The Paisano Volume 52 Issue 10

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA

{SINCE 1981}

Volume 52

Issue 10

October 20 - October 27, 2015

Pink Party announced

The Plaza Norte building will be renamed the “Graduate Studies and Research” (GSR) building, taking effect next year. President Romo hopes the name change will eliminate confusion between the Plaza Norte building and its next door neighbor, the North Paseo building.

But Victoria still has a secret

Texas

The Lone Star State has decided to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood clinics after anti-abortion groups released controversial videos discussing fetal tissues being sold for scientific research.

U.S. SeaWorld San Diego has taken on a multimillion dollar expansion of the killer whale habitat under conditions set forth by the California Coastal Commission. The conditions include a ban on whale breeding in captivity, along with restrictions on the methods used to bring in new whales to the park. Animal rights activists praise the decision.

World

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders each announced their support for President Obama’s plan to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan through the end of his term in 2017. Obama had declared an official end to the U.S. combat mission in Afghanistan last year, but last week announced he was halting the phased military withdrawal.

Fabian DeSoto, The Paisano

Fabian DeSoto, The Paisano

A rowdy gun-free rally Marina Vences Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Last Thursday, students and faculty chanted, “Gun free UTSA” near the rowdy statue at a peaceful protest over the newly instituted campus carry law.

The group, led by Dr. Walter Wilson, an associate professor in the department of political science and geography, featured a multitude of students and faculty carrying signs and marching, and an open mic to let the group and

bystanders share their stories and opinions.

This summer, Governor Greg Abbott signed into effect S.B. 11, more commonly known as the “campus carry law.” This bill will allow any concealed handgun license carriers in the state of Texas to bring their concealed weapon on college campuses.

It will also allow for the presidents of universities to establish “gun free zones,” but not declare the entire campus gun free. This law will go into effect on Aug.1, 2016 and will apply to all public universities.

Vietnam War veteran and professor of sociology Kevin Bryan, took to the microphone to share his story. He began by stating his support for the second amendment, but said that weapons do not have a place in the classroom, offices or dorms.

“If you have a concealed gun, no matter how well you’re trained, you’re protected from everything but moments of stupid. It has happened and will continue to happen. Don’t let moments of stupidity into the classrooms,” Bryan said.

Custo- See Faculty, page 4

Alex Birnel

News Assistant

@alexbirnel news@paisano-online.com After tapping 367,598,462 times on Victoria’s Secret sponsored “Pink Nation” app, UTSA students clenched the prize of hosting Victoria’s Secret illustrious and highly anticipated “Pink Party.”

Many of the event’s details have been kept under wraps, but this has not stopped students from speculating about the musical artist slated to perform at the party.

On social media, most of the rumors and gossip about who will play has revolved around acts such as Taylor Swift, Drake and Iggy Azalea.

UTSA’s Pink Nation representatives have done well staying quiet about anything but the logistics of the party, asking that everyone anxious for information add them on Snapchat — u ­sername “UTSA PINK”­­­— ­to get the latest updates.

So far, only the party’s location and time is confirmed: Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in lot BK5 behind University Oaks apartments.

A current UTSA student I.D. is required to enter.

Can classrooms be gun-free?

Campus community still flummoxed Matt Frost Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com The soon-to-be-enacted campus carry law has been nothing short of controversial in its short time on UTSA’s campus. A special task force has been assembled to help President Ricardo Romo determine what areas of the campus will be designated gun-free zones.

Last week, the task force announced to staff that classrooms would not be considered as gun-free zones, because the University of Texas System would not allow it. This led to outrage and confusion among many faculty and staff.

However, UTSA political

science professor Dr. Walter Wilson, one of the upset individuals, said that classrooms can in fact be considered as gun-free zones.

During a meeting Wilson attended with Texas State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer, the state representative who wrote the amendment to Senate Bill 11 allowing college presidents to choose the gunfree zones on their campuses, Fischer explained the gun-free zone restriction does not match the explanation provided by President of the UTSA task force Karen Daas.

“According to the representative (Fischer), who is also a lawyer, the intent of the provision was to give Dr. Romo and other presidents

wide discretion in creating gun-free zones on campus or premises on campus, including classrooms, and even entire buildings,” said Wilson.

“The policy Romo ultimately submits can only be overruled by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Regents, which makes it extremely unlikely that rules designating classrooms, dorms, offices and labs as gun-free zones would be overruled.”

Daas, faculty senate president and task force member, explained the claim that classrooms cannot be gun-free was supported by information the task force received from the University of Texas System.

“The task force has not

had any interactions with (Fischer), nor has the president said anything to us along those lines,” said Daas. “So as far as we have been told, coming from the system, (gun free classrooms) is not an option because it is not in the spirit of the law (according to the UT system).”

Daas said the UT System, specifically the Office of General Counsel, is looking at what is in the spirit of the law.

“If you were to take a vast majority of campus and make it a gun-free zone, then you’re not respecting the law and rights of people who carry under the law.”

While the gun-free zones have yet to be determined, the task force is consid-

ering: intramural events, sporting events, labs, child care centers, weight rooms, locker rooms, treatment rooms, veteran certification centers, libraries, financial aid and advising centers.

The task force makes it clear that their personal views play no part in their decisions, that they merely abide by the laws and rules that are given to them by the UT System.

Hosted by SGA, the next meeting will be on Oct. 25 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the HEB UC Ballroom 2. Student input is encouraged.

