UPC holds socially distanced homecoming, students comment however, he decided not to attend for safety reasons. “Too many killings and corona is still a problem,” Drexler said. “Recently at the parties for Lafayette, there’s been a lot of shootings, including the young dude who died at the party at the park.” Drexler was referring to the shooting at Moore Park on Oct. 15. The attack occurred at a party after a UL Lafayette football game and resulted in two deaths. “It’s too much honestly. I want to go, but I’m not trying to catch a bullet when I’m really trying to have a good time,” he continued. Drexler also expressed a fear of contracting COVID-19 at one of UL Lafayette’s social gatherings. He said he did not intend to attend any occasions hosted by the university next semester because he feels the administration has been too lenient in terms of social distancing. Brannon also participated in pomping for Kappa Delta’s homecoming board. “We had a really small group of us pomping, literally only three of us, and we were spaced out.” Brannon said the UL Lafayette homecoming game on Saturday was more efficient in their distancing. “The football game was pretty distanced. I went with a Photo by David Reed / The Vermilion group of four girls, and they asked us to UL Lafayette’s 2020 Homecoming court on Monday, Oct. 5 at Cypress Lake. sit separately, which I thought was weird since other people were sitting in groups,” Eliana Bartlett As a substitution for these two events, her sorority’s homecoming board, along she said. NEWS WRITER the university hosted a movie night on with Yell Like Hell and the homecoming Tuesday night, featuring the film “The game. Certain universities across the U.S. This past week, the University of Invisible Man.” The university also As an attendee, Brannon shared have entirely canceled homecoming. La at Lafayette hosted its annual presented a weeklong scavenger hunt the struggles the university had with Sierra University, Wake Forest University homecoming events with slight changes for students to partake in, as they had to practicing social distancing at Yell Like and the University of North Dakota to how the events have looked in the past. search for miniature footballs hidden on Hell. “They attempted to distance us, have all scrapped their homecoming Long-standing traditions such as the campus. but it was so awkward and no one was commencement to avoid high-risk homecoming game, homecoming court, When this semester’s homecoming listening, so they basically gave up.” situations. Yell Like Hell, Paint the Town Red and schedule was initially announced, the Though this semester’s turnout was Brannon said she is taking measures to Wear Red Get Fed were upheld this year. administration asked that students abide considerably large, certain students still avoid contracting COVID-19, along with However, due to COVID-19 and social by current social distancing guidelines felt unsafe attending these events. Drexler, but is not particularly concerned distancing requirements, the established from Gov. John Bel Edwards. Kelvin Drexler, a sophomore in because of her age and lack of susceptible homecoming parade and block party Abby Brannon, a sophomore and broadcasting, has attended homecoming health issues. were not conducted. member of Kappa Delta, participated in events in the past semesters. This year, Spring graduates share one-of-a-kind memories during in-person graduation John Roman CONTENT AND WEB MANAGER

Spring graduates from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette got the chance to walk the stage to the cheers and applause from family members at M. L. Tigue Moore Russo Field at Russo Park on Saturday, Nov. 7. “It still feels surreal, and I’m ecstatic, and I didn’t even realize that until I was walking off and having the support from my family,” Arzavia Dobard, a graduate in architecture and design, said. “And it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.” Graduates could invite up to four family members to the in-person commencement, and cheers and applause echoed around and outside the baseball field. The commencement was also open to any degrees — bachelor’s and master’s in the college of sciences, the arts, business and so on. It wasn’t a large gathering — less than 200 of the 1,905 spring graduates seated Photo by Andre Broussard / The Vermilion spaced apart on the diamond’s infield — Spring graduates walking along M. L. Tigue Moore Russo Field at graduation on Saturday, Nov. 7 2020. but for many of these newly made alumni mixed appraisal from the graduates Not all attending graduates planned because I’m actually able to see everyone it was a special moment. interviewed. on walking. Brittany Dickerson, who face-to-face, and we were inside our “I definitely thought for a while that we “Definitely the university did what it graduated in child and family studies, had living room in the house, and when they were forgotten about,” Bailey Chenevert, a could, everybody is in an unprecedented a private celebration with her family. A announced my name on the TV screen psychology graduate, said. “I’m so happy situation right now, but it felt like a first-generation graduate, Dickerson said they screamed and I was able to hear to be here right now. I kept putting off slideshow to me, which is fine,” Chenevert she was glad she eventually changed her them,” Dickerson also said. celebrating because I was like, I thought it said. “I know they used the resources they mind. “But for this one, I kind of wish more sounded kind of silly, but I wanted my big have, but I wanted this experience that “It wasn’t until I actually got on the mini family members were able to come, but I day. So I’m really happy to have that right everyone else got to have, and a little bit I stadium and they said my name and then still enjoyed the fact that I got the chance n ow.” was kind of like, ‘What about me?’ about I felt overwhelmed and happy and then to walk, cause that was something I The in-person ceremony comes after it. I was happy to have the experience that’s when all my feelings came,” she said. really wanted to do when I initially was a virtual one held in the fall, which had everybody else gets with graduation.” “With my family it felt more intimate, supposed to graduate.”

