San Antonio’s take on Dia de los Muertos: Page 6
Getting a closer look at a stripper: Page 4
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
October 23, 2012
Volume 47
Issue 22
UTSA named a top 400 international university Magalieh Acosta Web Assistant
SAPD Prue Substation: Service Calls 2011 (213,544), 2012 (194,736), -9% change; Property Crimes 2011 (12,825), 2012 (12,372); Violent Crimes 2011 (1,463), 2012 (1,439)
Off-campus security: crime in student housing Natalie Frels News Assistant
news@paisano-online.com On the night of Sep. 10, 2011, a long line of cars waited for the gates of Aspen Heights to open. Resident and senior marketing major Justeen Smith was just leaving the property, but she did not get far. Less than a minute after locking her back door, Smith received a disturbing phone call from her roommate. “She was crying. She could hardly speak,” Smith recalled. “All she said was, ‘He had a gun! He had a gun pointed at my head! He had a gun pointed at my head!’” At 11:30 p.m., the suspects used a
crowbar to break the lock of the back door and entered Smith’s home at Aspen Heights. “I was looking dead center at the gun,” senior kinesiology major Manvi Arora, Smith’s roommate, said. “He kept asking, ‘Where’s the money?’” “They made so much noise breaking my back door open; they were yelling, ‘We just got a free TV!’” Arora said. “My neighbors saw it. Why didn’t security see it?” Police arrived at the complex located on Hausman Rd. approximately 10 minutes later, according to Smith. “We thought that Aspen Heights was such a safe place to be,” Smith commented. “It was the place to be.”
Six months later, on March 24, 2012, police responded to a reported incident at 2 a.m. The crime scene was no more than 100 yards away from Smith and Arora’s back door. Leandre “Dre” Hill was later arrested by San Antonio police for the alleged murder of 20-yearold Randal Perkins. UTSA student Paul Benavidez was also shot and treated at the hospital after Hill allegedly fired into the crowd, according to KENS 5 News. SAPD stated that Hill will also be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to News 4 WOAI, the Perkins’ family lawyer, Fidel Rodriguez Jr., See SAFETY, Page 3
R o m n e y, O b a m a s p a r i n f i n a l two debates before election Matthew Duarte News Editor
David Glickman News Assistant
news@paisano-online.com President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney met at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York on Oct. 16 and again at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida on Oct. 22 for the final two presidential debates. While the New York debate was structured in a town hall format that allowed questions from the audience, topics at the Florida debate came from moderator Bob Scheiffer. The debate at Hofstra, which Politico—a Washington, D.C. based news outlet—described as “one of the most combative presidential debates in recent memory,” did not have a specific topic and questions ranged from the economy to recent events in Libya. The New York Times noted that both campaigns were competing “for a shrinking sliver of undecided voters, many of them women,” and that both candidates “took pains to fashion their arguments towards female voters.” On more than one occasion, Obama noted that Mitt Romney plans to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, and the president also touted the Lily Ledbetter Act, a bill signed by the president that fights pay discrimination based on gender. On the other hand, Politico
said Romney’s answer on equal pay “was awkward—at best.” Mitt Romney noted that during his time in the private sector, he was given “binders full of women” from which to hire potential employees, and Politico reported “the potential for women’s voters to see the remark as offensive is quite real.” The night was not without criticism, however, as CNN observed, “the most controversial moment of the night came when moderator Candy Crowley intervened” during an argument regarding Obama’s remarks on Libya. Romney was accusing Obama of failing to call the attacks on the American embassy in Banghazi, Libya acts of terrorism, while Obama was defending his statements and his policy in the Middle East. The Washington Post noted that one of Obama’s defining moments came during the Libya argument, but Politico also recognized that “Republicans have taken issue with the fact that moderator Candy Crowley gave Obama some backup.” However, Politico also emphasized that “Romney flubbed the Libya answer,” while Obama “took responsibility for what happened and looked presidential.” Following the first debate in which his performance was described as “mystifyingly bad,” Obama “was the better performer” at the second debate, the Washington Post reported. A CNN poll found that 46 percent of viewers believed Obama had won the debate, compared to 39 percent for Romney.
