THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 VOLUME 104 ISSUE 15
D efending the First Amendment since 1911
www.UniversityStar.com
COMMON EXPERIENCE
JOHN STALSBY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Keith Needham, English senior lecturer, sits next to signs used for the Common Experience theme celebrating 50 years of desegregation.
Texas State celebrates 50 years of integration By Benjamin Enriquez NEWS REPORTER
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n fall 1963, Dana Jean Smith, Georgia Hoodye, Gloria Odoms, Mabeleen Washington and Helen Jackson walked onto the Southwest Texas State campus and became the first African-Americans to attend, marking the beginning of what has now been 50 years of integration at the university.
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The 2014-2015 Common Experience theme, “Exploring Democracy’s Promise: From Segregation to Integration,” aims to show the struggles of desegregation and the importance of integration. The theme raises the question of how people internalize change. Keith Needham, English senior lecturer and member of the Common Experience committee, loaned two signs to the university that say “White
Waiting Room” and “Colored Waiting Room.” Needham said he acquired the signs by chance 25 years ago. The signs originally hung in the Santa Fe railroad station in Lubbock, Texas until President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “When you see them for the first time, it really does kick you in the stomach because it brings to reality the whole Jim Crow era,” Needham said. The signs represent the past and
now are a means to show how attitudes and times have changed, he said. “People often say we haven’t come very far, but there’s no way you can look at these signs and say we haven’t,” Needham said. “I know prejudice and racism is very much embedded in the American culture, but it is no longer the law of the land, and that demon-
strates how far we’ve come.” Needham acquired the signs when he was a student at Southwest Texas State in the mid 1980s driving through an Austin neighborhood with a friend. They passed a woman in her front yard about to set fire to a burn pile, and the two signs were on the top of the pile.
SEE INTEGRATION, PAGE 2
When you see them for the first time, it really does kick you in the stomach, because it brings to reality the whole Jim Crow era. People often say we haven’t come very far, but there’s no way you can look at these signs and say we haven’t.” —Keith Needham, English senior lecturer
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
UNIVERSITY
Student Government officials New campus solicitation rules force some organizations to find alternative funding discuss rebranding tactics By Nicholas Laughlin NEWS REPORTER Student Government (SG) is attempting to repair its reputation on campus after a negative evaluation from an outside consultant last spring. Formerly known as Associated Student Government, the organization dropped ‘associated’ from its name following an evaluation from W.H. “Butch” Oxendine Jr., executive director of the American Student Government Association (ASGA). Oxendine came to the university to determine how ASG was operating. A number of changes were made after his report. The number of senate seats was reduced, and a new constitution was written in hopes of adding more programming for the student body. “The report was a rude awakening,” said Tiffany Young, student body president. “It was extremely brutally honest. It was a lot of stuff that we were aware of, but it was definitely hard to read.” The report that the ASGA put out was “extremely helpful” and was a great document to reference back to during the restructuring process, Young said. “We are working on it,” said Chief Justice Cody DeSalvo. “We will never be complete with working on the organization.” Student Government rewrote its constitution to make the rules more succinct. “We had rules in a lot of places,” DeSalvo said. Senate terms are shorter, and the number of senators has decreased to
make SG more effective. The first meeting of the fall went well, said Christian Carlson, senate pro tempore. This year the SG senate has many new senators who haven’t been a part of student government before, he said. “We have taken the advice of the consultant who came down, and we have definitely changed things,” Carlson said. “With all these new incoming senators, it’s very eye-opening to them.” Since decreasing the size of the senate, SG has tried to diversify the senators to hopefully make the chamber more effective than before, Carlson said. “We don’t want people that are here for resume builders,” Young said. “We really want to make sure that students are here to do their job.” Part of the rebranding was dropping ‘Associated’ from the organization’s title. “Everyone abbreviated it to ‘ASG,’ and no one really knew what that meant,” Young said. The new name change will hopefully make the organization stronger, Young said. “It’s more blatant as to who we are,” Carlson said. SG has plans in place to rebrand its new role on campus by updating its logo and seal, revamping the website and mission statement and recreating how it is seen on social media, Young said. Advocacy, service, democracy, leadership and integrity are the core values or “pillars” of SG, Young said. The ASGA included a question as
See SG, Page 2
By Karen Munoz NEWS REPORTER This year, some student organizations might have to find alternative ways to raise money. According to the University Policy and Procedure Statement No. 07.04.03, student organizations can use only gas grills between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., booths may be approved for no more than ten university days per month and solicitation that involves the sale of items
found at the University Bookstore is prohibited. Apparel has to be approved by Auxiliary Services, and the director of University Marketing must approve use of the university’s logo. Additionally, registered student organizations are prohibited from co-sponsoring solicitation with non-university entities. Chartered student organizations can still receive co-sponsorships. Eligible locations for solicitation were also updated through the policy change, now allowing organizations to solicit at Bobcat Trail. Before the ad-
dition of Bobcat Trail, students were allowed to solicit at The Quad, the LBJ Student Center Mall and the LBJ Student Center Patio. Some of these changes, like the gas grill-only policy, are necessary for safety reasons, said Brenda Lenartowicz, associate director of Student Involvement. The changes mean that organizations like the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA), which usually earns most of its revenue through
See SOLICITATION, Page 2
UNIVERSITY
Students petition against development of Cape’s Camp, Thompson’s Island By Houston York NEWS REPORTER In the November 2012 elections, three quarters of San Marcos residents voted in favor of acquiring 70 acres of riverfront property for parkland, located at IH-35 and River Road, that is known as Cape’s Camp and Thompson’s Island. The Thornton family, who owned the property, were not willing to sell the land to the city, and it would have had to have been acquired through eminent domain, which 51 percent of the voters opposed.
