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The Oracle WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015 I VOL. 52 NO. 60

Inside this Issue

www.usforacle.com

The Index

News.................................................................1 Lifestyle......................................................4 Opinion.......................................................6

classifieds..............................................7 Crossword.........................................7 sports............................................................8

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Nice day for gay weddings Dean of

students leaves for TSU

LI F E STYLE

New year brings season premieres for TV favorites. Page 4

Montage

By Alex Rosenthal E D I T O R

I can think to describe it are ‘happy’ and ‘genuine.’”

People hugged and laughed over a guitarist who sang a chorus of “I thought love was only true in fairytales.”

The music and the crowd fell quiet for a moment as Sally Phillips, the president of the GLBT Democratic Caucus, took the floor with a microphone.

“What a glorious day,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d ever thought this would happen in my lifetime … we are now treated just as others are.”

Stafford credited the rise of social media for this generation’s civil rights momentum by giving understanding to what was once considered out of the norm.

She further added that laws typically reflect the evolving morals of culture, so he had thought it was only a matter of time before gay marriage happened.

n See MARRIAGE on PAGE 2

n See DEAN on PAGE 2

S PORTS

Lift on same-sex marriage ban has happy reception in Tampa.

By Wesley Higgins N E W S

E D I T O R

Cars lined the streets Tuesday night as more than a hundred people entered Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa to celebrate legalized same-sex marriage that had been made official in Florida fewer than 24 hours before.

Those celebrating the historic day were of all ages, ethnicities, genders and sexualities.

Some were USF students.

“This is the recognition that we are people too,” said Jordan Stafford, a senior majoring in political science. “We’re no longer second class citizens who were told their whole life

by the state that they weren’t worthy of love.”

Though the fight over gay marriage spent years in and out of courtrooms, with significant push back from conservatives, it wasn’t until Jan. 2 that a federal district judge broke the last levy.

As soon as the clock struck midnight Monday, thousands of couples began to wait outside courthouses across the state as Florida became the 36th state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Photographs of the newlyweds outside the Hillsborough County courthouse were showcased on a slideshow in the main hall of the church, underneath three banners that read “peace,” “joy” and “love.”

“We’re all here to celebrate this joyous and long-awaited occasion,” said Valerie Vana, a senior majoring in advertising. “I look around and see all these smiles. The only words

C H I E F

After almost two years at USF, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Michael Freeman has announced he will leave Tampa to take a job at Tennessee State University (TSU).

In an email titled “Leaving is very hard to do” sent to members of Student Affairs on Monday, Freeman wrote about his decision to accept a job offer as TSU’s senior associate vice president and chief student affairs officer.

“I cannot tell you what a pleasure it’s been to work with such a talented group of dedicated staff,” Freeman wrote.

“Of specific delight is the willingness of staff to consider new ideas, approaches and strategies to benefit USF students.

I will miss your expertise and spirit. I hope to stay in touch, and perhaps consult in the future as I return with hopes of building a stronger student affairs division at TSU.” Freeman further explained that the job proposal from TSU came quickly and as “something of a surprise” in late December. After several conversations with Vice President of Student Affairs Tom Miller, Freeman said he made the decision to leave on favorable terms and return to TSU, where he worked previously as vice president of student affairs, and where he will return to his family in Nashville.

During his time at USF,

Bulls fall short in second half against Huskies. BACK

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SG applications now available

By Polly Snover A S S T .

E D I T O R

Student body elections grow near, making the need to vote that much greater. This week, USF Student Government (SG) opened up applications for the spring elections.

Though technical problems have prevented SG from uploading to its website, applications can be found on SG’s Facebook page as well as in the Supervisor of Elections’ office in Marshall Student Center (MSC) room 4300b.

The application period is open until Jan. 23 at 4:59 p.m.

All candidates must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and be in good disciplinary standing with USF. Additionally, applications must

be submitted to the Elections Rules Commission (ERC).

Each candidate must attend a mandatory meeting before Jan. 30 at 4:59 p.m. Meetings are held Mondays at 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m but are subject to change. Candidates are also required to send in a biography of at least 200 words to John Quiroz, SG Supervisor of Elections. This biography should be sent via email by Feb. 2.

After the candidates are approved, they may then begin campaigning Feb. 3 — the same day as the candidate mixer. Debates for the presidential candidates will be held Feb. 4 in the MSC Oval Theater.

The vice presidential candidates’ debates will be held

Feb. 9.

