University System News:
www.myajc.com
Olens backtracks; KSU to let cheerleaders kneel on field during anthem
http://www.myajc.com/news/local-education/olens-backtracks-ksu-let-cheerleaders-kneel-field-during-anthem/TaZLfVvi6S3XJJzvSsXnFO/
By Eric Stirgus – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A group of Kennesaw State University cheerleaders said they felt vindicated Wednesday after president Sam Olens rescinded a controversial change that some worried violated the students’ free-speech rights. “This announcement is a victory for justice and social progress,” the cheerleaders said in a statement. KSU has been under the national microscope since five African-American cheerleaders took a knee during the anthem before the football team’s Sept. 30 game and the university’s decision days later to keep all cheerleaders off the field during the anthem. The kneel down is part of an effort, which began last year with some pro football players, to bring awareness of police misconduct and racial inequality. “While I believe there are more effective ways to initiate an exchange of ideas on issues of national concern, the right to exercise one’s freedom of speech under the First Amendment must be protected,” Olens wrote in a one-page letter to students, faculty and staff. Olens had no additional comment, a KSU spokeswoman said.
www.mdjonline.com
KSU reverses course, to allow cheerleaders back on field during national anthem
http://www.mdjonline.com/news/ksu-reverses-course-to-allow-cheerleaders-back-on-field-during/article_d254e634-c4ce-11e7-9076-9380dd4327b0.html
Shaddi Abusaid
Kennesaw State University President Sam Olens announced Wednesday he was allowing the school’s cheerleaders back on the field for the national anthem at home football games, reversing an earlier decision that kept them in the locker room. On Wednesday, a member of KSU’s cheerleading squad said she was pleased with the announcement and that she and four other members plan to kneel again during Saturday’s anthem. The university was thrust into the national spotlight after the five cheerleaders took a knee during the anthem at a Sept. 30 home game as a way to protest police brutality and injustice. The following week, the cheerleaders were kept off the field during the anthem. …Shlondra Young, one of the five cheerleaders who took a knee during the anthem, said she was elated by the announcement. “We’re pleased with the fact that we’ll be put back on the field,” the junior said. “We don’t know if the decision came genuinely from his heart or whether it was outside pressure, but at the end of the day, I’m just happy we’ll be able to practice our First Amendment rights without them being infringed upon.”
www.thebrunswicknews.com
CCGA basketball players continue to kneel during national anthem
http://thebrunswicknews.com/news/local_news/ccga-basketball-players-continue-to-kneel-during-national-anthem/article_654ced01-1f0f-5298-a09e-031932ae1b76.html
By LAUREN MCDONALD
College of Coastal Georgia basketball players continued their protest Wednesday by kneeling during the national anthem. Several women’s basketball players kneeled during the anthem, and the entire men’s team on the court kneeled before their game. Both teams played Middle Georgia State College at home Wednesday night. The teams first kneeled during the national anthem before a game Nov. 1. The players have said they are kneeling to protest racial inequality and police brutality in America. “We are protesting the inequality in America,” said Brandon Martin, a senior player on the men’s team during an open forum discussion hosted by the college Tuesday. Their decision to kneel has led to criticism on social media and at the two open forum discussions hosted by the college since the Nov. 1 game. Luis Haza, a former College of Coastal Georgia Foundation board of trustee member, resigned on Monday in response to the protest.
www.publicnow.com
USG Chancellor to Deliver Fall Commencement Address at UGA
http://athensceo.com/news/2017/11/usg-chancellor-deliver-fall-commencement-address-uga/?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=8016f8674a-eGaMorning-11_9_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-8016f8674a-86731974&mc_cid=8016f8674a&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
Staff Report From Athens CEO
University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley will deliver the fall undergraduate Commencement address at the University of Georgia on Dec. 15 in Stegeman Coliseum. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the graduate ceremony to follow at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Lisa K. Nolan, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, will deliver the Commencement address at the graduate ceremony. “There are few—if any—who have done more to elevate public higher education in this state than Chancellor Wrigley,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “It will be a great honor to welcome him back to campus for Commencement, and I know our graduating seniors will benefit tremendously from his remarks.”
www.walb.com
Historic ASU buildings set for demolition
http://www.walb.com/story/36799542/historic-asu-buildings-set-for-demolition
By Mike Fussell, Reporter
One Albany State student is fighting to preserve historic buildings on the university’s East Campus. School officials said Holley Hall is scheduled for demolition this fiscal year and six other buildings will follow, at a later time. Officials also said the risk of flooding, cost of upkeep and the age of the buildings are all factors that went into the decision. ASU senior Jaylon O’Neal said he’s talked with administrators to come up with ideas as to how to protect the buildings from flooding.
www.times-georgian.com
University of West Georgia says ‘thank you’ to veterans
http://www.times-georgian.com/news/local/university-of-west-georgia-says-thank-you-to-veterans/article_56e5c1b8-c509-11e7-92f2-3f7e4b1c6b74.html
Erin McSwain-Davis/Times-Georgian
Veterans were honored Wednesday at the University of West Georgia during a ceremony hosted by the UWG Center for Adult Learners and Veterans. “Today is a special day to honor those who serve,” said UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero. “Today’s ceremony celebrates and honors the many veterans who are a part of this community. I would like to thank those who serve and share what we are doing for those men and women.
www.onlineathens.com
Veterans Day events set at Oconee Hill, Athens-Clarke library
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-11-08/veterans-day-events-set-oconee-hill-athens-clarke-library?utm_source=eGaMorning&utm_campaign=8016f8674a-eGaMorning-11_9_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_54a77f93dd-8016f8674a-86731974&mc_cid=8016f8674a&mc_eid=32a9bd3c56
By Lee Shearer
The Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery will hold the group’s annual Veterans Day Observance on Friday at the cemetery off East Campus Road near Sanford Stadium. The Athens-Clarke County Library and other organizations have also scheduled events Friday or over the weekend in honor of military veterans. The Oconee Hill Cemetery ceremony is set to begin at 11 a.m. in the cemetery’s flagpole plaza. Maj. Antonio Pitman of the University of Georgia’s ROTC unit is the scheduled speaker. The Oconee County High School choir will perform the national anthem.