NOVEMBER 2, 2015 | ISSUE 6
2015 Election:
Police, Guns and Money Read more on page 10.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND POLITICS Read more on page 13.
Low Voter Turnout in Off-Year Elections Read more on page 8.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Armed with Experience 6
Politics in Your News Feed 13
New assistant coach Jay Jones brings a touch of AAU’s Louisville Prospects to the IUS men’s basketball team.
An examination of how social media has enabled people to express their political views.
Just Enough 14-16
Voter Turnout
Former Grenadier Brandon Anderson has found much success since departing IU Southeast.
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In the midst of this year’s election, IUS political science professors and students in political organizations on campus examine ways voter turnout can improve.
Lobby For My Hobby 17
Running: an experience that cannot be beaten.
Catching Up on the Big Issues 10-12
Balloonacy
A look at four of the major 2015 election issues and their effect on IU Southeast students.
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IUS students use balloons to renew downtown New Albany.
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IN EVERY ISSUE Faces of IUS 4 Events 5 Diversions 18
Dee Stanton, Sophomore Guard
“Once you become FEARLESS, you become Dangerous”
SCORECARD
UPCOMING GAMES
10/24 IUS vs. Harris-Stowe State College 51-73 10/27 IUS vs. St. Catharine College 76-80
11/5 7 p.m. Cincinnati Christian (H)
Men’s Basketball Volleyball
10/27 IUS vs. Cumberland University 10/27 IUS vs. Lindsey Wilson
0-3 0-3
EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION IU Southeast 4201 Grant Line Road New Albany, IN 47150 Guest Editor-in-Chief: Joseph Kauffman Editor-in-Chief: Zak Kerr Managing Editor: Paige Thompson News Editor: Chelsey Carr Features Editor: Joseph Kauffman Sports Editor: Blake Stewart Photography Editor: Marisa Gartland Director of Student Media/Adviser: Adam Maksl
Staff: Enrique Bryan Kaitlin Casper Olivia Cook Kate Harrison Hannah Foreman Parker Henes Kristin Kennedy Lori Mundell Latach’ Payne Somolia Pumphrey Paul Robey Ty Simpson Joel Stinnett Daniel Vance Jordan Williams
Volleyball
Men’s Basketball
11/3 7 p.m. University of the Cumberlands (A) 11/6 6 p.m. Lindenwood University (A)
Women’s Basketball
11/12 7 p.m. St. Mary-Of-The-Woods (H) 11/14 5:30 p.m. Berea College (A)
(812) 941-2253 horizon@ius.edu
edit for brevity, grammar and style, and may limit frequent letter writers.
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The Horizon welcomes contributions on all subjects. The Horizon is not an offical publication of Indiana University Southeast, and therefore does not necessarily reflect its views.
To report a story idea or obtain information, call or email the Horizon.
Your first Issue of the Horizon is free. All subsequent copies cost $2 each.
Letters to the editors must be signed, include student’s major and class standing and be fewer than 500 words. The Horizon reserves the right to
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POLICE
BLOTTER Oct. 19 at 9:37 a.m.
Officer dispatched to take a theft report from a custodian concerning the disappearance of a University cell phone from a locked supply closet. Report was taken. Cell phone later found.
FACES OF IUS - photos by Paul Robey -
Oct. 19 at 11:04 a.m.
Officer took report from a student who’s backpack was stolen from their vehicle on Monday, October 12, 2015. Estimated value of stolen textbooks $291.80.
Oct. 19 at 2:10 p.m.
Officers dispatched to a fire alarm located in Teaching Lab room 210, Physical Science Building. The professor said it was an accidental event. Alarm was reset.
Oct. 19 at 3:55 p.m.
Student playing pool laid his keys and wallet on a shelf in the game room and they are now missing. Value $40. Report taken.
Oct. 19 at 8:52 p.m.
Officers dispatched to a report of loud singing outside of Woodland Lodge. Officers report they are unable to locate suspect.
Oct. 21 at 12:31 p.m.
Officer dispatched to the Game Room to speak with a suspect who may have stolen someones wallet. When the officer arrived, the person was no longer there.
Oct. 21 at 6:49 p.m.
Officer dispatched to a report of a 67 year old male complaining of dizziness. Officers advise the subject is being taken to Floyd Memorial hospital by EMS.
Oct. 22 at 2:01 a.m.
Student reported gold fish crackers in the pockets of pool table and on top of table. Officers took a report for mischief. Investigation revealed persons responsible and they will be dealt with.
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BETTI WRIGHT
KIARA WATTS
Wright is throwing clay on a pottery wheel. She advised students to be thoughtful about how they manage their time.
Watts was on her way to her Spanish class. She is in a band, Nzuri Music, and spoke about needing to be yourself.
“Time is limited, you are only here for so long so be thankful for each day.”
“Always walk in your purpose.”
post baccalaureate ceramics
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pre-music therapy junior
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Adult Pottery Class
We Were Promised Jetpacks November 9 @ Headliners Music Hall
November 3
Mission Improvable 7 p.m. @ the Hoosier Room The Student Program Council is hosting an improv comedy night. Stop by for a few free laughs.