News Sports Allons Allons LIBRARY HOURS TENNIS TELLING MY STORY STOP THE COUNT!

Edith Garland Dupré Library to keep Ragin’ Cajuns added five promising News Editor Amelia Jennings details Local used car salesman Crazy Jake shortened hours during upcoming finals players to the roster. on-campus sexual harrassment and claims he is the rightful homecoming week. ULPD’s unsatisfactory response. queen in this satire piece. PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 2 NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE VERMILION Police Reports 38 new COVID-19 cases Compiled by Amelia Jennings Nov. 11 last week, total at 354 l At 10:11 a.m., a student reported that his ex-girlfriend was harassing him David Reed to the dean of students themselves, through text. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF according to the dashboard. Last week, the week of Nov. 1, the university confirmed four students and Nov. 8 There were 38 new COVID-19 cases l among students, faculty and staff at the one faculty or staff member tested positive. At 5:51 p.m., a pill bottle was stolen at the Hilton Garden Inn. University of Louisiana at Lafayette at There were 33 self-reported cases. Lafayette last week, according to the The university is hosting free walk-up Nov. 6 COVID-19 tests near the student union l university’s COVID-19 dashboard on At 8:45 a.m., a student reported someone knocking on their door at 10:30 Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:49 p.m. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 According to the dashboard as of p.m., which is run by the National Guard p.m. Monday, the university has confirmed 107 and the Office of Public Health. The students and 43 faculty and staff members testing site will remain on campus through Wednesday, Nov. 25, according to an email Nov. 4 contracted the virus, and 204 students l At 4:39 a.m., officers removed a man from the softball field after the alarm have told the university they’ve tested sent to students on Monday, Nov. 2. positive. This means there have been a According to Chief Administrative system was activated. total of 354 cases among students, faculty Officer at the UL Lafayette Office of and staff at UL Lafayette. Student Health Services Madeline Nov. 3 Husband, the results of tests conducted l Confirmed positive tests include tests At 9:12 a.m., officers responded to a verbal altercation at the scene of a hit- taken by Student Health Services and at the testing site near the Union aren’t UL Lafayette Athletics, as well as tests sent back to the university, so it’s up to the and-run. A suspect was arrested, and the altercation involved an “aggravated submitted to the university’s human person who was tested to report whether assault on a dating partner.” resources department by faculty, staff and or not their test was positive. student workers. Self-reported tests were This is an ongoing story. Stay with The taken by off-campus health care providers. Vermilion for more updates. Students in this category sent their results Accreditation makes way Library hours during for new student research Ethan Pitre competing with each other for the same NEWS WRITER roles. finals will be cut short “One of the things I talk about in my The University of Louisiana at Lafayette class is how data is the new oil,” she said. is beginning its next accreditation cycle, “If you don’t have data, if you don’t have which includes implementing more good information, the organization will student research opportunities. be at a loss.” Last semester, many students were As many organizations and businesses told the university was in a crucial year rely more on large amounts of data for for accreditation. This does not mean making decisions, the ability to analyze, the university was being inspected and understand and conduct further research approved of that year only. becomes a key skill to have as individuals. “Accreditation is a continual process. The plan for implementing this We finished our accreditation for the initiative is to work research-focused last five years, and have started our classes into degree plans, then allow accreditation for the next five years,” opportunities to present or publish the Colleen Wolverton, an associate professor resulting research paper. with the Department of Management, Wolverton said, “We have said. opportunities for presentation and The last five years saw the university publication at the university already. The implement University 100 classes for student conference has traditionally been incoming students. The next five-year put on by the Honors students.” plan, called a Quality Enhancement Plan While students who are not part of the or QEP, is Advance: Student Research Honors college are allowed to participate, Experience. it is not typical to see them do so. “The purpose of this program is to “We don’t typically see a lot of students teach students how to access high-quality from business majors presenting, information,” Wolverton said. and I would like to see more have the Wolverton outlined how opportunity,” Wolverton said. disinformation can be spread both by The conference is only one way for uninformed rumor and by malicious students to present their research, and intent. One of the goals of the new QEP the university intends to provide an is to provide students with knowledge of opportunity for the other: publication. how to find quality sources. “We are going to be starting a new Wolverton outlined two ways that journal for student publication,” these skills and experience will benefit Wolverton said. “Students who present students: experience on the parts research at the conference or publish of individuals and overall benefit to in the journal will receive an Advanced organizations. Student Research designation on their “So, the student selects a topic, and transcript.” Photo by David Reed / The Vermilion they conduct research on the topic. Doing this can have far-reaching The sign for the Edith Garland Dupre Library on Monday, Nov. 9 at 3:45 p.m. Through conducting this research, they’re benefits for students, both in and out of learning and becoming an expert in their academia. Amelia Jennings the library has been operating at 50% chosen topic.” “How cool would that be, to be able to NEWS EDITOR capacity. The topics of expertise can be of value say at a job interview, or in applications The services that the library normally in and of themselves, differentiating for graduate school, that they have The Edith Garland Dupré Library at offers, including computers, STEP the knowledge students’ bring to their published or presented research,” she the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is labs, and research services, will still be careers. This can allow individuals to said. normally open 24/7 during finals week, available during finals week. find success without always directly but that has been cut short this semester. “All Library services that are currently “The Library will be open 7:30 a.m.- offered during Library open hours will 2:00 a.m. beginning Friday, Nov. 20 and still be available during finals week,” ending on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The Library Stapleton wrote. “Services offered by will be open 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Library faculty and staff will be limited to Wednesday, Nov. 25,” Blair Stapleton, the the hours of 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. each day Assistant Dean of Public Services, wrote between Nov. 20 and Nov. 24. All Library in a statement to The Vermilion. services that are currently available will The library is also expecting a decrease be offered from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on in how many students will be inside. Wednesday, Nov. 25.” “This year, there are fewer students Reference services, ebooks and on campus because so many classes electronic databases will all be offered are hybrid or completely online, and virtually. The former at specific times, attendance numbers in the Library and the latter 24/7. since we reopened in August have been “Reference services will be available in- much lower than normal, so we aren’t person and virtually from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 expecting to have as many students in the p.m. on Nov. 20-Nov. 24 and 7:30 a.m.- Library during finals week as we have in 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 25,” she wrote. past semesters,” Stapleton wrote in her In terms of health, all restrictions that statement. were put into place because of COVID-19 Because of this, the library will not will remain in place, including a removal operate at the full capacity during finals. of the group study rooms, according to “The Library continues to be at 75% the website. capacity during finals. The University “The health and safety of our library Police manning the front desk from users as well as our own library faculty 9:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. each night will be and staff is the number one concern,” she counting those entering the Library,” she wrote. “All social distancing rules will still wrote. apply in the Library during finals week. This is different, however, from what All library users will also be required the website states, which is that to wear masks at all times while in the Photo by Brian Tran / The Vermilion L i br ar y.” An Advance promotion found in Edith Garland Dupré Library.