Science A small study conducted by University College Cork found that when males were given capsules containing bifidobacterium longum 1714, a probiotic bacteria naturally found in the digestive tract, the patients reported reduced anxiety and improved memory capabilities.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Loyd, KSAT 12

Moderator and SGA Vice President, Christian Kenney, believes that the forum, “went great. A lot of faculty and students got to express their opinions on the same issue.”

Some attendees expressed concern that determining expansive gun-free zones would essentially “neuter” the campus carry law for CHL holders.

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October 20 - October 27, 2015

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NEWS

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October 20 - October 27, 2015

Women’s Studies Institute hosts sixth annual Take Back the Night Marina Vences

“Survivors often face excruciating interrogations regarding their own behavior...what they were wearing or not wearing, what they were drinking or smoking, what texts might have been exchanged between them and the rapist...”

Staff Writer

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Students and faculty came together for the sixth year in a row for “Take Back the Night” on Thursday, Oct. 15 in the Sombrilla.

October is domestic and sexual violence awareness month. This event brings attention to domestic and sexual abuse that happens on college campuses across the country.

A graduate student and the program coordinator for the Women’s Studies Institute Raquel Torres wants every victim to be able to break his or her silence and voice his or her story to change how our society views rape and domestic violence.

“We want to break the silence around domestic violence,” Torres stated.

“Many people want to hide it and put it away and not talk about it…this (event) is to make members of the San Antonio community acknowledge that it does happen and bring it into the light.”

Dr. Sara Ramirez, an instructor in the women’s studies program, states that between 2011 and 2014, 19 students were sexually assaulted on campus.

Compared to the national average of 1 in 5 students, UTSA’s number of reported assaults is slightly lower.

“Because of the stigma associated with sexual assault and the many thoughts of ‘they won’t believe me’ or ‘did I imagine that?’ many

Dr. Lapetra Bowman Department of philosophy and classics

Students and faculty share their stories and counsel one another at Take Back the Night.

cases go unreported and therefore do not appear in SAPD’s reports,” explains Ramirez.

“No student should have to deal with any kind of attack. The assaults, we must remember, are upon not only their physical bodies, but their psyches, too.”

Director of the Women’s Studies Institute, Dr. Sonia

Saldivar, knows that the effects sexual and domestic violence can have on a mind and encourages people who have been assaulted to seek professional help.

“Please know that you are not alone,” Saldivar states.

“Speak to a trusted friend or professor; call the Rape Crisis Center. At UTSA, Counseling Services is pre-

GRADUATE STUDIES APPLICATION AND INFORMATION SESSION Learn how a graduate degree from St. Mary’s University will strengthen your career development. This is the time to talk to program directors, learn how classes can fit with your schedule and complete your application. Please bring any official and/or unofficial transcripts, a résumé, letters of recommendation and test scores that are available.

Thursday, Oct. 29 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Louis J. Blume Library, Third Floor, Graduate Center for Excellence Questions?

Contact Graduate Enrollment Services at 210-436-3101 or graduate@stmarytx.edu.

The Catholic and Marianist University www.stmarytx.edu/grad

pared to assist you, should you need their help.”

One of the issues that creates the stigma surrounding sexual abuse is the idea of “rape culture,” which instructs women to avoid certain activities to prevent being raped.

Rapists and assaulters are not being held entirely responsible for their actions, and instead the onus is placed on women.

Dr. Lapetra Bowman, a professor in the department of philosophy and classics, said this is the reason many women do not voice their stories.

“Survivors… often face excruciating interrogations regarding their own behavior, regarding what they were wearing or not wearing, what they were drinking or smoking, what texts might have been exchanged between them and the rapist, etc.,” explains Bowman.

“We need to teach people about boundaries, presence of consent and revocation of consent, and the fact that a rapist is solely responsible for his -or her- behavior.”

UTSA student Alexis Rodriguez, a sexual abuse survivor, praised the event and hopes people will continue to get involved.

“I think it’s very moving and empowering…for peo-

Kat Joseph, The Paisano

p l e who haven’t maybe come out with their experience with their sexual assault,” stated Rodriguez.

“Rallies like these show you that there are people who have never experienced this that are willing to stand up and defend you… it’s good for not only awareness but the healing process.”

English department professor Dr. Jackie Cuevas relays how the presence of weapons on campus may affect sexual abuse.

“In Texas, 50 percent of domestic murders of women have occurred with a firearm, and universities that have implemented this open carry law have seen an increase of sexual and domestic violence cases,” explains Cuevas. “I would hope that students would go against guns to try and reduce the cases of sexual assault and domestic abuse on college campuses.”

Student Adrian Farruggia, who identifies as a feminist, came out to the rally to call on men to have a louder voice on this issue.

“Male involvement is very critical because it is very important to support the whole idea of equality… and the more males that get involved, the more this problem will come to light,” Farruggia stated.

“It’s important for us to

spread the word that being a feminist isn’t negative, but it is something that can change the world so there isn’t a gap between males and females in society.”

There are many services available on and off campus to help survivors recover from assault.

For example, Diego Dominguez Mancha, a representative from The Rape Crisis Center in San Antonio, explained that the center provides counseling and a 24-hour hotline (210-3497273).

“We go to the hospital with the victim to help them with whatever they need and we give classes to teach people ‘this is what assault looks like,’ and what constitutes as consent,” Mancha said.

Dr. Bowman reminds victims that they have many places they can go for assistance .

“In addition to providing a safe space for victims of sexual abuse, the Women’s Studies Institute provides access to various resources, both on campus and off campus, so that survivors may begin the journey toward healing.”

