The April 16th edition of The Southern Digest

STATE & NATION

House passes ‘fake weed’ ban

SPORTS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Also: Mitchell goes on tour. PG. 5

Seagal in civil suit in Cali. PG. 6

sheriff: ‘lawman’ on hold

jags travel to take on PV

Senate set to do same. PG. 4

estABLished in 1928

WWW.SOUTHERNDIGEST.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010

VOL. 55, ISSUE 16

SU search down to 3

SGA PRESIDENT Demetrius Sumner 826* Langston Williams 594 MISS SOUTHERN Kenya Warren

736*

Diane Chavis

686

diGest NeWs serVice

MISS JUNIOR

HaYNes

Chisolu Isiadinso

212*

Brittany Lyles

165

By Billy WasHinGtOn diGest a&e editor

MISS SOPHOMORE Makala Clark

Springfest schedule set

275*

Jazmine Stephenson 164

Sumner, Warren earn wins By mary daVis

diGest MaNaGiNG editor

The results of the Student Government Association runoff elections brought about devastation and shattered dreams for Langston Williams after Demetrius Sumner came out on top.

Senator Demetrius Sumner defeated Vice President Langston Williams in their run for the president’s seat.

Sumner led Williams by 145 votes after the general elections.

“It’s amazing, it’s amazing.

It says so much when 800 something students says they trust you to be their leader, even in such difficult times,” expressed Sumner. “My team set us up for victory. We fought for victory the entire time. We wanted a thousand votes, we wanted a unanimous election, which I knew we wouldn’t get.

It’s not possible. We fought for every vote that we could and we touched every student that we could. We are glad that the See election page 3

People played close attention to March Madness as teams fought their way to the Final Four. However, the eyes of the Jaguar Nation are fixed on the three finalists for the Southern University System presidency — Ronald Mason Jr., Robert Jennings, and Leonard Haynes III. The SU Presidential Candidate interviews were conducted in the J.S. Clark Administration Building Tuesday for five hours. The candidates selected for interview were Ronald Mason, President of Jackson State University and native of New Orleans, Carolyn Meyers of

JeNNiNGs

MasoN

North Carolina A&T , Leonard Haynes III, former Executive Vice President of the Southern University System and pastime football player for SU, Robert Jennings, former president of Alabama A&M, and Marvin Yates, former chancellor of SU. Clarence Newsome, former president of Shaw University was an initial candidate but according to the Southern University Press Release, Newsome decided to withdraw his name form the search process Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the candidates were narrowed to three by the presidential search committee, which is comprised of members from various arenas of the SU

system community.

“The search firm reviewed numerous applications for the position,” said Domoine Rutledge, National Alumni Federation President and cochair of the search committee.

“Once reviewed, application packets were forwarded to the search committee for scoring.

After careful consideration, five candidates were selected by the committee to receive interviews. Of those five, three outstanding candidates with scholarly accomplishments and extensive administrative experience emerged and are being recommended to the SU Board of Supervisors to be See president page 3

Budget cut talks ahead By mary daVis diGest MaNaGiNG editor

A 20 percent budget reduction scenario was prepared by Southern University personnel earlier this month.

The scenario, instructed by Dr. Mwalimu Shujaa, Vice-Chancellor and Provost of Academic Affairs, was issued because the university faces a $12.8 million three-quarter year budget cut.

If the proposal of the budget reduction is approved, SU is expected to cut about $2.5 million. Since December 2008, thru mid-April, the university has received budget reductions shy of $10 million.

“If (the reduction) were to occur the total budget cuts actually received and proposed for the university would come to about $12.8 million dollars,” Shujaa said.

If the three-quarter cuts are approved by Governor Jindal, SUBR will have suffered a 40 percent reduction of what the budget was

in December 2008. At this time officials are unsure of what the governor will decide.

As a result of possible budget cuts preregistration for the fall has been postponed.

“The reason student’s can’t register for the fall semester yet is because we don’t have a budget for it,” Shujaa said, “We don’t know if there is going to be an additional cut and we have to know what we have in order to know what our fall budget is going to be.”

According to Shujaa, SU itself isn’t bad off financially. However they are concerned with the amount of state funds allocated to the university.

“We are a state agency and as a state agency there is only two areas in the state where the governor can affect budgetary; higher education and health care. The rest of the state budget would require two-thirds approval by the legislators to affect.” Shujaa stated.

See budget page 3

Southern University will celebrate Springfest with lineup of events including a Fashion Show, Greek Show and Wellness Fair, all leading up to the annual Springfest concert.

Events will kick-off with the Spring Wellness Fair, hosted by the Student Health Center, on Wednesday, April 21, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., in the lobby of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

The fair, which is free and open to Southern students, faculty and staff, will offer free, confidential HIV testing; blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screening; diabetesscreenings;eyescreenings; clinical breast exams; height, weight and BMI measurements; nutrition education and mental and physical health appraisals.

The “Fame & Fashion Show,” will be in the F. G. Clark Activity Center, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 22. The show will feature designs by Reco Chapple from the Bravo reality show “The Fashion Show,” teen designing sensation Brianna and performances by local bands.

TV celebrity Fonzworth Bentley will host the show.

Bentley is a former assistant to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and host of MTV’s reality show, “From G’s to Gents.”

The fashion show is open to the public. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life.”

The Springfest Greek Show will be held Friday, April 23, at 7 p.m., in the Clark Center.

Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased from the SU Ticket Office beginning Monday. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

Events will conclude with the Springfest Concert on Saturday, April 24 on the Mayberry Lawn. The five-hour concert begins at noon and will feature performances by headliner, J. Holiday; Goapele; the New Boyz and a surprise artist.

THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE DIGEST WILL BE FRIDAY, APRIL 23.

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THE SOUTHERN DIGEST 4 - DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK SATURDAY, APRIL 17

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Classifieds

are open to students, faculty, and staff. For more information, please contact Melvin Robinson at 225.771.3212.

aPartments fOr rent

Tired of student housing? Free rent specials.

