The Reveille 9-12-19

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ROWDY REPUTATION

University struggles with image; continues to rank among nation’s top party schools

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page 2 MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille

NEWS

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Ph.D. student fatally shot during a gas station robbery Saturday planned to return to Bangladesh in December to marry his fiancee.

SPORTS

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Former LSU gymnast Britney Taylor filed a lawsuit accusing NFL star wide receiver Antonio Brown of rape.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Bayou Cirque will be performing its show “Dark Circus” on Sept. 28 at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge.

OPINION

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“...Abraham’s education reform plan should convince you that he puts the ‘goober’ in gubernatorial candidate.”

L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le

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LSU continues to rank among nation’s top party schools, struggles to change perception

BY ANNA JONES @annajoneses LSU was not Bailey Tinsley’s first choice when applying to colleges.

“I didn’t want to go to a big school,” Tinsley, a digital advertising senior, said. “I thought to myself, ‘LSU’s a top No. 5 party school every year, with 30,000 kids.’ I was dead set on going to a college in California.”

While Tinsley came to understand the value of an LSU education, the media tend to focus on other aspects. Most of the University’s widespread acclaim comes from football, or from its multiple appearances on the Princeton Review list of the Nation’s Top Party Schools.

LSU returned to the list in 2011, after a three-year hiatus, ranking No. 13 in the top 20.

It was also lauded as No. 8 in “students that study the least” and No. 17 in the “lots of hard liquor” category.

Tulane University consistently outranked LSU in almost every partying-related category over the years, and currently reigns as No. 5 on the list for top party schools, whereas LSU does not make an appearance. Still, Tulane often manages to be heralded for its academics, while many students feel LSU’s academics are pushed aside to highlight less favorable aspects.

Physics freshman Ashley Patron didn’t originally put LSU at the top of her list, either.

“I was applying to schools out of state because I was originally looking to leave Louisiana,” Patron said. “I went to (St. Mary’s) Dominican (High School), so it’s like my entire high school class was basically copy and pasted to LSU.” Patron put her hesitations aside and chose LSU after being offered the University’s prestigious Presidential Alumni Scholars Award, annually granted to 10 of the University’s “most promising” incoming freshmen after a rigorous application, essay and interview process. She faced mixed reactions after announcing the final decision to friends and family.

“It is a huge state school, but there’s a lot of really cool things happening there you might not realize,” Patron said.

Regarding LSU’s notorious “party school” reputation, Patron noted her experience might be very different than that of her peers. Her involvement in various on campus activities, as well as a challenging class schedule, keeps her focused on the ultimate purpose of her education.

“Any school can be a party school,” Patron said. “You just go to a party, and now it’s a party school. You have access

to that. But you also have ac- presence of THC. cess to really pursue what you Gruver’s death was a result want.” of a hazing ritual known as Tinsley, a fellow Presiden- “Bible study” that took place on tial Scholars’ Alumni Recipi- Sept. 13 2017. Phi Delta Theta ent, had a change of heart af- pledges were forced to drink ter visiting campus a few days 190-proof liquor after incorrectbefore Scholars’ Weekend. As ly answering questions about a Manship student, he real- the fraternity’s history. Phi Delized most of his classes would ta Theta has been banned from have around 20 to 30 students, the University’s campus until at besides his general education least 2033. courses. He was also impressed A month after Gruver’s by the University’s Honors Col- death in 2017, University stulege and their investment in dent Benjamin Balser died due seeing him succeed. to a combination of cocaine, “I’m in a fraternity now, so I Xanax and alcohol, according get the party side, but it’s nice to the East Baton Rouge Parish to be able to choose my bal- Coroner’s Office’s autopsy. He ance,” Tinsley said. was the third student to die that Coastal and environmental semester. sciences junior Ally Benelli, a Two former students, SeanGeorgia native, surprised a lot Paul Gott and Ryan Matthew of her friends and family mem- Isto, pleaded no contest to bers by choosing to go out of misdemeanor hazing in Sept. state.

2018. In July 2019, a jury found “I have a stayformer student at-home personMatthew Naquin “I’ve heard all the guilty of negliality,” Benelli said. “A lot of stereotypes. It’s a gent homicide in death. people reacted by difficult reputation Gruver’s In 2018, the saying they never thought they to change. The only University implea medical would see me go thing people see, mented amnesty policy, out of state, or when they’re not where students that big.”

E n g i n e e r i n g looking at colleges, is involved in drug or alcohol-related senior and Presidential Alumni Tiger Stadium. Or the incidents that reScholars Society party school scene.” quired help from emergency serpresident Tanishq Gorbidanur vices, under qualBAILEY TINSLEY ifying circumsaid research opdigital advertising senior portunities were stances, would a major draw for not be penalized him. under the University’s Code of Stu“My main ones were Georgia Tech and dent Conduct. This policy was the University of Virginia. I was meant to encourage seeking looking at University of Mary- help in situations like Gruver’s. land, too, because of their reIn March 2019, EMS were search program.” Gorbidanur called in at the Kappa Sigma said. “But LSU has an amaz- fraternity house when two stuing research program as well. dents needed drug-related medThe professors actually seemed ical transports.

Patron agreed the Universilike they cared about me. They also cared a lot about their re- ty’s academics tend to be highly search.” underrated in the public perGorbidanur, Benelli, Tins- ception. ley and Patron may have ended “I’ve been here two weeks, up at the University under dif- and I’m already very chalferent circumstances, but they lenged,” Patron said. “The all have one thing in common: workload is kind of a lot, bethey received the Presidents’ cause I’m in a lot of classes. But Alumni Scholar Award. Receiv- it’s classes that I care about, ing all-expense paid tuition and I’m excited to be in.” may be hard to pass up; still, Tinsley said his LSU educaall of the recipients insist while tion helping him succeed durthey might have come for the ing his summer internship at a full ride, they stayed for the Dallas advertising agency.

“Everyone says, ‘Oh it’s Mass academics.

However, for some students, Communication, it’s a joke, easy LSU’s party school culture can classes,’” Tinsley said. “Well, prove to be life-threatening, or the second day on the job, they sat me down and said, it’s time even fatal.

University freshman Max for the big research phase of Gruver was found unrespon- this project. Go do it. I sat at my sive in the Phi Delta Theta fra- desk and thought, ‘what have I ternity house on Sept. 14, 2017, gotten myself into?’” following a night of partying Then, Tinsley said he and heavy drinking. Gruver thought back to his spring sewas transported to the hospi- mester, where he had taken a tal, but was pronounced dead. course on research. He realized Gruver’s autopsy report showed he had a step-by-step plan on evidence of a highly elevated how to do his job from last seblood alcohol level and the mester’s class notes.

The course load, in Tinsley’s opinion, is manageable, but provides a great deal of practical application that likely leads to LSU’s high post graduation employment rates.

“It’s not incredibly challenging to the point where I’m crying in my bedroom every night,” Tinsley said. “But it has prepared me to work and prepared me to do my job pretty well.”

Some of the lists LSU currently does rank on include the Payscale 2019-20 salary report for top earnings among public Louisiana schools for early and mid-career earnings. The University also ranks third in the SEC for early-career earnings, behind Texas A&M and the University of Florida.

