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Articles by Bhavana Ravala
Dance Alabama! students to host first student produced #SICKMOVES concert
Who: Dance Alabama! What: #SICKMOVES Concert When: April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Where: UA Dance Theatre Why: Dance Alabama will host its first student produced show entitled #SICKMOVES on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will take place in the Dance Theatre on campus and admission is $15. Tickets can be ordered online through etix.com.
Preview: Northport to host annual West Alabama Food & Wine Festival
Who: Downtown Northport What: The West Alabama Food & Wine Festival When: Sunday, April 30, 4:30 p.m. general admission Where: Downtown Northport’s Main Avenue Why: On Sunday, April 30, Historic Downtown Northport will host the tenth annual West Alabama Food & Wine Festival. The event is focused on recognizing the past traditions of the festival while still progressing the festivities for a new generation. One of the new additions is the location.
Opinion | Alabama needs a lottery
While morally questionable to some, gambling is an everyday activity in the United States. A report from the National Council on Problem Gambling found that approximately 85% of adults have gambled in their lifetime. Groups of friends will host poker nights to swipe each others’ paychecks, while some venture to Las Vegas just for the casinos. Many even buy lottery tickets in hopes of never having to work again. All of these pastimes are currently illegal in the state of Alabama.
The Crimson White
As death after death occurs, it is evident that incarceration in Alabama is becoming a death sentence instead of being used for rehabilitation. On top of the rising death toll, Governor Kay Ivey wants to use $100 million dollars out of Alabama’s school funds to build two new ‘megaprisons’ in rural Alabama. But the humanitarian crisis and deep seeded corruption in Alabama’s prison system is not something you would find in national headlines.
Opinion | In defense of the Southern artist: Honoring the cultural heritage of Tuscaloosa
At the mention of Tuscaloosa, two things come to mind: The University of Alabama and football. The Crimson Tide football team is renowned in its own right, but one only needs to take the time to uncover the hidden gem that is Tucaloosa’s cultural heritage. Our city was named in memory of the Choctaw chief, Tuskaloosa, who fought Spanish colonist Hernando De Soto. Culturally speaking, the name “Black Warrior” pays homage to Tuscaloosa’s Native American beginnings.
Culture Pick: HBO’s “The Last of Us” leaves lasting impressions on viewers
Often, people will liken moments in their lives to scenes from a movie or television show, but only the cast and crew of HBO’s “The Last of Us” can say they spent 200 days inside a video game. Based off Naughty Dog’s video game series by the same name, “The Last of Us” is a television series written and executively produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Druckmann was involved in the “Uncharted” and “The Last of Us” video game franchises.
Culture Pick: The Culture Desk’s most anticipated summer movie picks
The summer is quickly approaching, and movie studios are working on projects to make your summer just that much more special. For casual viewing or continuations of your favorite franchises, here’s a list of some of the most anticipated movies coming out this summer. May May 5: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” For fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this one’s for you.
Mike Pence to announce decision on 2024 campaign within a month
Former United States Vice President Mike Pence said he will announce a decision on whether he will run for president in 2024 within the next month or so. “We’re giving careful consideration to that, as a family,” Pence said to reporters prior to the start ofhis “Saving America From the Woke Left” tour event hosted by the UA Chapter of Young Americans for Freedom on April 11. He did not specify an exact date or time he plans on making his decision.
Baseball loses series to Mississippi State after the bullpen blows it again
It’s been the same story the last five weekends for Alabama baseball: losing winnable games. That continued this weekend against Mississippi State (19-14, 3-9 SEC), resulting in a fifth consecutive series loss. What was considered a strength of the team before league play, the bullpen was disastrous again in both losses against the Bulldogs, accumulating a dreadful 10.95 ERA and 2.19 WHIP in 12.1 innings of work over the series.
SGA election complaints show trend of Greeks filing against independents
The past Student Government Association election saw the most contested executive races since 2016 with four self-declared independent candidates. The Crimson White reviewed the election complaints filed against these four candidates and found every complaint was filed by a student in Greek life.
