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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Shahriyar Emami
Hugh Culverhouse, Jr. pledged $25 million to the University last year.

Emails show Culverhouse decision unrelated to abortion ban

Rebecca Griesbach and Shahriyar Emami June 9, 2019

The University of Alabama System has been adamant that the decision to return Hugh Culverhouse Jr.’s $21.5 million donation had nothing to do with his public disavowal of the Alabama abortion ban. Now,...

Groundskeepers remove Hugh F. Culverhouse, Jr. from UA law school sign.

BREAKING: Culverhouse School of Law name change confirmed

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter June 7, 2019

After several claims of micromanagement and a recent call to boycott the University, the University of Alabama’s top donor will get his money back. The UA Board of Trustees met on Friday, June 7...

Bestselling author speaks on dangers of substance misuse

Bestselling author speaks on dangers of substance misuse

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter April 24, 2019
The second annual guest speaker series for the University’s Department of Collegiate Recovery and Intervention Services will be hosting author William Cope Moyers.
Creative writing program hosts write-in for students to prepare for finals

Creative writing program hosts write-in for students to prepare for finals

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter April 23, 2019
Any creative writing or English students looking to work on portfolio assignments or prepare for finals are invited to the Finals Week Write-In. The event is hosted by the University’s English department.
CW/ Joe Will Field

President Bell responds to student labor group’s demands for Crimson Ride drivers’ rights

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter April 11, 2019
University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell recently responded to a letter drop from Students for Fair Labor (SFL) that occured on April 3. The aim of the letter was to demand better wages, hours and health benefits for campus bus drivers employed by First Transit. However, SFL does not think that Bell’s response is enough, and the group has prepared an escalation plan if conditions do not improve.
Photo courtesy of Angelique Umutoniwase

Rwanda genocide survivor visits annual commemoration

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter April 1, 2019
The UA Capstone International Center will sponsor survivor Angelique Umutoniwase’s first trip to the Rwandan genocide commemoration in Washington, D.C. for its 25th anniversary.
UPDATE (3/25/19): AMP students unsure of graduate school Senate eligibility

UPDATE (3/25/19): AMP students unsure of graduate school Senate eligibility

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter March 21, 2019
A student pursuing a master’s degree through an Accelerated Master’s Program was not allowed to run for a graduate student Senate seat, despite meeting the GPA and coursework requirements.
Q&A with Alexandra Sample, executive secretary candidate

Q&A with Alexandra Sample, executive secretary candidate

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter March 4, 2019

Q: Year, major, hometown? A: I am a junior. I’m majoring in public health and I just added on a minor in psychology. My hometown is Ponte Vedra, Florida. How did you originally get involved...

Photo Courtesy of Patti Cloud

Alumnus’ family opens memorial scholarship

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter February 28, 2019
Following UA alumnus Joshua Cloud’s death in 2017, his family is working on creating the Joshua Mark Cloud Scholarship, an endowment fund available by 2023 in his remembrance.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Cogburn

REACH director receives Judy Bonner Prize

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter February 25, 2019
Shannon Hubbard, director of Alabama REACH, was awarded the Judy Bonner Presidential Medallion Prize on Feb. 21 for positively impacting the community’s culture.
CW/ Kallie Chabla

Calvary Baptist plans to build parking deck near Bryant-Denny

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter February 16, 2019
Construction for the planned Calvary Baptist church parking deck is expected to begin in 2020 after the fall football season. The deck is designed to connect to the church, which is located on Paul W Bryant Drive.
CW/ Carter Eike

Students design apps to improve everyday life

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter February 4, 2019
Two junior computer science students are designing an app that intends to make the lives of students and faculty easier.
Faculty help students gain real-world job experience

Faculty help students gain real-world job experience

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter January 24, 2019
Internships and co-ops allow students to gain experience in the fields they’re interested in, and some University departments such as the journalism, accounting and engineering departments are especially helpful in assisting students in landing those internships and co-ops.
Confirmed flu cases in Tuscaloosa decrease compared to 2017

