TUESDAY MARCH 21, 2017 VOLUME 106 ISSUE 27
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
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Greek organizations raise money for local program Over 1,500 jars of peanut butter sold By Ashley Skinner Assistant News Editor @Ash_Marie54 Earlier this month, several fraternities and sororities participated in a friendly competition to see who could raise the most peanut butter jars for the School Fuel program. School Fuel is a volunteer organization that strives to “fuel” a better learning environment by removing the pangs of hunger among students in the San Marcos CISD schools. “Our goal is to impact the community in an awesome way,” said Travis Walker, vice president of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. “Last semester, our fraternity raised 250 jars and $75. I saw a need to do more, and I reached out to Erin Sewell, community service chair of ADPi, who also did a fundraiser for the program. She had the idea to make it a competition.” Sewell has been working with her sorority to benefit School Fuel and other community organizations such as the senior center, animal shelter and the food bank. “I intern and volunteer with School
Colonized in 1967 and reinstalled in 2012, the Gamma Chi chapter of Gamma Phi Beta serves as one of the Panhellenic Council sororities on campus. PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Fuel on my own because it is a great way to get involved,” Sewell said. “I saw a need last year for peanut butter donations, so I got my sorority involved, thinking, with over 200 members, we could raise enough.” ADPi and Delta Sig had help collecting the jars from other sororities and
fraternities including Chi Omega, Delta Zeta, Alpha Sigma Phi and Sigma Chi. “We wanted to help out ADPi as much as we could,” said Austin Vonderhied, community service director of Sigma Chi. “The purpose of Greek life is in a transition stage, from partying to helping out the community—at least I
would hope.” School Fuel needed 500 jars for the week of spring break. Over 1,500 jars of peanut butter were donated by the end of the competition.
PAGE 3 GREEK
Texas State may subscribe Texas State Galleries to The New York Times showcase creative diversity By Daryan Jones News Reporter @DaryanJoness The Texas State Galleries were designed to offer a space for students and faculty members to express creativity, engage in civil discourse and connect through the language of art. The galleries, located in the Joann Cole Mitte building, are adorned with
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Todd Halvorsen, New York Times education manager, speaks about the New York Times website and its benefits for students. PHOTO BY JAMIE DORSEY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
By Katie Burrell Senior News Reporter @KatieNicole96 Representatives from The New York Times visited Texas State to offer a full-site subscription for students, faculty and staff. The subscription would cost around $40,000 and allow members from the university to gain total access to published articles, videos, documentaries, photos and more. The idea of subscribing to The New York Times was endorsed by Vincent Luizzi, faculty senator and philosophy professor. “We’re especially interested in how a campus site license to The New York Times can raise the overall level of discourse on campus,” Luizzi said.
Luizzi proposed the idea to the faculty senate and invited representatives to present their pitch during a philosophy dialogue session. Kandace Rusnak, director of education, explained the benefits of the academic site license. “We’re a paid site; so if you are just using it for a class and you Google us, you’ll eventually hit a pay wall,” Rusnak said. “With this access, you won’t hit that paywall. You could use this very intentionally for a science class, then move on and use the subscription for an English class.” Twister Marquiss and Jo Ann Carson, senior lecturers, attended the philosophy dialogue session.
PAGE 2 NEWS
SPRING FASHION PAGE 4 FASHION
design senior, said she enjoys being able to view the creative works of other students through the variety of featured artists “I know that there are some times when the gallery features student work, and that’s a lot of fun, especially when there are works from other majors,” McNully said. “You get the opportunity to explore what other people, who aren’t exactly in your program, are do-
You get the opportunity to explore what other people, who aren’t exactly in your program, are doing. - Bronwyn McNully
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quality artwork from students, faculty, alumni, staff, regional artists, national artists and international artists. “The level of the art we showcase here is on par with work you would see in any major gallery or museum anywhere,” said gallery director Margo Handwerker. Bronwyn McNully, communication
Women's basketball recap The Bobcats finished their season with a hard-fought overtime loss to Eastern Washington in the Women’s Basketball Invitational.
ing.” The galleries host around 20 different exhibitions throughout the year. McNully was among the featured student artists. She had the opportunity to have her artwork displayed in an exhibit and said it was a "great" experience.
PAGE 3 ART
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HEADLINES The University Star
The University Star Bri Watkins Headlines Editor @briwatkins17
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FROM FRONT NEWS
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 Engagement Editor...................Stacee Collins, starpromo@txstate.edu Director of Media Sales.......Folee Hall, folee.hall@universitystar.com Account Executive..Anthony Woods, anthony.woods@universitystar.com Account Executive...Christina Castro, christina.castro@universitystar.com Account Executive....Kassidy Watson, kassidy.watson@universitystar.com Marketing Manager.........Britney Cox, britney.cox@universitystar.com Sales Manager....Marisa Campbell, marisa.campbell@universitystar.com Media Specialist..............................Dillan Thomson, djt48@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator..................A.J. Arreguin, aa1530@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.........................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director......................Richard Parker, rlp119@txstate.edu
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HISTORY
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 HeraldZeitung.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright Tuesday, March 21, 2017. 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.
