentally spilling something that we couldn’t quite remove from the floor.” Despite this, Dietrich has made use of the available technologies and recognizes the advantages that come along with the move. “I appreciate the new classrooms and facilities available. I personally make use of monitors and cameras available to rent out from the resource center we have,” Dietrich said. “The computer labs are useful with every creative program you can think of and have professional printers.” In addition to the loss of certain professors, Dietrich feels a lack of respect towards the department, one that could

leave Loyola, a liberal arts school, lacking in art. He wants more recognition as a department. “I feel we are not taken as seriously as our musical counterparts in the CMFA and need more recognition on a broader university level,” Dietrich said. “The College of Music and Fine Arts feels more like the college of music, if you catch my drift.” Guidry said that it can be a struggle to succeed once certain resources are made unavailable and the academic setting has been put in the past. “I started slowly trying to build my name on a local level and also working my way into getting into shows that were out of state and obviously building my portfolio,” Guidry said. “The classes I took at Loyola were helpful of course. Some of the advice that I received in graphic design was the importance of business.” Guidry stresses that despite receiving an MFA, the thirst for knowledge should never cease. The strive for business education resonates with Dietrich as he mentioned interest in such a class. “We could all benefit with the option of an art industry sort of major, or at least a class,” Dietrich said. “Art is a business and it’s ridiculous there’s no required class, much less even an offered class, while music industry is a heavily supported program.” Guidry explained how lonely the art world can be when working alone in a studio. “Some think that the gallery is just going to find them,” Guidry said. “I think business and marketing should be a requirement as an art student.” All in all, Guidry said that it is truly up to the student to continue their journey artistically. “Always continue learning. Loyola is a great experience where you can get a well rounded education. I think it plants the seed, but beyond that, it is really up to you to continue that curiosity and just explore anything you might possibly want to learn. You never know, you might surprise yourself,” Guidry said.

Photos Courtesy of Amy Guidry

“Exposed (top right) and“Expatriate”(middle right) explore the connections between all life forms. The series investigates our relationships to each other and to the natural world, as well as our role in the life cycle.“Freedom” (bottom) challenges antiquated views of women as often seen in fairy tales. The series explores strength of character and independence. Using a surreal backdrop, this modern tale presents the heroine as a strong and courageous woman.

The Maroon

February 19, 2016

Throw me something, Mister!

LIFE AND TIMES briefs New Orleans keyboardist Jon Cleary brings home his first Grammy Award New Orleans keyboardist and songwriter Jon Cleary can now add a Grammy to his list of accolades after winning at the 58th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 15. Cleary’s 2015 album “GoGo Juice” took home an award for Best Regional Roots Album of the Year. The singer-songwriter grew up in England and after learning guitar and finding a passion for New Orleans rhythm and blues, moved to the city in 1980. Cleary recorded various records that drew on funk, soul, gospel and R&B and contributed to Grammy Award-winning albums from artists such as B.B. King, Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. Cleary can also claim to be the only active member of the New Orleans community to win a Grammy this year.

Jazz Underground takes audience back to the ‘40s Jazz Underground: New Orleans All-Star seeks to transport audiences to the 1940s New York Jazz era with a time-traveling performance on Loyola’s campus. The event will take place in Nunemaker Auditorium on the third floor of Monroe Hall on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the College of Music and Fine Arts box office via tickets@loyno.edu or 504-865-2074. General admission is $10, and college students and Loyola Faculty/Staff is $5. Loyola students free will get in free of charge with the presentation of a student I.D.

Public Library celebrates Black History Month With Black History Month in full swing, New Orleans Public Libraries are celebrating the month with a host of events throughout February. The schedule of events honor black culture through the arts, from dancing and acting competitions to writing workshops and literature. There are events for children, teens and adults. Upcoming events include Gullah Folklore and dance demonstrations, and a Black History Month/Big Easy Scholar discussion about African American art and tradition in New Orleans and the American South.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebrations included the fan favorites such as Knights of Chaos, the Krewe of Muses, the Krewe of Endymion, the Krewe of Zulu and many more. Mardis Gras is a key component of New Orleans life and culture. The Wednesday after the drunken insanity of Fat Tuesday is Ash Wednesday, which is the start of the Christian fasting tradition. Alayna Dermid, top left, takes a picture with a member of the Jailhouse Rockers in the Krewe of Carrollton. The Krewe rolled with the theme of “A Krewe for All Seasons.” J’Wan Boudreaux, top right, spy boy of the Golden Eagles Mardi Gras Indians, marches down Magnolia Street Uptown on Mardi Gras Day. Every year Mardi Gras Indian tribes across New Orleans sew new suits by hand, debuting them on Mardi Gras day. The Bacchanhopper parade, bottom right, rolls down St. Charles Avenue in the Krewe of Bacchus. Bacchus 2016 rolled with the theme “Flights of Delight.” The 610 Stompers, center left, march down Napoleon Avenue in the Krewe of Carrollton. The marching group was featured in several parades in the 2016 Mardi Gras season.

