TUESDAY APRIL 11, 2017 VOLUME 106 ISSUE 30
DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911
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PHOTO BY NATHALIE COHETERO
Students, locals contribute to Meadows Center Art Showcase By Katie Burrell Senior News Reporter @KatieNicole96 The Spring Lake Art Showcase was organized by local artists, students and community members to benefit The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment’s education program. In honor of The Meadows Center's 15th anniversary in February, public relations students at Texas State decided the best way to celebrate the facility’s accomplishments, would be an art show featuring contributions from
students and the San Marcos community. The art show featured works from 16 artists, including local Rene Perez and San Marcos gallery-owner Dahlia Woods. Mary Barton, local artist and Texas State alumna, had a wall of art presented for auction at the show. “I really am honored to be apart of this showcase. Most of my work is very fluid and abstract and 90 percent of it is water-related,” Barton said. “The river piece that I have is a homage to the Blanco River flood.” Other displayed artwork included
students of the San Marcos Independent School District. The artists included a range of students from kindergarten to high school seniors. “We have a pretty diverse mix of artists,” said Anna Huff, communications and community relations specialist at the Meadows Center. “We actually have some folks from San Marcos High School, some Texas State artists, but we also have some well-known local community artists.”
PAGE 3 SHOWCASE
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment aims to increase environmental awareness for Spring Lake through activities such as glass-bottom boat tours.
PHOTO BY BRANDON VALENCIA
Senior nursing students complete final program By Ashley Skinner Assistant News Editor @Ash_Marie54
The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would require high school students to learn how to interact with officers during traffic stops and other situations.
Senate Bill passes for more education on police interaction By Jonathan Gonzalez News Reporter @Jonny_Gonzalez_ A bill introduced for the 85th Texas Legislative Session could require public high schools and driver’s education courses to include instruction on how to interact with law enforcement. Authored by Democratic Senators Royce West and John Whitmire, Senate Bill 30 is an effort to establish proper protocol for citizens and police officers during traffic stops and other scenarios. On March 21, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved to move the bill to the Senate floor, where it passed unanimously. The House has received Senate Bill 30.
According to the bill, the State Board of Education and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement would work together to create instruction for in-person encounters between public school students and police officers. Material required to be covered by the bill includes civilian rights, proper behavior, laws regarding questioning and detention by a police officer, consequences for failing to comply with those laws and how to file a complaint against an officer of the law. Supporters of the bill acknowledge the need for students to understand how to address police officers outside of a school environment.
PAGE 3 BILL
JANET MOCK MAKES APPEARANCE PAGE 4 GUEST SPEAKER
Students at the Bobcat Nursing program, located at the Texas State Round Rock Campus, recently completed their last capstone learning experiences as a final requirement for graduation. The capstone is a program in which students intern at a hospital in their desired field of study. Students are required to identify an area in the department to improve upon as a way to give back to the community which offered them a position within the field. “Our goal (for the program) is to help the students give back to an area that has provided them with the opportunity to understand how to recognize a problem, utilize evidence to solve it and then teach it to their fellow nurses,” said Mary-Margaret Finney, clinical associate professor in the school of nursing. “The projects this year were highly professional and outstanding.” The students are required to spend 156 hours in a specific hospital setting working one-on-one with a registered nurse who has been prepared at a baccalaureate level. The project the students select must have research to support their claims, and must improve the quality of patient care and outcome. The nursing program at Texas State
Art programs get defunded
“The projects were so incredible to the point that several staff members at the different hospitals resulted in a change of practice.” - Mary- Margret Finney is highly competitive and is ranked number two in the state. This year, 82 students completed the capstone project.
PAGE 3 ACADEMICS
Stay Connected
By John Lee Opinions Columnist @ leeeeyonce Art is invaluable to our society, because it provides an outlet for expression and gives opportunities to create something worth celebrating. With Donald Trump as president, this could be taken away.
PAGE 6 ART
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HEADLINES The University Star Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487
University Star Editors Editor-in-Chief: Emily Sharp, stareditor@txstate.edu
The University Star Bri Watkins Headlines Editor @briwatkins17
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ENVIRONMENT
Environmental aspect of Riverfest returns PHOTO BY BRANDON VALENCIA
News Editor: Bri Watkins, starnews@txstate.edu Lifestyle Editor: Denise Cervantes, starlifestyle@txstate.edu Opinions Editor: Mikala Everett, staropinion@txstate.edu Sports Editor: Lisette Lopez, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief: Claire Abshier, starcopychief@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor: Lara Dietrich, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Design Editor: Vivian Medina, stardesign@txstate.edu Engagement Editor: Stacee Collins, starpromo@txstate.edu
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University Star Information 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 Herald-Zeitung. Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, April 11, 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. Print Copies: 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. 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
The Faculty’s Senate’s Environment and Sustainability Committee announced a challenge to faculty and staff to nominate the “greenest ” person or department. Rebecca Bell-Metereau was this year’s winner of the Green Cat Challenge Award.
