thebattalion ● thursday,
april 8, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
Broken traditions
“[A&M] is a difficult place to be, but they are here and they are thriving.” Lowell Kane,
Story by Matt Woolbright | Photo by Nicholas Badger
Editor’s note
S
“Broken traditions” is the third of a three-part series in which The Battalion examines the effect of college studies and life on different kinds of relationships.
The Battalion
ome Aggies do not feel accepted in some traditions near and dear to Texas A&M; traditions such as the Century Tree and Midnight Yell. “I went to Midnight Yell once in the beginning and it would seem really awesome to go, but because I’m afraid to take my girlfriend, I feel like I’m missing out on one of A&M’s really cool traditions,” said Destiny Winning, a freshman environmental geosciences major. “It’s sad because I can’t do that like everybody else. It’s really a letdown.” See Acceptance on page 5
program coordinator of the A&M Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center
Aggie at work with Special Olympics Brandi Tevebaugh The Battalion “OK, Danny, let it fly,” the announcer said. Daniel Williams, a Special Olympics athlete, threw the opening pitch at the baseball game Tuesday for National Student Athlete Day. Williams, 25, participates in almost every sport offered by Special Olympics and has participated in the games for 17 years. The athletes recognized are members of the Aggie Bombers softball team. “Everybody here does every different sport almost,” said Denise Bryant, a member of the Area 6 management team for Special Olympics. Williams was selected to throw the first pitch because of his history with the sport. “They wanted a baseball player, and Danny has played baseball with the Richland Youth Association’s Super Kids program for 15 years,” Bryant said. “He can throw that ball. I don’t like to catch with him. He loves baseball.” Bryant said the Special Olympics
this day in
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified requiring direct popular election of U.S. senators. Previously, they had been chosen by state legislatures.
pg1-4.8.10.indd 1
cultivates lasting friendships between athletes and the community. “Danny lives with my son, who’s an Aggie who has cerebral palsy,” Bryant said. “He and Danny live in their own house together. What Travis can’t do physically, Danny can, and what Danny can’t do mentally, Travis can. They’ve been friends since they were 5 years old.” Williams was excited to throw the first pitch at National Student Athlete Day. “I can’t wait to do that,” Williams said before Tuesday’s pitch. Before being recognized on the mound, the Special Olympics athletes met Aggie athletes at an autograph signing. Students from men’s basketball, equestrian, women’s swimming, soccer and women’s tennis teams met the team. “The Big 12 partners with Special Olympics, so this year the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which is the organization that represents student athletes, has decided to capitalize on the
UShistory
April 8, 1913 The 17th
Veteran to break code of silence Katy Ralston
Florian Achberger — THE BATTALION
Daniel Williams throws the opening pitch at the Aggie baseball game Tuesday for National See Olympics on page 2 Student Athlete Day.
The Battalion Silence has long been the foundation of the military’s policy on soldiers’ sexual orientation under the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass” policy. Today, Choi as part of GLBT Awareness Week, Lt. Dan Choi will attempt to break the silence in his presentation, “Truth and Consequences: One Man’s Quest to Openly Serve His Country.” Choi will be introduced by 26-year Air Force veteran Col. Terrel Preston, who served under “Don’t ask, don’t tell” for 11 years and is an active proponent of banning the policy. Lowell Kane, program coordinator of the campus GLBT Resource Center, said each year they try to find a widely known keynote speaker to focus on a serious issue or hot topic. “I can’t think of any hotter
“Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue, don’t harass” The military policy on gay men, lesbians and bisexuals. Under the policy, instituted in 1993, the military is not to ask service members about their sexual orientation. topic than the DADT [“Don’t ask, don’t tell”] policy,” Kane said. “We want to seek out the face, the person who really represents this conversation and there is no bigger, more famous activist today than Lt. Dan Choi.” Choi graduated from West Point Military Academy as one of eight soldiers in his graduating class majoring in Arabic. He then served as an Arab linguist in the Iraq War. On March 19, 2009 Choi See Military on page 2
inside
b!
food | 3
voices |4
sports | 7
thebatt.com
Red Mango opening
Come to Chilifest
Can he do it?
Drunks, mud and portable toilets discourage some students from attending Chilifest, but it adds entertainment value.
Tiger Woods returns to the Masters today. Is there a chance he can complete the most improbable comeback in the history of sports?
Softball, tennis, golf and more Tiger
The low-fat yogurt store is providing a variety of toppings and treats for customers at its new College Station store.
A recap of the softball game against Texas, the tennis and golf matches and some Aggies’ views on Tiger Woods’ return to golf.
4/7/10 10:25 PM