TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017 VOLUME 106 ISSUE 20 www.UniversityStar.com
PRESIDENTIAL
Strutters add to high profile performances By Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise The Strutters showed their hill country pride in maroon skirts, and white cowboy hats and boots as they strutted in president Donald Trump’s inaugural parade Jan. 20. Students took to social media to show support for the team as the Strutter’s marched in Washington D.C. Twitter user @mykaylamichelle stated “best part of this parade is seeing the Texas State Strutters on the national stage.” Twitter user, @eviemacs said watching the performers at the inaugural parade gave her “chills.” While vacationing in Mexico, Strutters Director Tammy Fife, received a phone call last December confirming the drill team had been accepted to perform in the inaugural parade, according to myStatesman. Fife began researching events and performance opportunities during inauguration week, early last year. This is not the first time the drill team has performed in inaugural parades. The Strutters, founded in 1960, performed in Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Texas State alumnus, inaugurations. On Dec. 21, the Strutters announced they “cannot wait for this once in a lifetime performance opportunity” on their Facebook page. During this time, online users took to social media to express their mixed feelings and backlash towards the Strutters announcement. Soon after tweeting their announcement the drill team took down their Twitter page. Rebecca Bell-Metereau, English professor, said she was disappointed after learning the Strutters would be performing at the Inauguration due to the university honoring diversity as one of their core values. “I think it’s just sticking their head in the sand,” Bell-Metereau said. “I think eventually they will regret this decision and that it’s not going to bring a sense of pride or anything good to Texas State.” Nancy Wilson, former Strutter and Texas State alumna, was a part the Strutters in 1987 and 1988. Wilson said she learned how to conduct herself as a “lady” and reminisces doing kicks in the field under founder and dance team director Barbara Tidwell. Wilson said the Strutters inauguration performance should be honored for their hard work. “My whole thing on it is good for them,” Wilson said. “Those women work so hard and put in so many hours for basically just a half time show. No matter who our president is we have to
The Texas State Strutters perform in the 58th inaugural parade. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR
get behind him because if he’s not successful then our country isn’t successful.” Antonio Rivera, political science sophomore, said he asked himself why the stutters would want to perform at the inauguration. “I think it’s insulting to the different communities,” Rivera said. “Whether it be women or Latinos. I was initially
outcry to not perform from its university community, the team has failed to decline the invitation.” The petition received 256 signatures. Lonvis Naulls, exercise and sports science junior and co-founder of BLMSM, said the university is focusing more on advertisement rather than upholding the values of their student body and community.
“While this may not sit well with a lot of people. You follow through the commitment that you made because you have an obligation. I think that’s one of the things I learned while being a Strutter.” - Canipe Lax confused and then I kind of thought it may be something big for the Strutters.” Black Lives Movement San Marcos (BLMSM) began a petition asking the Strutters to decline their invitation to perform at the inauguration. “The Texas State Strutters have announced their excitement to perform at this year’s inauguration,” the petition stated. “And even with a social media
“When they’re (Strutters) dancing they’re still representing the university as a whole,” Naulls said. “And yes you may have had an invitation and you accepted it and didn’t know who the president was but once you realize who the president is you should think ‘I don’t want to represent the university in that way’”. Marty Canipe Lax, former Strutter
and Texas State alumna, said she was excited and had no negative thoughts after learning the Strutter’s would perform at the inauguration parade. Canipe Lax was a Strutter in 1976 and 1978 under Tidwell as well, she said she learned confidence and social skills while being a Texas State Strutter. “While this may not sit well with a lot of people,” Canipe Lax said. “You follow through the commitment that you made because you have an obligation. I think that’s one of the things I learned while being a Strutter.” Canipe Lax said people should focus more on the performance rather than the politics. “They are committed to the obligation they signed up for,” Canipe Lax said. “It’s not so much for the party as it is for the event. It’s just an unusual environment, I’m proud of them and I’m excited for them I think they should look at it as an opportunity to stand tall.” The Strutters have also been a part of multiple NBA and NFL halftime performances. In 2012, the Strutters performed in Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2014, the Division of Dance at Texas State was named in the top 25 dance programs by dance-colleges.com.
RESTAURANT
The Root Cellar Bakery invites an acoustic atmosphere By Mark Otte News reporter The Root Cellar Bakery has ushered in a new era of music with its first offering of Acoustic Fridays. With its blend of trendy and rustic environment, the upscale coffee house has created an intimate setting for quality regional acts to unplug and let the acoustics of the venue’s wood floors and high ceilings do the work. While the shop is known for its desserts and caffeinated beverages, owner Kyle Mylius wanted to use the downtown locale to offer an alternative to the traditional nightlife in a college town. With the addition of cocktails, select beers and wine to the menu, Root Cellar Bakery can transform from a coffee house to a hip hangout, day or night. As a musician himself, Mylius saw the number of stages dwindling for upand-coming artists and well-established names to perform in and around San Marcos. “We have so much great talent and so few outlets,” Mylius said. “So when we saw some of the other venues closing, we decided we would open our doors as a venue for those artists.” The bands will perform “stripped down” versions of songs music listeners may already be familiar with. This not only opens a new platform from which bands can be heard but also gives listeners the opportunity to hear a band play without the overpowering amplifi-
second week of performances, playing to a crowd of about 20 fans. “It was really nice,” said Karisa Simon, house manager at the bakery, about Ewing’s performance. “It was just him and his guitar, and we had a good turnout for him.” Root Cellar Bakery has been at its 142 N LBJ Dr. location for nearly three years and now has drink specials during happy hour from 6-8 p.m. A full list of the bands playing in the intimate venue will be online soon at www.rootcellarcafe.com.
