All this ‘beef’ and no where to cook it

 
First, let us dispel the rumor that there is a “beef” between the Southern University Student Government Association and The Southern Digest.
The Southern Digest has always had a relationship with SGA where we hold them accountable for the positions they are elected to.
This in return tends to warrant threats, disrespect and criticism from SGA and the student body.
This year it was nasty remarks and responses on Twitter… In 2004, it was the theft of our newspapers.
Word to the student body, ALL threats to the safety or lives of any member of The Southern Digest staff will be handled with the proper law enforcement authorities (Despite the public forum of your choice).
If there is a repeat of 2004, your actions are punishable by law and it is a felony.
We have come to the conclusion that change is not always positive even if it is in the best interest of the student body.
The Southern Digest is the “sentinel of the enlightened student body”, founded in 1926 with the goal to serve the students as a conduit for free, educated and intellectual conversation.
Any student who wants to write, take pictures, or contribute to the Digest can.
Any community member, employee or public figure in Baton Rouge, The United States or the world can contribute a letter to the Editor to voice their opinions.
To speak in particulars, Willie McCorkle III, has and never will be a target of The Southern Digest, but Student Government Association President will always be a position in which will be scrutinized by this office.
We are not attacking the person we are addressing the execution of the duties of your SGA, starting with their leadership.
You deserve more than concerts and t-shirts every year.
You elected your Student Government Association for more than concerts and t-shirts, you elected them for more than parties in the circle and you definitely elected them for more than stroll offs and fashion shows.
If you didn’t that is a sign of a much bigger problem, in which this editorial does not have enough space to run for.
The Southern Digest will criticize and scrutinize System President Ronald Mason, Chancellor James Llorens, Board of Supervisors chairman Darren Mire, SGA President Willie McCorkle, SGA Vice President Bryson Alexander and SGA Chief Justice Simone Bray in their positions, to the same degree and with the same due diligence.
Our job has and always will be to address the concerns of the student body even when you are not paying attention.
You have made it utterly clear that tuition is too high, refund checks take too much time to process, registration lines are too long and too slow, and that Southern University has a lot of work to do.
Thought we weren’t listening? Thought we write the stories for others?
We win awards (among HBCU’s and Nationally) because we put our feet on the ground and listen to those who we represent.
Don’t you want the same from those who are paid (royally) to do so?
While your SGA is more popular on Twitter and Facebook and can give you things with nominal value, we give you information… The same information your student government doesn’t want you to have… and those who claim Southern shouldn’t exist would rather keep a secret.
So here’s what you can do…
Take charge and take control. You elected your current SGA administration you should hold them accountable.
Write.
Simple as that, write to us, write to The Advocate, write a blog, voice your opinion. You have a voice that needs to be heard on this campus, in this state, in this country and this world.
Research.
Don’t trust everything you are told including from us. Look beyond the hype, the conversation and the headlines. Do your research before you make decisions; speak on the behalf of others or even defend yourself.
Lastly, Edit.
Not in the way you think. Edit yourself. Edit your conversations, comments, snickers even your thoughts. Think about your personal brand and your future. What you post, share and like will be stored in cyberspace. Don’t associate yourself with things that will come back and bite you.
The Southern Digest is and will remain dedicated to telling the stories of the Southern University community, whether it is good, bad or ugly.
-The Southern Digest Staff