DOWNTOWN

Reaffirming the school’s accreditation is essential for essential is accreditation theReaffirmingschool’s However, the QEP does have some issues. Requiring Requiring issues. some does the QEP have However, community With the students. UHD and of both the future time will if the new tell direction set the new as QEP, engagement best interests. body’s will student serve and the university be a may engagement in community participate to students require that issues family and work with students for deterrent rates retention low cause time, and attention their immediate effects the positive “water-down” and it, require that in classes they though as feel may service, communities as community of being served of grades, instead for students being used by are student serve. of to who willfully lack The want students by determined this QEP that in the focus group participation that argue proponents however, best alsoas is noteworthy, experiences the within students’ will upon the QEP build and their resumes, upon build community, employers from job opportunities more to correlate and writing century 21st with seekingindividuals more facilitate alsohelp skills.may This humanities set- classroom outside students, by involvement community the university. for relations public positive more bring and tings, thinking abilities, crucial skills demanded into today’s workforce. today’s crucial into thinking skills abilities, demanded ------DATELINEDOWNTOWN.COM SERVICE // Vol. 54, Issue 1 54, Issue // Vol. 3, 2015 28 - Feb. Jan.

The University of Houston-Downtown of University The

@THEDATELINE maintained the integrity of its programs programs its of the integrity maintained TO THE HI TO NEW DATELINE Several anonymous UHD professors have pointed pointed have UHD professors Several anonymous A major concern within UHD are the students’ writ the students’ UHD are within concern A major UHD has has UHD ing and critical thinking skills. Reports indicate that students students critical that thinking and skills. Reportsing indicate particular mechanics, writing struggleand grammatical with colleges community/junior various from students transfer ly one-third that They indicate UHD. than standards lower with the necessarylack profes all students UHD of one-half to market. job today’s for skillswriting in-demanded sional SAY SAY deteriorated have text-friendly environments today’s that out core UHD’s addition, skills. In basic composition students’ peer other institutions, to curriculum in comparison has, components its writing-oriented in beenas lacking identified The Commu necessary critical thinking abilites. develop to criti and boost to hopes composition QEP Engagement nity vision and cal-thinking both aligning with the mission skills by high-impact with students provide UHD and of statements engagement. service as such practices community and learning further to ex- credence gave trial area runA recent in a nearby a new create particular of would classes Professors the QEP. pand a por as implemented engagement community with agenda, par would Students the class. curriculum the overall for of tion pieces reflection then write and in local communities, ticipate assign- The writing critique. to professor the for their efforts of critical and theirwriting improve and emphasize would ments

By Jason Rivas and Ted Shull Ted and Rivas Jason By Editor Editor/ Life Campus - accred its renewing and earning by degrees students’ and the as curriculum various enhancements through itation evaluated. are programs existing and evolves student-body as Quality affectionately known techniques, education New maintain to developed are (QEP), Programs Enhancement responsive and innovative an as reputation theUniversity’s near renewal the impending With environment. learning the elevate to crafted QEP, Engagement a Community ing, critical thinking and skills, writing will be body’s student follow. to consequences of wide a array with implemented NEW ACCREDITATION STANDARDS NEW ACCREDITATION COMMUNITY STUDENT REQUIRE MAY DATELINE DOWNTOWN 02 GLOBAL MARKET Wed TUG OF WAR By fall, instead vowing to protect Jan. 28, Paul Burgman their market share from oth- By Joshua Burgman er oil-producing countries. 2015 As the price of crude The Saudis are gambling with oil continues its downward oil prices with the belief that trajectory, consumers enjoy a OPEC can withstand a period break at the pump, while major of volatility within the global oil producing countries and market, but can private inves- companies sweat over the loss tors and U.S. shale gas say the of revenue and the new normal same? in the global oil market. For the average U.S. consumer, In 2014 the world saw economists argue that the fall the beginning of a steady in prices at the pump is a de STAFF decline in oil prices, the out- facto raise for the American Editor in Chief Assistant Editor come of which has yet to be middle class, allowing large THEODORE SHULL JOSHUA BURGMAN determined. In July of last portions of wages to be spent year oil hovered around an on consumption. However, Assistant Editor Buisiness Manager average price of 107 USD per the oil and gas industry has JUAN HERNANDEZ TIANNA THOMAS barrel, and six months later also been crucial to American prices dropped 50% to under high quality jobs in the energy Staff Reporters 50 USD per barrel. New tech- NEWS GEROYAL JACKSON sector. The recent fall in crude nologies like hydraulic frac- JASON J. RIVAS oil prices is anticipated to slow turing (“fracking”): the forcing SONIA SANCHEZ the accelerated pace of job open of fissures in rocks below RYAN MCCALL creation Americans enjoyed in ground by introducing liquid KAYLA FOSTER 2014. at high pressures, are seen as ELISA GONZALES In the Middle East, the fall in reasons for the decline. It is MIGUEL NUNEZ oil prices has caused alarm for actually old economic funda- JHARE’ SCOTT oil-producing countries whose mentals of supply and demand, Copy Editors budgets are dependent on high and the protection of mar- LYDIA JACKSON & ANNABELLA GUTIEREZ oil revenues. In Persian Gulf ket share that bear the main Staff Photographer Arab states, budget shortfalls responsibility for the fall in BEN DESOTO have raised the possibility of a prices. Advisor decrease in subsidies for gas- While discussing the global oil Dr. ANTHONY CHIAVIELLO oline, water and public hous- market with the Middle East ing. Increases in government [email protected] 713.221.8275 Economic Survey, Saudi Ara- spending that were promised bian oil minister, Ali al-Naimi to citizens to quell demands of SUBMISSION POLICY commented that “oil ‘may not’ the Arab Spring may now have trade at 100 USD again,” while to take a back seat to a petrol Dateline Downtown welcomes submissions to the also adding that “it is not in price war that has no end in editor from any member of the UH system. the interest of OPEC [Organi- sight; a price war that students zation of Petroleum Exporting Submissions should be no more than 300 words, in- at the University of Hous- Countries] producers to cut clude the author’s full name, phone number or email ton-Downtown welcome with their production, whatever the open arms. address, and affiliation with the University, including price is.” As students gear up for the classification and major. Al-Naimi’s comments high- new semester, the drop in oil, Anonymous submissions will not be published. light a stark turnaround from most notably gas prices, has Deliver submissions to room S-260, email them to the previous Saudi oil policy: come at the perfect time. There date- [email protected] or fax them to (713) stabilizing the price of oil are books to be bought, park- 223 7466. Letters to the editor may be edited for when it fell to around ninety ing passes to be paid for and space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and USD a barrel, by cutting pro- an array of other expenses that duction and allowing global oil malicious or libelous statements. Submissions must go along with attending uni- prices to appreciate. Al-Naimi be the work of the writer and must be signed. All versity. Lucky for students, the has convinced fellow OPEC Saudis intend to protect their submissions become property of member nations that it is not market share at all cost, and we Dateline Downtown and will not be returned. profitable to cut oil production do not mind letting them. Dateline Downtown is the official student-produced no matter how low prices may newspaper of University of Houston-Downtown. Edito- rials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessar- ily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, ad- visors of the University of Houston-Downtown, its admin- istration or students. 03 NEWS explicitly violent behavior unless they behavior violent explicitly they until or users fellow by reported are evidence of circulated widely release acts documented personally their own terrorism. of are accounts under terms which The are Twitter by suspended reviewed and prevent to fail tragically, but, effective, evidence of of dissemination the mass reported was It executions. extremist ISIS-affil- 16th, an January Friday, that photos released account Twitter iated gay of executions public video of and Mosul. of city in the northern Iraqi men when social age an media has In soci- among presence its solidified every into reach its expanded ety and to the extent global culture, of faction social me- group’s which this extremist to exist able are dia profiles them to allowed has uninterrupted terrifying and unprecedented an reach exposure. mainstream of level The law would close all but six abortion centers in Texas. Texas. in abortion centers six close but would all law The Antonio, San Houston, in would be located These centers centers the only they as are Austin, and Worth, Dallas, Fort set meet the requirements to be able would that in the state in the newforth law. Texas 900,000 than more of could be this that result The the nearest 150 miles farther from than live would women to allowed are El Paso and in McAllen the clinics If clinic. Antonio. San of south or west clinics no leave would it close, Court could it the Supreme before challenged is the law If all abortion requiring possibly impact, a nationwide have the new with comply the country to across clinics regulations. ISIS has taken to social taken to has ISIS pro- media to be might what enlisting agenda, its mote described unsettlingly an as strategy. relations public sophisticated Islam- the of 2014 saw half The second Twitter and Instagram use of ic State’s the far-reaching into presence its expand social media with mainstream of realm a thor- Demonstrating memes. internet popular western of understanding ough Photoshop, design, and graphic culture, contin- (and released group the rebel appropriate that photos release) ues to recurring in today’s qualities various culture pop and cats viral as media such circulated their most of One references. cam- Twitter violent blatantly least and of been has paigns a series pictures of rifles. assault high-powered with kittens contin- Instagram and Twitter While the to related accounts delete ue to social of the nature group, extremist join, free to is anyone that media such is for accountable held not are users and ABORTION LAW ACCOUNTS