Barista Karisa Simon tends to the bar at The Root Cellar Bakery. Located at 142 N LBJ Drive, the bakery offers guests craft coffee drinks and homemade pastries. PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ers. For the inaugural event—which took place Jan. 6—Mylius searched his own ranks for talent, letting some of the bakery staff and sister company, Root Cellar Café, staff take the stage. Top billing for the event went to the indie-rock band, Those Nights, followed by Don Rich Boys, and their roots-style music with just a touch of throwback honkytonk. Mylius says customers can expect to hear a broad range of music, but the plan is to have acts that are a cut above
your average coffeehouse open-mic night. “We won’t be featuring one particular kind of music on our stage,” Mylius said. “We also have plans to bring in some big-name draws to the venue that we are excited about.” While those big names are still being kept under wraps, those currently in the queue to take the stage are Canvas People and David Beck, formerly of Sons of Fathers. Grant Ewing took the stage on the
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HEADLINES
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POLITICS
John Thomaides steps in as mayor By Rae Glassford Assistant News Editor @rae_maybe On Dec. 21, 2016, former City Councilman John Thomaides was sworn into office as Mayor of San Marcos. Although municipal voting took place in early November in accordance with the nation’s general election, Thomaides secured the position as mayor after the run-off elections against opposing candidate Ruben Becerra. Thomaides said that his first priority as mayor, from an economic standpoint, is to secure long-term higher wage employment opportunities in town. “Obviously, jobs at all employment levels are important to the local economy, but from my standpoint one of our top goals (and a true judge of how our economy is doing) are career-level jobs where someone can stay in San Marcos and build their lives around it,” Thomaides said. The mayor said he and members of city council have begun taking steps to make their dream of encouraging economic growth a reality in San Marcos. “We’re communicating with our economic development team, and we will be continuing that process over the next few weeks.” Thomaides said. “Right now we’re laying out the vision that I have and the vision that our council has, and we continue to adjust our strategy.” Prior economic successes have included the establishment of biotech company Grifols, the plasma testing and research company, as well as EPIC Piping, a welding and manufacturing company, but Thomaides believes San Marcos still has a long way to go. “We’ve gone a long way with this team to define and identify which sectors of industry are likely to bring us the type of job growth we’re looking for,” Thomaides said. “Then it’s up to the team to do our best to recruit, retain and help expand this type of employment opportunity in the city.” Despite his disapproval of last year’s Woods of San Marcos apartment complex, Thomaides recently approved the development of a new H-E-B. “All developments have a certain level of difficulty to them in terms of location or potential impact, whether that may be traffic or flooding,” Thomaides said. “I believe they have to pass a simple test: does the proposed develop-
Former city council member, John Thomaides, became the new mayor of San Marcos. PHOTO BY JAMIE DORSEY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ment improve the lives of our citizens, does it have an impact across the community and (help) people?” Thomaides said that other equallyimportant factors under consideration include whether a development will be safe for the town’s historic neighborhoods, and whether it will have a negative impact on the river. Thomaides said that many private sector companies meet the criteria that the council and the Greater San Marcos Partnership have set, and that they will likely pursue this avenue to attract jobs paying between $75,000 and $100,000 a year. “In my opinion, all entities should look at this from a private sector standpoint,” said Kevin Carswell, owner and operator of local coffee shop Mochas and Javas, “Who pays the salaries of everyone on city council? The taxpayer. So for us to be successful, it’s important that the city look at business seriously. I want to know what is being done to impact my financial future.” Carswell said he appreciates the fa-
miliarity of municipal politics, and the scope of action and involvement it enables. “Unlike federal politics, I can call John Thomaides directly, or we can talk face-to-face,” Carswell said. “I like that personalization. The city staff and the council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, are always understanding and available. They have made themselves accessible to the public.” Marielena Herrera, history senior, was less optimistic about her future in San Marcos after the recent mayoral election. “My biggest issue with Mr. Thomaides is that during his campaign he said he didn’t think there’s a race issue in town; but I feel that in America’s current political climate, there’s a race issue everywhere,” Herrera said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed, especially since we have such a high Hispanic population. It’s not just up to the school to address it; it’s also up to (the) city to reassure us that we’re being advocated for.”
Otherwise, Herrera said that she maintains a positive outlook for Thomaides’ upcoming mayorship. “Back when he was campaigning, I’d sometimes see him handing out political literature on campus, which was amazing,” Herrera said. “It’s great to see local politicians take it a step further and let students know they’re listening to us.” Herrera says she believes that currently, the town’s economy is conducive to students staying in town after they graduate, but that things could be better. “I’m going to be a teacher after I graduate, so specifically for me, I feel that I will be able to get a job in San Marcos, but I can’t speak for other professions,” Herrera said. Herrera said she believes all of the mayoral and city council candidates clearly had the best interests of the city in mind, and that even if the city’s economy isn’t at its peak now, it certainly could be in the future.
GOVERNMENT
Gearing up for Student Government election sented throughout campus and pushing for the students’ agenda. “Listening to the everyday needs of the students is very important,” Homann said. “I believed this organization had a lot of potential and that it needed a strong leader coming out of last year. I decided to run because I felt I was the right person for the job. My advice to the new president: follow the will of the students, and make sure you are staying true to the student agenda.” Student Government plays a big role in the student body by allowing students to have the power to change what they
The help desk on the fourth floor of LBJ. Student Government will hold its first meeting of the semester Mon. PHOTO BY JENNIFER CHACON | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
By Ashley Skinner Senior News Reporter @Ash_Marie54 Texas State Student Government is in the midst of preparing for elections for the 2017-2018 academic school year. Filing began Dec. 12 and ended Jan. 20. Student Government is the primary organization of the university that ensures students’ voices are heard by the faculty and staff of the school. “We sit on the various university committees and we represent the student body,” said Andrew Homann, student body president. “Our job is to not only represent the students, but to create programs and initiatives that we deem useful for the Texas State campus. We also offer travel grants and scholarships for the students to apply for.” Last semester, Student Government launched initiatives such as the Bobcats United series and the Adopt-A-Spot program to unite the community and
administration and to create a sense of pride for the campus. “Bobcats United is designed to create respectful dialogue off of hot topic issues that are happening around the world,” Homann said. “Adopt-A-Spot is a program where organizations sign up to Adopt-A-Spot on campus to keep clean and make sure Texas State’s environment is respected.” Applications opened for Student Government Dec. 12. The positions up for election include student body president, vice president and senator. “I oversee the supreme court, the judicial advocates office and the election board,” said John Garcia, supreme court chief justice. “I make sure everyone is trained properly and the president, vice president and senators know how to do their jobs.” The most challenging position to fill is the student body president. This position entails serving on 13 committees to make sure students are accurately repre-
do not like about campus and to guarantee a beneficial college experience. “This organization has changed the name of Texas State from Southwest Texas State University,” said Adrian Cooper, election board chair. “Student Government has a big influence on University Policy. It’s a great way to get involved.” The names of the applicants will be released soon, according to Homann.
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THE PULSE
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 | 3 Denise Cervantes The Pulse Editor @cervantesdenise
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RACE
Two multicultural lounges arriving on campus By Katie Burrell News Reporter @KatieNicole96 Two multicultural lounges will be installed on campus at the LBJ Student Center and inside of the Lampasas building. The LBJ Student Center will add a multicultural lounge as a part of its Grow Cats Grow expansion project. However, a multicultural lounge will be on campus prior to the completion of the LBJSC renovations. The lounge will be located in Room 502 of the Lampasas building, which has been used as the Honors College kitchen. “The multicultural lounge project was something where we had noticed there was nothing like it on campus, but it was definitely something that was deserved, considering how diverse our student body is,” said Tafari Robertson, public relations junior. Robertson, the Pan African Action
Committee and the Honors College staff will install the multicultural lounge by spring 2017. Robertson and his team believe Texas State could benefit from having more than one multicultural lounge, especially if the LBJSC location takes years to build. The multicultural lounge is intended to be a space like any other on campus, but with one key difference: representation. “When you step into it, you know for certain that if you pick up a book in this space, you are picking up a book by an author of color, or you are picking up information about Latin America,” Robertson said. Diann McCabe, director of academic development for the Honors College, said the multicultural lounge will include unique features for students. “The lounge will provide additional space in which to study, and will feature a lending library and student art exhibits,” McCabe said.