For 2020, the Wall Street Journal/Higher Education Rankings placed the University No. 84 among public universities. The University was also ranked No. 33 out of 50 flagship institutions. It is No. 71 among public universities nationwide.

For these accomplished students, LSU is more than a backup, a second choice, a ‘safety school.’ Still, some stigmas are hard to escape.

“I’ve heard all the stereotypes,” Tinsley said. “It’s a difficult reputation to change. The only thing people see, when they’re not looking at colleges, is Tiger Stadium. Or the party school scene.”

Another source of scrutiny has been the University’s recently changed admissions standards.

The University’s holistic admissions, implemented in 2018, sparked a heated debate across Louisiana regarding the academic qualifications of incoming students. The policy de-emphasized previous admissions requirements such as a 3.0 GPA and a 22 ACT score. Holistic admissions attempts to define an applicant’s mentality and work ethic over the duration of their high school experience, taking into consideration factors not accounted for in standardized testing and GPAs. The 2018 and 2019 freshman classes were both the largest in University history. Even with higher enrollment numbers, the average freshman GPA has remained the same.

Patron said in her view, LSU actively competes to bring in better students with more talent so they can win more academic awards. She specifically referenced LSU Adjunct Professor and MIT Professor Emeritus Rainer Weiss, who was one of two recipients of the 2017 Nobel Prize in physics.

“If LSU is changing a lot internally, that’s producing students that are going out and doing more things in the world, and that’s what’s going to change our reputation,” Patron said.

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NEWS FRACTURED FUTURE

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Grad student fatally shot months before returning to Bangladesh to be married

BY MARIA MARSH @mariarose22 An LSU Ph.D. student was fatally shot early on Saturday while working as a store clerk at Baron Rouge gas station.

Computer science and engineering graduate student Md Firoz-Ul-Amin, 29, was shot and killed around 3:30 a.m. during a robbery of Mr. Lucky’s Valero gas station, located at 1400 Airline Highway.

Firoz-Ul-Amin researched cyber security under computer science and engineering professor Golden G. Richard III. Richard said Firoz-Ul-Amin was researching malware detection on the operating system, Linux. He was expected to receive his Ph.D. in 2023.

Friends and collegues of Firoz-Ul-Amin praised his intelligence and work ethic. Richard said he worked hard both in the lab and in the classroom. FirozUl-Alim was also a teaching assistant and substituted for multiple professors.

“He helped the University way beyond the call of duty. He helped students in the lab when he was tired and could be do-

ing something else, and worked so hard,” Richard said. “The students loved him.”

Firoz-Ul-Amin planned to return home to Bangladesh in December to marry his fiancee, Nazmin Sultana Smrity. The couple planned to return to the U.S. for Smrity to pursue a master’s degree in library science at LSU and Firoz-Ul-Amin to continue his research on cyber security.

Richard has been in contact with Smrity since Firoz-Ul-Amin’s death and he said she is distraught. Richard is currently hoping to create a scholarship in his former student’s name to bring Smrity to the U.S. to pursue her goal.

“Her view now is that her life is destroyed,” Richard said. “The only thing that she sees that she can do is to pursue a little part of the plan that they had.”

Computer science and engineering graduate student Sneha Sudhakaran sat beside Firoz-Ul-Amin in the lab, and got to know him well as a result. Sudhakaran said that Firoz-Ul-Amin was well-liked and always there to help those around him.

“He was a very, very kind

person, a very genuine person,” Sudhakaran said. “He was very hardworking and helpful. If anyone needed help, he was there anytime.”

Sudhakaran said Firoz-UlAmin was excited to live the life that he had planned out for him and his future wife, and hopes that scholarship will come to fruition.

“It was his major wish to bring his fiance here to the U.S., so it would be a really amazing way to honor him,” Sudhakaran said.

Another lab-mate and friend of Firoz-Ul-Amin, computer science and engineering graduate student Raphaela Mettig, said one of the things she admired most about Firoz-Ul-Amin was his unwavering desire to help people.

“One of my friends took a class and all of the students were having a really hard time understanding the course,” Mettig said.

“He was going above and beyond to help the students.

He was doing all he could to make sure those who could pass would pass.”

Firoz-Ul-Amin’s father died due to illness last year, according to Richard. Firoz-Ul-Amin wanted to help support his remaining

courtesy of MD TANVIR AHMED SARKAR

Computer science and engineering graduate student Firoz-Ul-Amin was fatally shot Sept. 7 while working at a gas station. family in Bangladesh.

LSU Bangladeshi Student Association program coordinator Md Tanvir Ahmed Sarkar started a GoFundMe on Sunday to cover the expenses for a funeral, aid Firoz-Ul-Amin’s family through this time and transport his body to Bangladesh. As of Wednes-

day, the GoFundMe raised over $45,000, surpassing its $30,000 goal.

It is currently unclear whether Mr. Lucky’s Valero gas station had surveillance. As of Wednesday, no witnesses have come forward.

“I really pray that he gets justice,” Sudhakaran said.

GREEK LIFE

Reserved tickets provide benefits, cost more than general admission

BY KATHERINE MANUEL @kmanuel_2 LSU students have to pay to enter regular season games for only one sport: football.

However, full-time University students who have at least a 2.0 GPA have two options for purchasing football season tickets.

For 2019 general admission season tickets are $84, excluding the processing fee, while reserved tickets are $126.

Reserved tickets, or student organization tickets, are available for students attending the game as part of Greek life or other student organizations.

LSU Athletics sold about 3,000 student organization tickets this year, according to LSU Athletics Assistant Manager Garrett Thibodeaux.

Students with student organization tickets may have noticed the $42 price difference between their tickets and general admission tickets. According to Thibodeaux, the price difference accounts for student organization tickets having reserved seats in sections 105 and 221-224 of Tiger Stadium.

Thibodeaux said reserved seating allows students attending the game with an organization to have seats assigned to them

MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille

Mike the Tiger crowd surfs during the Tigers’ 80-59 victory over Vanderbilt on March 9, in the PMAC. within their organization’s block.

These seats are available for them no matter what time they arrive, according to LSU Ticket Operations. General admission seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Thibodeaux said the price difference is also due to the seat-

ing areas’ quality.

“The reserved seats are in better seating areas than the general admission seating,” Thibodeaux said.

Biochemistry freshman Margaret Thomas pledged Phi Mu this year, but was unable to purchase Greek tickets because

she had not yet been initiated into the sorority. Despite the price difference, Thomas plans to buy student organization tickets next year to sit with her sorority sisters.

“I’m sad we don’t get to do it this year,” Thomas said. “It’ll be nice to have better seats and be

with all my friends next year.”

Greek life isn’t the only organization that has access to reserved seats; any registered student organization at the University is eligible for group seating. Other student organizations that typically buy group tickets include Christ the King Catholic Church and the Student Veterans of LSU. Student Veterans of LSU president James Graham has a seat within the B-seat Student Veterans Section.

“I love it,” Graham said. “I definitely enjoy being able to sit there, so close to the action, while still having that friend gathering feeling around too.”

Graham has no problem with paying the extra $42 for the reserved tickets because he feels the seats are “some of the best you can get as a student.”