Friday Nights at NOMA keeps comtemporary culture alive in NOLA

All photos by ZACH BRIEN/The Maroon

Friday Nights at NOMA offers locals a brief artistic getaway each week with its collaboration of music, visual art and activites for audiences to get their hands dirty. The new exhibition “Self-Taught Genius: Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum” will open on Feb. 26 in the Stern Auditorium of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Stacy Hollander, co-curator of the project, will speak on the exhibit at 6:30 p.m. following a performance by Shotgun Jazz Band. Alongside the talk will be the Art on the Spot activity featuring NOMA’s art educators. The family event will be open to the public from 5 to 9 p.m.

THE W RKS

February 19, 2016 THE MAROON

The Maroon's section of student art. Contribute at letter@loyno.edu

FICTION

POETRY

Original stories written by Loyola students

Respectable Solutions by Anna and Emma PART I By Patrick Gallagher pjgallag@loyno.edu

Allow me honesty at the commencement: I write breakup letters. Exactly nine hundred and seventeen now that you mention it. Draconian politicians, petite housewives and the couple that have been together since freshman year have all enlisted my services- with due financial compensation of course. My directness may be mistaken, forgivably, for insouciant cynicism, some morose disposition one would inevitably develop having walked in my slippers, but I assure you when I say that there is little else in this life I find more thoroughly enjoyable than being in company of other people’s happiness. I simply haven’t the foggiest suggestion as to why people want to break up with their boyfriend or girlfriend or partner via a third party’s handwritten letter, especially when this crop is equipped with the high luxuries of the sepia-toned philosophers of Pinterest and Tumblr. Such gems may include: “Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove we showed up for it.” It’s an awfully dusty and archaic if you ask me, but I’ve come around to the opinion that it is not for a lack of academic intelligence or desire to express that particular ache that melts into honey jars of nostalgia. The far more likely culprits are the flesh-peddling pornographers that flood your timelines and feeds with black-tar heroin disguised as innocent distraction: signs he is a man and not a boy, ten relationship problems only redheads will understand, this picture of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively with corgies will give you life. Sadly, desperately sadly, many never dare fill the pages of that super cute journal they bought because what they do or don’t feel does not add up to neat little cat gifs. Regardless of practicality there is a foundation of wealth in the trade, as it is, and these letters, reaching several generations and having great range in form, will be published on a weekly basis, as in agreement with the Maroon and myself. It is then within the realm of possibility that you will read these letters and blame me for whatever variety of pleasure, dislike or indifference you experience: accusing me of exaggeration, pretension and indulgence- or simply being a fukboi. But remember that I hold your flaws with sufficient love, and that all is true. Love then and now, E.B Jerome

“Respectable Solutions by Anna and Emma” Patrick Gallagher, english writing junior

“Skinny Thoughts” She dreamt of the angelic roses with thorn cut drops and petals that bleed. They filled her heart with the fullness of salt that puffs our lips from days engulfing popcorn buckets. Discounted price tickets and stale popcorn were greedily munched by the hot, young actress blinding our eyes. She said her hellos to the sailors, and they tossed her charms to the sea – waves engulfed the trash. The trash is taken away by the angels that rule the schools – the influential Hollywood style sweethearts that pucker their lips. They desire attention from an audience like a lip-syncing fool. They are greedy for free desires that are always, always, always, Abused. She abused the ways she could take the looks for good use. Distances and the space we think we consume, but turn into an infinity of questions that blink past our own sight. She’s blinded by the culture that told her that the only valued pieces were the ones seen. She’s pale. Blue and pale. Frail hands and innocent eyes are impaired by what a porn star can do, and what a young girl wants in her life. The stale stares and rigid nudges turn her mind to the abyss that she will never escape. She cannot grasp the other edge of her chair and she cannot place her feet up on the chair. Womanhood is sacred. She is held higher than any star until the silver in her name rusts – she is washed over – sprayed like the salty grains that vanquish her empty thoughts. She is the poster child seen next to a stoning smile with stainless lips. Draped in graveling cotton broken from the tears of a child cuffed to a chair – working, worked, and will work. All for an image that only the salt from sugarcanes and pimps can cure. She skips past the Chevrolets and Bugattis – past the lucky lads and bougie days, ropes and swanky hats, towards the riverside full of salt – She’s dry.

“Skinny Thoughts” Ella Jacobs, digital filmmaking sophomore

WORLDVIEW

February 19, 2016 The Maroon

WORLDVIEW briefs Youth sports center to build over the Fly New Orleans residents may have to say goodbye to their favorite picnic spot since construction plans have been made to take over the riverside park known as the Fly. The Carrollton Boosters, a nonprofit youth sports club, plans to build a sporting complex on the property after they raised $3.8 million to fund the construction. Protesters argued against the development in the Community Development Meeting at City Hall on Feb. 17. Construction is slated to begin sometime this spring.

