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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2017
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131st YEAR ISSUE 31
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884
‘You are welcome here, you are valued here’:
Starkville stands together representing hope to the international community by Emmalyne Kwasny News Editor
A diverse group of approximately 250 people gathered at 6 p.m. Wednesday in The Junction on Mississippi State University’s campus. Those present were brought together by a common bond: the Presidential Executive Order on Immigration. The vigil was hosted by the Religious Diversity Organization and speakers presented to concerned members of the Starkville community surrounded by the warmth and comfort of candlelight. Students, faculty members, residents of the community and more held signs presenting hope in a myriad of ways reminding international students of their value. Anna Walker, a second year veterinary medicine student who initiated the gathering, explained why she decided to call the event a vigil. “One of the definitions of the word vigil is ‘a period of time keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep,’” Walker said. “So to anyone out there who has been affected, targeted or feels threatened by this ban, please look around and know that we are awake and we are
Sarah Dutton | The Reflector
Two participants at Wednesday nights’ vigil at The Junction on Mississippi State University’s campus help ignite each other’s candles to illuminate the surrounding crowd gathered in solidarity against President Donald Trump’s recent presidential executive order.
watching and we will stand up to insure that you are not only given the freedom to be here, but that you also receive the respect and opportunity that you deserve.” Walker said to those who support the presidential executive order, those opposed to it will fight against them every step of the way. Dr. Rani Sullivan, associate professor of Aerospace Engineering,
spoke representing the Muslim Student Association. Sullivan hoped that peace would be present among everyone present. She said to the crowd that “they had demonstrated they have a voice and that it must be used.” “Silence is the same thing as agreement,” Sullivan said. She asked the crowd to forgive the fear of the international students. Sullivan said the crowd
was displaying one of her Islamic religion’s key principles–to not idly watch as creation is abused or mistreated. She said Muslims are told to stand up firmly for justice, to be a witness for God. Sullivan said she and her family have lived in Starkville for 50 years, and despite cultural differences, the community welcomed her family. “This community has
Sarah Dutton | The Reflector
Families gathered at the vigil named “Beacon of Light: Vigil For Refugees, Immigrants and Muslims.” Candles were handed out as the community gathered to spread hope.
nurtured me and my family through all of these years,” Sullivan said. “I hear the same thing from people that
come today. Nobody wants to leave. It is because of the hospitality and generosity that is shown to us.” VIGIL, 2
SA candidates debate issues for Tuesday’s election by Samantha Neargarder Contributing Writer
The executive council candidates of Mississippi State University’s Student Association gathered to debate their opponents and deliver their personal platforms to students on Wednesday night. The debates started with the office of treasurer, secretary, and vice president and were followed by a speech from the president elect who is running unopposed. Every candidate came prepared to answer questions regarding their office, as well as questions from the audience. The current SA President Roxanne Raven gave a welcoming speech before the debates began describing the job tasks of being on executive council, and the responsibilities each position holds. Raven let the audience know of the fiscal responsibilities by giving examples of things the current SA has accomplished. “These positions deal with a $500,000 budget from student fees and
from the state. So make sure you elect somebody you can trust with your money,” Raven said. “Some examples the Student Association has done this past year are making campus smoke free, making $20,000 accessible for green projects every year, and improving recreational equipment at the Sanderson.” Johnny Douglas and Elizabeth Thomas were the first candidates to take the podium to debate for the office of treasurer. Each candidate discussed goals they wished to achieve given the opportunity to take office for the executive council. Douglas had the opportunity to voice his opinion first. “My goal is to have the budget help everyone on campus, even people who aren’t as active in student association,” Douglas said. Thomas, his opponent, had three main goals: to restore accountability, bring modern technology to the office, and initiate budget apps for cabinet members. With these ideas, Thomas said he believes there will not be as many miscommunications and mishaps as in the past.
Alayna Stevens | The Reflector
Tyler McMurray, unopposed runner for SA president, smiles as she addresses those present with a speech explaining her platform.
The secretary position has five candidates running, however only two of those running could make it to the event: Stephanie Durr and Karlie Hughes. As stated by the mediator, the secretary position is the main source of communication between the SA and the student body. Both candidates
spoke on how they would add more transparency to the position of secretary if elected. “I would like to incorporate organizations and other student groups in what we are doing, so when our cabinet is putting on events or trying to ask policies,” Hughes said. “I would like to reach out
to the organizations and student groups that it is affecting.” Durr said she had a different viewpoint, wanting to let more voices be heard throughout the student body, which to her seemed to be a reoccurring issue among students. Durr said she wants to implement biweekly newsletters to be
emailed out to students so they are up to date on what the cabinet is doing, as well as legislations going to the senate floor. Vice president candidates, Ann Sowell and William (Layton) Little looked eager to share their platforms as they reached the podium. A question proposed by the audience about their campaign desires seemed to summarize the two candidate’s main concerns. “The most crucial part of my platform is definitely the communication point,” Sowell said. “I want to increase and better the communication between you students, and the SA [executive council].”. Differing from Sowell, Little said the most crucial piece to his platform was student health, specifically mental health. “One of the things I want to do is put the suicide hotline number, counseling services number and police number on the back of your ID card, or front wherever they are allowed,” Little said. “That way if students are struggling in that moment they will always have their ID card on them.” DEBATE, 2
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FORECAST: A cold front has moved through & we are left with sunny and dry conditions! Some clouds possible Sat. and Sun., but overall more seasonable conditions. Enjoy the weekend!
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