Vermillion
Title IX Office: A Free Resource for On-campus Assaults
Many students don’t know that USD has an office dedicated to ensuring that every student is protected against discrimination on campus. Title IX is a section of U.S. law that protects students on college campuses from discrimination based upon race, sex, religion and other factors. In particular, Title IX extends the discrimination upon sex to […]
UPD Speaks about Sexual Assault on Campus
USD has sent two timely warnings since Jan. 1, 2023, regarding sexual-based violence. There is concern whether these acts are getting more frequent. However, Bryant Jackson, the UPD Chief of Police, said that these occurrences are rare for USD. However, sexual assault can be confused with sexual abuse and rape. Jackson describes someone being physically […]
Toxicity Sold as Love: How the Media Affects Perceptions of Love
While romantic comedies may be a favorite for many, they do not always portray love in an accurate or healthy way. According to the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), of the 118 movies that they counted from major studios, 18.6% of the movies contained someone that identified as LGBTQ. Many popular films follow […]
South Dakota: Second Highest Rape Rate
Since 1960, the rape rate in South Dakota has been steadily increasing according to the South Dakota Department of Health. However, in the last 30 years, South Dakota has exceeded the national rate and most years placed in the top five states for highest rape numbers per 100,000 inhabitants in the United States. In 2021, […]
Are Verm Cats Minimizing their Appearance on Campus?
Members of the USD community have taken a Keen interest in cats around campus. In consequence, they have named them Verm Cats. But with the weather, Verm Cats have altered their appearance throughout the community. Judy Zwolak, a concerned community member and a volunteer associated with The Heartland Humane Society in Yankton. She has spent […]
Laundry Machines on Campus
Sophomore student, Spencer Pigman, saves his laundry every two weeks due to the expense of the laundry machines. “[I dislike] it when the washers and dryers are broken and it is really extensive,” Pigman said. He said the laundry machines in his dorm complex are constantly out of order. And as a result causes stress, […]
Muirhead Named Chair of USD Department of Pathology
DesiRae Muirhead recalls the words of her father which propelled her towards obtaining a pathology degree: “If you’re going to do it, you should be the top dog.” Since then, Muirhead has found success in various areas of medicine, but most recently in being named Chair of the USD Department of Pathology. After receiving her […]
Vermillion’s Snow Fall Brings Long Working Hours
Vermillion has seen multiple snowstorms come through town this year, increasing the need for snow removal. This winter, the university’s Grounds and Landscaping team has been hard at work clearing parking lots, roads and sidewalks across campus. Nate Steele is the Director of Grounds and Landscaping here at USD. According to Steele, this winter has […]
SD Legislature Removes Clause Limiting Drag Shows
Two House Bills (HB) were introduced in South Dakota legislation on Jan. 24 that would prohibit events like USD Spectrum’s annual drag show from occurring on campus or with children in attendance. However, only one passed, and it passed with amendments that remove the clauses involving references to drag performances. HB 1116 is the “act […]
Continued Rise in International Students
Samantha Hartje and Charles Streeter The University of South Dakota has seen new faces from around the world. In recent semesters, the growth of international students continues to increase. According to Patrick Morrison, the Director of the Gallagher Center, the international student population increased 59% from the Spring 2022 semester to Spring 2023. Currently, there […]