NEWS Moving election day will increase youth vote 4

October 20 - October 27, 2015

News Analysis Alex Birnel

News Assistant

@alexbirnel news@paisano-online.com San Antonio suffers from a dismally low voter turnout rate. During the 2015 general elections, only 12 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot, a total of 13 percentage points lower than the 26 percent national voting average at the municipal level. Grim statistics.

But faced with the data surrounding poor engagement, District 8 San Antonio city councilmember Ron Nirenberg has declared his support for a simple, yet intui-

tive solution to the problem: a scheduling change to hold elections in November rather than May, and in even-numbered years, rather than oddnumbered ones to coincide with national races.

The rationale behind the idea is that national elections galvanize larger scores of voters and that moved municipal elections could piggyback off the bigger turnout crowds.

Fairvote.org — a nonprofit organization seeking to make representative democracy fair, functional and representative — calculated that on average, about 60 percent of the eligible voting

population in the U.S. vote in presidential elections.

Compare that turnout to participation data in San Antonio municipal elections (again, it was 12 percent in 2015) and the percentage gap is 48 percent.

Nirenberg is frank and concise about non-voters’ impact on the democratic process.

“Civic disengagement is the most pressing challenge facing our nation, and its impact in San Antonio is felt acutely in everything we do: from adopting an annual budget to building the comprehensive plan, from addressing public safety issues to debating new

modes of transportation to the future,” he said recently at the Civic Engagement Summit held at UTSA. Senior public policy major Chris Stewart agreed that changing the date is a smart policy move to boost voter turnout.

“Anyone who looks at the facts sees that moving our municipal elections to November would increase turnout,” Stewart said.

“Councilmember Nirenberg has always focused on civic engagement, especially for students, and moving these elections will give students a larger voice in city elections,” he expounded.

Because of the cycle difference between national and local elections, Stewart also sees another issue.

“Part of the problem is that we have too many elections, and putting our municipal elections on a bigger ballot will ensure that more young people vote,” Stewart said.

There are signs that a basic date and year change can have a massive impact on overall participation numbers. A news release from Nirenberg’s office reported that there was a 29.7 percent increase in voter turnout once the city of Austin switched its municipal election dates to coincide with

national elections.

The initiative spearheaded

by Councilmember Nirenberg would require a change to the city charter, something that state law limits modifying to every two years.

Because voters altered the charter in May of this year, 2017 is the soonest a rescheduling proposal can be decided.

But the ball is rolling.

Fall Into Your Major designed to inform undecided freshmen Annette Barraza

Editorial Assistant

@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com More than 1,500 students visited the “Fall Into Your Major” event organized by Heidi Sawyer, career counselor for the University College, in collaboration with academic advising and AIS. The event was held Oct. 14, in the HEB UC. “This event is targeted for freshmen and sophomores — especially students who are undecided — but also for students who would like to inquire about a major or certification,” said Stefanie Cisneros, a career counselor for student athletes. According to Cisneros, the idea of placing career counselors, advisors and staff in one place was intended to help students become more informed.

Tables were set up by UTSA colleges — including the Honors College and the University College — as well as departments, academic advisors, career counselors and organizations (such as the Thomas Riverá Center), testing services, peer mentors and ROTC. Each depart-

ment offered information about available majors, minors and certificates.

The majority of the tables were for the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA).

Many tables offered incentives for students to stop and talk: some had candy, some had highlighters and others had interesting objects that represented their department.

For example, the Department of Anthropology brought a skeleton it calls “Fontica”; the Department of Physics and Astronomy had a Newton’s Cradle, reflective telescope, plasma ball and a fiber optics lamp; and the Modern Languages Department had a little circle of various flags from around the world.

One of the most popular tables among students was that of the department of philosophy and classics.

Marshall Maylor, a philosophy graduate student, presented students with intriguing hypothetical situations.

Once he had their attention, he would recommend taking at least one philosophy class.

“If you like it, it may be your new major,” said Maylor.

“If not, it was just another boring class.” Many students named that table as their favorite.

“Many tables were just signing our papers for AIS,” admitted freshman Kiana Wheeler.

“But Mr. Maylor gave us scenarios and only signed our paper if we answered or participated.”

Many AIS instructors either required their students to come to the event or promised extra credit in exchange for proof of attendance in the form of signatures from various tables.

“It’s been helpful,” said Wheeler, “and I’m glad I came — even though I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t required by my AIS class.”

Cisneros was excited by the increase in participation: “Compared to last spring, I’ve seen more participation from students, and also from the colleges and departments to commit to showing up for the event.”

The “Fall Into Your Major” event was the second of its kind and was preceded by “March Into Your Major”.

Faculty, students call for gun-free classrooms at peaceful demonstration

Annette Barraza, The Paisano

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continued from page 1 dian Willie Stamps spoke, saying “We are hoping the younger people will realize you don’t need guns on campus you need more books in the classrooms.”

Professors expressed unease toward the possibility of being around unstable students with weapons.

Dr. Aida Ramos of the sociology department said, “My initial reaction is worry.

It makes me nervous. We talk about really controversial issues in my classroom, and people get heated and I’m worried that in a moment, a really nice person can suddenly use his or her weapon… and I’m also worried about accidents. I bring my four-year-old to campus and he tends to hug people… and I have to be really worried about that now, because where are we going to put the weapons so they’re safe?”

UTSA alumnus and District 116 State Representative, Trey Martinez Fischer authored the provision granting university presidents authority to designate gun-free zones.