The Thorntons intended to sell the property to developers, who would build a 306-unit, 1,000-bedroom student housing project, said Mayor Daniel Guerrero. They pursued a planned development district, a negotiation through which they were allowed to move forward with their plans and donate 20 acres of riverfront property to the city for parkland use free of cost. City council voted 5-2 in favor of a zoning change that would allow the construction of student housing known as The Woodlands on 45 acres of the property. The agreement for the housing and
20-acre parkland donation has some students concerned. Katie Smith, biology junior, started a petition on Change.org appealing to the council to stop construction on the San Marcos River. Smith said her main goal with the petition was to create awareness so people will know about the issue in hopes that something can be done. “I’m not doing this to bash city council,” Smith said. “I just think they should reconsider what they did.” Ulises Gonzalez, economics and
See PETITION, Page 2
2 | The University Star | News | Thursday, September 11, 2014
INTEGRATION, from front Needham’s friend rushed out of the car and asked the woman what the signs were. She said they hung in the Santa Fe station until 1964 and she kept them for 25 years at her home. “She wanted to get rid of them because of what they were reminders of, and he asked her, ‘May I have them?’” Needham said. Needham asked his friend for the signs because he knew he was going to be a teacher someday. When he learned of the Common Experience theme, he knew it was time to take the signs out of storage. The signs are being displayed in Alkek Library. University officials have been asked why they are bringing up a topic that is 50 years old, and he said it is because
they have “an appreciation for the past,” Needham said. “Without that appreciation for the past, the cliché is that we are destined to repeat it, and maybe not in the exact same way but in some form or fashion,” Needham said. The purpose of the Common Experience theme is not to remind students of a past that is “tainted” and something to be ashamed of, Needham said. The purpose is to explore history and look at the progress made in the past 50 years. “In 50 years we’ve gone from colored waiting rooms to an AfricanAmerican President,” Needham said. Alex Walkuski, undeclared junior, said she is proud to go to a university
that celebrates the struggles and triumphs of the past. “I feel like equality is very important.” Walkuski said. “That’s why I chose to come to Texas State—‘cause we all just mesh well together with our diverse population. I just transferred here, and I love it.” Alisha Clemons, English sophomore, said schools in particular have changed from the days of separate rooms and buildings for people of different races. “The values system has changed and has had a big impact on society, but I think we still have progress to make more in the individual than in society itself,” Clemons said. “I feel like once we change, generation by
LA CIMA, from front accounting senior, said he helped create awareness for the petition because the river is the livelihood of the city. “People get lost in their pursuit for money, and they forget that the reason we work so hard is to enjoy the things that make life worth living,” Gonzalez said. City Clerk Jamie Pettijohn said the petition is what is known as a “straw poll” petition because ultimately it is not a valid petition as identified by the city’s charter. Pettijohn said the petition cannot go before the voters or council for repeal or revision to the current code. “(The construction) was approved, and there is nothing that can be done at this point,” Pettijohn said. “I notified the council that this petition was created so they could reach out to the individual if they would like to do so. I do not know if they have or have not at this point.” Councilwoman Lisa Prewitt, Place 1, said before she was elected she was not a proponent of Cape’s Camp becoming a multi-family complex. “Anytime you build on a river bank and put a huge complex
there, you are putting those residents in danger to some degree, but you can’t stop it now,” Prewitt said. “You can’t stop something like that when it’s been entitled and the developers have followed all the legal processes and due diligence.” Prewitt said she was unaware of the petition, and even if it is not successful, it creates awareness and gets people engaged. Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3, said his goal was to acquire the property as parkland, and he voted against the rezoning because of flooding concerns. “It is important to respect the will of the voters, and time will tell if the flood preventions by the developer will work,” Thomaides said. Many San Marcos residents are concerned about the new development, Thomaides said. “As San Marcos continues to grow, the access to the river is becoming incredibly crowded,” Thomaides said. “What Cape’s Camp would have done was add really the last piece of undeveloped property to the city’s parkland system.” Thomaides said it will be hard to gauge the effectiveness of the petition.