By Ryan McCall Ryan By Reporter Staff abor- Texas controversial of provisions key ruling on court’s Appealsopening will hear of 5th Court The Circuit laws. tion a lower over will this month be heard Arguments the a 2-1 decision In Orleans. in New this month remarks effect. into go to the laws allowed already has court the Texas 2 passed by H.B. of provisions two are Of interest abortion require would provisions in 2013. These legislature within a hospital to privileges admitting have to providers meet the to centers requiring as well as the clinic, 30 miles of effective- centers, surgical ambulatory of standards minimum clinics. abortion Texas half of than more down shutting ly the of these provisions district stayed court Antonio A San undue an they as “place calling them unconstitutional law key is a part This abortion. seeking an women on burden” district The Wade. Court in Roe decision v. the Supreme of effective a brutally “create would the law that opined court regulation.” abortion of system Court the case hear pending to declined the Supreme While cer- on ruling, court injunction theythe appeals an did place privi- The admitting the Court allowed the law. partstain of effect in clinics allthe with into go to the law of portion leges ambulatory The clinics. El Paso and the McAllen of exception statewide. in effect put not were requirements center surgical

ate, continues a growing trend in which trend a growing continues ate, The hacker, calling itself Cyberitself calling Caliph- hacker, The profiles were compromised. compromised. were profiles reported that only their social only media that reported Pentagon, both organizations have since since have both organizations Pentagon, accounts were accessed through the accessed through were accounts Despite speculation that Centcom’s Centcom’s that speculation Despite ing ISIS-promoting videos and tweets. videos and ISIS-promoting ing Command’s social media profiles socialpost- media profiles Command’s ISIS supporters hacked into Central into hacked supporters ISIS cybervandalism.” cybervandalism.” organization has referred to as “an act of act of “an as to referred has organization YouTube accounts following what the what following accounts YouTube to temporarily suspend its Twitter and and Twitter its suspend temporarily to presence in Iraq and Syria, was forced forced was Syria, and Iraq in presence command responsible for U.S. military U.S. for responsible command day, Centcom, the defense department’s department’s the defense Centcom, day, accounts, “We’re back!” Earlier the same the Earlier same back!” “We’re accounts, file announces the reactivation of their reactivation the announces file U.S. Central Command’s Twitter pro- Twitter Central Command’s U.S. the 12th tweet on A January Staff Reporter Staff by Elisa Gonzales by