In previous years, students with reserved seats needed a seat locator card to enter the reserved section. The locations of students’ seats were printed on the back of the tickets. Because students’ football tickets are now accessed through their mobile devices, students only have to show their downloaded ticket instead of a seat locator. General admission tickets are purple when accessed through students’ phone, while reserved tickets are gold.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 4 BATON ROUGE COMMUNITY

LSU, GSU fans come together to support family after tragedy

BY RAYMOND CONSTANTINO @r_dog_3 LSU football fans are passionate, fierce defenders of their school, but when two Georgia Southern fans died in a car accident after leaving the game on Aug. 31, fans from both teams came together to support the family of the deceased.

Danny and Julie Hagan were driving home on I-16 near Swainboro, Georgia when their vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a tree in the median, according to several news reports. Danny Hagan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Julie died later in a hospital.

Two days after the accident, Mandeville resident Michael Booth created a GoFundMe for the Hagan children. Booth said he initially set the goal at $5,000 because he worried $10,000 might be too much. As of Sept. 11, the donations stand at around $43,000, and the goal has since been increased to $45,000.

“It just kind of popped into my head to go set up a fund

courtesy of KAITLIN SELLS

After the death of GSU fans Danny and Julie Hagan, sports fans rally together to raise money for their children. for the three kids. They’ve got three kids that all go to Georgia Southern,” Booth said.

Booth said he was proud to see LSU fans rally together and support the GoFundMe. People from around the country and other parts of the world donated, he said.

Over 1,000 people have contributed so far. Many of those donors left comments expressing their sympathy for the children.

“I pray this helps the children in some small way,” Melissa Murphy said on the GoFundMe.org. “From the people here in Baton Rouge, know that

our thoughts and prayers are with y’all. God bless.”

“I have two teenagers, I worry about them driving and being in an accident, and it breaks my heart three children lost their young parents,” Stephen Minor commented.

Others noted their happiness

at seeing college football fans from different schools supporting a human cause.

“We’re all football fans, and some things are bigger than sports,” Rob Teal commented.

“Not an LSU fan (OLE MISS) but cheer for them often,” Dustin Thomas commented.

“Great cause and would like to contribute to the cause. I will even give a GO TIGERS! For this cause and prayers will continue going up for this family.”

Many of the donors commented on how they had children of their own and could not fathom the pain the Hagans’ children are feeling. Booth said part of the reason he wanted to start the GoFundMe was because he has three children of similar age.

Booth said he has been in contact with people who were close to the Hagans and that the children have expressed an interest in using some of the funds to continue their education.

“Tons of different people at Georgia Southern, they’re all saying that they’re LSU fans for life,” Booth said.

STUDENT LIFE

A look into the lifestyle of LSU’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger

BY ANA BLOCK @anablock_4 All LSU students love Mike the Tiger, but how much do we actually know about the live mascot’s lavish lifestyle?

Mike VII arrived on campus three years ago from Wild at Heart Wildlife Center in Florida and has won over the hearts of many LSU fans. Weighing just 179 pounds as an 11-month-old when he arrived, Mike has grown into his place at the University.

Mike has a 15,105 squarefoot enclosure, including a night house, and School of Veterinary Medicine Professor David Baker as his personal veterinarian.

An average day for the University’s mascot begins with being woken up in his nearly 1,000 square-foot night house, which includes the equivalent of a dining room and bedroom.

This task is completed by his daily caretakers, two veterinarian students at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

Mike’s morning routine can take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.

School of Veterinary Medicine communications manager Ginger Guttner emphasized the importance of the role of Mike’s caretaker. Guttner said these caretakers have worked with Mike for two years and visit him twice daily.

“Every day, twice a day, seven days a week, for two years, one or both of them has to go over there,” Guttner said. “I always joke; it’s Christmas, it’s your sister’s wedding, it’s your brother’s high-school graduation, but

someone’s got to go morning and night.”

The caretakers are responsible for Mike and maintaining his habitat. They must make sure the grounds are free of litter, the fences are safe and secure, the pool filters are clean and the night house is sanitary.

Because of the longevity of the morning routine and the caretakers’ personal schedules, Mike’s hours of visitation with the LSU community may fluctuate, but he is usually outside around 8 a.m. and back inside at night no later than 8 p.m.

While outside, Mike has been known to play with many visitors through the glass of his habitat. Guttner said he’s very active because of his young age.

“He is very sweet, and he is a little goofy,” Guttner said.

When the time comes for Mike to go back indoors for the night, he is ready for dinner. Many of his meals can be seen in shapes of the LSU football team’s opponents’ mascots via social media and might even be mistaken for hamburger meat. The 15 pounds of food Mike eats every night are a part of his commerciallyprepared, carnivorous, feline diet which is specifically formulated for big cats in captivity.

With his last weigh-in reading 419 pounds, it’s safe to say Mike is very well fed. Considering that some tigers in the wild might not eat every single day, Mike’s daily diet is definitely fit for a champion, according to Guttner.

Mike invites everyone to celebrate his third birthday this Friday by visiting him at his habitat.

MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille

Mike the Tiger plays in his enclosure on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018.

SPORTS ANTONIO ACCUSED Former LSU gymnast’s rape accusations investigated by NFL

BY BRANDON ADAM @badam_ A lawsuit filed by Britney Taylor, a former LSU gymnast, accuses New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown of sexually assaulting her on three separate occasions, according to multiple reports.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the Southern District of Florida and obtained by The New York Times, states Brown sexually assaulted Taylor twice in June 2017 and a third time in May 2018.

Taylor says Brown exposed himself and kissed her without consent. Then, in a later incident in June 2017, Brown ejaculated on Taylor as she was watching a television show at his home. The second incident is backed by up text messages Brown sent Taylor, which were included in the lawsuit.

The two met at Central Michigan where both were athletes during the 2009-2010 school year. Brown was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL draft, and Taylor later transferred to LSU, where she was a gymnast in 2012 and 2013.

At some point, Brown hired Taylor to be his trainer, but after the two instances in June 2017, Taylor ended her work with Brown. According to the lawsuit, Taylor returned as Brown’s trainer after he made an apology.

Then on May 20, 2018, Taylor alleged Brown forced her face down into a mattress and raped her despite her repeatedly telling him “no” and “stop.”

“As a rape victim of Antonio Brown, deciding to speak out has been an incredibly difficult decision,” Taylor said in a statement.

“I have found strength in my faith, my family, and from the accounts of other survivors of sexual assault.”

Brown denied the allegations through his lawyer, claiming all sexual interactions between Taylor and himself were consensual. ESPN reporter Josina Anderson reported Brown intends to countersue for extortion.

The Patriots released a statement late Tuesday night regarding the allegations, saying the NFL has begun an investigation.

“We take these allegations very seriously. Under no circumstance does this organization condone sexual violence or assault. The league has informed us that they will be investigating. We will have no further comment while that investigation takes place.”

New England acquired Brown from the Oakland Raiders over the weekend after he asked to be released.

The NFL denied having prior knowledge of the allegations, and, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post. The league is considering placing him on the commissioner’s exempt list.

If Brown is placed on the exempt list, he will be ineligible to play but can still receive pay outlined in his contract.

Editor’s note: The online version of this story will be updated with the most recent information.

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Thaddeus Moss gets chance after injury

BY JACOB BECK @Jacob_Beck25

STEVEN SENNE/ AP

New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown pauses while working out during NFL football practice Sept. 11 in Foxborough, Mass.