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A weekly student publication of the University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Reed ALLONS EDITOR Morri Sampey All letters to the editor and guest editorials must of Louisiana at Lafayette. The paper is CONTENT AND WEB MANAGER John Roman PHOTO COORDINATOR Kenton Jackson include the author’s full name and phone number and be no longer than 400 words in length. Submissions distributed on Wednesdays except on holidays NEWS EDITOR Amelia Jennings BUSINESS MANAGER Charles Savage are edited for libel and vulgarity only. Editorial and and semester breaks.The Vermilion is supported DESIGN MANAGER Cole Broussard COPY EDITOR Emily Miller columns reflect the author’s opinion and not those of in part by student-assessed fees. Views SPORTS EDITOR Madelyn Myer The Vermilion staff. expressed in The Vermilion do not necessarily All advertisements must be submitted by the Friday reflect those of UL Lafayette administrators, EMAIL [email protected] BUSINESS 482-6110 FAX 482-6959 MAIL P.O. Box before publication at [email protected]. faculty, staff or other students. 43721 Lafayette, LA 70504-4813 101 BOUCHER DRIVE LAFAYETTE, LA © 2020 Communications Committee of UL Lafayette. LOCATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE VERMILION | NOVEMBER 11, 2020 3 Sports Five men’s tennis newcomers looking forward to a promising season Madelyn Myer SPORTS EDITOR