Confirmed flu cases in Tuscaloosa decrease compared to 2017

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter January 17, 2019
While winter break has come to an end with the semester in full effect, people on campus must still be careful of catching influenza, as it is still flu season.
CW/ Hannah Saad

SGA starts semester by hosting health event

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter January 10, 2019
The Student Government Association is hosting its first Days of Health event, a three-day affair encouraging physical, mental and emotional health for students during the first three days of classes.
CW/ Kallie Chabla

UA housing policies harm homeless students

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter December 6, 2018
For Carina Villarreal, a junior majoring in public relations, helping less fortunate people and speaking out against injustice are some of her passions.
Using Star Trek to Understand Evolution (Preview)

Using Star Trek to Understand Evolution (Preview)

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter November 28, 2018
Mohamed Noor, a professor and former department chair of biology at Duke University, will talk about how “Star Trek” can be used to understand evolution.
CW/ Lexi Link

SGA Special Election announces new School of Social Work senator

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter November 26, 2018
The Student Government Association Special Election for the School of Social Work began at 7 a.m. on Nov. 20.
Photo courtesy of Ben Gitter

UA students win Best Overall at VandyHacks

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter November 20, 2018
Ben Gitter, a junior majoring in computer science, taught himself to code throughout late middle school and early high school by watching YouTube videos.
New VP of research and economic development emphasizes importance of involving students

New VP of research and economic development emphasizes importance of involving students

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter November 9, 2018
Russell Mumper is the new vice president for research and economic development at the University, effective Jan. 1, 2019.
CW/ Austin Bigoney

Protesters rally against Sessions firing

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer November 9, 2018
Protesters gathered outside the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse tonight in reaction to President Donald Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Preview: Science and Religion

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter November 6, 2018
The event is a conversation to discuss the compatibility of scientific evidence with the existence of God.
CW/ Joseph Field

Students to meet with school systems at Education Interview Day

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 23, 2018
Students can attend Education Interview Day to get a resume review, dress tips and more. Dress for the event is business professional.
Photo courtesy of Capstone Agency

PRSSA names student-run firm top in nation

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 22, 2018
Capstone Agency was recently named the top student-run PR firm in the nation by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) for the second time in its history on Oct. 8.

Virginia delegate urges underrepresented groups to run for office

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 19, 2018
Students, faculty and staff gathered in a ten Hoor classroom on Tuesday, Oct. 16 to hear Virginia Delegate Danica Roem (D-13th), the first transgender woman elected to a state legislature, speak about the importance of people from underrepresented groups running for political office.
CW/ Adam Sieracki

Vice President for Student Life responds to student labor group

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 17, 2018
Students for Fair Labor (SFL) is pushing a campaign to make Vive La Fete (VLF), a children’s embroidery company in based in Miami, Florida.
CW/ Scarlet VanMeter

University to celebrate National Fossil Day

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 15, 2018
The University will celebrate National Fossil Day as established by the National Parks Service.
CW/ Scarlet VanMeter

SGA continues Play for Four, Stay for Four executive initiative

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 15, 2018
The initiative, Play for Four, Stay for Four, implemented new ways to keep students in seats for the entire duration of a football game.
CW/ Joseph Field

Lecture to focus on history of violence against Mexican immigrants

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 9, 2018
Monica Muñoz Martinez, award winning author, educator and historian will speak, and the lecture is free and open to the public
CW/ Baylee Clark

Q&A with Baylee Clark, homecoming queen candidate

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter October 8, 2018
Homecoming queen candidate, Baylee Clark, discusses her platform and motivations.
CW/ Joe Will

Student group tackles clothing campaign

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer October 1, 2018
Chan said The University of Alabama has a contract with Vive La Fete and that the company is a logo licensee of the University, meaning that they pay the University to use the school’s logo on its clothing.
CW/ Adam Sieracki

Red Cross blood drive comes to Tuscaloosa

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter September 26, 2018
“Blood and platelets are used for burn victims, patients with cancer. Every two seconds, someone in the world is in need of blood.”
CW/ Adam Sieracki

International Students and Scholars Social to help students interact

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Reporter September 26, 2018
WHAT: The School of Social Work’s International Students and Scholars Social
CW/ Shah Emami

Board of trustees meets, discusses fiscal budget

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 24, 2018
The board of trustees met Sept. 21 in the Bryant Conference Center to confer about fiscal budget matters for the three universities in The University of Alabama System.

