Monday, September 28, 2020 I Vol. 117 Iss. 8 INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM What’s inside Opinions Culture Sports The editorial Read about the Athletic Director Tanya board stresses the student movement Vogel discusses how the importance of signing to rename campus department has adjusted the no-donate pledge. buildings. to the pandemic. Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 How administrators have addressed GW’s budget gap amid pandemic ZACH SCHONFELD enrollment and the abil- temporarily suspended CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR ity to bring students back elective surgeries to al- to campus. Total under- locate more resources to- Administrators have graduate enrollment fell ward COVID-19 patients. been grappling with the sharply this year based On April 27, officials financial impact of the on preliminary estimates, announced they would pandemic on the Univer- and administrators began freeze all employee sala- sity for months. But now, meeting this month about ries and top administra- officials say they have spring operations. tors, including LeBlanc, identified the cuts needed would take a pay cut. to close GW’s projected March At the time, LeBlanc budget gap. Days after students said administrators were University President started taking classes not planning any “imme- Thomas LeBlanc an- online following spring diate” layoffs and would nounced to employees late break, administrators be- only do so if “necessary.” last week steps that will gan implementing the first The Faculty Senate be taken as part of the sec- phase of financial mitiga- subsequently requested ond and final phase of -fi tion. layoffs be used only as nancial mitigation, which Officials announced on a “last resort.” Board of will include reductions of March 25 they would sus- Trustees Chair Grace non-recurring expenses pend most capital projects Speights and LeBlanc said and use of the Univer- and hirings, the first pub- they wouldn’t commit to sity’s unrestricted assets. lic action taken to reduce implementing layoffs only GW’s annual budget gap expenses. Administrators as a last resort, adding is currently projected to had previously suspend- that it would only effect FILE PHOTO BY ARI GOLUB | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER reach $160 million this ed non-essential interna- administrative support GW’s revenue losses from COVID-19 are now estimated at $160 million a year, according to University Presi- year in addition to an es- tional travel and urged rather than faculty. dent Thomas LeBlanc. timated $45 million in lost employees to delay all do- revenues last fiscal year, mestic travel out of health May impact. ment or reserves today June which ended June 30. concerns, which also led As the pandemic’s im- Officials said during would not be a prudent At the summer’s start, “Barring a significant to savings. pact persisted, GW’s fi- fiscal year 2020, which decision or in the best in- administrators said lay- nancial outlook continued change in the pandemic April ended June 30, they pro- terest of GW because it offs were no longer just a and its impact, we believe to worsen. jected the $45 million rev- will only hamper our fi- possibility – they were in- that these final steps will In early April, LeBlanc On May 8, adminis- enue shortfall would yield nancial standing in the fu- evitable. conclude our budget miti- provided the first known trators announced a pro- a net loss of $13 million ture,” Speights, the Board On June 4, LeBlanc gation for this fiscal year,” estimate of the pandem- jected annual revenue after running out the Uni- chair, said at the May sen- wrote in an email to An- LeBlanc said in an email, ic’s financial impact on the shortfall of between $100 versity’s budgeted sur- ate meeting. “We cannot drew Zimmerman, the which was obtained by University. Officials an- million and $300 million plus and implementing sacrifice our long-term then-president of the Fac- The Hatchet, to employees ticipated a $25 million loss for fiscal year 2021, which various mitigation steps. future to resolve the chal- ulty Association, saying Thursday. from the original fiscal runs July 1, 2020, through As officials discussed lenges posed by this pan- that officials would be -un Since the pandemic be- year 2020 budget, driven June 30, 2021, depending more drastic measures to demic.” able to avoid layoffs for gan affecting the Univer- by a $45 million annual on when students return close the budget gap, they The decision quickly “any longer” – marking sity’s operations in March, revenue shortfall. to campus. The Board vowed not to use GW’s led to criticism from some LeBlanc’s first known con- officials have stressed The projection did not delayed the passage of endowment, arguing it faculty who said using en- firmation of impending that financial projections account for the impact of the fiscal year 2021 bud- would jeopardize the dowment funds could pre- layoffs. are subject to change un- the pandemic on the Uni- get from its May meeting long-term financial stabil- vent potential layoffs and til more information be- versity’s medical enter- given the financial uncer- ity of the University. other cuts. comes available about prise. The GW Hospital tainty of the pandemic’s “Tapping the endow- See BUDGET Page 4

SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR

Researchers surpass diversity goal for COVID-19 Power outages, poor air vaccine trials quality disrupt West RACHEL ANNEX in a joint response. STAFF WRITER The team said they Coast students’ lives were able to find a di- Almost two months verse sample population TARA SUTER worst air quality in mid- after GW launched its using connections from REPORTER September, and smoke arm of COVID-19 vaccine their past work on HIV from the fires has spread trials, researchers have and a database that keeps TIFFANY GARCIA all the way to D.C. surpassed their goal for track of people who are ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR More than 10 students including participants interested in participat- taking classes in Califor- from minority communi- ing in vaccine trials. Sophomore Gabriel nia, Oregon and Wash- ties as part of their test They said they’ve Young was woken up in ington said they began population. almost reached the the middle of the night their semester facing “ex- The researchers 300-person capacity for last month in San Jose, treme” heat waves and aimed for 30 percent of the number of people California, from dry knowledge of at least one their trials’ participants who can be enrolled in thunder and lightning wildfire near them. Stu- to be from a diverse the trial, and once the storms, which sparked dents said power outages background, including last person is enrolled, the second-largest wild- and poor air quality have African Americans and they’ll follow the par- fire in California’s record- distracted them from people from the Latinx ticipants for the next 25 ed history. schoolwork, bringing on community, but the tri- months. Young, who is current- another layer of stress for als have surpassed this “There will be several ly taking classes remotely, their families affected by goal, with about half of interim analyses as the said he slept next to a the fires. enrolled participants be- study proceeds to evalu- packed backpack and lug- Sophomore Prerna ing people of color. The ate for vaccine efficacy, gage for a week in mid- Agarwal, an international research team – led by and so it is possible that August after receiving affairs major also from David Diemert, a profes- there will be study re- an evacuation warning San Jose, California, said sor of infectious diseases sults that are released and watching his neigh- she remembers crying – said they’re currently before the completion of bors up the road evacuate. from the toxicity in the air conducting Phase Three the study,” the research- When classes began, he quality around her when of the vaccine trial af- ers said. said he struggled to stay she went outside during ter the first two phases Black residents have motivated and focused as the peak of the fires in proved to be safe and comprised 52 percent SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR the fires ripped through August. She said it was showed an immune re- of cases and 75 percent five California counties “impossible” to leave her sponse. of deaths related to CO- that have been hit the are being produced will and thousands of acres of house for days because of The team, which in- VID-19 in the District, hardest by the pandemic. likely not continue when land. poor air quality and in- cludes School of Medi- according to a May NPR Michael Osterholm, the pandemic ends. He “Although I am do- tense heat waves. cine and Health Sciences study. the director of the Cen- said making a vaccine at ing internships within Air quality poses little professors Marc Siegel Vaccines can take 10 ter for Infectious Disease this speed is more expen- my area, it just made it or no health risk when the and Elissa Malkin and to 15 years to research, Research and Policy at sive than going through even harder to focus and air quality index is be- Milken Institute School develop and be ap- the University of Minne- the five-to-seven year be productive,” Young tween 51 and 100. At 101 of Public Health profes- proved by the Food and sota, said minority popu- process it typically takes said. “When your condi- to 150 – which Agarwal’s sor Manya Magnus, said Drug Administration lations are at a greater and the government is tions around you are just region reached – the air testing the vaccine on a for widespread use, but risk for COVID-19 in part unlikely to fund those ef- uncertain, not only from is considered unhealthy sample population that Operation