By Felipe Partida News Reporter Texas State’s Environment and Sustainability Committee created the Green Cat Challenge Awards to recognize those committed to ecological practices and helping the environment. The awards will be given April 21 at Riverfest, which takes place at Sewell Park. Riverfest is the annual spring concert and festival that is sponsored by the Student Association for Campus Activities. Dr. Rebecca Bell-Metereau, chair of the Faculty Senate’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, plans the award ceremony with other committee members. “At Texas State, a lot of people are doing great work, but no one knows
about it," Bell-Meterau said. “We want more synergy, and to get people recognized for it.” Bell-Meterau hopes the Green Cat Challenge Awards will encourage the Texas State community to get involved in sustaining the environment. One reason the awards were created was to bring back an environmental aspect to Riverfest. “When Riverfest started, it was more of an educational effort,” Bell-Meterau said. “The activities had people go on into the river to look for certain plants and fish.” The Green Cat Challenge Awards include nine categories of prizes. These categories consist of university members, students, organizations and departments that have commit-
ment toward sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The Faculty Senate’s Environment and Sustainability Committee plans to give winners prizes, such as gift certificates or eco-friendly items. The selection committee for the awards will look at evidence of sustained commitment through research or programs, environmental efforts and dedication to Texas State’s values, as reflected by compliance with university policies. To nominate an organization or person for the award, those interested must fill out the Green Cat Challenge Awards Nomination Form. Nominations and supplementary materials should be submitted to rb12@txstate.edu by 4 p.m. April 14.
FINANCIAL AID
Congress introduced bill to simplify FAFSA PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT
By Shayan Faradineh News Reporter @ShayanFaradineh U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) introduced a bill to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which could affect nearly 70 percent of the Texas State students who receive financial assistance. The proposed bill—the Equitable Student Aid Access Act—aims to diminish complications for students who fill out the financial form. “Too many students find the FAFSA too complicated to complete; so they lose access to available financial aid, causing many to abandon college education,” Doggett said in a press release. “Students who failed to complete the FAFSA could have received millions in federal assistance.” Every year, students in need of financial services can apply to receive federal grants, loans and/or workstudy funds for the fiscal year to help get through college. In 2016, Texas State had 27,074 of 38,849 students utilize FAFSA, according to data retrieved from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The bill is comprised of such new features as making FAFSA available earlier in the year. Another feature calls to expand the program’s eligibility, allowing more students to receive federal grant money to pay for higher education in a timely manner. The act would allow access to FAFSA forms in October instead of January. Applicants can submit tax data from the past two previous years. Filers who begin the process in October can use IRS documents already verified and completed. With the filing opportunities the bill provides, students would no longer have to make as many estimates on their FAFSA forum. Estimating can result in selection for verification, which can slow down the process. This, among others, is a problem students experience often. Dr. Christopher Murr, director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, en-
In 2016, Texas State had
27,074 of
38,849
students utilize FAFSA Students may find assistance in navigation of the complicated FAFSA application at the financial aid office located in the J.C. Kellam Building.
courages students to utilize the new FAFSA services the bill provides. “We want our students to complete the FASFA in October, especially if they have a financial need,” Murr said. “That allows us to maximize the help they can get.” Another feature of the bill would be to revive the Data Retrieval Tool. This function allows students to transfer required IRS tax information to their applications automatically. The DRT was taken down March 3 with no warning. This happened just two weeks before FAFSA was due for aid in Texas. According to a joint statement made from the IRS and ED, the tool was removed “to protect sensitive taxpayer data.” Doggett worked with both the IRS and the Department of Education to ensure students would be able to use the DRT. The U.S. Department of Education recognized San Antonio and Austin as two of the top five cities in the nation to increase FAFSA completion rates. More than half of San Antonio students graduating high school now apply for federal financial aid to help assist with the high costs of college. Lastly, the bill would assist families who make less than $30,000 a year.
