Latest news with #St.John's
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
A religious school is facing pushback for its partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
A Catholic school's unique partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection is sparking debate over what role religious institutions should play in the government's national security work. St. John's University officials say students and homeland security officers stand to benefit from collaboration, but some professors believe the school is undermining its religious mission, according to Religion News Service. The partnership comes in the form of a new institute on St. John's campus in Queens, New York. Called the Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies, it will offer specialized training to homeland security professionals and career guidance to students. 'St. John's students may have access to CBP's New York Field Office, gaining valuable experience in real-time scenarios that could enhance their employability after graduation. CBP also will provide border security and intelligence experts to serve as guest speakers, student mentors, and advisers to faculty,' the school explained in a May 6 press release. The new institute will build on the school's existing security-related programs. St. John's offers multiple degrees on cybersecurity and homeland security, including a doctoral degree on the latter topic. 'All universities educate,' said Simon G. Møller, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at St. John's, in the press release. 'The great universities have partnerships like the one we are signing today that allow students to experience real-world situations and learn from experts in their fields.' Critics of the new partnership acknowledge that it would build on the school's existing work, but say that St. John's should not formalize its ties to what they view as a violent and flawed government institution. 'This partnership with CBP presents grave ethical, legal, and cultural concerns — especially in light of St. John's University's Catholic and Vincentian mission to serve poor, immigrant, and socially marginalized people," reads a petition signed by around 900 members of the St. John's community. The petition highlights several controversies related to homeland security that have taken place since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, including arrests of college students from other countries and high-profile deportations. The new partnership will spark fear among foreign students and others on campus, the petition says. Signers are calling for a termination of the partnership between St. John's and U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the formation of a campus committee aimed at monitoring the school's relationship with federal immigration agencies. When asked to comment on pushback to the partnership by Religion News Service, a spokesman for St. John's described the claims made in the petition and elsewhere as 'illogical and unfounded.' 'This MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is no different than countless others that St. John's pursues with public, private, and non-profit organizations to enhance the 200 diverse programs of study offered by the University,' the statement provided to Religion News Service said. 'The Institute aims to create a more proficient current and future border security workforce through innovative education and training.' The spokesman also noted that discussions about the partnership began under the Biden administration. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is a division of the Department of Homeland Security. On its website, it describes itself as a law enforcement agency 'charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.' The work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection includes screening for security threats at airports and managing border crossings.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Providence guard Jabri Abdur-Rahim wants to showcase overall ability in workouts
Providence guard Jabri Abdur-Rahim wants to showcase overall ability in workouts After five years in college, Providence guard Jabri Abdur-Rahim is eager to showcase his overall skill set in upcoming team workouts ahead of the 2025 NBA draft. Abdur-Rahim averaged 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 27 points, seven rebounds and two assists in a loss to St. John's on Feb. 1. The 6-foot-7 forward was limited to 22 appearances with the Friars due to a season-ending injury in February. He is now completely recovered from the injury and had the opportunity to work out with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, his first this draft cycle. "I'm going to compete," Abdur-Rahim said of what he is attempting to show in workouts, via Brandon Benitez of KOVR-TV. "I feel like people watching me through my college career know that I can shoot the ball, but I just want to show that I'm vocal, I can be a leader, I can compete, I can adjust on the fly and I fit the NBA game." Abdur-Rahim, the son of former 12-year NBA veteran Shareef Abdur-Rahim, played the first year of his career at Virginia before transferring to Georgia for the next three seasons. He established himself as a knockdown shooter who can also defend with his 6-foot, 10-inch wingspan. The 23-year-old competed in the G League Elite Camp earlier this month, recording 10 points, three rebounds and three assists in two scrimmage games. He also participated in various other on-court drills and measurement testing. Abdur-Rahim will have additional opportunities to continue working out with teams and preparing himself for the next step. With the help of his father and others in his corner, Richardson is prepared for what the next three-plus weeks will bring on and off the court. "Everything I know is from him," Abdur-Rahim said. "He taught me how to play. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't even be close to the player that I am. He is still helping me to this day. He is extremely important in my life and I appreciate him for everything."