Warp Speed, because of their socio- forts when there is not an the [Black Lives Matter] for sensitive groups like includes Black, Latinx a government-funded economic status and be- imminent crisis. movements but with CO- the elderly, children and and elderly populations program implemented cause many members of “I think at this point VID too, adding another people with lung disease. ensures researchers to accelerate vaccine tri- those communities are it’s a situation where the stress factor onto me just “I ended up staying in- prove the vaccine works als, has provided the re- essential workers. people, the government made it very hard to con- doors during most of the on those populations, sources to speed up the “It could be huge to is willing to spend that centrate and take it all in.” fires, and I am very grate- which have been dispro- vaccine development reduce the number of additional money to do Images of glowing or- ful that I had a space to be portionately affected by process. cases of COVID-19 not this kind of work, which ange skies and smoky, able to do so,” Agarwal the pandemic. Infectious disease ex- only in terms of reducing is very expensive,” he ash-filled air saturated the said in an email. “They “If we do not enroll a perts said including peo- the illness in communi- said. “In that regard, news in late August after did have to intermittently representative sample in ple from diverse back- ties but giving the com- that’s not going to hap- wildfires spread along the turn off WiFi, which made this study, we will not grounds in COVID-19 munities confidence that pen unless you have a West Coast. The fires have it challenging to engage know whether this vac- vaccine trials can in- they can try to find that crisis.” continued to worsen air in online school or finish cine is safe and prevents crease the public’s trust new normal in life,” Os- quality in the region – cit- work.” COVID-19 in those most in the vaccine’s effective- terholm said. ies like Portland, Oregon, affected by the pandem- ness because it included Osterholm said the and Seattle topped world- ic,” the researchers said members of communities rate at which vaccines See DIVERSITY Page 5 wide lists for having the See WILDFIRES Page 4 September 28, 2020 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

THIS WEEK’S A CONVERSATION WITH THE AMBASSADOR OF ANALYZING THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE EVENTS GERMANY TO THE UNITED STATES September 30 • 6:30 p.m. EDT • Free September 28 • 4 p.m. EDT • Free The third installment of the Frank J. Fahrenkopf & Charles T. Join Emily Haber, the ambassador of Germany to the United Manatt 2020 Election Series will feature a panel of experts States to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on Germany and as they analyze the first presidential debate between Joe the European Union. Biden and President Donald Trump.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty shuts down the only homeless shelter in Northwest D.C., located on 13th and K streets, over the objections of the D.C. Council and shelter residents. NSeptemberews 28, 2020 • Page 2 September 28, 2008 Students with disabilities decry lack of support from DSS LAUREN SFORZA causing them to face issues accommodations to students STAFF WRITER solo. Students said they wish with disabilities who regis- the office provided them ter with our office,” Major Sophomore Madison with resources like closed said in an email. “This fall Girault said she’s used Dis- captioning and guidelines we are continuing to provide ability Support Services for for how to talk to professors the needed support – it just accommodations since she about needing extra assis- looks a little bit different in a was diagnosed with dys- tance with lectures or work. virtual environment.” lexia at 18 years old, but on- “The lack of communica- Major said the office is line learning has thrown a tion makes me feel like I don’t educating more faculty this wrench in her studies. have support at GW,” Girault semester about the need for Girault, who is majoring said. “And it’s very scary. In accessibility and Universal in photojournalism, said she person, we got emails prob- Design in Learning, which normally receives emails at ably at least once a week, if breaks down the learning least twice a month from not every other week. I had barrier for students with ac- DSS listing resources to suc- emails in my inbox all the commodations by creating ceed in class, but she has not time. Going from that to no flexible lesson plans. She said received any communication emailing over the summer to the office has been working since the semester started. none now – unless you email with professors to support She said completing tasks them – it definitely makes students online by teaching like discussion posts and me feel very frustrated.” techniques like subtitling reading assignments