UAPD and TPD to operate joint precinct on the Strip
The University of Alabama Police Department and the Tuscaloosa Police Department have opened a joint precinct on the corner of University Boulevard and Campus Drive. The University announced the new partnership on Feb 17. This location has remained vacant since the closure of Mooyah Burgers, Shakes, and Fries in 2019. The opening of the joint precinct is following the University’s and the City of Tuscaloosa’s efforts of enhancing safety around campus.
SGA encourages UA to increase student wages
The University of Alabama Student Government Association unanimously passed a resolution encouraging the University to work towards increasing student wages and curating a new pay scale. This is the second time this bill has come to the Senate floor after being sent to the Student Affairs Committee. While the resolution does not specify a specific wage or pay scale, Arts and Sciences Sen. Xzarria Peterson, the author of the resolution, said $10 would be the best possible minimum.
Elections Board to hear fraud complaint over Alpha Phi voting video
The Elections Board is set to hear a complaint for potential violations of election fraud and campaign ethics against President-elect Collier Dobbs after receiving a video of a member of the Alpha Phi sorority voting on Election Day in a manner that may violate the Elections Manual. The complaint was filed on March 1 by Aaron Glidden, a student who also filed a petition contesting the election on March 2. Glidden provided the video in question to the Board and The Crimson White.
Elections Board disqualifies candidates for VP for DEI; Arts & Sciences Senate
The Student Government Association Elections Board disqualified Senate candidate Jordan Suttles and vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion candidate Xzarria Peterson from the Spring 2023 general election. The Board ruled that both the Suttles and Peterson campaigns violated campaign ethics. It also ruled that the Peterson campaign committed election fraud.
Culverhouse African American Alumni Network hosts conference
The Culverhouse African American Alumni Network hosted a Student Development Conference on Friday, Feb. 24. The event featured an alumni luncheon, organization fair with businesses such as Aldi and Sherwin-WIlliams, and several sessions including honoree presentations and remarks. The alumni recognition luncheon occurred right before the speakers presented their sessions. There, notable CAAAN alumni were highlighted and celebrated.
No. 2 Alabama sweeps rival Auburn, wins SEC regular season championship
Forever writ in crimson flame. On Wednesday, No. 2 Alabama defeated the Auburn Tigers 90-85 in a game that saw the Crimson Tide erase a walloping 17-point deficit in the second half. Leading the way for Alabama was senior point guard Jahvon Quinerly, who scored nine first-half points en route to a 24-point, six-assist, two-rebound performance.
Baseball secures midweek rout of Jacksonville State
The Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0) continued its midweek success this season by welcoming the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks (3-5) to town. The Alabama bats stayed hot, leading to yet another blowout. The Crimson Tide’s offense couldn’t be stopped — it seemed as if Alabama had the bases loaded nearly every at-bat. The Alabama offense amounted to 16 runs on 13 hits in the first four innings. The Crimsons Tide got to Gamecock starting pitcher Will Baker early.
Fouts, Johnson helps softball to Wednesday win
The softball diamond in Rhoads Stadium glowed in the final light of the Wednesday afternoon. By 6 p.m., stadium lights had replaced the sun as the Crimson Tide began its seventh home game in a row. Already 7-2 at home this season, Alabama was able to add another win by the end of the night. The Crimson Tide (12-3) beat the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (12-2) Wednesday afternoon 5-0. .
Student files petition contesting Dobbs’ election victory
A student filed a petition to SGA executive secretary Josie Schmitt contesting the results of the spring 2023 election due to alleged misconduct and election fraud from multiple elected candidates. Petitioner Aaron Glidden said he was contesting the results for “numerous elected executive offices,” notably President-elect Collier Dobbs, through subsections one, three and five of Article IX, Section C of the Elections Manual. Glidden did not name other candidates besides Dobbs in his petition.