COMMAND’S TWITTERYOUTUBE COMMAND’S AND

ISIS INFILTRATES U.S CENTRAL U.S ISIS INFILTRATES APPEALS CONTINUE OVER TEXAS OVER CONTINUE APPEALS 04 SUPREME COURT Wed CAPITULATES, Jan. 28, JOINSNATIONAL DEBATE 2014 ONSAME-SEX MARRIAGE ruled on a separate case that reinstated same-sex marriage victory. Even At- By GeRoyal D. Jackson same-sex marriages in California. torney General Eric Holder signaled Staff Reporter In 2013, only 12 states and the Dis- that he and the Obama Administra- trict of Columbia permitted same-sex tion would urge the court, “…to make In an unanticipated move, the United marriage. Since then, based on rulings marriage equality a reality for all Amer- States Supreme Court announced on of lower courts, that number has tri- icans.” Friday, January 16th, that the court will pled to 36 states, leaving only 14 states With Texas being one of the remaining make a decision on the historic issue of where gay and lesbian couples are not 14 states that neither permit gay mar- whether gay and lesbian couples across permitted to wed, nor have their out-of- riage, nor recognize out-of-state gay the country have the right to marry, and state union recognized by their home marriages, the Supreme Court decision whether those marriages should be rec- state. But with the 36 states that now stands to offer a profound and poten- ognized by all the states in the country. allow same-sex marriage, that means tially dramatic shift in attitudes in the The Supreme Court, or SCOTUS, as it that more than 70 percent of Ameri- state regarding gays and lesbians. is widely referred to by watchers of the cans now live in a state where gays can The news of the pending decision al- court, will hear cases that are challeng- marry. ready has a few members of the Uni- ing the single appellate ruling from the In October, Indiana, Utah, Wisconsin, versity of Houston-Downtown student

NEWS United States Court of Appeals Sixth Virginia and Oklahoma petitioned the body excited. Although UHD Junior Circuit that upheld the ban restricting Court to hear cases to maintain their Joshua Burgman says he has no plans to gay marriage in Michigan, Ohio, Ken- gay marriage bans. The Supreme Court marry anytime soon, he looks forward tucky, and Tennessee. declined, allowing gay marriages to take to the day that he can do so freely with- The justices of the court will hear oral place in those states. out any legal roadblocks. arguments on the issue for two and a The prevalence of the lower courts’ “As an openly gay man, I believe that half hours in April, allotting the cases rulings on allowing same-sex marriage it is about time the [Supreme] Court an extra hour and a half of oral argu- seemed inevitable until the Sixth Cir- decided to step in and settle the matter ment, and setting a precedent for the cuit ban in November. Now with the for good,” he said. “If the United States significance of the case. lower courts in conflict on the validity wants to continue being a symbol of SCOTUS passed on making an ulti- of same-sex marriages and recognition, equality and justice, it would be wise to mate decision on same-sex marriage in the Supreme Court is poised to make a disavow laws that exclude large sections 2013, instead striking down a section of definitive ruling that will set a nation- of the population.” the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that wide precedent on gay marriage. The Supreme Court will announce their restricted U.S. federal interpretation of While there is still a chance that SCO- decision on the landmark issue when marriage to only recognize heterosexual TUS may punt on the issue yet again, the current Supreme Court session ends marriages. The court simultaneously national opinion is on the side of a in June. CRASHES AS A RESULT OF CELL PHONE USE ON THE RISE IN HOUSTON by Kayla Foster while driving, but many local areas have talk on the cellphone during the first six Staff Writer made their own laws prohibiting or months of having your learner’s permit, Houston, Texas is one of the limiting the use; Houston is not one of you cannot talk on the phone if you are worst cities in the nation in number of under the age of eighteen, you cannot reported car accidents a year. Yet laws talk on the phone while in a school regarding cell phone usage still do not zone, and lastly, you cannot talk on the reflect a city pushing for change. The phone while operating a school bus Texas Department of Public Safety when children are present. website states that, “one in five crashes According to the Texas De- involves driver distraction.” The DPS partment of Transportation (TXDOT), site also proclaims that, “drivers who the city of Houston was the top city in use cell phones in their vehicles have a number of accidents in 2011, with a higher risk of collision than drivers who total of 38,538 reported accidents. And don’t, whether holding the phone or us- while the numbers are high, the cell ing a hands-free device.” Yet out of the phone laws (or lack thereof) in Houston hundreds of cities in Texas, only forty remain the same. In the future, Hous- made the decision to pass an ordinance those cities. The only cell phone laws ton may decide to revisit the idea to that prevents texting while driving. that Houston has in place are the ones change the cell phone usage regulations, Texas has zero laws preventing that the state of Texas requires each city but right now, they remain few and far drivers from talking on their cellphones to have. These laws include: you cannot between. RECENTATTACKS IN PARIS STOKE NEW FEARS OF 05 COOORDINATED,9/11 STYLE TERRORIST PLOTS