With five newcomers and the season just getting started, Louisiana men’s tennis is looking to have a phenomenal season. Last season they finished 21-10 overall and 3-4 in the . So far this season the team has competed in two tournaments, with some newcomers reaching their first wins as Cajuns. From Lafayette, the first newcomer is Grant Landreth. He chose the University of Louisiana at Lafayette because of the Louisiana culture and his parents’ alumni status. In an interview last month, Landreth said, “the expectation that I have for myself for this season is to become a better tennis player and to also become the best teammate that I can be for the rest of the guys.” He also gave an outlook for the whole team overall: “Grow closer as a team while competing for a conference championship and beyond,” Landreth said. Hailing from Spain, Oriol Fillat Gimenez started the season off right competing in the Fayetteville Futures and Photo via RaginCajuns.com even earning a singles win in the ITA ITA Regionals tournament. For his singles as well. “We are gonna try to get in the top fellow new teammates, Hamitt thinks the Regionals tournament. He believes the win, he defeated top national player Angel 50 and fight the best teams in the nation. team looks promising this year and wants Ragin’ Cajuns have a great team this year Diaz Jalil who is ranked 110 in the nation. It’s tough, but at least we have to try it.” to improve himself this season. and hopes for a good season with the goal Gonzalez also has a similar outlook on He’s trying his best to adapt to the “I think with a lot of hard work we of winning conference. what he wants this season to look like: humidity, but even with that being a should be pushing for the conference “I chose college tennis because I have a “What I want this season is to do difficulty, he wants to do his best this title,” Hammit said. He added: “I just want lot to learn. I have a background level from my best in every game to support the season. to improve as much as I can as a well- Spain and I want to improve my aggressive team. I think that if I give everything, “I’d like to win the most matches rounded tennis player during my first year game, and here is the best place to do it,” the improvements will come, and, as an as possible to help the team win the here. The athletic culture and demand is said Gimenez. His expectations are high athlete, you always want to improve,” said conference and make it to the NCAA on a different level to my previous school and he hopes to see good results with the Gonzalez. He believes in his team and championship. That’d be awesome for us, (which I love), and that is going to allow team and individual play. thinks by training well and supporting not only for me,” said Chueca. me to reach new heights that weren’t Another newcomer from Spain is each other they can go far. Coming from a little closer to home, possible at my previous university.” Alejandro Sanchez Gonzalez. Like Yet another Spaniard, Alejo Ferrer Xandy Hammitt is a transfer from Drexel Follow The Vermilion on Gimenez, he competed in both the Chueca is ready for the team to rank high University in Pennsylvania. Similar to his @TheVermilion for more updates Fayetteville Futures tournament and the

Esports offer benefits during pandemic Evan Hale Call of Duty team and Fortnite team, but Six Siege team because I have watched on Twitch, you can hear the team’s COLUMNIST overall they are on one general squad. them the most. I watch this because it is game plan for that round. You can also Esports is perfect because you can do one of my favorite video games as you interact with the team in the chat box on Esports is perfect for sports fanatics it from your bed if you want to. You can have to strategize how to attack or defend Twitch, making it feel like you are on the during COVID-19 due to its convenience stay in your PJ’s to watch a match and not different maps in the game. preverbal sideline with them. and competitive nature. be judged by anyone. I don’t know about Rainbow Six Siege is a 5v5 multiplayer I have said it already: you can be in Sports have been few and far between most people, but I would pick a day in tactical shooter with 57 (29 attackers 28 your PJs and enjoy that game. Watching this year, with some consistency coming bed watching a competitive video game defenders with another defender set to be a good strategy and gameplan being with football, but even that is sporadic. rather than being packed into a stadium added later this year) operators to choose executed perfectly is probably the most Esports is entirely digital, highly with a lot of people. from. Each operator has a different satisfying thing to witness. That makes competitive and has tons of variety Just think about it: at a live sporting gadget to use to try and help their team me sound like a nerd, but don’t judge me because there is no shortage of video event, you’re packed into one area, and win. until you check the team out yourselves. games to play. it’s hot and loud. Someone spills a beer The goal is to eliminate the other Highly talented players that are our Watching competitive gameplay is the on you and the person next to you when team’s five players or defuse a bomb/ classmates and are worth the look, in my latest craze, and it has grown substantially there is a big play, then the person next to defuse the diffuser. Depending on opinion. with the quarantine that we all endured. you tries to fight the person that spilled whether you are attacking or defending If you have not checked out UL It is entirely online with no real dilemma the beer. It is just a massive mess. said bomb, you use the gadgets that a Lafayette’s esports team, again, I highly about how the sport is run and operated After the game, you have to deal with particular operator has to achieve the recommend it. These people work very because the games are already online. the traffic and everyone thinking they goal. hard at their craft, and I feel as though There is no additional COVID-19 testing, have the right-of-way. Then you get rear- Players on either team can end up in they are not given as much credit as, say, no bubbles and no strict guidelines to ended, and you have to deal with that disadvantageous situations where one football, basketball or volleyball. I know participate in this sport, just good old situation, so you are sticking around even team has all five players, and you are it’s dumb to say watch these people play fashioned fun. longer, and you just want to get home the lone player left on your team. Just a video game, but check them out for Esports stands for electronic sports and nap. watching it is insanely nerve-racking to yourself. Try to catch a match on the and teams get together and play a game The University of Louisiana at Lafayette watch because everyone likes to root for streaming platform Twitch, which is free against other teams. The overall unit is has an esports team, and I have started the underdog. to sign up and use. Also, check them out split up into mini-groups for specific to watch them lately to try to fill the hole The matches that I have witnessed are on any social media sites: Instagram: @ games like a Super Smash Brothers team, left by regular sports. I will focus mostly incredibly entertaining and competitive. cajunesports, Twitter: @Cajuns_ESports, on UL Lafayette’s Tom Clancy’s Rainbow The best is when you log into the stream Facebook: CajunESports.