The same poll found that Romney had won the first debate by a 42 percentage-point margin, 67-25. Although he “wasn’t flawless and didn’t score as clean a win as Romney did in the first debate,” the Washington Post noted that Obama “moderated his tone to the sober/serious yet forceful persona he needed.” However, CNN noted that, following a “listless and lethargic” first debate, Obama “needed a convincing win” in New York, “and he did not get it.” Obama continued his attacks into the final debate on foreign policy, and Politico noted that the president “set the caustic tone at the outset and dialed it up from there.” Romney, on the other hand, “took a cooler approach to the debate,” Politico reported, and he “delivered familiar criticisms in a level tone, rather than taking big risks with attacks aimed at the jugular.” Although CNN acknowledged that Romney agreed with Obama on many points, the New York Times pointed out key differences between the two, including “Romney’s call to arm the rebels in Syria” and their differing opinions on Russia. The New York Times also noted key similarities between the two, including their strong allegiance to Israel, and Romney praised Obama on the assassination of Osama bin Laden. Polls and polling data gathered following the final debate showed Obama See DEBATES, Page 2
Out of 20,000 universities in the world, UTSA is ranked among the top 400 by Times Higher Education. The views of over 17,000 academics from 137 countries are factored into the results. UTSA is one of seven Texas universities in the World Rankings. Other universities included UT Austin, Rice University, Texas A&M , UT Dallas, The University of Houston and Southern Methodist University. The rankings assessed “globally competitive research-led institutions,” according to Times Higher Education. Criteria such as teaching, research, international outlook and citations in research journals are considered in determining rank. According to Chief Communications Officer Joe Izbrand, citations are “really recognized” at UTSA. “New faculty and research are creating a lot more publications and citations,” Izbrand said. “This is a testament to the work that faculty and researchers are doing.” Times Higher Education frequently cited the works of two UTSA professors, according to Izbrand. Dr. George Perry is the tenth most cited scholar for Alheimer’s disease in the world for his
Candidate forum brings election to UTSA campus Randy Lopez Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com Over a dozen Democratic candidates gathered in the Denman room at UTSA on Thursday, Oct. 18 to speak to the students about the upcoming election on Nov. 6. The UTSA Young Democrats hosted an on-campus event in order to educate young voters about their possible choices on the ballot next month. The event hosted Democratic candidates
who are running for positions ranging from judge to congressman. Among the more notable guests in attendance were prospective Congressmen Joaquin Castro and Pete Gallego. “The most challenging part [of organizing the event] was definitely trying to figure out the best format to engage students,” said Hannah Beck, president of the UTSA Young Democrats. Other student organizations such as GLBTQ and the College Republicans offered an array of diverse viewpoints See FORUM, Page 2
Matthew Duarte/The Paisano
Will Tallent/The Paisano
news@paisano-online.com
work in the field, while Dr. Ravi Sandhu’s research of cyber security has been widely cited as well. “It’s pretty awesome to receive that high ranking,” said graduate history major Alisa Harstsel. “[UTSA] is no longer a ‘come here and move onto bigger and better things’ university. We are what’s bigger and better.” Senior history major Brittney Johnson agreed. “[The ranking is] a sign that UTSA is a competitive university,” Johnson said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed the classes have become harder and the expectations have become higher.” UTSA was also recognized by Times Higher Education this summer as one of the top 100 universities under 50 years old, along with UT Dallas. Additionally, the credentials of UTSA freshmen are at an all-time high; half of the students graduated in the top 25 percent of their high school class. International student enrollment has also broken the record. According to UTSA Today over 2,100 students from more than 85 countries are served by International programs. “The university is being recognized more and more,” said Izbrand. “The UTSA community is rapidly becoming the world… because of our interaction with it and the world’s interaction with us.”
Congressional hopeful Joaquin Castro speaks at the candidates forum
News The Paisano DEBATES: Sharp divides PPIA Fellowship comes to UTSA in economic, foreign policy 2
October 23, 2012
From Page 1
Eliana Briceno
Contributing Writer news@paisano-online.com Students interested in public service on a domestic or international level should look into the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship. The PPIA Fellowship is a summer-long program that aims to increase diversity among public service leaders. The group promotes the belief that a society is best represented when leaders of different positions in the private, public and nonprofit sectors come from diverse backgrounds. “The program is designed to help develop future leaders in public service,” National Director for PPIA Erin Mann said. “We have both an international and domestic policy focus.” Students admitted to the program have the opportunity to attend one of four PPIA Junior Summer Institutes which include UC Berkley, Michigan University, Carnegie Mellon and Princ-
eton. The Fellowship provides full tuition, a stipend and the materials necessary to participate. While attending, students will spend the summer studying policy, statistics and international or domestic affairs. “It was an amazing experience,” UTSA graduate John Lira said. “[The classes] introduced me to the rigors of graduate school studies.” The students of PPIA also participate in networking events with alumni, learn about each other through team building activities and explore career possibilities available in the field. “The most gratifying take away was the bond and friendships that were formed,” Lira stated. “We all believed in each other.” Mann attributed the success of PPIA to its participants. “The one thing that impresses me the most is the passion and dedication from both the students and alumni,” Mann said. Students interested in applying can
go to www.ppiaprogram.org to begin the application process. Eligibility requirements include completion of a student’s junior year with one semester of coursework remaining, a commitment to completing a Master’s Degree in public or international affairs and an interest in pursuing a professional career dedicated to public service. Some of the materials required to apply include an unofficial transcript from all colleges and universities, two letters of recommendation and a list of the Junior Institutes ranked by preference. The website provides the full list of eligibility guidelines and required materials. For more information about the program or the application process, Mann encourages students to contact her via email at ppia.office@ppiaprogram.org The deadline to apply to PPIA is Nov. 1, 2012.
FORUM: Politicians welcome questions, criticism from students From Page 1
by tabling at the event. The Young Democrats encouraged the audience to ask the candidates questions following their speeches and many students actively participated, addressing their concerns on issues such as education reform and crime rates. A representative from the College Republicans asked Castro, “Are y’all really better off than you were four years ago?” in reference to the effect of the Obama administration. “We absolutely are better off than we were four years ago,” Castro replied, prompting a sudden burst of applause. The representative of the College Republicans offered
no response. In the end, Beck believed the hard work of the Young Democrats paid off. “I do think the event was a success. Students appeared interested in hearing candidates speak, asked thoughtful questions and many stayed afterwards to take pictures with elected officials,” Beck said. “We want young people to be engaged and to be participating in our democracy,” Castro stated, “but it’s even more critical for the young generation.” “The decisions that are being made now—you’re gonna have to live with for decades and decades, so if there’s any generation that should be tuned in, it’s the younger generation,” he added.
The Young Democrats of UTSA will also host many other on-campus events this semester such as an early-voting campaign, phone banks to support Obama and tabling for Pete Gallegos and the Pre-K 4 SA initiative.