Martinez Fischer came to the rally to show his support

for the group. At the rally he said, “I wrote the provisions that would make this a fair process that students, faculty, staff and administration are going to work together…what the law says you are supposed to do, start a dialogue … you need to keep doing this. The idea is that we wrote this law to put pressure on this campus for right or wrong, no matter where you’re at to make this campus safe and responsible.

There is no way to keep guns off this campus, but we’ve delayed the implementation so you can have this sort of a collaborative process. It takes these kinds of convening to make sure that that happens.”

Although the law is already passed, the motivation behind a rally like this one is to allow a dialogue and give opposition a forum to discuss.

There was a small, but vocal cadre of supporters at the campus carry demonstration.

Kyle Fernandez, a sophomore studying mechanical engineering was among the supporters of campus carry. He explains, “Criminals aren’t going to care about the

law anyway. Gun laws only restrict law-abiding citizens.”

Despite the strong verbal arguments that came from a select few in the crowd, Dr. Wilson made sure that the students who wanted to speak could.

Many students voiced that they are against the law that would allow their peers to carry weapons, and are trying to make themselves heard through rallies such as this.

According to Dr. Wilson, a gun-free UTSA is one that can foster safe learning and discussion.

“This kind of dialogue is what we want, this kind of back and forth is necessary for learning. And it should be able to happen in every classroom— without the threat of a weapon.”

The deadline for the task force to submit its recommendations for gun-free zones to President Romo is Nov. 1, 2015.

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OPINION

{The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Jakob Lopez

Managing Editor: Mia Cabello

News Editor:

Caroline Traylor

Arts & Life Editor: Brayden Boren

Sports Editor:

Shabazz I. Dawkins

Break away from the social media market Editorial

UTSA has established a strong social networking presence — but it has not affected student attendance at campus and sporting events.

With only 30,000 likes on Facebook and 16,000 followers combined on UTSA’s multiple Instagram accounts, the university is actively trying to grab students’ attention.

But this doesn’t appear to be working.

Michael Turnini

Special Issues Editor: Interim Photo Editor: Fabian De Soto

Business Manager: Lizzette Rocha

According to the statisticbased website Statistica, the average American spends 11 hours a day on interactive electronic devices. Of those eleven hours, 28 percent of all online activity accounts for social networking — the act of interacting with other people online — according to study-based website GlobalWebIndex.

The constant flow of instant news and information

Q&A

Web Editor:

Jade Cuevas

Interview with Peter Carollo, a UTSA senior communication major who has a CHL permit

Senior Copy Editor: Kate Kramer

Q:

Marketing Director: Randi Gilmore Advertising and Marketing Liason: Jenelle Duff

{Assistants} Kat Joseph, Anelia Gomez-Cordova, Claudia Jimenez, Annette Barraza, Christopher Breakell, Alex Birnel, Brady Phelps, Andrea Velgis, Alyssa Gonzales, Urub Khawaja, Allison Gayda, Diego Ramirez

{Staff} Robert Avila, Darryl Sherrod, Robert Allen, Gaige Davila, Matthew Frost, Marina Vences, Quentin Hemphill, Adrian Bermudez, Amanda Camacho, Sonia Mata, Cindy Hurtado, Madeline Harper, Samuel Tak, Brian Nacu

{Contributors} Katie Sanchez, Jacob De Hoyos, Matthew Gil, Max Edelman, Lindsey Revel, Sabrina Perez, Bryant Andrade Meza, Anusha Huissain

{Adviser}

Diane Abdo

{Advisory Board}

Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a nonprofit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization.

The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to:

14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 {Letters to the Editor} Letters must be fewer than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Send letters to: editor@paisano-online.com

© 2015, The Paisano

saturates the day-to-day lives of students. Despite UTSA’s emerging online presence, many students remain under-informed about campus activities, but, arguably, over-informed on celebrity gossip. The availability of information does not create a more energized or socially engaged populace.

Granted, not all students who know about an event will choose to, or are able

When weighing the pros and cons of the campus-carry law, remember students and faculty with concealed carry licenses and those who support it are not an enemy but equal members of the university community.

Distribution Manager: Patrick Martinez

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October 20 - October 27, 2015

Will campus carry affect the psychological dynamic and the relationship between students and teachers in the classroom?

I don’t think it should, I don’t think it does.

The whole argument against that is students won’t be free to speak their minds or teachers will be afraid to give out grades.

I understand that argument, and the argument against that is, do you feel safe in HEB or in the movie theater or a mall or in any public area because I carry? It comes down to the statistics that we don’t make up. For aggregated assault, we aren’t there, we aren’t scoring these massive numbers.

Q:

pen. It’s going to happen that a student or faculty member is going to have the option or the ability to defend themselves or protect themselves on campus, and I think (this) major concern is that students aren’t trained to handle high adrenaline situations like this with a firearm ... a lot of CHL users aren’t the kind of people that are just like, ‘Eh, I’m going to have a gun.’ They have to go through a long application; you have to submit fingerprints, you have to go through background checks and loads of tests. There’s a lot of work that goes into that, and it doesn’t end there.

In some states, like Mississippi for example, campus carry laws have been passed for the purpose of decreasing gun crimes.

How come we haven’t seen this yet?

The whole idea, and as much research as I’ve done, the main issue with this is the mental health issue in the U.S. and I think that is understood by both sides. ... There’s

Q:

We make up for such a small percentage and those are the bad apples that you are going to get in any crowd. Good, bad, pro-gun, anti-gun; it’s just not there. CHL holders are typically more law-abiding citizens because of the hoops we’ve already had to go thorough and because, if we screw up even a little bit with a class B misdemeanor, that gets taken away from us, we can’t get it again for another 5-10 years or even our whole life.