Prior to the start of the 2019 season, junior tight end Thaddeus Moss hadn’t been able to play in a football game for two seasons, and it took a toll on him.

“Last year was one of the hardest years of my life, physically, emotionally and mentally.” Moss said. “There was a lot up in the air. I didn’t know how I was going to come back from surgery, but I worked really hard this off-season and I’m looking forward to this season.”

Moss joined LSU as a transfer from North Carolina State in 2017.

He had to sit out his sophomore season, but the 2018 season for Moss was one of uncertainty, as a nagging foot injury continued to bother him and his status for each game was either “questionable” or “out.”

Moss suffered a foot fracture in training camp prior to the 2018 season and was forced to have surgery, further delaying his debut for the Tigers. Even after the surgery however, Moss’ foot hadn’t fully healed.

“I had to take it day by day, from having surgery and not being able to walk, to learning how to walk again and then learning how to jog again. It was a long process,” Moss said.

Every week during the season Moss attempted to practice, but each time the result was the same. He wasn’t ready to play. It became a common occurrence for Tiger fans to wonder if Moss would be ready to play, only to see him emerge from the tunnel wearing

see MOSS, page 7

LSU women’s senior swimming and diving class succeeds

BY ELIZABETH CUI @lizzie_Cui The senior class of LSU”s swimming and diving team excels in the pool, in the classroom and in the world.

The Lady Tigers senior class is small this year with just four women: Helen Grossman, Nicole Rozier, Alexandria Ham and Olivia Paskulin, who are all expected to graduate in the spring of 2020.

Grossman and Rozier are both chemical engineering students, while Paskulin is a marketing major and Ham is a sports administration major.

“Being both a student athlete and engineering student is very difficult in terms of time management,” Grossman said. “Jug-

gling both has proven to be challenging but not impossible, and it has definitely made me a hard worker.”

The athletes juggle a six-daya-week, double-practice regimen while handling a full class load and extra tutoring sessions.

The Lady Tigers will miss at least 11 school days this school year due to competition.

“The coaches have always been understanding that engineering isn’t easy, and sometimes I need extra time away from the pool to get caught up,” Rozier said. “They always help me to feel calmer and know that, no matter what, I can always get everything done so there is no need to stress.”

As well as school work,

practices and competing, the athletes have to balance other extracurricular activities such as volunteering and maintaining an active social life.

Ham was named the 2019 Southeastern Conference Women’s Swimming and Diving Community Service Team. She loves to help out in the community wherever and when ever she can and is currently volunteering with a homeless ministry called Serve the City. She also volunteers with her church whenever possible.

“I was really honored that I got the community service award,” Ham said. “I just want to represent LSU to the best of my ability, and I found that investing my extra time around Baton Rouge not only brings me joy but helps a lot of

other people as well.”

These women challenge their limits every day and push themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.

“My greatest achievement at LSU was my junior year at ISEC championships when I made the A final in the 100 breaststroke.” Paskulin said. “I worked really hard all season, and my hard work finally paid off.”

They strive for excellence and never give up. Their final season is fast approaching, and they are ready to take it on stronger than ever before.

“It’s hitting me that this is my last few months as a student-athlete, so I’m really using that as motivation because it will be over so soon,” Ham said.

KELLY MCDUFF / The Reveille

LSU freshman swimmer Nicole Rozier competes in the Girls 200 Yard Butterfly on Jan. 28, 2017.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 6 VOLLEYBALL

LSU volleyball sees positive results from young freshmen

BY ALEXANDRA COX @alexandracox123 Leadership knows no age or classification. Being a leader is about setting an example and pushing one’s team in the right direction.

While extremely young, the LSU volleyball (3-2) team in an example that leadership can come in all ages.

The 2019-20 volleyball team has the most freshmen on the roster than any other team in the past three seasons. The Tigers have six true freshmen and one redshirt freshman. This freshman class was ranked as the No. 13 recruiting class in the nation, the highest in the Southeastern Conference, according to prepvolleyball.com.

While the talent of the newcomers is undeniable, the reality of their inexperience in a collegiate setting can either impair or aid this Tiger team. Much to LSU’s relief, these freshmen have stepped up and have been a big part of the

Tigers success so far this season.

True freshmen Karli Rose and Samarah Hill have quickly made a name for themselves on this Tiger team. Rose, a setter from Tomball, Texas, has proven her abilities, finishing Cyclone Invitational with a team-high 32 assists and a matchhigh 24 digs, her second doubledouble of the year. She added nine kills as well.

“Karli Rose is a dynamic, explosive athlete who will bring a different style to the setting position,” said LSU coach Fran Flory.

“Her ability to impact the game from all facets will open the opportunity for us to run a more diverse system.”

Hill, the outside hitter from Oviedo, Florida, finished off this weekend in Iowa with a matchhigh 18 kills and 11 digs for her second double-double of the season.

Five players had 10 or more digs this weekend, three of those five players were freshmen—Rose, Hill, Jill Bohnet, a defensive specialist from the Woodlands, Texas.

Rose and Hill were both named to the Cyclone Invitational AllTournament team, making this their first awards of their LSU careers, and Bohnet had 14 digs against Iowa St. Other freshmen who have contributed during matches are middle blockers Allee Morris, from Covington, Louisiana, and Anita Anwusi from Houston, Texas. Both have made big stops to shift the momentum in LSU’s favor.

With every match, the young players of this team continue to grow and become more confident in their skills.

“I’m not worried about how young our team is this year, and I know that the freshmen will continue to step up and do what we need them to do,” junior right side and team-leader Taylor Bannister said.

With a lot of the season to still look forward to, the Tigers can be assured that all seven freshman will play roles in helping LSU get back in contention in the SEC and nationally.

MITCHELL SCAGLIONE / The Reveille

LSU freshman setter Karli Rose (18) participates in practice in the LSU Volleyball Practice Facility on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019.

GOLF

Ben Taylor set to become latest former LSU golfer on PGA Tour

BY HARRISON VALENTINE @HValentineLSU Former LSU golf standout Ben Taylor posted rounds of 68, 69, 69 and 68 in a runner-up finish at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship on Aug. 15-18 at the Ohio State

University Golf Club.

With his runner-up finish, Taylor secured his PGA Tour card for the 2019-20 season and will join Sam Burns (2015-2017) and Smylie Kaufman (20102014) as former Tigers on the professional circuit.

“It feels amazing,” Tay-

courttesy of

LSU SPORTS

Former LSU golfer, Ben Taylor, attempts to reach the green against Georgia in 2015

lor said in an interview on pgatour.com. “It’s funny, when you see guys get their card, and they don’t know what to say. I’m sort of in that same boat right now.”

Like various other former Tigers, Taylor is having success at the professional level and will now be able to showcase his game on golf’s greatest stage. Getting players to the PGA Tour is part of the goal for LSU golf coach Chuck Winstead.

Winstead works with his assistant coaches to develop a plan to help each individual golfer reach the highest level of golf competition.

The coaches measure players’ averages at the time they arrive and compare them to professional averages on the PGA Tour. It’s a plan that seems to have worked, as LSU golf has built a national brand off its success.

In 2015, Taylor and the Tigers claimed their fifth national championship in a dramatic win over Southern California.