November 5 Wii Bowling
November 9 @ Beechmont Community Center; $50
November 5 November 6 November 6 Noises Off
QuinTango
Wizard World Comic Con
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ University Center South, room 206
$7 for Students; 8 p.m. @ the Ogle Center
$10 for Students; 7:30 p.m. @ The Ogle Center
A casual Wii Bowling competition hosted by the Non-Traditional Student Union members will be held in the Adult Student Center.
If you need a good laugh, this performance directed by Jim Hesselman is sure to deliver. Prepare for your sides to be split on this opening night performance.
Audience-engaging dance group phenomena QuinTango lights up the stage and makes you want to boogie up out of your seats.
Holiday Trunk Show
12:15 p.m. @ The Commons
Game Night
6 p.m. @ The Commons
Come check out a wide array of talent from music to poetry, all to entertain you. Hosted by the Student Program Council.
Interested in board games, card games, roleplaying games, and a little socialization? Check out game night hosted by The Gamers’ Society. All types of gaming welcome!
4-8 p.m. @ Whitehall Historic Home and Gardens
$1 per cookie – 2-4 p.m. @ The Arctic Scoop
Non-profit organization Anchal is hosting a Holiday Trunk Show to benefit the lives of women in India. Shop unique gifts and explore the new men’s selections.
Ever had an interest in learning how to decorate cookies? Enjoy this free class and eat your creations!
$40; Friday 3 p.m. – Sunday 5 p.m. @ The Kentucky International Convention Center The largest pop-culture touring expo will visit Louisville for an entire weekend. Come enjoy movies, comics, cosplay, videogames, and much more!
November 9 November 10 November 12 November 12 November 14 Book Drive
11:30 a.m. @ The Commons The Castle Club will host a book drive benefiting the Providence House for Children. Bring all of your old books to donate.
Open Mic
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Cookie Decorating
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New assistant brings AAU background to team team consisting of players enrolled in or graduating from high school who are interested in prolonging their sports career. Most of the AAU teams travel to different IU Southeast hired a new assistant coach to states to play in tournaments, just like a the men’s basketball team in the middle of the university team would. Later on, the teams attend the Adidas Classic in Indianapolis and 2015 season. Jay Jones has spent his whole life playing and the Annual AAU National Tournament in teaching basketball. He played high school ball Florida. AAU players will play other teams in their at Male High School, and after graduating, he went into the military. Jones played basketball same age groups, so younger teams don’t go up for a couple of years while in the army, and then against college level players. Jones said this is designed to get the high went on to the collegiate level. “Basketball was just the beginning,” Jones school players familiar and prepared to play said. “I played basketball, football and ran a at the collegiate level and it’s also good for the players’ skill development. little track in my day.” Jacob Mills, sophomore guard for the Playing basketball was just the tip of the iceberg for Jones. He said coaching and helping Grenadiers, played for Jones during his senior season. kids was something he always wanted to do. Mills said Jones’ main focus was getting his After coaching for two years at Valley High School, Jones said he needed a change. So, he players to the next level. “The team I was on, everyone went to the next took the coaching position at Southern High School. Jones coached high school basketball for level, whether it was a huge Division I or a junior five years. After that, he decided that he wanted college,” Mills said. Kenton Aubrey, one of Jones’ assistant to create a team of his own. In 2010, Jones started the Louisville coaches, is an alum from IU Southeast who Prospects, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) played basketball for the Grenadiers and has been a part of the Louisville Prospects for four years. Aubrey said that, through the Prospects, a very high percentage of the players go on to play some type of collegiate basketball. One year, the Prospects split into two twelve men teams. Aubrey said that 22 of the 24 players from those teams played college basketball. According to Jones, former Prospects have earned about eight million dollars in scholarships. “This team is a steppingstone in athlete’s basketball careers,” Jones said. “The Prospects just gets the Photo by Paul Robey players ready for the real Jay Jones, assistant coach for the IUS men’s basketball team sits on the bench with test called college.” players during the game against St. Catharine. This is Jones’ first year on staff. It was through his By Parker Henes Staff Reporter pathenes@ius.edu
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work with the Prospects that Jones met Wiley Brown, the head coach of the Grenadiers. Jones ran the high school AAU team that Brown tried to recruit players from to come play for IU Southeast.
I am excited to bring what I know to the table. Jay Jones Assistant Coach
Brown said recruiting is hard enough, but having AAU teams preparing the kids for the next level helps the player and their future team. Brown also started his own AAU team, which his son currently plays on. The Ville, Brown’s AAU team, is on it’s 13th year and has produced players like Jack Levitch and Ramon Spalding. Brown said starting this team back up is beneficial for a younger team because it builds relationships that he said are a lifetime bond. “I started this team back up for the kids to have when they are not playing during the summer,” Brown said. “It also keeps them in shape for when the school season starts back up.” Brown said that when you are a coach it is a good thing to get as many connections as you can, such as Jones. Contacts make it easier to recruit, which Brown said is the most important thing during the offseason. Brown said Jones is a good recruiter not only because of his AAU team, but because he knows the local high school talent. He said Jones’ experience will help the Grenadiers this season. Mills said he is excited to be reunited with his former coach. “Coach Jones knows how to manage the game and knows what plays we need to be in to be successful,” Mills said. “I am excited to bring what I know to the table,” Jones said. The Grenadiers lost their first two games of the season, but look to bounce back as they travel to University of the Cumberlands on Tuesday and a weekend road trip in the Kentucky Christian Classic.
