Freshman Focus Group

     Yesterday, we were given the opportunity to speak with some of our other freshman peers, as well as some faculty members from High Point University. We were able to touch on a variety of topics while we sat comfortably in the Greek Village Ballroom. There was even a baked potato bar, amongst other goodies, that we became privy to and were able to divulge in. At first, many of my classmates, including myself, were unsure of what we were getting into. However, it turned out to be an enjoyable afternoon and a break from the norm. That is one reason why I really enjoy this school, especially my seminar-style classes. It is not everyday that I get to sit around with people going through the same situations I am struggling with, and freely express how I feel. I thought that I was on my own with some of the things that I felt about HPU, but I was not.
          Many people, just like me, are struggling with the transition between high school and a higher learning setting. Math has always been a struggle for me, but the services we have in place are quite remarkable. I was not alone when I mentioned that the amount of support and compassion that the faculty at HPU gives is truly a blessing, and I'm not sure that any other school could make me feel this at home. Even Beth Holder, in her southern accent saying, "Go on, honey, grab another plate," just reminds me of home and my mother. High Point really sealed the deal for me when I had my last ankle surgery during my senior year. I was laid up in bed for about a month. I was already accepted into the University, but the fact that the staff took time out of their busy day to write me a hand written note, on beautiful card stock, and send me a blanket to help provide me with extra comfort during my recovery really touched me. Knowing that the faculty really wanted me as a part of their family was an amazing feeling. One question that was asked at the end of the focus group was, "If you had to do it all over again, would you choose HPU," and everyone in the room had the same answer. We would choose High Point again and again.

Investigation over black man found hanging in a tree in Mississippi

The police investigating the matter were able to identify the victim as Otis Byrd; however, Byrd was convicted of the murder of a woman and spent 30 years in jail, and released just two years prior. He was found hanging from a tree in southwest Mississippi, covered in a sheet for a length of about two weeks. At first, the authorities were not sure if he had committed suicide or if it had been a murder and the death remains undetermined. The NAACP feels that it is a "suspicious hanging death," so they are seeking help from the Justice Department. The FBI is also investigating further into the case.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/19/authorities-investigating-death-black-man-found-hanging-from-tree-in/?intcmp=latestnews

A night with Bill Cosby: It's Complicated

Bill Cosby is widely known for his performance on the hit TV sitcom, "The Cosby Show." Many Americans looked up to him and watched the show, not only because he was wholesome and made them laugh, but because off the screen he was known for being a philanthropist, benefactor, and his support of the black community. However, he has been under scrutiny lately because of his alleged sexual assault charges. It did affect High Point University, which is why I chose to relay this article. He was also let go from our board that he served on. Cosby hosted a comedy show in Augusta, Georgia with many supporters that purchased tickets, it was not however a sold out show. As Cosby walked across the stage for the first time, a man in the audience shouted his support for Cosby and his recent legal allegations. Cosby's response was, "No, no, we will not cover that today," Cosby says. "We are not talking about that tonight. What we're going to cover is the performance of Bill Cosby."
Obviously, it would not be a good legal move to comment on his current case, but I feel that he is just trying to avoid the subject altogether. There are too many women who came forward and too much evidence to deny that he is guilty.

"Bill Cosby

        ...far from finished tour"

-above show is part of this most recent tour

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/18/entertainment/bill-cosby-concert-feat/index.html

Plessy V. Ferguson

On June, 7 1892, Homer Plessy bought a train ticket for a white train car in Louisiana. He was 1/8 black and did not want to sit in the black train car, as the white train cars were much nicer. He was arrested for such an act, and the litigation team that argued against Mr. Uckermark and me made a few convincing arguments that ultimately took legal precedence. I felt it was difficult to argue for a man that has any amount of black in his DNA at this time. Separate, but equal shows that, legally, Plessy could have still been served, the service just would have not been as good and neither would the condition of the train car he would have had to sit in. Morally, our arguments show that in fact the separate but equal clause is not equal, or fair. Due to earlier court cases, the case could not be in the favor of Plessy, regardless of if he was fully black, or only 1/8 black. 

Record 15 tons of Marijuana Seized

   

 Recently in San Diego, a tractor trailer was seized while going through US Customs and Border Protection agency. The truck came under suspicion when it was traveling through an x-ray system, that caught an "anomaly," during the process. After further inspection of the vehicle, by US border officials, 31,598 pounds of marijuana had been seized. This total amount of pot has an estimated street value of $19 million. This is the largest reported drug bust at this entry point into the US. It is located right in between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico. The 46-year-old Mexican driver of the tractor trailer, who has a valid border-crossing pass, was turned over to US immigration. The tractor trailer was disguised as a mattress transporting vehicle; however, according to reports there were only a few mattresses barely covering the pot. 

http://news.yahoo.com/u-border-officials-seize-record-15-tons-pot-031040541.html

Causes of the Civil War

        Issues have been brewing between the north and the south from the beginning of the nation. By the late 1850s, tension had become too much. One of the main differences between the north and the south was that the north was more industrialized, while the south had more of an agricultural economy where slaves were beneficial. Each side had their own beliefs which led to disagreement over taxes, tariffs, and states rights versus those of federal rights. The Dred Scott case, along with slavery discussions in general played a large role in disrupting the union. The north did not want to have slave, where the south did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blNSI2taJr0

Mom is Suing Target Over Son's Wrongful Death

     Graham Gentles, a 22-year-old from California committed suicide by jumping off of a hotel roof just three days after his termination from Target. Gentles had Asperger's Syndrome and was "hyper focused" on the loss of his job, which caused him to be very depressed. His mother is outraged because when he was being fired he was subject to the alleged Target policy of punishment, the "walk of shame." This is when he was handcuffed when he came into work, on time I might add, and taken to the back of the store with a police officer. He had no idea what he had done wrong and was later taken to the police station. He was later released and not charged with anything; however, he was emotionally harmed. He was punished for an argument that happened outside of work at a bar. Target denies any such policy and sends their condolences to the family. Gentles was completely devastated over the loss of his job and embarrassed. He claimed that it was the "worst day of his life." What I do not understand is that there cannot be any way that they can punish an employee for something that happens outside of work, as well as the fact that he is not emotionally stable and the management at Target humiliated him publicly.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Target-Faces-Lawsuit-Over-Employees-Suicide-289662711.html