Justice Scalia’s death rocks the political system Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s death has sparked debate in the presidential race in regards to who will choose Scalia’s successor. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to block any nomination that President Barack Obama tries to appoint. Both Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have stated they believe the president should nominate a justice. The White House has released a statement saying that Obama will nominate a justice before the end of his term.

Colossal jewel discovered in African country A diamond weighing 404 carats was found by a mining company in Angola. Ranked the 27th largest diamond in the world, the jewel was cut and is now on display with the crown jewels in the Tower of London.

The Associated Press and staff contributed to these reports.

LAWSON BOX/The Maroon

A man (left) feeds the parking meter. People can use the Park Mobile smart phone app (right) to pay the meters instead of fumbling for change. The recent changes in parking in downtown New Orleans went into effect Jan. 11.

Meter rates cause distress

By Lawson Box lhbox@loyno.edu @BoxLhbox

Downtown service industry workers are feeling their livelihoods threatened by the city with increased parking rates. On Jan. 11, on-street parking rates doubled in several downtown areas and enforcement hours are now to 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. While Hayne Rainey, press secretary for the mayor, said in a statement that the price increase is designed to manage on-street parking more effectively in heavily trafficked areas, those who work downtown said they feel the city government is taking their money in what feels like a forced pay cut.

Sophie Evans, a waitress who works the day shift at a restaurant in the Warehouse District, said with the meters charging $3 an hour now, instead of $1.50, she pays at least $20 a day. This is not the only challenge Evans faces when it come to parking downtown. As a waitress, she doesn’t always get a chance to pay the meter and is constantly getting ticketed. “I feel like I work to pay my tickets off,” Evans said. “I was like two minutes late the other day and they got me.” Max Ortiz, co-owner and general manager of Root, said he now has more employees that are frequently late because they are parking far away to avoid the high cost of

parking. He said his staff is even more annoyed to work the already unpopular lunch shifts and fears he may lose some of his best employees. “You know lunches are not always the most profitable shifts. Sometimes servers walk out with $20 or $30 and now you’re spending that much just on parking,” Ortiz said. “I think they might push away some of the good talent with this move.” While some service industry workers can utilize public transportation or bike to work, these are not options for others, like Evans, who live further away in places like Metairie. Buses and bicycles are also problematic for those working the night

shift as most city bus routes stop at 10 p.m. For Stacy Yarborough, safety became her main concern after she was attacked and robbed while biking home after leaving work in the Central Business District. She now rides her bike to work and relies on her husband to pick her up afterwards. Despite only having to pay for three and a half hours of parking, Yarborough calculated that it would cost around $2,000 a year to drive her car. “I think that it’s a way to supplement the city’s income with the budget crisis they’re having,” Yarborough said. “The people that are working in the French Quarter, in the CBD, they’re the ones that are hurt the most.”

Human trafficking in New Orleans is on the decline By Sidney Holmes smholmes@loyno.edu @sidneymajee

Recent data has shown that human trafficking is on the decline in Louisiana. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the number of human trafficking cases reported has decreased from 96 cases in 2014 to 75 cases in 2015. Even though the numbers are on the decline, organizations are working to bring more attention to an issue that is often undocumented and under-reported. Laura Murphy, lead researcher for Loyola’s Modern Slavery Research Project, said that about 38 million people around the world are enslaved, and at least 55,000 of those people are in the United States. “People like to think that New Orleans is extraordinary, but the sad truth is that human trafficking happens in small towns and huge cities,” Murphy said. The National Human Trafficking

Resource Center defines human trafficking as “a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his/her will.” There are many factors that contribute to someone’s vulnerability of getting caught up in human trafficking. Murphy said factors such as low employment, low wages and lack of stable housing in different places can lead to an increased number of human trafficking cases. Because of common misconceptions, The National Human Trafficking Resource Center said people often think they are safe because human trafficking victims come from poverty or small villages. However, she stressed that the reality is that human trafficking victims can come from any income level. Maxine Kimbrell, program director of Eden House, said that because the city of New Orleans has many events that give pimps and traffick-

ers the opportunity to lure people into the world of human trafficking, people are often preyed on in bars and strip clubs. “Sometimes women start working in bars as waitresses and strip clubs as dancers as a means of supporting themselves and their families or to put themselves through school, and then are recruited to become sex workers,” Kimbrell said. While New Orleans can be just as vulnerable to human trafficking as any other city, Murphy said that college students are not particularly at risk of trafficking. “This is not to say that college students are never trafficked, but it is largely fear mongering that makes people think that college students are at risk,” Murphy said. However, according to Kimbrell, traffickers are looking for people who seem to be vulnerable, especially drunk college students. “Women need to be careful of drinking too much, having drugs slipped into their drinks, and trusting seemingly friendly and harmless strangers,” Kimbrell said.