Students enrolled in a federal meanstested benefit program would be able to skip questions pertaining to financial assets. These programs include the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and Supplementary Security Income. “Families who receive means-tested benefits should not have to prove again and again that they are poor,” said executive director Kim Cook in a press release. For the students who qualify, the maximum grant would entail $5,815 for the student’s tuition cost. Texas State students received over $51.6 million in Pell Grants in 2016. “If you are willing to work to get yourself to college, I am willing to work to help get you through without insurmountable debt,” Doggett said on his website. Doggett filed the bill April 6 with over 63 co-sponsors. Following the two-week adjournment of the United States congress, the bill will take necessary steps and could potentially be signed into law.
The University Star
HEADLINES
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 | 3 Bri Watkins Headlines Editor @briwatkins17
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FROM FRONT SHOWCASE PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS
small,” Huff said. “We’d really like to provide students with shade for lunch and activities.” The jazz band Pleasant Street Quar-
“We’re fundraising for a shaded pavilion for our outdoor area, because right now the only shaded area is really small." - Anna Huff
Meadows Center’s education program. The Meadows Center’s education program can accommodate up to nine hundred school children in a day, Huff said. The proceeds earned from art and ticket sales will go toward the construc-
tion of an outdoor pavilion, which will offer much-needed shade to visiting school kids. “We’re fundraising for a shaded pavilion for our outdoor area, because right now the only shaded area is really
tet and blues singer Adam Johnson performed in addition to contributions from local painters. Local businesses including Cafe Monet, Mochas and Javas and Root Cellar Café contributed to the event. “When we teach children how to make art, we try to encourage them to use themes and images that have meaning to them,” said Chris Cooper, visual arts department chair at San Marcos High School.. “The river has a centralized meaning for most of the (kids).”
Although the legislation has received bipartisan support in the Texas Senate, some are concerned enforcing this curriculum in a public school setting may be inappropriate. “In general, I have mixed emotions about the bill,” said San Marcos Chief of Police Chase Stapp. “On one side of it, I believe it’s important to educate new and old drivers in driver’s ed courses, but teaching this sort of material in schools might not be the best setting.” Another issue with the bill is legislation of this nature instills the idea that law enforcement isn’t already implementing training programs for officer interaction with civilians. “Often times, bills like this are intro-
and periodic evaluations. If the bill passes, the State Board of Education and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement will require finalization of a training program before Sept. 1, 2018. This requirement would make the bill active for the first time during the 2018-19 school year. Police officers will be required to complete training no later than the second anniversary of their licensing date.
Officers licensed on or before Jan. 1, 2018, will be required to complete a training program under this legislation by Jan. 1, 2020. Driver’s ed and safety courses will be required to create instruction for anyone completing the curriculum under the bill. Public comment will be required before final approval of any training program in any district.
Artists speak about what inspired them to create their works for the Spring Lake Art Showcase
The art pieces displayed the artists’ rendition of Spring Lake and were auctioned off at the event. The artists set the starting price for their piece and received half of the sale. The other half of the proceeds will go toward the
FROM FRONT BILL “Often students deal with school resource officers (SROs) at the school campus, but the practices and procedures that are acceptable in the school environment are not always acceptable in the community,” said Rudder High School teacher Chris McDade. “Additionally these students will transition into the real world where they will continue to interact with peace officers, so it’s necessary.” Schools in San Marcos and across nation are provided with SROs that are regularly on campus assisting students, ensuring safety and building relationships between law enforcement and the community. San Marcos High School SRO D.J. Castillo said he believes the bill would
“Often times, bills like this are introduced to do something already being done. To create a bill that says we need to teach cops is almost saying we don’t have a way of doing it currently—which isn’t the case.”
- Chase Stapp
further the work that he and others currently perform by teaching both students and officers to look at one another differently through education. “Knowing things is always better than not knowing them,” Castillo said. “So if there’s a class that teaches you how to communicate with someone… that’s a positive thing.”
duced to do something already being done,” Stapp said. “To create a bill that says we need to teach cops is almost saying we don’t have a way of doing it currently—which isn’t the case.” According to Stapp, the SMPD has training modules in place that tackle this issue. The modules are addressed on the first day of an officer’s training
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FROM FRONT ACADEMICS “I was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at McLane Hospital in Temple, Texas,” said Jessica Yehl, nursing senior. “My goal was to educate nurses on how to inform the mothers about breastfeeding. It is very hard to get into this program, and we have a reputation for producing some of the best new graduate nurses in the state. I am very proud to be a part of it.” Many of the departments at the various hospitals found the students' ideas beneficial and implemented them into the routine of the hospital. “The projects were so incredible to the point that several staff members at the different hospitals resulted in a change of practice,” Finney said. “The staff was greatly influenced by these nursing students and their projects.”