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DEADLINES
Letters to the Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to publication.
CORRECTIONS
Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and are brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible. Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com
PHOTO BY JAMIE DORSEY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
“There are a lot of opportunities for students to have access to a reliable news source and for faculty to access articles they can use in class,” Marquiss said. “I thought it looked like a very good opportunity for students and faculty to engage in breaking news and trends and everything from the arts scene to political news to history-inthe-making.” Marquiss said many faculty members want to use news as a resource to teach courses, but have limited access to articles without a full subscription. “Journalism is able to offer you firsthand information from the source via interview or via eyewitness account of things as they happen,” Marquiss said. “What you’re getting is far more indepth information, sourced and verifiable information and timely information.” Texas State currently subscribes to limited access from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Students can access articles from these sources through the Alkek Library website. Selene Hinojosa, librarian, said access to current media outlets allows students to view articles ranging from the 1800s to present times. However, the stories are either snapshotted or typed into a new document. Hinojosa said subscribing to news-
papers can enhance student performance due to reliable research of primary sources and images. She believes the current subscription, without fullsite access is enough to improve student performance when used.
communication and communication design people,” Hinojosa said. The academic site license has been proposed to the faculty senate and library staff through the philosophy dialogue series, but the decision to pur-
“There are a lot of opportunities for students to have access to a reliable news source and for faculty to access articles they can use in class." -Twister Marquiss “The people who are getting the most benefit from (full-site subscriptions) are really the journalism, mass
chase the subscription and funding is still being determined.
ACADEMICS
Texas State is the ninth most liberal four-year institution in Texas Texas Rising at Texas State, said she thinks the university’s high liberal ranking reflects the diversity of the student body, faculty and staff. “Texas Rising at Texas State organizes young people to advocate for LGBTQIA equality, voter rights, strong public schools and reproductive rights,” Westerberg said. “There are many professors and staff that are Allies and are supportive of our organization’s progressive efforts.”
STAR FILE PHOTO.
By Skyler Jennings Special to the Star Texas State University ranked ninth on Niche’s 2017 Most Liberal Colleges in Texas list. Niche, a website that helps users discover which schools are right for them by analyzing data and reviews, used self-reported student reviews from 48 Texas universities to calculate the ranking. Students reported personal political leanings and perception of their campus’ political views. Laura Veal, vice president of Texas
State’s LGBTQIA educational organization Bobcat PRIDE, said she was happy to see the university ranked so high on the list. “When incoming students who may be LGBTQIA see that information, they may feel more comfortable coming to Texas State as opposed to other universities,” Veal said. “Typically, liberal areas are going to be more open and accepting of LGBTQIA people. We hope that both Texas State and Bobcat PRIDE are safe accepting places for students, no matter how they identify.” Kaitlyn Westerberg, an officer of
Westerberg said she’s happy with the university’s ranking, but believes there is still more to do. “Texas State still lacks a few aspects that I think liberal universities need, such as a center for LGBTQIA students and more visibility for multicultural student organizations,” Westerberg said. “We have made progress, but we have further to go.”
The University Star
HEADLINES
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 | 3 Bri Watkins Headlines Editor @briwatkins17
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FROM FRONT GREEK “We beat (Delta Sig) by six jars,” Sewell said. “I had over 800 jars of peanut butter just sitting in my house for weeks.” In addition to the local community service, every fraternity and sorority
“With everything that has happened in Greek Life within the past two semesters, we want to help recreate the image that we have lost because of the actions of some other people.” -Travis Walker has its own philanthropy work to tend to each semester. ADPi works with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Sigma Chi volunteers with the Humane Society; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; and Homes for our Troops. Delta Sig works with the American Red Cross. “We do profit shares and events to help the Red Cross. I wanted to do an additional local philanthropy, and School Fuel caught my eye,” Walker
PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
said. “People think (fraternities) are all drugs, sex and rock & roll. The bigger picture is helping the community and the children.” The Texas State Greek Affairs is comprised of over 30 fraternities and sororities. However, 11 of the groups have been put on probation or suspended
due to hazing and/or convicted of hazing in the last three years. Groups who are on probation can return to good standing. Suspensions range from fall 2017 through spring 2022, meaning an organization can petition to return to the program. “With everything that has happened
in Greek Life within the past two semesters, we want to help recreate the image that we have lost because of the actions of some other people,” Walker said. “We are fighting the stigma that is associated with Greek Life as best as we can. Our organization truly believes in helping out the community we live in.”
ic year for students. “Art can be such a wonderful way of bringing people together to talk about one issue or another,” Handwerker said. “It’s a way to kind of get people to step back and talk about a difficult issue through an art object, which I think is very important, especially right now.” Organizers of the galleries believe student engagement is important and they aim to cultivate a schedule beneficial for all Bobcats. “I think one other interesting thing about our gallery is that it’s really stu-
dent-focused,” said Chad Dawkins, associate director of the Texas State Galleries. “We keep our hours open so students always have a chance to come by and see the shows regardless of their schedules, and our gallery is staffed primarily with students of art and design too.” Two of the spaces are used primarily for the scheduled exhibitions, but the third space is a bit more flexible. For Fall 2017, organizers of the galleries will give students, faculty and alumni the opportunity to pitch show
ideas. “We have a new program rolling out this spring to start in the fall where we use our third gallery space to solicit proposals from students, faculty and alumni in order to have a show,” Dawkins said. Exhibits change about once a month, and the galleries are free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information about upcoming exhibitions and events, visit the university’s event calendar or the Texas State Galleries website.