SGA releases unofficial results for spring 2023 elections
The Student Government Association released the unofficial results of the spring 2023 election, which consisted of four contested executive council positions. The Elections Manual requires that unofficial results be posted by 11:59 p.m. on election day. Three class days after the election, the results will be final if no complaints or appeals are still pending. As there are no such complaints or appeals pending at this time, the results below are expected to be confirmed on Friday.
See how executive candidates have engaged with DEI this election cycle
Several candidates for the SGA executive council have made promises to advance diversity, equity and inclusion on campus if elected. The Crimson White reached out to each candidate to let them share how they’ve worked with DEI-focused student groups during their campaigns and address questions about their DEI track record.
Our View | A flawed election tradition
The Crimson White Editorial Board consists of Editor in Chief Bhavana Ravala, Managing Editor Jeffrey Kelly, Engagement Editor Gabriel Brown, Opinions Editor Carson Lott and Chief Copy Editor Natalie Bonner. It’s a long-standing tradition for The Crimson White’s Editorial Board to endorse candidates for the Student Government Association. Tradition, however, is sometimes flawed. SGA elections have historically been a time of scrutiny on campus.
Candidates for president and executive vice president face off in debates
Student Government Assocation executive vice president and presidential candidates faced off in head-to-head debates the night of Sunday, Feb. 26 The debates were preceded by a candidate forum that convened in the Student Center Great Hall at 5 p.m. Kathryn Drago, the Coordinator of Alumni Programs at the Blackburn Institute, moderated the debate.
Q&A: presidential candidate Collier Dobbs
NEWS Collier Dobbs is a junior majoring in finance and economics who currently serves as the vice president for external affairs. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “Freshman year, first semester, I saw some problems that I faced as an individual and my peers faced, and [I was] getting really passionate about those and decided to run to be a Culverhouse College of Business senator.
Q&A: executive vice president candidate Elizabeth Prophet
Elizabeth Prophet is a junior majoring in social work who currently serves as a senator for the School of Social Work. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “Okay, so I got involved with SGA last year; I decided to run for the social work spot. And so I really made the decision today before the deadline.
Q&A: executive secretary candidate Olivia Frazier
NEWS Olivia Frazier is a sophomore majoring in political science who currently serves as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences and the secretary of the Senate. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “When I was in high school, I was in SGA for three years and I was on exec in high school for two of those, so I knew that when I came to UA I definitely wanted to get involved in SGA.
Q&A: executive vice president candidate Josie Schmitt
Josie Schmitt is a junior majoring in accounting who currently serves as executive secretary. Q: How did you initially get involved with SGA? A: “So it’s actually crazy to think about my freshman year about this time, I started getting involved with various campaign teams on campus for senators and more specifically, I really helped out with the vice president of student affairs campaign. And that experience, really, I enjoyed, and I knew that I wanted to get further involved in the organization.
Q&A: presidential candidate John Richardson
John Richardson is a junior majoring in history and political science who currently serves as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “My involvement with SGA actually started with First Year Council as a freshman during COVID. We were meeting online and trying to pass legislation and talk about things that mattered in the midst of a freshman experience that was altered by COVID. I had the privilege of running for the Senate and getting elected twice.
Q&A: VP for diversity, equity and inclusion candidate Bella Loia
Bella Loia is a junior majoring in operations management who currently serves as a member of the Financial Affairs Committee. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “I’ve had a lot of involvement in the Division of Student Life. I currently serve as the director of inclusion and outreach for The SOURCE.
Q&A: VP for academic affairs candidate Johnny Foster
Johnny Foster is a sophomore majoring in finance who currently serves as a senator for the Culverhouse College of Business. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “Well, my SGA path started in high school. I was SGA president in my high school and absolutely loved it, and I wanted to translate that kind of leadership role over to college freshman year. I was a part of Freshman Forum and got to meet a lot of other student leaders that were in my class. [I] really enjoyed that.