The capstone assignment allows students to gain knowledge in their field of study and practice problem-solving techniques while utilizing their skills in the hospital through updated protocols and programs. “The capstone project is more or less an increase of independence for the students as this it is set up to be like a full-time job,” said Eischen Harkins, nursing senior. “My project was on stroke protocol in the ICU that was already in the process of being revised. Being able to give nurses the research as to why this protocol is important was amazing, but teaching it to nurses who have already graduated was a little intimidating. It’s good to know they will be using my research to develop a better technique.”
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THE PULSE
The University Star Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
GUEST SPEAKER
Transgender activist Janet Mock spoke to students on identities and experiences PHOTO BY STACEE COLLINS
Janet Mock speaks to students April 5 about her new book, "surpassing certainty."
By Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee Janet Mock, acclaimed author, transgender activist and advocate, visited Texas State April 5 to discuss her upcoming book and share her experiences with a room full of Bobcats. Janet Mock began her career at People.com, and has since contributed to Entertainment Tonight, Marie Claire magazine, MSNBC and more. She produced HBO documentary, “The Trans List” and wrote “Redefining Realness,” a 2014 New York Times Bestseller. Mock entered the LBJ Student Center Teaching Theater around 7 p.m. for the Trailblazing Truth Teller event, and the audience gave her a standing ovation. Officers from Transcend at Texas State welcomed Mock to the stage, where she began discussing her upcoming book, “Surpassing Certainty.” The book is a memoir about the experiences she encountered in her 20s. Atria Books will release “Surpassing Certainty” June 13. “I was told trans memoirs don’t sell,” Mock said.
Similarly, Mock was told about all the things she couldn’t accomplish as a transgender, black woman. However, she tackled obstacles, rose to the occasion and defied those who doubted her. She was born in Hawaii, which Mock called a very diverse place in terms of skin color and gender identities. Her hula teacher was a transgender woman, which gave Mock a sense of openness in order to be herself. When Mock was in high school, she was in student council, participated in band and played on the volleyball team. Mock’s peers quickly adapted to her transition. However, some school administrators “gave her hell” about her transgender identity. One faculty member blocked her access from the women’s bathroom and even told Mock what to wear. “Her job was to protect all students, but the way she saw that was to protect all students from me,” Mock said. Eventually, Mock transferred to a different high school where the administration was more accepting. She knows this process is not easy or applicable for all transgender youth, considering their dropout rate.
“Young trans people are not dropping out of high school—they are being pushed out,” Mock said. “Their bodies are being policed.” Mock said many people with privilege can stand up against these injustices. “It doesn’t mean you’re a bad person if you have privilege, but you need to own and check and not be complicit in your privilege,” Mock said. After more discussion, audience members were able to write questions on notecards for Mock to read and answer aloud. In response to a question, Mock said it is important for people with various gender identities to know they are enough. “We need to be inclusive of the fact that people are struggling with their own experiences,” Mock said. “I’ve been there in terms of believing I could not achieve because of my identities and where I’ve been.” However, she reminded those who are struggling they can surround themselves with people who will fight and advocate. Mock said it is always OK to ask for help. After the discussion came to a close, Mock received another standing ovation
while audience members rushed to get in line for the book signing. She signed copies, exchanged words and took photos with students who attended the event. Skyller Walkes, event coordinator, said the discussion with Mock was authentic and celebrated every identity. “This has been one the most incredibly beautiful and transformative experiences of my career and life,” Walkes said. “As an activist and a woman who is unapologetically black, this was an idea and vision that began in my office—and it took off.” Dr. Clint-Michael Reneau, director of Disability Services, said having Mock speak on campus was important for the intersectionality of identities. “We need to concentrate programming on trying to help students to see the whole pieces of their identity and who they are,” Reneau said. Reneau said the Office of Disability Services worked with community and campus partners, wrote grants and proposals and collaborated with student organizations to bring Mock to the stage. Alliance at Texas State, the Office of Equity and Access, the Hispanic Policy Network, the Multicultural Programs Committee, the College of Education and Transcend at Texas State sponsored the event. “We thought the message Mock brings is important and powerful to help students who might find themselves pressed into the margins,” Reneau said. “For many folks, she provided a sense of visibility about claiming a space at the table and allowing yourself into existence.” For Christina Welch, psychology senior, Mock’s message of access and opportunity got through. She grew up in a conservative, Christian household where identifying as LGBTQIA was frowned upon. While engaging in Mock’s discussion, Welch learned she doesn’t always have to explain her identity to others. “I loved every part of the event,” Welch said. “It exceeded my expectations. She was very inviting, and it was a good experience.” Welch said it is important for Texas State to have a wide variety of speakers on campus. “It brings attention to people there who might not have been a part of the LBGTQIA community,” Welch said. “It’s great Mock uses her platform to do that and share her story.”