Organization on campus aims to lessen abortion stigma

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 24, 2018
For Taylor Dial, the option to get an abortion should be available to anyone who needs one.
CW/ Scarlet VanMeter

FDA cracks down on e-cigarette ‘epidemic’

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 24, 2018
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is calling underage e-cigarette use an epidemic, addressing underage smoking by going after e-cigarette manufacturers like Juul.

Quad in Motion promotes physical activity

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 11, 2018
Organized by the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, the annual Quad in Motion event encourages members of the University to take 30 minutes out of their day to participate in some sort of physical activity as a group on the Quad.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Faulkner

UA recycling numbers increase in August

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 10, 2018
Last month, the University saw almost a 48,000 pound increase compared to August 2017, when total pounds recycled was 344,340, according to a UA monthly recycling report from 2016 to 2017.
CW/ Jordan Hadley

University spends $194 million on construction

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 7, 2018
In August, $194 million worth of various construction projects were completed around The University of Alabama campus.

Former Florida State professor to speak on apocalyptic images

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 7, 2018
A lecture on apocalyptic images in the medieval Book of Revelation.
Photo courtesy of Clutch!

Clutch! app looks to improve gameday parking

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer September 6, 2018
Marketing itself as “the Airbnb of game day parking,” Clutch! connects fans with sellers, offering parking spaces within two miles of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Students can look to get involved at Get On Board Day

Students can look to get involved at Get On Board Day

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer August 30, 2018
Students have the opportunity to learn more about different organizations on Thursday evening at Get On Board Day.
CW/ Joseph Field

Office of Off-Campus Resources helps students transition to off-campus living

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer August 28, 2018
In addition to researching new housing, the University provides resources to help students better navigate their first time searching for off-campus locations with the Office of Off-Campus Resources.
Lakeside Dining renovations complete

Lakeside Dining renovations complete

Shahriyar Emami, Staff Writer August 20, 2018
After finishing renovations during the summer, the updated Lakeside Dining Hall will be ready for the fall semester.

Groups on campus recognized at graduation celebrations

Shahriyar Emami April 26, 2018

With the end of the semester approaching, students are preparing for their graduation. In celebration, some organizations on campus are organizing events to recognize students of minority communities. ...

Alabama gambling laws curbs revenue

Alabama gambling laws curbs revenue

Shahriyar Emami April 19, 2018

As vice president of finance for Alpha Kappa Psi at The University of Alabama, Parker Johnson is in charge of making fundraising opportunities for the people in the organization. A quick idea for raising...

Students stave off sleep for grades

Students stave off sleep for grades

Shahriyar Emami April 16, 2018

With finals getting closer and closer, students at the University are trying to balance sleep, stress and academics to make sure they are ending the year on a good note. Contrary to popular belief, however,...

Computer science department grows with technology

Computer science department grows with technology

Shahriyar Emami April 9, 2018

The UA department of computer science has about 250 undergraduate students, but Jeff Gray, a professor in the department, said the department believes the number could be higher.  Gray said the mantra...

Spring pollen count high in Tuscaloosa

Spring pollen count high in Tuscaloosa

Shahriyar Emami April 4, 2018

According to the Alabama Allergy and Asthma Center, the pollen count for trees is high in 2018. In Tuscaloosa, spring means warm weather, more hours of daylight and flowers blooming with spring allergies....

Alabama workforce requires more preparation according to survey

Shahriyar Emami April 2, 2018

According to a recently released survey of Alabama executives, one of the top five issues facing the state are education and workplace training, but students coming out of The University of Alabama don't...

Stopping local break-ins proves difficult for TPD

Stopping local break-ins proves difficult for TPD

Shahriyar Emami March 29, 2018

Kate Dassenko and her roommate Nicole Busiak were spending time at home when they heard a loud noise coming from their garage. “It was loud and only for a few seconds,” Busiak said. “We all checked...