Courtesy of MCT Campus

People from around the globe crowd on Bourbon Street to have a good time. According to experts, those who indulge in alcohol are vulnerable to human trafficking if left unattended or lured away from groups by strangers.

February 19, 2016

THE MAROON

Fight over gunman’s locked iPhone could have big impact By Eric Tucker and Tami Abdollah WASHINGTON (AP) — An extraordinary legal fight is brewing with major privacy implications for millions of cellphone users after a federal magistrate ordered Apple Inc. to help the FBI hack into an iPhone used by the gunman in the San Bernardino mass shootings. The clash brings to a head a long-simmering debate between technology companies insistent on protecting digital privacy and law enforcement agencies concerned about losing their ability to recover evidence or eavesdrop on the communications of terrorists or criminals. On Wednesday, the White House quickly disputed the contention by Apple’s chief executive officer, Tim Cook, that the Obama administration is seeking to force the software company to build a “backdoor” to bypass digital locks protecting consumer information on Apple’s popular iPhones. The early arguments set the stage for what will likely be a protracted policy and public relations fight in the courts, on Capitol Hill, on the Internet and elsewhere. “They are not asking Apple to redesign its product or to create a new backdoor to one of their products,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. “They’re simply asking for something that would have an impact on this one device.” Within hours of the judge’s order on Tuesday telling Apple to aid the FBI with special software in the case, Cook promised a court challenge. He said the software the FBI would need to unlock the gunman’s work-issued iPhone 5C would be “too dangerous to create” and “undeniably” a backdoor. Cook compared it to a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks, and said there was no way to keep the technique secret once it was developed. “Once the information is known, or a way to bypass the code is revealed, the encryption can be defeated by anyone with that knowledge,” Cook said. At the center of the debate is the private information carried on nearly 900 million iPhones sold worldwide: Photographs, videos, chat messages, health records and more. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who fought encryption in the 1990s, said she thought the government should be able to access the phone. On Twitter, Edward Snowden called it “the most important tech case in a decade.” But Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., called the Justice Department’s request “unconscionable and unconstitutional.” The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym represents a significant victory for the Justice Department, which last year decided not to pursue a legislative fix to address encryption but has now scored a win instead in the courts. Federal officials until now have struggled to identify a high-profile case to make its concerns resonate. But in siding with the government, Pym, a former federal prosecutor, was persuaded that agents investigating the worst terror attack on U.S. soil since Sept. 11 had been hobbled by their inability to unlock the county-owned phone used by Syed Farook, who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people in December before dying in a police shootout.

The dispute places Apple, one of the world’s most respected companies, on the side of protecting the digital privacy of an accused Islamic terrorist. “We have no sympathy for terrorists,” Cook said. Apple has provided default encryption on its iPhones since 2014, allowing any device’s contents to be accessed only by the user who knows the phone’s passcode. The phone Farook was using, running the newest version of Apple’s iPhone

operating system, was configured to erase data after 10 consecutive, unsuccessful unlocking attempts. The magistrate ordered Apple to create special software the FBI could load onto the phone to bypass the self-destruct feature. The FBI wants to be able to try different combinations in rapid sequence until it finds the right one. “If a court can legally compel Apple to do that, then it likely could legally compel any other software provider to do the same thing,” in-

cluding helping the government install tracking or eavesdropping software on a phone or laptop, said Kevin Bankston, director of the Open Technology Institute at New America. The judge gave Apple five days to contest the order as unreasonably burdensome. A magistrate judge on the lowest rung of the federal judiciary almost certainly could not establish meaningful precedent without affirmation from a higher-court judge, which means the fight is like-

ly to proceed up the chain. Marcus Thomas, the chief technology officer at Subsentio LLC, said companies that build ultra-secure products that might be used by criminals or terrorists can expect government requests for help. “Society wants to know that companies aren’t producing these complicated services and devices that can be used as weapons against them,” he said.

The Spirituality of Pope Francis

the

YEAR

ofMERCY

LOYOLA LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES Pope Francis has proclaimed 2016 a Jubilee Year of Mercy, focusing on God’s forgiveness and mercy. Our five-week Lenten Series celebrates this year by featuring lectures on the spirituality of Pope Francis.