FROM FRONT ART “I did a study abroad recently, and they did an exhibit in the galleries featuring the works from the trip,” McNully said. “It was a really interesting experience to have my work on display in the galleries. It felt really nice to have a piece that I was proud of from my study abroad experience on display.” In addition to various exhibitions, the area offers an environment where people can have open conversations about controversial issues, said Handwerker. Visiting artists give lectures and present workshops throughout the academ-
4 | Tuesday, March 21, 2017
THE PULSE
The University Star Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
STRUCTURE
Broken fountain at LBJ Student Center may be revived By Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee For as long as most Bobcats can remember, the fountain outside of the LBJ Student Center has been broken. However, operations officials hope to get it up and running soon. Students pass by the fountain to grab lunch at The Lair or attend class in the teaching theater. Over 600 Twitter users confirmed it has been broken for their entire experience at Texas State. In response to a tweet by Katy Petri, communication disorders senior, one Twitter user couldn’t even tell it was a fountain. Dave Rader, building operations supervisor at the LBJSC, said members of the art department installed the fountain around seven years ago. But, San Marcos endured a drought that caused the city to enforce stage one water restrictions. The city and university had to abide by the Drought Response Plan restrictions, which prohibited any waste of water. Filling decorative water features such as fountains and ponds was prohibited, according to the San Marcos Mercury. Rader said he took out the pump during the drought period, and by the time it was over, the piece had sat idle for too long and became unusable. In addition, the operations crew discovered the pump wasn’t designed for the fountain at all. The artists who installed the fountain bought a pump that was too long for the fixture, Rader said. However, he is on a mission to track down the correct pump for the fountain. Rader said he aims to have the fountain running permanently by the end of March, if the city doesn’t go into another drought period.
Kyla-Krista Ong, receptionist at the LBJ Student Center information desk, said it’s a shame the fountain has been broken for so long. “Ever since I came here, it’s been off,” Ong said. “It’s also not as pretty to look at because it’s dirty inside.” Ong said there is a definite contrast between the LBJ Student Center fountain and the massive one on Bobcat Trail. Nonetheless, she hopes Rader is able to get it back in gear. “I hope we end up getting the pump soon, because I feel like it adds something special to the center when people see it,” Ong said. Triston Giesie, public relations sophomore, said the broken fountain doesn’t serve a purpose. “It’s not even doing its purpose of looking pretty—it’s tarnished and old,” Giesie said. “Whenever people walk by on campus, it’s pretty obvious that it’s not maintained. You would assume or hope they would take better care of it.” Giesie said the Student Body President’s salary is over $11,000, which could go toward fixing one of the focal points of campus instead. Colby Mims, sociology sophomore, said she would appreciate seeing the fountain in action if it were safe for the environment. “If it recycled water, then I’d be all about it,” Mims said. “But I’d rather not run it if we’re at a risk for a drought.” Shelbi Bays, marketing sophomore, said she saw the fountain running water around a year ago and wishes it could be permanently fixed. “I’ve always thought it looked kind of dirty, and even the memorial around it is rusty,” Bays said. “I just wish they could renovate it into a sculpture or some-
thing if they’re not going to repaint or fix the fountain.” Bays said fixing the fountain could increase the aesthetic value of campus, and possibly bring in more students when they tour the university with groups.
The fountain outside of LBJ is practically never turned on. Due to lack of maintenance, the metal has oxidized and turned green. PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
FASHION
Suede and bodysuits take over spring fashion Ferris said she likes off the shoulder tops because they are easy to style. “I could wear this style for many occasions like brunches or dinners,” Ferris said. “Off the shoulder tops are really good for any occasion.” Watkins said this trend is one of her favorites for spring. “I am always a big fan of the off the shoulder crop tops paired with high waisted jean shorts,” Watkins said.
4 Bodysuits It’s no surprise bodysuits are a dominating trend for spring. The early ‘90s trend is great for making a top seem perfectly tucked in. Ferris said bodysuits are great to have. “They are one of my go-to clothing pieces because they are really easy to style,” Ferris said. “You can throw one on with jean shorts and be ready to go.” Watkins said bodysuits look great for going out. Spring is here and so are the different fashion trends it brings along. What are you wearing this season? PHOTO BY BRANDON VALENCIA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
By Paola Esquivel-Oliveros Lifestyle Reporter @paolaoliveros March 20 marks the first day of spring. and this fashion season is inspired by comfort and trends from past decades. Here are a few tips to stay fashionable this spring season.
1 Suede
The ‘70s-inspired trend doesn’t stop at suede boots but has influenced jackets, dresses, tops, skirts and various accessories. The soft and delicate fabric can be worn year-round which makes for an even better buy. Emily Ferris, fashion consultant at O’Neil House of Fashion, predicts suede will be a big hit this spring.