McCabe has already donated books and articles to the lounge’s lending library. Students who are interested in the project are welcome to contribute their ideas. Grace Nwegbo, family and child development sophomore, is a part of the project as a member of the Pan African Action Committee. Nwegbo said the organization has requested funding for the project from the Underrepresented Student Advisory Council at Texas State; the organization is awaiting a response for their request. The Pan African Action Committee and other students are still discussing plans for what the lounge will look like. Robertson said the space will be designated to everyone, but it will also recognize everyone. “We have places like George’s, which is totally designated for a country singer that went here once and LBJSC for good reason,” Robinson said. However, Robertson said there is a lack of minority representation when it
comes to school spaces. While the university will contribute to the LBJSC’s upcoming lounge, the Lampasas lounge will be independently funded and mostly student-run. Construction deadlines for the LBJSC renovation project are subject to change, according to the Texas State website, and the development may not conclude until 2019. 48 percent of students currently in attendance belong to ethnic minorities, according to the Texas State website. The university has never had a designated multicultural lounge among its many other lounges, study rooms and common areas. Bringing two multicultural lounges to campus will place the university among other Texas colleges like the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Dallas and Austin, which have previously established inclusive areas.
PRESIDENTIAL
The Strutters: an inside perspective of inauguration week By Bri Watkins News Editor @briwatkins17 WASHINGTON- Sometimes, the best way to experience history is not as a participant but as an observer. And sometimes, the best observations come through the eyes of a loved one -- in this case those of a big sister. During their years at Texas State University, the Hutcherson girls of San Antonio all became members of the high-stepping Strutter precision-dance team. The oldest sister Meredith was a Strutter. Alexandria followed until she graduated in 2015. And then the little sister, Julie, stepped up. By late 2016, Alexandria was living in Austin and then her little sister, Julia, was among the 85 women who got the call: They were going to Washington for the inauguration of the president. Decked out in their trademark cowboy hats, gloves and maroon uniforms they would march for 45th president, Donald Trump, along with members of motorcycle police, horse-mounted troops of the 1st Cavalry Division and college and high school marching bands and more -- 40 in all. For Christmas, the Hutcherson family gave Alexandria the one thing she needed to keep up with her old dance team and little sister: an airline ticket. The big moment, though, came before the march on Wednesday, when the team assembled under blue skies to perform at the National WWII Memorial. Flanked by the Washington Monument on one side and the Lincoln Memorial on the other, the team twirled and kicked. “(Our) grandfather died in action fighting for our country so watching my
The Texas State Strutters perform in the 58th inaugural parade. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR
little sister and her teammates perform their routine to “God Bless the USA” with the Washington Monument and American flag waving in the wind as their backdrop on the grounds of the World War II Memorial was extremely overwhelming,” Hutcherson said. Journalists crowded the team to get its story. “The girls had an electric energy all week, and they were so excited to be there doing what they love and sharing it with the world,” Hutcherson said. “They represented their university with strength and dignity, and I could not be more proud of them knowing how much hard work they put into preparing for the inauguration.” On Friday, the Strutters waited for two hours in the cold and then headed down Pennsylvania in the first wave of
marchers. Hutcherson was witness to numerous behind-the-scenes moments the Strutters encountered on their trip. She said one of her favorites were when Lee Greenwood, the writer and vocalist behind God Bless the U.S.A, serenaded the dance team at the Lincoln Memorial. “He and a camera crew came to where we were, and they filmed as he serenaded and talked to us, and we were all on Inside Edition that night,” Hutcherson said. Leading up to the D.C. trip, the Strutters were practicing nearly twelve hours each day in order to prepare for the week and stay on top of the rest of the committed school performances, said Strutters Choreographer Tammy Fife.
In addition to the Inaugural Parade, the Stutters also participated in other performances including the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the World War II Memorial, and two galas. Hutcherson said the performance in front of the World War II Memorial was one of the most personally striking performances after losing a grandfather who fought for the country. “Julia and I’s grandfather died in action fighting for our country so watching my little sister and her teammates perform their routine to God Bless the USA with the Washington Monument and American flag waving in the wind as their backdrop on the grounds of the World War II Memorial was extremely overwhelming,” Hutcherson said. From NBC in DFW to BBC in Britain, members of the Strutters were interviewed by a multitude of news stations while in Washington, D.C. “The fact that people from all over the world were drawn to them was a testament to how amazing they are,” Hutcherson said. After enduring two and a half hours in the cold, the Strutters marched the whole inaugural parade route from the Capitol building all the way to the White House where they exchanged a salute with President Donald Trump himself. “The fact that people from all over the world were drawn to them was a testament to how amazing they are,” Hutcherson said. After enduring two and a half hours in the cold, the Strutters marched the whole inaugural parade route from the Capitol building all the way to the White House where they exchanged a salute with President Donald Trump himself.
BEAUTY
Microblading - The latest eyebrow trend
Sapna Neupane, manager of San Marcos Threading ‘n’ Spa, applies eyebrow gel Jan. 20 to Hanna Legge, political science sophomore, after having her brows threaded. PHOTO BY LARA DIETRICH | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
By Trista Castillo Lifestyle Reporter @tristaaaaa The phrase “eyebrows on fleek” took on a different meaning in 2016. Microblading has allowed makeup enthusiasts to turn it up a notch by temporarily tattooing hair-like strands on eyebrows to give users a more realistic filled-in look. The procedure can last up to three hours and is a semi-permanent tattoo procedure, according to Buzzfeed.
Izabella Peralez, English freshman, said she thinks microblading is popular because of its natural result. “Considering all the makeup hype, people are looking for a natural and efficient method for nice eyebrows and ones that are done nicely,” said Peralez. Channing Jackson, owner of Wildflower Beauty Lounge in Austin, said social media played a huge part of this trend’s popularity. “Places like Canada and Asia have been doing this procedure for about
10-15 years, and I think now more than ever the media has helped, especially in the (U.S.), to show what microblading has to offer,” Jackson said. Jackson said she is booked for a month ahead of time and has microblading consultations and appointments daily. “I get a lot of clients who were teenagers in the ‘90s where eyebrows were a lot thinner and they have trouble growing them back,” Jackson said. “Nowa-days the trend is to have fuller and thicker eyebrows thanks to model Cara Delavigne and the Kardashians.” Prices on the procedure can vary depending on the artists and salons. Wildflower Beauty Lounge offers microblading for about $750 a person. Catalina Galvan, University of Texas – San Antonio student, said her procedure was done last month in San Antonio. “Microblading is pretty pricey. Mine came out to $200, but there was a promotion that day,” Galvan said. “I know a friend who paid $500 for her eyebrows.” Jackson said the price of a microblading procedure depends on the amount of time and precision. “Microblading is done with a tool and that is why the cost could range from $500-$1,500: because it takes a lot time and focus,” Jackson said. “My appointments usually last about two hours.”