In 2016, Kaufman was matched with three-time major winner Jordan Spieth in the final pairing of the Masters.

Last year, LSU advanced to the NCAA Championship round for the eighth time in the last 10 seasons. Consistency has been the name of the game, but a new year full of challenges has dawned for a young group of Tigers.

“We’re young in some areas,” Winstead said. “We want to try to play with toughness and discipline and create a culture about the type of team we want to become this year.”

The Tigers may be young,

but senior leader Philip Barbaree provides a ton of experience and maturity for this team. Barbaree was recently named to the Haskins Award watch list, given annually to the nation’s premier collegiate golfer.

“There’s no question having a player of [Philip’s] stat-

ure is tremendous for our program,” said Winstead. “The way he goes about his business is second-to-none.”

The Tigers will begin its season next week at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate Tournament from Sept. 13-15 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

courtesy of

LSU SPORTS

Former LSU golfer Ben Taylor poses with the National Championship trophy after the Tigers’ 2015 victory.

Thursday, September 12, 2019 MOSS, from page 5 sweat pants and no pads on game day.

Moss underwent a second surgery towards the end of the 2018 season, and this time, it was successful.

Moss continued to train and rehab for the final few weeks of the season but never got to a point physically where he could play. So he made it a point to not let up through the spring, summer and then fall camps so he could be ready for the 2019 season opener.

Some of his teammates took notice of the hard work that Moss was putting in, and the mental toughness it takes to come back from an injury like that.

“I’m glad to see that he hasn’t given up on his dream to play for LSU,” said senior cornerback Kristian Fulton. “... I’m just proud of him, I know he’s fought through a lot of adversity, but he’s making the best of it.”

“Thad has a lot of character,

page 7 and it shows,” said junior fullback Tory Carter. “His resiliency, to be able to overcome those injuries and stay strong mentally, it’s not easy to fight through that.”

On Aug. 31 against Georgia Southern, Moss got his first chance to suit up for LSU, and in the first quarter, Moss caught his first collegiate pass in three years.

“It fired me up, hearing the crowd roar, and just catching the ball that me and Joe (Burrow) have gone over so many times,” Moss said. “It just feels good to finally be able to see that hard work pay off.”

Moss followed his first catch with deep route reminiscent of his hall of fame father Randy could be proud of, and Burrow rewarded him with a perfect throw resulting in a 44-yard completion.

It was two long years of hard work culminating into two catches, but the value of those two catches were a lot more than just a statistic. They represented the pain and adversity that Moss had to endure to get to that point.

MITCHELL SCAGLIONE/ The Reveille

LSU junior tight-end Thaddeus Moss (81)participates in practice in the LSU Indoor Practice Facility on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019.

The Reveille sports staff reminisce their favorite LSU sports moments

Kennedi Landry

“...the time [Sarah Finnegan] anchored on the floor exercise at the 2019 SEC Championship with a perfect 10 to secure a third-straight title.”

Sports Editor

“...getting to walk out of Jordan-Hare stadium... after Cole Tracy kicked the gamewinning field goal to beat Auburn” Harrison Valentine

Jacob Beck

Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

“I attended the LSUAlabama football game in 2007 when I was only 9-years-old [...] it would be the only time I would see LSU beat Bama in person…well, until this year.”

Myles Kuss

“Witnessing LSU baseball’s comeback victory against Arkansas in what became known as the Rally Possum game.”

Natasha Malone Sports Reporter

Sports Columnist

“Witnessing LSU diver Juan Celaya-Hernandez winning back-toback titles at SECs in 2017-18 and breaking the SEC championships diving one meter record in front Lizzie Cui of his family” Sports Reporter

Sports Reporter

“...my freshman year when LSU came back from a 20-0 deficit against Auburn [...] in Tiger Stadium.”

“...I thought LSU’s loss to Troy was absolutely hilarious.”

Brandon Adam

Anthony Mocklin

Deputy Sports Editor

Sports Reporter

“Toughest decision of my life. I’m going to say the 2007 Auburn game when Matt Flynn threw to demetrius Byrd with time running out to win” Alexandra Cox

“Witnessing the first 3OT game in the PMAC when LSU basketball beat Alabama in 2013.

Pretty cool.”

“The Texas game this past weekend and realizing that LSU finally had a modern offense and a quarterback to run it.”

Reed Darcey Sports Reporter

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 8

Article by:

Emily Maranto

Y

ou never forget your first car. It’s the cornerstone of the American Dream – and a close second to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Whether your first car was a drain on your savings account, a gift of love from your parents or a lovely hand-me-down from a distant relative, cars are like family.

After all, they meet all the requirements. From constantly asking for expensive needs such as oil changes and gas to having their own room like a garage or shed, our vehicles make more of an impact on our daily routine than we realize.

But I have a confession that I think most of you can relate to: I know almost nothing about my car. Sure, the basic components are easily understood, but the names Nissan or Mazda or any other car brand can only be readily defined by their style or price tag.

And if you’re not a diehard car fanatic (we all have our hobbies), then buying a new car depends on appearance and gas mileage.

A car is always an investment into your life, but what if it could be an investment back into the world we live in?

That is what Subaru is hoping to accomplish with its vision of the Love Promise.

Sponsored Content

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 9

What is the Love Promise?

According to Subaru, the Love Promise is “a pledge to do right by the communities in which we all live and work.” Subaru is dedicated to improving the world through its five pillars.

“We’re an automotive company, but there’s so much more to it,” said Ben Ledet, manager of Subaru of Baton Rouge on Airline Highway.

What are the Five Pillars of the Love Promise?

Subaru Loves to Care (giving others the opportunity to lead a healthy life), Loves the Earth (working to preserve the world), Loves to Help (achieving a better world), Loves Learning (making the pursuit of knowledge as accessible as possible) and Loves Pets (keeping all pets safe and healthy).

How does The Love Promise thrive?

The Love Promise thrives through people wanting to do more. Ledet said the promise “has to be rooted within the employees, the owners and all the individuals involved to just want to be better people”

So, wait...doggos?

All the pillars of the Love Promise are important, but Subaru Loves Pets is a favorite of Subaru of Baton Rouge. It frequently hosts or helps events for dogs to be adopted and for supplies such as toys and bowls to be distributed to shelters, or for startups like Louisiana Warriors Unleashed that plans to create a new Pet Hospice Center at LSU. It also partners with BREC, the parks and recreation agency, for various events. The cutest of all is Pets-nPaddling. It’s puppies. On a paddleboard.

For the team members at Subaru, it’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle.

Need we say more?

What does Subaru do around the Baton Rouge community?

Subaru of Baton Rouge stays #BRproud. It won the Gold award last year for customer, community and commitment. Whether it’s recycling unusual items like k-cups or pet food packaging, or donating books to schools, Subaru is always itching to give more back more to the community.

Its next event lasts from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Anyone who purchases a car during that time may choose an organization for Subaru to donate to.

Do I have to buy a car to help The Love Promise?

No! There are numerous ways to give back and support Love Promise without purchasing a vehicle. Recycling, spreading awareness and attending events all help the cause. On Facebook, follow @subaruBatonRouge.

