Last weekend, CNN reported that two journalists working for Reuters, a news and business website, from Myanmar were arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison for investigating and reporting on the massacre of Rohinga Muslims in the region. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo reportedly broke the Official Secrets Act by taking classified information from police officials, but Reuters is standing by the pair, claiming that they were within their rights to report on the war crimes. Also claiming that there have been claims of a set-up by police officials in order to entrap the journalists. This happened halfway…
Author: Baylor Lariat
As contemporary culture encourages us to view history as inherently interpretive, we can often find ourselves questioning the dominant narratives that drive historical memory. In attempts to revisit the past in a way that values more oppressed groups, a balance must be struck between preserving the past and glorifying it. In the United States, conversations surrounding the removal of Confederate statues have become heated debates. In August, protesters at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tore down the Confederate statue “Silent Sam.” The destruction of this statue could have been avoided if the public university, and the nation at…
When we think back on our favorite films, most of us will recall a particularly impactful storyline, an especially believable character or a memorable plot element. The truth is, for many years now, big budget films have fallen short in these regards. Also, it seems like every heavily marketed film falls into the category of unnecessary remake or un-asked-for sequel. In recent years, films that have continued to inspire audiences, raise provocative questions and illustrate a unique perspective are often not distributed to as broad an audience.Independent films, or indies, are typically produced with a relatively low budget, free from…
In the first episode of the semester, our anchors talk about the recently released Art Briles court filing, new ways in Waco to satisfy your sweet tooth and Baylor Athletics’ clear bag policy.
By Palmer Brigham | Guest Columnist As a Baylor tour guide, I understand the tradition of Chapel. Several times a week, I stand in front of Waco Hall and tell prospective students about Baylor’s pride in its Christian roots and its continued commitment to those beliefs. I talk about how Baylor students “get to” (purposefully avoiding words about compulsory attendance that could illicit complaints) attend two semesters of Chapel. I depict Chapel as a time to take your mind off the school day while talking about how nice it is to have a “class” with a simple attendance grade and…
Walking across campus, you’re sure to spot countless women wearing colorful T-shirts or jerseys with Greek letters plastered across the front. From an outsider’s perspective, Baylor sorority membership seems to consist primarily of themed dances, All-University Sing and a sense of sisterhood; however, behind the catchy slogans, color schemes and somewhat jarring chants are regular students trying to successfully make it to graduation and, for some members, that road is a little less smooth than for others. It’s common knowledge that sorority membership comes with a heavy cost. Each semester, members must pay dues to participate in their chosen organizations.…
Baylor athletic events now require clear bags to carry items.
New York University’s School of Medicine announced last week that it will be tuition-free for all current and future students. Such a prestigious institution addressing accessibility issues in medicine is a huge step forward in the move toward diversifying the medicine field and encouraging dedicated, qualified and passionate individuals to pursue a career in medicine.The program covers a yearly tuition of $55,018. Relieving students of this burden not only encourages them to go into the profession, but also helps them to remain in the field at a comfortable living rate once they’ve put in their time and done the work.…
Last week Ohio State University suspended its head football coach, Urban Meyer, for three games following the university’s investigation into his handling of domestic abuse allegations involving his former assistant coach, Zach Smith. A report made public by the university on Wednesday found that Meyer was aware of allegations of abuse before he hired Smith at Ohio State. The evidence against Meyer is damning — a three-game suspension is a joke and an insult to all victims of abuse. Either Meyer knew Smith was abusing his wife and did not report it or he didn’t know. If he did know…
This week, Cameron Stuart and Andrew Cline preview the college football season and dive deep into the Urban Meyer scandal and suspension at Ohio State. They are also joined by resident Spurs expert Thomas Marotta in the wake of Manu Ginobili’s retirement and discuss his Hall of Fame status.