Examining Voter Turnout Patterns IU Southeast Students & Faculty Advocate Importance of Voting Kristin Kennedy Social Media Coordinator krikenne@umail.iu.edu During this year’s election, many citizens will stand in line to vote candidates into office. According to statistics, though, the lines may be short. Over the last couple of years, the statistics show fewer citizens 18 and older have been voting in recent general elections. Just over a third -- about 36 percent -- of eligible voters in the U.S. voted during the 2014 midterm election, according to a New York Times editorial. This was the lowest voter turnout since 1942, and it was slightly lower than the Pew Research Center’s figure of 37 percent of eligible voters who voted in the 2010 midterm election. According to The New York Times editorial, Indiana was the state with the lowest voter turnout in the 2014 election, only having 28 percent of eligible voters turn up to the polls. On average, according to FairVote.org, about 60 percent of eligible voters cast ballots during presidential elections, and about 40 percent cast ballots during midterm elections. For local elections, around 20 percent of eligible voters cast ballots on average, according to governing.com. According to the Floyd County Government website, about 30 percent of Floyd County voters cast ballots during the last local election, which was in 2011. Rhonda Wrzenski, assistant professor of political science, said the local and national statistics related to voter turnout result from a few factors. “Voter participation tends to be lower in local elections and during midterms because these races receive less publicity in the national news and citizens tend to be less enthusiastic, invested in, and knowledgeable about the candidates and policies,” she said. Roger Howard, political science and economics junior, is the president of the Political Science Club. Howard said when voter turnout rates do not represent the majority of the population, the U.S. is impacted at all levels of government. “The democratic system does not function properly due to the few amount of people voting,” he said. “These people who do vote essentially have greater power over people who don’t vote, exerting and executing their beliefs and interest over those who choose not to express them through their
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power of voting. Officials that are elected during low voter turnouts fail to represent the interest of the public as a whole because they are only elected by a small portion of the population.” Wrzenski said when voter turnout rates are low, it can be a sign of strong politics-related problems. “Lower voter turnout impacts our country because it can be reflective of bigger issues, such as low levels of political trust, efficacy, enthusiasm, and interest,” she said. “Also, low voter turnout impacts election outcomes. The Democratic Party performs better when voter turnout is high because their coalition groups -- young voters and minority voters -- are mobilized.” Voter turnout is disproportionate in different age demographics. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, almost 59 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds vote on average, while 78 percent of 65- to 74-year-olds vote. Wrzenski said there are several likely reasons for this gap. “First, they may attend college in another part of their state or another state from the one they grew up in, and this mobility leads to less connection with their communities,” she said. “This mobility also poses obstacles as students need to update their voter registration information and/or request an absentee ballot in advance of election day.”
Wrzenski also said young voters may feel disconnected from the government and elected leaders. “They are less likely to own a home and pay property tax, to have children in the public school system, and to feel like the issues under discussion directly impact them.” Wrzenski said her students in POLS-Y 317 Elections complete activities related to elections and voter turnout. The activities help the students learn more about the significance of voting. “Students follow a tossup congressional race for much of the fall semester and predict the outcome of the race on election day based on their extensive analysis and data collection,” Wrzenski said. “On election night we have a campus-wide party to watch the results come in. In addition, we spend approximately two class sessions discussing voter participation and choice.” Howard said he believes statistics related to voter turnout could be changed if the public attitude regarding what voting means and why it’s important changes. “I feel that people have come under the assumption of ‘I’m only one vote, my vote won’t make an impact or a difference,’” he said. “This notion is a false one. People don’t realize that their
Photo by Kristen Kennedy Members of the Political Science Club and College Republicans watch the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Both clubs educate students about political candidates and the importance of voting.
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Indiana Eligible Voter Turnout in 2014 Fort Wayne: 12.05%
Indianapolis: 8% Bloomington: 25%
Evansville: 26%
Floyd County: 28%
Sources: www.indy.gov www.idsnews.com www.allencounty.us www.vanderburg.gov.org Graphic by Daniel Vance
vote truly does make a difference, especially in local and state elections where the total population base able to vote is generally smaller.” Voter registration is a factor related to voter turnout. Almost 75,000 eligible voters are not registered to vote, according to Statistic Brain Research Institute. Almost 219 million people in the U.S. are eligible to vote, but almost 75 million fewer people -- just over 146 million -- are registered to vote. Jeremy Eiler, business senior and chief justice of the Student Government Association, and other SGA members have helped students register to vote this semester. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the SGA held a voterregistration drive with the College Democrats and the College Republicans. Connie Lawson, Indiana Secretary of State, attended to help encourage students to register to vote. Eiler said about 52 students registered to vote that day. Eiler said students can register to vote in the SGA judicial office in University Center South, across from the Campus Life office. Howard said the Political Science Club has only existed for a year, but the members strive to make students aware of the importance of voting and registering to vote. “We have joined with other political groups on campus in the past by holding voter registration drives, and our group looks to hold even more voter registration drives on campus shortly, especially with the presidential election coming up in 2016,” he said. “My group has also discussed the possibility of hosting debates and forums for local and state candidates on campus to further educate and bring excitement to the election season and voting.”