Sponsored Content

Classifieds

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 10

Now twice a week. To place your ad, visit www.lsureveille.com/classifieds and click Submit an Ad

Costs: $0.34 per word per day. Minimum $3.75 per day. Personals free for students

Help Wanted COURIER downtown law firmpreferably 1-5 M-F (flexible) Responsible college student with neat appearance, must have car, good driving record, insurance, computer skills, $9/hr+mileage.

Email resume to jwinkle@ pierceandshows.com

Boil Up

Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date

For Rent

Some Interest!

Welsh’s Cleaners. PART time afternoons. Flexible schedules. great for students. apply in person. 17732 highland rd. 225.7560470

3 Bedrooms 2 Complete Bathrooms Rent $1500 (985)3208448

Help needed building a website.

Website will involve user accounts.

Email autcoe@gmail.com with portfolio, experience (user account experience preferred), qualifications, etc.

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FOR RELEASE SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Feel the loss of 5 One of the Obamas 10 Deadly vipers 14 Prolonged pain 15 Hatred 16 Boyfriend 17 Encounter 18 Home for nearly 40% of New Yorkers 20 Suffix for passion or decor 21 Bottle stopper 22 Loses color 23 Means of communication 25 Actress Taylor 26 Pea pod, e.g.

28 Most unusual 31 Joint often sprained 32 “__ and the Man”; Freddie Prinze sitcom 34 __ artist; swindler 36 In a __; pouting 37 Hit hard 38 Dorothy’s dog 39 Moral transgression 40 Marsupial with no tail 41 Hell’s ruler 42 Chaperone 44 Geometric figure 45 Strange 46 Word in 2 U.S. state names 47 Extreme 50 Potpie ingredients 51 Earth tone 54 Analgesic 57 Actor Christian 58 “Lean __”; hit song of the ’70s 59 Peruses 60 Pinnacle 61 Hornet’s home 62 In a __; sort of 63 Relaxation DOWN 1 Cradle rocker, often 2 Popular actor & rapper

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

3 Diplomas 4 “Ready, __, go!”

5 Casual farewell 6 Venerate 7 Bathroom feature 8 Embrace 9 “What Kind of Fool __?”

10 On fire 11 Marine mammal 12 Window glass 13 Soap lather 19 VP Agnew 21 Scoop holder 24 To the __; fully 25 Be without 26 Peggy of TV 27 Musical about an orphan 28 Poza __, Mexico 29 Gift wrapper’s need 30 Sum 32 Informal talk 33 Actor Holbrook 35 Zero 37 Dictionary entry 38 Lip-puckering

9/12/19

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

40 Camera brand 41 Gentlemen 43 Brass instrument 44 Like very rough sandpaper 46 Requires 47 Come __; find 48 “Penny __”; Beatles song

9/12/19

49 Russert & Conway 50 Think ahead 52 Brewed beverages 53 On deck 55 Tax-collecting agcy.

56 Gen. Robert E. __ 57 Tavern

ENTERTAINMENT CIRCUS SENSATION

page 11

Bayou Cirque presents “Dark Circus” to Baton Rouge

BY MASIE O’TOOLE @masieotoole The word “circus” carries such powerful impact. It immediately conjures images of show stopping performers, fantastic feats of strength and oddities never before seen to the human eye.

Though people’s desire for shock value certainly hasn’t changed, the world surrounding it has. Modern entertainment, controversy and public opinion have all caused the circus arts to take a hit, and now it’s little more than a leftover from a bygone era.

Bayou Cirque is changing that.

Gym Fit BR used to only be a studio, a massive space for anything from aerial gymnastics to American Ninja Warrior style training. It hosted classes and events like any other, and the staff had the opportunity to train and play around with tricks when the gym was open.

One day after a birthday party, co-owner David Gabel sayid he was approached by a parent. She had seen the staff trying out some tricks in the empty studio, and wanted to know if they did any live performances.

Soon after, Bayou Cirque was

COURTESY OF JAY LAMM

born.

Now, nearly two years later, the troupe has been seen performing various skills and acrobatics across the state. It is frequently seen in parades and other individual showcases, but now it’s shifting its focus to something on a larger scale. ”Dark Circus” is Bayou Cirque’s first plot-driven show, as well as its first ticketed event.

It marks a departure from the variety shows of classic circuses into a more modern era of storytelling, a popular shift in circus arts.

The show follows a ringmas-

ter that has been collecting the souls of performers throughout his travels, forcing them to act under his control. When he enslaves a child to perform, the others become unruly and stage a revolt.

The performers wrote and choreographed the story themselves, improving upon and gradually tweaking the show into what it is now.

“It was a huge learning experience for us,” Gabel said. “We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a lot of fun.” ”Dark Circus“ features 25 performers, doing everything from aerial work and trapeze to classic clown skills like the walking ball and juggling. There are also seven people behind the scenes, responsible for rigging up the next act safely and properly.

Though being suspended in the air with nothing but an understanding of physics on your side may sound terrifying to many, it’s an artistic passion to some.

Former LSU student Michelle Landry, a trapeze artist currently filling the role of the ringmaster’s “trinket,” talked about some of the life behind the scenes.

“I got off work at midnight last night,” Landry said after the 7 a.m. rehearsal. “But I have a set time each week I know I’ll be in the studio.”

Most of the performers involved have other jobs and obligations outside of the studio

COURTESY OF JAY LAMM

and find time to not only attend large rehearsals, but practice their own acts individually. Each person chose to put in that effort, and it really reflects back in the performance.

“We’re having so much fun,” Gabel said. “I can’t wait to bring this show [to life].”

ABOUT BAYOU CIRQUE “DARK CIRCUS” PERFORMANCE SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 AT THE MANSHIP THEATRE IN BATON ROUGE TICKETS ARE AVALIABLE ONLINE AND AT THE DOOR. INSTAGRAM: @BAYOUCIRQUE ALSO ON FACEBOOK

ART

Board & Brush introduces DIY woodworking to Mid-City BR

LONG LE / The Reveille

Board & Brush supplies display on the studio’s wall and table on Sept.

11, at Board & Brush Creative Studio.

BY MASIE O’TOOLE @masieotoole Everyone likes personal decor for their homes. It’s human nature to want to fill a home with knickknacks and art pieces that spark joy. It’s an incredibly personal art, so why not create the decor yourself?

Board & Brush Creative Studio is a place to create custom signs without the cost and intimidation of learning each step individually. Instead of purchasing wood, stain and paint and hand painting designs and artwork, Board & Brush handles the difficult part for the customer— all that’s left to do is create.

Before coming in for their private or public party, customers find a design on the Board & Brush website. They have the ability to make minor tweaks or even add their own name. Once decided, an employee will print each customer’s custom stencil before their party and have wood prepared for painting.

Once the guests arrive, the fun part begins. Instructors demonstrate how to distress and stain the signs, and eventually the stencils are laid down to paint.

After a few quick dabs with a sponge brush and voila, a custom piece of art is ready to be hung.

Board & Brush owner Andrea Lormond emphasized the point of the studio is to give customers the opportunity to create something they truly enjoy instead of just buying off the rack.

“It’s your personal touch,” Lormond said. “You get to put the right stain, paint and get to personalize it. Nobody is going to have your sign.”

This is Lormond’s second Board & Brush location. The

first is closer to her hometown of Lafayette in Youngsville. She decided to open up this new Mid-City location to be closer to the University and bring something new to the Baton Rouge community.