Graphic by Cole Broussard 4 NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE VERMILION Louisiana volleyball wrapping up monumental season with 17-5 record Olivia Beauvais SPORTS WRITER

To start the monumental 2020 volleyball season, the girls of Louisiana volleyball dominated by posting a straight three-set sweep (25-12, 25-15, 25-19) against Houston Baptist in the 2020 season opener at Earl K. Long Gym. During another game against Houston Baptist, Louisiana took a 3-1 (20-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20) win by a solid effort from both offense and defense. Throughout the opening weekend (Sept. 4-5), Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball senior libero, Hannah Ramirez, rounded up 40 digs at an average of 5.71 digs per set, leading the defense efforts of the Ragin’ Cajuns past two wins. Because of her efforts, she claimed the first Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week award of the 2020 season. Again on the Ragin’ Cajuns home court, Louisiana posted another straight- sets sweep (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) against fellow Sun Belt member South Alabama in a non-conference match. Photo via RaginCajuns.com On Sept. 12, the Ragin’ Cajuns moved to 4-0 on the 2020 season with a 3-0 this energy to fuel a second (25-12, 25-14, week and took home a 3-1 and 3-0 win As the season started coming to a close, (25-17, 25-22, 25-17) victory against 25-13) win against Lamar in the second against the Warhawks. Ragin’ Cajuns pushed to claim two big South Alabama, the program’s best start match of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Ragin’ Cajuns held an 11-0 with a wins over ULM, leaving them with a 15-4 since 2014. Hali Wisnoskie didn’t go Surviving its first 3-2 (37-35, 25-21, 5-0 Sun Belt record and landed No. 15 in record and 9-4 record in the Sun Belt unnoticed, however, for her season-high 15-25, 23-25, 15-13), five-set rally of the AVCA rankings. Conference. 21 kills on 31 error-free swings (.581). the season over Little Rock was a solid As the Sun Belt series continued, Louisiana’s solid reverse 3-2 (24-26, After leading the Louisiana Ragin’ victory for the Cajuns. The next matchup Louisiana volleyball let Texas State win 19-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-10) sweep and Cajuns volleyball team through another against Little Rock, however, ended in a three games in a row and steal their second game win against UT Arlington two-match sweep of South Alabama, straight three-set sweep (25-15, 25-19, season-opening, 11-match win streak was huge for the Cajuns as it left them seniors Wisnoskie and Avery Breaux, 25-23). Louisiana was (8-0, 2-0 Sun along with ruining their No. 15 ranking. with a second-place ranking in the Sun plus freshman Taylor Gates, were named Belt). In their next three-game series Belt Conference. Sun Belt Conference Players of the Week With the powerful offense that weekend, the Ragin’ Cajuns came out The Cajuns’ season finale wasn’t what (Sept. 15) in a vote by the league’s head averaged 18 kills per set, Louisiana on top with a 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 18-25, was hoped for, as UT Arlington fought coaches. claimed a 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 27-25) win 25-17) victory over Arkansas State. The back to take their last chance for a win. The season-opening winning streak for over Little Rock on Sept. 26 at the Jack Red Wolves then fought back even harder The Mavericks took a 3-1 (25-20, 18- the Louisiana volleyball team remained Stephens Center, completing a three- and took a 3-1 (25-16, 19-25, 25-16, 25- 25, 25-21, 25-21) win, leaving Louisiana intact following a 3-0 (25-15, 27-25, 25- match sweep of the Trojans on Sun Belt- 20) game against the Cajuns. The third Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball with a 17-5 14) win over Lamar in the first contest of opening weekend. and final game went to Louisiana after record and 11-5 in the SBC for the a Saturday doubleheader on Sept. 19. They headed to Monroe over the past sweeping Arkansas State 3-0 (25-21, 25- regular season. Shortly after, the Ragin’ Cajuns used 23, 25-20).

