HLC Gets Wet Lab Funding

Story by Jessica Youssefi, Reporter
Joseph Lee, Photo Editor

Austin Community College is the first two-year institution to receive funding from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. The $485 million fund was created by the Texas Legislature in 2005.

The Highland Campus will receive $4.9 million to build an 8,400-square- foot, advanced biotechnology research lab.

Funding for the project will give ACC the means to offer students a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the necessary tools for testing products and furthering their studies in science, biology and medicine.

The Lab will also provide opportunities for jobs, and the space for future companies to conduct research.

ACC President and CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes said “ACC has a long history of providing Central Texas industries the workforce and tools they need to prosper. This lab will take that commitment to a new level.”

Brian Who? Millennials Change Channels on Tradional Media

Story by Noor Alahmadi, Editor in Chief

Young viewers move away from network news and tune in to on-demand and citizen sourced news while consumers ponder traditional notions of journalistic integrity

Brian Williams’ fall from grace revealed the younger generation’s shift from traditional media toward online news outlets.

While NBC’s 30-and-older demo- graphic wonders what they will do without their beloved anchor, many younger viewers don’t seem con- cerned.

“I don’t know who Brian Williams is,” Valeria Montoya, an ACC physics major, said. “I read news through sources like the New York Times’ online website, a TIME subscription, and blogs I keep up with on social media such as Tumblr and Twitter.”

Appointment television, where people watch a show at a specific broadcast time, is giving way to push notifications and website checks, Paul Brown, assistant professor of journalism, said. “I think the days of people watching network newscasts, in terms of the younger generation, no longer exists.”

Constant updates to online information provide faster, easier and perhaps more entertaining ways to receive news. Many newspapers publish content online before their papers are printed, while Twitter and Facebook make it easy for just about anyone to become a citizen journalist.

YouTube has allowed those without formal journalism training to create news broadcasts such as The Philip DeFranco Show and SourceFed.

Now that news is no longer exclusively in the hands of journalists, this new generation of news providers and consumers must decide whether the old standards of journalistic ethics and accuracy apply to online media and bloggers.

“Unlike traditional journalists who face repercussions from their networks, the repercussions for YouTubers and bloggers comes from their audience directly,” Logan White, an engineering major at ACC, who does not watch network news, said.

With numerous sources vying for attention, do audiences value sensationalism over accuracy?

This may be the very question Brian Williams asked himself after being suspended for embellishing accounts of his war-zone experiences.

The Williams’ scandal was highly publicized. However, if the prized 18-33 year old demographic isn’t watching, maybe the importance of journalistic integrity is losing ground.

New Perspectives Shed Light on Old Stereotypes

Story by Kyle August, Reporter

Increased scrutiny of Islam and Muslim culture have caused unease for both Muslims and non Muslims in America as many struggle with issues of identity and acceptance

Many American Muslims are frustrated.

The events of 9/11 and the actions of extremist groups have brought Islam and Muslim culture under fire.

Stereotypes abound, and some non Muslims seem to question whether a person can be both Muslim and a patriotic American.

During Texas Capitol Muslim Day on Jan. 29, protesters yelled insults at Muslims participating in the rally. House Rep. Molly White, left an Israeli flag on her desk and instructed her staff to ask representatives from the Muslim community to renounce Islamic terrorist groups and proclaim allegiance to America.

“There is absolutely no conflict between being an American and a Muslim,” Fahim Idais, an Arabic and Math professor at ACC, said. “Being an American is a nationality, and I’m proud of that. Being a Muslim is a religion, and I’m proud of that. America is about freedom of religion.”

Idais said that he is disappointed with the extremes portrayed in the media and the perceptions of Muslims that result.

Psychology major Jeremy Winters said he often thinks of 9/11 before cultural tradition when he sees a woman wearing a hijab (the traditional head covering worn by Muslim women). Although cultural tradition comes to mind, Winters said he knows very little about what the hijab symbolizes.

While she has never experienced blatant discrimination, ACC Journalism major Manal El Haj said that people are often reluctant to approach her.

“It’s like they don’t know how to act around me. Maybe they think I don’t speak English.”

El Haj recently started wearing a hijab in public. She said that negative views of women who wear the hijab are based on misconception.