We Want You! Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives is currently accepting applications for
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leading over Romney with the undecided electorate. CNN’s poll showed that debate viewers favored Obama in the debate by 48 percent compared to Romney at 40 percent with the same viewers. Other polls placed Obama’s lead at a higher rate than CNN’s however, with Public Policy Polling showing Obama having won the debate over Romney at 53 percent compared to those who consider that Romney won the debate, which was 43 percent. CBS’s poll showed a similar trend, with Obama considered the winner of the debate by 53 percent, as opposed to those who consider Romney the winner at 23 percent. In spite of the debate on foreign policy, Politico reported that “relatively few
voters have named national security as their top priority this election.” However, as CNN noted, “a forceful Obama put Republican challenger Mitt Romney on the defensive,” giving the president “a solid victory” in the final debate. However, it should be kept in mind, as Nate Silver of the New York Times suggested, that these later debates have relatively little impact on the final electoral map. There are no more debates scheduled between now and the election on November 6. Editors note: Matthew Duarte is a volunteeronthecongressionalcampaignof DemocratJoaquinCastro,andhasreceived monetarycompensationforhisworkthere in the past.
The Paisano
October 23, 2012
News
SAFET Y: ‘your relationship with your landlord is your rental agreement’ From Page 1
stated on behalf of his client that “there was no security at all being provided by the apartment complex, despite the fact they had many security breaches and problems of violent nature in the past.” “[Aspen Heights] said that they were going to increase their security,” Smith commented on the Perkins incident. “What happened to that?” According to Arora and Smith, they both asked management for the surveillance tapes, but, to their knowledge, the tapes were never turned over to SAPD and the case was never resolved. “[Aspen Heights] kept telling me ‘We’ll get it done, we’ll give it to the police,’ but they never did,” Arora stated. On the morning of Sep. 4, 2012 senior construction science management major Jacob Silva walked across the Outpost Apartments parking lot to discover the doors of his 2001 Ford Explorer ajar and his stereo stolen. At 10 a.m., he called the police and filed a report. The document detailed every missing piece of his stolen equipment: an Alpine head unit, a Mono 1000 D watt Alpine amp and 12 inch Alpine subwoofers. Even the lock had been ripped out. “At least they were nice enough to leave the umbrella,” Silva joked. Before Silva signed his lease with the Outpost Apartments on UTSA Blvd., he made a point to ask, “Is there crime on the complex? Do you have security from sun down to sun up?” According to Silva, management reassured him that security patrols the property every night. While every situation and apartment complex is different, residents in the area sign a similar contractual agreement, which explains the security measures and liabilities of the complex. Specifically, the Outpost leasing agreement states, “None of our safety measures are an express or implied warranty of security…you do not hold the Manager or us to a higher degree of care. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND SECU-
RITY.” The last sentence is boldly stressed both in print and in practice. Many renters sign the document without paying much attention to the security clause. In fact, applicants commonly overlook the terms of agreement and sign the document without understanding or even reading the regulations. “I didn’t read my lease before I signed it,” senior information systems major and Outpost resident Taylor Konigsmark said. “Honestly, who does that?” This incident is just one of the many reports in the area, with the nature of the incidents ranging from homicide, to theft to traffic stops, according to UTSA Police Crime Reports. More recently, on Oct. 16, a 20-yearold man was critically wounded in the breezeway outside of his apartment at the Outpost, according to SAPD. At 2 a.m., resident Charles Duoto was robbed and then shot in the chest. KENS 5 reported that Duoto was taken to University Hospital in critical condition. This summer, students were shocked to receive a UTSA Emergency Notification warning: “a hostage situation is in progress at the Outpost Apartments across from the Main Campus. SAPD is responding to address the situation. Avoid UTSA Blvd.” UTSA football walk-ons Adefemi O. Adekeye and Toyin Dada were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery by the San Antonio Police Department in relation to the incident that occurred just outside the Outpost Apartments on July 21. The two suspects allegedly held the victim, a 20-year-old male, at gunpoint after a drug deal turned into a violent standoff. Before the season even began, both Adekeye and Dada were dismissed from the UTSA football program, said Head Coach Larry Coker. Complexes in the area surrounding UTSA have developed a reputation for being unsafe. In 2010, police responded to 378
incidents at the Reserve, including 19 fights, 29 burglaries and 37 vehicle burglaries. That same year, police responded to over 250 calls from the Outpost. In 2012, San Antonio Police Department reported that they have been called to the Outpost apartments 320 times for various reasons, according to KENS 5 News. Some visitors are reluctant to visit the properties, for fear of what may happen to their car or well-being. Junior finance major Stephen Johnson remarked, “I’m afraid to go to the Outpost. I don’t want to get shot.” Apprehensive residents, often the victims of these crimes, feel that what is most alarming may be management’s response. Silva said that he asked to speak with Outpost Property Manager Kati Buchanan about his stolen property. “They wouldn’t even let me go talk to the manager,” he explained. “They just had somebody from the front desk running back and forth.” When Silva confronted the patrol officer at the Outpost, the guard explained to him that they are paid to patrol the property until 3 a.m. The Outpost did not respond to the Paisano’s repeated requests for comment. “If the grounds had the basic security measures, if it had something as simple as well-lit sidewalks, maybe I would feel safer,” Silva said. Real estate Attorney Robert N. Ray offered some insight into the legal system and the best course of action to address these concerns. “If [the crime] is coming from onsite, evictions can work faster than criminal convictions,” he stated. “Somebody needs to suggest that, instead of [security] driving through the complex, they walk through.” Ray also urged residents to notify management of any areas on these properties that are inadequately lit. However, these complaints and concerns do not reflect the opinion of ev-