Je Suis Charlie: fied as the two shooters, brothers, Said also several reports of cyber-attacks Terror Strikes in Paris, as the World Kouachi and Cherif Kouachi. The name on the websites of French government, Comes to Grips with a New Generation of a third suspect, 18 year old Haymd businesses, universities, and religious of Terrorists Mourad, was also released, but that groups. In the aftermath, Al Qaeda in By GeRoyal D. Jackson suspect turned himself in within hours, the Arabian Peninsula has claimed re- after seeing he had been identified as a sponsibility for the attacks, and said, “it suspect via social media. was years in the making.” Paris, France The French President Francoise Hol- Culminating in the week following, On Wednesday, January 7,, 2015, two lande responded to the attacks by European countries have been boldly masked gunmen armed with assault raising the nation’s terror threat level to seeking out would-be terrorist cells in rifles and an assortment of other weap- its highest level. Heavily armed French their countries. With Belgium launch- ons stormed into the offices of week- law enforcement fanned out across the ing a raid on January 15th that killed ly French satirist magazine, Charlie country in a massive manhunt, mobiliz- two suspects and “thwarted a major Hebdo. While chanting, “Allahu Akbar” ing teams on foot, by air and in vehicles terrorist plot.” or “God is the Greatest” in Arabic, the to locate the Kouachi Brothers. In ad- Many see the development of these NEWS gunmen fired up to 50 shots during the dition, French forces began identifying younger terrorists as not only a gener- ensuing massacre, killing 12 people and and arresting dozens of other suspects ational shift but a watershed moment wounding 11 others. related to the shootings. where global terrorism is returning to The gunmen also killed a French Na- The initial manhunt culminated on a more organized system, similar to the tional Police Officer in the streets of Friday January 9, when police engaged 9/11 terror attacks. Paris and fired on a police car, killing the Kouachis in a hostage situation at a On January 11th, again in defiance of the officer during their subsequent signage company. The siege ended after the terror attacks, more than 2 million getaway. nine hours, after police stormed the people including French President Hol- The motive for the Charlie Hebdo building and killed both assailants. lande, and over 40 other world leaders shootings, the worst terrorist attack in As the Kouachi hostage situation was led a “Unity March” in Paris, to show France in recent memory, was retribu- winding down, French authorities solidarity after the attacks and to honor tion for the satirical magazine’s contin- encountered a new front to the terror the victims. ued commitment to spoofing Islam. attack, with another hostage situation Globally, and especially in the Unit- The magazine had been inundated with at a kosher grocery story by a Kouachi ed States, American President Barack threats and actual attacks, specifically accomplice, Amedy Coulibaly. Obama, suffered harsh criticism for his for several controversial cartoon depic- Coulibaly would later be linked to absence during the unity march after tions of the Islamic religion’s prophet, several point blank murders in the Paris CNN reporter Jake Tapper, admitted Muhammad. area in the two days prior, including that he was embarrassed by his coun- Thousands of Parisians defiantly took to that of a female police officer. Couli- try’s lack of visible presence. the streets that night to hold a vigil for baly murdered four hostages before The President was reportedly prevented the victims of the massacre. A common police stormed the grocery store and from attending due to his Secret Service theme and chant of the vigil was the slo- killed him during the raid. However, his need for more planning and time to gan, “Je Suis Charlie,” or “I am Charlie.” female accomplice, 26 year-old Hayat ensure the President’s security. However The phrase has since become a global Boumeddiene, escaped capture when White House spokesman Josh Earnest slogan that symbolically shows solidar- the hostages ran from the store. At this concedes that they could have been ity with the French and the victims of time she is still at large. more visible. “I think it’s fair to say that the tragedy. In total, 17 people were killed during we should have sent someone with a Simultaneously, French authorities the three-day terrorist melee. In addi- higher profile.” released the names of the men identi- tion to the terror attacks, there were 06 BATTLEGROUND WASHINGTON Wed spending bill that funds the Depart- paved the way for the State Depart- By Joshua Burgman ment of Homeland Security, republi- ment’s review to continue. Jan. 28, Assistant Editor can leaders in the House are trying to Because of the decision made by the force the president’s hand. The House Nebraska court, significant pressure 2014 bill funds DHS through the end of has been put back on the Obama With the final two years of his pres- February 2015. administration to move forward with idency on the horizon, President Some republican lawmakers the plans for construction of the Obama and his administration cringed at the thought of attaching pipeline. After the court’s decision, scrambles to make major changes in the amendments to the president’s the House voted 266-163 in favor public policy. So far the president’s immigration plans to a DHS funding of Keystone XL. “Finally, it’s time to checklist is looking more like a com- bill. It’s a move; they say which sets start building,” said Speaker of the pilation of campaign promises yet the party up for failure by setting up House John A. Boehner. But during a to be fulfilled. Immigration policies a potential government shutdown press briefing aboard Air Force One have been overhauled, the Keystone sparring between democrats and en route to Tennessee, White House pipeline’s construction remains in republicans once February arrives. spokesman Eric Schultz reiterated limbo and the president has just “We have to keep D.H.S. funded, it’s veto plans made by the president if announced a new education plan that as simple as that,” said Peter King, any such bill crosses his desk. “The has a $60 billion price tag. the republican member from New President believes that the process In late 2014 the White House York. should unfold at the State Depart- announced an immigration plan that Also on the president’s list ment and that any legislative end-run would allow nearly 5 million undoc- of things to accomplish before the around that process is misguided, umented immigrants to remain in the end of his tenure at the White House and he will veto that bill.” country indefinitely. Immediately re- is the issue of the Keystone XL Following his trend of introducing publican lawmakers and voters alike Trans-Canadian pipeline. The Key- new policies that positively affect NEWS responded in a resounding show of stone pipeline came to fruition in the middle class; in a speech meant unity in denouncing the president’s the second Bush administration, but as a preview to the President’s an- plan, while democrats praised the quickly became a problem for Mr. nual State of the Union address, Mr. administration for what they say is Obama once in office. Since then, the Obama announced an education plan leadership that is long overdue. In administration has tried very hard to that will make two years of commu- early 2015 as republicans took back stall when coming to a final decision nity college free for “students who control of congress; one of the first regarding the pipeline’s future. are willing to work for it.” The issues on their agenda was to dras- Initially Mr. Obama asserted that the President’s new initiative is modeled tically roll back what Mr. Obama pipeline could not move forward un- after a new program recently imple- has implemented through executive til a State Department review of the mented by the state of Tennessee, action. project was complete. The State’s re- and is expected to make two years of During a series of closed-door view was then put on hold because of higher education the norm for Amer- meetings in early January, House a case under review by the Nebraska ican high school graduates. The plan GOP leaders drafted legislation that Supreme Court; which was deciding is estimated to cost the federal gov- will boldly attack the administration’s on the fate of the pipeline’ks pathway ernment $60 billion over a ten-year immigration plans. By attaching the through that state. In January the time span, and hopes to affect nearly amendments to the president’s new Nebraska Supreme Court threw out 9 million students. immigration policy to a $40 billion the decision of a lower court, which 07 NEWS licans are using the funding bill for for bill the funding using are licans Security excuse to a an as Homeland the Either hand. the president’s force whole his against go can president - policy the Republi or immigration Homeland will for funding cut cans Security in February. ends when it show for all this more is Fortunately - the presi Since else. anything than immigra- own his of in favor is dent the policytion anything will he veto Republicans throw at him. at throw Republicans every and undocucitizen - of child bold enough is that citizens mented every undocumented Yet should DREAMer use the of to title exactly in the bill is what of be aware For the Republicans. by concocted could DACA parts of some example can if the Republicans be undone their passed. bill Certainget actions the- chil still be for would possible immigrants undocumented of dren the to apply to being able as such their but program, deferred-action be processed not would application funding. the restrictive because of immi- beginning. Undocumented all call those and them- that grants the only is course Allthis of wait to will have DREAMers selves - administra the Obama seeand how the newly empowered handles tion President what and Republicans them. at back willObama throw - or “just pump and feed your baby from a bottle.” Would Would a bottle.” from baby feed your and pump “just or - eat about What a blanket? underneath eat to like you heat? Texas degree in the ninety-five a blanket under ing restroom been everyone has in a public sure I am And Pumping, so eat? do those to well, places as look like all; I was for work does not some, for works it though session, During a pumping people. those unlucky of one and total, extracting ounces two of capable merely I was - natu on latching more way get to able was daughter my women that law by upheld is it Texas, of the state In rally. that they but please, wherever breastfeed to allowed are - establish and harassment them from protect does not that HB-1706, a bill service. refuse that Luckily, ments Jessica Representative House Texas by introduced was ensuring by provisions state expand to working is Farrar, when they harassment from legally protected are women dismissed in 2013, Though places. in public breastfeed this expected is reintroduce to Farrar 2015 in January moms breastfeeding win for be a huge would This bill. University by created was attached, photo The in Texas! Johnathan and Haro Kris design students Texas North of the stop to start a campaign to attempt in an Wenske, the on back be placed on These would ads harassment. have mothers breastfeeding what stalls show to bathroom sexual and be considered not should Breasts endured. but children, to nutrition when providing inappropriate trying for be do to praised should these mothers instead about more find out To ones. their little best is for what http://whennurturecalls.org/index. to go the campaign wishes, which is to live the American the American live to which is wishes, circles in some why is That Dream. im- these undocumented of children called even sometimes are migrants chasing because theyare DREAMers, Dream. the American that, the DACA about say to on went yet who I am, to adds “The program MSNBC, to Ana According truly life it’s defines me, what not is it have I don’t a blessing. it’s changing, will what basis worry a daily to on now.” for me to happen in the near findwill challenges likely making the Republicans With future. thisthough like Legislation victorya brutal the in mid- sweep looking not are things term elections immigrants. undocumented good for about so passionate are Republicans im- Obama’s President against going even policy they are that migration of Department The taking a hostage. Security which ensures Homeland within Citizens all U.S. of the safety Repub and needs funding the U.S.A. - THE STATE OF IMMIGRATION OF STATE THE As a mother of two two of a mother As amazing children, and a a and children, amazing woman who breastfed one weaned she them until of the I know own, her on whispers from and stares all when too well others - in pub children my I fed do not many lic. What breasts that is understand, also milk-making are to According machines! Pregnancy the American healthy proteins, many milk contains breast Association, the antibodies, is it But carbohydrates. and vitamins, fats, a mother’s make that hormones and enzymes cells, living milk can even toddlers. 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by Kayla Foster Kayla by Reporter Staff passed help to legislation getting on means if it even illegal immigrants intent is Obama President with but action Executive more fully in the control now Congress be might things the Republicans of immi- to comes when it changing Obama President policy. gration legisla- passing of beenhas in favor benefit the children would that tion Ana as such illegalof immigrants old 1 year turning whoupon Zamora, their way made family her with along undocumented as Dallas,to Texas - Presi because of Now immigrants. policy she immigration Obama’s dent from graduate to the ability had has a policy through enacted by college in June administration the Obama Child- for Action Deferred 2012. The short for hood DACA Arrivals or who certain illegal immigrants grants - turn to this country to prior came a receive to did, Ana like sixteen ing permit and work two-year renewable Accord deportation. from exemption legislation because of is it Ana to ing enact- Obama President this that like action that Executive his ed through - this crucial given was opportuni she what achieve and life her better ty to every citizen undocumented of child by Miguel Nunez Miguel by Reporter Staff 08 UH-DOWNTOWN MAKES Wed HISTORY WITH INAUGURAL Jan. 28, 2015 HOMECOMING BALL by Sonia Sanchez inated in the Dominican Republic, and was popularized Campus Life Editor in America during the 90’s. After the performance, all of the contestants’ classifications, degrees, and endeav- On October 23, 2014, the inaugural UHD homecoming ors were announced as they each seemed to effortlessly coronation ceremony took place on campus in the Wil- glide across the stage. “We were very detail oriented” helmina Cullen Robertson auditorium at 7pm. The royal said Student Activities Director Patrick Edwards. The ball immediately followed in the dining area and balcony students only rehearsed the coronation ball one time, at 8pm to honor homecoming royalty, Jackie Tarango, but appeared as they had done it many times. There were