How do you respond to the rationale that having guns on campus would only complicate an active shooter situation because the police may have a difficult time differentiating the two sides?

The police have to go through training, they go through months and months of training, and they go through active shooter training where they are trained to identify who looks friendly. I know that is a difficult answer to defend, but police are never going to walk into a gun fight; it’s a common misconception but there is a general idea that police are going to end up shooting the person trying to help. It’s extremely unlikely - its extremely unlikely that situation would ever even arise .... people are not just going to come into a firefight - that is not just not going to hap-

Q:

Interview conducted by Jakob Lopez and Miriam Cabello

just not a lot of students with concealed carry and I think that’s because, right now, it’s because it’s illegal.

Should universities be allowed to keep record of who has a concealed carry license that is available to police officers and professors?

Absolutely not. I think that could lead to some unnecessary profiling. The state obviously has a list of who carries, and that should not made public in any way shape or form. I just don’t see a need for it. I can’t see how it would help or what one teacher could do against it. People all over Texas have CHLs and carry every day. I guarantee you interact with them at the grocery store or anywhere else you just don’t know and

it’s not really a concern of yours. People don’t wake up or go out in public in fear and I think people are assuming this is going to happen once campus carry goes into effect.

Read more of this interview at paisano-online.com

Transcribed by Annette Barraza, Marina Vences, Claudia Jimenez

Letter to the Editor I was upset to read the recent article by Matt Frost quoting a member of UTSA’s task force on campus carry saying that “We have basically been told we can’t [make classrooms gun free], because that is the vast majority of campus.” This statement is upsetting because, unless the information comes directly from the UT system board of regents, it is a blatant falsehood.

I met personally last week with UTSA’s state representative, Trey Martinez Fischer, who wrote the provision giving President Romo the authority to establish rules for the administration of campus carry at UTSA. According to the representative, who is also a lawyer, the intent of that provision was to give Dr. Romo and other presidents wide discretion in creating gun free zones on campus or premises on campus, including class rooms and even entire buildings. The policy

Dr. Romo ultimately submits can only be overruled by a 2/3 majority of the board of regents, which makes it extremely unlikely that rules designating classrooms, dorms, offices, and labs as gun free zones would be overruled.

Everyone on campus deserves a chance to have their voices heard on this issue, and the UTSA task force owes it to us to ensure that those discussions are not conducted under false pretenses. The fact is, UTSA can designate classrooms and other spaces on the campus as gun free zones.

Anyone who says otherwise is trying to avoid explaining why they are not willing to do so.

Dr. Walter Wilson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor,Graduate Advisor Department of Political Science and Geography University of Texas at San Antonio

to attend that event, but the more students know about their campus, the greater the chance of them being motivated to participate in it.

Due to the overwhelming and sensationalist nature of the breaking and not-sobreaking content on social media, the items of greatest relevance to a local community may get lost in the melee.

In addition to marketing

on an oversaturated digital platform, perhaps the university should use the college grounds as its platform, and saturate it with lively information on campus and sporting events.

Maybe such an approach will increase the chances of students looking up from their phones long enough to participate in events.

Does this holster make me look fat?

Satire

Beginning Aug. 1, 2015 those with a concealed handgun license will have the option of bringing their guns to UTSA. The law change has been a subRobert Avilia ject for debate Staff Writer both on and off campus, with many wondering how the future tierone university will handle the law and the negative criticism against it. In an appeal to use the new law to its marketing advantage, UTSA will begin selling trendy ballistic vests on campus to help bridge the gap between the two sides.

UTSA will begin selling both men’s and women’s fit bullet-proof vests at the university book store in a fashionforward move that hopes to combine both practical style and bullet-resistant safety. Students will be able to buy designer-brand Kevlar ranging from parka vests, puffer, business-casual, slim-fit, flannel and ones with pockets. Colors will include black, desert, camouflage and pink for breast cancer awareness in October.

In the university’s marketing campaign, students will be able to “Test their Vests” and try out their new attire in specialized concrete, steel and plywood ventilated dressing rooms where students can fire five 9mm bullets into a vest-wearing mannequin. Students who participate will be eligible to receive a 10 percent discount on their purchase.

Using the slogan “Life-saving is the new black,” UTSA looks to ease student tension over guns on campus by offering the purchase of body protecting armor for their peace of mind. The vests, which cover only the upper body, do not protect the legs, arms, glutes or head.

“Do these jeans make my gun look big?” continues the campaign ad, in a poster depicting a vest wearing student asked to look at a visible bump seen outlined in another students jean pocket.

“Yes it does.” Responds the student.

“And I respect your right as a law abiding citizen of Texas.”

For those who still have doubts about campus carry and for those under the age of 21, UTSA will also be selling Tasers at the bookstore and in specific vending machines on campus to help everyone feel safer and more protected. The initiative’s goal hopes to make UTSA the safest campus in the state of Texas.

l l o P o Phot

What and how do you know about the campus carry law, and are you concerned?

“I know about the law because I live in Texas and am informed. I am definitely concerned about having students with weapons on campus in a learning environment.”

Carsten Flores-Hansen Freshman, medical humanities

“I know about the law from reading about it. Yes, I’m concerned with allowing them on campus, because I don’t feel safe.”