Q&A: VP for diversity, equity and inclusion candidate Xzarria Peterson
NEWS Xzarria Peterson is a junior majoring in political science and criminal justice who currently serves as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “The previous year I decided to run for Senate, I was in the Environmental Affairs Committee, but that was during COVID, so we didn’t get to do anything SGA-related.” Q: What made you want to run for this position?
Q&A: VP for external affairs candidate Samad Gillani
Samad Gillani is a sophomore majoring in finance and economics who currently serves as a deputy chief of staff to SGA President Madeline Martin. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “So, my involvement with SGA began well before my time in college when I was in high school at Spain Park [High School]. I joined their SGA and the Alabama Youth in Government program, and going through that, I learned that I had a passion for servant leadership and service and student government.
Q&A: VP for financial affairs candidate Eric Doh
NEWS Eric Doh is a junior majoring in finance who currently serves as treasurer. Q: How did you get involved with the SGA? A: “I first got involved in SGA when, [in] my freshman year, I applied to be Sullivan Irvine’s chief administrative officer when he was serving as the Vice President for Financial Affairs. That was under the Fields administration. After that, I was asked to step in as treasurer … and I’ve been doing that ever since.” Q: What made you want to run for this position?
Q&A: VP for student affairs candidate Andrew Fairburn
Andrew Fairburn is a junior majoring in healthcare analytics who currently serves as SGA’s director of environmental affairs. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “So last year I applied to Madeline Martin’s cabinet. I’m currently serve as the director of environmental affairs. I applied with her, she appointed me and then I was confirmed by the Senate.” Q: What made you want to run for the VP of Student Affairs?
Q&A: VP for student affairs candidate Karina Collins
Karina Collins is a sophomore majoring in public health who currently serves as a senator for the College of Human Environmental Sciences. Q: How did you get involved with SGA? A: “Okay, so last year, I ran for senator for the College of Human Environmental Sciences, I ran because my friend kind of encouraged me to do it. I was a little scared to run, but I went forward with it. And that’s how I got involved in SGA. So I currently serve as a senator.” Q: What made you want to run for this position?
Schmitt agrees to vice president debate following Elections Board approval
Josie Schmitt, candidate for executive vice president in the upcoming SGA election, has accepted opposing candidate Elizabeth Prophet’s challenge to debate. Following Prophet’s initial challenge on Monday, the Elections Board notified candidates by email around 1 p.m. on Feb. 21 that they would be willing to provide time and space for debates in any contested executive election role if more than one candidate was interested in participating in a debate.
Baseball moves to 4-0 with midweek win against Tennessee Tech
The Alabama baseball team is still perfect following a win in its first midweek game of the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide (4-0) defeated the Tennessee Technological University Golden Eagles, 7-4, in an 11-hit effort. The Golden Eagles got on the board with a leadoff home run from Troy Baunsgard. Pitcher Luke Holman, who got the year’s inaugural midweek start, limited the first-inning damage solely to that blast. Holman went three more innings but did not qualify for the win.
Loia declines to debate DEI ahead of election
Bella Loia, candidate for SGA vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, has declined to participate in a debate with her opponent, Xzarria Peterson, following discussions of a potential debate with the Elections Board. .
Judge denies bond motion for Darius Miles
The judge presiding over Darius Miles’ preliminary hearing denied Miles’ attorney’s motion to set bond, saying that district prosecutors had established probable cause. Miles was charged with capital murder following the shooting death of Jamea Harris on Jan. 15.
Court hearing reveals Brandon Miller’s role in fatal shooting
An investigator said in a court hearing that Brandon Miller, a star player on Alabama’s men’s basketball team, was present at the scene of the fatal shooting that killed Jamea Harris on Jan. 15 and led to capital murder charges for his now-former teammate Darius Miles.
Prophet challenges Schmitt to unconventional SGA executive VP debate
Elizabeth Prophet, current senator for the School of Social Work and candidate for the executive vice presidency in the spring 2023 Student Government Association election, has challenged Josie Schmitt, current executive secretary and opposing vice president candidate, to a vice presidential debate. Prophet sent the challenge to Schmitt and the SGA Elections Board via email.
