Posted by jmhjr11 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 4:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Trying to get ahead, in their own minds, without the college degree. Now, what good are they to a lawful abiding society?
Was the basketball player on scholarship? He needs to repay the university if he was.

Posted by starman (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I remember right , student's from Concordia robbed and shot the attendant at a local convience store here last year ? All the talk of election fraud in that ward , using students , someone tell me what is going on there ?

Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The school can't be held responsible for what these young people did .

Posted by sharon (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They should have arrested them for being stupid also. I think these students come from other cities and think that Selma is so hick and country that our police officers can't solve a crime. Well the police in Selma are just as modern and adept as any other police department.

Posted by misslady27 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the school need to stop bringing these kids here of false promises. i personally know they lie to get students promising them all this financial aid money and saying they will help them find a job but its all lies. so the students result to robbery inorder to take care of themselves. i'm not siding with the robbers. i do believe that they should pay for their actions but i also believe that the school(private christian school) should re-evaluate their students and policies and find out why all the robberies in selma are from their students and what could they do to prevent future situations.

Posted by mccrary36703 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Sharon, students that come from outside of Selma from these other so called major cities think that Selma is just a country hillbilly town. Some of these students have a criminal intent mind. I am blessed, that I did'nt come to Selma with that attitude and other positive students along with me. Concordia College provided me with great values and morals. Morals is the key. That is what help me be a better person today at such a late age. It is hard for some students to adapt to a southern environment. There is a welcome committee here in Selma that welcome residents from other cites. I stayed off campus, when that committee came to my house. It was a very warm receiving. It will take the community of Selma to embrace these kids that are comming into city.

Posted by sharon (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You really can't hold the school responsible for this, besides they are all old enough to make their own decisions, good and bad.

Posted by pleasureme (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's called just out right being lazy, kids don't want to work any more. They want everything for nothing. We need to go back to the bible days and we wouldn't have all these crimes! An eye for an eye!

Posted by Dowell101 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Concordia College is nothing more but a pond of false hopes and empty promises. The young men that commited these crimes are nothing more but victims of Concordia College lies and deceit. Concordia would do anything and everything to get a person to enrolled there. In order to judge those individuals, you must walk in their shoes on a campus full of staff members that cares for no one but themselves and their pockets. Pastors walking around the campus pretending to be men of god, but has enough skeletons in their closets, that if you opened that door, everything in it would fall out on you. Admission recruiters going to these young people homes and lying to their guardians about how they going to succeed at a school that doesn't know how to succeed itself. I personally know one of these young individuals, and I'm not making any excuses for that person, but they are caught in a web of lies and deceit with limited funds. Let's think about it: A school who's work study only allows you to make $120 month- 15 hours a month. A school that doesn't give back any kind of pell grant. A school that preys on single parent homes with limited income, so the school can receive the student's full pell to put in their own pocket. I would strongly recommend never to send your child to Concordia-Selma. There are too many institutions where incidents happen but I know Concordia personally and it is nothing more but a place setup for failure. I hope that these individuals learned there lesson, but Concordia needs to be taught a lesson as well. For the record, most of those individuals are from smaller towns than Selma, so it has nothing to do with them thinking Selma police isn't smart. It has everything to do with Concordia lying to these individuals about money and aid.

Posted by sharon (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow Dowell101 !!! I have never heard anyone discuss Concordia in those terms. Do they give student loans? I do know that the Pell grant people are really careful about who they allow to accept the grants and who can get them. Do you think they would allow them to accept Pell grants for tuition if Concordia was not above board and doing everything legal?

Posted by Dowell101 (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In order to know Sharon,you have to have known how the system works right? That's how Concordia works, It not about the students and the quality of their education, It's about the quantity of kids they can get into the school. If you go to any other Concordia in America and I think there are ten to twelve, Concordia-Selma has the lowest graduation rate, high turnover rate per student leaving after one year, and the only one that has a limited amount of majors. Staff does not tell the students this before they get there. To answer your question that's what pay most of your tuition, your pell grant. If you want your pell grant money, Do not go to Concordia-Selma!

Posted by noneofurbus (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know how Concordia works because I attended after I graduated from high school for two semesters. And no, they do not give you any kind of pell grant money back and the campus life is ugly. But I got a part time job to help with my limited cash, I did not go rob and steal something that did not belong to me. I understand that they were tight for cash but maybe they should have found another way to supplement, I just do not understand how people think that it is okay to take something that does not belong to you.