According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, opted not to vote due to an illness or disability. about 13 percent of eligible voters who did not vote Eiler said people should know that if they will said they were uninterested in voting and another be out of town or busy during election day, they 13 percent said they disliked the candidates or the can vote by submitting an absentee ballot between campaign issues. 29 days and a day before election day. Howard said it’s important for people to research In local elections, such as the upcoming one, candidates before each election, and if people are every vote counts, Eiler said. uninterested in the candidates after researching “In some cases, especially in local elections, one them, they shouldn’t vote. vote could make all the difference,” he said. “There “If people are not educated or interested in have been people that’s won by only one vote, so any candidate, my first piece of advice would be your vote is very valuable.” for them to do some further digging and research Eiler said he believes voting is a privilege that is over each candidate so they know who each person important for everyone. is and what they stand for,” Howard said. “If this “It’s your constitutional right to vote, and not does not lead to interest, then I personally would using it is like waiving your privilege,” he said. tell the person not to vote because they would “And I also believe that it’s very important to be an uneducated voter and they run the chance speak your opinion of your political views, or of randomly voting for someone they don’t know voting who you think is best for that office. I don’t anything about or how that person might stand on think enough people vote, personally speaking, but certain issues.” I find it to be very important because if you want to In addition to educating people about the have change in something, you have to go out and importance of voting and advocating for voter do something.” registration, Wrzenski said there are several other Howard said voting allows him to express his options to increase voter turnout. opinions regarding how the government should “The most radical and fast acting method would function at the local, state and federal levels, and be to make voting compulsory,” she said. “Under voting is a right that some people in other countries this system, citizens who don’t vote are required to do not have. pay a fine for their nonparticipation. However, this “My vote gives me a say in my future and the change does not seem very probable in the United future of generations to come,” Howard said. “To States.” me that means everything.” Wrzenski said. some states have tried alternative approaches to increase voter turnout, including early voting, same-day voter registration and conducting elections by mail. “ O r e g o n , Washington, and Colorado now hold all of their elections by mail,” she said. “This makes voting more convenient for people with busy schedules and reduces the barrier of needing to locate your voting location.” Almost 18 percent of eligible voters who did not vote said they had a conflicting schedule, according to Statistic Mixing alcohol with medications can lead to loss Brain Research Institute. Also, almost of coordination and harm to your body. 15 percent said they
A Prescription for Disaster
Sponsored by the Digital Student Planner — ius.edu/student-planner and grenadiercentral.ius.edu Get organized. Get involved.
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On The Issues By Jordan Williams By Joel Stinnett Staff Reporter Staff Reporter jormwil@ius.edu joelstin@ius.edu On Tuesday Nov. 3, some citizens across the nation will walk inside voting booths and select who will represent them in elected offices over the next few years. And next year, voters will select candidates for national offices. In Southern Indiana and Kentucky, voters will select city council and state leaders. The issues we face in these municipal and state races, and those that we will face one year from now in national races, can range from local street repairs, to state tax laws, to national debt concerns. To make sense of it all, The Horizon has talked to politicians, campaign managers and young adults about a few of the issues we see as most important to college students.
Student Debt Eight years ago, the U.S. faced dire straits – the national debt underwent a sharp rise in response to the financial crisis of 2007-08. The deficit has continued to surge upwards with student loans playing a significant role in the money being owed as they are currently contributing $1.2 trillion to the nation’s total $18 trillion debt. The Wall Street Journal reported that with credit card debt sitting at $890 billion and mortgage related debt topping the charts at $8.17 trillion. There is no denying that the debt problem cannot be fixed overnight. However, potential solutions are being considered and developed by many politicians of varying political ideologies. Arne Duncan, secretary of education, plans to propose a package that will be aimed at fouryear universities accepting federal aid, forcing these campuses to improve success rates and ensure that graduating students will have the necessary working skills to take on the competitive job market. According to Duncan, the motivation behind his package comes in response to a decrease in
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Graduation doesn’t always ensure that students are prepared to pay back what they borrowed Lauren Greider Associate Director, Financial Aid
graduation rates and many campuses not offering programs through which students can see how the skills that have been taught to them can be applicable in their pursuit of a career, ultimately giving them experience before graduation and increasing their chances of finding a desired position in their field of interest. Sara Jewell, a research technology specialist in the IUS Office of Institutional Effectiveness, provided detailed reports in regards to the attendance and success rates. With IU Southeast having a current total of 6,173 undergraduate students seeking a bachelor’s degree, the package of proposals will
likely benefit most on campus both during and after the expected four-year graduation. Seeing as the graduation rates at IU Southeast are not wavering, but not necessarily hurting enough to require federal intervening and haven’t really faced too much of a decrease in recent years as other campuses have, the university will most likely only experience the direct benefits from the proposal as there will be more opportunities being offered at some point during the pursuit of a degree. Lauren Greider, associate director of financial aid at IU Southeast, acknowledges that students could experience troubles when it comes to establishing experience post-graduation, but suggests that graduation doesn’t mean sudden financial stability. “Graduation doesn’t always ensure that students are prepared to pay back what they borrowed,” Greider said. “We try to promote financial literacy for our students. We also communicate with our loan recipients what they are borrowing and what that will look like as it comes time for repayment.” While there may not be a quick fix to the escalating debt that most students must endure in their pursuit of higher education, Greider offers the advice that students monitor how they go about accepting the federal aid being offered to them. “Encouraging smart borrowing--weighing needs versus wants--and encouraging students to explore alternative options for funding, such as employer reimbursement and scholarships,” Greider said.