“They’re looked upon like they’re oppressed, when really it’s 100% their choice,” El Haj said.

She pointed out that Muslim women are not the only women to wear head coverings. Women of many religions and cultures have at one time covered their heads – the Virgin Mary included.

“Protecting my modesty makes me feel more like a woman. I am not an object,” El Haj said.

Perception is often a matter of per- spective. Maria Moreno, an early childhood education major, said that after living in Morocco for four-and- a-half years, her view of Muslims is not dictated by what she sees in the media.

“If I didn’t go to Morocco I would be prejudice,” Moreno said. “I know that wherever I go, I will find extremists, and not just Muslims. They can be Christians, Catholics — it doesn’t matter what religion.”

Explosions and violence tend to capture the media’s attention more than peaceful coexistence. The actions of groups like ISIS give the impression that Islam is a violent religion and often color public opinion.

“ISIS is a terrorist group, and honestly, I don’t even know what they represent. They do not represent Islam and they definitely do not represent me as a Muslim.” El Haj said.

“I’m a proud American, and I’m a hell of a lot bigger Texan than a lot of people here”, El Haj said. “The beautiful thing about America is that we’re a melting pot. That’s the beauty of living here.”

Faculty/Staff Spotlight

Angela Yousef, Contributor 

 Roxane Royalty is a counselor and associate professor at the Highland Campus and has been with ACC for five years.

ACCENT: Do you have a role model?

Royalty: Yes, my previous boss in San Antonio — director of services for women and non traditional students.

ACCENT: What do you like most about ACC?

Royalty: Working with students of different backgrounds, the diverse cultures and learning new things from them.

ACCENT: What are the challenges with your occupation?

Royalty: Not being able to solve every student situation because of limited resources or challenges outside of my control or areas of expertise.

ACCENT: What do you enjoy about interacting with students?

Royalty: Getting to know them and seeing them succeed with a short or long term goal.

ACCENT: What do you do for fun?

Royalty: I like exercise, bike riding or running. I ran half a marathon one time!

 

Death Rights

Chloe Kwak, Contributor 

When 29- year-old Brittany Maynard spoke publicly about the decision to end her life due to terminal illness, Death with Dignity Laws gained national attention.

Maynard, who died Nov.1 with medical assistance, moved to Oregon because of its Death with Dignity Law. The law allows terminally ill residents access to prescription drugs that induce death.

Texas does not have a Death with Dignity law.

“Texas is so far away from even starting a conversation like that, I don’t see that happening in my lifetime,” ACC nursing professor Sandra Yaklin said.

Texas has the Advance Directives Act of 1999, also known as the Texas Futile Care Law.

The law allows a healthcare facility to discontinue life-sustaining treatment ten days after giving written notice if such life-sustaining measures are deemed futile by the treating medical team.

Texas conservative nature and possible overlap with the Futile Care Law are possible reasons Texas may not pass a Death with Dignity Law.

Community College Bond Under Vote in November

Dillon Fleharty– Photo Editor

Voters will decide in November whether Austin Community College will receive roughly $386 million to build new facilities and renovate exist- ing ones.

The Bond package is divided into two propositions: one is focused on the planning and construction of future growth, while the second is focused on funding existing growth, health and safety issues, and sustainability. The propositions, totaling around $386 million, would increase the property tax rate by two cents, meaning homes valued at $200,000 would see an in- crease of $39 per year after the standard homestead exemption. However, seniors and homeowners with disabili- ties would only see an increase of $16.

Trustees are also calling on voters to incrementally increase the college’s property tax cap to help stabilize tuition costs, cover deferred maintenance and expand veteran and adult learning pro-

grams. If passed, it will only be the second time a tax cap has increased in ACC’s 41 years.

Board chair Jeffrey Richard said in a news release, “This proposal takes into account the impact on the public and allows us to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers throughout the region for the jobs of today and tomorrow, while keeping college affordable.”