1.866.972.5495.

Campus Briefs TODAY financial aid alert

The Financial Aid Office is requesting that students apply for financial aid early. Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible for the 2010-11 award year. Students must file a FAFSA annually for eligibility consideration.

SUBR’s school code is 002025. Please visit www. fafsa.ed.gov to complete a FAFSA online. Students and parents should apply for PINs at www.pin. ed.gov. Your PIN will serve as your electronic signature to process the FAFSA. The preferred deadline for Summer 2010 and Fall 2010 has passed. The final loan deadline for Summer 2010 is June 11.

For more information, contact the financial aid office at 225.771.2790.

BeeP meetinGs

BEEP Meetings are held every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in T.T. Allain Room 222.

These meetings are open to all majors. For more information contact Toni Jackson at 225.771.5640 ext. 222 or at subeep@ subr.edu.

MONDAY, APRIL 19

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TUESDAY, APRIL 20

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Spanish Club, meets Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in Room 320 of T.T. Allain Hall. If you are unable to attend the meetings but still like to participate, please send your name, contact number and valid e-mail address to SouthernUSpanishClub@ gmail.com seniOr Visual arts eXHiBitiOn

Southern University’s Department of Visual Arts is currently hosting a Senior Visual Arts Student Exhibition in Frank Hayden Hall until April 28. The exhibition gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

The exhibition is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Robert Cox at 225.771.2070.

at 3 p.m. The seminar is designed to demonstrate how relationships, jobs and responsibility fit into being a productive student.

The “Working with Faculty” seminar is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. SU faculty members will discuss what they really expect from students, along with discussing ways faculty can help students. sulc infOrmatiOn sessiOn

Southern University students are invited to a free information session on Peer tutOrinG law studies at the Southern Peer tutoring is available University Law Center at in the Center for Student 6 p.m. Monday, April 19, Success in Stewart Hall in the Edward L. Patterson Room 107. Available Moot Court Room. hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The session will include Mondays-Thursdays and a welcome address by 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays.

Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, Follow the Center for Jr., a question-and-answer Student Success on Twitter period, a Law Center tour, to see exciting upcoming and a reception. events: www.twitter.com/ APRIL 17 For more information, jaguar_nation. contact Andrea Love, SULC director of recruitment, at BaPtist student uniOn tHe Bluff car WasH Want to become a The BLUFF, SU Web 771.6297 or Alove@sulc. member of the Baptist Radio, is having a car wash edu.

Student Union? Want Saturday, April 17 from 9 APRIL 21 to fellowship with other a.m.-1 p.m. at Advance students during the week? Auto Parts (across from Need a place to worship? the Palisades). Come by faculty senate electiOns Need a place to attend for and support The BLUFF Faculty Senate elections bible study, special events and have a clean car for will be held on April 21 from and trips? Need a quiet the weekend.

9 a.m.—6 p.m. Run-off place to study? Need a elections, if necessary, will eXercise & fitness center APRIL 19 be held on April 27. Please The new Exercise and place to relax and watch fax, e-mail or hand deliver Fitness Center of the television?

Join the T.J. Jemison completed nomination forms Intramural Sports and css seminars Recreation Department Baptist Student Union, The Center for Student to Dr. Hassan Mahadallah, is open for use in the F. located at 724 Harding Success is offering three Department of Political across from seminars at Stewart Hall’s Science, Higgins Hall, Room G. Clark Activity Center. Blvd., The hours of operation LaCumba’s Den and Lawless Auditorium in the 419. Dr. Hassan may be reached at 225.771.3210 are Monday through the tennis courts. For upcoming days.

Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 6:00 more information, call CSS will hold its (office), 225.771.2848 fax, hassan_mahadallah@ p.m. Aerobic classes are 225.774.8924.

“Coping with the or offered on Monday and Demands of College subr.edu.

Wednesday evenings in Life” seminar Monday lOs jaGuares latinOs APRIL 23 Moore Hall Auditorium.

Los Jaguares Latinos, at 4 p.m., Wednesday The facility and classes Southern University’s at 1 p.m. and Thursday rOc tHa mic: freestyle Battle Southern The BLUFFSU Web Radio will be have its second ROC THA MIC Freestyle Battle, April 23 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at The Pavilion. There will be prizes, giveaways and performing artists.

The winner of the battle will be featured in nationally Name: known magazine ONWAX MAGAZINE. To sign up Address: e-mail us at thebluff@subr. edu, come by the studio in City/State/Zip: Room 154 Stewart Hall or see any staff member for Daytime Phone: ( ) information.

For more information, For more information call 225.771.2230 or mail your subscription payment of $40 to: The Southern Digest Subscriptions, PO Box 10180, Baton Rouge, LA 70813. visit www.subr.edu/ Business, cashiers checks and money orders accepted only. No personal checks or thebluff. Also visit www. credit card orders accepted. Make all payments to The Southern Digest. onwaxmagazine.com.

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sUite 1064 – t.H.Harris HaLL p.o. BoX 10180 – BatoN roUGe, La 70813 225.771.2231 pHoNe / 225.771.3253 FaX WWW.soUtHerNdiGest.coM issN: 1540-7276. copyright 2008 by the southern University office of student Media services. the southern diGest is written, edited and published by members of the student body at southern University and a&M college. all articles, photographs and graphics are property of the southern diGest and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without the written permission from the editor in chief and director of student Media services. the southern diGest is published bi-weekly (tuesday & Friday) with a run count of 6,000 copies per issue during the southern University - Baton rouge campus fall, spring semesters. the paper is free to students, staff, faculty and general public every tuesday & Friday morning on the sUBr campus. the southern diGest student offices are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. the offices are located on the first floor of t.H. Harris Hall, suite 1064. the southern diGest is the official student newspaper of southern University and a&M college located in Baton rouge, Louisiana. articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. signed articles, feedback, commentaries and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff or student body.