By Clay Parham | Guest ColumnistThe latest round of indictments against President Donald Trump’s inner circle has brought forth an onslaught of criticism directed toward the United States Justice Department from our sitting president. We should do everything we can to make sure the judicial branch of our government remains strong. The president’s attacks on the Justice Department sets a dangerous precedent in American politics. Past scandal-ridden presidencies have remained distant from investigations. Admittedly, President Bill Clinton was unable to fire then special counsel Ken Starr due to a Watergate-Era Act titled the Ethics in Government Act. This act expired…
Story by Bridget Sjoberg | Staff Writer, Video by Melanie Pace | Broadcast Reporter Sunday afternoon, 106 racers traveled 3.9 miles to raise money and awareness for an important cause … in kayaks. This event marked the first year of Kayak for a Cause, a kayaking and paddle boarding race on the Brazos River to benefit the American Valor Foundation. Kayak for a Cause had single and double kayak categories, as well as a division for stand-up paddle boarders. Pokey O’s was served and iHeart Radio was a prominent sponsor, but the main goal of the event was to support…
By DJ Ramirez | ContributorIncluded in the list of new and exciting experiences happening during the first week of school, a new scuba diving club will be present at Late Night Friday. The SEA Bears were founded by Ft. Benning, Ga. junior Claire Costanza and San Antonio junior Noah Wiatrek early in the Spring 2018 semester. Costanza, a biology pre-med student from a military family, was inspired to start the club at Baylor because of her father, who had been part of a scuba program at the United States Military Academy. After her father underwent surgery to remove a brain…
By Melanie Pace | Broadcast ReporterHeavy rain did not stop freshmen from attending a Welcome Week worship service Sunday night at the Ferrell Center. Dr. Burt Burleson, university chaplain,said a worship service has been part of the Welcome Week tradition for several decades. The service included live music as well as recitations of scripture.Burleson said he hopes the experience at the Ferrell Center helps freshmen to have a “sense of belonging” and to “know that they are loved” in their new home at Baylor. As for students without a faith background, Burleson said he hopes the Christian community at Baylor…
On the first episode of Don’t Feed The Bears of the 2018-19 school year, hosts Max Calderone and Cameron Stuart are joined by Andrew Cline to recap the year that was in Baylor Athletics, talk this summer’s biggest sports stories, and preview the upcoming season for various Baylor teams.
Not knowing your grades and forgetting when your tests are can be the most frustrating moments of the year. As the school year begins, now is the time to think about organizational changes that need to be made. Professors expect respect and organization from their students—as they should—but it would help if professors were mindful about returning the favor.Canvas is a helpful tool for professors and students alike all throughout the year. Professors who lament the loss of Blackboard or still resort to paper copies of everything could open up a whole new world of possibilities simply by not remaining…
Robert F. Darden | Guest ContributorToday’s homecoming of Aretha Franklin prompted me to pull out her legendary double-CD live set, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” from 1987. While the live “Amazing Grace” set (1972) is the justly more famous, more satisfying collection, “One Lord” has moments of transcendent beauty and power, including her 10-minute tour de force with Mavis Staples on “O Happy Day.””One Lord” also features “I’ve Been in the Storm Too Long,” written by her long-time pianist and collaborator, the Rev. James Cleveland and sung as a duet with the last of gospel’s old school shouters, Joe…
Photos by MJ Routh and Jason Pedreros
On this semester’s final episode, Max Calderone and Kris Beasley are joined in-studio by Andrew Cline. The entire crew takes a look back at this year in Baylor Athletics before playing two new games and capping off the spring on Baylor Lariat Sports Radio.