has In the last few years, reg- presentations, which allows caused her to tire more eas- istration in the DSS office students to go back and re- ily, and she hopes DSS staff jumped nearly 40 percent view lectures. will reach out to offer addi- under former Director Susan “There has been a posi- tional support or tips to aid McMenamin. McMenamin tive aspect to the transition FILE PHOTO BY OLIVIA ANDERSON online learning. left GW in January, and Alisa to online learning,” Major Students say the Office of Disability Support Services has provided them with limited communication dur- “Staring at computer Major filled her place as the said. “GW did a wonderful ing a particularly difficult semester. screens for really long or interim director. job when planning for the reading a lot, which obvi- Major said the office has fall semester to get prepared presentation and her note- blindness, it doesn’t really ing her ability to focus. She ously teachers have been like seen an increase in accom- to be able to provide an ac- book simultaneously. She matter.” said “very few” of her pro- ‘here’s a bunch of reading’ modation requests from cessible, remote learning en- said she has an auditory pro- Trimble said she request- fessors use closed captions and doing these blog posting students who previously did vironment.” cessing disorder, a hearing ed that DSS staff send ac- in class, and she struggles to situations, I get so tired,” Gi- not need the assistance for But students say DSS has condition that causes prob- commodation letters to her get work done during the al- rault said. “My brain works their transition to online. She been “behind” this year in lems processing sounds, but professors in August, but lotted class time. four times more than the av- said DSS is providing work- terms of communicating and her professors post every- they weren’t submitted until She said she has reached erage human when it comes shops this fall for students to connecting students with thing online so she can listen three weeks into the semes- out personally to her profes- to reading between the dys- stay on track of coursework accommodations for online back to what she may have ter. She said she told profes- sors to ask for assistance be- lexia and the eye tracking and prepare for exams in learning. missed. sors of her accommodations cause she feels DSS has not disorders. So it’s literally just addition to connecting stu- Freshman Shea Trimble “My brain takes longer herself because she hadn’t adapted to assist students been so much.” dents with academic offices said keeping up with profes- to process sound than it heard from the office. learning virtually. She said Half a dozen students like the GW Writing Center sors’ presentations has been should,” she said. “And it’s Luana Kiwakana, a se- DSS staff have previously with DSS accommodations and Office for Student Suc- “challenging” because of her worse online. So it’s hard to nior who experiences fre- provided resources for stu- said the office has provided cess. field vision loss in the left keep up with what people quent migraines and flare- dents on how to talk to their limited communication “DSS continues to pro- side of both her eyes, which are saying, but at the same ups, said Zoom discussions professors about accommo- during the virtual semester, vide academic and housing makes it difficult to see the time, because of the legal have caused migraines, hurt- dations.

SA LGBTQ caucus to prioritize change to housing policies

MAKENA ROBERTS name on all GW databases. – specifically transgender CONTRIBUTING NEWS “That needs to be stan- students – find more op- EDITOR daPacker said she wants to portunities to be in leader- expand access to LGBTQ ship positions on campus. Leaders of the Student resources like “commu- Amstutz said upperclass- Association’s newly es- nity spaces” and “health men and student leaders tablished LGBTQ+ caucus resources” for graduate part of the LGBTQ commu- said they will work with students because “very nity would act as mentors. housing officials on gen- few” graduate students “I want to make sure der rooming assignments participate in student or- that we’re bringing those and create spaces to listen ganizations. She said she people into the room and to concerns of the LGBTQ will reach out to graduate helping empower them community. students through the SA to strive for those leader- SA Sen. Sam Packer, graduate newsletter. ship positions, whether in CCAS-U and the chair of “I want to make sure the Student Association or the caucus, said the group that all of the resources we in their student organiza- can serve to especially sup- have as a community are tion,” Amstutz said. port an LGBTQ commu- available to all students SA Sen. Courtney Ma- KATE CARPENTER | PHOTOGRAPHER nity that has been viewed within our community, be son, CCAS-G and a mem- Metro’s ridership is currently at 12 percent