STEM
Women needed in STEM despite gender inequality By Ana De Loza Lifestyle Reporter @Sami_loza95 Women have made remarkable strides in the fight for equality, but continue to be overwhelmingly outnumbered by men in science, technology, engineering and math career fields. Women make up 48 percent of the total workforce in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, yet lag behind in STEMfield jobs. For example, according to the National Girl Collaborative Project, females make up 11.1 percent of physicists and astronomers, 7.9 percent of mechanical engineers and 10.7 percent of computer hardware or electrical engineers. Laura Rodriguez Amaya, assistant site director of the LBJ Institute for STEM Education, said having women in STEM is important for society. “When women are in STEM, it brings a new perspective, which is always good to have,” Rodriguez said. “Research shows when you have a group that includes women, it affects the productivity and the group tends to be more successful.” Owusu Ansah Boakye, doctoral research assistant at the LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research, said the lack of women in STEM comes from the early influences of double colonization. “Women are not getting the same education as men in a post-colonized country because they face double colonization,” Boakye said. “Women have to face western ideas from colonization and many times they also have to face colonization by their own men, who have suppressed women in their own
culture.” Boakye said one of the factors that came out of double colonization is the idea women must become mothers and stay at home. “A woman is usually first seen as a mother, a wife, a caretaker, and lastly seen by her occupation,” Boakye said. “This makes it difficult for women because they have many roles that each require a lot of time and STEM careers and degrees require a lot of time as well.” Rodriguez said gender roles at an early age may influence the number of women in STEM today. “We give boys Legos, and cars and things that they can work with and maneuver and explore,” Rodriguez said. “With girls, we tend to look at dolls and things that are more aligned to our concept of what girls need to be doing or what they should do later in life.” Rodriguez said the lack of representation of women in STEM creates a lack of mentors for new women in the field. “In a research I have done with the graduate students we looked at middle school girls here and in Ghana and the girls told us that they did not have role models in STEM,” Rodriguez said. “The girls had nobody that they could follow and talk to.” Dr. Kristina Collins, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said she has seen a growing number of females enter STEM fields at Texas State. “The percent of women that are graduating with a physics degree grown over the past year,” Collins said. “And it has not only grown over the past year, but we have seen it continually grow over the past several years.” Gisell Salinas, applied mathematics
sophomore, is inspired to pursue her career even more because she knows women are underrepresented. “I believe that if you are passionate about something you shouldn’t let anything hold you back, and women in this
field should feel inspired to achieve their career goals even more in light of the inequality,” Salinas said. “In biology, we now have almost half of the field that is women, and that’s a great step that shows we are working on this issue.”
㐀⼀㠀⼀㈀ 㜀
The University Star
Tuesday, April 11 , 2017 | 5
THE PULSE
Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
COMMUNITY
Black Lives Movement San Marcos fights for equality and justice on campus PHOTO BY STACEE COLLINS
munity. For example, BLMSM coordinated a protest during the National Anthem for injustice at a Texas State football game. In addition, the organization was involved in the MLK Commemoration Celebration as well as the Angela Davis lecture on campus. The community-based organization has participated in volunteer events, outreach programs and different social gatherings. BLMSM's mission statement reads: We fight in unity for equality, justice and to end all forms of racism and police violence, particularly systemic oppression, which negatively impacts so many. We stand together to build a foundation of love, prosperity and unity for San Marcos, Texas. We stand in solidarity with EVERY marginalized community fighting for their equality as well as ours. We hope to impact change within the system so that oppression ceases to exist not only in San Marcos, but in our country as well. We vow to never lose sight of our goal, which emphasizes equity and access for all, as well as our dedication and passion for this modern equality movement; so that those who experience oppression will no longer assume that it is an expected and unchangeable reality. We aim to interrupt that status quo through intentional social justice education and reform.
Black Live Movement San Marcos participates in a die-in by the stallions Sept. 28.
