VP for diversity, equity and inclusion discusses goals for UA 09/11/17
By Camille Studebaker
G. Christine Taylor filled the University’s inaugural position, vice president and associate provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, in August 2017 a year after the University started its search. After getting acclimated to the University, she narrowed in on her goals for the position. She wants to stably diversify faculty and staff, increase the enrollment level of historically marginalized students, prepare students for their career by working with people who are different from them and make campus a place where students, faculty and staff thrive.
Some professors, students think Doug Jones winning election will improve Alabama’s image 12/14/17
By Jessa Reid Bolling
Democrat Doug Jones won Alabama’s special Senate election by 1.5 points. Jones defeated Conservative Roy Moore, claiming a traditionally deeply red state and was the first Alabama Democrat elected for senator in 25 years. Some students and professors said Jones beating Moore should help correct negative stereotypes of Alabama.
GoFundMe raises over $10,000 for transgender student’s tuition 12/03/17
By Jessa Reid Bolling
Daniel “Danny” Sisson, an 18-year-old transgender student at The University of Alabama, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for tuition after his parents no longer supported him financially. Although he had an academic scholarship, he needed a way to fund other college expenses such as room and board. His online campaign received over $10,000 in donations in less than eight hours.
City Council votes to give entertainment district another trial run 02/22/18
By Jennifer Johns
After an original test run during the Fall 2017 football season, the City Council voted to bring back the entertainment district downtown until August 2018. The district allows people over 21 to walk around with open containers of alcohol within the boundaries of the district. Opposition argued it would turn downtown into Bourbon Street, while some business owners argued it would help promote better business.
Jesse Jackson speaks on Alabama’s social, political climate 03/01/2018
By Annie Hollon and Sam West
Renowned civil rights activist Jesse Jackson addressed a large crowd on the UA campus about facing hostile social and political climates in Alabama. Condemning a violence-prone culture, Jackson argued for heavier gun control and fighting “fire with water, with hope and healing.” In the wake of multiple viral videos depicting former UA students making racist remarks, Jackson said both students and the administration need to keep fighting against aggressors.
White nationalist sparks controversy
by Chandler Gory and Mason Estevez
The organization Students for America First invited Jared Taylor, a self-proclaimed “race realist,” to speak on campus about how diversity is a detriment to America. The group announced the talk on social media and immediately faced negative backlash. The group slowly started deteriorating after their faculty advisor resigned, leading to general members and members of the executive board denouncing their association with SFAF. Unable to find a replacement advisor, the organization lost its student designation and had to rescind Taylor’s invitation.