of its pre-pandemic level, according to the Washington Metro- as a “relatively” small com- that undergraduate stu- ber of the caucus, said she politan Area Transit Authority. munity. She said the mem- dents, graduate students, will continue to advocate bers will pri- for previous leg- oritize changing islation passed the University’s “I want to make sure that in the SA, like Metro’s budget cuts could complicate housing policy we’re bringing those people the creation of so students’ as- into the room and helping gender-inclu- travel, students say signments are sive bathrooms, based on gender empower them to strive for when speaking instead of sex, those leadership positions, with officials on DANIEL OKAY vice to curb the spread of CO- ter to go to her gym, adding collaborating LGBTQ issues. REPORTER VID-19 but failed to rebound that she thinks the risk of whether in the Student As- with other LG- She said she will with its usual flock of riders infection is the same as go- sociation or in their student BTQ organiza- speak with ad- As commuters continue when it fully reopened ear- ing to any other public space. tions and form- organization.” ministrators like to avoid public transporta- lier this month. Alter said Metro’s budget ing a simplified Cissy Petty, the tion amid the pandemic, the WMATA General Man- cuts would affect her regular name change DREW AMSTUTZ dean of students Metro is anticipating finan- ager and CEO Paul Wie- travel plans as she relies on process for stu- SA VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT POLICY experience and cial shortfalls and dramatic defeld said at a special board the transit system to get from dents on all GW vice president of changes in its operations. meeting Friday that the orga- place to place. documents. student affairs, Commuters and D.C.- nization may have to lay off “There’s no need to have Five SA sena- to “improve” area students alike are evad- as many as 1,700 of its 13,000 a car in the city because the tors and one SA vice presi- part-time, online – even campus resources for all ing the enclosed Metro cars employees, reduce arrivals Metro pretty much brings dent are currently serving when not in the pandemic students, specifically LG- due to remote work and by 25 percent, cut hours from you everywhere,” she said. “I on the caucus. – because we are an in- BTQ individuals. fear of COVID-19 infection – 11 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday rely on it pretty heavily.” “It was past time for the clusive community, and “I’m hoping that LG- the Metro currently sees 12 through Thursday and halt Previously riding the student leadership and the I want to make sure that BTQ students do feel safe percent of its pre-pandemic construction on the 23-mile Metro across the District administrators to take a everyone has the access to and welcomed on campus ridership, according to the Dulles Metrorail Project. once a week, sophomore Eva more direct focus on our is- resources that they need,” and that they can be them- Washington Metropolitan Wiedefeld said he hoped Neumann, a public health sues, especially for the gen- Packer said. selves,” Mason said. “And Area Transit Authority. Stu- fully restoring operations in major, said she’s only ridden der diverse community,” She added that the I don’t think there’s neces- dents said Metro’s struggle August would help revital- the Metro three times in the Packer said. “That’s trans caucus will advocate for sarily specific issues, but I to stay afloat during the pan- ize the D.C. economy and two months she’s been living people, nonbinary people, adding at least one gender- think that there are areas demic could disfigure their reestablish some normalcy off campus during the pan- gender queer people, any- inclusive bathroom in all for improvement.” travel routines in months for public transportation, demic with “less to do” in the one who doesn’t identify buildings on campus so Anna Weber, the SA’s ahead. but commuters have largely city. Even though her travel within or essentially as a students who aren’t com- vice president for campus Earlier this month, the steered clear of the system. schedule has shifted, Neu- cisgender person.” fortable with using an sex- operations and a mem- Metro Board of Directors ap- “Metro is what drives the mann said she still feels safe She said the caucus assigned bathroom don’t ber of the caucus, said the proved a proposal that cuts region’s economy and moves riding the train in the city. will meet at least once a have to walk multiple caucus provides a “desig- $212 million of the agency’s our federal workforce,” Wie- “I’m pretty comfortable month to discuss policy blocks in between classes. nated” space for students 2020 operating budget if defeld said. “Cutting service, using it now, and it definitely goals. Packer added that Following student advoca- to talk about LGBTQ is- WMATA doesn’t receive