Carmen Campalans Freshman, history and biology

“I know the law was just passed and that it is up to the president of the university to pass it. On some level, I am kind of concerned. Mainly with the maturity of who has the right to carry. However, if it offers a sense of security to those who wish to carry, then so be it.”

Isaac Alvarado Freshman, music studies

“Yeah, I’m concerned. I think that the law is correct in not allowing guns on campus and everyone should follow that.”

Geyethri Krishnen Graduate Research, physics & astronomy

“I know the law was already passed so they can’t outlaw it. I feel safe right now, however, I don’t like the idea of someone leaving their house in the morning with the idea that they’ll kill someone at school that day. But, if it gives people security, then they should allow it on only some places on campus.”

Breden Joice Freshman, mechanical engineering

Photos and quotes by Claudia Jimenez, The Paisano

6

ARTS & LIFE

October 20 - October 27, 2015

Runner’s Beat: Rising to the top

Former Paisano editor climbs mountains, life goals Urub Khawaja Special Issues Assistant @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com

All it took was one comment to change the course of UTSA alumnus Stephen Brown’s life.

“I joined The Paisano staff after then UTSA engineering professor Dr. Richard Howe criticized my poor writing ability for the general public,” Brown said. “He commented that if I was smart, I would try to get an internship as a writer with a newspaper. Later that day, I saw an ad in the Paisano looking for writers, so I volunteered.”

Prior to graduating with a master’s degree in environmental science from UTSA in 1992, Brown received an associate degree from Vernon Regional Junior College in physical science and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M in parks and recreation management. After graduating from UTSA, he was hired

by Cornell University in New

York to teach environmental science. At Cornell, he earned a doctorate in environmental science with a focus in geospatial technology.

Brown worked at UTSA as an assistant professor of environmental science from 1999 to 2005, and then he worked at Kansas State University for two years before becoming a professor of agriculture and natural resources education in Alaska. Brown is currently an agricultural extension agent at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and he said The Paisano was one of the most important parts of his education.

“The experience taught me how to write for the public,” Brown said. “It also taught me how the news media works. As a result, I have had countless weekly newspaper columns, magazine articles, television and radio shows across the U.S. and Canada.”

Brown is also a “lifelong mountaineer” and has climbed mountains in places all over the world. He carries a copy of the Paisano

with him as a tradition that started out as a joke between him and Paisano adviser Diane Abdo about having a “world-wide distribution.” He said that one of The Paisano articles that he was proudest of was published on Sept. 4, 1990.

“Paisano photographer Ron Shulman and I traveled to central Mexico and climbed the third tallest mountain in North America: El Pico de Orizaba,” Brown said. “The article was titled ‘Another Side of the Mountain.’ I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was setting up my primary research agenda when I was a professor at UTSA.” Brown’s interest in mountain climbing began while he was growing up in flat and “arguably boring” northwest Texas. During high school, he would sneak off to Colorado and New Mexico to climb, and has been all over the world since. He is currently attempting to climb the seven highest continental summits.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Brown When not teaching people how to grow food in Indonesia, former Paisano editor Steve Brown spends his spare time climbing mountains around the world, including El Pico de Orizaba, the third tallest mountain in North America. Brown always carries a copy of the Paisano with him on climbs, taking “world-wide distribution” seriously.

“I was hoping to climb Cotopaxi in Ecuador this December, but it is currently erupting,” he said. “I may go do Kilimanjaro in Kenya.”

Aside from his interest in exploring the world’s mountains, Brown teaches Yupik and Inupiat Eskimos how to grow food in the arctic and sub-arctic as a part of his current occupation.

“Gardening is not part of the Alaskan native culture,” explained Brown. “In the thousands of years that they

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Brown’s current job in Alaska consists of traveling to different countries teaching people how to grow food.

Two years ago, He went to the Batak region in Indonesia to teach people how to grow coffee and oranges, and he

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“The Batak people are on the lowest rung of Indonesian society and, consequently, receive little support from the government,” stated Brown. “It was extremely satisfying to go help make a difference in that society. Most of the knowledge to do this, I gained as a student at UTSA.”

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ARTS & LIFE Arts & Life Events Calendar:

7

October 20 - October 27, 2015

UTSA students ‘Print It Up’ at new art show

Wednesday 10/21 10 a.m.

National Apple Day Candy covered apples anyone? The University Center is celebrating National Apple Day this Wednesday at the UC Window Lounge.

You can customize your own apple with caramel, chocolate, candy and so much more. The event will be from 10 a.m. until noon.

Saturday 10/24 7 p.m.

Luminaria Since 2008, the Luminaria arts festival has been lighting up downtown San Antonio every October, and this year is no different. From 7 p.m. to midnight, head over to the River North neighborhood for the annual celebration of lights produced and promoted by local artists in and around San Antonio. There will be vendors, dancers, filmmakers and musicians, so head on over in some artsy attire and enjoy a night full of lights and fun.

Sunday 10/25 5 p.m.

Zombie Walk Halloween is in the air, which means the San Antonio Zombie Walk 2015 is happening this weekend. The San Antonio Zombie walk invites you to wear your best beat up clothing, toss in a bit of fake blood for good measure and head over to the Tower of the Americas for this free event.

Photo Courtesy of Sabrina Alfaro

Christopher Breakell Arts Assistant

@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Ask anyone outside of San Antonio what they know about the city, and odds are they will speak of the River Walk and the Alamo. However, there is a lot more going on in the city besides the main tourist attractions. Every second Saturday, artist-run galleries in the South Flores Art District open their doors to a world of local contemporary art.