The ballot will include:

Proposition 1Planned Growth and Workforce Advancement

• Highland campus – creating space for digital media, commercial music, con- tinuing education culinary careers and other creative media

• Leander campus – planned for growth in the northwest
• Land banking for the Southeast Travis County Workforce Training Center

Proposition 1 total: $224.8 million

Proposition 2Existing Campus Growth, Safety, Technology, and Sustainability

•District wide renovations – health, safety and sustainability •Renovations to career training pro- grams facilities after relocations to Highland Campus

•Hays Campus – First Responders Training Center
•Elgin Campus – Veterinary and sus- tainable agriculture programs Proposition 2 total: $161.17 million

Maintenance and Operations Tax Cap

The ACC maintenance tax cap would increase one cent in fiscal years 2016, 2018 and 2020. The current mainte-

nance and operations tax rate is $0.09 per $100 valuation. The total tax impact is estimated to be five cents if all three measures are approved. In addition, school administrators will begin bud- geting for a tuition freeze over the next four fiscal years.

While ACC’s enrollment was 38,611 this past fall, it is down from 40,159 of last year. However, officials project an average annual increase of three percent as the region’s population continues to grow.

ACC’s taxing district includes the city of Austin along with school dis- tricts of Leander, Hays, Elgin, Round Rock, Del Valle and Manor.

Each ACC will hold information ses- sions on the bond.

For more information visit austincc. edu/bond
And for a list of information sessions vist http://bit.ly/1viaDNz

Lackluster Debate Sets Tone for Gubernatorial Race

Forrest Milburn– Editor

In a display lacking the expected fireworks, State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, faced off against Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott at the Edinburg Conference Center in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Sept. 19 debate was the first of two debates set for this year’s gubernatorial election and was moderated by McAllen Monitor editor Carlos Sanchez and reporters Ryan Wolf of Channel 4 KGBT and Dalila Garza of Channel 40 KTLM.

The panelists focused primarily on border security, immigration and other issues that appeal to the state’s growing Hispanic population, a crucial voting bloc that both candidates say they need to court if they plan on claiming victory come November.

However, the opportunity largely passed by unused, with the candidates sounding more polished and rehearsed than one might expect during a contentious race.

While Davis seemed to stay on-point and focus on Texas issues, Abbott often referenced President Barack Obama, seemingly trying to draw a clear connection between the White House and Davis.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re here in the Rio Grande Valley or if you’re in the Panhandle, you want to ensure that your public officials are abiding by the law,” Abbott said, after being asked about corruption along the border and recent comments he made on how the area resembled a “third-world country.” “As your attorney general and as your governor, I will ensure that is done.”

“These comments mean something. They label a community,” Davis said, directing attention to Abbott’s question regarding his “third-world” comments. “Mr. Abbott, although he’s said he has worked on corruption in other parts of this state, has never referred to other parts of [it] as ‘third-world.’ ”

The format also detracted from the effectiveness of the debate. While Sen. Davis was given exactly one minute to answer the first question, After Sen. Davis answered the first question, Abbott was given 45 seconds to make his rebuttal arguments before one of the

panelists returned to ask him a separate question.

Davis expanded on her stand on immigration when she said she believes everyone on the road should be insured including undocumented immigrants.

“As Arizona does, Texas, I believe, should issue driver certificates for people who pass a driver’s test and prove that they have insurance,” Davis said. “That’s the safest way that we can assure that people who are driving on our roads are

driving with the right authority and with the right insurance.”

On to the topic of veterans’ health care, moderator Ryan Wolf noted in his question to Abbott that an annual report ranks the Rio Grande Valley as worst in wait times when it comes to health care for veterans. In response, Abbott said he would work with the federal government as governor to effectively improve the timeliness and quality of health care for veterans.

“It is offensive that the men and women [who] have fought for our country are having to wait and now, it’s been documented, losing their lives because of the inadequate care from Veterans [Affairs],” Abbott said. “The men and women who serve on the front line should not have to be pushed to the back of the line when it comes to their health care needs.”

Abbott also went on to criticize the Obama administration for its lack of establishing a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, an issue that Abbott said Obama campaigned on.

“It is offensive that during his campaign, Barack Obama came down here to the Rio Grande Valley and said that he would establish a veterans healthcare hospital right here,” Abbott said. “We’re still waiting for the president to make true on his promise. I will work with federal authorities to ensure that we get the health care we need for our veterans.”

Davis also sympathizing with the community’s veterans and said that she finds the veterans’ health care situation unacceptable.

support for the death penalty as state law, but also suggested that he would work to improve the law’s effectiveness.