shortening operating hours, is the cheapest option com- she reached out to LGBTQ cy, a gender-inclusive bath- sues, especially consider- more federal support by the laying off and furloughing pared to Uber-ing or finding organizations like Trans- room was built in the Mar- ing the “robust” LGBTQ end of 2020. Metro’s $767 mil- workers – these all run coun- a friend with a car or some- gender and Non-Binary vin Center in the spring. population at GW. She lion in CARES Act funding ter to the strong recovery that thing like that,” Neumann Students of GW, Allied in Drew Amstutz, the SA’s said she will advocate to expired in July, and officials everyone wants.” said. Pride and Delta Lamba Phi, vice president for under- bring back an event similar are preparing to slash nearly Metro Board Chair Paul Neumann said the Met- a queer fraternity on cam- graduate student policy to the LGBTQIA+ Health half of its $467 million yearly Smedberg said in the re- ro’s But Mark Schlager, a pus, before drafting the and a member of the cau- and Advocacy Conference, budget as revenue continues lease that officials will make sophomore and lifelong D.C. caucus legislation to invite cus, said he will focus on which featured a town hall to slip away. “much deeper and more native, said he feels unsafe them to apply for a mem- outreach to LGBTQ student and presentations from na- Usually, the Metro trans- painful” cuts next fiscal year using the Metro amid the ber position in the caucus. organizations and intends tional figures in the spring, portation system is bustling should additional federal aid pandemic and hasn’t ridden She said the caucus to create a mentorship through her position as a with commuters, second not relieve the pandemic’s any Metro trains or buses is open to all members program between LGBTQ caucus member. only to the New York City strain on transit. The board since the outbreak in March, and allies of the commu- students and profession- “I would like to try subway. But ridership has plans to finalize budget cuts now driving his car to get nity who are “passionate” als across the University’s and do something with fallen by nearly half a million in November, according to around the city. about LGBTQ issues. Pack- schools. that again,” Weber said. daily entries during the pan- the release. “I still don’t really trust er said a priority for the He said many stu- “Otherwise, I’d like to just demic – two thirds of Metro’s Sundhya Alter, a sopho- going on the Metro just in caucus is working with IT dent “positions of power” provide input to the sen- average – and revenue has more studying sociology, case someone is on a train administrators to simplify across campus aren’t rep- ate members, and it’s just decreased by 90 percent on said she still uses the Metro and has it,” Schlager said. “So the “complicated” process resentative of transgender a really good place to have some lines. every day to travel from I’ve been just driving every- to change a student’s legal students so a mentorship discussion about these is- WMATA initially cut ser- Georgetown to Federal Cen- where.” name to their preferred program can help students sues.” THE GW HATCHET NEWS September 28, 2020 • Page 3 Student organizations rally civic engagement away from nation’s capital ABIGAIL OSBORNE & North Carolina state senator our members, especially the RIO MATSUMOTO who is now running for the new ones, but through a va- REPORTERS U.S. Senate, and Sara Gideon riety of online venues we’ve in Maine. been able to keep our mem- Civic engagement groups “We are six weeks out bers engaged,” he said. on campus are searching for from the most important Sophomore Sydney ways to stay active and vocal election in modern Ameri- McArthur, the co-leader of despite setbacks brought on can history and probably Students for Indigenous and by the COVID-19 pandemic. the most important election Native American Rights, As Election Day nears of our lifetimes,” Kahn said. said recruiting new mem- and calls for racial justice “Now is not the time to re- bers has been challenging, across the nation and in D.C. main on the sidelines. Now “especially when you’re a grow louder, student orga- is the time to get involved.” minority on campus.” No nizations are continuing to Junior Patrick Burland, longer able to gather in large rally members through on- the director of public rela- groups on campus, McAr- line events to stay involved tions for College Republi- thur said SINAR has used and fight for change while cans, said members have its Instagram to engage with observing social distancing continued programming students and advertise mov- protocols. Student activists online, organizing a “mock ie screenings. and leaders with groups like convention platform event” “It is definitely hard – it’s GW College Democrats and and hosting talks with Cali- a lot of social media tactics GW College Republicans fornia