COLLEGE LIFE and the rest of the royal court. There was a reception at eight contestants running, but in the end Jackie Tarango the ball, where food, drinks, and desserts were served. was crowned as Reigning Monarch, first runner up was Prior to the event, a blast email was sent out to all stu- Deepika Dhadral, second runner up was Elizabeth Gar- dents via Gatormail announcing that UHD would hold cia, Third runner up was Jennifer Bassett. its first-ever homecoming week October 20th through Even though this homecoming court has only the 25th. UHD Campus Activities Board (CAB), and The happened for the first time, the royal court assures you Sports & Fitness Department invited all students via Ga- that it is worth it to run. Junior Elizabeth Garcia says tormail to run for Homecoming Royalty, and also join in “Just go for it, because it will be an amazing experience the festivities for the week. knowing that you tried.” What you can also get out of Thanks to teamwork between the Campus Ac- running for Homecoming court is that you will most tivities Board, Sports & Fitness Department, and other likely make new life-long friends! First runner up Deep- UHD organizations, they pulled together a week full of ika Dhadral said “Don’t fear that you would lose, but be events for Homecoming to build school spirit, and cre- happy about what you gain during the whole process.” ated an atmosphere in which students could unite with Homecoming court is a work in progress, and will con- UHD pride. There were events to participate in each tinue to get better as the committee improves it. day during Homecoming week. Monday was Sports Day The Homecoming ball did not disappoint either. when you were encouraged to wear your favorite col- The dining area was completely transformed with a live lege or professional football team attire. There was also DJ, lights, and round tables. The entire court was hon- a Monday Night Football Watch Party for the Texans vs. ored at the beginning of the ball. The catered food served Steelers game. was stuffed chicken with pasta, and salad, and cups of ti- Tuesday was Throwback Tuesday in which students were ramisu on the side. Third runner up Jennifer Bassett said to take it back to the 80’s, and there was a Karaoke Show- “It was a beautiful occasion, and I was just so honored case in the Student lounge for students to show off their that I had such a big part in a new UHD tradition” The singing skills. Wednesday was Culture Wednesday. UHD rest of the court was just as honored, and they enjoyed took this day to celebrate the many cultures at UHD. The dancing with their friends for the rest of the night. Homecoming Royal Court Finalists were presented that The reigning monarch of UHD embodies school spir- day on the south deck. Later that evening, UHD alumni it, and is the kind of student all UHD students should also got the opportunity to come together at St. Arnold’s drive to be like. Jackie has UHD spirit, is involved with Brewery. Simultaneously, Sports & Fitness had a many organizations, and she is a leader. She has import- Volleyball Game vs. Lone Star College-North Harris. ant ideas, and they will now be heard thanks to winning Thursday was a very big day. It was UHD Spirit Homecoming Court. “I want to form a group on cam- Day, and students were to wear “as much UHD para- pus,” says Sophomore Jackie “where students and I talk phernalia or colors as possible”. The day also consisted about ways we can increase student retention rate and of a pep rally on the South Deck to meet the “Gatorettes” school spirit.” dance team, the UHD cheerleaders, and the other Sport Friday was Greek Day, so Greek affiliated students Clubs at UHD. After the pep rally, SGA held their sec- wore their Greek letters. There was also a Greek Step ond annual Walk 2 Vote event with DJ Mr. Rogers, and Show that night in the Cullen auditorium. Saturday was special guest appearances by Mayor Annise Parker, Tax Homecoming, and the theme was “UHD Past, Present, & Assessor Orlando Sanchez, Rocco Steady, Sara Alavi, and Future”. An open house was presented for future gators Houston Rapper Bun B. Students gathered around on the that morning, afterwards students enjoyed on-campus south deck to hear words of encouragement to exercise tailgating, and UHD’s annual Fall Family Festival. UHD their right to vote. Local rapper Bun B, who spoke on the student clubs and organizations were able to reserve a topic, led the way for UHD students to begin their walk parking spot or volunteer for the event. Men & Women’s to the polls. Homecoming basketball games occurred at 2pm and 3pm Later that evening, the homecoming coronation that same day. and ball took place. At the coronation, the stage was dec- UHD’s first homecoming was truly a success, and orated with mini thrones for the runners up court, and a this event can only continue to get better with the full larger throne was elevated on a small stage for the reign- participation from all Gators. Jennifer says “We must do ing monarch. The props on stage all gave a regal touch to our parts, and influence students to want to participate the evening, and it appeared as if all the guests were in a and support our incredible school.” Now that we all know kingdom waiting to see their new “King or Queen.” The that we will have Homecomings and a royal Homecom- event began with the contestants performing a special ing Court let’s all participate to make it even better the bachata dance together, which is a Latin dance that orig- next time around. BEHIND OPEN DOORS SGA 09 CONTINUES WORKING FOR YOU by Jason Rivas natural shade. Campus Life Editor The water bottle filling stations that have been installed throughout the UHD campuses have saved more than As the students of UHD spring forth into the se- 31,000 plastic bottles from becoming waste. A soon-to- COLLEGE LIFE mester, Campus Life is fresh with news and perspectives be-released seal will be placed over both old and new for its readers. From raising awareness of the honorsoci- water stations to further facilitate the importance of ety.org scam, to the successful Toys For Tots campaign, waste saving measures. SGA’s Sustainability Committee is the creation of a student and alumni-friendly app, the working on a measure to one day install a small recycling green and gator statue initiatives, and possible creation station that will further push UHD towards a near-zero of a UHD banner district. waste environment. Another initiative calls for the cre- A recent surge in emails for the website, “honor- ation of a Gator statue. The statue will be unique in that society.org,” is being sent to various students of UHD. it will be made from recyclable materials. Unfortunately the website is fraudulent and shares no ties Finally, recent efforts by the university and SGA, along with UHD in any form. Students are advised to ignore with help from UHD alumnae and Councilman Gonzalez these emails as UHD continues to work on eliminating has led to the soon-to-be-posted sign along Interstate 10 the spam from UHD-affiliated email addresses. Students West, signaling the exit for UHD to commuters. Future receiving emails on their personal accounts are advised measures call for banners around the streets that border to ignore those messages as well. UHD to signify the “UHD District,” similar to banners Anthony Butcher’s “Toys For Tots” campaign this that signify the various districts that make up Downtown past winter raised over $1,000 in donations and toys, all Houston. of which were donated to a non-profit organization, in Best wishes this semester to all the students of UHD! order to be distributed to various less fortunate families residing in Harris County. Student Body President John Locke is pushing for the creation of a new, downloadable app for Apple and An- droid users. The app will provide students with a pletho- ra of student discounted eatery options, as well as an op- tion for alumni to support and donate to UHD. Locke is locked in, saying: “I’m very happy to bring this initiative to the students, and is another way to bring food options to our students, as well as encourage Aramark to be more competitive with their pricing.” UHD and SGA’s commitments to green initiatives continue to be a model for similar peer institutions. The planting of live oak trees around the soon-to-be complet- ed Visitor’s Center will provide a mesmerizing backdrop to students, faculty, and visitors as well as clean air and