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: St. John's guard RJ Luis to forgo college, remain in 2025 NBA draft
Report: St. John's guard RJ Luis to forgo college, remain in 2025 NBA draft St. John's junior RJ Luis will reportedly remain in the 2025 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Luis was a consensus second-team All-American this past season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.4 steals on 33.6% shooting from 3-point range. He was also named the Big East Player of the Year, becoming the third player in program history to win the award. The 6-foot-6 forward registered 14 20-point games, including a season-high 30 points and 10 rebounds on Jan. 11 in a win over Villanova. He was one of two players in the conference to rank in the top five in both scoring and rebounding. Luis competed in the draft combine earlier this month, averaging 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in two scrimmage games in Chicago, Illinois. He also registered the 11th-highest max vertical jump among all participants this year (38 inches). The 22-year-old was among the notable prospects who were still weighing their decisions ahead of the early entrant withdrawal deadline at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. He now leaves college after two years at St. John's and one at UMass. Luis, who has worked out with Golden State and Phoenix, is currently not projected to be selected on June 25-26. He will have the opportunity to improve his stock in team workouts and interviews, with four weeks to go until the draft.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Joson Sanon to transfer to St. John's after 2025 NBA draft decision
Joson Sanon to transfer to St. John's after 2025 NBA draft decision Arizona State freshman Joson Sanon will reportedly withdraw from the 2025 NBA draft and transfer to St. John's, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. Sanon averaged 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and one assist on 36.9% shooting from 3-point range in 27 games as a freshman with the Sun Devils. He registered three 20-point games, including a season-high 28 points and three rebounds on March 1. The 6-foot-4 guard entered the transfer portal following the season while also declaring for the draft. He eventually committed to head coach Rick Patino on March 31. Sanon was initially among the prospects invited to the G League Elite Camp earlier this month in Chicago, Illinois. However, he withdrew from the event to focus on scheduled team workouts with the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. The 19-year-old was among the notable prospects who were still weighing their decisions ahead of the early entrant withdrawal deadline on Wednesday. He will now return to college to improve his draft stock after testing the predraft process. Sanon joins a team that captured its first conference championship since 2000 last season. He is among several incoming players that comprise the top-ranked transfer class, joining the likes of Bryce Hopkins (Providence), Ian Jackson (North Carolina) and Dillon Mitchell (Cincinnati).
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alabama Announces Blockbuster Matchup Against Legendary Coach
The Alabama Crimson Tide are looking to build off a disappointing end to their 2024-25 college basketball campaign as they got overwhelmed in the Elite Eight against the Duke Blue Devils. Losing sharpshooters Mark Sears and Labaron Philon are pieces that need to be filled, and can expect head coach Nate Oats shape his roster to make another deep run next year. Advertisement They have announced a blockbuster matchup that is going to be scheduled for the 2026-27 season. At Madison Square Garden on November 8, Oats and the Crimson Tide will be taking on the St. John's Red Storm, led by legendary head coach Rick Pitino. St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Penner-Imagn Images Pitino most recently shared Coach of the Year honors with Auburn Tigers coach Bruce Pearl, and has turned around St. John's to be one of college basketball's top schools. The Red Storm had their magical run end early at the hands of John Calipari's ferocious Arkansas team, who eventually fell to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16. In the 26-27 season, Pitino and Oats will battle in one of the nation's top venues at MSG. Advertisement Oats and Pitino have faced off just twice with each coach winning a game. Oats started off 1-0 after his No. 2 seed Tide defeated Pitino's No. 15 seed Iona Gaels in the 2020-21 NCAA Tournament. Pitino got his revenge during an invitational that following November thanks to some magic from Walter Clayton Jr. off the bench, who later transferred to Florida and won a national championship. The meeting in 2026 will be the third meeting, and with two top programs in St. John's and Alabama, will make for an intense meeting that will prepare both teams for a title run later in the year. Related: Former Alabama Four-Star Transfers to SEC Rival