Tuscaloosa Police Department reports rise in car breaking, entering

Tuscaloosa Police Department reports rise in car breaking, entering

Shahriyar Emami March 22, 2018

The Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD) reported a rise from last year in breaking and entering cases regarding motor vehicles in their 2017 annual crime report.  The report discloses that unlawful breaking...

Scales' campaign team remains united after SGA presidential loss

Scales’ campaign team remains united after SGA presidential loss

Shahriyar Emami March 6, 2018

In the few minutes after the SGA presidential results rolled in, the emotion in the small conference room in Rowand-Johnson Hall went from levity to silence.  The Scales’ campaign team was shocked when...

SGA presidential candidate Scales wants to improve campus for everyone

SGA presidential candidate Scales wants to improve campus for everyone

Shahriyar Emami March 5, 2018

SGA presidential candidate Amber Scales has been involved on campus for the history of her time at The University of Alabama. Examples of her experience range from her position as vice-chair of the Blackburn...

Nationwide shortage of yellow fever vaccine hits UMC

Nationwide shortage of yellow fever vaccine hits UMC

Shahriyar Emami February 28, 2018

The national shortage of the yellow fever vaccine, YF-VAX, has spread here to Tuscaloosa where the University Medical Center has also run out of the vaccine. “Across the United States there are usually...

University named top producer of Fulbright students

University named top producer of Fulbright students

Shahriyar Emami February 26, 2018

After being named one of the top 25 universities for producing Fulbright students, the University has shown that not only is it a leading institution in academics and football, it has influence that can...

UA student technology advances outside of research

UA student technology advances outside of research

Shahriyar Emami February 19, 2018

Four students on campus have come together to create an accessible combination of technology and sports to improve players' softball and baseball game, originally thanks to the UA Emerging Scholars program....

Petition seeks to right injustices, promote diversity

Petition seeks to right injustices, promote diversity

Shahriyar Emami February 15, 2018

“My first month on campus I got the n-word shouted at me,” said Cheyenne Ford, a recent UA graduate who majored in African American studies and theatre. “There’s a lot of aspects of this University...

Alabama uses facial recognition to stop tax fraud

Alabama uses facial recognition to stop tax fraud

Shahriyar Emami February 8, 2018

In an age when everyone’s identity is collected onto their phones and mobile devices, the Alabama Department of Revenue and IDEMIA, a security company, have partnered together to release an app to protect...

Workshop to help students readjust academically

Workshop to help students readjust academically

Shahriyar Emami February 7, 2018

WHAT: “Starting All Over Again” workshop  WHO: The event is free for students WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 7,  6-7 p.m. WHERE: 355 Russell Hall WHY:  For some students, the fall semester was an overwhelming...

Alabama Senate to eliminate marriage licenses

Alabama Senate to eliminate marriage licenses

Shahriyar Emami February 1, 2018

Recently, the Alabama State Senate voted to get rid of marriage licenses as well as the requirement for marriage ceremonies.  The bill is a result of a few probate judges in the state refusing to issue...

Dining halls, SGA still run during winter closures

Dining halls, SGA still run during winter closures

Shahriyar Emami January 26, 2018

Less than a month into the spring semester, The University of Alabama has already had to shut down operations due to weather conditions.  “The most common reason for the University to suspend operations...

Colombian student experiences Crimson Tide culture through English Language Institute

Colombian student experiences Crimson Tide culture through English Language Institute

Shahriyar Emami January 25, 2018

Santiago Mejia Villegas, a native Colombian, was first exposed to American football, a rare sport in Colombia, during his time on the Alabama campus. “It is impossible to live in the campus during the...

Tuscaloosa facility recycles Christmas decorations

Tuscaloosa facility recycles Christmas decorations

Shahriyar Emami January 12, 2018

The Curry Environmental Facility in Tuscaloosa is offering a program to let people drop off Christmas trees as well other greenery and decorations to be recycled to make cleaning up for the new year a...

UA professor studies mass shootings in America

UA professor studies mass shootings in America

Shahriyar Emami December 5, 2017

The Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. These are locations of what Business Insider called three of the ten...