Guerrero said a number of different factors formulated his decision to vote in favor of the rezoning. It was an emotional decision, he said. “It impacts me because I have lived in this neighborhood for 20 years,” Guerrero said. There were concerns about whether the city had the right to sell the land for development and whether it was zoned for that purpose, Guerrero said. Another issue was that the property itself was not for sale, and as much as citizens wanted to buy it, the owners already had a buyer, he said. “We felt that what was in the best interests of the community was to try and work with the Thornton family, the developers and our staff to try and find a mutual agreement as to where they would be allowed to develop in proximity to the river,” Guerrero said. “They were willing to go above and beyond our usual regulations and in addition to that still provide us with riverfront acreage that the city would not have been able to purchase otherwise.” Guerrero said he was aware of the petition but had not seen it in detail and had no immediate comment.
University now offering online master of science degree in dementia and aging studies Beginning this month, Texas State will offer an online Master of Science degree program in dementia and aging studies, the first of its kind in America. The three tracks that make up the program are a practitioner’s sector, which is involved with aging services and government jobs, long term care, which offers a sixmonth internship and a variety of administrator positions and a research sector, giving students the skills needed to work immediately for a company upon graduation. The course is a 33-hour online Master’s degree. Susan Day, sociology department chair, said the new program was proposed by faculty. Ph.D. programs in dementia studies are offered in Europe, but there was nothing similar in the United States, Day said. The department realized they could put together an important and critical program. “Given the dramatic increase in dementia and Alzheimer’s because the Baby Boomer generation is aging, we want to reach as many people as possible with this one-of-a-kind online degree program,” Day said. “We’re focused on people who have dementia and how they live their lives and what can be done to help them live fuller lives because in the United States, we tend to put people
said. “We have to understand where we’ve come from to make sure that we don’t (go back).” Smith said it is important to have a dialogue about how different things were in the past. “I grew up in Pennsylvania, but when I was a young girl I traveled to Georgia, Virginia and the South,” Smith said. “It was very segregated. You had to sit in certain places.” Smith said she wants students to engage in the Common Experience theme. “I just hope that everyone takes the time to attend these events and join the dialogue on this important issue,” Smith said.
SG, from front
ACADEMICS
By Liz Barrera NEWS REPORTER
generation, it’ll impact society a lot more.” Alicia Thomsen, psychology sophomore, said people have different attitudes on race in different states and places. “Equality in society is as important as anything,” Thomsen said. “A human is a human no matter gender, race, sexual orientation—we all have rights as a human being.” Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, said the university wanted to do a tribute to the five women that desegregated Texas State in 1963, and it evolved into this year’s theme. “We’ve come a long way, and part of the conversation has to be that we don’t want to go back to that,” Smith
with severe cases of dementia in nursing homes.” The program was approved in August and began in September, Day said. Four students are currently enrolled in the program. The program is very flexible, Day said. The department is making efforts to advertise and connect with groups all over the nation to let people know about it. “We want to reach as many people as we can with this online program so that someone from Alaska could enroll at Texas State and receive the same education as someone who lives in Texas,” Day said. “We are also contacting Alzheimer’s groups and putting ads in magazines.” Christopher Johnson, senior lecturer of sociology, said he came to Texas State to develop the program and get faculty involved across
campus. When Johnson was a director of gerontology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, that university had a very successful online masters program, but it lacked a dementia component, he said. Johnson said the need for education in dementia and aging studies is very high and a variety of job openings come along with the degree. The sociology department has embraced the new program, and other departments on campus, such as communication disorders, social work, recreational therapy and health administration, are expected to develop electives related to dementia and aging studies as well, Johnson said. There are over 80 different forms of dementia, and the university has special faculty
See DEMENTIA, Page 6
to how SG knew what the student body wanted because it was not surveyed. “It was a really great point that they made,” Young said. SG was not taking the opinions of the student body into consideration before the evaluation. “We want to make sure that we are clear and credible and we are being that voice for students,” Young said. Another complaint from the ASGA report was that all SG does is “sit in their office,” Young said. “SG had a reputation of being better than everybody else” Carlson said. SG wants to show that they are here for students to provide for them, DeSalvo said. “We need to be in The Quad and provide (students) with services and programming,” DeSalvo said. At every other campus, SG provides something for the student body, DeSalvo said. SG doesn’t do a lot of programming, Young said.
“We have the freshman tailgate, which was very successful at the Arkansas-Pine Bluff game, but we want to keep doing things like that,” Young said. SG provides a scholarship to students, but it wants to find more things that can be provided to the student body, DeSalvo said. “I would like to see us do something for students,” DeSalvo said. “We are there to advocate with you, and we are there to give you what you need. Its something that is new for us. It should not be new, but it is.” Since the school year is just starting and there are so many new members, visible “positive change” will happen down the road for students, DeSalvo said. “There will be results that everyone can see, but the other part of it is being more approaching and have a relationship with the student body,” Carlson said. “Then that makes us more relevant.”
SOLICITATION, from front food sales, will have to be more creative about generating money. Last year, HBSA could be found on The Quad almost every day selling food to help keep its funds up, said Karlie Ramirez, HBSA’s Recruitment Chair. “We’re known for quesadillas, and we can’t do that as much anymore,” Ramirez said. HBSA charges its members $50 for memberships dues, which isn’t sufficient to cover all the organization’s needs, she said. The policy change, along with previous policy updates, has made it difficult to keep up monetarily. HBSA is affected by the policy’s stance on co-sponsorships, Ramirez said. “We were actually looking at getting sponsored by the UGG boot store at the outlets, and they wanted us to put up a banner, but now because of the policy we’re going to have to find a different way to show that they’re our sponsors,” Ramirez said. Luis Becerra, member of Phi Iota Alpha, said he understands the trouble in organizations’ inability to sell food whenever they wish.