CHANGING OF THE GUARD WITH NEW SGA VP by Jason J. Rivas is a fact that you have made an impact on SGA and the Campus Life Editor school and we thank you for your time and presence.” With big shoes needed to be fill, three candidates Fall is a time of change and new possibilities for stepped forward at Locke’s request to vie for the role. the students of UHD. And as one leader chooses family Speaker of the Senate Aaron Burgess, Student Secretary over government, another transitions, from behind the Heather Strange, and Assistant to the President Graham scenes, to the grand stage. Williamson. After an intense Q and A session, a vote This past May, Senator Weston Gameson cam- and decision was reached. Aaron’s resilience and Heath- paigned vigorously alongside Senator John Locke and er’s dedication were commended as Graham’s demeanor won the positions of Student Vice-President and Pres- and experience carried him to the office of the Student ident. Together, the dynamic duo pledged to give their Vice-President. Then-Chief Justice Audrey Natividad was all in opening doors and welcoming as many students on hand to swear in the newly elected Graham. A poised as possible in participating in student government. And Graham said of the result, “I am not a man of many while they have found success to a varying degree, life words. I look forward to getting to work” outside of UHD has led Gameson to a difficult decision. Gameson congratulated Vice-President William- In a passionate address to the General Assembly, Game- son before announcing to an animated crowd his new, son resigned from his post. Life happened in the beauty subdued role at UHD. “I’m not going anywhere! I will of a young son, who needed his father’s attention far still be involved but in a more narrow-focused manner more than SGA. “I am a family man and it goes without and continue supporting student-focused initiatives.” In saying that my son trumps student government,” ushered particular, the green initiative fund that Gameson has Gameson to a supportive crowd. President Locke ac- been advocating for. As the semester springs into action, cepted the resignation and praised Gameson’s tenure, “It so too will Weston and Graham in their new roles. 10 ENROLLING HOUSTON By Joshua Burgman ton, in particular Harris County, has one of the nation’s Wed Assistant Editor highest rates of young people who are uninsured. “We know that Texas has the highest uninsured rate. About Jan. 28, For the second year in a row Young Invincibles thirty-four percent of Texas youth are uninsured. So we host’s its annual National Youth Enrollment Week Kick- definitely know that Harris County has a lot of young 2015 off Party. The organization, in affiliation with the City people that are still lacking access to affordable insur- of Houston and various other institutions, sponsors the ance. That’s really why we are so focused here in Houston annual event, aimed at encouraging young people to sign and the surrounding areas, because we have really large up for affordable healthcare. Jose Sanchez, the Southern numbers of uninsured folks,” said Jose Sanchez. Rochelle Director for Young Invincibles, expressed his joy at being Bell, the Marketing Director for Second Wind for Life able to have the event in downtown Houston. “This is Initiative in partnership with the Houston area Urban our second year,” he said. “We were very lucky to have League, echoed Mr. Sanchez. Stating that, “We’re out here this event last year, also at Discovery Green. We are very today to promote getting coverage for our young people excited to make this a tradition, in which we can engage from the ages of eighteen to thirty-four. Insurance cov- young people, have some fun, enjoy music and also learn erage is important for everyone, and we are out here to about how to save a lot of money on health insurance educate everyone.” and staying healthy.” The program consisted of performances by var- ious musical talents such as, Rocko Stedy, Sugar Jioko, Brinna Burns, and Jessie McDaniels. It also featured an array of speakers like, Congressman Gene Green of the US House of Representatives, and the Hon. Marty McVey, a Houston businessman and 2016 contender for Mayor. Moderating the event was UHD’s very own presi- dent of SGA, John Locke.