Microblading and tattooed eyebrows are completely different, according to Jackson. “Tattooed cosmetics are permanent and are used with a machine,” Jackson said. “Microblading is semi-permanent and must be touched up frequently depending on your lifestyle.” Although there are beauty benefits to this trend, Galvan said the procedure does cause pain. “The worst part was the initial cut with the micro-blade. Just think: they’re literally cutting little lines in your skin to be filled with pigment,” said Galvan. Galvan said the expenses and pain that come along with microblading are worth it to achieve a natural eyebrow look. “I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t painful, but I kept on telling myself that it would be worth it in the end,” Galvan said. “Although it was expensive, I would definitely recommend it to anyone.” Jackson cautioned people thinking about getting a microblading procedure done. “You could be left with scaring if the place you go to says they will last more than a couple years,” Jackson said. “I get a lot of people who say they have gotten scars from the places they went to, so it is important to look into those things.”
4 | Tuesday, January 24, 2017
THE PULSE
The University Star Denise Cervantes The Pulse Editor @cervantesdenise
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LGBTQIA
Transgender and civil rights advocates to speak on campus By Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee Activists Angela Davis and Janet Mock will visit Texas State this spring to speak to students. The announcements came from Black Lives Movement: San Marcos on Jan. 9. The organization’s tweet informing students of Angela Davis’ visit gained more than 200 retweets and over 300 likes. “Dr. Angela Davis will make a monumental campus visit to Texas State University on March 31, 2017,” the tweet reads. The organization added that her speaking on campus would be a “phenomenal experience for all to be a part of.” Dr. Angela Davis is a civil rights activist and author, according to biography. com. She was raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where she faced racial prejudice and discrimination. As a teenager, she coordinated interracial study groups that were often broken up by police officers. However, Davis is best known for her association with the Black Panthers and Brandeis University’s all-black branch of the Communist Party in the late 1960s. Davis was offered a teaching job at the University of California, Los Angeles, but got fired due to her involvement with communism. However, she fought the university in court and began teach-
ing at UCLA again. She is now a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has also written “Women, Race and Class,” along with “Are Prisons Obsolete?” On Jan. 9, BLMSM also announced Janet Mock would also be visiting campus in the spring. “American writer, TV host and transgender rights activist @janetmockwill make a monumental visit to Texas State University April 5, 2017,” the organization’s tweet reads. Janet Mock is a writer, TV host and advocate who has worked for Entertainment Tonight, Marie Claire magazine, MSNBC and more, according to her website. Born in Hawaii, Mock has become a successful writer. Memoir “Redefining Realness” was a New York Times bestseller. In addition, she founded social media project #GirlsLikeUs, which aims to empower transgender women. Mock also produced “The Trans List,” an HBO documentary. In 2011, Mock published a Marie Claire article about her experiences growing up as a trans woman. Since her story gained national attention, TIME named her “one of twelve new faces of black leadership” and “one of the most influential people on the Internet.” Event coordinators have not yet released details, times or additional information about the speakers’ visits. However, some students are already marking their calendars.
Miriam Martin, agriculture animal science sophomore, said she is excited to hear Davis speak on campus in the spring. “She’s a huge part of our country’s black history and our country’s history as a whole,” Martin said. “She helped to bring about a lot of change, and I really admire her as a black woman in that time to be able to stand up and make a difference like that.” Martin said she knows Davis is a controversial person, but hopes all students can get on board with her presence at Texas State. “For some she’s a hero, and for others, her presence would be controversial,” Martin said. “Everyone has different beliefs that they subscribe to, but I feel like it’s important for us to be able to hear opinions that are different than our own.” Alexander Molina, political science sophomore, said he will be attending both Davis’ and Mock’s visits. “I think it’s going to be a good outlet for minority students at Texas State,” Molina said. “Representation matters so much. When students of color see influential speakers who overcame the same barriers as us, it gives us motivation to continue.” As a student government senator, Molina said these visits will have many positive effects on campus and believes similar events should be scheduled. Molina said Mock’s visit to campus will benefit the LGBTQIA community
immensely. “To see someone as successful as Janet Mock speak and offer the experience of what it is to be transgender going through life, it is an amazing honor,” Molina said. “It would allow people to be more aware of what’s going on.” Molina said he encourages all students, regardless of political affiliation, to attend these events. “When it comes to conservative students, we really need to be able to push the information out, and that will allow for us to have real dialogue,” Molina said. Vincent Rios, criminal justice law enforcement sophomore, identifies as a conservative and would not mind the speakers on campus as long as it isn’t a distraction to his coursework. “I do believe some conservative students will be offended or upset, but there is no reason to be, as long as there are no acts of violence or insults,” Rios said. However, Rios said there should be more speakers on campus who hold more conservative values. “There doesn’t seem to be a voice for conservatives at Texas State,” Rios said. “Having more conservative speakers would definitely benefit the conservative population.” More information about Angela Davis’ March 31 visit and Janet Mock’s April 5 visit should be released within the upcoming months.
ENTERTAINMENT
Six places to visit in San Marcos By Paola Esquivel-Oliveros Lifestyle Reporter @paolaoliveros San Marcos is home to many unique and individualistic restaurants, bars and shops. Bobcats have recommended visiting a variety of places, whether students just moved to Texas State or returned home for the spring.
Café On the Square Café On the Square allows students to dine and study due to the relaxed environment. The café is conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Marcos, just minutes away from campus. Destiny Moreno, psychology senior, suggested students try the breakfast burrito, which is served all day. “This place attracts college students because of the cheap, but big servings of food,” Moreno said. Moreno also pointed out that the “home dinner” atmosphere of Café on the Square helps it stand apart from other cafes.
Root Cellar Café and Brewery Root Cellar is known for its local brewery and artisan menu. Jamela Mavrakis, exercise and sports science junior, recommended Root Cellar for lunch or dinner. “This is a good spot for a dinner date with family, friends or even a date with that special someone,” Mavrakis said. Mavrakis said the unique set up and artwork surrounding the restaurant adds to its aesthetic.
Stonewall Warehouse Stonewall Warehouse is the first and only LGBT bar in San Marcos, and one the of most popular establishments in the area. Moreno suggested students should go to this bar if they are looking to have a great time. “Stonewall is my favorite bar on the Square because of its individuality,” Moreno said. “Everyone is welcome to have a great time. The drinks are cheap and fantastic. Plus, the DJs are pretty good.” Moreno said students should try the $4 dollar drink special, the Ruby Slipper.