“Food sells,” Becerra said. “No one has time to throw a pie in someone’s face, but people have time for food.” The change clarifies a policy that wasn’t strictly enforced. Originally, organizations were approved for an unlimited amount of days even though the policy stated that they could only solicit for five calendar days per month. Now the organizations can solicit for ten days per month, Lenartowicz said. Organizations have the ability to appeal when their requests have been denied, Lenartowicz said. “Let’s say our office denies a request based on whatever the policy is stating,” Lenartowicz said. “They can still appeal to the Dean of Students Office.” The 10-day solicitation policy is specific to sale of goods. Organizations can hold recruitment and informational events in public spaces as long as they’ve reserved space and been approved, she said
September 23-28
PerformancesThursday, Sept. 25th FREE DANCE with Cameran Nelson Friday, Sept. 26th Roger Creager Saturday, Sept. 27th Gary Glenn with special appearance by John Conlee Sunday, Sept. 28th FREE DANCE with Jeremy Richards Band
San Marcos Area Youth Soccer Org is searching for Volunteer Soccer Coaches for the fall season.
Practice 1-2 days/wk Games on Saturdays
Contact Jim Neff 512.801.5315 jimneff@txwinet.com
PRCA Rodeo Thurs - Sat @ 7:30 pm PRCA Bull Riding Sunday @ 2:00 pm Giant Heart of America Shows Carnival! For ticket info, go to: comalcountyfair.com
Thursday, September 11, 2014 | The University Star | 3
September Music
TRENDS
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Pompa-Baldi, pianist
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Ensemble: Texas State Choral Collage 3 p.m., Evans Auditorium Free Admission
Sept. 30 Faculty Artists: Faculty Chamber Players: “2, 3 and 4”
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Guide to Gruene By Andrea Hurell TRENDS REPORTER Just 19 minutes away from San Marcos sits Gruene, Texas, a small town that makes for the perfect weekend trip destination. As you come into the town, it’s difficult to not get caught up in the classic small-town feel. The buildings and the natural surroundings that you see on the main street will make you feel like you are on a movie set instead of a small town in Texas, and downtown Gruene has a joyful nature about it that you can’t help but catch.
What To Eat Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar
the closest to authentic in the area. If you also like live music with your dinner, there are outdoor performances Thursday through Sunday. 1724 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 629-0777
Where to Shop Simply Detailed A great place to shop for the classic southern girl. This store is adorable and has everything that any girl could want. With the wall-to-wall clothing and accessories, your wallet is going to feel like it went on a diet by the time you leave. 1255 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 620-6200
Alibi Boutique
There is a reason why Gristmill is a favorite among Texas State students. From the deck view to the amazing food, there is no way that someone can go wrong here. There is something for everyone on their menu, and it is perfect for a night out or just a casual lunch with friends. “I love the atmosphere,” said Samantha Marrin, Gruene resident. “It is family-friendly with great service.” 1287 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 625-0684
This clothing was more edgy than what others stores offered in town. It is definitely a place for a girl who loves to stand out and make everyone do a double take. 2363 Gruene Lake Dr. Suite A, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 627-1177
Gruene River Grill
Fly Fishing
“I had the best steak ever there,” said tourist James Austin. With a menu that boasts Shrimp Wontons, Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs and, of course, “the best steak ever”, it’s plain to see why it is such a favorite. 1259 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 624-2300
It’s pretty obvious that Bobcats enjoy floating the river, but maybe it’s time to try another aquatic activity. The water looks amazing, and there are shops in the area for all bait and tackle needs.