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MISSION STATEMENT the mission of southern University and a&M college, an Historically Black, 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to achieve a high-quality, global educational experience, to engage in scholarly, research, and creative activities, and to give meaningful public service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world so that southern University graduates are competent, informed, and productive citizens.

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2010 SPRING DIGEST STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Norman J. dotson Jr.

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PAGE 2 / CAMPUS BRIEFS all submissions must be received by 3 p.m. each Friday for Tuesday’s Issue and by 3 p.m. each Wednesday for Friday’s Issue. paGe 2 is only available to officially registered campus organizations, southern University departments. all briefs should include a date, time, contact name & number. submit announcements to: the southern diGest - suite 1064 Harris Hall, attn: paGe 2 CORRECTIONS Fact and accuracy is our goal and our job. as the voice of the southern University student body we are committed to ensuring to most fair, truthful and accurate accounts of our work. in the event of an error we will make all corrections on page 2.

Bring corrections to the southern diGest office located in suite 1064, Harris Hall.

NEWS

Friday, April 16, 2010 - Page 3

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budget from page 1 To become more independent of the state, university officials have proposed to the board of supervisors that SUBR establish its own foundation.

This foundation would be different from the Southern University System Foundation.

The creation of a foundation will allow alumni from Southern University Baton Rouge to give back to this campus directly.

Shujaa says the only way alumni money reaches this campus is through the system’s foundation, which supplies funds for all five campuses. Campus foundations already exist for the campuses at Shreveport and at New Orleans.

“With SUBR having its own foundation, that gives us an opportunity to raise money directly for this campus,” said Shujaa. “This is going to take a lot of work, but this gives us a fundraising arm that we haven’t had before.”

The first step in having a foundation established for this campus was taken earlier this week at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting. Unfortunately, an investigation into the number of votes needed to approve the proposal has halted the process.

Investigators are questioning whether 10 votes or nine are needed for the approval to be legitimate.

“The next step would be to establish a board of directors for the foundation and hire a director who is basically a fundraiser to begin the process of fundraising.” Shujaa said.

At the moment officials are unsure of the amount of funds that could be generated if the foundation was started. The only concern that has been presented questions the level of compeatativeness between the Southern University Systems’ Foundation and Southern University Baton Rouge Campus Foundation.

“I think that with communication and a very clear delineation of roll and mission, those two foundations can coexist and do different things.”

Said Shujaa.

If budgets continue to be cut the university will not be able to operate at its current level. It is not expected that the university will close, but would operate with a smaller amount of employees and administration. If budget cuts continue there could be a possible loss of degree programs offered because there would be fewer resources to support them.

The university spends close to $10 million on utilities annually and over $60 million on salaries, wages and benefits alone.

“Every employee making over $30,000 has been furloughed at least one day a month for the past year. For employees making over 75,000 the furloughs have been extended to two months, over May and June, which

election from page 1 results are what they were.”

Sumner devastated Williams in the runoff election tallying 826 student’s votes to William’s 594 votes.

“Well the student body voted and chose who they felt was best equiped to lead them,” said Williams.

Miss Southern-elect Kenya Warren battled biology major, Diane Chavis for the seat of Miss Southern. The race ended with Warren bringing in 736 votes to Chavis’ 686 votes.

“I am elated, honored, and thankful,” said Warren. “My first step is to get my executive board together for Up ‘til Dawn.

Then I would like to go to Scotlandville

Magnet High School and present my initiative for the upcoming school year.

Warren says that she does have hopes of working with those who fought against her for the seat of Miss Southern.

“I worked with them this year. I hope they are serious and passionate about their platforms and would still like to implement them,” said Warren.

Chavis trailed Warren by 138 votes entering the run-off election.

“We ran a good race and I wish her (Warren) the best of luck.”

Sophomore Chisolu Isiadinso and freshman Makala Clark were victorious in the run-off election after they were chosen

to be class beauty over their opponents.

Isiadinso won the title of Miss Junior after she defeated Brittany Lyles in the runoff election by only 47 votes.

Isiadinso brought in 212 votes to Lyle’s 165 votes.

Makala Clark came out on top in her run for Miss Sophomore against Jazmine Stephenson.

Stephenson trailed Clark by 15 points going into the run-off elections. However, she lost by 111 votes in the run-off election.

Clark devastated Stephenson tallying a total of 275 votes. Stephenson only garnered 163 votes.

president from page 1 considered for the position of System President,” continued Rutledge.

Ronald Mason Jr., is most known for his controversial decision making at Jackson State University involving his PowerPoint proposal to merge three HBCU’s into Jacobs State University. According to the HBCU DIGEST, “Sen. Alice Harden, D-Jackson, MS, and Rep. Billy Broomfield, D-Moss Point, MS confirmed that Mason approached them with the idea to downsize historically black colleges—Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University—into specialized campuses united under the name Jacobs State University.”

Senator Harden and other legislators did not approve of the proposal.

“We need to do something (about under-funded black universities), but this isn’t it. I can’t stand behind this,” stated Harden.

During the interview process, held Tuesday, Mason expressed his side of the issue.

“There was never a proposal and there was never a request to support the forming of Jacob’s University, It was simply my analysis of the challenges that the HBCU’s in Mississippi face and one idea of how to meet those challenges throughout the PowerPoint I created,” said Mason.

According to the Clarion Ledger, a Mississippi publication, Mason has also received heat from JSU’s Faculty Senate about the proposal and the senate has proposed a vote of no confidence against him on March 12, 2009. He has also been accused of increasing administrator’s salaries, failed to explain the inconsistencies of JSU’s budget, and the promotion of inappropriate hiring of vice president’s, deans, and faculty contrary to guidelines of the shared government document.

There are also rumors floating around on SU’s campus concerning Mason’s completion of the application.

On the other hand, Mason is known for being a fundraiser

and astute businessman. He has acquired $20 million dollar facility from Allstate Corporation for only $3 million dollars and transformed it into a technological hub for corporate, community and academic advancement.