Ragin’ Cajun star athletes putting together a historic football season Zachary Nagy Mitchell has attempted 87 rushes with Thibodaux has made incredible strides Gardner is having himself a monster SPORTS WRITER 502 yards and five touchdowns, as Ragas in the right direction as he is already senior season, leading the team in solo has 84 attempts with 444 yards and six poised and prepared for every moment. tackles with 34 as well as leading the team The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have come touchdowns. His impact offensively has been huge as in sacks with three of his own. out firing on all cylinders this season with The rushing attack has been one of the he has already collected 16 receptions for With four games to go in the regular one of our best seasons to date. most potent forces of our offense. With 249 yards and two touchdowns. season, it is clear the Cajuns are destined With Levi Lewis and Elijah Mitchell Ragas and Mitchell opting in to a two- Lacy, a four-star prospect per 24/7 to continue their excellence on both sides handling the offensive load for the back system, it shows their maturity and Sports, had offers from all over the of the field. Cajuns, we have seen our defense step up ability to conform to anything in order country including Houston, Miami, Our Ragin’ Cajuns will be put to the as well. to win. Virginia and numerous others before test Dec. 4 against Appalachian State, The connection of Lewis and Peter Through the air, we have seen Lewis hit deciding to stay closer to home and play the team who dealt us both our losses Leblanc has been lethal, as Leblanc is numerous targets this season, spreading for Head Coach Billy Napier. last year in a historic season. This is leading the team in receptions as well as the ball out to virtually any receiver with Defensively, the Cajuns have relied on simply the team to beat in the Sun Belt yardage. Leblanc has been Mr. Reliable success. their lethal linebacker core of Lorenzo Conference. as of late, seemingly catching any ball Leading the team in receptions and McCaskill and Ferrod Gardner. The With Napier at the helm, it feels as coming his way. receiving yards, Leblanc has been one of dynamic duo has been wreaking havoc though the Ragin’ Cajuns can defeat any The one-two punch of Mitchell and the most effective receivers in the Sun for offenses week in and week out. team against them. Our offense is as Trey Ragas on the ground has been a Belt Conference. Though he is not the McCaskill, a junior out of Detroit, has lethal as ever and the defensive side of the killer combination as they have split only receiver making a name for himself. already collected 33 solo tackles with 61 ball is clicking on all cylinders as well. carries almost directly down the middle. Freshman wide out Kyren Lacy total tackles and two sacks. His 61 total The Ragin’ Cajuns are set to play has been the shiftiest receiver on our tackles lead the Ragin’ Cajuns roster. against South Alabama this Saturday, Cajuns roster. The true freshman out of Nov. 14 at 1:00 p.m. at .

Photo by Kenton Jackson / The Vermilion The Ragin’ Cajuns played against the Arkansas State Red Wolves on Saturday, Nov. 7. THE VERMILION | NOVEMBER 11, 2020 5 Allons

OPINION As a victim, I saw police neglect to alert student body of potential danger Amelia Jennings NEWS EDITOR

On Oct. 15 at 3 p.m., I encountered a man who insisted on using me as material to pleasure himself, and the incident report given to The Vermilion explained almost none of what had happened to me. I had parked in the Taft Parking Garage on campus after driving back from Baton Rouge when I saw a man walking around. I paid him little mind because he was not doing much of anything. A few minutes later, he called me over to him, and by this point, he was standing between a white car and a beige truck. He asked me my age and if I went to the university. I answered him, though I was wary by this point. I am 19, and he told me I was too young. I walked away before he called me back again. He insisted, at this point, that I come towards him and that I had no reason to be afraid. I assumed that the worst he would do would be to offer me alcohol or drugs because I didn’t know what else I would be too young for. Now comes the fun part. Acting squirrely, if he can stroke himself to me. Before I could say anything else, he already has his penis out and is doing what he had just asked. I yelled “no” and that I had a boyfriend Photo by David Reed / The Vermilion as I scrambled away from him. I was The Taft Street Parking Garage on Monday, Nov. 11 at 3:30 p.m. appalled and said an obscenity in his direction as I ran towards the stairs. The report is missing a lot of victim.” to look at the incident as a learning On Oct. 17 at around 5 p.m., I went to information that could be used to protect However, he also said it would be experience,” Abrams said. “And, you the police station and reported all of the other women on campus. possible to ask for more information, and know, you want other people to be able to above, plus a physical description. He was I spoke to Lt. Billy Abrams on the that writing this editorial was perfectly do and behave a certain way, if they are a college-aged African American man matter and he reported that more fine. put in that situation.” who looked to be about 5 feet, 7 inches information would hurt the integrity of “It’s your statement, and it’s your I would like to add as a final note and had short hair, a black t-shirt with the investigation. experience,” Abrams said. “It’s like if you that it is okay if you do not use any bad some sort of yellow coloring and grey or “You know, we can’t give out a have a victim of a particular incident, experience of yours to teach others or black pants. full statement report because of the there’s nothing to stop them from talking learn from it yourself. It is also okay if This is what the police reported to The information that it has,” he said. “Also, if about their experience.” you did not have the reaction that you Vermilion: an incident is under investigation, and of He later spoke about how I would be had hoped you would have. You are not “Officers spoke with students about course, that will compromise the integrity able to use this as a learning experience, any less of a person. I promise. suspicious person in Taft Parking Garage. of the investigation, if the report is given and would be able to teach others about A report of the incident was generated.” my experience. out to whoever asked for including the “You can’t blame yourself. You have