NEWS There were food trucks set up close by, Laughing Yoga on the lawn, and several tents and tables scattered The Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s keystone about; stockpiled with information about signing up for legislation, faces challenges in 2015. The newly con- affordable healthcare or just there for support. Houston trolled US House and Senate have vowed to make chang- based radio stations Boom 92.1, Magic 102.1 and 97.9 es to the law, possibly affecting thousands of uninsured The Box all attended in recognition of the “need for low-income families in the Houston area. “[The Afford- young people to have access to affordable insurance,” able Healthcare Act] is like a seed that’s been planted. said Boom 92.1’s Kelly Kegley. We have to keep enrolling people in order for that seed Open enrollment for federal health insurance to grow,” said 2016 Mayoral hopeful, the Hon. Marty began November 15, 2014 and the deadline is just around McVey. “Affordable healthcare is not only good for the corner - on February 15, 2015. The City of Hous- Houston citizens, but also for the city’s economy.” SUPERBOWL 49 PROMISESTO INFLATE FAN INTERESTSWITH POWERHOUSE MATCHUP Jason J. Rivas opponents and helped Seattle achieve the number nine Sports Editor rushing offense in the league. Russell Wilson has con- tinued to show the skills of a top tier quarterback as he The 2014 NFL season has reached its pinnacle continues to impress and receive comparisons to past event with the league’s two top teams meeting in Arizona NFL winners like Roger Staubach and Drew Brees. But on February 1. Will Seattle’s Legion of Boom (L.O.B.) de- Green Bay’s defense showed that Wilson is not impervi- flate the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s hopes for a fourth ous and Head Coach Pete Carroll will need to tinker with Lombardi Trophy or will the Patriot way take the air out Seahawk gameplay if they wish to repeat. of Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll’s hopes for to repeat? Since 2001, the Patriot way has been a dominant Controversy and puns aside, both the Seahawks force in the NFL. Their past 15 seasons echoes the great- and Patriots have earned the right to be in the champi- ness: eleven 11 win season, six Super Bowl appearances, onship. The Seahawks pulled off an improbable win over three Super Bowl victories, all with Head Coach Bill Aaron Rodgers and his chocking Green Bay Packers. As Belichick and Tom Brady at the helm. Their current team for the Patriots, they blew out Houston local Andrew is the most complete Patriot team since their 16-0 season Luck and his Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are the num- in 2007. Their eleventh and thirteenth ranked offense and ber one seed from their respective conferences after 12-4 defense are deceptive. Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edel- seasons that started slow before each team found their man are a lethal receiver duo, LeGarrette Blount provides stride through their respective strengths. a much needed rushing attack, and the golden boy, Tom For the Seattle Seahawks, their defense is their Brady, is still the best in the business. But Brady’s immo- bread and butter. Ranking third and first in rushing and bility and may fall victim to the Seahawk blitz, and the passing defense, Seattle has been dominant with Richard Seahawk frontline will be the toughest obstacle yet for Sherman and Earl Thomas representing the faces of the Blount. L.O.B and leading Seattle’s dominant defense. But their Bottom line, Super Bowl 49 will be a matchup recent injuries may hamper their efforts. On the offensive between an unstoppable offense against an immoveable side, Marshawn Lynch has bulldozed his way through defense. ARE U.S. ENEMIES REDEFINING 11 TERRORISM? phasize that this was “just an attack on CentCom’s Twit- By Joshua Burgman ter account.” In a press briefing at the White House in January, Earnest issued “a note of caution,” to reporters Recent hacks on major US enterprises stoke fears inquiring about the CentCom incident. “There’s a pretty of increasing cyber-attacks. significant difference,” he quipped, “between what is a In December US officials concluded that North large data breach and the hacking of a Twitter account.” Korea hacked the US-based film production company, Quite frankly Mr. Earnest, I don’t see the distinction. The Sony Pictures. In early January of this year, individuals attack was carried out on US Central Command, a major claiming to be members of the Al Qaeda offshoot ISIL US military installation, not Fresno Food Market. I se- hacked the Twitter and YouTube accounts of US Central riously doubt hackers have any real interest in the small Command. However trivial it may seem to hack a Twitter food market my grandmother buys her dipping tobacco account or a production company because of an offensive from, and nobody would notice if its twitter account was movie, the hacks illuminate a disturbing trend of upward hacked. So despite making note of the difference between mobility in cyber terrorism. a large data breach and the hack of a twitter account, I In 2014 the Pew Research Internet Project con- believe it’s safe to say that when talking about US mili- ducted a canvassing, and the outcome of that was an tary property; an attack is an attack. article titled “Cyber Attacks Likely to Increase.” During In an effort to get ahead of calls for new cyber-se-