“I am in favor of the death penalty, and we want to ensure the death penalty is going to be enforced effectively,” Abbott said. “However, I think it is important that Texas continues to take a national leadership role in ensuring the accuracy and certainty of the death penalty, and that is why I worked with Sen. Rodney Ellis this last legislative session on an advance DNA testing process in death penalty cases to ensure that if a person is accused of a crime that would face the death penalty, we have the right person.”

The debate between Davis and Abbott was the first gubernatorial debate Texans have seen since 2006. Some Democratic pundits were hoping that Abbott would make a life-threatening mistake on stage, like Clayton Williams did in the 1990 gubernatorial debate when he refused to shake Ann Richards’ hand. Some feel the gesture caused Clayton to lose to Richards by two points in the general election. However, Abbott made no glaring mis- takes.

Abbott often spoke past Sen. Davis, rarely addressing her. Some fiery comments made in each candidate’s answers, including, for example, when Sen. Davis gave her rebuttal to a question about pre-k funding.

“My opponent has proposed standardized tests for four-year-olds to demonstrate that they deserve to have pre-k support, picking and choosing those which would receive it and those which wouldn’t,” Sen. Davis said. “Under Mr. Abbott, four-year-olds in this state can be assured that they’d be subject to standardized tests. The only way they’d get around that is if they hire a lobbyist, form a [Political Action Committee] and donate to the Greg Abbott campaign, because that’s how he works.”

The next and final gubernatorial debate will be held in Dallas on Sept. 30. The debate will include timed responses and follow-up questions and will be televised on all major media markets in the state.

“Right now, [our veterans] are having to drive as far as San Antonio. We have a great opportunity for [fixing] this with the new [University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley] medical school,” Davis said. “I’d like to see us work with the UT-RGV medical school to see if we can create a shared campus that pro- vides a medical hospital specifically for our veterans.” While both candidates disagreed on most issues, they both support Gov. Rick Perry’s deployment of troops to the Texas border.

Both Davis and Abbott criticized the federal government for not acting on the surge of undocumented immigrants in an effective manner.

“If the federal government will not act to secure our border, Texas must, and we will,” Davis said. “I did support the surge of DPS troops to our border, but I also asked [Gov. Perry]— and what I would [have done] had I been governor at the time — I asked him to convene us in a special session so that we could hear from local community members what their needs were here.”

Both Davis and Abbott were also in agreement on their support for the death penalty.

When asked about how he would ensure that innocents are not put to death in the state, Abbott reiterated his support for the death penalty as state law, but also suggested that he would work to improve the law’s effectiveness.

“I am in favor of the death penalty, and we want to ensure the death penalty is going to be enforced effectively,” Abbott said. “However, I think it is important that Texas continues to take a national leadership role in ensuring the accuracy and certainty of the death penalty, and that is why I worked with Sen. Rodney Ellis this last legislative session on an advance DNA testing process in death penalty cases to ensure that if a person is accused of a crime that would face the death penalty, we have the right person.”

The debate between Davis and Abbott was the first gubernatorial debate Texans have seen since 2006. Some Democratic pundits were hoping that Abbott would make a life-threatening mistake on stage, like Clayton Williams did in the 1990 gubernatorial debate when he refused to shake Ann Richards’ hand. Some feel the gesture caused Clayton to lose to Richards by two points in the general election. However, Abbott made no glaring mis- takes.

Abbott often spoke past Sen. Davis, rarely addressing her. Some fiery comments made in each candidate’s answers, including, for example, when Sen. Davis gave her rebuttal to a question about pre-k funding.

“My opponent has proposed standardized tests for four-year-olds to demonstrate that they deserve to have pre-k support, picking and choosing those which would receive it and those which wouldn’t,” Sen. Davis said. “Under Mr. Abbott, four-year-olds in this state can be assured that they’d be subject to standardized tests. The only way they’d get around that is if they hire a lobbyist, form a [Political Action Committee] and donate to the Greg Abbott campaign, because that’s how he works.”

The next and final gubernatorial debate will be held in Dallas on Sept. 30. The debate will include timed responses and follow-up questions and will be televised on all major media markets in the state.