By Stacee Collins Assistant Lifestyle Editor @stvcee Black Lives Movement San Marcos was founded by Texas State students in July 2016, and the organization has been dedicated to the fight against inequality ever since. Lonvis Naulls, co-founder, said BLMSM formed in response to the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. “The co-founders came together and decided something needed to be done
as far as showing support and standing in solidarity for the families of victims,” Naulls said. The organization gained a lot of exposure when it held the Black Lives Matter March in downtown San Marcos last summer. Ever since, Black Lives Movement San Marcos has grown in popularity and size. “We had planned to just do the march and that was it, but we decided to keep it going because it’s good for the community and students,” Naulls said. The organization has participated in many events on campus and in the com-
Naulls said BLMSM stays true to its mission statement because the organization shows support for LGBTQIA, Latino, Asian, women and other minority groups. “Diversity is key with equality for everyone,” Naulls said. “We support each and every group. Everybody has a different background, but everyone is great at the end of the day no matter what the color of their skin is or what organizations they’re involved in.” Russell Boyd II, co-founder, said it is imperative we have movements like BLMSM in this day and age.
“We live in a time where resistance is critical to our progression as a people,” Boyd said. “The movement for black lives, in my personal opinion, is a movement dedicated to dismantling these divisive ideologies and rebuilding a society that was never meant to accommodate people who are not white, cisgender affluent males.” Being involved in BLMSM has taught Boyd about being a leader, learning about others and serving marginalized individuals. “I’ve learned that activism is not a job, or shouldn’t be considered one,” Boyd said. “For me, it’s an automatic charge as a person with a conscious and heart for advocating for those whose voices have been silenced by oppression.” Skyller Walkes, liaison for BLMSM, said she became involved in the organization but her activism began long before joining. “I am a proponent of collective activism and coalition-building,” Walkes said. “I am duly and unapologetically committed to interrupting and disrupting institutions and structures that perpetuate oppression, inequality, inequity or marginalization in any way.” Boyd said he hopes to accomplish a lot with BLMSM. “My goal is that the organization continues to grow in numbers and leadership and we continue to build upon our legacy for the progression of marginalized peoples,” Boyd said. Although BLMSM has helped many students on campus, Boyd said there is a lot of work to be done. “It’s been a great experience, and I am so honored to have been able to work with incredible people who share a passion for unapologetic activism,” Boyd said. “It has taught me that the quest for freedom is always a constant and rocky struggle, but you never give up because the work must be done.” Upcoming programs and events led by BLMSM are in the works.
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OPINIONS
The University Star Mikala Everett Opinions Editor @mikala_maquella
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
FROM FRONT ART
Defunding the arts is so passe
ILLUSTRATION BY FLOR BARAJAS
Recently, President Trump proposed a budget to Congress to eliminate several government run entities, including the National Endowments for Humanities (NEH), National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). These programs are responsible for providing funding for humanities, arts and televised educational programs. Choosing to cut them is a grave mistake, especially when looking at the exceptional benefits these endowments can provide, and how little they cost taxpayers. “We are disappointed, because we see our funding actively making a difference with individuals of all ages in thousands of communities—large, small, urban, rural, and in every Congressional District in the nation.” said Jane Chu, chair of the NEA, in a statement on the agency’s website. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the United States spent a total of $3.9 trillion last year. Combining the funds appropriated to the NEH, NEA and the CPB amounts to only 0.02 percent of what the United States spent. Are these programs not worth 0.02 percent of taxpayer dollars? The NEA provides grants directed toward state art agencies, thousands of organization, schools and artists. It provides Americans not normally exposed to it the opportunity to experience art. Forty percent of the grants the NEA provides go to areas suffering from high poverty levels. Art has many benefits, especially in an educational setting. Researchers at John Hopkins discovered education in the arts provides students with numerous benefits such as increased motivation, memory improvement, motor control and phonological awareness—one of the central predictors of early literacy. However, above the
educational benefits, it gives Americans the chance to produce cultural elements to our society. One of the responsibilities of the Public Broadcasting System, which is funded by the CPB, is to distribute educational programing such as Sesame Street. Sesame Street was originally intended to teach underprivileged children pre-kindergarten lessons because they could not afford it, all while including racially diverse characters and social issues. There is no acceptable reason the program should be taken away from Americans, especially those without access or the resources to teach their children from an early age. HBO bought exclusive licensing rights for the show for five years. As a result of this deal, HBO will produce new episodes and PBS will be able to air the episodes nine months later. However, if the PBS stations are not funded, the episodes cannot be aired, and only Americans who can afford HBO will be able to watch. The original target audience would be completely missed. A recent study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research found children who watched Sesame Street were more likely to meet standards for their grade levels. This program, along with several other programs currently airing, will be lost. Art is an integral part of our society and will continue to be so. Cutting these programs would have devastating effects in many communities for a minute monetary trade off. Everyone deserves to experience art and the opportunity to be enlightened by it. Whether small children or senior citizens, it is universal and deserves to be funded. - John Lee is a marketing freshman
Combining the funds appropriated to the NEH, NEA and the CPB amounts to only 0.02 percent of what the United States spent.