“We recently got some suede skirts in and everyone is already calling it and ready to buy them,” Ferris said. “I would say that is going to be one of our top sellers this spring.” Karen Amenyinu, psychology freshman, said she thinks suede is going to be a leading trend. “I think suede is really cute,” Amenyinu said. “I would style a suede skirt with an off the shoulder top.”
2 Denim
Denim has been an ever-changing fad familiar to fashionistas. It is an easy goto classic. Emily Watkins, applied sociology senior, said she predicts denim is going to be seen everywhere this season. “I think denim in all sorts of styles
and colors is going to be a leading trend,” Watkins said. “I have seen a lot of denim skirts, overalls and tops everywhere in stores lately.”
3 Off- the shoulder tops Off the- shoulder tops have been popular since last summer and are here to stay for spring.
5 Athleisure
The athleisure look is no longer only for the gym but for general everyday wear. Designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Versace were praising this trend two weeks ago during the New York Fashion Week. Watkins said she likes the active wear trend. “It is really comfortable,” Watkins said. “I really like wearing leggings and yoga pants.” Athleisure wear is another style Ferris is fond of. “I am all about being comfortable,” Ferris said. “If you’re going to be on campus, you can’t always look super cute, so athleisure wear is a way to still be fashionable and look good.”
The University Star
Tuesday, March 21 , 2017 | 5
THE PULSE
Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
ACADEMICS
Professor builds community education programs with students By Amanda Heileman Lifestyle Reporter @busybeeamanda A professor at Texas State University has experienced the struggles of being an immigrant and English language learner, and she is taking steps to help people in similar situations get an education Dr. Clarena Larrotta, education associate professor, wanted to create programs to help immigrants and English language learners cross the cultural divide—as she once did. She merged community service programs in order to create an adult, professional and community education program, which is mutually beneficial for her graduate and doctoral students. “I work with the library, creating volunteering opportunities for our students in the masters program to work with people in the community,” Larrotta said. “Every summer, I organize an English club to help adults who are learning English as a second language to practice their English with doctoral and masters students.” The program allows students to learn about how individuals came to the country, and then they are able to understand the realities of their lives, Larrotta said. It provides a reciprocal relationship, where students do research and simultaneously serve as conversation partners for adults in the community who don’t have the resources to pay for private English classes.
Clarena Larrotta, Adult Education Program coordinator, poses for a photo Mar. 10 at Texas State University. PHOTO BY ABDUL QASEM | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Larrotta works with the St. John’s University “English as a Second Language” program to help immigrants. In addition, she created an assessment tool to help pace their students. Larrotta volunteers at the local Hispanic Cultural Center and Kyle Learning Center. “I see the impact through our students,” Larrotta said. “They go and learn from real people in real situations and they collect data in an authentic way instead of doing something that is disconnected from reality and from the community.”
Larrotta said she traveled a long journey to get to where she is today. “My path started in Colombia,” Larrotta said. “I completed a bachelor’s degree to teach English. Then, I went to Puerto Rico for my masters in English as a second language and then again to UT-Austin to get my PhD in education.” Ted Ingwersen, doctoral student in the adult, professional and community education program, said he had personal experience working with the community.
“As students, we engaged adult learners in English literacy activities,” Ingwersen said. “In return the learners were willing to share with the doctoral students a bit about who they were, what they were hoping to learn from the time together and what values and goals motivated them to pursue their education.” Ingwersen said it is important that Larrotta has introduced this type of program to Texas State.“ Larrotta leads by example and fully embraces the single greatest purpose behind education—to bring people out of poverty, to give the downtrodden hope and to provide a means of paying it forward,” Ingwersen said. Freda Bryson, doctoral student in the adult, professional and community education program, said Larrotta’s programs enhance the community. “It’s really interesting to meet people who have degrees,” Bryson said. “The lady I interviewed was a nurse in her country and in order to become a registered nurse, she would have to go back to school in the United States.” Students who are exposed to the community and work with individuals may gain a greater understanding of the world around them, Larrotta said. “Because I am an international faculty member, I bring that kind of expertise and diversity,” Larrotta said. “Now that we are going through this difficult time for immigrants, it’s something that helps the students understand what we are going through in terms of politics.”
BOBCAT CALENDAR March 21 - 24
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
GUEST LECTURE
OH YOU FANCY, HUH?
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
HOW TO DEAL
TXGSRS 2017
WHAT: ABC's of zzz's: Improving Sleep Habits WHEN: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM WHERE: LBJ Student Center 3-9.1 COST: Free
WHAT: Symposium featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Caroline Faria WHEN: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE: Evans Liberal Arts Building Third Floor COST: Free
21 22 23 24 WHAT: Presenting Michael Klein, Professor of Music Theory WHEN: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM WHERE: Music Building Recital Hall (MUS 236) COST: Free
TESTING TUESDAY
WHAT: SACA sponsered event WHEN: 1:00 PM WHERE: LBJ Student Center Ballroom COST: Free
STAR GAZING
WHAT: HIV Testing WHEN: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM WHERE: Student Health Center COST: Free
WHAT: Weekly public observing WHEN: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM WHERE: Supple Science Building Roof COST: Free
STUDENT RECITAL
FRENCH FILM SHOWING
WHAT: Percussion Studio Recital WHEN: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM WHERE: Music Building Recital Hall (MUS 236) COST: Free
WHAT: Screening of The Butcher WHEN: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM WHERE: Centennial Hall G02 COST: Free
For more events, go to star.txstate.edu/category/today/
Roommate Date Deal: Two Can Dine Roommate Date Dealfor $9.99 Choose two: small Tropichop or quarter chicken with rice and beans Choose one: regular-sized sweet plantains or fried yucca Plus: 2 fountain drinks.