“I do know how to raise money and I’m the fundraiser for the institution. We don’t beg, we sell investment opportunities,” said Mason during the interview process.

Mason also has served on several positions at Tulane University for over 18 years, which included Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Vice President for Finance and Operations. He has also been involved with the White House Board of Advisors for HBCU’s and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO).

Mason received his bachelor and juris doctorate degrees from Columbia University in New York City and graduated from the Harvard Institute of Educational Management. His awards extend from receiving the Martin Luther King Lifetime Achievement Award to receiving the Mayor’s Medal of Honor form the City of New Orleans.

Leonard Haynes III, a native of Boston, is known for being the former Executive Director for the White House Initiative on HBCU’s from 2007-2009, which is currently held by John Wilson who visited SU last semester in October. He is also a former football player of SU and former Executive Vice President of the Southern University System. Haynes also has ties to SU’s rival Grambling State University. He served as the acting president of GSU in 1997. During President George H.W. Bush’s administration, Haynes was the first African American to be appointed to the position of U.S. assistant secretary of postsecondary education and director of academic programs for the United States Information Agency (USIA).

“We have been here for over 100 years and have developed

5 units. The issue we face is will SU be here 25 years from now and this issue drives me to come down here today. We will go forward as a unit and make positive contributions towards educating those who come here a viable option” said Haynes.

Haynes earned a bachelor degree from SU in history and masters in American history form Carnegie-Mellon University and a Ph. D in Higher Education form Ohio State University. He is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi, Phi Delta Kappa and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

During the opening remarks portion of Robert Jennings interview, his major concern was the Tucker Commission, formally known as PERC. “I have read the report extensively and I believe if implemented by the legislature it will in some ways adversely impact the system and enhance the system.” expressed Jennings. “I am in favor of recommendation 13 where that fact is stated that institutions like Southern University and Grambling in particular need to be pulled to the side to continue to help and continue the mission and achieve it’s goals. I was also pleased with recommendation 14 because I believe it is ultimately important because they explain that since we are in economic despair the cuts have to spread across the board and all state agencies, continued Jennings.

Jennings is also in agreement with the favor of the mission statements being aligned by the extent of the economic development and the workforce development because SU is a state institution.

During his tenure at Alabama A&M, according to a March 10 article published in Huntsville Times, Jennings was fired due to clashing with the board of trustees.

The article stated, “A&M’s board fired Jennings in April 2008, publicly citing the results of a special committee’s investigation into a complaint that Jennings had not followed school procedures in hiring a former assistant, had later

improperly paid the assistant for time actually spent away from campus and had predated a memo about the matter. Jennings, who denied any wrongdoing, sued but the lawsuit was dismissed in 2009.

A&M remained without a president for more than a year, before a board of trustees with four new members agreed to hire South Carolina educator Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. as president.”

People of concern posted several comments describing Jennings as an arrogant airhead running for president.

They also believe that he will make a mess out of Southern University like he did Alabama A&M. Jennings holds master’s certification in Adult Basic Education from the University of Georgia and master’s certification in curriculum and instruction and gifted education from Georgia State University.

He has studied as a Charles Merrill Fellow at the University of Ghana in West Africa, as a Fulbright Fellow in Brazil and as an Oxford scholar at Oxford College in England. Jennings has also traveled and studied in 35 foreign countries.

His achievements range form being selected as a regional finalist for a White House Fellowship to being featured in several publications, such as Outstanding Young Men of America and Who’s Who among Black Americans.

He has also served as a consultant to the U. S. Customs and Border Patrol Service, the U. S. Department of Education and was a Lead Trainer for the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He is a former Executive Assistant to the President at Atlanta University, served as Vice President for Development and Executive Director of the Foundation at Norfolk State University, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Albany State University and Vice President for Development and University Relations at North Carolina A&T State University.

state & nation Page 4 - Friday, April 16, 2010

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House backs ban on s‘ ynthetic marijuana’ By melinda deslatte associated press WRITER

It’s sold as herbal incense, it’s smoked like marijuana and it has caught the ire of state lawmakers.

The Louisiana House on Tuesday backed a ban of the product that goes by names like “K2,” ‘’Voodoo,” ‘’FIYA” and “Spice.” The mixture of herbs and spices is sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and it’s commonly sold in head shops and convenience stores.

Police officers say people roll it up in joints or inhale it from pipes, just like marijuana — and get similar effects.

Approved 102-0, a measure

by Rep. Ricky Templet, R-Terrytown, would prohibit the manufacturing, sale or possession of the combination of herbs, spices and synthetic ingredients.

Supporters argued if the product creates the same high as marijuana, it should be illegal like marijuana.

“They need to sell other

incense and candles that don’t intoxicate people,” said Rep. Mack “Bodi” White, R-Central.

Packages bear the warning: “not for human consumption.”

But Templet said teenagers know it’s a sort of “synthetic marijuana” and are getting high from it.

“This product is out there, folks, and it’s affecting our kids,” Templet said, holding packets of the substance that he bought from convenience stores around south Louisiana.

He added, “They’re selling it as an incense. They’re selling it as a potpourri, and it’s affecting our local communities.”

Templet and other backers of a ban of the mixture of herbs and synthetic ingredients offered only anecdotal complaints from police and parents, but no studies of the effects of the product.

Other states are considering bans. A bill similar to Templet’s also is advancing in the state Senate, gaining approval Tuesday from a Senate judiciary committee.

Sen. Nick Gautreaux, D-Meaux, who is sponsoring one of the measures, said parents and

PHOTO BY arthur d. lauck/ap photo

Sen. Elbert Guillory, D-Opelousas, smells herbal incense as Sen. Willie Mount, D-Lake Charles, looks on Tuesday during debate to ban the product in Senate Judiciary C. Committee.

police officers report teenagers with hallucinations, seizures and vomiting from smoking the substance.