ery resident living in the area. “Avalon (a property adjacent to the Outpost) is safe,” senior biology major Osita Anusi Jr. said. “Management has been helpful. I had problems when I first moved in, but they always seem to resolve it quickly.” Many residents at Aspen Heights are pleased with the property and, more specifically, the complex’s management. Two-year resident and senior education major Brooke Todor commented on her experience living at the former Aspen Heights, now known as The Estates at San Antonio. “I was there when the robbery and the shooting happened,” she said. “It could have happened at any complex.” Todor said that the staff “always goes the extra mile when something is wrong, or even good.” For example, Aspen Heights management sent her a congratulatory note for an award she received from the university, she said. “I believe the management cares about our safety and well-being because they hire a security guard,” Todor stated. “I have had only good experiences with Aspen Heights.” Regardless of how safe an individual resident feels, the Outpost rental agreement releases the complex from any obligation of safety: “we are not obligated to furnish security measures of any description or form including personnel, lighting, alarms, gates, fences, or notices of criminal activity of suspicious events. You acknowledge that we can discontinue any of such items provided at any time without notice.” “A locked door doesn’t mean anything,” Arora stated. “They didn’t learn from what happened to me.” Attorney Ray also explained the possible recourse available to tenants who are dissatisfied with their living situation. “It is vitally important that people be willing to give their written report, not only of what they’ve seen or heard, but also to identify themselves and be willing to testify in court,” Ray stated. “It’s one of those things that takes a
3
concerted effort by everybody.” For the displeased students living in these apartments, the solution is clear. “I’m getting out of here,” Silva said. “I’m not going to deal with this anymore.” Terminating a rental agreement may have consequences. In many instances, the tenant is obligated to pay the rent for the entire term of the lease, regardless of whether the tenant is “unable to continue occupying the Leased Premises for any other reason,” the Aspen Heights lease states. However, some rental agreements stipulate alternative options such as subletting, which allows a tenant’s lease to be signed over to a new, substitute tenant. After the break in, Smith and Arora demanded to break their lease with Aspen Heights, on the grounds that the inadequate security measures threatened their safety, which, they felt, was the responsibility of management. Their lease, however, required the tenants to sublet the residence instead. “We wished they could have said, ‘Okay, we understand you’re distressed. Somebody broke into your house and held a gun to your roommate’s head. We understand if you want to leave,’” Smith said. “But, they didn’t give us that option.” “[Management] should show us that they care,” Arora said, “not just because they’re a business, but because we are their residents. We live on their property. We expect you to care.” Aspen Heights did not respond to the Paisano’s repeated requests for comment. The Office of the Attorney General of Texas stresses on its website that “the most important source of information about your relationship with your landlord is your rental agreement.” For more information about Tenant Rights, refer to Chapter 92 of the Texas Property code or visit https://www.oag. state.tx.us/consumer/tenants.shtml.
Paseo
4
Women’s Issues: 2012
Bridget Gaskill Staff Writer paseo@paisano-online.com Many key issues surround the 2012 presidential election: unemployment, foreign policy, health care and immigration. The next man to take the Oval Office may not fall to the opinions of a nation, but to a specific contingency of women. In this election women’s issues regarding reproductive rights, contraception and federal funding for women’s programs could likely decide which candidate is elected. Gov. Mitt Romney’s stance involves overturning Roe v. Wade, the
The Paisano
October 23, 2012
bill which legalized abortion. Overturning the bill could outlaw abortions, eliminate contraceptive coverage among healthcare providers and redefine the term “legitimate rape.” President Obama, on the other hand, believes that women should be able to make their own healthcare choices, insisting that insurance providers be required to offer coverage for contraception and federal funding should continue for programs such as Planned Parenthood.
To see the article
Sex Ed. in the public school system By: Jennifer Alejos Visit
paisano-online.com
To see where the candidates stand on other women’s issues, visit: paisano-online.com
Exposed: the story of a college stripper Paseo Editor paseo@paisano-online.com
helping a stripper get through her job. “We call it liquid courage,” says Jane Doe. “It helps you loosen up and do something that most girls wouldn’t be comfortable doing. You’re very exposed and I don’t know any girl that doesn’t drink while she’s there. It puts girls in situations where they can be taken advantage of more easily. It seems to take a health toll because you’re drinking every night you’re there.” Many strippers adopt a persona by taking on a different name and creating a character. “I have to pretend I’m interested in people and I have to portray a fantasy. Everybody has different sides of their personality for different situations they’re in.” Jane Doe believes that most men are under the false impression that strippers enjoy their job as much as men enjoy visiting a strip club. “Men are under the assumption that we do it for the attention or that we like the attention,” she says. “When guys come in all we see is a dollar amount… you’re supposed to convince every guy that you’re interested in them and that you enjoy it, but men get too rough and too grabby, and it’s very invasive.” These characters help strippers act like the women who men pay to see. Jane Doe explains that all different types of men frequent strip clubs, but the men are “divided into those who come for fun and those who are regulars.” “A lot of men come in who work in
construction or on oil fields because they have what’s considered new money.” Jane Doe stated that most of the regulars are older, rich men. Often, these older, rich men simply want to talk to someone about work or their kids. These customers tend to be more serious about the girls they meet and are more likely to solicit a stripper to be a mistress in exchange for financial support. As a student with a background in political science and women’s studies, Jane Doe is cognizant of the mistreatment she faces at work. “You’re definitely commodified and objectified and it’s dehumanizing…men grab you and you have to put up with something you wouldn’t normally tolerate.” Much of the dehumanization, Jane Doe believes, comes from being treated like “cattle or animals that are shown off to be bought.” In a similar way, Jane Doe says, “Men think they completely own you, just because they give you money.” Jane Doe feels that being a feminist has made stripping a double-edged sword. She says working in strip clubs makes her “feel hyperaware of the situation and of what’s going on. There are little things that other girls don’t notice that upset me… but being a feminist helps me understand that just because we live in a patriarchal society, my valu e isn’t less than
