National
Net neutrality brings unique challenges to students and South Dakotans
The Federal Communication Commission repealed net neutrality mid-december, an Obama-era policy that ensured internet service providers allow equal access to keep the Internet a free and open space. Under the repeal of net neutrality students could be effected because internet service providers could potentially have complete freedom to slow download speeds, block websites and charge more money for certain websites to run quicker […]
Clery Report provides insight into crime data, policies on campus
With two reported sexual assaults on campus last semester, multiple student forums addressing the issue of campus sexual assault and the ICARE launch this semester, the USD community has come together to discuss solutions to preventing sexual assault on campus. One way sexual assaults are measured on campus is the annual Clery Report, also known […]
Updated: Sexual assault education grant approved, progress yet to be seen by students
Though USD received a $300,000 grant in October of 2016 to educate students on sexual assault, progress with training and programming has yet to be seen by students. Marisa Cummings, ICARE program coordinator, was hired last February to oversee the grant’s day-to-day operations. She submitted the strategic plan for ICARE (Inclusion, Compassion, Advocacy, Respect and Engagement) on […]
Students get involved in South Dakota campaigns for U.S. Congress
With the U.S. presidential election ending almost a year ago, preparations are already underway for the 2018 midterm election. In South Dakota, there are six local candidates running for U.S. Congress. Democratic candidates are Chris Martian and Tim Bjorkman. Republican candidates include Dusty Johnson, Shantel Krebs and Eric Terrell. Lastly, George Hendrickson is running as an independent candidate. […]
Board of Regents search for next president underway
Following the recent retirement announcement of USD President James Abbott, the university now faces a long process ahead to fill his position before next year. Abbott previously stated in an interview he wanted to retire early enough to give the South Dakota Board of Regents plenty of time to conduct a thorough search that would […]
As possible Title IX changes loom, USD intends to keep current policies in place
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced in a speech earlier this month that she will rescind an Obama Administration policy on Title IX and will develop a replacement to better balance the rights of victims and the accused. However, because USD’s Title IX policies are set by the South Dakota Board of Regents, DeVos’ new policies likely won’t […]
USD students and faculty lend a hand in hurricane relief
USD student organizations and faculty members have been actively involved in providing aid for the recent hurricane in Houston, TX. Terry Crandall, an adjunct professor in the school of education, is currently in Houston helping relieve the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. Crandall works as a response operations volunteer in Disaster Mental Health for the Red Cross. He’s been […]
Marijuana policy advocates gather signatures for 2018 ballot initiatives
Legal marijuana use may be a possibility for South Dakotans in the near future if two ballot initiatives aiming at both recreational and medical access are passed. Melissa Mentele, vice chair of the Hansen County Democrats and a leader for New Approach South Dakota, is working towards compassionate cannabis education, she said. “We focus on compassionate ballot initiatives and […]
Recent bill brings Internet privacy to forefront
A bill recently signed into law by President Trump allows Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to sell customers’ browsing data to advertisers. According to the New York Times, Verizon, Comcast and AT&T can continue tracking and sharing people’s browsing and app activity without permission. There’s been some pushback since the bill was announced, but QuocNam Tran, chair of […]
No more S.D. travel for San Francisco city employees
In response to the passage of SB 149 in Pierre, a law that extends legal protection to religious adoption agencies, the city of San Francisco has decided it will no longer do business in the state of South Dakota. South Dakota’s passage of this law brought it into the crosshairs of a 2016 San Francisco […]