What to Experience
Adobe Verde If you’re more interested in Mexican food, this place is
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Guest Artist: Guafa Trio
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Student 25 Recital: Percussion Studio Recital #1 (Klier)
8 p.m., Music Building Recital Hall Free Admission
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Student Re27 cital: Jessica Blau, Voice Recital
Somos Musicos! 7:30 p.m., Music Building Recital Hall Free Admission
Ensemble: Salsa Night 9 p.m., LBJ Student Center (George’s) Free Admission
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4 | The University Star | Thursday, September 11, 2014
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com
FOOTBALL
Navy game will be ‘tremendous test’ for Bobcats By Kirk Jones ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @KIRK_JONES11 The Texas State Bobcats will take on the No. 1-ranked rushing offense in the NCAA Saturday when they face the Navy Midshipmen. “I am excited about the challenge,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “We will find out a lot about our team this matchup. It’s good for us to have a traditional program like the Naval Academy come to Texas State.” The Bobcats set a school record in the home opener against ArkansasPine Bluff, totaling 697 yards of total offense. Jafus Gaines, junior wide receiver, led the Bobcats in receiving yards and touchdowns. He scored the first two touchdowns of his collegiate career in the game. “I’m just trying to limit my mistakes from week one,” Gaines said. “Navy is a disciplined team. They never jump offside, so it’s going to take all of us this week to play our best game.” The team has one of the more unique schemes to defend with the triple option. The Bobcats haven’t seen a triple option offense since they played Navy in 2012. “This is a week where if you have the fullback, you better tackle him,”
Franchione said. “If you have the quarterback, you better make him pitch or tackle him, and somebody is going to have to fight off a block at some point to adjust to the pitch.” The game will be one of the toughest tasks Tyler Jones, sophomore quarterback, has experienced in his collegiate career. “He (Jones) has played in big games before,” Franchione said. “He won a state championship in Texas, and that was a pretty big game, and he has played in big settings for us, but he will need his teammates to do well too.” Jones threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, both career-highs. “This will be a tremendous test for the down guys,” Franchione said. “This game will test their will and their toughness. If they are poor in execution, they will pay a price.” The Midshipmen average 35 minutes of possession per game, 11th in Division I this year. “I actually played against them two years ago,” Gaines said. “I know how physical and aggressive they are, and as a team we are going to have to do our part and match that aggressiveness.” Keenan Reynolds, junior quarterback, rushed for 50 yards in Navy’s 21-10 victory against Texas State in 2012.
STAR FILE PHOTO
Bobcat Stadium is expected to sell out this weekend. The last sell-out at the stadium was against Texas Tech in 2012, when the team lost 58-10.
“The last sell-out, we laid an egg, pretty much,” Franchione said. “We played a good team in Texas Tech, and we put ourselves behind the eight ball
with a turnover early and didn’t defend the kickoff well. Before you know it, we put ourselves out of the game.”
VOLLEYBALL
Team ‘focused’ heading into tournament By Mariah Medina Sports Reporter @Mariahmedinaaa Preparations going in to the Texas Tech Invitational are what Associate Head Coach Tracy Smith called “very focused.” Although the team is coming off a win against Prairie View A&M, Smith says that there is still a lot the volleyball team would like to work on before playing Incarnate Word, Texas Tech and Gardener-Webb in the invitational beginning Sept. 12. “We just like playing matches,” Smith said. “That really helps our practices for the next game or the following days because we really have a purpose. It just gives us feedback as to what we really need to be focusing on and, as a team, new goals to make us better. We just want to get better every day.” Citing blocking and serving as weaknesses of the team, both Smith and Coach Karen Chisum made modifications to the front and back row to adjust for injuries and other issues discovered in the first five games of the season. “Ali (Gonzalez) and Jordan (Moore) are our two setters,” Smith said. “Caylin Mahoney has been out because she broke her finger, so it’s basically a brand new quarterback. This whole season so far, both (Ali and Jordan) have been flipping back and forth, sometimes using both in a game, sometimes one over the other.” Ali Gonzalez, senior setter, believes that despite injuries and adjustments, the team now has a versatility that gives it a competitive edge over the opposition. “We can throw anything out there,” Gonzalez said. “We can throw any lineup, so they’re going to think, ‘Oh, they’re going to run a 5-1, their setter is small, I can hit over her,’ but then, bam, we can run a 6-2. This team is so diverse. We can do anything. They’re going to really have to stay on their toes.” The team is 3-2 in its last five matches, but with Jordan Kohl, freshman right side, returning from injury, Smith believes the team will get back to where it needs to be. “I’ve always been a physical learner,” Kohl said. “I’ve watched them do their plays, but now that I’m actually on the court doing what they’re doing, I’m getting faster and stronger.” The goal, Chisum says, is to get better with every game. Gonzalez believes this goal is heard loud and clear between her and her teammates. “We just need to focus on our side of the court, being good with the ball,” Gonzalez said. “If we do what we’re supposed to do, the rest will take care of itself.”
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Thursday, September 11, 2014 | The University Star | 5
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
MAIN POINT
10 reasons to go to the Navy game only get the college ex1. You perience once. Some things 4.
team is playing a service academy. Coming to the Navy game is an easy and fun way to show both support for the school and patriotism to the country at the same time.
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are cliché for a reason. Packing the stands at a football game with friends and fellow students is a unique experience that everyone should experience at least once in their college career.
There is plenty of room for everyone to get a good seat. Attendance at the first game was 17,813, and the stadium can comfortably seat 30,000 people. The fact that it is a home game should help encourage everyone to come since it is within walking distance or a 10-minute bus ride for many people.
The Bobcat Marching Band is great. Our good ol’ BMB gets to perform its Latin-themed halftime show at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium on Sep. 28. The football games are the best way to come see what the “Pride of the Hill Country” is all about.
3.
The world-famous Texas State Strutters are also an integral part of football games. The award-winning drill team is currently the largest in the nation and has represented Texas State on platforms all across the globe. Seeing them in their home territory is a treat to be had by all. Football games are the perfect excuse to wear the university t-shirt that everyone received at orientation. Dressing in the school colors and being part of the sea of maroon and gold filling the stands is a good way to build stronger connections to, and memories of, the university.
5.