Voting begins Feb. 16 and closes Feb. 19. Each student who votes will be able to receive a free T-shirt or keychain at on-campus polling stations. Voting locations will be at MSC, Juniper Poplar Hall, Fresh Food Company and the Rec Center.

Running for election is an important task for those who wish to know where the school’s funding goes, Quiroz said.

“I think that its important to make sure that the money gets spent where it needs to be spent,” he said. “… You want people who are responsible and fight for your interests on the senate. Those who do not vote are shutting themselves out.”

MARRIAGE

Continued from PAGE 1

Legalized same-sex marriage became conceivable in the summer of 2013 when the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. This gave Florida activists a chance to undo the state’s same-sex marriage ban.

Last August, a state district court found the ban unconstitutional. When the opposition failed to overturn this ruling before Jan. 6, a Miami judge oversaw the state’s first legally recognized same-sex marriage.

“Judges are subject to the wants of society,” Stafford said.

“It may take forever, but courts end on the right of history.”

Phillips said the struggle for equality actually lasted much longer than 18 months, as nontraditional couples have faced

DEAN

Continued from PAGE 1

Freeman worked closely with members of the community to improve safety on and around campus, addressing issues such as sexual assault and vio-

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discrimination throughout history.

The symbolism of the celebration held at a church was not lost. Not only were Florida churches barred from wedding gay couples, but religion was also used as an argument as to why marriage should be kept between a man and a woman.

“Just as the state has said we accept you, this church has now said it accepts us,” Stafford said.

Not a single protester could be seen outside the church during the event.

However, Phillips said the fight for acceptance is not over until it’s legal for all couples to marry in all states and it’s illegal for employers to fire employees for being gay in Florida.

“Our job is not done,” she said. “But today, we celebrate.” lence prevention.

In Freeman’s absence, Danielle McDonald will serve as interim dean of students beginning Friday. McDonald worked in this role prior to Freeman’s arrival on campus.

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Lifestyle

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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TV favorites return to the small screen

SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

By Polly Snover

SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

“Girls”

“Babylon”

The fourth season of “Girls” premieres Monday on HBO. The show follows 20-something Hannah Horvath and her close group of friends as they go through boyfriends, jobs and the occasional meltdown. Critics believe this brash show brings an edge to the life of young adults everywhere. In this season, be prepared for Jell-O wrestling, the inevitable job search and even someone running for office. While it might seem like the girls are making better choices, they’re sure to collect more than enough life lessons throughout this season.

This British comedy returns to television Thursday at 10 p.m., and this is the first season to air on Sundance Channel. This comedy-drama was created by Danny Boyle and Jon S. Baird, both of whom are known in television for shows such as “Peep Show.” The show follows new Director of Communications Liz Garvey and her encounters with Police Commissioner Richard Miller. Throughout the series, she has to manage conflicts with her department and legal bureaucracy, colliding with the work of the Territorial Support Group, which deals with public affairs. A fairly new show to American television, “Babylon” will have every critics’ eye.

SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

A S S T .

E D I T O R

“Glee” “Gleeks” face a bittersweet reality as the show returns for its sixth and final season, starting Friday at 8 p.m on ABC. This season will follow Rachel Berry as she returns to Lima, Ohio to start New Directions once again. As ever, Sue Sylvester is looking to take down the glee club, which has recently come back to William McKinley High School. This season will include the 700th song to be performed on “Glee” — which will be heard in the sixth episode — and songs such as “Let It Go” from “Frozen.”

“Portlandia” The cutting edge sketch comedy show returns to IFC on Thursday at 10 p.m. The fifth season is promised to be funnier and crazier than ever, a seemingly impossible feat. The show takes place in its namesake town of Portland, Oregon and welcomes cast from all over television networks. As in past seasons, viewers can look forward to many different guests, such as Ed Begley Jr. and Annie Clark, to add to the comedic value. The 10 new episodes will include flashbacks into characters’ lives and many new sketches, as well as a behind the scenes Sleater-Kinney reunion.

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Campus Rec opens spring IM registration

By Jacob Hoag A S S T .

S P O R T S

E D I T O R

With the spring semester in full swing, USF Campus Recreation begins registration for spring intramural sports.

Campus Recreation offers structured leagues and tournaments for 18 different sports of varying difficulty.

The sports headlining the spring semester include 4-on4 flag football, basketball and soccer.

Registration began Monday, but the closing dates are staggered throughout the semester depending on the sport.