For many people, the sex industry is shrouded in mystery and misperception. Strip clubs and strippers are no exception. Many men may see a stripper as only a sex object or someone to boost their confidence and fulfill a fantasy. The reality is that many of these strippers are desperate young women with nowhere else to turn. They simply see the men at strip clubs for what they are: a dollar sign. The Paisano sat down with a UTSA student who works this taboo night job. For the purpose of protecting her reputation, her name has been changed to Jane Doe. Many strippers feel that stripping is their only chance to earn a decent income. When asked how she first broke into the industry, Jane Doe replies, “I was really poor and I needed money. I was just in a tough financial situation.” A common joke in the industry is that the only difference between a strip club waitress and a stripper is two weeks. “I was a waitress first and it wasn’t enough money, so I went to a different club and decided to be a dancer,” explains Jane Doe. As a waitress, she felt she was receiving all the sexual harassment without the concession of high pay. Why did she chose to dance in a strip club instead of find an alternative source of income? Jane Doe explains “It’s the only profession that gives that much money and has flexible hours.” She explains that an average night at work earns her around $400. “Some girls make more, some make less, depending on how committed you are to the career,” she explains. “Some girls make over a thousand a night.” Dancing on stage for the first time was a daunting task. Her first night dancing “was really scary and traumatizing. I was really nervous because I didn’t want to do it. The first time is really shocking because you’re thrown out of your comfort zone.” Because strip clubs are an end point of desperation for many young women, those who recognize the power dynamic can easily exploit it. “I was drunk my first night dancing because that was the only way I could be ok with it,” she says. “The manager brought me shots and attempted to sexually assault me.” Many young and naïve women can be, and often are, easily taken advantage of when they enter the industry. “Most managers take advantage of As a member of the Air National Guard, you’ll receive up drunk girls and try to have to 100% college tuition assistance. Plus, you’ll develop the sex with them,” explains real-world skills you need to compete in today’s economy. Jane Doe. “Not all managers are like that; some And because you serve part-time, you can work or go to are more professional. It’s school full-time. All while receiving a regular paycheck and really at the lower scale affordable insurance coverage. Talk to a recruiter today. clubs that managers can be really sleazy, and they usually only try something when you’re new.” Dancing on stage while exposing your body can be extremely intimidating GoANG.com/TX 1-800-TO-GO-ANG for these young women. In this industry, alcohol plays a significant role in
HOW WOULD IT FEEL TO GET
UP TO100% COLLEGE TUITION?
a man’s.” Many of these dancers who feel emotionally traumatized from working in such an in-
dustr y
often d r a w criticisms for choosing such a career. For Jane Doe, she believes it’s of-
Will Tallent/ The Paisano
Sarah Gibbens
ten less of a choice than people realize. “We live in a system where mothers don’t have any rights and women don’t have the same rights or the right pay,” Jane Doe says. “A lot of women have the choice of working at some minimum wage job or deciding to go dance.” Jane Doe explains that she has to support herself and get through college without any financial support. Many of the women who dance in clubs are also trying to support their children. “For me it was either go into debt and not be able to feed myself or go dance. This is my only real source of income.” Looking towards the future, Jane Doe hopes to have a serious professional career and sees her current job as a temporary fix to a difficult financial situation. She hides her night job from many of the people in her life for fear of being judged or given a bad reputation. Jane Doe believes that she will one day have to confront the emotional and mental trauma she has experienced, but for now, she will continue to work at strip clubs. “Everyone always says there’s another way, but they never say what the other way is.”
The Paisano
October 23, 2012
The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Katy Schmader
Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker
Interim News Editor: Matthew Duarte
News Assistants: Natalie Frels David Glickman
Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens
Arts Editor:
Erica Cavazos
Arts Assistants: Valeria Perez Jennifer Alejos
Editorial
Rex Castillo
Sports Assistant: Sheldon Baker
Photo Editor:
Alyssa Gonzales
Photo Assistant: Will Tallent
Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Web Assistants: Magalieh Acosta Amanda Dansby
Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres
Staff: Daniel Crotty, Victor Hernandez, Valeria Rodriguez, Katy Glass, Valeria Perez, Bridget Gaskill, Hector Torres, Christina Coyne, Randy Lopez
By guaranteeing admission to any public Texas university to the top ten percent of high school students the state of Texas claims to be increasing minority enrollment in institutions of higher education. But in the process they are indirectly discouraging the best and brightest from earning a degree and fostering a culture in which the ends somehow justify the means in admissions. It is for these reasons that Texas should do away with the Top Ten Percent rule. The Top Ten Percent rule encour-
ages students to satisfy their GPA rather than feeding a desire to learn. High school students choose to excel in remedial classes rather than pushing themselves in accelerated classes because taking less challenging courses enables them to boost their GPA to meet the top ten percent criteria in a simpler, more practical fashion. This does nothing to help the Texas Education System. In addition to a specific GPA, state schools should consider other factors such as challenging courses or extra-
curricular activities that also prepare students for the rigors of college. Students may bypass both of these criteria in order to meet the top ten standard. The Top Ten Percent emphasizes the wrong set of expectations on students, forcing them to excel rather than allowing them to fail. When expectations are set unrealistically students who compete for a spot in the top ten percent have no margin for error, but we forget that many thinkers of our time failed in order to make great achievements. After all, it was Benja-
min Franklin who said, “I didn’t fail the test; I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.” Failure allows for creativity. By discarding the Top Ten Percent rule students would be adequately prepared for college rather than preparing to get into college. Universities should admit the best of the best. No matter what Texas universities current criteria are, they seem to be missing the mark.