LENTEN SERIES: WEEK 2 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 “Living Mercy: The Path of Pope Francis” By Rev. Jeremy Zipple, S.J., Executive Editor, America Films | Nunemaker Auditorium/Monroe Hall

LENTEN SERIES: WEEK 3 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

“Pope Francis’ Spirituality of Encounter” By Thomas Ryan, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Loyola Institute for Ministry | Ignatius Chapel/Bobet Hall

LENTEN SERIES: WEEK 4 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

Movie: “The Francis Effect”: A critical and in-depth look at how the church is rapidly changing under the leadership and vision of Pope Francis | Monroe Hall, Room 610

LENTEN SERIES: WEEK 5 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

“Pope Francis and Ignatius” By Rev. Ted Dziak, S.J., University Chaplain | Ignatius Chapel/Bobet Hall

All events start at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit loyno.edu/chaplain Co-sponsored by the University Chaplain and the Loyola Alumni Association

EDITORIAL

February 19, 2016 THE MAROON

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to community solidarity in the face of tragedy GROWL to broken pipes HOWL to acceptance letters from graduate schools GROWL to the effect of wind on cigarette lighters HOWL to Chris Christie nailing Marco Rubio for being an empty suit GROWL to spring allergies HOWL to Tim Cook for denying the FBI’s request that Apple hack iPhone encryption

EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Graci Lauren Saizan

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor for Print

Lester Duhe

In memoriam Tragedy often brings out the best in a family. It forces us to strip away all the unnecessary parts of life and focus on our sense of solidarity and love for each other. Still, when a member of a family dies, that death leaves a hole that could take lifetimes to fill. Our Loyola family has been struck by two student deaths in recent months, and like any family, we bear the burden of having to deal with the sadness that fills those holes. And we do have to bear that burden. Our community is so small that when there’s a loss of life, everyone feels it in some way. Even if you didn’t know one of our fellow students before they passed, chances are you know someone who did. If not, you still get the emails, hear people console each other or see the vigils. In a recent Music Industry Studies Forum, Lou Faber said that change would come from this most recent

loss. He didn’t say what change that would be, and he didn’t have to, either. We don’t need to wait for any administrative response to change after these deaths. College can be a difficult time. Many of us are truly on our own for the first time. The stress can seem like too much to overcome. The temptations are sometimes too strong. There can be a social taboo on interfering in our friends’ lives. Maybe we don’t want to ask what’s going on so we don’t seem too emotional, or coax people we care about to talk so we don’t seem like we’re prying. Maybe we worry what’s troubling our friends is too big for us to handle. We should avoid thinking like this. We have to look after each other. If our friends don’t have our backs, the rest of the world won’t. All that people might need in a difficult or dangerous time is to know that a friend cares about and is there for

them. A simple, “are you okay?” could change the outcome of someone’s life. The Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., stopped and spoke to some of our reporters the morning of the most recent passing. He said, with pain in his voice, “No parent should ever have to bury a child.” Adding to that, no student should have to lose their best friend, and no professor should have to eulogize a student. The world lost two young people that it shouldn’t have. They should have gone on to sing, perform and change the lives of those around them. This is a tragedy, and we should take time to mourn it. However, there is hope to be found here. In the face of this tragedy is the triumph of the human spirit. Out of sadness for our lost ones comes love for those still with us. This love should never be forgotten or taken for granted, if only in their memory.

Managing Editor for Electronic Properties

Sidney Holmes

Maroon Minute Executive Producer

Naasha Dotiwala

Design Chief

Linda Hexter

Photo Editor

Emily Branan

News Editor

Rebeca Trejo

Life & Times Editor The Works Editor

Starlight Williams

Wolf Editor Worldview Editor

Gabriel Garza Jamal Melancon Gage Counts

Sports Editor Religion Editor Opinion and Editorial Editor

Nick Reimann

Copy Editor

Colleen Dulle

Senior Staff Writer

Zach Brien Senior Staff Photographer

EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University. Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board. The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff and/or faculty members of Loyola. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication. Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118. Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu. Submissions may also be made online at www.loyolamaroon.com.

OPINION

February 19, 2016 THE MAROON

ON THE RECORD

Staff and faculty speaking on important topics

In the face of tragedy, we are not alone JOHN SEBASTIAN vice president of mission and ministry jtsebast@loyno.edu

It’s hard to make sense out of what happened last weekend. Nineteen-year-olds aren’t supposed to die. We learned last week that a few months back two black holes, each many times larger than our own sun, collided, emitting a gravitational wave that traveled across galaxies and bent space-time itself. That wave, caused by the collision of two impossibly massive objects, registered as a mere blip on some very sensitive instruments here in Louisiana. None of us noticed. And yet a single human life, one

that was just starting to exert its own force on the universe, has sent a devastating ripple through our community. That’s what happens when we love one another, when we share our lives and hopes and dreams with each other. We become vulnerable. We hurt. When tragedy strikes, people often turn to faith for answers. There’s no logic to what happened this weekend, so we look to super-rational deities for answers. All the world’s major religions grapple with suffering at their core. The Hebrew Scriptures tell us of God’s chosen people, a people constantly wandering, homeless, persecuted, enslaved. Buddhism teaches us how to escape suffering’s grip. And Christianity has as its central figure a God who is unjustly tortured and killed. Religion doesn’t explain pain, doesn’t justify God’s seeming indifference to our plight. Instead these faith traditions radically re-