Posted by xccstdnt (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Concordia College is one big ripoff... but those robbers were no good from the begining... Even though the school will set you up for failure, these guys were headed that way before that... some of them already having criminal backgrounds... so even though Concordia will set you up for failure in this case it just helped these students along the path that they were already on...

Posted by Sunshine (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Selma needs to stop bringing in these low paying factories that works you to death and bring in college friendly industries that will hire our young people....Yeah the students were from concordia that shot my favorite gas attendent last year....coincidence or not...this city needs jobs that appeal to younger people!!!! Concordia has made a lot of positive changes so the institution is not responsible for their behaivior...Is their bond higher than the man who stabbed someone in Winn Dixie

Posted by educatorIam (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand the pain, concern and somewhat disgust that many students, as well as faculty and staff may feel, regarding many of Concordia College's past issues. However, the Concordia today, is definitely trying to "Turn the Beat Around." It is not the school's fault, nor the parents' faults for the actions of the students. Whether the students come from a rural, urban, or suburban setting, which there is a variety, each individual has his or her own agenda in mind. If it were not for Concordia Selma, many students would not be afforded an opportunity to attend college. Whether students attend Concordia based on their interests in football, basketball, track & field, band,business program, Man Center or Future Woman Center, upcoming social work program, theology, education or honors programs, faculty, staff and majority of the student body have the best interest of the school's learning community in mind. I remember many of the issues Concordia faced in the past and yes, I agree, I would not want my own children to attend. That was then. So much has changed thus also my opinion. Many students not only have the potential to succeed, but also the drive. Would Concordia's teachers appreciate teaching students who were all academically sound and highly motivated with ACT scores above 24? Of course, what teacher would not. But, the great message that Concordia College sends to others is: No matter your background, ethnicity, physical disability or past academic mistakes or triumphs, as Jesus walked with the meek and lowly, the rich and knowledgeable, the Jews and Gentiles, the saints and the sinners, the fornicators and the virgins, yet, loved each despite his or her individual short coming, so does Concordia Selma. Yes, there are other Concordias around the US that offer more programs,larger student body and better campus life, but the teachers at Concordia Selma are here, not because they cannot teach at the other Concordias, but because they choose to teach where they can also make a difference in the lives of their students. Take a moment to realize that even though some students fall short, it is not the college's fault. Yes, some issues need addressing and many changes are yet to occur, I agree, but those who complain do so as others work to create the change. Just as Christians are given the Word of God to abide by, but do not always do so, students also are giving the tools to do well in college, but some stray. I too know a few of the students now pictured in the paper and though their classroom ethics were strong, the decisions outside the classroom were not. Just as Concordia's students can not be judged by the actions of their peers, please do not judge the faculty and staff by some students' bad choices.

Posted by watchingthecounty (anonymous) on November 13, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So very sad, young people today can't find jobs in Dallas County, but that is no excuse for robbing folks. Everywhere you look a plant is laying off or closing down. I would like to commend our law enforcement officials for making the arrests. I hope these young people learn a very valuable lesson.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is not a shock what so ever. You have people on here and around Selma defending Concordia to their death. In the last 6 weeks, how much controversy can these students create? Sketchy voting tactics, robbing, shooting, and thugging. What a great student population. Are they teaching classes over there on thug lifestyles? Maybe the administration should start checking these students background information a little closer before accepting them as students. YES, it is a reflection on this school.

Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eyeonyou nobody is trying to defend Concordia college ? Was the college the white students attended responsible for the churches they set on fire ? This happened two or three years ago by the way. I don't believe the faculty was responsible , morals are suppose to be taught at home . Therefore these young people are at the age where they knew the difference between right and wrong . They made the choice to do wrong . They now have to face the consequences of their actions . I hope they can get their life together before it's too late .

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What college did they go to?

Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't remember the name of it .However , it was a a very prominent college in Alabama .

Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eyeonyou two of the students attended Birmingham Southern College . The third one attended University of Alabama at Birmingham . This incident made national news as well .They were also the same ages as these young people . Put the blame where it belongs on the individuals not the institution .