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The University Star
OPINIONS
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 | 7 Mikala Everett Opinions Editor @mikala_maquella
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
LAW
Missing D.C. girls are victims being treated as runaways By May Olvera Opinions Columnist @yungfollowill To some, Washington is a city of extravagance housing a thirst for political influence. However, to many young women, it is a marble wasteland built from their worst nightmares. Sadly, what divides these two groups is, in many cases, race. In March, an image on Twitter claiming in the span of 24 hours 14 young black girls had gone missing in the nation’s capital went viral with help from retweets by concerned celebrities like Ludacris and Viola Davis. What was already a complicated and devastating story became more difficult when police reported the claim as false. However, it remains true 10 children of color went missing in D.C. in the span of two weeks with very little media outcry. According to a Huffington Post analysis of press releases and tweets, at least 37 juveniles missing since January have not been located—all black or Latino. According to D.C. police, the number of missing children has declined from years prior. Earlier this year, the new police commander decided to share every critical case on social media rather than picking only some missing persons cases to widely publicize. They believe there is little to no evidence of kidnappings or human trafficking, and 95 percent of this year’s cases have been closed. Regardless of the exact numbers of missing children, there is a conversation to be had about the way stereotypes and grand narratives about race affect the way both media and police handle missing persons cases. One reason behind the lack of initial
attention garnered by these disappearances lies in the technicalities of Amber Alerts, which are only sent out when a child has been abducted. Most missing girls of color are dismissed by the police as runaways. The assumption a child of color is simply running away either from conflict in their home life or because of pure rebellion is incredibly problematic, and serves as a form of victim blaming. Even more problematic is the fact many young girls are really running away from abuse and trauma, and yet are treated with less concern and compassion than those who have been kidnapped. Not only is this an issue about finding children who are already missing, but about transforming this society into one that does not tolerate and normalize cycles of abuse. The implementation of stereotypes makes it easier for people to brush off violence as a natural part of different cultures. In reality, abuse exists in nearly every neighborhood in America, regardless of race. In fact, what makes communities more vulnerable to the dangers of institutional abuse and human trafficking is often class, and thanks to hundreds of years of abuse bestowed upon entire races, there is an obvious connection between the two. In any case, these communities are ultimately victims of conditions forced upon them to make them vulnerable. To blame those communities for the disappearances of their children rather than bringing attention to the missing child is asinine. Communities of color face more institutional abuse than my personal privilege could possibly allow me to imagine, and the least we could do as a country that hopefully cares about chil-
ILLUSTRATION BY FLOR BARAJAS
dren is to take their concerns seriously. Not only do we have to find these missing girls, but we have to ensure their safety from here on out. No hu-
man being should live in the shadows of abuse. - May Olvera is a journalism junior
8 | Tuesday, April 11, 2017
SPORTS
The University Star Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
BASEBALL
Goals for the future impact players' present successes STAR FILE PHOTO
By Brooke Phillips Assistant sports editor @brookephillips_ Many college athletes dream of playing in the professional league once they graduate, no matter what their sport is. For one athlete, he doesn’t want to just dream about playing professional baseball; he wants it to become a reality. Derek Scheible, junior outfielder, started playing baseball at 4 years old. Jason and Kevin, his two older brothers, inspired him to play. Scheible has never stopped playing baseball. Scheible chose to play baseball in college because he was always better at it, but Scheible wanted to play baseball at a university he enjoyed. He decided to attend Texas State, because he felt like a Bobcat. “I love the town and I love the coaches here,” Scheible said. “I’m glad to be a part of it.” Scheible became familiar with the players and coaches and has made memorable friends. “My favorite part about playing baseball is probably all the teammates and friends I’ve made here,” Scheible said. “I’d say I’m closest to Teddy Hoffman. We’ve roomed together since our freshman year and we’ve always just been close here.” Although he has had many good times, Scheible has faced challenges during his training with the team. “The hardest part is probably all the hours you put into it and how tired you are every day,” Scheible said. “Having to come out here and just keep grinding— I put in about six hours a day.” However, through his hard work and extra hours Scheible persists, improving himself everyday.
Derek Scheible, junior outfielder, stands at home base.