By Elise Crosley | ContributorThe men shuffled into the 22-story building, anxiously passing by the pinkly-lit windows. Each kept his head down and moved quickly. Customer after customer stood in line, waiting to pay for their desired services. One man looked down a narrow hallway with doors lining the walls, each one adorned with a variety of phrases and decor to draw the eye of the customer. The man approached the third door and knocked. A young girl, appearing to be about fifteen years old, opened the door hesitantly. He noticed a rickety bed and rusty shower in the room…
Baylor’s Greek community is certainly distinct, especially when compared to other universities of the same caliber. An emphasis on service, spiritual growth and academics, among other things, have helped Baylor break Greek stereotypes, especially considering the university’s firm anti-hazing policy. However, despite these notable differences from Baylor and other colleges, there is always room for improvement, and Baylor Student Activities has recently asked for feedback from the Baylor community on how to make the sorority and fraternity experience even better. “We want the voices of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, families and friends to help shape the future of our…
By Rachel Mason | Contributor A wave of warm, rich chocolate wafts past students’ noses as they entered 1845 at Memorial Dining Hall. Enticed by the smell, they approach a glass counter where a small figure delicately removes oven-hot cookies from a sheet. The woman looks up with her famous smile, the kind that pulls from ear to ear, and says to each of the hungry students, “You have a wonderful day.” Mei Lan Tam, known to most Baylor students as Ms. Mei, has worked for Baylor for over nine years baking treats, especially chocolate chip cookies, at 1845 at…
We all have a favorite TV show –– “The Office,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “New Girl,” “Law and Order.” We often find ourselves deeply involved with the characters, empathizing with them through hard times and celebrating their successes. We talk with our friends about our favorite episodes, referencing funny lines. We recommend our favorite shows to others, inviting them into this alternate world that we have found comfort in. Television engages us in a uniquely accessible way: Americans watch an average of five hours and four minutes of television each day, according to a 2016 Neilson report. Since TV is such a…
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and CLAUDIA LAUER, Associated Press NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Bill Cosby was convicted Thursday of drugging and molesting a woman in the first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era, completing the spectacular late-in-life downfall of a comedian who broke racial barriers in Hollywood on his way to TV superstardom as America’s Dad. Cosby, 80, could end up spending his final years in prison after a jury concluded he sexually violated Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004. He stared straight ahead as the verdict was read but moments later lashed out…
In this week’s episode, our anchors talk about how seniors can get help with life after graduation, how one program will aid students in crisis and what the softball team has been up to.
Graduation falls between being a student under training and being let loose as a contributing member of society. This event is a marker of celebration and accomplishment.On such an occasion, the commencement speech experience should be unique to the audience. The Baylor tradition is to have the president of the university speak to graduates. While university presidents are markedly great orators, students have opportunities to hear from them on multiple occasions. Instead, students would be best served having an alumnus commencement speaker. Historically, students spoke at commencement ceremonies. According to Time Magazine, the tradition for nearly two centuries was for…
For popular schools swamped with applicants, college waitlists can be a part of the admissions process for several institutions. Baylor University, for the fourth time, has announced its own waitlist for this upcoming year. Instituting a waitlist can be both beneficial and a hindrance to the high school seniors that find their names on it. Leaving students in the limbo of not being accepted nor rejected can often bring frustration to applicants.Jessica King Gereghty, assistant vice president of undergraduate admissions at Baylor, said a waitlist is a tool geared around helping institutions meet class goals for the new year.”Schools will…
By Alison Rogers | ContributorI am epileptic. However, I think I am going to start wearing a sign to reassure others that all is well and they have nothing to worry about.My particular brand of epilepsy bridges the gap between physical and mental illness –– while the physical aspect, the seizures, is largely controlled by medicine, the emotional aspect, which borrows characteristics from several mental disorders, remains a challenge.Baylor has made lots of efforts to “normalize” mental illness. Freshmen receive Chapel training on anxiety, depression and suicide prevention. In September, Fountain Mall was covered with white flags for suicide awareness…
Waco police to host prescription drug take-backNational Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is on Saturday. Area police departments and the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to properly dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over the counter drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 28 at multiple locations around Waco, including the Baylor University Police Department in the Speight Avenue Parking Deck at 1521 S 4th St. Doing this can also prevent pill abuse and theft. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is…