the canvassing 63% of participants agreed that by the curity legislation, the day after the CentCom twitter OPINION year 2025 a major cyber-attack would occur “causing breach, the White House unveiled the President’s new widespread harm.” Had I participated in that canvassing, legislative proposal meant to combat cyber-terrorism. my name would appear among the list of that 63%. During the same announcement, the White House gave I believe that in the future we will look back on the Sony the new date for the President’s Summit on Cybersecuri- and CentCom hacks and see that their implications ty and Consumer Protection that is to be held at Stanford turned out to be much worse than the attacks themselves. University in February 2015 - a summit with the orig- What North Korea and these elements representing ISIL inal date of October 2014. It’s important for the White have done is exhibit new forms of brevity that have not House to understand that, the time for Summits, some- been seen from US enemies since 9/11. In the media I thing that will only produce reports on how to combat have witnessed so called experts downplay the attack cyber-attacks, has passed. They are happening now, and on CentCom’s Twitter and YouTube accounts as simple something must be done now, or, by the President’s own hacks executed against social media. Even the White admission, “this is not just going to be affecting movies, House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest did his best to em- this is going to be affecting our entire economy in ways that are extraordinarily significant.”

HOWTO USE MARTY MCFLY’S NIKE POWERLACES 20Y EARS FROM NOW

by Elisa Gonzales So, to the young power lace wearer, myself included, I Staff Reporter offer these suggestions for the long-term repurposing of your Nike McFlys. If you’ve ever taken an environmental ethics class or read 1. Harness the energy of the power laces to briefly anything in the news, you might agree that in reality, life light the dank, abandoned church that is your new home. in the year 2015 looks more like a prequel to Christo- Beware not to draw the attention of dystopia’s looting pher Nolan’s Interstellar than the sequel to Back to the street toughs. Future: a foodless dustbowl equipped with an inadequate 2. Throw them at looting street toughs. Everything number of Jaws sequels. Yet somehow, we’ve made a is a weapon now. reality out of Robert Zemeckis’s ultimate 2015 technol- 3. Fill them with sand and use them as a doorstop ogy: a shoe so chic, so sleek and yet so unpretentious as in the scorching summer, assuming you haven’t already to make even Marty McFly’s punk offspring look just the burned said door to keep warm in the arctic winter. slightest bit cool. 4. Shred the shoe’s leather parts and boil them into a Yes, we have Nike’s promise of power laces this soupy, futuristic delicacy. year and Google has already delivered digital interactive 5. Trade them to a well-to-do collector for a bar of glasses, a more stylish version of the kind Marty Jr. wears soap. If only soap could wash away the things you did to at dinner with his grandparents. Each of these is a handy get there. technology, but so is sustainable energy, and clean water, 6. Melt down the rubber soles into a yoga mat/bed. both of which headline their own global crisis while our 7. Use the soft plush lining as gauze. Injuries are like creative geniuses hammer out everything from 1980s sci- power lacing shoes: abundant. fi films. We all have the capacity to change the world, but The power laces are already upon us, and while they not before we never have to use our hands to tie our won’t be responsible for sending civilization into a No- shoes again. And certainly not before we can skateboard lan-esque dystopia, they should serve as a reminder that without wheels. Is there even enough time? Gravity is technology evolves to suit our demands. We should de- so tricky. mand more important things than self-lacing shoes. UHD SCHOOL SPIRIT

Photography by Ben DeSoto - Dateline Downtown