Two Can Dine for $9.99
Valid through 5/15/17 5/15/2
Coupon Code: 518
6 | Tuesday, March 21, 2017
OPINIONS
The University Star
ACADEMICS
The first amendment is not about protecting sensitivity By Rachael Shah Opinions Columnist
A university is supposed to be a free market place of opinion. It is a place to voice ideas, accumulate knowledge and openly discuss certain controversial issues in order to promote personal growth. It is essential college students continue to appropriately express their differing opinions with one another in order to spur intelligent discussions. Unfortunately, certain universities are beginning to restrict free speech by implementing self-censorship and “freespeech zones.” Free-speech zones are defined as designated areas on campus where students can openly express ideas. Thus, implying students in any other area on campus should refrain from talking about controversial issues such as politics and religion. Although these zones are implemented in order to make students more comfortable, they are ultimately regressive. As a college student, I am appalled certain universities think it is constitutional and beneficial to limit what can be discussed . Before I go on, I want to make clear I am not advocating for hate speech. Hate speech is very different from debating opinions openly on campus. As long as no one is being directly attacked or harmed, I think students should be mature enough to accept differing opinions—no matter how uncomfortable it may make them. Recently, a controversial column concerning Greek life was published in The University Star. The column contained a reliable statistic regarding rape correlating with Greek members. The column did not target a specific fraternity nor did it target a specific individual. However, upcoming student body president Connor Clegg indirectly threatened to restrict publication and enforce prior restraint. “I’ve been biting my tongue on this because I respect the free-press, however, no student should pay money to be unfairly, unduly, and inappropriately called a rapist by the school’s newspaper.” Clegg wrote on Facebook. “No one deserves to be unfairly called out because of a baseless claim with no grounding truth. When we are re-elected-this is gonna change. No more folks.” I would normally admire Clegg for being so passionate and sticking up for his community, however, no one was directly named nor was a fraternity slandered. If Clegg really does have respect for “the free press” like he claims, then he wouldn’t threaten to limit it despite his differing opinion. Through my media law and ethics class, I learned the first amendment is extremely hard to challenge but it can be done. The fact that our upcoming student body president thought he could threaten the first amendment because he didn’t agree with an opinion column is very upsetting. When limitations are suggested regarding the first amendment, we are ultimately regressing. The press should not be limited as long as no one is slandered or threatened. Ideas need to be discussed, minds need to be challenged and universities need to continue to defend the first amendment. Like Clegg, I didn’t agree with the column. However, instead of getting upset and lashing out through Facebook, I contacted the writer and asked why she felt so strongly about the issue of rape in the Greek community. In a civil discussion, we presented our different opinions, and I gained a new understanding. Although it wasn’t easy to listen to a person I disagreed with, it did spur an intelligent discussion and provide personal growth. -Rachael Shah is an electronic media junior
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LGBTQIA
The transgender community deserves protection By John Lee Opinions Columnist @leeeeyonce
President Donald Trump rescinded bathroom protections for transgender and gender nonconforming students. With his decision, Trump has managed to lose the already doubtful trust of the LGBTQIA community. This action was signed and approved by secretary of education Betsy DeVos, the very person who should have the best interest of all students at heart—transgender included. Trump and DeVos have been known to flip-flop on the issue. Both parties were originally on board with bathroom protections for transgender individuals. The sudden change of heart is a detrimental blow to the transgender population. The original bathroom protection plan was an Obama-era federal guidance that allowed students to go to the bathroom the gender they identify with. This action was a step in the right direction toward protecting transgender youth in school. Now that these protections are taken away, transgender students are forced to feel ostracized and marginalized when using the restroom and locker rooms. Some argue these protections increase the potential danger that women will be sexually assaulted by men who pose as transgender women in the bathroom. However, these arguments have no factual basis and promote prejudice against the transgender population. “Over 200 municipalities and 18 states have nondiscrimination laws protecting transgender people’s access to facilities consistent with the gender they live every day. In some cases,
ILLUSTRATION BY JUAN CARLOS CAMPOS
these protections have been in place for decades. These laws have protected people from discrimination without creating harm. None of those jurisdictions have seen a rise in sexual violence or other public safety issues due to nondiscrimination law,” said a collection of the nations leading women’s violence organizations in a statement about transgender rights. However, there have been many cases of adverse school environments and absurdly high suicide rates for transgender youth. A study from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network found most transgender students attend school in a hostile environment. Ninety percent of transgender students have heard derogatory remarks, such as “dyke” or “faggot” sometimes, often or frequently in school. Another study conducted by the
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention found 41 percent of the transgender population attempts suicide. These numbers are unacceptable and the issues need to be addressed. The fight for bathroom protection is so much more than bathrooms. It is for the right of transgender people to exist in our society. It is about the recognition and validation of transgender and gender nonconforming people. All transgender people—and especially transgender students—deserve protection. The federal government should be doing more to protect them. Let them exist and let them have some sort of assurance of safety when going to school. Transgender youth deserve to feel safe, especially when doing something as personal as going to the restroom. -John Lee is a marketing sophomore
ACADEMICS
Millennials are destined to change the world By May Olvera Opinions Columnist @yungfollowill Few generations have as bad of a reputation as millennials do, and yet we hardly deserve it. Millennials are here to step up to the plate, fix wrongdoings and save the world— likely all documented through Snapchat.