configure suffering as blessing. It’s the suffering that reminds those of us left to mourn that we are still alive and that we can never stop looking out for one another. I didn’t know Kyra Koman. Yet some of you reading this did know her, and all of us are affected by her loss, if only because we are left facing our own fragility, our own weakness, the truth of our own suffering. That will be hard for some of you to process in the coming days and weeks, and I want to encourage all of you to reach out to someone who can help you process what you’re feeling. You may be angry, you may be sad, you may be anxious: all of these are reasonable responses to an unreasonable situation, and no one expects you to process those feelings alone. Dr. Bourque and her staff and my team in mission and ministry are ready to talk with you about your grief, your confusion, your anger. Don’t try to tough this

out. I have an appointment with my therapist this week, and it can’t get here fast enough. So I won’t take the easy way out and tell you that God has a plan. If God has one, I certainly don’t know what it is. But I do know that we’re never alone in these moments of suffering. God suffers too, and in that suffering we can find comfort, and if not in God then at least in one another. So let’s take care of each other. Let’s love each other. Let’s support each other. There are a lot of forces in the universe that we can’t control. But we can always be present to one another and make holy for one another the suffering that is our common lot. Let me close with a Hebrew prayer shared with me by Dr. Yavneh Klos that reminds us that God is with us in our living and in our dying:

Eternal master, who reigned supreme, Before all of creation was drawn; When it was finished according to his will, Then “King” his name was proclaimed to be. When this our world shall be no more, In majesty he still shall reign, And he was, and he is, And he will be in glory. Alone is he, there is no second, Without division or ally; Without beginning, without end, To him is the power and sovereignty. He is my God, my living redeemer, Rock of my affliction in time of trouble; He is my banner and refuge, Filling my cup the day I call. Into his hand I commit my spirit When I sleep, and I awake, And with my spirit, my body, The Lord is with me, I will not fear.

ON THE RECORD

Staff and faculty speaking on important topics

What should we conclude about Catholic social teaching? Free market libertarianism is the conclusion of Catholic social teaching

WALTER BLOCK economics professor wblock@loyno.edu

If Catholic theologians and laymen were true to their principles, they would embrace private property rights and the free enterprise system. That is, laissez-faire capitalism. This must be sharply distinguished from crony capitalism, mercantilism or corporate state monopoly “capitalism.” In the former case, every dollar earned is based upon mutual benefit, at least in the ex-ante sense of anticipations, and almost always, too, in terms of ex-post satisfaction after the fact. Whenever anyone buys a burger from Ray Kroc for $2, he values it at $2.01 or more, otherwise he would not have purchased it. McDonald’s too, gains, as they valued it at less than that amount, otherwise they would not have sold this delicacy. The Marxists and liberation theologians would characterize this as mutual exploitation, but this was mutual aid; each earned a profit from the exchange. This is the pattern for each and every act of buying, selling, lending, borrowing, renting, speculating, price gouging, which together comprise the free market. Unfortunately, Pope Francis inveighs against the top one percent. But if they earned their wealth honestly, they en-

riched everyone they dealt with. That is to say, the pope fails to distinguish between these two very different types of “capitalism.” Let us consider one principle of Catholic social teaching, the preferential option for the poor. If the rich fall into relatively hard times, they fall into the middle class. If the latter are balked in their economic activity, they become poor. But if the already impoverished are further reduced, their plight is much worse. Thus, every public policy must be looked at through the prism of the poor. How will it affect them? If badly, such a policy is to be eschewed. How has the free enterprise system treated the poor, compared to other options? To ask this is to answer it: very well indeed. The people at the lower end of the income scale in relatively economically free countries are the envy of the rest of the world in terms of access to modern conveniences. Elsewhere, even those in the middle of the income distribution are much worse off. People such as Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, the Koch brothers and the Walmart family are responsible for vastly enriching all sectors of the economy, certainly including the least well off. How do we know this? It is because they are very wealthy, and the only way this can be achieved in the free market setting is by enriching not only themselves, but everyone else who deals with them. And, yet, they are reviled by those who misunderstand

See BLOCK, page 15

Social justice is the conclusion of Catholic social teaching

EDWARD VACEK, S.J. religious studies professor evacek@loyno.edu

Professor Walter Block and I have gone out to dinner many times. We usually eat at cheap places, which is quite suitable since we tend to ruin one another’s supper. We argue throughout the meal. That’s okay, since vigorous disagreement is what occasions our meeting. I tell him that his libertarian theories are completely cock-eyed, and he says the same about my Catholic social justice theories. Indigestion, yes. But sweet intellectual dessert! Dr. Block speaks on behalf of a position that has powerfully captured the minds of many Americans, including Loyola students. Dr. Block is a very colorful, imaginative speaker, and I sometimes follow his style by using simple cases to smoke out the libertarian students in my classes. For example. Imagine that you are on St. Charles Ave. A woman, riding on her bicycle, is hit by a speeding car that drives rapidly away. She is bleeding, lying by the side of the road. You have plans to meet with some friends for a few beers in the French Quarter, and the streetcar is now arriving from the Tulane stop. Do you have any obligation to help her? When I try a case like this with most of my students, they stare at