Alabama starts strong, sweeps Richmond in opening weekend series
Tzali Nislick, Staff Reporter Nobody could’ve drawn up a better start to the 2023 season for Alabama baseball, which swept the University of Richmond in college baseball’s opening weekend. It was a dominant showing up and down the roster for the Crimson Tide, pummeling the Spiders (0-3) by a combined score of 39-5 in the series. Here’s how it went down. Blazing bats out of the gate Virtually everyone who saw action offensively contributed in some way.
Five campus frats found hazing during fall 2022 – the most since spring 2021 - The Crimson White
The University of Alabama found that several Interfraternity Council organizations and one United Greek Council fraternity violated the University’s hazing and alcohol guidelines last fall, according to the fall 2022 Greek Scorecard. One fraternity was suspended, a first since 2019.
Offense stifled, No. 1 Alabama falls to No. 10 Tennessee in Knoxville, 68-59
Sometimes, the target on your back grows too large. On Wednesday, No. 1 Alabama fell to the No. 10 Tennessee Volunteers 68-59 in a physical matchup between two of the SEC’s best. It was a difficult night for Crimson Tide guard Jahvon Quinerly, who scored three points on 1-for-5 shooting while turning the ball over six times.
Alabama track and field concludes indoor regular season, sets several records
SPORTS Adam Baranovsky , Contributing Writer The Alabama track and field team represented the University across the country this weekend in multi-day meets in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Nashville, Tennessee, and Boston, Massachusetts.
With over 25,000 spaces, students continue to struggle with campus parking
The Crimson White conducted a poll via Instagram asking both residential and commuter students at The University of Alabama about their experiences parking on campus. The results showed that despite the University’s 25,000+ parking spaces, finding parking spaces continues to pose a challenge to many students. During Fall 2022, were enrolled and taking classes in person at the University. Additionally, 7,169 faculty and staff were on campus.
SGA encourages UA to compensate BFSA ambassadors for Hallowed Grounds Tour
The Student Government Association unanimously passed a resolution on Feb. 2 encouraging The University of Alabama to compensate Black Faculty and Staff Association Tour Ambassadors for giving the Hallowed Grounds Tour, which highlights the history of slavery on University grounds. According to the resolution, compensating ambassadors conducting the tour will give it the “resources and support necessary” to ensure it remains a “permanent offering” at the University.
Strange Brew Coffeehouse comes to Tuscaloosa
Brendan Yee, Contributing Writer Strange Brew Coffeehouse opened its Tuscaloosa location on The Strip late last week. An already popular spot in Starkville, Mississippi, home of SEC rival Mississippi State, the new location is Strange Brew’s fourth. Owner Katelyn Reed said she could not be more excited about the new venture. “The original Strange Brew is currently in Starkville and is 17 years old. We have a second location in Starkville, as well as one in Tupelo,” said Reed.
Blanco and Hudson shine in gymnastics’ win over Auburn
The Iron Bowl. It brings out the best in all of us. On a very pink Friday night in Coleman Coliseum, the No. 11 Alabama gymnastics team brought down the No. 6 Auburn Tigers in a thrilling Power of Pink meet, 197.850-197.700. Head coach Ashley Johnston said she couldn’t be prouder of her team. “[This team] continues to put the work in, they continue to fight, and that’s what this night was all about,” Johnston said.
Murder Ballad” stirs thoughts on the complexities of love
Passionate. Sensational. Tenacious. Sexy. These were all words used to describe the show by the cast and crew of “Murder Ballad.” It is being put on by The University of Alabama’s Theatre and Dance Department, opening on Jan. 30 and running through Feb. 5. “Murder Ballad” includes four characters: Michael, Tom, Sara and the narrator, all of whom find ways to influence each other’s lives. Tom and Sara meet at the bar Tom owns and instantly feel as if they’ve known each other forever.
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