Lobbyist Charlie Smith opposed the ban in Senate committee testimony Tuesday, arguing it would only drive sales of the substance underground and to the Internet. He suggested

EEOC: La. company discriminates against blacks By jeff carlton associated press WRITER

DALLAS — Black workers in Texas employed by a Louisiana-based oilservices company were taunted with racial slurs and nooses in the workplace and routinely were denied promotions, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

At a news conference in downtown Dallas on Wednesday, former and current employees of Turner Industries said the EEOC findings validate complaints they’ve made for years.

“I took it for a long time,” said Dontrail Mathis, a 33-year-old painter’s helper at the plant in Paris, nearly 100 miles northeast of Dallas. “I had a family to support.”

A group of workers filed a class charge with the EEOC last year. Two weeks ago, the EEOC determined “that on a regular basis ... Black employees were subjected to unwelcome racial slurs, comments and intimidation, racial graffiti, nooses in the workplace and other symbols of discrimination.”

Michael Fetzer, the EEOC’s district director in Dallas, wrote that Turner managers were aware of a hostile work environment for black employees but failed to make changes. Black workers received different, lower-paying job assignments and were denied promotions.

Turner Industries employs about 700 people at the Paris plant, 100 of whom are black.

Last year, the EEOC found reasonable

cause to support about 4 percent of racebased complaints against employers.

In a statement, Turner said it disagrees with the findings but will meet with the EEOC to address all concerns.

The company said its own investigation found no discrimination or retaliation against any worker.

“We aim to demonstrate that Turner’s Paris, Texas, facility is free from any form of discrimination, retaliation or any other workplace conduct that violates either the law or our own high standards for employee conduct,” said John H. Fenner, general counsel for the Baton Rouge-based company.

Current and former workers at Turner found the company’s claims hard to believe. At the news conference Wednesday, they stood in front of enlarged photos showing nooses left around the factory. Photos distributed by attorneys showed racial slurs spraypainted across desks and scrawled onto bathroom walls.

“It bothers me and it disturbs me,” said Stanrod Johnson, a welder. “It makes me think they think I’m stupid, or that I’m a child.”

The workers and their attorneys are expected to meet with Turner officials and the EEOC in a mediation process called conciliation, said James A. Vagnini, a lawyer who represents some of the workers. If conciliation fails, Vagnini said he would seek a right-tosue letter from the agency and proceed with a class-action lawsuit.

lawmakers should consider prohibiting sales to anyone under age 21.

“In the retail stores, you have some bit of control. When you take it out of the stores, you don’t have any control,” Smith said.

He also argued the ban would only add more people to the state’s large prison population,

increasing state corrections costs.

Templet’s bill would carry a prison sentence of up to five years for anyone convicted of manufacturing, distributing or possessing with intent to manufacture or distribute the herb and synthetic mixture.

Possession would carry a penalty of up to six months in jail.

SPORTS

Friday, April 16, 2010 - Page 5

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SU in key series

Mitchell goes on tour

Jaguars travel to Prairie View tied for first in SWAC West By morris dillard diGest sports writer

When the Southern University baseball team takes on the Prairie View Panthers this weekend, they’ll be looking to duplicate the success they had earlier this season, sweeping the Panthers in their home opener of the Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball series.

However, things have changed dramatically since the first meeting between the teams in March. The Jaguars (10-14, 8-4) head into Prairie View, Texas, tied with Texas Southern (18-18, 8-4) atop the Western Division. Meanwhile, the Panthers (8-22, 4-8) are tied with Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the division cellar.

SU coach Roger Cador insisted that his team still needs to be able to execute and do things right in order to be successful.

“The way were playing now is not good enough,” said Cador.

Training for consistency and execution are the two flies in SU’s ointment this season.

After taking two games in the weekend series against Grambling State, SU returned to action in a nonconference matchup against Loyola Tuesday night.

Moments after the first pitch, SU had trouble in all phases of the game-allowing

eight runs and 12 hits — which lifted Loyola to a 8-5 victory.

When it was over, it took SU six pitchers to answer the call, but only four of them responed. Stanten Jones, Seth Monaghan, Brad Isaac and Cody Hall came up big against Loyola- allowing five hits, five strikeouts, and three walks.

On Wednesday, SU returned to practice in preparation for the key series against Prairie View.

“It’s a key series because we’re tied for first with Texas Southern,” said Cador. “ Prairie View is somewhere in the mix and they have to try and win at home. They got to try and salvage something at home against us for them to have a chance.”

Plus, PV was also challenged Tuesday in a nonconference matchup against Texas College. PV swept the double-header matchup 13-3, 7-6.

“They swing the bat well against us,” said Cador. “Their starting pitchers could give us trouble if were not patient and do little things.”

When asked about his pitching rotation, Cador replied that he had a couple of more days to decide how he was going to mange the rotation.

“Obvisously, right now I want to sleep on it, not that it’s going to make a lot of difference.”

sU sports iNForMatioN oFFice

PhoTo By aPril BUffingTon/digesT

pitcher Jarrett Maloy and the Jaguars hit the road to face prairie View a&M in another key three-game series in swac play.

Lady Jags tame Lady Lions; gear up for finale sU sports iNForMatioN oFFice

The Southern University softball team picked up some steam on the road Wednesday heading into its regular season finale at home this weekend.

The Lady Jaguars (12-26, 9-5 Southwestern Athletic Conference) defeated Southeastern Louisiana 7-1 in Hammond, setting up their season ending series against Prairie View A&M at Lady Jaguar Field.

The SU-PV series begins today with a 2 p.m. single game, followed by a doubleheader starting at noon.

Head coach Nancy Marshall’s club will send off four seniors, including reigning conference pitcher of the week Lanaya Jenkins. Jenkins earned the conference’s

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top weekly honor after winning two starts in 12 innings of work in the circle, allowing only nine hits and two runs in that span.

She also struck out seven and posted a 1.17 ERA in her two wins.