Cafe Monet
Café Monet is not your regular coffee shop, it lets customers paint pottery, make mosaics and other hands-on projects.. Café Monet is located on Hopkins Street in Downtown San Marcos. PHOTO BY REBECCA MEJIA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
For the creative minds and artists of San Marcos, Cafe Monet is the place to get ideas flowing. This space provides customers the chance to paint, design or create their own pottery. Moreno said Cafe Monet is a great place to go with friends and be creative. “I am able to buy a piece of pottery or make it myself, paint it however I wish and get it glazed (or) baked for a nice price,” Moreno said.
Wake The Dead Coffee House Wake The Dead offers a place for students to sit down, relax and have a cup of coffee Besides offering a variety of food, coffee and artisan-crafted beer, this unparalleled coffee house holds events all month long including poetry nights, live music and comedy shows. Andrea Chapa, construction science and management sophomore, said the atmosphere in the coffee house is welcoming and easy-going. “The dim lighting makes it feel really chill and laid back,” Chapa said. “It’s a really nice place to sit down, read a book or study and drink coffee.” When visiting this spot for the first time, Chapa suggests ordering one of the iced coffees or frappuccinos.
Paperbear Paperbear is another shop located just
minutes away from campus. Small, unusual gifts and eclectic items are available at an affordable price. Moreno said all the trinkets and knick knacks make this shop a cool place for students to visit. “I always go in and find something
interesting and different,” Moreno said. “There are so many nice things.” Moreno said students should buy some old school candy when stopping by.
The University Star
5 | Tuesday, January 24, 2017
THE PULSE
Denise Cervantes The Pulse Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
ACADEMICS
5 different ways to succeed this spring semester her academics..“I got involved in a lot, so it didn’t give me time to party,” Salazar said. “I was involved in so many things, and it helped me become more responsible.”
4
FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Having a set place to go study—like a coffee shop or a library—can help eliminate distractions and remain focused. “I like to study at the library because if I study anywhere else I don’t get anything done,” Salazar said. “I don’t know what it is about the library, but it just helps me focus.”Dr. Carl J. Van Aacken, learning lab coordinator, said the atmosphere and lack of distractions can make for a productive study time. “Study around other people that are studying and working hard academically,” Aacken said.
5 The UAC Arch Jan. 18 as students pass by on their way to classes. PHOTO BY NATHALIE COHETERO | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
By Amanda Heileman Special to the Star @busybeeamanda Whether a freshman or recurring college veteran, welcoming a school semester can come with its challenges. Here are some useful tips to help students manage time and work loads to make it through to summer.
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START ORGANIZED AND STAY ORGANIZED
Dr. Margarita M. Arellano, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, said time management is key for student success. “If you don’t manage your time you
are not going to be successful,” Arellano said. It can be hard for students to juggle many things, so Arellano recommends having a planner. The middle and end of a semester can be overwhelming because multiple assignments are due concurrently. Arellano said students should work backwards when writing in a planner to avoid missing important dates. Breaking responsibilities down into steps can help students accomplish tasks and make them feel less overwhelmed, according to Arellano.
2
USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
There is a wide variety of free apps available to help students.
These apps include planners, budget management systems, scholarship finders, meditations and online flash cards. Finding one or two apps and incorporating them into a daily routine can be beneficial. Denise Salazar, theater junior, said she uses her phone to help manage her time. “I put a lot of reminders and events in my phone because sometimes I won’t remember,” Salazar said.
3
DISCOVER A NEW PASSION
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RESOURCES
The SLAC is a resource for students at no additional cost.. Students who don’t take advantage of the SLAC are not getting their money’s worth. “It’s like going for an all you can eat buffet and not getting all you can eat,” said Aacken. Going into the class with better problem solving skills and a better understanding of the content are goals of the SLAC so that students are able to be successful. Aacken said he recommends students learn about on campus resources.“Learn about the resources here on campus,” Aacken said. “Know where the tutoring lab, the math lab, the writing lab and all the different student academic centers are here on campus.”
Texas State has over 370 registered student organizations. Salazar joined a couple organizations and said it helped her stay focused on
IMMIGRATION
Immigrant students concerned for Trump presidency By Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee For the nearly 63 million Americans that voted for President Trump, last week was a joyful one. But for a lot of college students in this country – but not born here – the new president’s stance on immigration gave them pause and more than a little uncertainty about their personal futures. The Trump Administration plans to “immediately terminate Obama’s two illegal executive amnesties,” according to his immigration webpage. One of these amnesties is DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Washington Post reported transition spokesman Jason Miller confirmed DACA would be repealed. However, it is not illegal contrary to what Trump said; it was stopped by a federal injunction and the Supreme Court upheld the initial injunction. Obama and the Secretary of Homeland Security initially enacted DACA to protect undocumented people who came to the U.S. as children. Under this program, people who came to the U.S. before reaching age 16 can apply to be protected from deportation for two years, subject to renewal. In addition, those granted DACA are given work permits, a Social Security number and can apply for driver’s licenses on a state-by-state basis. Many requirements have to be met in order for eligibility. By federal law, Plyler v. Doe (1982) entitled all students, regardless of citizenship or residency, to K-12 education. However, attending college can be a challenge for undocumented students around the country because they are not eligible for federal financial aid. Texas offers tuition equity, which gives undocumented and DACAmented students access to state financial aid at the in-state tuition rate called TASFA. So, eliminating DACA means over 700,000 people would be stripped of their access to work, afford school,
drive legally and more. One Texas State nursing sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, was born in Honduras, and moved to Texas with his mother when he was four years old.
“Growing up undocumented is a lonely feeling. There are organizations where people openly say they’re undocumented, and that’s refreshing and comforting.” -Yunuen Alvarado The nursing sophomore said he applied for DACA in 2014 when he was in high school. His mom had to hire a lawyer to go through the steps with them, and his application was approved.