UA, ALDOT install driving data devices in Tuscaloosa

UA, ALDOT install driving data devices in Tuscaloosa

Shahriyar Emami November 20, 2017

Technology is moving faster today than it ever has. Phones recognize the faces of their owners, artificial intelligence serves as a household assistant, and steps are being taken to make self-driving cars...

KRACK attacks WPA-2 networks, UA likely safe

Shahriyar Emami November 2, 2017

Wi-Fi is a staple of the modern technological world. It links us and our devices together and makes connection smoother. However, it was recently discovered that an attack called KRACK, or Key Reinstallation...

Lecture explores gender discrimination, harassment at work, school

Lecture explores gender discrimination, harassment at work, school

Shahriyar Emami October 20, 2017

Students, many members of the faculty and others from various social organizations gathered in Gorgas 205 on Thursday. They came to hear Ellen Mayock talk about gender equality and sexual harassment in...

Author to discuss gender discrimination in the workplace, college campuses

Author to discuss gender discrimination in the workplace, college campuses

Shahriyar Emami October 18, 2017

What: Ellen Mayock will present her book Gender Shrapnel in the Academic Workplace. The book discusses topics like sexual discrimination, harassment and violence in workplaces and on college campuses. ...

Alabamians work to solve the state's opioid epidemic

Alabamians work to solve the state’s opioid epidemic

Shahriyar Emami October 16, 2017

For David Albright, it was his military service that sparked his interest in substance abuse and mental health disorders. The subject hits close to home for the associate professor, who had a female veteran...

Counseling center promotes suicide awareness week with training, events

Counseling center promotes suicide awareness week with training, events

Shahriyar Emami October 5, 2017

Suicide is not a topic always discussed openly, and yet it is the second highest cause of death among college students. The University of Alabama Counseling Center is partnering up with organizations on...

Books to snag for fall

Books to snag for fall

Shahriyar Emami September 28, 2017

As the weather begins to cool down, you may find yourself longing for some recreation to replace your favorite summer activities. Kicking back with these books will help you settle into fall, whether you're...

Twitter accounts to keep you laughing

Twitter accounts to keep you laughing

Shahriyar Emami September 27, 2017

When the stress of school wears you down, a good laugh can come in handy. Thankfully, the internet is full of comics to help you out. When you follow these Twitter accounts, a much-needed chuckle is just...

Students face rising loan debts

Students face rising loan debts

Shahriyar Emami September 25, 2017

For Mary Buzbee, financial stress has become normalized. Estranged from her parents, she has been financially independent for a long time. Buzbee has had to pay her way through college through means such...

Review: 'Bojack Horseman' returns in a big, bad way

Review: ‘Bojack Horseman’ returns in a big, bad way

Shahriyar Emami September 19, 2017

We are truly in a golden age of television. One of this year’s most hard-hitting shows covers depression, overdose, tortuous marriages and toxic family relationships. These topics are covered in a cartoon...

Get on Board Day persists despite inclement weather

Get on Board Day persists despite inclement weather

Shahriyar Emami September 6, 2017

On September 5, hundreds of students shuffled through the crowded exterior of the Ferguson Student Center. The sky was grey as rain lightly showered on people adorned with raincoats and umbrellas. From...

FYE provides stress relief tips to first-year students

FYE provides stress relief tips to first-year students

Shahriyar Emami September 5, 2017

Freshman year can be a daunting time for many. Moving out of their parents' homes, living with strange new roommates, registering for classes, and participating in campus activities comes a steep learning...

7 podcasts to check out this fall

7 podcasts to check out this fall

Shahriyar Emami September 5, 2017

After listening to your playlists on perpetual repeat, sometimes you need something fresh and exciting to listen to while waiting for Frank Ocean to drop a new album. Podcasts make for great listening...

UPDATED: Tornado watch issued for UA, Tuscaloosa county

UPDATED: Tornado watch issued for UA, Tuscaloosa county

Shahriyar Emami August 31, 2017

A tornado watch has been issued for The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa County until 8 p.m. Thursday, according to an alert from the University. In case of a tornado warning, students and faculty...