Roadrunners are orange and blue for you This week, the UTSA Roadrunners played the San Jose State Spartans in the annual homecoming game. The Roadrunners lost 52-24 in front of 30,862. It was a good crowd for a team in its second year, but it was still less than half of what the Alamodome can hold. Really? We cannot fill at least half of our stadium on homecoming? Come on UTSA! A few local writers attempted to explain why the crowd was so low because fans were planted in front of their televisions to watch the Texas
A&M Aggies renew a rivalry with the Louisiana State Tigers that morning, two hours before the Roadrunners kicked off. About the time the Corps of Cadets band was marching off the field at halftime, the Roadrunners and Spartans were kicking off. I understand that people have an attachment to A&M and UT (my family has sent countless members to both schools), but we do not study at either of these universities. We chose to attend UTSA and should support our fellow Roadrunners accordingly. For example, Tech or TCU probably did not miss the game on Saturday to watch UT or A&M. It was a nail biter. Tech defeated TCU, 56-53 in three overtimes before a capacity crowd at TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium.
So why can’t we fill the Alamodome? Our opponents in the WAC may not be nearby, but the teams are good, maybe even better than the second year Roadrunners. San Jose State lost only to a ranked Stanford team and knocked off Navy earlier this season. The day before, the school held a pep rally in the West Paseo between the two University Center buildings. It was a small crowd, not counting the band, cheerleaders and twirlers. A lot of the student organizations had tables but the number of “average joes” or people not involved in an organization was small. We talk about UTSA being a Tier One university and moving away from the stigma of being a commuter school. In order for that to happen there has to be student involvement.
The only way to build tradition is to start it and that begins with the student body. The Roadrunners will play in the Alamodome for the next quarter of a century, so we, the students, must support the team of dedicated Roadrunners. We are the dedicated fans who will create the traditions of UTSA. Do we want to set the standard of quiet and apathetic, or loud and passionate? Let’s hold up our end of the bargain and give all our support to our alma mater. Let’s toss the maroon and burnt orange and trade it in for Roadrunner orange and blue. Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor
Contributing Staff: Chris Butler, Julian Montez, Ethel Asberry, Leann Acuna, Lictor Prianti, Corey Franco, John Poplawski, Council Royal, Eliana Briceno
Guest Commentary Hazelwood Exemptions-
An Unfunded Mandate in Need of Funding
Interns: Jennifer Alejos, Lorilee Merchant, Jonathan Pillow, David Smith
Advisor:
Diane Abdo
Advisory Board:
Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman 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. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:
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Down with the top ten percent
Commentary
Sports Editor:
Opinion
In fall 2011, the University of Texas at San Antonio served 2,983 veterans, according to statistics from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. UTSA served more veterans than any other school in the University of Texas System. At nearly 10% of our population, UTSA also has the highest proportion of veterans across the UT System (the average is about 4%). So why is this relevant? Section 54.203 of the Texas Higher Education Code exempts Veterans “from the payment of tuition, dues, fees, and other required charges.” This bill is now commonly known as the Hazlewood Exemption. The Hazlewood Exemption offers a phenomenal benefit to veterans and their families, and the continuation of the program should be wholeheartedly supported and funded. UTSA saw 967 veterans utilize this program during the fall 2011 semester. Since there is no formula funding allocated to support the Hazlewood Exemptions; it resulted in a $7.7 million loss of revenue for the year at UTSA. That $7.7 million would normally cover the cost of various professors, teaching assistants, student services, and other programs at the University. Veterans and their dependents deserve every bit of support in their pursuit of higher education. UTSA and many other colleges and universities across Texas have specific programs that uniquely benefit veterans. These programs include tutoring
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Alternate Reality: by: Michael Carroll
services, peer-to-peer mentoring programs, counseling and mental health services, and career and job placement services. All of these programs can help our new veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan as they return to and are reintegrated into civilian life. Texas needs the Hazlewood Exemption, the issue is that the legislation provides a disadvantage to our institutions of higher learning. The more veterans our colleges and universities serve under this program, the more funding the colleges and universities forgo. In February of 2011, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte filed SB 650 to correct this problem. SB 650 would have put in place a legislative requirement to fund Hazlewood exemptions. Unfortunately, this bill never even made it out of the Veterans Affairs committee. Military institutions in San Antonio have added over 12,500 new jobs and 10,000 new family members, which means those receiving Hazlewood Exemptions will be a growing population. Senator Van de Putte should file this bill again in the upcoming legislative session. The Veterans Affairs committee of the Texas Legislature should support the bill. Constituents across Texas should contact their representatives through http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/ and tell them this is an important issue. We owe it to UTSA, but more importantly we owe it to the veterans across Texas who put their lives on the line. Xavier Johnson President- Student Government Association The University of Texas at San Antonio
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Arts&Life
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The Paisano
Local Events: Tuesday, Oct. 23
onstage Val Perez Staff Writer
arts@paisano-online.com His name alone brings to mind a crumbling castle in Transylvania—a place where no sensible person treads. This nightmare is the devilish Count Dracula from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Hundreds of films, short stories, comics and stage adaptations based on Stoker’s work spurred the massive popularity behind the famous Count. But who bared the first fangs? How was this monster dreamed up originally? The origins of the vampire trace back to the folklore and legends told through ancient cultures, such as the Mesopotamian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman.
4:30 p.m. Public Tour: Museum Highlights
The San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones St.) invites you to a free informative tour of their works on display. During “Free Tuesdays,” guests can meet at the front desk and learn about the various highlights of their exhibitions. Admission is free. Courtesy of Alexander Devora
Ballet SA adapts story with a dark history
October 23, 2012
In 2011, Ballet San Antonio’s ‘Dracula’ dazzled audiences in its premier.