He received state financial aid during his freshman year of college. However, the aid did not cover all of the costs so he was forced to pay the remaining costs out of pocket. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford college without DACA,” the nursing sophomore said. He said he is concerned that the Trump Administration might take away DACA. “I’m afraid for all of the people who have DACA,” he said. “For those who don’t, I’m afraid of their families being separated. It’s something scary to think about.” Instead of being able to focus on studying and homework, the nursing sophomore said he wonders if he will be able to attend school at all. The termination of DACA would more than likely force him to go back to Honduras. “Honduras is not my home,” he said. “I don’t even know Spanish that well anymore. I know more English than Spanish. I have to go back to a country where I don’t feel at home.” Although the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion has a webpage dedicated to informing students and faculty members about DACA, the nursing sophomore said it isn’t advertised enough. In addition, SDI offers a program called S.C.O.P.E or Student Community of Progressive Empowerment, which aims to support and serve undocumented students on campus through memberships, meetings and programs. The university offers Bobcat Dreamers, a training program that teaches students about campus experience, admission and financial aid for undocumented immigrants. In addition, Texas State has a Dreamers Safe Office program where departments and offices can become a welcoming space for undocumented and DACAmented students. Yunuen Alvarado, journalism sophomore, said these programs are beneficial but more can always be done. She has been protected under DACA since she
was 15, and also had to hire a lawyer to help with paperwork. “The lawyer charged us around $3,000,” Alvarado said. “A year and a half later, we didn’t have money for a lawyer so I did it myself. It was tough.” She believes Texas State doesn’t have enough resources, and that an immigration lawyer should be available on campus. However, she discovered groups that help undocumented immigrants file DACA for free. Alvarado trained for the clinic, and now helps others with the process so they don’t go through what she had to. “Growing up undocumented is a lonely feeling,” Alvarado said. “There are organizations where people openly say they’re undocumented, and that’s refreshing and comforting.” For more information on organizations that assist undocumented and DACAmented students, visit Texas State’s webpage. A political science junior, who wished to remain anonymous, said she moved to Texas at the age of two with her parents with visas. Their cards expired but they chose to continue their life in America. She is now protected under DACA and has concerns for Trump’s actions against the program. “My biggest fear is how uncertain the future is for undocumented immigrants,” the political science junior said. “Hopefully there will be more immigration reform so undocumented immigrants can start on the path to citizenship.” The anonymous nursing sophomore said undocumented people should be prepared for the worst, and adapt to the situation at hand. “This is not something we haven’t experienced before,” he said. “Whatever happens happened because it was out of our control. If we have to fight for another right or hope for someone better to come along and help us, so be it. But all we have is each other.”
6 | Tuesday, January 24, 2017
OPINIONS
The University Star Mikala Everett Opinions Editor @mikala_maquella
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
LGBTQIA
Don’t drag your Drag Queens By John Lee Opinions Columnist @ leeeeyonce Drag queen culture has influenced American culture for many years without most people realizing it. We should give credit to these queens for their impact on igniting the LGBTQIA movement, voguing and slang.Drag queens played a major role in LGBTQIA history, particularity during the Stonewall riots. These riots are known as the start of the gay rights movement, and it can all be traced back to drag queens. Queens Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera actively resisted arrest while defining the gay rights movement and starting the protest. These riots brought the gay community together for the first time in history. This critical moment revolutionized the coming LGBTQIA movements, while pop stars and everyday citizens began emulating “gay” attributes and attitudes. Madonna brought voguing into mainstream media when her song “Vogue” sparked a dance craze and became the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. She won several MTV Video Music Awards and one American Music Award for her song. All of this success can be attributed to the drag queens who inspired Madonna to bring voguing into popular culture, yet there is little to no recognition of where it all began. Voguing was originally started by African American drag queens from Harlem. They would create hand gestures to emulate the lavish poses seen in fashion magazines. Appropriately, the dance was named after one. Even the slang words many people use today can be attributed to drag queen culture.
ILLUSTRATION BY FLOR BARAJAS
The slang phrases “shady” or “being read,” come from the world of drag. Many terms used on drag shows or RuPaul’s Drag Race are very similar to the slang words people might use on a day-to-day basis. Drag queens have been using these terms for years, but the phrases have just now gained
popularity recently thanks to Twitter and Instagram. Stonewall Warehouse, San Marcos’ own gay bar, showcases drag queens in their full glory, where the popular lingo can be heard. Ultimately, drag queen culture will continue to have a huge influence
on American culture. It is time we give these queens more recognition, whether that be for starting civil rights movements or popular dance crazes. -John Lee is a marketing freshman
POEM
New person, same mistakes class of the day. Craig decided the only way to save the day was to blow off some steam at George’s. After a few games of pool, he realizes he’s out $20 and his study time. “Well at least I can still try to look good,” Craig says as he heads to the Student Recreation Center. It seems
With no “ time to brush
ILLUSTRATION BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
By Jakob Rodriguez Opinions columnist @JakobRyRod People still believe that a new year will bring an end to all the problems they have faced in the previous year. While 2016 played host to the election, death of countless celebrities and birth of numerous memes, 2017 does not promise to not be any better. Yet, people cling to the false mantra: New year, new me. Regardless of the date on the calendar, we cannot become good people or students overnight. Do not let a year define you as a person. Getting mad at a concept of time or blaming the new year for how your year starts or ends is ridiculous, so I’ve got a story for you about a junior looking
for a new start. T’was the night before the start of the semester, and all throughout the dorm not a creature was stirring not even an RA. Craig waited all year for the moment the dusky twilight danced between fall semester and a start of a new year and new semester at Texas State. It was time to re-define himself and get his life together. He was going to be better than he had ever been, especially since his last two years in school had not been noteworthy. “I might have had a rough first two years, but 2017 will be my year!” said Craig as he shut his eyes the night before the first day of syllabus week. The next morning, Craig awoke with a start. “My alarms were set to my classes from last semester,” he exclaimed as he jumped out of bed.
With no time to brush his teeth or put on fresh clothes he ran to Centennial Hall for his first class of the day. The door of the classroom awkwardly squeaked open as Craig makes his way into the classroom. “Don’t look at me, don’t look at me, don’t look at me,” he thinks as his face turns red and the professor slides the attendance roster over to Craig. Craig gave himself a good pat down and shook out his backpack searching for a pen. Perhaps Craig left his only pen in his last class of the previous semester, or it decided to run away in hopes of a more responsible user, but he could not find one. He turned to his nearest class mate and asked for a pen. In response to Craig’s breath, she pinched her nose, and tossed him a pen and a stick of gum. “It’s only syllabus week and I can’t catch a break,” said Craig after his last
his teeth or put on fresh clothes he runs to Centennial Hall for his first class of the day.