OPINION Election of transgender officials sets empowering example for LGBT youth & community organizer. The work I’ve been doing with, in, & for my community goes back years.” Turner sealed their victory by 71% against Kelly Barlean, a Republican. As more LGBT individuals are given positions of power, it creates more opportunities for learning about these identities. Twitter threads of people educating others about these identities have been cropping up in the replies of relevant tweets. Some Twitter users have expressed concern over this, believing that those asking are merely attempting to start arguments or to troll. As I scrolled through some of the replies, I could see many people who were genuinely unaware of what being nonbinary meant, yet were fully supportive after being educated about it. It’s an important reminder that not all ignorance of LGBT identities and issues is malicious. Not everyone has access to the same resources that you may have, so Graphic by Cole Broussard they may not have had a reliable way to transgender individuals, of which there McBride isn’t the only transgender educate themselves on the matter in the Morri Sampey past. ALLONS EDITOR were a few this season. person to make waves this year. Falling Being transgender is defined, in its underneath the transgender category are Another benefit of the elections of simplest definition, as identifying as nonbinary and binary. McBride is binary LGBT individuals is the message it sends A majority of the LGBT community to younger people of the community. It released a collective sigh of relief as the a gender other than the one you were because she is a woman, but those who assigned at birth. It encompasses many are nonbinary don’t identify as a man or tells them that there is room for them in election was finally called with Joe Biden the government, and more importantly, as the winner. Although celebrations other gender identities, but for now, let’s a woman. focus on being MTF (male-to-female) An example is Mauree Turner, who has the world. It solidifies the validity of the have mostly revolved around Trump’s identity for some, and for others it proves loss rather than Biden’s victory, there are because that’s what Sarah McBride is. a few accomplishments under their belt. McBride became the first transgender Turner became the ’s first that dreams can be achieved, despite the some victories this election season that hardships they might face due to their deserve to be celebrated. state senator in the United States. She Muslim lawmaker, as well as the first also became the first out LGBT person in nonbinary state legislator in the United identities. It’s slowly becoming more common Congratulations to McBride and for gay men to be elected to government Delaware’s legislature. States. “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid “That’s me! Mauree Turner. Pronouns Turner, as well as the other LGBT people positions, and this election season has recently elected. I hope they remember continued that trend as a slew of them that our democracy is big enough for They & She (not preferred, just them, too,” McBride tweeted. pronouns),” Turner tweeted in response where they came from and the fights of were appointed to various positions. those from before their time, and I hope More groundbreaking are the elections of As a Democrat, she represents the 1st to CNN’s tweet. “I am a born n raised district of Delaware’s state senate. Muslim-Oklahoman. Non-binary femme, they have a plan for the fights in the future. 6 NOVEMBER 11, 2020 | THE VERMILION Democratic Party without identity, in need of some fundamental changes Christian Janes conditions, and ensured a good quality POLITICAL COLUMNIST of life until the end. These were all bold policies that made the lives of millions of The Democratic Party as it stands people better. Many of them are not only today is simply a shell of its former self; still around today, but are beloved and it stands in the shadow of great policy ardently defended by those who benefit and presidents who radically changed the from them. system they operated under for (the most After World War II and 20 years after part) the better. What distinguishes the Roosevelt’s death, many of his programs party of the past from the party of today? were extended under President Lyndon Identity. A sense of ideologic guidance Johnson’s Great Society domestic agenda. with firmness in the right that they stood Healthcare was brought to the elderly for something rather than ideological through Medicare and to the poor through compromise. Medicaid. Training and experience for The shift of the Democratic Party from the job market were provided through the party of FDR and the party of the New government programs such as the Job Deal to President Bill Clinton and Third Corps, Volunteers in Service to America Way compromise politics should have (VISTA), as well as provided early Graphic by Cole Broussard been the end of the party itself. childhood education through the Head Democrats of old (excluding Start program. needed to be dismantled. This message ideology concerning the common man or conservative Southern Democrats) The government invested in its future won Ronald Reagan in a landslide the laborer; you will find Republican policies brought about high impact change based by investing in education at all levels. presidency and the Republican takeover taken, watered down, and made more on principles of helping the average There was an investment in American of Congress in the 1980s and 1990s. palatable. Just to name a few, these include American. Under President Franklin culture and entertainment through the What was the Democratic response? regulating businesses big and small less, Roosevelt, the party rebranded itself in establishment of the National Endowment Appeasement. Clinton and fellow supporting an ineffectual and expensive terms of providing for the general welfare for the Arts, the National Endowment for “New Democrat” centrists raced to the healthcare system and dismantling social of the people and ensuring the rights of the the Humanities, and Public Broadcasting right to compromise with Republicans safety nets under the guise of “reforming” common man (though this did not often Service (PBS). ideologically in order to win elections the welfare system. extend to the common Black man). Laws were passed to protect consumers rather than take bold action like their The Democratic Party today is listless Such bold rebranding can be seen in from companies looking to sacrifice their predecessors. Clinton redefined the party and on the verge of rupture. A bold and actual legislation such as the Wagner Act own customer base to make more profits. identity as dependent and subservient to distinctly left faction of the party has of 1935, which guaranteed private-sector And importantly, actual inalienable rights Republican politics. gained mainstream support among the employees could unionize and engage in were ensured to African Americans and Extreme Republican ideas were party’s base as they realize their leaders collective bargaining, and the Fair Labor other minorities who dared to participate negotiated down to center-right policies do not share in their desire for radical and Standards Act of 1938, which ensured a in their own government through the by Clinton. Instead of holding the moral beneficial change that begins from the minimum wage and overtime pay among passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, high ground and allowing Republican ground and works its way up. The party’s other things. The Wealth Tax Act of 1935 Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair plans to dismantle the social safety net of leaders could not even manage to sweep ensured that the richest Americans paid Housing Act of 1968. the country crash and burn, he arguably the presidency, House or Senate in a year back to society that which society helped All of these were good tangible policies made their policies more popular under where the president so incompetently them achieve. Executive agencies like that helped and continue to help millions the guise of “reform.” The gains made handled every challenge handed to him the Works Progress Administration gave of people lead good, long, healthy, with civil rights in the 1960s, for example, it should have made taking back the jobs to the unemployed who built up productive lives. were set way back with Clinton’s signing presidency as easy as walking up to Trump the country through the construction of Unfortunately, the Democratic Party of the Draconian Violent Crime Control and telling him “You’re fired.” infrastructure still in use today. Social of bold action is not what we have today. and Law Enforcement Act (also known The people want messaging and policies programs like Social Security provided Republicans and conservative Democrats as the 1994 Crime Bill), which caused the that make sense to them. The Democrats insurance and therefore peace of mind to have sought to undo the progress made disproportionate incarceration of African used to be able to provide both, maybe the elderly who deserve to retire without under Johnson and Roosevelt. Throughout Americans. they will again someday. As for now, the worry. the 1960s and extending even to the Today, unless a Democrat specifically party needs to look in the mirror and These policies lifted millions from current day, the ideological conservatives identifies themselves as a Progressive (and decide whether it wants to reinvent itself a unemployment, secured more rights in Congress challenged the New Deal and I assure you, they will if they are), you la FDR or give way to the faction that will. for the laborer, provided better working Great Society programs as overbearing, still will not hear Democrats espousing an bloated government overreach that

