President Obama to visit Benedict College Friday
President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver a speech at Benedict College this Friday, The State reported. This is his first visit to South Carolina since 2008, when he won the state's Democratic presidential primary.
Only invited, ticketed guests will be allowed to enter the speech at Benedict's Mays Arena. Several classes were relocated to accommodate the event. Tickets will be available to the college's students, faculty and staff Thursday on a first come, first serve basis.
Benedict spent $1000 on a new 20 feet by 5 feet school banner that is to be put behind the president during his speech.
Obama is expected to speak about youth leadership for his My Brother's Keeper initiative. Representatives of leadership groups, like the Urban League, Upward Bound and City Year, have been invited to the event.
— Madeleine Collins, Assistant News Editor
7 cadets voluntarily withdraw from The Citadel during hazing investigation
Seven cadets voluntarily withdrew from The Citadel during an ongoing hazing investigation, The State reported.
While the cadets will not be allowed back, their voluntarily departure allowed them to leave without facing disciplinary proceedings. If they were expelled, it would remain on their permanent record.
The investigation on the alleged hazing and training infractions will continue, and Citadel officials did not rule out the possibility of more students leaving the college.
While The Citadel environment is meant to be stressful, it is not designed to replicate SEAL combat training, Capt. Geno Paluso, the cadets' commandant, said.
— Madeleine Collins, Assistant News Editor
Circuit Court Judge puts stop to firing of SC State President
Circuit Court Judge Edward Dickson stopped South Carolina State University’s board of trustees’ efforts to fire their president, Thomas Elzey, The State reported.
Elzey sued the university for breaching his four-year contract, which runs through June 2017. If he's found to be fired without cause, Elzey will be owed over $400,000 in state pay and an unpaid vacation.
Dickson said in his decision to keep Elzey on staff that he wanted to give new trustees a chance to decide whether Elzey should remain president.
Elzey was suspended without a chance to speak with the current board, and the Trustees have not explained why Elzey was suspended.
— Madeleine Collins, Assistant News Editor