Despite win, Jones seeks “major improvements”
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utdailybeacon.com Issue 10, Volume 127
SPORTS >> pg. 6
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
UTPD addresses recent sexual assaults on campus, new alert policy Hayley Brundige News Editor (@hayleybrundige)
Sunday evening, the University of Tennessee Police Department received a report detailing a sexual assault that occurred in the Alumni Memorial Building. A female reported that an unknown male entered the building, then “sexually assaulted her by digital
penetration,” according to an email alert released by UTPD on Sept. 2. The victim chose not to pursue legal action against the suspect, but did provide a description of the attacker to UTPD. The suspect, who remains at large, was a white male with shoulder-length, curly brown hair, who stood about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds.
The assault occurred on a football game day, but UTPD Chief of Police Troy Lane emphasized that despite heavy crowds, police presence did not waver. “If (UTPD officers are) not assigned to patrol that day, they’re at the stadium,” Lane said. “This is the type of crime that can happen any day of the week.” Lane encouraged victims of sexual assault to report
the incident, regardless of their desire to press charges. Simply by speaking up, further assaults can be prevented. “Sexual assault is a very underreported crime,” Lane said. “The more that we get the word out about this and the more that people feel more comfortable coming forward, I think that helps us paint a clear picture of what goes on on any campus,
not just ours.” Sunday’s incident comes in light of another recent sexual assault which took place in a residence hall on Aug. 24. That assault, however, was reported to a campus security authority. Because the assault was not reported to UTPD, all details will remain confidential. However, authorities were still permitted to release an email alert regarding the
UT students take on TN abortion law
Comedy, unscripted
Victoria Brown Staff Writer
Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon Donna Kapa, left, Carole Ann Borges, middle, and Alexis Tudor, right, perform an “alien invasion/pizza delivery” improv piece on Aug. 30.
Kapa said. “So we started with her about two and a half years ago. Then she moved, left town, and I took over the leadership of the group.” Since then, the size of the class has varied from eight core players to as many as 20 members. Despite these fluctuations, the troupe views every performance as a chance to hone and perfect their skills. “We’re trying to do a monthly performance. So, we’ll review what we liked, what we can change and we can kind of work on that for the next performance, so it’s an ongoing process,” Kapa
Knoxville improv class brings citizens to the stage Heidi Hill
edy troupe. From 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday mornings, Kapa leads a free two-hour Improvisational Comedy Rodeo clowns, gossiping Class at the Birdhouse in the nuns and an elderly couple hope of promoting sketch arguing at Dollywood – at comedy throughout the city. first glance, these persons “(The class) was originally seem to have nothing in com- started by a woman named mon. Kayla who came from Los But, ironically, they are all Angeles and saw there wasn’t characters brought to life by a lot of improv in Knoxville,” Donna Kapa’s improv comContributor
said. After a series of “warmup” exercises, the troupe catches their breath and discusses previous sketches, throwing out suggestions for increasing audience participation during shows. Because improv relies heavily on the crowd, the group is constantly searching for ways to enhance humor and energy. Some members recommended using stage space more effectively while others critiqued the performers’ motions. For troupe member Alexis Tudor, the element of surprise fuels great comedic
performing. “The idea is bringing an unexpected element to engage the audience,” Tudor said. “The audience can still give you dud suggestions for a scene, but you still have to work with it.” As Tudor implied, the show must go on despite any comedic challenge, a reality troupe member Carole Ann Borges refuses to sugarcoat. As a child, Borges’ mother introduced her to improv, a hobby she would later abandon per the wishes of her ex-husband. See IMPROV on Page 5
Blindsided After earning a scholarship and starting spot, Jacob Gilliam out for season Troy Provost-Heron Sports Editor (@TPro_UTDB)
Hannah Cather • The Daily Beacon Jacob Gilliam, senior offensive lineman, blocks a Utah State player during the Vols’ win over the Aggies on Aug. 31.
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After an offseason of intense dedication to earn the starting left tackle spot for the Tennessee Volunteers, Jacob Gilliam will once again watch from the sidelines. Second-year head coach Butch Jones announced during his weekly press conference on Tuesday that the redshirt senior will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during the Vols’ 38-7 victory
over the Utah State Aggies. “He is disappointed,” Jones said. “He has put in a lot of hard work, effort and commitment into (getting that spot). This will serve him years down the road with handling adversity. He will be better from it.” The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Utah State’s nose tackle Travis Seefeldt was blocked into the back of Gilliam, who was engaged with B.J. Larsen. Gilliam joined the Vols in 2010 as a walk-on, playing in three games prior to Sunday’s contest
before earning his scholarship on May 21. “I feel for him and his family,” Jones said. “Here is a young man who walked on and earned a scholarship ... Jacob earned the respect of his peers, and he worked so hard to become our starting left tackle.” With Gilliam’s departure from the starting rotation up front, the Vols will have a three-way competition between Brett Kendrick, Coleman Thomas and Dontavius Blair for the final spot on the offensive line. See GILLIAM on Page 6
Look for the story, not the sterotype in Knoxville homelessness VIEWPOINTS >>pg. 4
incident. Although UTPD has sent alerts for sexual assaults in the past, pressure from the federal government prompted a slight change in protocol for the upcoming year. As a result, students will now receive alerts for every incident reported. “It’s easier to deal with the criticism for doing it too often than not doing it when it’s needed,” Lane said.
Now is the time to join the reproductive justice movement – this afternoon to be exact. The Sexual Health Advisory Group is a student organization aiming to educate UT students about sexual and reproductive health and advocate for reproductive rights. Formerly known on campus as the Voices of Planned Parenthood, the group recently elected to undergo systemic rebranding, allowing them to access more versatile resources and act more politically as a unit. And today, the newly unveiled group will hold an informational meeting at 4 p.m. in Hodges Library. The group’s first meeting will focus on Amendment 1. On the ballot in late November, Amendment 1 states that the Tennessee Constitution does not protect a woman’s right to abortion, even in “circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.” The bill also states that Tennessee residents retain the right to “enact, amend or repeal state statutes regarding abortion” through state representatives and senators. The meeting will explore the dangers of Amendment 1 and inform students how they can fight its passage. In partnership with the Knoxville chapter of Planned Parenthood, SHAG’s meeting is part of the “Vote No on 1” campaign taking place across Tennessee. If the amendment passes, women seeking clinical abortions will need to obtain permission from the state legislature. “We believe a woman’s private medical decision [such as abortion] should be between her faith, her family, her doctor and most importantly herself,” said Amanda Alarcon, junior in history and SHAG cochair. “Politicians have no place in private medical decisions.”
See SHAG on Page 2
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