”
like almost everyone on campus had the same idea as Craig however. With nowhere to train or get gains, Craig decided to bail out of his workout and instead buried his sorrow in jello. “I guess 2017 won’t be my year after all,” Craig says as he settles into bed. “Maybe 2018 will be a better year for me.” Using Craig as an example, you cannot rely on a new year to magically change your life and improve the direction of your life. It is up to you to set your course, not a new year. So if you want change, do something about it and really use the new year to create a new you. - Jakob R. Rodriguez is a journalism freshman
The University Star
OPINIONS
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 | 7 Mikala Everett Opinions Editor @mikala_maquella
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
ORGANIZATION
Planned Parenthood is in danger By Katie Burrell Opinions Columnist @KatieNicole96 Women need to know what they can do to help themselves and each other as House Republicans and President Trump make efforts to reduce funding for Planned Parenthood. House Speaker Paul Ryan announced in early January that he and other Republicans will continue their efforts to defund Planned Parenthood—one of Trump’s campaign promises that pleased pro-life voters. The plan is to re-do the budget and cut federal tax dollars to Planned Parenthood in favor of federal community health centers. However, if Planned Parenthood is already helping women, why would the money be better suited in the hands of other clinics? On Jan. 20, 2017, Texas removed Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program, meaning anyone with Medicaid will not be able to use benefits through a Planned Parenthood clinic. According to a report from the Texas Tribune, the organization used to receive $3.1 million in Medicaid funding annually, but that will all be gone by March. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked Texas from removing Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program until at least Feb. 21, according to the Austin Chronicle. Planned Parenthood offers valuable resources and is vital to some women’s reproductive care. Under the Affordable Care Act, some private insurance companies offer birth control without copays, which is similar to handing out free condoms to men. Women take birth control to combat premenstrual syndrome symptoms, prevent pregnancy and regulate their flow. To someone who does not deal with these issues, the severity can be lost. However, the symptoms of PMS or an irregular flow can be unbearable for many women and are often times results of a larger issue. Perhaps House and Senate Republicans are creating these clinics because they could not provide abortions, or because they do not cater specifically to women—a group of people they have shown that they do not care about,
ILLUSTRATION BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
time and time again. Either reason is pretty disturbing. The pro-life versus pro-choice debate is more of a debate on perspective, meaning it is not really Trump’s nor Ryan’s business what women do with their bodies as a means to survive. Citizens should be clear on two key facts: Federal money does not fund abortions at Planned Parenthood, ever. And Planned Parenthood is reimbursed by Medicaid for providing health services mainly for poor women – not funded directly by the government. “Planned Parenthood is not funded directly by the federal government. What they do is provide a number of health services mainly for poor women,
and then they’re reimbursed by Medicaid for those services,” said NPR host, Susan David. For those who can afford private insurance, the issue is mute. They pay for their insurance and can often get contraception with no copay. However, not everyone is born with a silver spoon or even a middle-class spoon in his or her mouth. There is such a thing called the “lower class,” and it can be so easily forgotten. If Trump is successful in repealing the ACA, lower-class women will not have the same access to contraception as women who can afford the bill. Even if the ACA is repealed, the GOP could remain hands-off of Planned
Parenthood, but that does not seem to be the case. Trump, Pence and the majority of House and Senate Republicans are blinded by their anti-abortion views and neglect to see that Planned Parenthood uses its funding to provide life-saving mammograms, counseling, referral services, STD testing and more. Planned Parenthood cares for women, children and families alike, and it would be a disaster to see it stripped away. -Katie Burrell is a mass communications sophomore
RACE
White activism is just as bad as Trump’s hate speech By May Olvera Opinions Columnist @yungfollowill If your activism is out of touch with the poor and people of color, then it is neither radical nor revolutionary. Many of us want to be excited every time we hear unwavering critiques of President Donald Trump, but there are standards we must uphold when engaging in political activism. The term “white feminism” has become widely known in social media to describe exclusionary feminism. The term does not apply to feminists whose skin color is white, but to those whose focus is primarily on helping the wealthy elite. Actress Meryl Streep recently gave a memorable speech during the Golden Globes that stands as a nearly perfect example of white activism. In her most notable problematic remark, Streep stated she and her fellow artists in the room belong to the “most vilified segments in American society right now.” “Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners,” she said. “And if we kick them all out, you’ll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts.” To call the Hollywood elite “the most vilified segments in American society” is a little much, if not completely asinine. Yes, Hollywood is made up of immigrants from numerous countries, however, most of these immigrants are
ridiculously wealthy and lead extremely comfortable lives that will go largely unaffected under Trump’s regime. What about the poor, Meryl? What about people of color who don’t get
To call the “ Hollywood elite
“the most vilified segments in American society” is a little much, if not completely asinine.
”
million-dollar movie deals but are rather handed jail sentences for petty crimes by a racist judicial system? Streep also attacked Trump for mocking a disabled journalist during the presidential primaries. However, she did so in an extremely ableist way
The University Star Editor-in-Chief..................................................Emily Sharp, stareditor@txstate.edu News Editor..........................................................Bri Watkins, starnews@txstate.edu Sports Editor...................................................Lisette Lopez, starsports@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor......................................Denise Cervantes, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor.........................................Mikala Everett, staropinion@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor..................................Lara Dietrich, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief.....................................Claire Abshier, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor...............................................Vivian Medina, stardesign@txstate.edu Marketing Manager...................................Kassidy Watson, marketing@txstate.edu
by painting the reporter as someone who—because of his disability—lacked the capacity to fight back. Similarly, but perhaps on a more grandiose level of repulsive behavior, are people praising former Mexican President Vicente Fox for his tweets to Trump stating Mexico will not be paying for any border wall. As president, Fox came into office with a massive popular mandate but quickly betrayed the country by following the same corrupt ways of most of his predecessors. He now supports President Enrique Peña Nieto who has unthinkable amounts of blood on his hands and is leading an extremely murderous government. In fact, Fox’s terrible treatment of Mexico and his disregard for the poor is the reason I, a Mexican immigrant, am here today. While I’m glad to be here, it is incredibly disheartening to see people I consider smart individuals praising the man culpable for so much destruction in my home country. Any praise for Fox’s comments on Trump shows that the lives of people of color outside of the United States are worthless to many self-proclaimed liberals as long as they can make snarky jabs at Republicans. It is wonderful to see people coming together against a man who has expressed so much hate, but we have to remember we cannot just throw underprivileged people under the bus and focus solely on the issues of wealthy
ILLUSTRATION BY ASHEE BRUNSON
white America. We are not just fighting against Trump, we are fighting for something. We are fighting for a more just and inclusive society that does not celebrate the elite but the people who are forced to struggle for better lives. - May Olvera is a journalism junior
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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday 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 Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2016. 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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8 | Tuesday, January 24, 2017
HEADLINES
The University Star Bri Watkins Headlines Editor @briwatkins17
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
Inauguration 2017 gallery
A Trump supporter waits for the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration. PHOTO BY EMILY SHARP | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The march was peaceful and people were generally cheerful. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR
Protestors march through D.C. for the sixth night in a row. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR
People march in revolutionary war uniforms during the inaugural parade to remind us all of our beginnings. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR
Many children also held up signs and participated in the Women’s March on Washington. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR AND EMILY SHARP | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PRESIDENTIAL
Hundreds of thousands participate in Women’s March By Bri Watkins News Editor @briwatkins17 WASHINGTON- The day after Donald Trump was sworn into office as president, thousands of women across the country came together at the nation’s capital to demonstrate against discrimination and the divisiveness that has occurred. Members of the rally said it is not an anti-Trump protest, but a rally that aims to peacefully empower women and demand that their rights be protected and respected under Trump’s administration. “We came to support women’s rights because we learned throughout our girl scout troops how important women’s rights are,” said Charlotte Levine, high school sophomore from the District of Columbia. The movement inspired other states to participate in “Sister Marches” around the world. The idea has even spread to other countries including Peru, Kenya, Czech Republic and Israel. According to the Women’s March on Washington website, there are more than 600 Sister Marches with over 2 million participants globally. “When my daughter in Connecticut told me about it, I said I want to go, so I went to New Haven and rode on a bus with her along with my other daughter and very dear second cousin,” said Vicki Abbott, New Hampshire resident. “I feel that women are not going to do well under the current administration, and I think they need to know that we are watching them and that we will remember.” From hundreds of miles to thousands of miles, many Americans wanted to be a part of one of the largest reported marches in American history. “I think this is a historic event, and I wanted to be some place that made me feel good instead of some place that makes me feel bad,” said Francie Kilborne, Texas resident. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. It is everything I thought it would be and more.”