“It’s tiring and you have to wake up every day and keep working at it,” Scheible said. “I’m motivated to get to the next level, which is pro.” Scheible has been working toward a future at the pro level since he began playing as a child. He has been a fan of the Houston Astros his entire life, and hopes to one day be a part of the program. “Something that inspires me in life is
to just make it to the pros for my parents,” Scheible said. “My parents have done so much for me and got me here today.” Aside from Scheible’s long term goals, he wants to excel in baseball at college. “Hopefully we make it to regionals,” Scheible said. “It would mean a lot to me and our teammates.” Scheible tries to motivate himself all he can, but he appreciates and listens to
others in his life. “The best piece of advice I’ve gotten was from coach Trout,” Scheible said. “He said ‘keep grinding every day to get better and never take a day off.’ It’s something baseball players need to do every day.” While Scheible continues to grow as a college athlete during his last years as a Bobcat, his love for baseball will not end anytime soon.
“The best piece of advice I’ve gotten was from coach Trout. He said ‘keep grinding every day to get better and never take a day off.’ It’s something baseball players need to do every day.” STAR FILE PHOTO
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-Derek Scheible
The University Star
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 | 9
SPORTS
Lisette Lopez Sports Editor @lisette_1023
UniversityStar.com @universitystar
BASKETBALL
Bobby Conley and Ojai Black:
A senior spill
STAR FILE PHOTO
and have yet to be answered. “They were messing with our cars, throwing muscle milk and Gatorade on them,” Black said. “We’re going to get them back real soon.” There is a large number of people associated with the men’s basketball organization, so it was a little difficult for Black and Conley to pick one person they would miss the most. For Black, it is assistant coach Terrence Johnson, who was more than just a coach to him. “It was the relationship we had,” Black said. “(He) was someone we just talked to.” Conley couldn’t choose just one person, so he picked everyone. Then the seniors had to choose the one person they would vote off a deserted island, and then give a reason. Conley and Black didn’t want to send their teammates swimming, but agreed head coach Danny Kaspar would probably go first. “I have to see him swim and overcome some obstacles,” Black said. “He put us through too much. ”Through all the lessons learned, people met and experience gained, both seniors agreed Texas State was the right choice for them. Ojai Black, senior guard, dribbles the basketball during the game against Arkansas State University.
By Melea Polk Sports Reporter @meleadenae Basketball season is officially over, and Ojai Black, senior guard, and Bobby Conley, senior guard, have a lot to say about their teammates, coaches and
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time spent at Texas State. The two leaders worked together on the court, and built a relationship off the court. During an interview they could not stop making each other laugh. With their Bobcat careers at an end, the two look back at their time together as seniors on the team, and say farewell.
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Although Kavin Gilder-Tilbury, senior forward, wasn’t able to attend the interview, Conley and Black made sure to include him. They said he was a superstar in his own right, but off-court Gilder-Tilbury is a different person. “He’s kind of weird,” Black said. “He’s mad cool, but at the same time super corny. He overthinks everything.” Black said Conley was the weird one on the team. Black said it was because he was not from Texas, which did not sit well with Conley. “Bob is definitely the weirdest, because he just moves different,” Black said. “It has to be because he’s from Ohio. You can tell he’s not from Texas.” After Conley’s deadly stare faded, they agreed Black was the funniest on the team. “Ojai is just so loud and obnoxious that it’s funny,” Conley said. “One road trip home last season, he was crumping on the bus until his watch fell off his wrist and broke. It was so funny how mad he was.” No one wants to share their most embarrassing moments during the season, but since it’s their last year, the two were willing. Black’s moment came during a game at which he threw up. “It was the last game and I just threw up,” Black said. “It was in my mouth, so I had to race off the court.” Conley’s moment was a time he got crossed by an Idaho opponent on their court. The opposing crowd was not kind and Conley was embarrassed. “I had just received a five-second violation and their crowd was going wild,” Conley said. “I started clapping on defense and the boy made a quick move. I almost slipped and fell in front of everybody.” The two players had gameday rituals during the season. Conley cut his fingernails before every game, which gave him the title for weirdest ritual on the team. Senior year is filled with pranks on the underclassmen and wielding seniority over the younger teammates. With these basketball players, it was the opposite. The newbies struck first
Wed. 5/3 - Mon. 5/8 Outpatient Visit: 5/11 Bobby Conley, senior guard, shoots a basketball.
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STAR FILE PHOTO
Bob is “ definitely the
weirdest, because he just moves different. It has to be because he’s from Ohio. You can tell he’s not from Texas.
” -Ojai Black
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