Editorial: ‘Line in steel’ secures freedom of speech
Omaha.com – Sept. 13
Ronald Krotoszynski, a University of Alabama law professor who tracks free speech conflicts on university campuses, uses an appropriate term in describing the importance of safeguarding people’s right to free thought and free expression. In America, he says, it’s not just a “line in the sand” when it comes to protecting people’s right to make up their own minds and hold to beliefs they regard as important. It’s a “line in steel.”
Shifting South: Why Alabama is Trump’s red-state constant
Atlanta Journal-Constitution – Sept. 13
They’re mad at the stagnant economy, decaying infrastructure and deepening divide between the wealthy and the poor. And on a recent stormy night, the frustrated and furious in this central Alabama town of 1,250 made sure the local political elite heard them … How red is Alabama? Richard Fording, a University of Alabama political scientist, can’t find internships for his students because there are few campaign operations to hire them. And he can’t find many reliable recent polls of Alabama voters because most polling firms have skipped the state. “Despite the fact that black voters comprise roughly a quarter of the electorate in Alabama, Trump will likely win by more than 20 points,” Fording said. “This means that at least 75 percent of white voters will vote for Trump.”
Anniston Star – Sept. 13
“If you ever need anything”: Mr. Greg’s story
Crimson White – Sept. 13
Tears well up in Gregory Jackson’s eyes as he recalls memories of his Tuscaloosa childhood. He is the second youngest of 11 brothers and sisters, and his older sister raised eight of them after their mother passed away when he was still a young boy. His sister is responsible for shaping him into the man that students at The University of Alabama have grown to know and love. “One of the first things she ever taught me was the word ‘joy’ and what it stood for: Jesus, others, and then yourself,” Jackson said.
UA professor helping to close gap in HIV education and testing among parolees
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – Sept. 12
Alabama prisoners are facing a new challenge. Because of overcrowding, felons with lesser charges are now being released into probation. However, those offenders are now losing access to HIV education and testing. The West Alabama Aids Outreach program and University of Alabama professor Dr. Bronwen Lichtenstein are hoping they can close this educational gap by providing free testing. Dr. Lichtenstein says during the past week, they gave free testing to some 60 parolees and probationers, and are hoping to see that number grow during the upcoming weeks.
Local law enforcement to receive training on policing the deaf community
Crimson White – Sept. 13
Darrin J. Griffin, assistant professor of Communications Studies and faculty advisor to the group Deaf Hands Speak, and Erin Powell, an interpreter who is teaching an American Sign Language class in the University’s Honors College this semester, will host a training session for about 24 law enforcement officers from across Central and North Alabama. Held on Tuesday, the purpose of the session is to alleviate the communication barrier between sworn law enforcement officers and deaf citizens. In the training session, Griffin and Powell will teach officers how to understand who is deaf, what deafness is, deaf culture, the deaf community, American Sign Language, the Americans with Disabilities Act and how to effectively engage the deaf community through law enforcement. “You have to know who deaf people are and that they have a community before you can understand how to police them,” Griffin said. “So we’re going to build up that foundation and then, the meat of it is effectively interacting with the deaf.”
Q&A: Dr. Lee Keyes talks available resources at the Student Counseling Center
Crimson White – Sept. 13
In light of National Suicide Prevention week, Sept. 5-11, The Crimson White reached out to Dr. Lee Keyes to better inform students about the resources available them at the Student Counseling Center. Dr. Keyes is the executive director at the Student Counseling Center.
UA announces plans for Homecoming
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – Sept. 12
The University of Alabama has announced plans for Homecoming. This will be here before you know it. This year’s theme: A legendary Legacy: Honor, Build, Live. Alabama’s annual homecoming celebration runs from Sunday, September 25 through Saturday, October 1. That traditional pep-rally and bonfire will be that Friday night on the Quad. The parade will be on Saturday. The time for the parade depends on the time of kickoff.
Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit to come to Sumter County
WTOK-ABC 11 (Meridian, Miss.) – Sept. 12
A traveling Smithsonian exhibit focusing on how sports shaped America is coming to Sumter County. Sports, in some form or fashion, shape the lifestyles of small towns, states and even a nation. Showcasing the important roles sports play in communities, a traveling exhibit called “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America” is making a stop in Livingston…There will also be a local portion of the museum showcasing how Sumter County has made an impact on sports, such as learning more about the father of The University of Alabama football. “The University of Alabama wouldn’t have football with Livingston, Alabama.”
Holiday honors Abraham’s sacrifice
Tuscaloosa News – Sept. 13
A small celebration on Monday in Tuscaloosa marked Eid al-Adha, one of the major holidays in the Islamic faith … “The feeling for it is just like the feeling of Christmas,” said Safa Elnaili, an Arabic professor from Libya at the University of Alabama and a practicing Muslim. “We celebrate the mercy of God. It’s Easter, Thanksgiving — it’s everything for us.”
Acclaimed American composer Lori Laitman coming to Birmingham-Southern College
Al.com – Sept. 12
The Birmingham-Southern College community will get a rare opportunity this month to experience internationally known composer and visiting artist Lori Laitman. During her two-day residency on campus, Monday, Sept. 19, and Tuesday, Sept. 20, Laitman will work closely with students. To close out the visit, the college will present a recital of her works at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the Hill Recital Hall by BSC Associate Professor of Music Dr. Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw, the BSC Concert Choir, student soloists, pianist Dr. Kevin Chance ’00, assistant professor of piano for the University of Alabama School of Music, and others.
Sorority Rush Tips From Recruitment Insiders
Teen Vogue – Aug. 30
Sorority recruitment may seem intimidating or strange from the outside, but thankfully, there are women all around the country who have already stood in your shoes and want to help … 3. Real Conversations Are OK “During recruitment, you will hear, ‘Where are you from? What’s your major? What residence hall are you in?’ an unimaginable amount of times. Those questions are fine, but they are not what makes a lasting impression. Recruitment is not an interview; you don’t have to sit back and answer whatever question is asked of you. Instead, control the conversation; ask the questions you actually have. Questions like, ‘What are your organization’s values? How has your organization challenged you or pushed to be a better version of yourself?’ are absolutely appropriate, and even encouraged. Without the deep and meaningful conversations, it is difficult to truly get to know a chapter and its members, making it hard to see yourself as a member.” (Morgan Patrick, assistant director of recruitment at University of Alabama)