Minimum Wage When it comes to minimum wage job positions, the frustrations of labor and the low level of income received are often times at the forefront of employee’s minds. The grievances of money being earned from minimum wage jobs are nothing new seeing as political candidates have been acknowledging them in their campaigns for some time now and certain state governments have begun to acknowledge how the habits of today may require slightly higher grades of pay. For New York, the dissatisfaction of statewide minimum wage has reached a tipping point for many working in lower level positions and in response to the discourse being had, Bill de Blasio, who was elected as mayor of New York in 2013, has made the decision to advocate an increase in the minimum pay being offered, as reported by the New York Times. The restlessness felt by most low level
Even with the anticipated changes in minimum wage salaries that are soon to be in effect, some, especially observing the matter from a sociological standpoint, are skeptical that the solution for the reoccurring issue hinges on the increase of money earned by hour and instead believe that the problem can be solved by raising the living wage. IUS faculty member Greg Phipps is one of these believers. “What we should really be discussing, rather than minimum wage, is living wage,” Phipps said. Phipps, who is a senior lecturer of sociology, has a keen understanding of social development and institutions. His knowledge proves to be beneficial when considering a critical analysis of social order, in this particular case understanding the injustices synonymous with minimum and living wages. “As a sociologist, I think in terms of social justice and trying to elevate the standard of living for all Americans,” Phipps said. “When it comes to raising the minimum wage I do believe that it needs to be done and I don’t think that it takes an economist to realize that.”
Policing income employees and the desire to correct this disinclination isn’t just centric to New York as other states, including Ohio, Washington and California, are expressing similar interests. As of now, the push for an increase in minimum wage is specific to state legislation, but if proposed and executed properly, the raise in wages could be the stepping stone towards nationwide change, evidence of this being that the Lexington city council recently put the proposal for wage increase on its November 5 agenda. With the widespread increase in minimum wage already scheduled for 2016, it is possible for the raise to seem almost dismal in comparison to what can happen if the aforementioned states continue their crusade - minimum pay could rise from $9 in 2016 to upwards of $12 in the years following.
So far this year 983 people have been killed by police officers according to killedbypolice. net, a site that tracks all police homicides. That number is on pace to match the 1,108 people killed in 2014 in the U.S. last year. Many of these killings have been ruled
When it comes to raising the minimum wage, I don’t think it needs to be done Gregg Phipps Senior Lecturer, Sociology
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justifiable. But as the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland, have shown, not everyone agrees. Some of these incidents have been caught on tape and gone viral. Officials, citizens and in some cases grand juries have examined and debated these clips, often with little result. Officers have been indicted in less than 1 percent of these cases. According to a 2014 Pew Research poll 70 percent of African Americans and 33 percent of whites believe that police officers do a poor job of treating racial and ethnic groups equally. One possible solution that politicians and police departments have suggested is to equip officers with body cameras in order have a better idea of what really happens in dangerous situations. But as Joseph Grant, lecturer of criminology and criminal justice and former Louisville police officer, told The Horizon last November, cameras don’t always capture everything that happens during an incident. Grant said that proper training is just as important as technology. “Everyone is looking for the camera to solve the problem of police misconduct, in particular, the use of excessive force,” Grant said. “Nothing takes the place of a well-trained officer.” Grant said that body cameras should be one tool that many departments should use to prevent misconduct. “Everyone is looking for a quick fix to police misconduct. There is no quick fix to the problem,” Grant said. “It requires organizational change and part of that is emphasizing sound decisions in the hiring of police officers and the continued training of those officers.” Officer training can also be important for police to protect themselves. According to the Officer Down Memorial, 32 officers have been killed in the line of duty by gunfire and three by vehicular assault this year.
Guns on Campus
In early October, President Obama gave a speech asking for tighter gun laws in the wake of a mass shooting at a community college in Oregon. Obama believes that the way to slow the rash of mass shootings in recent years is to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and mentally unstable individuals. On the other hand, Wayne LaPierre, the NRA’s executive vice president, said after the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, “The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Earlier this year, Indiana Rep. Jim Lucas proposed House Bill 1143 that would allow licensed gun owners to carry firearms at public colleges and universities. IU Southeast has had two lockdowns in recent semesters sparked by reports of students bringing guns to campus. Both incidents turned out to be false alarms. But there have been students in the past that shared in Lucas’s desire to allow guns on campus.