The new studio opened its doors Aug. 14, and they’re already gaining a devoted following. Lormond says she’s already seeing some familiar faces.

There’s a benefit to visiting more than once—a free sign after five trips. Board & Brush has a punchcard system, as well as double punches on Fridays, but that’s not where the deals end. When scheduling online, use code BBBATONROUGE for $13 off your first order.

The studio hosts everything from birthday parties to team building exercises to date nights, so there is no limitation on who to bring or what to create. The studio is even open to food and drinks, so the party can travel with the customer.

Above all, Board & Brush is about having the satisfaction of

creating something individual and heartfelt, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, without dealing with the additional stress of buying materials and creating designs.

Anyone is welcome at Board & Brush, experienced or not, young or old. The studio is simply a space for the customer to make their own, and the art is as well.

Lormond believes that this difference is what makes the company special.

“It’s the memories behind it,” Lormond said. “It’s not just a sign that goes on your wall. You have a night out and you get to go home with something you’re proud of.”

ABOUT BOARD & BRUSH ADDRESS: 516 MOORE ST, NEXT TO WHITE STAR MARKET INSTAGRAM: @BOARDANDBRUSHBATONROUGE ALSO ON FACEBOOK

page 12

REV R ANKS

Thursday, September 12, 2019

TV

WORKING MOMS

Wolf and Rabbit Entertainment

Season three was a chance for all the characters to regain their footing and dive deeper into themselves. Just as the previous two seasons, season three perfectly blended inappropriate comedy with relatable moments.

Alexandria Duque @AlexInTheMedia

DOCUMENTARY

TRAVIS SCOTT Netflix

Diehard fans of Scott have a lot to chew on with this, but average viewers will simply be watching from the ground. Travis Scott might be able to fly, but a much more polished and meaningful documentary will be needed to take audiences with him.

Charles Jones @saxycj

TV

EUPHORIA A24

Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Jacob Elordi’s abs, mental illness, glittery eye shadow and a lot of sustainable bike-riding. This show is a deviation from the high school drama that only HBO is brave enough to present to the public.

‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ distinguishes Post Malone as a versatile artist

BY ENJANAE’ TAYLOR @_queenet_ Post Malone’s third studio album ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ gives fans more hit music from the artist.

The much-anticipated album dropped Sept. 6, leaving fans buzzing and impressed with Malone’s musicality. Lyrically and rhythmically at his best, fans believe this is Posty’s best work.

Although Malone is considered a rapper, he’s always branched out and experimented with his music. ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ is a mix of multiple genres, showcasing how versatile he really is.

Adding these different layers not only highlights Malone’s personality, but allows the emotion and depth of each song to shine.

I had high expectations for this album because I’ve been a fan of Malone since the beginning and absolutely loved his last two albums. The album isn’t exactly what I expected, but in a good way. It showed that Post isn’t just some rapper with a couple good songs, but a unique artist that is here to stay.

The title track, ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding,’ gives the album a strong opener and creates a

story that the listeners can ed to hear these three people follow along to. Songs like on a song, but it works, and it ‘Internet’ and ‘I’m Gonna Be’ works so well. follow the theme D a B a b y, presented by Halsey, Future discussing the and SZA are struggles of I’m pretty sure I’ll never just a few more Malone’s growbig names feaget tired of listening tured on the arting fame while staying true to to new Posty music. ist’s new album. himself. even His love of music and Malone ‘Allergic’ is gave a shout personality alone one of my favorout to the Jonas ite tracks on the Brothers in his is enough, but he album, It offers continues to grow as an song ‘I Know,’ rea different sound sponding to their artist and a person. shout out in their than we’re used to but with hit song ‘Cool.’ the same lyrical Posty has always quality. ‘A Thoubeen a great colsand Bad Times’ is another laborator and seems to know great track with a fun nostalgic how to perfectly select who vibe you can dance to. will fit in each of his songs.

The whole album has an oldWe had already heard school rock vibe, which is fit- ‘Wow.,’ ‘Circles,’ ‘Goodbyes’ ting for the artist. We got a little and ‘Sunflower’ from the bit of a rock vibe from Malone’s new album with them being previous songs like ‘Broken previously released. These Whiskey Glass’ and ‘Jonestown songs set a high bar for the (Interlude)’ but he experiments rest of the album, and I was with it more on this album. not disappointed.

‘Take What You Want,’ a I’m pretty sure I’ll never get huge track on the album fea- tired of listening to new Posty turing Ozzy Osbourne and music. His love of music and Travis Scott, is the best rep- personality alone is enough, but resentation of how Malone is he continues to grow as an artable to play with the differ- ist and a person. He stays true ent genres and create a song to himself and makes genuine that is still unique to him. I music that fans can connect never knew how much I need- with, making him a true icon.

Lia Salime @liasalime

ALBUM

GINGER

BROCKHAMPTON

BROCKHAMPTON has six albums in their career and consistently improve in their lyrics and sound. ‘GINGER’ is filled with cathartic emotions and lyrics that lifts off the weight of the past.

Britney Young @byoun99

Read the full reviews online at lsureveille.com/entertainment

courtesy of

WIKIMEDIA

OPINION

page 13

“Our similarities are far stronger than our differences” LSU PRESIDENT F. KING ALEXANDER @LSUPrez When our football team hosted Georgia Southern two weeks ago, a student allegedly directed an offensive racial slur at a group of peers while they were seated in the student section. I am saddened and disappointed by this report. No students should ever be made to feel unwelcome and targeted at a game or any other university event. Tiger Stadium, like every part of LSU’s campus, is meant to be inclusive for all.

I applaud the passionate response we have received from our students, faculty, staff and alumni, all decrying allegations of racial remarks. I understand that many have been frustrated by the lack of information about actions undertaken to address

the individual(s) behavior. However, the laws governing student privacy prevent me or any other university official from disclosing details to the public.

That being said, I want the entire community to know that we take this incident very seriously and it is under investigation. Racial slurs and the mindset that drives this type of conduct are outrageous, unacceptable, and have no place at LSU. Let me be clear: we do not and will not tolerate hate on this campus, and we will take appropriate action to address those that advance such inappropriate behavior and hatred on any LSU campus.

I’m proud to say that LSU has made tremendous strides in diversity and inclusivity in recent years. Our university is now more reflective of our state, nation and world. Our student body is now larger and more diverse

than ever before. While we are proud of these achievements, we know that we have to continue to make improvements in the coming years, and I know that we will make those gains together.

I know that the remarks attributed to one individual do not speak for the collective feelings of our campus. I call upon each and every member of the LSU family to stand strong together against racism, bigotry and prejudice. Our similarities are far stronger than our differences, and we are all charged with doing our part to contribute to a community that embraces those differences and continues to strengthen our university. If we tirelessly work as one, we can all play a vital role in eradicating hatred, bigotry and prejudice throughout society.

LSU President F. King Alexander

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

Ralph Abraham’s education policies pander to wealthy Sauce Boss Cécile CÉCILE GIRARD @_cegi_ Given the god-tier levels of ineptness U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos displays on any given day, it seems unthinkable that any government official could top her ignorance on education. Enter Republican Ralph Abraham, current Louisiana Congressional Representative and candidate for governor.