SATIRE Homecoming voting compromised by lizard people, claims Crazy Jake David Reed 2020’s homecoming court, Crazy Jake of Why? Crazy Jake claims he was As a result, UL Lafayette is in a EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Crazy Jake’s Used Car Lot posted a tweet rightfully elected to be UL Lafayette’s state of civil war. Crazy Jake’s army that shook the University of Louisiana at next Homecoming Queen, but lizard of Homecoming Reformists occupy SATIRE – On Friday, Oct. 30, as Lafayette to its core: people ate all his ballots. McKinley, Taft and Rex Streets, while the University Program Council was “STOP THE COUNT!” “I’ll tell you what, somebody’s gotta Homecoming Traditionalists occupy the counting the final ballots to determine do something about these lizard people,” rest of campus. Jake said. “They’re coming in and taking The university released a statement on all the good jobs, burning down our the issue, asking students to remain calm campus and now they’ve just stolen this despite the violence. election.” “We ask that students please remain Crazy Jake is not a student at UL calm and try to avoid stray gunfire on the Lafayette and likewise was never in the way to classes,” the email read. running to be Homecoming Queen. Most The Homecoming Reformers are dismissing Crazy Jake’s claims to the are rapidly losing ground, but their crown, but that hasn’t stopped the faithful movement is gaining momentum after few from demanding the UPC recount an impassioned speech from Crazy Jake the ballots. outside Four Seasons Total Landscaping. “This election has been compromised,” We asked to speak with Crazy Jake Tim F. Oilhat, a business administration about his movement, but he refused to major and staunch Crazy Jake supporter comment. said. “The liberal lizards who run the “Are you real news or fake news,” Jake university won’t get away with this.” said. “I don’t talk to fake news.” UPC Administrative Assistant Don Crazy Jake said he wants to be Witthis is the only student counting Homecoming Queen to pass sweeping ballots and isn’t eager to recount them. reforms to radically change life at UL “This is outrageous. This deranged, Lafayette, most of which have to do with irreverent narcissist didn’t earn a single lizard people on campus. vote,” Witthis said. “Now we’ve got all “If I am given my rightful position as these lunatics screaming about lizard Homecoming Queen. I would build a people outside my office. I hate this job.” great wall, and no one builds walls better The race for Homecoming Queen than me, believe me, and I’ll build them remains undecided, as Witthis quit his very inexpensively. I will build a great job after demands that he recount the wall and I’ll have lizard people pay for ballots for a 10th time. that wall.”

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