"Millennials are a group of individuals who have been let down again and again by the consequences of the neoliberal policies of Clinton and Reagan." It seems like every day at least one baby boomer wakes up with what they think is a brilliant new take on what it means to be a young adult trying to make it in today’s world. Few have much empathy for us—a struggling group of individuals often dubbed “the unluckiest generation.” We’ve never known a world without the Internet, can hardly remember a New York skyline without the devastating void left in September 2001 and spent some of our most important developmental years drenched in the overwhelming anxiety of a shattering economic recession. Pew Research Center defines members of the millennial generation as those born between the years 1981 and 1997. Most people currently in college are millennials, and a quick walk through the Quad can dispel most myths about who we are as a collective. On any given day the Quad is filled with the spirit of a generation that, despite being brutally disillusioned with conventional avenues of change, cares deeply for each other. It is not rare to spot students at the Stallions standing in solidarity with their mar-
ginalized neighbors, fighting together against what they believe to be injustices. Likewise, it is almost impossible to make your way to class and not catch a glimpse of Greek organizations enthusiastically fundraising for their respective charities. For such a self-obsessed generation, these actions seem pretty unselfish to me. On the other hand, we really are the “selfie generation.” We spend a lot of time on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter broadcasting parts of our lives with the rest of the world, but there is nothing wrong with that. A selfie a day does wonders for your self-confidence. The rise of social media and the globalization of communication have made it impossible for millennials to ignore what is happening around the world. From art and culture to the brutalities of war, our capacity for understanding and solidarity with people around the globe is bigger than it ever has been. Even in our immediate communities, we are bridging empathy gaps daily. For instance, 43 percent of millennials in the United States are nonwhite, making ours the most diverse generation in America. According to the US Census Bureau, one-fourth of millennials speak a language other than English. Our understanding of diversity and cultural differences is highly impressive in comparison to generations that knew a world without the Internet. Millennials are a group of individu-
als who have been let down again and again by the consequences of the neoliberal policies of Clinton and Reagan. We have taken a new approach to American individuality and, with help from the Internet, fused it with social collectivism, all while taking the blame for boomer creations like “participation trophies” we obviously weren’t handing out to ourselves as children. Overall we may not have the greatest reputation, but I am confident we have what it takes to make this world one far better than what our parents left us. I am incredibly proud to be a millennial. The world is ours, and we intend to fix it. - May Olvera 8 col/inis a journalism junior DR SP IV EED E- Y TH RU
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A Message to the Campus Community at Texas State University Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity has withdrawn the charter of its chapter at Texas State University. The chapter is no longer recognized by the Fraternity or by the university. Any individuals or group of individuals currently representing themselves as “Delta Tau Delta” or “Delts” are not authorized to do so. Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity is prepared to take any reasonable action to protect against unauthorized use of its name, logo or inference to ΔΤΔ. If you are aware of any individuals currently operating or condoning operation of a group on campus using the Delta Tau Delta name, please share this information with the Delta Tau Delta Central Office and Greek and campus community immediately. Delta Tau Delta hopes to return to Texas State University at a future date as recognized by the university, operating within the guidelines of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity and with the support of its alumni. Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity delts@delts.org
The University Star
SPORTS
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 | 7 Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FROM FRONT BASKETBALL
A season of ups and downs
STAR FILE PHOTO.