The rally began at 10 a.m. Jan. 21 with speakers and performers that included actress America Ferrera, actress Scarlett Johansson, singer Janelle Monráe and Muriel Bowser, the District’s mayor. Ferrera encouraged women and immigrants to continue to fight for their future. “Our dignity, our character (and) our rights have all been under attack,” Ferrera said. “The President is not America. The cabinet is not America.Congress is not America. We are America, and we are here to stay.” Organizers of the march coordinated the rally subsequently after the Nov. 8 election results. The motive behind the idea was to create a movement against some of Trump’s policies for the country. The platform aims to enhance the political climate by ending violence against women, protecting immigration and maintaining civic rights. Thomas Watkins, resident of New Jersey decided to participate in the march the moment he found out about the event. “(The march) is representing a grassroots movement,” he said. “An instantaneous defiant setting where people are just tired of what has transpired. The things that Donald trump says and does, the people he associates with and the general oligarchy nature of his cabinet that he’s selected, so I think it’s a group effort to tell the country how we feel.” California Senator Kamala Harris said this is a pivotal time for America to figure out what our character represents. “Even if you are not sitting in the White House, even if you are not a member of the United States Congress, even if you don’t run a big corporate super pack, you have the power, and we the people have the power,” she said. “There is nothing more powerful than a group of determined sisters marching alongside with their partners and their determined sons and brothers and fathers, standing up for what we know is right, and we know that it is right for this nation to prioritize woman’s issues.”
Alpha Tau Omega has closed at Texas State. Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity has placed this ad to provide notice that the ATO chapter at Texas State has been closed by the National Fraternity. Students who were members of the Fraternity no longer have authority to operate an Alpha Tau Omega chapter and may not organize any event, sponsor any activity or participate in any endeavor representing Alpha Tau Omega on the Texas State campus or elsewhere in the San Marcos community. “Alpha Tau Omega” and other distinctive letters, marks and insignia of the Fraternity are federally protected trademarks owned and managed by Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity. Any use of these marks without the expressed written permission of Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity is strictly prohibited. No group of students at Texas State is authorized to use the name “Alpha Tau Omega” or any of its service marks. Only chartered chapters and qualified members of Alpha Tau Omega are authorized to operate a chapter and use the distinctive marks of the Fraternity. If you have reason to believe that students on campus continue to operate as though they make up a recognized chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, please alert the Dean of Students office and the Greek Life office at Texas State or contact Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity at ato.org. One N orth Pennsy lvania St , I nd ianap olis, I nd iana 4 6 204 317.6 8 4 .18 6 5 | www.ato.org
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10 | Tuesday, January 24, 2017
SPORTS
The University Star Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
2017 Baseball Schedule FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 19 22
Texas State
Texas State
Texas State
Texas State
VS.
VS.
VS.
VS.
University
University
University
University
Purdue University
Purdue University (DH)
Purdue
University
Baylor University
San Marcos, Texas Bobcat Ballpark @ 6 PM
San Marcos, Texas Bobcat Ballpark @ 1 PM, 4 PM
San Marcos, Texas Bobcat Ballpark @1 PM
San Marcos, Texas Bobcat Ballpark @6 PM
BASEBALL
A look at the upcoming baseball season games and 23 away games. The Bobcats will face interesting matchups early in the season with series play at Oklahoma State University, the University of Richmond and the season opener against Purdue University. The first conference game the Bobcats will play is on Mar. 17 against Coastal Carolina, the defending NCAA College World Series Champions, in a three game home series. Until then, Texas State will be competing against non-conference teams, some of which including Baylor, Alabama A&M University and Rice. Last season, the Bobcats lost both games against Rice and are looking for a comeback win on March 15.
Another game to watch for the upcoming season is the game against Texas A&M University on March 28. The Bobcats did not match up with Texas A&M last season, and are looking to make a statement this season. In the game against Baylor University, the Bobcats blew out the Bears with a 12-3 win in Waco. The two meet twice in the upcoming season starting on Feb. 22. In the 55 game lineup, the Bobcats will conclude their regular season with a three game home series against the University of Texas - Arlington starting May 18, in hopes of competing in the Sun Belt Conference Championship on May 24.
STAR FILE PHOTO.
Brooke Phillips Sports Reporter @brookephillips_
It’s almost that time of the year again for the lights to shine over Bobcat Ballpark, and the Texas State men’s baseball team is preparing for yet another season of home runs, sliding into bases and bringing home wins. Last year was good to Bobcats baseball. The Bobcats ended last season with a 31-28 overall record and a conference record of 16-14. Texas State was successful at home, and struggled a bit away with an 11-11 record. Last season also ended with a total of 322 runs, 502 hits and 49 home runs. The Bobcats finished the season with a tie for fifth place in the Sun Belt Conference. Five former Bobcats were picked up in 2016 Major League Baseball draft. Those five players were Lucas Humpal, senior right-handed pitcher; Jonathan Hennigan, junior left-handed pitcher; Granger Studdard, junior outfield/in-
field; Tanner Hill, senior infield/center; and Pasquale Mazzoccoli, senior righthanded pitcher. Humpal was selected by the Baltimore Orioles, Hennigan was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies, Studdard was selected by the Boston Red Sox, Hill was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Mazzoccoli went to the Pittsburgh Pirates. In Texas State history, there have been a total of 58 Bobcats drafted. Since head coach, Ty Harrington, took over in 2000 he has had 43 players selected in the MLB Draft. Humpal, Hennigan, Studdard, Hill and Mazzoccoli were numbers 39-43. While the Bobcats have lost players, the team gained 12 freshmen to add to the roster. It is made up of 47 players— which include almost every classification. Home opening day will be on Feb. 17 in the Bobcat Ballpark for a three game series against Purdue University. For the rest of the season, the Bobcats are scheduled to play 32 home
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