me with startled eyes. Their shaking heads make clear that the obligation to help is so obvious that they are shocked that anyone could think otherwise. Not so with some of my students who have drunk deeply from at least one libertarian brewery. These students raise a hand and announce “No!” For them, we have no obligation to help others. Put in philosophical terms, there are no positive rights, that is, a right to be helped. Thus there are no positive duties to help others in need. They acknowledge negative rights, rights not to be physically harmed. The woman on the bicycle had a right not to be hit by the reckless driver. But it is fine if the rest of us just catch the streetcar. And once we have paid our fare, it would be wrong for the driver to stop to help. By paying, we have created a contract that the driver should fulfill. An astute reader will have seen how these two views have different implications. Consider the terrible ongoing crisis in Syria. People are being killed, robbed and raped by this and that rogue band. My libertarian students, like many Americans, would say we in the USA have no obligation to help. Nations, including this country, are free to close their borders against refugees despite their need. With our borders closed, then, like people in the French Quarter who have cast off all care for the outside world, we can sing laissez les bon temps rouler. To the contrary, the Catholic social tradition has developed several

See VACEK, page 15

February 19, 2016

The Maroon

CONT’D: Debate on where Catholic social teaching leads us BLOCK, continued from page 14

VACEK, continued from page 14

Catholic social teaching is fulfilled by free market libertarianism Catholic social teaching. In contrast, how has the welfare system treated the poor? Very shabbily. This might seem paradoxical, in that they are given money as a result of this initiative, and does that not necessarily make them better off? Not so fast. For the way welfare functions is to break up the family. In effect, the state marries the pregnant woman, and this is tempting to her since it makes her a better financial offer than the husband of her child. Some 70% of children in the disproportionately impoverished black community are brought up in non-intact families. It is only a slight exaggeration to say that the problem of poverty is entirely one of lack of family formation; only a single digit percentage of black people from intact families are poor. Nor is this a black issue. A similar situation has occurred in the virtually all-white Swedish welfare state. Another policy beloved of those who misconstrue Catholic social teaching and its preferential option for the poor is the minimum wage law. Before its implementa-

tion the unemployment rates of the old and the young, whites and blacks were roughly comparable. But now, after many decades of this vicious depraved law, the unemployment rates of the young are twice that of the old, and of blacks, twice as high as whites. The rate of joblessness for young black people is quadruple that of middle aged members of the white community. Why is this? It is because this is an unemployment law. It is not a floor which pushes up wages. Rather, it is a hurdle over which prospective employees must jump if they are to become employed in the first place, and the higher it is, the harder it is to scale over. At a minimum wage of $7.25, it would be foolish to hire a worker whose contribution to the bottom line is $5.00. The firm would lose $2.25 per hour. How does this help such a person to be unemployed at this higher wage, rather than employed at the lower one? If the minimum wage law were scrapped, he could become employed, and his productivity, and hence wages, would increase because of on-the-job training.

Vacek responds to Block Dr. Block has often told me that I don’t understand his type of libertarianism, and that may be the case since I find his views so implausible. The bold title of one of his many books expresses my view: Defending the Undefendable. I do, however, have a very positive regard for his academic zeal. Still, I don’t think he understands Catholic social teaching. I find myself amused when Professor Block joins the many critics who say that Pope Francis does not know Catholic teaching. Once upon a time, what the pope said was thought to define Catholic teaching. To begin, let me say that, contrary to Professor Block’s claim, Catholic theologians do embrace private property rights, and they have done so almost consistently for two thousand years. As Bernard Brady recently wrote, in contrast to Marxism, private property is “central to Catholic social thought.” Similarly, Catholic social teaching has a big place for the “free enterprise system.” What it doesn’t embrace is an economic system that does not have any broad sense of ethical responsibility. As the Catholic Catechism puts it, if all we have is the “law of the marketplace,” then we will fail in justice. There is a narrow economic view that supports unfettered free exchange. If a man sells drugs at a price other people are willing to pay, that’s rational economics. The fact that the drugs might kill is not part of the question. Governments should not try to prevent such free exchanges. Professor Block likely will respond that, after a number of needless deaths, rich people will

buy only certified drugs while poor people will, as they do now, take their chances. That’s the worrisome law of the marketplace. My friend, Walter Block, blames the minimum wage law for the fact that the unemployment rate for young black people is twice that of young white people. Since, in principle, the minimum wage applies equally to both groups, the argument seems fallacious. A much more plausible explanation is racism. Because of our American cultural history, many more African-Americans than Caucasians begin the race for jobs with lead weights on their legs. As a consequence, it is not surprising that many of them don’t reach the job market as fast as others. Happily, many of our African American students at Loyola are cutting loose the lead weights. Pope Francis rails against an economic system that says it is fine if, say, Walmart could get desperate people, who would have no safety net other than death, to accept $20 for working 100 hours a week. To be sure, the pope would think differently if Walmart simply could not pay more. But the reality is that Walmart instead pays a huge part of its surplus to the Walton families, many of whom do little work for Walmart. Thus while some people barely survive, Professor Block leads the Waltons in a chorus of Laissez les bon temps rouler. It is time for the two of us to go out for another cheap dinner. Perhaps this time I can get him to sing the right tune.