Outside the mainstream sports, USF offers many other sports including doubles disc golf, tennis, sand volleyball

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and a 6-foot and under basketball tournament.

Rock and Jock, Campus Recreation’s basketball jamboree, is a single elimination tournament with men’s, women’s and co-rec teams.

Registration for the event began Monday and continues until Thursday at noon. The event will take place Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

Later in the semester, soccer and softball start up with registration running from March 5 - 12. Both sports offer men’s, women’s and corec leagues.

All registration is completed online at IMLeagues.com/USF.

Spring IM schedule Sport

Registration closing date

Rock and Jock 4-on-4 flag football Basketball 6’ and under basketball Bowling Dodge ball Doubles disc golf Sand volleyball Tennis Soccer Softball

1/8 1/15 1/15 4/1 1/27 2/18 3/12 4/8 3/18 3/12 3/12

Opinion

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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Personal breathalyzers not an alternative for drinking responsibly any drinking event, especially if it prevents a possible accident with a drunk driver, personal breathalyzers shouldn’t replace the responsibility of knowing how much alcohol is in a drink and having a designated driver or taxi ready.

In the article, Nothacker compares getting arrested for something people can’t measure to “not having a speedometer in your car and then getting arrested for speeding.” Though personal breathalyzers can give people that added security, it is still important to know off-hand what one alcoholic drink actually constitutes, especially when having multiple drinks.

For example, knowing one drink is the same as 12 fluid ounces of beer, five fluid ounces of wine and a one and a half fluid ounce shot of hard liquor can help people effectively count their drinks.

Still, there are no exceptions for driving after drinking, and using a personal breathalyzer test to give the green light should only be necessary on occasions when someone drinks very little.

For example, NewHealthGuide. org indicates that a person’s BAC of .016, far less than the legal limit of .08, metabolizes within one hour. However, even knowing this standard may only be helpful

Isabelle Cavazos COLU M N I ST

Drinking responsibly has already been translated into the technological world with smartphone apps such as R-U-Buzzed? and ALCulator to track alcohol consumption. Now, proponents of personal breathalyzer tests are pushing for another way to monitor drinking.

A recent article from The Atlantic reported that many people don’t actually own a breathalyzer test. However, founder of personal-breathalyzer company BACtrack Keith Nothacker believes its benefits include helping to end the drinking and driving problem and being able to personally measure one’s own blood alcohol content. These tests are conveniently sized to fit in one’s pocket and are available in over 15,000 stores, as mentioned in the article.

Yet, while being able to test one’s own BAC is beneficial for

the Oracle

to someone who has only had one drink when factors such as body size can affect people’s BAC differently.

This is especially true for college students, as the risk of being in an accident at any level of BAC is higher for young people, according to a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol. Additionally, a Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs study reported that over 3 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive under the influence.

Granted, The Atlantic article noted that Brian Sturdivant, marketing vice president of personal-breathalyzer company Breathometer, assures that the tests are meant to inform one of how intoxicated he or she is and that the company never advises driving after drinking. Yet, it’s hard to see how consumers wouldn’t do so with a personal product typically used by police officers to test for impaired driving.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with having a personal breathalyzer test, and it’s never frowned upon to take consideration for one’s own safety and that of others, it shouldn’t replace being smart in potentially dangerous situations when it’s usually best to just avoid the risk entirely.

Isabelle Cavazos is a junior majoring in English and Spanish.

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What you said New York Times columnists recently debated whether the “modern American dream” is possible to achieve after recent studies showed over half of Americans think the American dream is “dead, never existed, or is unachievable.” Editor Adam Mathieu asked students their thoughts about the American dream.

“I think America is still the land of opportunity more than other countries. I think there are plenty of great technical jobs.”

— Adam Anderson, a junior majoring in computer engineering

“The American dream is a mindset. If you make up your mind that you would achieve something, then you eventually will.” ­— Roneil Williamson, a senior majoring in nursing “I think it’s dead. I think the new American dream is having a loft style house and moving out of the suburbs.”

the University of South Florida’s student newspaper since 1966

Editor in Chief: Alex Rosenthal ............................ oracleeditor@gmail.com News Editor: Wesley Higgins ......................... oraclenewsteam@gmail.com Sports Editor: Vinnie Portell ........................ oraclesportseditor@gmail.com Lifestyle Editor: Brandon Shaik ............... oraclelifestyleeditor@gmail.com Opinion Editor: Isabelle Cavazos ....................... oracleopinion@gmail.com Copy Editors: Grace Hoyte, Caitlin Lochner Multimedia Editor: Adam Mathieu Assistant Editors: Sebastian Contento, Jacob Hoag, Polly Snover Staff Writers: Zach Lowie, Chelsea Mulligan, Jeff Odom, Amar Rele

Graphic Arts Manager: Luke Blankenship

— Bridget Healy, a junior majoring in studio art

The Oracle is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly, Monday and Thursday, during the summer.

