Mental Health | 7
Opinion | 8
Religion | 8
Lifestyle | 9
Signs that someone may need help
Trump suspends refugee admissions
Gladventists: Spreading the joy of Jesus
Finding identity in a complex cultural environment
February 12, 2025 Collegedale, Tennessee
Southern Accent
Vol. 80 Issue 14
The student voice since 1926
Immigration climate causes concern Student Senate considers evolving immigration policies
Immigration policy changes have caused concern in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. (Photo sourced from Unsplash)
Matthew Orquia Editor-In-Chief Hayden Kobza Managing Editor Last month, in response to growing concern on campus regarding changing federal and state immigration policies, Student Association (SA) Senate sent a statement to Southern Adventist University administrators requesting a plan to protect students. The statement reads, “In the light of the fact that the Trump Administration has allowed ICE to rigorously enforce the deportation policy in schools and churches, we request action or a protection
plan that manifests keeping all students safe from this policy.” The statement refers to heightened efforts by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration, such as the rescinding of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy memorandum from the Biden administration that protected areas of churches, schools and hospitals from enforcement action near the locations, according to the Homeland Security website. In response, the university has formed a task force to monitor ongoing developments and evaluate potential
community impact. Additionally, Terrence Olsen, an immigration lawyer who advises Southern on student immigration, spoke to campus on Feb. 11.
The removal of the "protected area" designation... sparked concern among SDA institutions. The removal of the “protected area” designation granted to churches, schools and hospitals sparked concern among Seventh-day Adventist institutions across the United States.
Last week, Pacific Union College released an administrative statement addressing the topic, joining the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Seventh-day Adventist Office for Regional Conference Ministry, the Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Loma Linda Health as organizations that have put out statements or social media posts. Legal changes in Tennessee
In Jan. 2025, Senate Bill 6002 passed in the Tennessee General Assembly (TGA) and has until Feb. 18, 2025, to
be either signed into law or vetoed by Gov. Bill Lee. If the governor does not do either, the bill will become law without a signature, according to lawmaking policies on the TGA website.
The proposed legislation includes a new Immigration Enforcement Division... The proposed legislation includes a new Immigration Enforcement Division, grants for local enforcement, distinct driver’s licenses for non-citizens and the penalizing See Immigration on page 2
Shakes-and-sandwiches diner opens in Cambridge Square Sienna Escobar Reporter From onion rings to super greens, Joe Mama’s diner is introducing a blend of family favorites and original recipes to Cambridge Square in Ooltewah. The new eatery recently made its debut via a soft opening on Jan. 26, offering shakes, sandwiches and salads with plenty of choices for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Joe Mama's is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Joe Mama’s is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. According to the diner’s Facebook page, it will be closed on Mondays until the spring. Restaurateur Joseph Keel said he developed the concept of Joe Mama’s after more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry. Keel is also the owner of Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate, a restaurant with locations in both Cambridge Square and Cleveland, Tennessee. Joe Mama’s menu draws inspiration from various cul-
Joe Mama’s restaurant held a soft lanuchon Jan. 26 and is open for customers. Monday, February 10, 2025 (Photo by Andrew Boggess)
tures, featuring a salad based on Mexican-style street corn and a spicy hot dog served with Thai curry vinaigrette among other dishes, according to Keel. The menu also includes a veggie flatbread made from tandoori naan topped with caramelized onions, arugula, tomatoes and a feta spread. “What we think of as international food is really just soul food,” said Keel. “It might be
from Thailand. It might be from Chicago. It might be from Southern Appalachia … but when it comes to me dining out, this is what I want.” Other items on the menu showcase classic deli food and shakes. Sandwiches include a reuben, a cheese hoagie and a build-your-own burger, among others. For a lighter meal, customers can choose from salads such as super greens
and kale, sesame ginger or Mediterranean. The majority of the restaurant's dishes can be substituted with meat replacements, such as tofu.
Keel's concept is designed for casual dining and a family environment. Keel’s concept is designed
for casual dining and a family-friendly environment, with no alcohol and an approachable menu. He said he drew from memories of traditionaldiners in his childhood for the intended atmosphere, with ’90s alternative music and plans for ’90s-themed wall decor. According to Keel, he began his lifetime career in the food service industry on his 16th birthday with a job at a fastfood joint. Over the years, he gained various kinds of experience, from running a gourmet sandwich truck to managing restaurants in Knoxville and Key West, Fla. Eventually, he opened his first restaurant, which eventually was rebranded as Marthie Ann’s Tennessee Blue Plate. After a building near his Marthie Ann’s location in Cambridge Square became available, Keel decided it was time to bring his concept for a more casual diner to life. Cambridge Square, a commercial and residential shopping area off of Lee Highway, hosts over 45 businesses. According to Jim Cheney, who oversees marketing and leasing for the development, the majority of those companies are locally owned. "[Keel’s] decision to bring a second concept to the square