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun Wayne LaPierre NRA executive vice president
Two years ago Students for Concealed Carry held an empty holster rally in support of allowing firearms in the classroom. According to an April 2013 article in The Horizon, then demonstration organizer Drew Appel said that IUS was ill-prepared should an active shooter visit the campus. “Having our university take the position of being a ‘gun-free zone’ would grant violent criminals a peace of mind should they decide to use our campus to execute their murderous rampage,” Appel said. IU Southeast Police Chief Charles Edelen says that he supports gun owners rights to bear arms, just not in a university setting. “I have seen trained police officers have misfires,” IUS Police Chief Charles Edelen said. “To think we could have people not as well trained [carrying guns] on campus is scary.” House Bill 1143 has not passed but the issue of gun and school safety is not likely to go away.
Political Networking @politicalnetworking
Students talk about how social media has changed politics.
By Kate Harrison Staff Reporter kaetharr@ius.edu November has arrived which means election season is nearly upon us. If you forget, all you have to do is scroll through your Facebook page or Twitter feed. People turn to social media to voice their opinion on political issues now more than ever. A new survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project found that 66 percent of adult social media users have done at least one of eight civic or political activities with social media such as: posting, reposting, or becoming members of politically affiliated groups. Those adults make up 39 percent of the United States’ adult population. Zane Glotzbach, a political science senior, supports the use of social media as a way to share political viewpoints. “I think social media is a perfectly acceptable place to talk about politics. Possibly the best,” Glotzbach said. “It does have its pluses and minuses though. Its plusses are that it takes the awkwardness out of talking politics. It’s easier to express a view from behind a computer screen. And it also allows people to spread their views in a public forum.” Glotzbach went on to add that the inability to tell which information is accurate and which is fabricated is one of the mediums’ major drawbacks. Morgan Schultz, another political science senior, said everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be able to post whatever they want on social media; however, she also said she believes social media can be detrimental to the voting process. “I don’t think social media is the best way to talk about your political ideas. I think joining a club or talking with your social group is,” Schultz said. “I think posting about politics
on social media is how propaganda spreads and how Trump is leading. For example, the Hillary [Clinton] emails wouldn’t have been as big a deal if social media hadn’t been involved.” Sarah Mann, a psychology sophomore, has similar views to Schultz. “I think social media posts definitely affect voters’ viewpoints, although it shouldn’t. People shouldn’t be swayed by things they see on social media. They should do their own research and decide their opinion on what they have found while doing research because contrary to popular belief, things on social media aren’t always true,” Mann said. Mann added that there is a distinctive difference between posts that are informative and ones that are annoying. “If someone is uneducated about politics and they post something that they have no idea about, then it is very annoying. If a person posts about politics and has actually watched the news or done their research on the topic then it isn’t as annoying,” Mann said. Glotzbach also weighed in on the annoyance factor. “I think people only find political posts annoying when they’re from an opposing opinion and then generalize from there,” Glotzbach said. In a study done from the Pew Research Center, they found many of the people who post about politics on social media are from opposing political parties. “Overall, there are mixed partisan and ideological patterns among social media users when it comes to using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. The social media users who talk about politics on a regular basis are the most likely to use social media for civic or political purposes. And the social media users who have firmer party and ideological ties—liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans—are, at times, more likely than moderates in both parties to use social media for these purposes,” the report said. While some may find social media posts
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annoying, others find it creates a platform for voters to express their ideas freely. If you can wade through the noise and the disinformation, you may discover social media’s ability to promote political thought. and suffrage.
Social Network Usage of American Adults 60% 39%
American adults that use social networking sites American adults that use social networking sites for civic or political activities Source: Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project Graphic by Olivia Cook
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By Somolia Pumphrey Staff Reporter sdpumphr@ius.edu After leaving IU Southeast, Brandon Anderson, who had already had dreams of owning his own businesses and producing his own brands, decided to start his own clothing line, Purpose Vision Lifestyle Apparel and A Kings Vision Photography. Fresh out of Western High School in 2007, the Louisville native, said that he was like any other high school graduate. The goal was leaving home and going away to pursue a college degree. Coming from the West-end of Louisville and living with his grandmother, he knew she didn’t have the means to pay for his college education. So Anderson turned to basketball. After graduating high school Anderson went on to attend Shawnee Community College, a small junior college in Illinois where he pursued both basketball and higher education. While attending a junior college, Anderson was only allotted two years to play basketball for them. After those two years were up, other colleges would then begin recruiting him. Anderson had the option to attend Western Kentucky University, but before he could make his final decision, he had received the exciting news that he was expecting his first son. IU Southeast’s men’s head basketball coach, Wylie Brown, contacted Anderson while he was still in Illinois to come play for the Grenadiers. The opportunity had come at the right time for Anderson, who wanted to be closer to home so that he could be around for his son. “When my son, Braylon, was born I wanted to
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Former IUS student finding success after athletics
be closer to home, so IUS was a good fit for me,” Anderson said. Brown said that he saw a lot of potential in Anderson. “You knew that whatever he wanted to do in
You knew that whatever he wanted to do in life he would be successful because he was just that type of young man
College Technology and Design. Anderson said that attending Sullivan helped learn more about graphic design and becoming an entrepreneur. “That was one of the best decisions to go there, to learn those skills,” Anderson said. Although Sullivan was the college that taught him the tools he would soon need for his businesses, he said that IU Southeast helped guide him there. “IUS pushed me in that direction,” Anderson stated. “I’m glad I went to IUS.” On July 11, 2011, Anderson began his first project as a designer. Only The Fly Survive was Anderson’s first time being a designer of his own clothing brand. He partnered with his cousin, and they sat down collectively to design and fund the project. “We got some good support from people around the city,” Anderson said. “I could see people
Wiley Brown IUS men’s basketball coach
life he would be successful because he was just that type of young man,” Brown said. While IU Southeast offered Anderson a reason to be closer to his son, his home and the opportunity to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level, it didn’t offer Anderson the field of study he wanted. Wanting to pursue a career in graphic design, Anderson talked with his academic advisor about the different options he had. Anderson credits his advisor and different resources at IU Southeast with helping to point him in the right direction. In 2010, Anderson transferred to Sullivan
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Photo courtesy of Brandon Anderson Brandon Anderson (second to left) with some of his Grenadier teammates. Anderson played guard for the Grenadiers in the 2009-2010 season.