Tailgating is always a fun part of the football experience. Going to tailgates, participating in the games and eating delicious game-day food helps foster community and the San Marcos culture.
6.
7.
The Texas State football
The season is off to a great start. The Bobcat football team emerged victorious from the first game at 65-0. Seeing the stands packed with fans will only help encourage the team to continue its winning streak.
the Bobcat 9. Boko frequents the football
games. There’s no better time or place to snag a photo with the infamous mascot. Additionally, cheering for the team alongside its mascot increases the fun factor exponentially.
10.
You have a chance of being on television. The game will be televised
on ESPNEWS, so those in attendance may be wind up on camera and on the screens of all of the people watching at home.
BREANNA BAKER STAR ILLUSTRATOR
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.
DISCRIMINATION
Military alienation of transgender people must end ing to serve. In June 2012, the military officially recognized its gay and lesbian population, but one demographic was forgotten: transgender men and women. According to a Sept. 4 CNN article, military recruiters are required to turn away any transgender people who wants to enlist, pointing out that no other agency in the U.S. functions in this manner. While some people are probably uncomfortable with having transgender soldiers, it is ridiculous to think that they are any less capable of defending our country than anyone else, or any less valuable as soldiers. In May of this year, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that
Jenna Coleman OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism junior
A
n amendment to the military’s ban on transgender soldiers is long overdue. The ban should be ended because of its immorality and exclusion of an important part of the population who is will-
the military’s ban on transgender service would be reviewed and that he and others were open the idea of transgender soldiers. However, the White House has yet to act on these statements. According to a Sept. 3 article from A Breaking News, 18 other countries allow transgender soldiers to serve openly in their militaries, including the U.K., Germany and Australia. The U.S., a “free” country, should have been included in this list a long time ago. In addition to the obvious ethical issues of this ban, it is also wastes military and government resources. The government expends large amounts of money training perfectly fit soldiers only to later have them removed
LGBTQIA
City not ready for first LGBTQIA bar
Rivers Wright OPINIONS COLUMNIST Journalism senior
W
ith the first annual Pride event happening this past weekend and the opening of the very first gay bar on The Square later this year, San Marcos is progressing forward at a rapid pace when it comes to the LGBTQIA community. Being a member of the LGBTQIA community, it is fantastic that San Marcos, a place I call my home, is moving in the right direction to being all-inclusive of its rapidly expanding community. However, now may not be the time to make that big of a leap into the future. Pride just had its first celebration and surely had some bumps in the road. Promotion was minimal, and buzz about the entire event on any social media platform was overshadowed by headlining performers at other local venues. Opening a gay bar in San Marcos is a brilliant idea. It gives the LGBTQIA community another place to be themselves in their hometown rather than having to drive all the way to Austin to have a good time. However, with a weak and often seemingly non-existent LGBTQIA community, one can only wonder if the bar will emerge as a strong hot spot or be muffled by the bass from neighboring
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clubs. While the opening of the bar can be seen as a way to open the minds of the citizens of San Marcos, it definitely will come with steep uphill battles. Texas is a Republican state, and even though Texans are changing their viewpoints, most of Texas reflects the fact that it is still mostly conservative. These viewpoints can especially be seen in small towns just like San Marcos. Even though it is just a short drive from the very liberal Austin, it is still its own Republican entity. With only four organizations on the Texas State campus, the LGBTQIA community is severely underrepresented. The presence of the LGBTQIA community is definitely easily overlooked on this campus, while others, such as the Greek or the athletic communities, are very prominent. The LGBTQIA community should establish itself more in San Marcos and at the university before a bar opens. The opening of the bar is a good idea to bring together the multi-faceted students that make up this university but could be a shaky meeting ground leading to compromising situations. Stonewall Warehouse is the right idea at the wrong time. With Pride in its first year and the LGBTQIA community just now finding its way into the spotlight, bringing a club into the mix now makes for an unstable cocktail. When the LGBTQIA community is stronger in San Marcos, the idea to open the bar should be revisited. At that time Stonewall Warehouse would premiere with a bang and grow and thrive along with the community and become a staple on The Square, as it should be.
Editor-in-Chief............................................Lesley Warren, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor....................Odus Evbagharu,starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters...........................................................................universitystar@txstate.edu News Editor............................................Kelsey Bradshaw, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.............................................Amanda Ross, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.....................................Imani McGarrell, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor........................................Madelynne Scales, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor......................................... Quixem Ramirez, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief.................................Sam Hankins, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor...........................................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu
because they are transgender. These soldiers enter the military with career goals in mind, which are wrongfully ripped away from them upon removal from the military. These people have invested time, effort and possibly their family’s wellbeing in their future in the military. Who is anyone to say no and take that away from another human who is simply seeking work and the satisfaction of serving our country? The CNN article states that an estimated 15,500 transgender soldiers are currently serving in the military and having to lie about who they are. Staying hidden is difficult for most and often involves avoiding health care
services provided by the military, which may lead to their discovery and discharge. This poses major issues for those in the military who may have prior health problems that they ignore out of the fear of discovery. Serving our country has been regarded as honorable and brave since the beginning of our nation. The government should not, and does not have the right to, deny transgender men and women the noble right to serve their country. Instead, transgender soldiers should be recognized within the military and thanked for their service, just like our brave men and women who identify as gay, straight, lesbian or bisexual.