Jenkins picked up her 10th win of the season against the Lady Lions as the Lady Jags put up a five spot in the seventh inning to cement the win.

SU took a 1-0 lead off of Southeastern pitcher Kati Morse in the top of the first inning. Shawntall Steamer and Kasha Tauriac reached on back-to-back base knocks to put runners at the corners.

Consecutive wild pitches by Morse allowed Steamer to come home for the first run of the contest.

The Lady Jags increased their lead to 2-0 as April Augustine singled and scored on a

single by Audrey Phillips.

Southeastern finally broke through against Jenkins in the bottom of the fourth inning. Jenkins issued walks to two SLU players then uncorked a wild pitch to put runners at second and third with one out.

Southeastern’s Lauren Coniglio then hit a grounder to third, but Jasmine Tillman’s throw was wide, allowing Duhe to score the Lady Lions’ first run. Jenkins stranded Kittrell at third by retiring two Lady Lions.

In the top of the seventh, Tauriac singled home Phillips to chase Morse from the game. SLU’s Vicki Honeycutt was greeted by a two-run double by Victoria Stewart.

Two more runs scored on a throwing error

by Honeycutt. Jenkins sat the Lady Lions down in order in the seventh to end the game.

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Southern University head football coach Stump Mitchell takes to the road on an eight city regional tour to meet with alums and fans.

The tour, dubbed “Stumping thru the South,” features Mitchell, his coaching staff along with athletics department as they join the Southern University Alumni Federation to visit six cities in Louisiana and Texas during April with two additional cities in May. The tour kicks off next Wednesday in Alexandria with a 6 p.m. appearance at The Corner Office, located at 908 Third Street.

“The tour is a chance to introduce coach Mitchell to the Jaguar Nation and for staff to share the progress and future goals of Jaguar athletics, as well as an opportunity to reserve season tickets for the 2010 football season,” athletics director Greg Lafleur said.

Future dates include the following: —Thursday, April 22: Lafayette; Heymann Recreation Center, 1500 South Orange Street; 6 p.m.

—Friday, April 23: Beaumont, Texas; TBD; 6 p.m.

—Saturday, April 24: Houston area; Kitty Hollow Park, 9555A Highway 6; Missouri City, Texas; noon —Wednesday, April 28: Monroe; Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, I-20 and 1501 U.S. 165 Bypass; 6 p.m.

—Thursday, April 29: Shreveport, SU-Shreveport Museum of Art; SU Metro Center, 1st floor; 610 Texas Street; 6 p.m.

The Houston date corresponds with the Houston Alumni Chapter’s annual cookout, and admission is $18. Stops in Lake Charles and Jackson, Miss., are being scheduled.

Mitchell, who succeeded Pete Richardson as head coach in February, said the tour will provide him with the chance to learn more about the school’s history while providing an opportunity to discuss his goals for the football program during his tenure.

The Jaguars open the 2010 season with the SWAC/MEAC Challenge game in Orlando, Fla., Sept. 5.

A pair of season tickets will be given away at each stop of the tour. Participants will also be able to reserve season tickets for the five home games of the 2010 season and the famed Bayou Classic in New Orleans. n.

For more information about the tour, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 225.771.4200.

arts & entertainment Page 6 - Friday, April 16, 2010

Hate speech plagues gaming

Seagal show filiming halted By jeff mcgill associated press writer

HARVEY, La. — Production of a television show featuring reserve deputy and movie star Steven Seagal will be suspended “for the time being” as Seagal faces sexual harassment allegations, a suburban New Orleans sheriff said Wednesday.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the continued video recording of the reality series, “Steven Seagal Lawman,” would be a distraction for the department in light of allegations made against Seagal by a woman in a California civil lawsuit.

Kayden Nguyen, a 23-yearold model, sued Seagal for $1 million on Monday in Los Angeles, alleging he sexually harassed her and engaged in sex trafficking. Her lawsuit claims Seagal hired her as an executive assistant and flew her to Louisiana while he was making the reality series and repeatedly groped and fondled her.

She claims she was kept at a house in Lafitte, La., for

several days and that Seagal repeatedly fondled and groped her, touching her genitals and breasts without permission.

She claims two other women were kept at the house and were used by the actor for sexual purposes.

She also claims Seagal forced her to take illegal prescription medications and that she repeatedly complained to others on Seagal’s staff but wasn’t allowed to leave the home. Nguyen states she fled the house after several days and borrowed money to return to Los Angeles.

Seagal’s attorney, Marty Singer, denied the allegations and said in a statement that Nguyen was fired for illegal drug use.

“The claims in her lawsuit are a complete fabrication without a scintilla of truth,” Singer wrote.

Normand, at a news conference Wednesday, said he does not plan an investigation of the allegations unless the woman makes a criminal or administrative complaint against Seagal with the sheriff’s office.

Her attorney, William S. Waldo, said she talked to

By nicholas k. geranios associated press writer

PHOTO By gerald herbert/AP PHOTO

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand speaks at a news conference at the Sheriff Department headquarters Wednesday.

The filming of the reality series, “Steven Seagal Lawman,” featuring reserve deputy and martial arts movie star Steven Seagal, will be suspended for the time being, Normand said, because the continued filming would be a distraction for the department in light of allegations made against Seagal by a woman in a California civil lawsuit.

Seagal about the alleged abuse, but didn’t report it to authorities. “She reported it to Steven Seagal,” Waldo said. “In Jefferson Parish, Mr. Seagal is the police.”

Nguyen filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment & Housing and requested an immediate finding that she could sue

Seagal. The agency granted that request and closed her case on April 1, court filings show.

Normand said he has informed A&E, the network that airs the show, and ITV Studios that it would be disruptive to continue making the show, in which cameras follow Seagal when he answers calls as a reserve deputy.