wearing my stuff.” While still enrolled at Sullivan College, Anderson took the resources he had learned about and designed the product for OTFS. Using the photography skills he acquired from Sullivan, Anderson used them to do the photoshoot for OTFS, which kept them from having to come up with extra money to pay someone to take photos. “If I knew how to do it, then I wouldn’t have to pay nobody to do it. That’s how dedicated I was,” Anderson said. After starting OTFS, Anderson who was doing most of the photography for the clothing line decided to start two other solo projects: A Kings Vision Photography in 2011-2012 and Purpose Vision Lifestyle Apparel, which was first released in 2013. “Purpose Vision is to inspire people to chase their dreams and to go after what they want. All wrapped around faith, love and hope,” Anderson said. Anderson describes Purpose Vision as an athletic brand, built for young athletes.
He remembers reading the book “Purpose Driven Life,” by Rick Warren and says that the book inspired him to start his own brands and to be in the position to help other young people. Anderson says that one of his favorite quotes is from the Bible and it goes as follows: “And Jesus said unto them, ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’” Matthew 17:20 This quote is important to him because he said it exemplifies his faith and how far his faith has brought him in life. “You don’t have to have a lot of it, just enough to make things
Photo courtesy of Brandon Anderson Anderson took photos of Young Jeezy at a show in Louisville. Anderson has worked with other artists like T.I., Future, Nelly, Paul Wall, and Fabulous.
happen,” Anderson said. Reginald Smith, a longtime friend and current business partner of Anderson, praised Anderson’s faith in God and the example that he sets for young fathers. “He’s taught me a lot. He’s a great father figure and he motivates us other young fathers,” Smith said. “He’s a God fearing man, and he’s successful because he puts God first.” Smith explains that he’s always looked up to Anderson because of his humble personality and feels that, because of him, he is now one of the best. Smith works alongside Anderson as a photographer. The two have only been working together for a few months on projects like: the Coca Cola Talent Classic at the Kentucky State Fair, the Kentucky State Fair Step Show, and alongside a New York promoter photographing the artist Post Malone. Anderson has worked with artists like: T.I., Future, Nelly, Paul Wall, and Fabulous.
He’s a God fearing man, and he’s successful because he puts God first Photo courtesy of Reginald Smith Brandon Anderson with the city of Louisville in the background. Anderson credits being closer to his son as the main reason he chose to attend IU Southeast.
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Reginald Smith Anderson’s business partner
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Photo courtesy of Reginald Smith Anderson looking at his camera during a photo shoot overlooking Louisville. He enrolled at Sullivan College Technology and Design after one year at IU Southeast.
For the future, Anderson hopes to inspire people and be able to give jobs along the way. Anderson says that he wants current student athletes to know that to become successful, they have to start putting in the work now. That means giving whatever it is that they are doing, nothing less than 100 percent. To teach his children the same lesson, Anderson is currently working on a project with Braylon called “Braylon’s Ten-thousand Steps to Greatness,” a short documentary featuring his son, working hard and practicing his basketball skills. “The goal is to show growth through repletion,” Anderson said. Recently Anderson’s work ethic and faith has served him, allowing him to purchase his very first photography studio. Smith said that his faith was strong enough for him to give his last to purchase the studio. For the future, Anderson says that big things are in store for him. Anderson said that he is releasing a visual album sometime in 2016 that is full of his work and featured artist that he’s worked with. He has hopes of having a huge company, going on a photo tour and hiring young photographers to provide jobs within the community to those that look up to him.