It is believed that vampire hysteria was spun from premature burial superstitions and the early ignorance of the body’s decomposition cycle after death. According to these ancient cultures, vampires were unholy creatures that fed off of the life-force of others, most commonly through the drinking of blood. However, the term “vampire” was not coined until early 18th century. Bram Stoker may not have created the original vampires, but his book has changed the way people know such creatures. Historical inspiration for Stoker’s Count Dracula came from Vlad the Impaler (Prince of Wallachia), who was a notorious, sadistic tyrant who took pleasure in torture and murder.
He killed thousands of people in his lifetime, and as his namesake implies, impalement was his preferred method of torture. It is still speculated whether he truly drank the blood of his victims or not. Published in 1897, “Dracula” is a story of Count Dracula’s move to London from Transylvania. Jonathan Harker, who arrives at Count Dracula’s castle in order to help legally support the transaction of his estate, eventually becomes the Count’s prisoner. Harker recounts the splendors and horrors inside of the castle and eventually faces a bigger threat when Count Dracula later tracks down Harker’s fiancée Wilhelmina “Mina” Murray. (To continue reading this story, go to <paisano-online.com>.)
Día de los Muertos:
Contributing Writer
arts@paisano-online.com In celebration of El Dia de los Muertos, UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures teamed up with the International School of the Americas to present an exhibit honoring the deceased. The exhibit, titled “Honor: Student Remembrances Through Altars,” opened Oct. 13, and will be on display until Nov. 4. Death celebration rituals have been practiced in the Americas for thousands of years, back to indigenous cultures in ancient civilizations. El Dia de los Muertos is truly a story of survival. Thought to be the one of the oldest of all afterlife celebrations, the origins of the holiday go back to Mesoamerican mythology with an annual festival honoring the Aztec goddess of the underworld, Mictecacihuatl, who is more commonly known as the “Lady of the
8 p.m. Theater: “Catch Me If You Can”
The Majestic Theater (224 E Houston) will host a performance of “Catch Me If You Can,” based on the film adaptation of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr.’s true story. In the story, a teenage vagrant eventually becomes a successful con man under the pursuit of FBI agent Carl Hanratty. This musical is acclaimed for its romance and comedy. Performances will run from Oct. 23 28. Tickets are $36.30 - $79.65.
Thursday, Oct. 25 8 pm. Theater: “The Rocky Horror Show” The Woodlawn Theatre (1920 Fredericksburg Rd.) presents “The Rocky Horror Show” starring Sharon Needles, from the reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The story recounts the adventure of a newly wed couple and their encounter with a transvestite named Dr. Frank-N-Furter. This show runs through to Oct. 27. Tickets are $25 - $50.
Friday, Oct. 26 8 p.m. Theater: “November”
San Pedro Playhouse (800 W. Ashby Pl.) presents “November,” a comedy that follows the story of a presidential candidate and his journey to the White House during re-election. Tickets range from $15-$25. For more information, call (210) 733-7258 or visit <http://sanpedroplayhouse.com>.
Saturday, Oct. 27 8 p.m. Theater: “Dracula”
Ballet San Antonio at the Lila Cockrell Theatre (200 E. Market St.) presents “Dracula,” the classic story of a vampire in love. Tickets range from $20-50. For more information visit http:// balletsanantonio.org or http://ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 28
history. Also this month, in celebration of El Dia de los Muertos, as well as other remembrance traditions, ITC’s exhibit “Honor: Student Remembrances Through Altars” features shrines made by art students from the International School of the Americas. (To continue reading this story, go to <paisanoonline.com>.)
“Those Wonderful ECK Masters” Free Book Discussion (book not needed)
Thursday, October 25, 7:00-8:00 p.m. University Center 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)
Chaps. 9 & 10 - Rami Nuri: Teacher at Temple of Golden Wisdom; Paul Twitchell: Founder of Eckankar
The Friendly Spot (943 S Alamo) will screen the classic ‘60s film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Most known for Audrey Hepburn’s iconic role as Holly Golightly, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a romantic comedy about a New York socialite who becomes infatuated with the new apartment resident. This screening will be free and starts at sundown.
Boneshakers Tap House and Pizzeria (306 Austin) is proud to present “Sheer Bloody Lunacy!” a cabaret horror/comedy musical that invites viewers into the world of models who are caught in the middle of a spiritual awakening. Tickets are $10. Courtesy of Will Tallent
Stephanie Barbosa
8 p.m. Film Screening: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
10:30 p.m. Theater: “Sheer Bloody Lunacy!”
Exhibit allows students to honor the dead Dead.” In Aztec tradition, the annual celebration lasted about a month, usually in August. In the 1500s when the Spanish arrived in what is now Mexico, the Spaniards found it difficult to accept the Aztec belief that death is a cause for celebrating the continuance of life, not the end of it. When the Europeans failed to kill the holiday in an effort to convert the natives to Catholicism, they tried to blend it with Catholic traditions of All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. While Catholicism is now a large part of El Dia de los Muertos, the spirit of the holiday still lives on. Today, the holiday is typically a twoday event from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2. The Institute of Texan Cultures is celebrating with a Dance with the Dead event, which invites guests to dress up as their favorite deceased Texans from
Wednesday, Oct. 24
Info: Adam Daufen – ibi677@my.utsa.edu or Call (832)244-6502 Sponsored by Eckankar Student Organization Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
3 p.m. Theater: “The Firebugs”
The Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start (108 Blue Star) presents “The Firebugs,” a play that takes a comedic look at a couple who allow arsonists into their home. Things are sure to get fired up in this dark comedy, directed by Diane Malone. Tickets range from $10 - $25. For more information, visit <http://jump-start.org>.