By Anthony Flores Sports Reporter @BornToRun19 The Bobcats finished their season with a hard-fought overtime loss to Eastern Washington, 66-62 in overtime at the Women’s Basketball Invitational tournament. Despite the loss and a four-game losing streak at the end of the season, the team still had a successful season finishing with an 11-7 Sun Belt Conference record and an overall 16-15 record. The team sported a 10-5 home record but was 6-9 on the road. The 2016-17 season saw the Bobcats won 11 games of 10 points or more, four being 20 plus point blowouts. The team put together a three-game win streak and two season high fourgame win streaks. The three-game win streak involved two of Texas State’s more impressive victories. The first being a 69-46 game against Sam Houston State. The second was a season high 83-62 win against Costal Carolina. The Bobcats were the fourth seed going into the Sun Belt Conference tournament prior to being selected for a post season tournament beth. The team made its third postseason appearance in the last four years, and sixth national post season appearance. With an impressive season, the Bobcats had their fair share of disappointments. Of their 15 losses, eight of them were by 10 or more points, including three 20 plus point defeats. The Bobcats suffered a 66-point 9024 loss against No. 3 nationally ranked basketball powerhouse Baylor. Texas State suffered two more 20
plus point losses against the University of Texas at San Antonio with 72-47 and the University of Texas at Arlington with 61-39. The 2016-17 season was electrified by sophomore guard Toshua Leavitt, who lit up the court from the threepoint range all season. She led the Bobcats, as well as the entire Sun Belt Conference with 77, 3-pointers. Leavitt’s 3-pointers placed her second on Texas State’s single season ranking. In the Sun Belt Conference quarterfinal appearance, Leavitt shined despite the loss. Like the sharpshooter she’s proven to be in the past, Leavitt drained seven, 3-pointers, matching a Texas State single game record. Taeler Deer, junior guard, was another stand out player. On Dec. 5 against Texas A&M, the Deer connected was 6-for-6 from 3 point range. The junior was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team after putting together a season in which she ranked second in the conference in assist-toturnover ratio and 3-point field goal percentage. Deer was ranked 14th in steals (1.5), and reached double figures 15 times this season as well as leading the team in scoring 15 times. Beyond wins and losses, this season was bittersweet for another reason. It was senior guard Erin Peoples’s last season. In her final season with the Bobcats, Peoples played in 21 games and averaged 5.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game. She added another 110 points and 75 rebounds this season. Peoples was the only senior on the 2016-17 team, and will finish her career with 1,122 points and 713 rebounds.
GOLF
Anne-Charlotte Mora: It runs in the family By Anthony Flores Sports Reporter @BornToRun19 Saying sophomore Anne-Charlotte Mora loves golf would be an understatement—the game has always been a part of her life. Mora originally comes from Nantes, a city in western France. She is the eldest daughter of Franck and Hélène Mora and is the sister of 15-year-old Grégoire. “My dad is a teacher for the PGA— that’s why I play golf,” Mora said. Mora never looked up to a pro golfer who inspired her to pick up a club. Instead, she had her father. “It’s super cool. He taught me how to golf,” Mora said. For the Mora’s, golf is a family affair. Everyone in the family plays. The closeness and common love of golf made being away from her family a big adjustment, specifically being so far from her father. “He taught me about golf all the time, so now it’s different not having him with me,” Mora said. Mora had to adjust to life in the United States.“Here, everything is bigger. You need a car to go everywhere,” Mora said. “I lived in the center of the city, so I could walk anywhere. It’s just so different.” One aspect of American culture Mora easily adjusted to was the love of shopping. “I like to go to the outlets. We don’t have such things like that in France,” Mora said. “I mean we do, but in America there’s so much more.” Before coming to Texas State, Mora attended Lycee Jules Verne and competed in the Internationaux de France Under 21 tournament. She played in
the French International Ladies Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 2015. Mora joined the Bobcat family in spring 2016 and decided to major in computer science. However, Mora is not sure if she’ll ever work in that field. “I want to be a golfer,” Mora said. Athletes usually have competitive characteristics, and Mora is a prime example. In fact, being competitive is one of reasons she enjoys the game of golf so much. “I really like the competition, and I like when I put everything I learned and practiced to use,” Mora said. “I just like to practice every day and take the coach’s advice.” If all goes as planned, Mora hopes to take her game to the next level. “The perfect thing would be to graduate, leave and immediately go pro,” Mora said. “It would be so cool.” Beyond the competitive aspect of the game, Mora said she loves the comradery between fellow golfers. “I like that outside of the sport, you can meet people and you can play with other people,” Mora said. “We’re kind of a society. It’s a social thing.” Mora is a determined, focused individual who hopes to make a future in the great sport of golf. The goal isn’t an easy one, but she isn’t worried about the challenges that come along with achieving it.
The Student Publications Board at the Texas State School of Journalism and Mass Communication will conduct a campus-wide petition process to select a student as editor-in-chief of The University Star. The term will begin one week following the final issue of 2017 spring semester publication schedule. Applicants must be available to serve the entire term. Each applicant is asked to complete a written petition, which is subsequently screened by members of the Student Publications Board. The board will interview qualified candidates for the position. The board consists of the director and assistant director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the journalism sequence coordinator and a member of the professional news medium. The director of student publications and the current editor-in-chief will serve as ex-officio members for the committee.
Minimum Qualifications
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester during the term office. Students graduating in spring 2018 may be enrolled in fewer hours as long as they meet graduation requirements. Applicants must have worked in a professional editorial environment or served as a section editor at a university newspaper. Students of all majors and classifications, including graduate students, may petition for the position. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university when submitting an application. Applicants must maintain a 2.5 semester and overall grade point average during their time of appointment. A student who falls below the 2.5 grade point average for a semester will forfeit the office although he or she maintains an overall 2.5 grade point average.
The University Star Mission
The editor-in-chief is the primary student editorial administrator for the University Star, has authority concerning all personnel matters and makes the final decision regarding news, sports, feature, photo, web and opinion content. The editor-in-chief determines daily operation guidelines, is a role model for professional behavior, delegates operational authority and fulfills policies and procedures as determined by the Student Publications Board and faculty adviser. The editor-in-chief oversees meeting, handles personnel problems and evaluates all copy and artwork for the print and online product. The editor-in-chief is responsible for hiring, properly training and supervising all members of the editorial board. The editor-in-chief promotes relations between the publication, the community and campus organizations. The editor-in-chief is also the voice of the publication within the community.