Posted by Dowell101 (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The incident with the individuals setting the churches on fire is a different type of crime commited. That is a "hate crime" and this is a "burglary" crime". Point making is that those kids that bomb those churches have a serious issue with blacks and decided to blaze their place of worship, not for money but pure hatred toward African Americans. ChangeSelma, you cannot use this as a comparison because these individuals didn't hate whites, or blacks, or chinese people. They needed money obviously. The crime is not being justified, but Concordia College really needs to be under surveilance for the way they handle financial situations. That is the third incident involving Concordia College students and money in the city of Selma. Concordia doesn't speak on the numerous amount of theft on campus that's not reported and you don't hear about in the newspaper. Are you a thug because you been "hoodwink" by Concordia into coming to a city that has limited jobs not only for young college students, but Selmians as well. And not to rain on anybody parade, But if your not in a certain circle of people in Selma you can forget getting a descent job. Selma and Concordia is nothing more than a Hell hole for the hopeless. Can a young individual truly be properous in Selma? Go to any website in America and the jobs in Selma are limited. Once again Concordia need to be held responsible not for the actions of those individuals, but the lies that they tell which include getting your full pell back, work study hours,in order to meet their enrollment quota.

Posted by eyeonyou (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gotcha. So now everything is even. I guess 2 wrongs have made a right. What ever the case, I hope Concordia has taken this opportunity to explain to their students the consequences of this activity in relation to their enrollment to the school. Should be a 0% tolerance, just as a 0% tolerance in Selma and society. These out of town thugs shouldn't feel comfortable with being a burden on Selma.

Posted by ChangeSelma (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DowelI101 you are messing the point . I know exactly what kind of crime is was . I am not going to be so quick to blame a institution for the actions of students who attend it . The economy has been bad for awhile . It's quite obvious that it would require some effort on the concordia students part to find a part-time job . I am not a thug . Are you one? Name calling isn't necessary . I have a 20 year old daughter that has attended Wallace Community college for 2 years. It never occured to her to go and steal when she sometimes doesn't have the money to buy what she wants . It also has to do with the mindset of some young people as well . They don't want a job at all and want to get material things without having to work for them . They also believe working at a fast food resturant for minium wage is beneath them . You also have to take that into account as well .

Posted by Dowell101 (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ChangeSelma The message is not geared towards you are asking you any questions about whether you are a thug or not. I'm simply saying that one of those individuals is not a thug, just caught in a system where he had to make a decision. It was a bad choice, but he made it, now he has to live with it. Most student-athletes cannot work during their season due to practice, games, and books. If a student athlete pick up a part time job, something going to decline, whether it's grades or performance in their sport. Athletes simply don't work or rather can't work until their seasons over. You might ask why do they get a weekend job. Can't because of games and practice. I'm tired of people defending Concordia. You made the right choice letting your daughter go to Wallace over Concordia. At least she did see some of her grant. I strongly guarantee that if Concordia returned just a little of the students financial aid and help students find jobs, or increased work study hours, these situtations will decrease dramatically with the Concordia students. And yes I'm an very educated, strong minded, THUG Talented....Human....Under...God's....Supervision who was brought to Concordia on the same lies that these young individuals were sold. But I knew when it was time to leave Concordia and never would have let my financial situation get to that point where I have to burglarize businesses. Everybody is not fortunate enough to do that because of certain situations. And I'm willing to bet the house on it that if these individuals did have a criminal background, Concordia bypass it just for the enrollment, now they have to live with the reputation that bestow upon them.

Posted by CaringParent (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all, Selma Times Journal needs to get their story correct. My daughter doesn't even go to Concordia. I would never degrade me or her. She don't reside in Selma either. She ended up with someone as a boyfriend who she thought was pretty straight forward. Only to get caught up in this. Sometimes people are not who they appear to be. She didn't steal anything. She was given something as a gift. She had no idea it was stolen. So, everyone needs to be alert and be careful what people give them. I love my child and we will get through this with the Grace of God.

Posted by CareNunBoutIt (anonymous) on November 14, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ALL "5" of 'em look CROOKED!

Posted by Godblessthechildwhocanholdison (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Do any of u kno thses young ppl? I dont even think so..the choices they made were stupid and im pretty sure they are sittin at home with nothing but regret now..they came to selma for a education..only to make the biggest mistake of their young lives..did any of u kno that none of the young men in this case had no records at all not even juvey records..these were jus college kids makin dumbass choices..now wat do they hav..nothing..the story doesnt even tell they didnt even go into all of those stores..they only stole 4 phones and returned them all..if anything they were wrong but not so much to spend time in jail wit drug dealers and killers..hopefully they can get pass this and move on with their lives and never make the mistake they made that nite again!!!

Posted by CareNunBoutIt (anonymous) on November 27, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lemme guess Godblessthechildwhocanholdison, You must be a cousin or sum? If you steal, you'll kill!!!