Fo r t h e we e k’s f u l l c a l e n da r, v i s i t : www.paisano-online.com
The Paisano
October 23, 2012
Sports
Spartans ruin ‘Runners homecoming Managing Editor
sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA Roadrunners didn’t have the inaugural conference home game they expected. The San Jose State Spartans overwhelmed the ‘Runners early with an impressive passing attack and won 52-24 on Saturday, Oct. 20 before an announced crowd of 30,862 at the Alamodome. The Spartans scored 28 points in the first quarter alone and extended their lead to 31-0 before the Roadrunners finally put points on the board in the second quarter. The Roadrunners were overwhelmed by the Spartans’ play and looked discouraged after the disastrous opening quarter. “They were a good football team,” Head Coach Larry Coker said. “There is a reason they only lost by three to Stanford. There is a reason they beat Navy. Give them credit.” The Roadrunners helped the Spartans cause by turning the ball over six times, which resulted in 28 of the total points for the Spartans. “This was a terribly bad football game for us,“ Coker said. “We made a lot of mistakes.” Redshirt-sophomore Ryan Polite was named the starting quarterback for the Roadrunners replacing an injured. Soza suffered a hip injury in last week’s game against Rice. “It felt good to finally get on the field and play for my teammates,” Polite said. “I should have done better, the team should have done better.” Polite finished his college football debut with a school record 302 passing yards, while completing 20 of his 32 pass attempts. Regarding Soza’s injury Coker said he might miss more time than first thought. “Hopefully we’ll have him back soon,” Coker said. “I don’t think we will have him back this week.”
Weekend Recap UTSA Soccer
drive at their own 14-yard line. The fourth play was the ‘Runners most explosive, as running back Evans Okotcha caught a screen pass from Polite and sped down the Alamodome turf for a touchdown to put the Roadrunners on the board 31-7. Okotcha wore number 21, instead of his usual number 36, in honor of his friend Jacob Logan, a football player at Coppell High School who died earlier this month on Oct. 14. The woes for the Roadrunners continued on the ensuing kickoff when Ervin returned the kick 92 yards for another Spartans touchdown and gave San Jose State a 38-7 lead. The Roadrunners kicked a field goal before the half and trailed 38-10 at halftime. Wide receiver Marcellus Mack fights off a San Jose defender during UTSA’s homecoming game loss. The ‘Runners have lost the past two UTSA’s defense disrupted games. the San Jose’s offensive moThe Roadrunners got a first down The Spartans then scored when mentum and forced a Sparon their second play of the day, an Fales scorched the Roadrunner sec- tans fumble up the football on their improvement over last week’s game. ondary a second time and completed a first drive. The Roadrunners didn’t Things went down hill when they were pass to running back Tyler Ervin open waste the opportunity when Kenny forced to punt to the Spartans. for a 36-yard touchdown. Harrison snatched Polite’s pass for a The Spartans took advantage of their Polite led the Roadrunners back onto five-yard touchdown that made the first possession when quarterback the field with 63 yards between them score 38-17. David Fales lobbed a pass over the but that offensive drive was stopped The Roadrunners stopped the SparRoadrunner secondary and found re- and the Roadrunners were forced to tans on the next drive, but then fumceiver Noel Grigsby open with nothing punt. Unfortunately, the snap sailed bled it back to the Spartans who, in standing in his path to the endzone. high over the head of Josh Ward and turn, put another touchdown on the The Spartans scored another touch- rolled into the endzone. The Spartans board to go up 45-17. down a little over two minutes later recovered the Roadrunners fumble for The Roadrunners were forced to when backup quarterback Blake Jurich another touchdown and gave San Jose punt on their next possession but it jogged into the endzone to put the State a 28-0 lead. didn’t go well, as the punt from the Spartans up 14-0 with 6:59 left in the The Roadrunners were desperate UTSA 12-yard line went out of bounds first quarter. to retaliate offensively. Unfortunately eight yards down field at the UTSA 20The Roadrunners took the field hop- for the demoralized Roadrunners, yard line. Three plays later, the Sparing to put some points on the board the Spartans defense forced another tans scored their final touchdown of facing a manageable deficit. However, fumble and recovered the ball just 16 the day. The Roadrunners scored one in the fifth play of the series, the Road- yards from the endzone. However, the more touchdown in the final quarter runners fumbled the football and the UTSA defense held the Spartans to a that made the final score 52-24. Spartans recovered on the Roadrun- field goal. UTSA will play at home next weekner 36-yard line. The Roadrunners started the next end against the Utah State Aggies.
UTSA 2 New Mexico State 1 Volleyball Texas State defeats UTSA (3-2) NCAA Football Baylor
Ruth Olivares/ The Paisano
Stephen Whitaker
7
50
25
UT Austin
56
17
Texas Tech
56
23
TCU 53
1
Alabama
44
Tennessee
13
7
S. Carolina
11
2
Florida
44
3
Oregon
43
Arizona State
21
4
Kansas State
13
55
West Virginia
14
BYU 14 5
Notre Dame
6
LSU 24
18
17
Texas A&M
19
Utah 7 8
Oregon State
21
Kansas 7 9
Oklahoma
52
Colorado USC
52
11Georgia
29
Kentucky
24
10
Read our UTSA basketball preview on our website at www.paisano-online.com. Guard Michael Hale III (pictured left) averaged 9.9 points and guard Kamra King (pictured below) averaged 10.4 points last season.
6
NFL Baltimore
13
Houston
43
Dallas 19 Carolina
14
Detroit 7 Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics
File Photo
Chicago 13 MLB NLCS
St. Louis
0
*San Francisco
9
* San Francisco advances to World Series
Coming Up Women’s Basketball First home game Nov. 3 vs. McMurry Men’s Basketball First home game Nov. 1 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State college ski & boArd week breckenridge • Vail • beaver creek keystone • Arapahoe basin
breckenridge
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. From only
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The Paisano
October 23, 2012