Juke Joint Festival spotlights Miss. blues history JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — In Clarksdale, epicenter of the blues, this year’s Juke Joint Festival has everything from legendary blues singers like Grammy-winner David “Honeyboy” Edwards, all the way to racing pigs and monkeys riding on dogs.

More than 50 musical acts are scheduled to play at the three-day event that starts Thursday in the Mississippi Delta city that was hometown to blues icons Son House, Junior Parker and John Lee Hooker and childhood home of playwright Tennessee Williams.

Fans will hear most of the daytime music

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outdoors and not in a juke joint — the kind of black-owned, quasi-legal liquor and gambling houses that once peppered the Jim Crow South. About half of the 16 nighttime venues, however, are in authentic, surviving juke joints, including Anniebelle’s Lounge and Red’s Lounge in downtown Clarksdale, across the track from Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club.

The city, once surrounded by a sea of cotton plantations, is also home to the myth-drenched crossroads of U.S. highways 49 and 61, where legend has it the great bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to

HBO’s new drama ‘Treme’ renewed for second season NEW YORK (AP) — HBO says its new drama “Treme” (truh-MAY’) has been picked up for a second season just days after its series premiere.

The show is set in New Orleans in fall 2005, three months after Hurricane Katrina.

“Treme” tracks the lives of a diverse group of residents as they rebuild their lives and the neighborhood that lends the show its name. Cast members include Wendell Pierce, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo and John Goodman. The premiere episode included appearances by local performers such as the Rebirth Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers.

The series was co-created by David Simon, whose past credits include HBO’s acclaimed “The Wire,” ‘’Generation Kill” and “The Corner.”

HBO announced Tuesday that production will resume in New Orleans this fall.

“Treme” attracted 1.4 million viewers for its debut. It airs at 10 p.m. Eastern/9 p.m.

Central Sunday.

the devil in exchange for his guitar-playing dexterity.

Roger Stolle, festival co-founder and a columnist for the “Blues Revue” magazine, likes to make the argument that Clarksdale is central to the origins of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll. W.C. Handy was living there when he first took note of blues music, and most early Delta bluesmen have some connection to Clarksdale, he said.

Ike Turner was living at the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale when he and his band drove up to Memphis to record “Rocket 88” for Sun Records in 1951, said Stolle.

SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s not just cyberbullets that are exchanged during firefights on the XBox Live version of “Call of Duty.”

Many gamers also exchange hate speech over their headsets as they stalk each other across the virtual battlefields. Players trade racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic insults so frequently that game makers are taking steps to tone down the rhetoric.

The comments would shock parents who may not realize their children are constantly exposed to language that might make a sailor blush. Most parental concerns have focused on violence, not language.

One gamer told an opponent he presumed to be Jewish that he wished Hitler had succeeded in his mission. Many exchanges involve talk of rape or exult over the atomic bombing of Japan.

There are frequent slurs on homosexuals, Asians, Hispanics and women.

Such comments can be heard on all online video gaming systems, including PlayStation Network, Blizzard Entertainment (World of Warcraft) and others.

“Personally, I don’t do a lot of online gaming for that reason,” said Flynn DeMarco, founder of the Web site GayGamer.net, which has worked with Microsoft and other companies on steps to clean up online gaming. “I don’t play with anybody I don’t already know.”

DeMarco said hate speech has been a problem for years.

VIEWPOINTS Friday, April 16, 2010 - Page 7

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It’s too late to complain

20 Questions I’M JUST ASKING STATEMENT

I’M JUST ASKING is for entertainment purposes only. These remarks do not represent the opinions of the DIGEST staff, Southern University or the Office of Student Media Services.

1. Who has May Week…in April?

2. Isn’t May a month?

3. If this is May Week, then what is next month?

4. Guess the “Total Package” wasn’t returned to the sender?

5. Are we sure about that?

6. Is it true Kofi was listening to the election results?

7. Or was he there for the QEP meeting?

8. Oh wait, wasn’t that meeting cancelled because the Deltas stole the meeting?

9. Why wasn’t Kofi invited to the celebration party?

10. Is the QEP in the “Total Package?”

11. Is this the same package from “Trapped in the Closet?”

12. Did a DIGEST staff member get a text from a Kappa reading, “I’m kumin”?

13. Why did someone call the DIGEST office asking if any candidates were Greek?

14. Who has Twitter?

15. Who updates their Facebook status with a Twitter trending topic?

16. Does this mean the SGA president-elect will cross Iota?

17. Will the SGA presidentelect thank us for these questions?

18. How come Southern doesn’t have a RedBox machine?

19. Is it because of what happened in Owens Hall?

20. Are people still breaking into the Athletics Department?

—BONUS QUESTIONS— 21. What could they have that is so valuable?

22. Is the air in Harris Hall on furlough?

23. Who votes that we have class outside under a tree with a hammock?

24. Who was drag racing at the back of campus?

25. Did they get a ticket for going down a restricted street?

26. Is Southern the state of Florida during the Bush elections?

27. Are the Greeks going to fight at “Greek Unity” Weekend?

28. Is this the Delta comeback from losing the stroll-off at the Black College Reunion?

29. How many AKA/Delta prospects think they are guaranteed a spot on the next line?

30. How many males wanted to run for Miss Southern … until they read the SGA Constitution?

With the recent SGA elections being the talk of everyone’s conversation, I thought it was necessary to speak my mind about this topic. Everyone knows that you can’t win without votes — but yet people complain about waiting in lines to vote then complain about the person that is holding that position.

While a freshman at Clark Atlanta University, I experienced my first time voting for the Obama vs.

McCain election. I was so excited to be able to vote. I packed snacks, water and magazines to occupy my time while waiting in the long lines.

There were two polls within a block from each other, so me being me, I went to the wrong one and waited for approximately two hours only to find out that I was at the wrong polling place.

I could have easily walked that mile and a half back to my dorm room and not voted. But, I didn’t. I walked across the street to the correct polling place and

BREANNA PAUL waiting ANOTHER two hours just to cast my vote.