LET ME LOBBY FOR MY HOBBY: RUNNING Kristin Kennedy Staff Reporter krikenne@indiana.edu My heart is pounding, sweat is dripping down my face and my legs ache. I push through the pain as I stride down a hill with my pulled-back hair flying behind me. I have been a runner for almost 10 years. Well, technically longer, because of gym class in elementary and intermediate schools. Growing up, I was the complete opposite. I hated running with a passion. I was different from my classmates in several ways. I had social skill deficits and speech deficits as the result of a disorder I have. In elementary school, I desperately wanted to be in the 10 Minute Club, which consisted of students who could run a mile around the track in 10 minutes or less. I knew this would have made me more like the other kids, but I was never a member of that club. I was slightly overweight as a young kid, but I was far from obese. I was always the kid who finished the mile last, huffing and puffing. When I was 11 years old, I discovered running wasn’t a horrible activity. I grew four inches that summer and lost about 20 pounds. I went from finishing the mile last to outrunning the majority of my classmates. I realized running is freeing, and it helped me stay in shape. I loved the feeling. I always felt like I was flying. When I entered junior high the following year, I decided to run competitively by joining the cross-country team. Little did I know that running in gym class is completely different from competitive running. We ran three miles during my first cross-country
practice. Not only was I the slowest on the team, but I became injured. I had huge blisters covering my feet, and had to miss practice for a week. I had to soak my feet in Epsom salt. During that season, I learned it takes time to become a faster runner. It’s not an exercise people should give up on right away. The rewards that come with running are gradual but well worth the wait. After my first cross-country season, I continued running competitively. I ran cross-country and track for a total of six years. I won several ribbons and made countless memories during the numerous meets. Since high school, I’ve ran a couple of 5Ks, but I mainly run for fun. Sometimes I run fast while other times I slow down and enjoy nature’s beauty. Here are just a few reasons why I believe running is so awesome: Running helps people become healthier. According to Runner’s World, running helps people lose or maintain weight, and it reduces the risk of cancer. Running also strengthens knees, other joints and bones, and it improves blood pressure. Running relieves stress. I have two internships and five classes this semester, and they cause a lot of stress. After I complete a run, I feel drastically freer and happier. Running can be done anywhere. I prefer running outside since it allows me to become one with nature. I love seeing trees, flowers, ponds and even wildlife as I run, and these sights are calming to me. Running is an exercise that enables a lot of variation. Some runners jog short distances, while others enjoy doing sprint workouts. Some
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run a few miles a day while others train for mini marathons, marathons and triathlons. I’m a middistance runner, so marathons aren’t appealing to me, but I love running three to six miles at a time. I’ve found that the experiences gained from running cannot be beaten. Throughout my time as a runner, I’ve bonded with other runners and acquired several notable memories. For example, I came in second in the 15-19 year age group during Corydon’s Panther Prowl 5K in 2012, and I participated in Louisville’s Color Run in 2014. If you’re convinced, and you want to start running, it’s important to do a couple of things first. Running is a high-impact exercise, and it’s important to take steps to avoid injuries. Make sure you have proper running shoes that fit well. According to Lucky Foot, runners should buy running shoes that are a half-size to a full-size bigger than their regular shoes, since feet swell about 5 millimeters each time they hit the ground when running. I normally wear size eight shoes, but my running shoes are size nine. Also, warm up before running by doing dynamic stretches – which combine stretching and movement – instead of static stretches, which require people to stay in one place. According to Runner’s World, static stretches – such as toe touching and others – are ineffective and can cause injuries. Dynamic stretches – such as butt kicks, high knees and others – are extremely tough to explain through text, so I recommend that you watch videos and see photos of dynamic stretches online. Are you convinced yet? If so, get some running shoes, lace them up and start moving your feet. It may be difficult at first, but you’ll never experience the rewards of running if you don’t give it a try.
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By Ty Simpson Staff Reporter tysimps@ius.edu Projectors played homemade clips on a false wall and 1,800 white balloons littered the ground as “Balloonacy” took place in downtown New Albany. Balloonacy is an art installation project born and bred by associate professor of fine arts, Brian Harper and nine IUS students taking his Social Sculpture course. “Social sculpture means thinking about your actions in the community as creative events,” Harper said. According to Harper, the main purpose of the installation was to bring life to downtown New Albany. The event took place in a building that Harper has been using as a makeshift classroom all semester. The social sculpture class has a designated classroom on campus, but they prefer to meet in the office space on Market and Main street. Harper said the owner of the building, Steve Resh, loves to see IUS students interacting in downtown New Albany. Angie Howard, fine arts senior, is taking the Social Sculpture class this semester and worked to arrange Balloonacy.
Howard said each student had a role to play in setting up the event. Students were assigned to help with the refreshments or advertising; while all the students helped with blowing up the balloons and creating the 16mm film projection. “We chose to use the white balloons because the color projects better and would help add life to the building with the projection,” Howard said. The class decided on using balloons because, as Harper points out, balloons are associated with celebrations. The idea of celebrating the downtown area fits into the classes concept of bringing life to the area. The class liked the concept of having the balloons litter the floor so that the audience would have to interact and move through them. The event wasn’t just for IUS faculty and students. New Albany resident Pat Johnson attended the event after finding out about Balloonacy through a Facebook post. Johnson said she loved the balloons and her only complaint was not being able to see the projection clearly because of the large crowd attending the event. This is the third event that the social sculpture class has hosted downtown since Harper has been teaching it and plans to continue to bring an IUS presence to downtown New Albany. Photo by Paul Robey Angie Howard, fine arts senior, talking to attendants about the art project. She was one of the students who is taking the Social Sculpture class this semester.
Photo by Paul Robey Christian Bowyer, communications and theatre senior, playing in the balloons. There were 1,800 balloons at the Balloonacy event.
Photo by Paul Robey Brian Harper, associate professor of fine arts, preparing for Balloonacy. Harper is the instructor for the Social Sculpture class.
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