The Oracle allocates one free issue to each student.

Additional copies are $.50 each and available at the Oracle office (SVC 0002).

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“People now have so many options that there is no real structure or culture defining what path to take.

There are so many ways to identify yourself, if you want to go to college, if you are religious.”

— Alana Poz, a sophomore majoring in studio art

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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Sports

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

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Men’s Basketball

Champs overwhelm Bulls

Men’s Tennis

Bulls debut at 22nd in ITA poll

Sophomore Roberto Cid ranks No.19 in the nation. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE PHOTO/GOUSFBULLS.COM

By Vinnie Portell S P O R T S

Senior guard Ryan Boatright (left) dropped 10 points for the Huskies while redshirt junior Anthony Collins (right) led the bulls with four turnovers. ORACLE PHOTOS/ADAM MATHIEU AND SEBASTIAN CONTENTO

By Tiana Aument C O R R E S P O N D E N T

Another win “bit the dust” when UConn defeated USF 58-44 on 80s night at the Sun Dome.

In other words, USF (7-9, 1-1) couldn’t “push it real good” in front of a season-high crowd of 6,128 on Tuesday.

The Bulls jumped out to an 11-4 lead against the defending champion Huskies (8-5, 1-1) before allowing a 9-0 run to end the half.

USF led for 13:57 compared to UConn’s 2:35.

“We know that we have potential,” sophomore forward Chris Perry said. “We showed it in flashes. We have to be more

consistent and play harder all the time.”

UConn blew open the second half with a 12-2 run, putting the Huskies up 40-26 with 14:52 remaining.

Senior guard Corey Allen Jr., who scored a team-high 12 points, said the Bulls’ energy changed between the halves.

“We came out flat in the second half,” Allen said. “They just came out hot.”

UConn coach Kevin Ollie credited the Huskies’ surge partly to his bench players providing a spark.

“It was like we were sleepwalking out there in the first half,” Ollie said. “Couldn’t make a shot, and then when I inserted those guys, the tempo,

the rhythm of the game picked up.”

The Huskies outscored the Bulls 17-12 in bench points, making it difficult for USF to keep up.

“We got away from the game plan,” coach Orlando Antigua said. “Took a couple quick shots, made a couple turnovers. We have to give (the Huskies) credit, defensively. They ramped up their energy. We gave them too many second opportunities at the end of that first half.”

In the first half, UConn outscored USF 14-2 in secondchance points. The Bulls were outscored 18-7 in total.

Two Huskies scored in double figures. Amida Brimah had 13 points with six blocks, while

Ryan Boatright finished with 10.

Though the Bulls couldn’t keep up with the Huskies, Antigua can take away positives from the team’s first half play.

“We’re going to look at (film) and try to find those points that we can capitalize on and show them what it looks like, what it feels like,” Antigua said. “Now you have to continue to do that for every possession for a full 40 minutes. You have to expend a lot of energy to compete against good teams, but that’s what we’re here to do.”

The Bulls continue conference play in New Orleans against Tulane (11-3, 2-0) on Sunday at 3 p.m.

E D I T O R

After going 19-7 and winning the AAC last season, the USF men’s tennis team ranked 22nd in the first Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) poll of the 2015 season, which was released Tuesday.

USF finished the 2014 season ranked 23rd after advancing to the second round of the NCAA Championships. The Bulls will begin the season on Jan. 16, when they host Stetson.

Sophomore Roberto Cid and junior Sasha Gozun made a huge leap in the ITA doubles rankings this season. They are ranked sixth in doubles after winning the Bedford Cup and ITA Southeast title last season. The duo finished the 2014 season ranked 38th.

Cid was the only Bull to be ranked in singles, beginning the year at 19th in the nation. The sophomore began last season unranked, but quickly garnered national attention. A month into the 2014 season, Cid was ranked 64th.

He continued to rise in the ITA rankings throughout the season, finishing at 32nd. Cid finished the year by making it to the NCAA quarterfinals and was named an ITA All-American — the first Bull to ever earn the title.