RACISM
Racial colorblindness harmful ideology
Brandon Sams OPINIONS COLUMNIST Public relations sophomore
R
acial colorblindness is a modern-day concept that supposedly promotes racial harmony by way of ignoring racial and ethnic differences. In reality, racial colorblindness does the opposite. By ignoring racial and ethnic differences, including the past and present histories, colorblindness allows those with racial privilege in society to ignore their privilege while simultaneously ignoring the experiences and difficulties caused by race that others may face. When broken down, colorblindness is hardly the liberal, progressive idea of race relations and racial harmony that it appears to be. The unconscious reasoning behind colorblindness is that in order for me to treat people equally, I have to ignore their race and the experiences thereof. Race is ignored because once it is taken into account, I am supposedly incapable of treating everyone equally. Although many people do not intentionally think this way, it is the underlying current that drives colorblindness. Advocates for colorblind-
Multimedia Editor............................Liann Shannon, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Assistant News Editor........................Nicole Barrios, starasstnews@txstate.edu Account Executive..................................Stephanie Macke, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Morgan Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Jamie Beckham, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist............................................ Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator..............................Kelsey Nuckolls, kjn16@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu
ness simply want to do what white Americans have historically done— sweep the issues of race, racism, inequality and discrimination under the proverbial rug. People do this because the truth is an inconvenient and often hurtful one. The idea of being blind to color does nothing but breed ignorance and a revisionist view of the history of race relations in the United States. Racial colorblind ideology affirms a limited belief in individualism without recognizing the various remaining barriers to equality. While ideal in theory, using colorblindness to ignore the barriers is of little help when it comes to achieving true equality. For example, though black Americans account for 14 percent of drug users and sellers, equal to their proportion of the general population, they account for 37 percent of people arrested and 57 percent of people in state prisons for drug-related offenses. According to a May 2009 report by Human Rights Watch, black Americans are arrested 2 to 11 times more than their white counterparts for drug-related offenses. In an Oct. 2012 national study on explicit and implicit racial prejudice, the Associated Press, along with researchers from Stanford University and the University of Chicago, found that 51 percent of Americans had explicit anti-black prejudice, while 56 percent had implicit anti-black prejudice. Likewise, Stanford Uni-
versity researchers observed similar findings in a more recent study published in Psychological Science. In this study, when white Americans were presented with the perception that the justice system disproportionately targets black Americans, they were more likely to support harsh criminal laws. Conversely, when the white Americans were shown that less black Americans were negatively affected by harsh criminal laws, they were more than two times less likely to support harsh criminal laws. So much for the death of racism and the rise of colorblindness, though who really thought that a country born and bred on the systematic and oppressive use of racism, discrimination and prejudice, specifically and most egregiously against those of African ancestry, does not still hold any overt and covert bias against those very people? Pure wishful thinking. In the end, racial colorblindness will always be a harmful ideology. This ideology negates the lived experiences, cultural norms, stereotypes and expectations of people of color in a society that has readily sought to oppress many of them. While a person may think they are being ultra-progressive by espousing this seemingly harmless ideology, they must understand while they may “ignore” a person’s color as an individual, the statistics show that society as whole does not.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, September 11, 2014. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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6 | The University Star | News | Thursday, September 11, 2014
DEMENTIA, from page 2 who are knowledgeable and involved in the field, Johnson said. Jeffrey Keller, director of the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention, said he was happy to hear
of Texas State’s new degree program. Dementia is a problem, especially since the number of people who have the disease is increasing, Keller said. Professionals educated on demen-
tia are needed in the nursing field, hospitals and every area of health care so that the management and care related to Alzheimer’s disease is better understood.
“The classes on dementia are much-needed,” Keller said. “Alzheimer’s is a disease that has no treatment, no disease-modifying medication, and right now it’s the
sixth leading cause of death, and it’s the only one in the top 10 that doesn’t have disease-modifying medication, so that means there’s nothing to slow the progression.”
CITY
Councilmembers continue discussion of La Cima development
By Carlie Porterfield NEWS REPORTER The San Marcos City Council has made progress concerning the La Cima development and plans to vote on a final development agreement next week. La Cima is a proposed development of approximately 2,050 acres, including 2,400 single-family homes, a 200-acre commercial and retail site and about 400 acres of open space in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction west of the city. Councilmembers have been wrestling with the conditions of the development agreement. “The county is considering issuing the PID bonds,” said Councilman Wayne Becak, Place 4, who serves on the La Cima subcommittee. “That hasn’t been approved yet, but that’s what the county is discussing.” A PID is a public improvement district, Becak said.