The third annual exhibition this month at local art gallery R Space , called “Print It Up,” is displaying 26 pieces, two by each of the 13 artists featured.

Juan Mora, a professor in the Department of Art and Art History at UTSA, is curating the show this month.

“The theme is printmaking,

regardless of subject or technique. I am looking for artists who are creative and innovative in reference to concepts or technical issues,’’ explained Mora.

Although R Space sits on the side of an old warehouse and looks fairly modest and plain from the outside, the atmosphere at the opening of “Print It Up” reflected its genuine and humble goals.

R Space owner and local artist Alex Rubio stated at the opening that the space is for undiscovered and developing artists, and that the featured UTSA students “are the future of the San Antonio arts community.”

The featured artists were enthusiastic about their studio processes. Senior arts major Allison C. Valdivia described how her experience with printmaking has been filled with trial and error.

“You do it and you think

that you know how it is going to come out, but it’s unpredictable,” explained Valdivia.

However, based off her lithograph print “Tough Luck,” Valdivia appears to have complete control over her technique. Hundreds of wispy strands of hair dominate the self-portrait of Valdivia, with her own braided hair blindfolding her eyes. The viewer, traditionally used to an outside cloth doing the blindfolding, is left to think about what really causes them stress and anxiety.

Like Valdivia, several artists in the show came to printmaking after feeling restrained and less challenged by other mediums.

Arts major Sabrina Alfaro likes that the printmaking process, unlike digital work, has no room for error, and causes her to be exact in every mark she makes. “Using my hands changed my mind

completely,” stated Alfaro.

This intimacy is reflected in her linocut print, “Vamos a Kathy’s Kunty Korner!” The meticulous details displayed in her line work express the bold and upbeat attitude of the transgender people featured in the print.

Senior arts major Mary Wuest also discovered printmaking after working in other mediums. Her screen-print “Trophy” depicts two anthropomorphic vases, one with an accentuated hourglass shape and the other with a round, plump figure. Her relationship with three-dimensional objects through ceramics gives her a strong motif to work with when discussing social norms in two-dimensional prints.

Not all the works in the show were representational.

In arts major Jake Lopez’s work, aluminum shapes attached by maroon thread

create a bold contrast against a tan background. The materiality of the work brings the viewer in, but the subtle horizon lines and mountain ranges created from soft reliefs and negative spaces don’t appear until after longer contemplation.

Attempting to put his visual idea into words, Lopez reflects, “The more you think of a memory, the more you start to make changes to what is really there.”

Like the layers of the earth, older memories get covered up and distorted as experiences continue to build up in the mind. The geological references and the abstract quality of his work comment on how people create and alter their own memories. Lopez leaves the work untitled, allowing the viewers to project their own experiences.

The informal atmosphere of the opening allowed for open dialogue, not only about the artists’ prints but also about the printmaking process.

At the opening, students Allysha Farmer and Mary Wuest demonstrated some of the techniques they use in the studio, and a large group of enthusiastic Second Saturday attendees crowded around to see the artists at work.

Holding “Print It Up” at a local gallery in the middle of a bustling San Antonio art scene gives these students a great opportunity for exposure outside the UTSA sphere. As local art advocates walked around Second Saturday, many casually strolled into R Space, witnessing skillful techniques and progressive concepts from emerging UTSA artists.

“Print It Up” will be on display through Oct. 24 and can be viewed by appointment.

8

October 20 - October 27, 2015

ADVERTISEMENT STUDENTS! Texas Legislative Update Mandatory Campus Sexual Assault Policy Training for UTSA Students

Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas, Education Code 51 is amended by adding Section 51.9363.

House Bill 699 passed by the Texas House and Senate and signed by the Governor states that each institution of higher education shall require each entering freshman or undergraduate transfer student to attend an orientation or receive training on the institution’s campus sexual assault policy before or during the first semester or term in which the student is enrolled at the institution.

All Fall 2015 entering freshman and undergraduate transfer students are required to read and acknowledge UTSA’s Sexual Assault Policy on ASAP. Students must acknowledge on ASAP that they have reviewed UTSA’s Sexual Assault Policy to receive their fall 2015 grades.

Announcement from: UTSA Title IX and Equal Opportunity Services Office (EOS)

Look for this symbol in your ASAP account to read and acknowledge UTSA’s Sexual Assault Policy.

SPORTS

9

October 20 - October 27, 2015

{Sports Events} Wednesday, Oct. 21 UTSA volleyball (home) The volleyball team will compete against Charlotte at 6:00 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

Thursday, Oct. 22 UTSA tennis (away) The men’s and women’s teams will be in College Station competing at the USTA/ITA Texas Regional competition.

Friday, Oct. 23 UTSA golf (away) The men’s golf team will be in El Paso competing at the Price’s “Give ‘Em Five” Invitational.

UTSA soccer (home) The soccer team will face off with conference-rival Old Dominion in a C-USA match-up.

Saturday, Oct. 24 UTSA softball (away) The softball team will be in San Marcos for a pair of exhibition games. The first will be against Texas at 10 a.m. with a match-up against Weatherford College to follow.

Sunday, Oct. 25 UTSA golf (home) The women’s team will be competing at the Alamo Invitational. The invitational is the team’s only home event this season and is scheduled to run through Tuesday at Briggs Ranch Golf Club.

UTSA volleyball (home) The Roadrunners will take on conference-rival UTEP in a match at the Convocation Center scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m.