I felt accomplished and liberated. But I voted! I made a difference! I even called my grandmother to tell her thank you for being arrested and forced to spend the night in jail for protesting voting rights while pregnant with my father.

My point is that students should have that same feeling when voting for offices in our Student Government Association. They should feel that it is necessary to vote for these positions. Less than 2,000 students voted during the primary elections (FYI: our enrollment at Fall 2009 was 7,627 students). Where were the other 5,000-plus-some-odd students?

I would imagine some were in the union socializing while they should be in class. Mind you those will be the same students complaining about how Miss Southern didn’t do this or the SGA President didn’t do that.

My parents took my brother and I with them to vote each time there was an election. I used to hate getting up early to go vote with them but now I appreciate it because I was excited to vote for my first election here as a Jaguar. It amazes me that students who have been here for a VERY long time aren’t as excited as I am!

Some may be as fortunate as my brother and I but I think that everyone should care about leaders who will be “running the yard.” Back in the day (like my parents day or some of your grandparents day), people cared about issues and they were on one accord.

They marched TOGETHER to be able to get the right to vote for us. Whether it is for President of the United States or for SGA President; they

fought! I think we are not being appreciative of what they have done for us.

People don’t care about anything but Lil’ Wayne or T.I. being released from jail, how many mistresses Tiger Woods has, if Beyoncé is really pregnant nowadays or getting the new Nicki Minaj hair cut (weave). I love celebrity gossip probably more than the next person, BUT I also care about important issues around campus like who is going to be the best leader for our student body.

You can’t complain about something you didn’t participate in or vote for. Just like in American Idol, I didn’t vote for Adam Lambert or Katherine McPhee so I can’t complain that they didn’t win. This may not seem as big voting for the President of United States or SGA, BUT I still voted!

So I urge YOU Jaguar Nation to get up off your bee-hind and go vote the next time! GET EXCITED!

A forlorn former Miss SU By breanna paul digest opinions editor

I sat down with Heather Williams — an instructor/ study abroad coordinator in the university’s Division of Continuing Education, Distance Education and the Center for Service Learning — and discussed the candidates that were vying to become the next Miss Southern University.

Williams has a unique perspective on the subject, serving as Miss Southern in the 1996-97 school year. During the discussion, she displayed her discontent with some of the candidates and their reasons for running for the position of Miss Southern.

Williams said that her generation of SU students (mid- to late-1990s) sometimes feel that the current generation of SU students do not know what Miss Southern’s roles are, but rather care about more superficial things.

“When I was running for Miss Southern, I did a monologue for my talent. I was not present for this year’s pageant, but am curious

PHOTO COURTESY OF STUDENT MEDIA

Former Miss Southern Heather Williams during her coronation during the 1996-97 school year.

to know what skills were displayed? Do we have a great orator to look for in the future? Maybe a ballerina?

Or perhaps, someone who can juggle? That is a talent.”

I then told her that the candidates mostly danced for their talent.

“When did jumping around, dancing to something current as opposed to timeless have such an impact on the students of the largest HBCU in the

United States?” she replied.

The former Miss Southern feels that the current student thinks of Miss Southern as just a pretty face.

“This is someone who we give a scholarship to continue their academic education and stipend for their clothes and travel to represent Southern University in the community and beyond,” she said.

At the debate prior to the primary student elections, she asked the candidates vying for title of Miss Southern to define decorum and state its importance to the role. She was perplexed after some candidates failed to answer the question correctly.

Williams feels that the student body should hold these ladies accountable to their platforms.

“You can’t change the world, but if you can touch one person then you’re doing well”, she said. “Miss Southern should be able to represent and be visible to the community in a positive way. She should also be someone who is approachable.”

Williams was proud that all of the candidates had the

courage to get up and speak in front of a crowd because she feels that is not an easy task to complete.

Williams is very oldfashioned and still believes that women should wear pantyhose when wearing certain clothing.

“This goes back to decorum,” she said. “I’m also curious as to if the candidates spoke to their mothers, aunts, grandmothers or neighbors about advice before running for Miss Southern.”

Williams thanks Dr. Joyce O’Rourke, dean of the College of Arts and Humanites, Dr. Beverly Wade, dean of the Honors College, and Residential Life Assistant Director of Business Management Ave Bonham — who she affectionately calls “mom” — for keeping her busy and preparing her for not only the position, but for life.

“They told me not to say ‘umm’. How to cross my legs, don’t fidget, etc. You should take pride in representing Southern.

I expect a lot from the future Miss Southern University, as should the entire campus.”

SUBMISSIONS POLICY

The Southern DIGEST welcomes letters from readers commenting on current issues and other matters of general interest to the SU family and public. We set aside this space to publish these letters for others to enjoy. This newspaper is not responsible for individual opinions expressed on its editorial and opinion pages. The Southern DIGEST reserves the right to edit any contributions and or reject them without notification. Authors are encouraged to limit the length of submissions to 300 words. Letters should not include libelous statements. Offensive and personal attacks will not be permitted. The DIGEST will not print “open letters” addressed to someone else. All contributions must be type written, signed and must include the author’s address and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Southern University students should include their majors, hometowns and year in school. When referring to specific DIGEST articles, please include the date and title. All materials should be directed to the editor in chief of The Southern DIGEST, P.O. Box 10180, Baton Rouge, La. 70813. Materials may be delivered by hand to the DIGEST office located in Suite 1064 Harris Hall or can be e-mail to digest@subr.edu.

Editorial policy

Staff editorials represent the opinions of the author and the majority opinion of the Southern DIGEST Student Editorial Board, which is comprised of the student staff of editors and columnists. The Southern DIGEST provides an open forum to educate, inform and enlighten the students, faculty and staff at Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.

Page 8 - Friday, April 16, 2010

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PHOTO BY peter kramer/AP PHOTO

In this April 27, 2009 photo, actress S. Epatha Merkerson attends the 2009 Matrix Awards, honoring women in the communications industry.