Catholic social teaching is fulfilled by social justice ideas that insist we do have positive obligations to others, especially those who are most in need. One such term is “solidarity.” It means that we are already always involved in relationships with others. This view is reflected in the Christian metaphors that we are members of Christ’s body, that God is our Father (or Mother), that we are sisters and brothers. We are members of our birth families long before we choose to be. We can later reject our family; or, acting ethically, we can choose to fully participate in it. It often happens that families will devote a disproportionate amount of their resources to the handicapped child who needs special treatment. So too Christians have in this sense a preferential option for the poor. On the other hand, as in a healthy family, each person, including the poor, have a Christian obligation to do all they can to live well their own lives. Some libertarians might not agree, holding that it is OK for people to freely choose to waste their own lives. Catholic social ethics insists that people have to contribute to the var-

ious social groups to which they belong. This is called participation in the “common good.” Some libertarians would not agree. For them there is no obligation to contribute. “Get all you want.” “Taxes are immoral” since they amount to governments stealing from people. For Catholic teaching, since families, churches, communities and nations are real, these groups have responsibilities. Their obligations to distribute goods fairly and to organize society are practices of “social justice.” Some libertarians disagree. For them, only individuals exist. Indeed, by libertarian standards, no one has a moral obligation to feed their own children. At a recent lecture-luncheon, generously provided to students by Dr. Block’s supporters, the invited speaker answered a question of mine by saying she was talking economics, not ethics. I agreed with the second half of her comment, but wondered about that split. To conclude on a light note. By my reckoning, I’ve paid for more of our dinners than Professor Block has. If so, each of us is consistent with our divergent ethical views.

Block responds to Vacek Yes, I agree, Fr. Vacek and I have gone out to dinner many times. Each occasion has been a delight for me. He is one of the sweetest and kindest men I have ever met. I’m sorry he’s had indigestion from any of our meals. I certainly have not, and look forward to a long continuation. He is one of my colleagues at Loyola who makes my employment here a pleasure. I fear I have not yet communicated to him what libertarianism is all about. It is not at all a theory that deals with all of ethics; rather, with only a small portion of it: just law. This philosophy claims that legitimate law will only punish people for violations of the non-aggression principle (NAP); that is, for violations of negative rights such as murder, rape, trespass, fraud, kidnapping, theft, where the person or property of innocent people are violated. And that is it! This brief description pretty much sums up the entirety of libertarianism. It is simply not concerned with any other issues. Now consider that poor woman who lies bleeding on St. Charles Ave. The libertarian asks one and only one type of question about this scenario: would it be illegal for those who wish to avoid helping her, and instead go off to the French Quarter? Would this be a violation of the NAP? Should those onlookers be sent to prison for their callous behavior toward her? And there is only one answer emanating from this philosophical quarter: No. Since they did not violate her rights, and there are no

positive obligations in libertarianism. There are only negative ones: to refrain from violating the NAP. I, now speaking not as a libertarian hereby proclaim that the action, or, rather, the non-action of these bystanders is despicable. It is horrendous. It is disgraceful. But they have not encroached upon the one libertarian law. Suppose some physicists, or mathematicians, or musicians, or poets had acted in this coldhearted manner toward this bleeding woman. Would this cast into doubt their professional capacities? No, of course not. They would be immoral, but not necessarily bad physicists, or mathematicians, or musicians, or poets. It is much the same with the narrow focus of libertarianism. It, too, is not to be called into question just because it does not pronounce on all conceivable issues. The libertarian students who say they have no obligation to help this woman misunderstand this viewpoint as much as does Fr. Vacek. The proper answer is that all people have a moral or ethical obligation to come to her aid, but, as far as libertarianism is concerned, not a legal one. If the latter were in operation, then the entire world’s population should be in jail, since there are people in trouble at all times; refraining from helping them would be criminal. How does Fr. Vacek get out from under that reductio ad absurdum? Perhaps he will tell me at our next meal together.

February 19 2016

BE THE CHANGE

THE PSY.D. PROGRAM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XULA PREPARES GRADUATES TO MAKE A CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AT XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA EDUCATION

INNOVATION

SERVICE

COMMUNITY

THECHICAGOSCHOOL.EDU/XULA

504.656.4833