“It’s a financing mechanism used to help initiate development that might not get started as soon without that vehicle,” Becak said. “A county or city would issue bonds, (and) these bonds are sold in the open market.” The money from the bonds pays for infrastructure, so when developers put in the streets, water and wastewater lines, the money from the bonds reimburses them for those expenses, Becak said. Under the current terms, property owners in La Cima will pay another assessment to repay the bonds, in addition to school and city property taxes. Annexing the development into the city limits was very important to the council, Becak said. “We’re okay with allowing the county to issue the PID to help pay for infrastructure and get development going,’” Becak said. “We’re not opposed to that. But we wanted the project in the city limits.”
Becak said the agreement is excellent for all parties involved. “Everybody can’t get everything they want, but in my opinion this is a win for the city, the county and the taxpayers,” Becak said. “It will also allow the development to move forward.” La Cima would bring executive-class homes to San Marcos and fill a housing gap in the market that Becak said is severely lacking. “We’re situated right between San Antonio and Austin,” Becak said. “We’ve got Texas State University, one of the best universities in the state. We’ve got a great quality of life. We’ve got the river and 20,000 acres of parkland, but we need housing.” Becak said it’s not uncommon for him to talk to someone, like a professor or senior company manager, who would like to move to San Marcos but is unable to find the type of home he or she wants. The effect of a lack of upper-level housing is apparent in the
NEWS BRIEF
City investigating heightened lead readings By Kelsey Bradshaw NEWS EDITOR San Marcos is currently investigating the cause of heightened lead readings found in 12 test samples near the Hays County Government Center. The lead regulations are made to ensure public health in drinking water, said Tom Taggart, executive director of public services, in a city wide press release. San Marcos is currently working to determine the cause of the increased lead readings in the water distribution system. The city will take “corrective measures” once the cause of the readings and conflicting reports are determined, he said. The water is in “full compliance” with state and federal regulations for drinking water, Taggart said. EPA action levels are “triggers” that call for the evaluation of a system water treatment process and are not state or federal violations. Taken Sept. 4, tests from water samples showed lead readings in three of the six samples. The samples were above the EPA’s action levels.
After the water system was drained on Sept. 7, a new batch of samples was taken the next day. Those samples showed two out of six readings were above the action levels in different places from the original tests. City water distribution officials Sept. 10 performed a third and fourth sampling round. The Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) has been asked by the city to perform confirmation sampling with a third party contractor, according to the release. “We’re committed to identifying the source of these conflicting readings and make the proper corrections to help us continue to provide high-quality water to our customers,” said City Manager Jared Miller in the release. Previous data has not shown any elevated lead levels in San Marcos’ source of water or readings above action levels from in home samples. The water is “non-corrosive.” A water quality task force was formed by the city, consisting of Alan Plummer & Associates, Inc. , the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and city staff. The task force will work to address the problem and take the next steps to determine the cause and actions necessary to fix the problem.
economy, Becak said. “One thing that we have a shortfall in is upper-level housing: housing that’s in the $300,000 range and up,” Becak said. “One thing that we run into when companies are considering whether they want to come to San Marcos over other places is that their executives and decision-makers are looking at what kind of housing is available.” The La Cima development will fill that “missing piece of the puzzle” upon completion, Becak said. Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3, who is also on the subcommittee, said the council has made great progress in moving the development forward. “The issues that we’ve been working on for the past few months have been the issues of annexation, whether the development should be annexed or remain outside the city limits while being served by city utilities such as water and wastewater,” Thomaides
said. “That issue has been resolved.” The council has also reached a consensus on other issues, such as the location of a new fire station to serve the development. This decision was approved by Fire Chief Les Stephens. The subcommittee has continued to fine-tune the next step, which is a development agreement. The subcommittee is working with the county and Lazy Oaks Ranch, the development group, Thomaides said. “Once the final development agreement is agreed upon, then it will have to come back to city council, where the whole council votes on the measure,” Becak said. “Once that’s passed, everything will go into motion as far as the developer planning to move forward with their planning process to get the subdivision started.” The development agreement will most likely be voted on at the Sept. 16 council meeting.
NEWS BRIEF
Grande Communications renews sponsorship with athletic department By Kelsey Bradshaw NEWS EDITOR Grande Communications renewed its sponsorship with Texas State University Athletics Monday with a three-year agreement. After partnering with Texas State athletics since 2011, Grande has signed on for three more years of sponsorship and promotional rights, according to a Grande press release. Grande has rights spanning print, digital and radio for the 2004-2017 seasons. The sponsorship includes “signage” at Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum. The company will also have tailgate space at Bobcat Stadium and have rights during the university’s football radio broadcasts. Cable TV and data services will be provided by Grande throughout Bobcat Stadium and Strahan Coliseum. “We are thrilled to continue our sponsor-
ship as an official partner of Texas State Athletics,” said Matt Rohre, vice president of retail operations for Grande, in the release. Grande “values” its relationship with the athletics department and the San Marcos community where the company’s headquarters are located, Rohre said in the release. “We are grateful to continue this important relationship with Texas State,” Rohre said. In the release, Athletic Director Larry Teis said Grande is an “important business partner” with Texas State. “It is important for us to partner with local companies based here in Central Texas that want to reach our fans and university community and it is even more special to have a San Marcos-based company like Grande Communications partner with us,” Teis said. We appreciate their continued support and partnership with Texas State Athletics.”