UTSA soccer (home) UTSA will compete against Charlotte in the last home match of the season. The match is set to begin at noon in the Park West Athletics Complex.

{Recent Results} Thurday, Oct. 15 UTSA volleyball W, 3-2 at Rice

UTSA soccer L, 1-2 vs. Southern Miss

Saturday, Oct. 17 UTSA football L, 10-32 at Southern Miss

Sunday, Oct. 18 UTSA soccer L, 0-2 at LA Tech

Shabazz I. Dawkins, The Paisano

UTSA offense: a midseason review

UTSA FOOTBALL Shabazz I. Dawkins Sports Editor @shabazzvs sports@paisano-online.com

With a record of 1-6, the UTSA Roadrunners are on pace to have their worst season in program history.

Coming off the heels of a 32-10 dismantling from Southern Miss on Saturday, the upcoming bye week will give UTSA an opportunity to heal and make some adjustments in an attempt to save what has so far been a disappointing season.

Of 127 teams, UTSA is currently ranked 112th in total offense. The abysmal ranking does nothing to tell the story of an offense that has struggled to establish an identity. During the preseason, much of the rhetoric surrounding UTSA’s offense was that it would be

“high-octane” and “downthe-field.”

These assumptions of the offense came without the knowledge that the Roadrunners would struggle finding a staple behind center through seven games.

UTSA Head Coach Larry Coker had four apparent options at the start of the season to take the starting role at quarterback: Austin Robinson, Blake Bogenschutz, Walt Bellamy and Dalton Sturm.

With Bellamy and Robinson electing to leave the program, and starter Bogenschutz succumbing to an untimely injury, that number dwindled to one over the last few weeks.

Although Bogenschutz will likely reassume starting duties following the bye week, Sturm has been a great story for the Roadrun-

ners this season.

A native of Goliad, Sturm came to UTSA as an unheralded walk-on. He tied a program record in his first start with four touchdowns against Colorado State. Although his passing attack cooled last weekend against Southern Miss (6-of-22 for 66 yards, one touchdown), Sturm’s impressive running ability gives the Roadrunners a dynamic option at quarterback.

Sturm is currently second on the team in rushing attempts and yards behind another player who has had a breakout season so far — junior running back Jarveon Williams.

With five games remaining on the schedule, Williams has already eclipsed David Glasco II’s rushing record of 570 yards, set in 2014.

Williams, who is currently sitting at 618 yards rushing — good for fifth in Conference USA (C-USA) — is on pace to break the 1,000yard mark for the season.

Williams, who has looked dominant at times this season (170 rushing yards against Colorado State) leads a rushing attack that is only good for 9th of 13 in the conference — a ranking only one place better than UTSA’s passing attack.

UTSA’s offense, which has some talented individual contributors, has simply not clicked together as a unit.

UTSA would be wise to continue utilizing their talented senior tight end, David Morgan II. Morgan, who was recently named to the John Mackey Award midseason watch list (an award given to the nation’s top

tight end), currently leads UTSA in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.

At 6’4” 260-pounds, Morgan has elite size that accompanies his soft hands and tenacious work ethic.

Morgan has consistently presented opposing defenses with match-up trouble and if he continues his strong 2015 campaign, he stands a chance of being the first UTSA football player to be selected in the NFL draft.

UTSA’s offense will not be on display for Roadrunner fans until a favorable Homecoming match-up with Old Dominion, Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Alamodome. Before that, the Roadrunners will have an extra week to scheme for an away game against North Texas on Oct. 31.

Roadrunners stunned by Marshall

UTSA VOLLEYBALL Brady T. Phelps Sports Assitant

@bradytphelps sports@paisano-online.com UTSA’s volleyball team (14-7, 5-2 C-USA) was defeated three sets to one by the Marshall Thundering Herd (14-8, 5-4 C-USA) at home on Sunday.

Having won six consecutive sets in their first two conference games at home, this match was the first time UTSA dropped a set at home against a conference opponent this season. The loss puts UTSA in a twoway tie at fifth place with Rice in the Conference USA standings.

“They just played harder than we did,” UTSA Head Coach Laura Groff said of the fired-up Marshall squad.

“We just weren’t being aggressive with our serves. I just felt like we showed up and thought they were going to lie down. They didn’t.”

After a competitive first set that ended 25-19 in favor of Marshall, UTSA showed the grit Roadrunner fans are accustomed to seeing, displaying dominance in a 25-9 second-set win. The

Herd’s lowest point total of the season was set when they scored only nine points in the second set.

“Game two was a complete flip because we served tough,” Groff said. “I just don’t know why we couldn’t keep it going. I really don’t.”

Despite the dominant performance in game two, Marshall maintained control throughout the remainder of the match, winning games three and four by scores of 25-23 and 25-16.

“You’ve got to execute,” Groff said after the loss. “It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the net. If we’re the better team, we’re going to win.”

For a team that is dominated by the contributions of upperclassmen, the Roadrunners received some key contributions from a few underclassmen in the loss. Leading the charge of freshmen and sophomore contributors was sophomore Marijeta Runjic, who led UTSA with 16 kills.

The 6’4” Croatian currently has 205 kills for the season, good for second on the team only behind Dajana Boskovic (249).

Jeff Huehn, UTSA Athletics

“(Runjic) did great,” Groff said after Runjic’s strong showing against Marshall.

“She came in and carried the

load. I thought she played a great match tonight.”

The UTSA volleyball team will compete against

Charlotte on Wednesday, then UTEP on Sunday, to end their three-game home stretch.

10

October 20 - October 27, 2015

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