When it comes to reforming Louisiana’s notoriously underperforming public school system, Abraham’s views are simple: cut the State’s Department of Education altogether.

This would “empower...local school boards, teachers and parents” and put parents and communities “in charge of educating our children – not the federal government,” according to his campaign website. Abraham’s website is curiously silent when it comes to providing further details on how he plans on overhauling the educational system and “empowering” parents and communities.

The biggest irony in Abraham’s support of axing the Department of Education is that such a move would hurt Louisiana more than almost any other state in the country.

Louisiana currently receives roughly 13% of its funding for public education from the federal government, a higher percentage than most other states.

Abraham’s education reform plan, if we can even call his bare-boned attempt at coddling President Trump a plan, works under the assumption that every community across the Unit-

MELINDA DESLATTE / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ed States is backed by a robust network of engaged parents, qualified teachers and ample funds from local governments.

This may be true of the privileged neighborhoods Abraham is used to living in, but it is far from the reality of some American school districts. The most economically-disadvantaged neighborhoods cannot raise the same property taxes that a rich neighborhood can, so they have less to spend on renovations, materials, personnel and most tragically, qualified teachers.

Rich school districts would

have to redistribute their wealth to poorer school districts in order to give all Louisiana children an adequate education. Under Abraham’s plan, based on prior historical examples, however, it seems unlikely that wealthy taxpayers in good school districts would agree to this idea.

Beyond its economic impracticality, Abraham’s plan for education reform disturbs me for the blame and responsibility it places on parents’ shoulders. In an economy where low-income families have to work longer and longer hours

to afford basic necessities for themselves and for their families, it seems ridiculous that Abraham would deem it a parent’s responsibility to figure out how to educate their children.

When Abraham said, “parents...should be in charge of educating our children,” he is not empowering parents to teach their children; he is penalizing children with absent parents and blaming hardworking parents for the demise of the Louisiana education system.

No matter your political ideology and regardless of your

support of his campaign, Abraham’s education reform plan should convince you that he puts the “goober” in gubernatorial candidate.

Abraham’s poorly constructed plan to terminate the Department of Education will do nothing more than deprive children from low-income families and communities an opportunity at receiving the education they deserve in the world’s richest country.

Cécile Girard is a 19-year-old biology and psychology major from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

page 14

People not enrolled at LSU should not attend classes Your Best Brett BRETT LANDRY @bmlanry3 The 2019 fall semester has started, with one week officially down. Students at the University are bustling around campus trying to make it to their classes on time. However, among this crowd of enrolled students is a different breed of people who also are trying to make it to classrooms on time: the lecture loiterers.

Among the big names hired by the University to give lectures comes a posse of people not enrolled in the class or even in the University. These people come just to sit in on the lectures on campus. It is time these people are kindly asked to remain outside the classroom doors while a class is in session.

Whether these loiterers are friends of the professor, former students or just fans of the professor, the greater number of non-enrolled people in the classroom there are, the less seats are available for students actually enrolled in the class. While this may seem trivial, the lack of

seating options for students can have a major impacts on student success.

Studies have shown that when a student sits in the front of a class, their grades are likely to improve. Furthermore, etiquette dictates that students who rely on their laptops for note taking should sit near the back of the class to not distract anyone. If lecture loiterers encroach and take up too many spots in the classroom, they could negatively affect overall class performance.

Loiterers themselves can serve as a distraction just by their presence.

The presence of lecture loiterers is completely unfair to the student body. A University student who’s a Louisiana resident can expect to pay over $23,000 annually, and this cost can climb thanks to the “leadership” of LSU President F. King Alexander.

To allow anyone the arbitrary privilege of sitting in on a lecture students take on crippling debt for is a spit in the face of anyone who is trying to graduate at Louisiana’s flagship university.

Allowing random people to float in a classroom is a serious safety concern. There was just recently a serious, and thank-

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fully false, alarm about a visitor with a firearm in Coates Hall.

Every day that the University allows random, non-enrolled people to gallivant into classrooms is another day the University gambles that every campus visitor has peaceful intentions.

If someone really wishes to speak to the professor as a fan, former student or friend, they should kindly wait outside of the classroom until instruction concludes. The classroom is a work space for the professor and for the students. Guests that are

not there to assist in the lecture serve only to distract and detract from it. Ultimately, guests are not invited.

Brett Landry is a 20-year-old mass communication senior from Bourg, Louisiana.

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Thursday, September 12, 2019

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Legislators must make stricter gun laws in response to recent mass shootings According to Ashlon ASHLON LUSK @ashlonrose In light of a series of recent mass shootings, it’s time for legislators to create laws to help reduce the number of gun-related tragedies in the U.S. Seven people died and 25 were wounded in the most recent shooting in Midland-Odessa, Texas. This should have never happened, and it doesn’t make sense why no gun laws have changed in response to it.

After a man killed 20 children in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, and no laws were passed, I knew the country was never going to change.

The white men who want to keep their guns instead of help ing protect other Americans, including innocent children, are largely to blame.

As of Sept. 1, there have already been 283 mass shootings

this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

Just 244 days into the year, nearly 10,000 lives were lost to gun violence. It is imperative that action be taken now.

People should be able to go to movie theaters, places of worship and schools without fearing for their lives.

The U.S. is a place of refuge for many fleeing their countries of origin, but it seems pretty dangerous here, too.

We have detention centers for those hoping to find safety.

We are slowly stripping rights away from women. The least we could do to improve this country is to pass stricter gun laws.

There should be a waiting period before people can obtain guns because it could potentially keep prospective gun buyers from making rash decisions and carrying out violent acts with guns, such as committing mass shootings.

People should pass several background checks before being able to own a gun. People

who have been to jail for violent crimes shouldn’t be able to buy guns. Those with proven dispositions to violence should not have gun access period, especially easy access to weapons that could kill dozens of people in a matter of seconds.

Guns and ammunition should be less accessible. You can buy ammunition for guns at many popular retail outlets.

People should not be able to buy bullets at a place where groceries are sold.

I am not suggesting that guns be taken away from people, but they should be harder for people to obtain. People should have to take a class showing them how to safely use their guns, and only qualified individuals should be able to purchase them to begin with.

When someone is buying a gun, they should have to list the reasons they want it. If the reason isn’t to protect themselves or to legally hunt animals, they should be turned away. If they give an answer that is suspi-

SUE OGROCKI / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

cious, authorities should have to investigate.

The Second Amendment gives U.S. citizens the right to keep and bear arms. The type of guns that we have today didn’t exist when the constitution was written. There wasn’t the same accessibility to highpowered guns that we have today.

America is different now, and the constitution should change to reflect that. The Second Amendment needs to be revised to accommodate the citizens of the U.S. in 2019, not in 1787.

Ashlon Lusk is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from Houston, Texas.

As Amazon’s deadlines pressure their drivers to recklessly speed, the number of related casualties continue to rise.

Naturally, the best response is to monetize these tragedies even further. cartoon by ETHAN GILBERTI / The Reveille

Editorial Policies and Procedures EDITORIAL BOARD Caleb Greene Hailey Auglair Baily Chauvin Rachel Mipro Karli Carpenter

Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

Quote of the Week “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”

Thomas Campbell

Poet July 27, 1777 — June 15, 1844

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