Terms of Office
Term of office begins following the final publication of the spring 2017 semester and runs through the spring 2018 semester. Applicants must be able to serve the entire term of office in order to be considered for the position. A salary is paid during the office term.
Petitioning Process
Applicants must complete a written petition. The petition consists of questions to determine an applicant’s qualifications in journalism, academics and management. A letter of interest must be included with the formal application. The letter should include personal characteristics with reasons why the applicant is qualified for the position. Applicants will be interviewed by the Student Publications Board once they are certified as qualified.
Petitioning Deadlines
Applicants for the position will be due by 12 p.m. April 10 to the director of student publications in the Trinity Building, Room 106. People interested in petitioning should sign a candidacy list in Trinity, Room 106 and acquire an information package. Qualified applicants will be notified, and interviews will be scheduled beginning April 20. Selection of the editor-in-chief will be made shortly after interviews are completed. Formal assumption of duties will begin one week after the final newspaper of the spring semester is published.
8 | Tuesday, March 21, 2017
The University Star
SPORTS
Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
BASEBALL
Teddy Hoffman: Enigma By Logan McCullough Sports Reporter @Logman__
Some might call the circumstance that led Teddy Hoffman to become a baseball player a coincidence—others might call it fate. Theodore “Teddy” Hoffman, management junior, from Brenham, is an outfielder batting cleanup and is one of the three captains of the Texas State baseball team. Hoffman’s baseball career began at the age 7. He credits his baseball beginnings to a childhood friend. “I was playing basketball with one of my buddies, and another one of my friends who was there one day just threw a baseball at me,” Hoffman said. “So I just kind of picked it up, threw it back to him and he said ‘you should try baseball.’ So, I was like why not.” Hoffman has listed his favorite hobbies as fishing and snowboarding. “Growing up me and my dad’s thing was to go fishing, and I’ve gone on a lot of trips to a lot of different places,” Hoffman said. “I’ve been to Alaska, Florida, Oregon and even went to Canada for a week and got flown two hours out to a remote cabin—no cellphones, no nothing—and you ate what you caught.” As far as snowboarding goes, Hoffman’s decision to start was as spontaneous as his entrance to baseball. “I thought snowboarding looked cool; so I did it and I’m hooked with it,” Hoffman said. Hoffman’s taste in music is demonstrative of his apparent joy for enjoying all spectrums of life. Hoffman claims to like all music, but said he’s mostly getting down to either country or rap. Hoffman couldn’t pin point a favorite country artist, but his favorite song is the Tim McGraw classic, “Live Like You Were Dying.” There was no hesitation when it came to his favorite rap artist: J. Cole. Hoffman was quick to denounce any loyalty to the Dallas Cowboys, but it came with an apology.
STAR FILE PHOTO.
Hoffman said he always liked the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles. “I just kind of like watching football, but growing up for some reason I liked the Colts,” Hoffman said. “I couldn’t tell you why; maybe it was the color blue? At the same time, I always liked watching the Eagles because Brian Dawkins was my favorite player.” Hoffman is a Boston Red Sox fan. Hoffman doesn’t keep up with sports as much as he used to and doesn’t necessarily have a team he is a die-hard fan of. Baseball is a sport with a long history of superstitions and seemingly odd rituals. Hoffman doesn’t classify himself as superstitious, and doesn’t have a permanent ritual, but admits every now and then he gets caught up in one. “In the beginning of the season, I got to eat a banana before I played,” Hoffman said. “You eat a banana—you’re
guaranteed a hit.” One game he didn’t get a hit, so the banana ritual was no more. Then Hoffman said he got into a ritual of taking a pitch, wiping his face, kicking his right foot and turning around. “They’re just spur of the moment things that just kind of happen and they stick,” Hoffman said. “When things are going good, you got to keep them the same.” When asked what about baseball makes these superstitions and rituals so commonplace, Hoffman spoke on the intricacies of the sport. “I think just the fact of how hard it can be,” Hoffman said. “I know everybody always says, as a baseball player if you hit 3-for-10 you get paid millions, and if you’re hitting 3-for-10 than it must be something you’re doing right, so you just got to stick with it, you can’t just forget it now.” When the jokes subsided, Hoffman answered sincerely when asked what he
needs to work on to improve this season. “Personally, I got to cut down the strikeouts,” Hoffman said. “I’d like to steal more bases, and I want to try to control, or manage my emotions more. I get a little antsy and I need to work on that.” The baseball team won against the nationally-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys, and had a sweep over the Richmond Spiders where Hoffman went 9-for-16 with three doubles, one triple, five RBIs and two home runs. “I think we really compete. We’ve been down early in a lot of the games but we’ve never actually folded in. Everybody stays locked in and we fight back as hard as we can,” Hoffman said. “No matter if we’re down five, three, eight or 10, just keep battling and that’s what we do.” Hoffman is trying to be the best baseball player he can be.
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