Congressional hope- like what we post, who we said members have adjusted ful Young Kim and House follow, how we can get con- to the pandemic, pressed Minority Leader Kevin Mc- nected, and we do appreci- FILE PHOTO BY DONNA ARMSTRONG | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER leaders for change and built Carthy, R-Calif., via Zoom. ate a lot of reposts – that’s The GW College Democrats are hosting five phone banks a week for Democratic presidential candidate up momentum heading into The group also led a virtual how we get a lot of atten- Joe Biden and other Congressional candidates in November's election. Election Day. training with the Repub- tion sometimes,” McArthur College Democrats Presi- lican National Committee said. “So a lot of it has been dent Louie Kahn said he’s and connected students through social media, strate- buildings named after con- in the Amazon forests with chapters and congressional encouraged members to with political internships gic work and also hopefully troversial figures from his- those tribes, and we also staffers at an event called the phone bank in their states and campaigns. throughout emails.” tory as well as the Colonials wanted to do some events 51 for 51 Youth Advocacy to stay involved and push As the group prepares McArthur said SINAR moniker. that collaborate with other Day Thursday. Democratic presidential for the rest of the online se- members have focused McArthur said she plans organizations to emphasize Oberstaedt added that nominee Joe Biden and sev- mester, Burland said mem- on the Black Lives Matter to use the fall months ahead the importance of inter- the COVID-19 pandemic eral Congressional candi- bers have spent the year movement in recent months to raise awareness about is- sectionality and just being has offered up new oppor- dates to victory on Election posting blogs that discuss to show “solidarity and sues facing Indigenous and stronger together,” she said. tunities for the 50-member Day, planning five phone several politically-charged intersectionality of indig- Native American communi- Senior Matthew Ober- group, as students have banks a week for candidates issues like police brutal- enous sovereignty and Black ties, like the disproportion- staedt, the leader of the GW engaged with chapters in November’s election. ity, environmentalism and liberation.” ate amount of violence and chapter of Students for D.C. from across the country to He said members dedicate the filibuster on the group’s SINAR partnered with murder Indigenous women Statehood, said the CO- discuss the connection be- Tuesday nights to phone website. Burland said those several other student orga- face relative to the rest of the VID-19 pandemic has made tween statehood and racial bank for Biden and divide blogs have kept members nizations on campus, like country. it more difficult to organize justice and the similarities time throughout the week active, but he still remains the Black Student Union and “We do plan to do a lot of events that would otherwise between the D.C. and Puer- to advocate for candidates focused on reviving the lost Persist GW, this summer to information regarding miss- be in person, like “lobby to Rican statehood move- that could tip the balance sense of community. launch the Reconsider The ing and murdered Indig- days” on Capitol Hill. Now, ments. The organization of power in the U.S. Senate, “The biggest challenge Names campaign, which enous women, the environ- lobby days are virtual, he hosted a speaker event with like Mark Kelly in Arizona, has been bringing the D.C. calls for officials to reconsid- mental aspect of activism said, and members of the a Puerto Rican native last Cal Cunningham, a former community and aspect to er the names of six campus especially what’s going on organization joined other week, he said. Honors program students of color group seeks to build support system SAMANTHA SERAFIN requiring bias training for coming UHP class while STAFF WRITER all students, staff and fac- last year they comprised ulty in the program. 16 percent, and Black stu- A group of students of But Akinbode said dent percentages more color is working to create some students who joined than doubled between an inclusive and diverse the committee resigned 2019 and 2020. space that they say has after a meeting with As- “As I informed the been “lacking” in the Uni- sociate Provost for Special students, UHP faculty in versity Honors Program. Programs and the Mount collaboration with admis- Seven students Vernon Academic Expe- sions have paid careful launched the UHP Black, rience Elizabeth Chacko attention to diversify- Indigenous People of Col- and Kung. The collective ing the incoming class or Collective earlier this wrote in an Instagram and over the last couple month to build a closer post that members who of years have admitted a community with each resigned said officials larger number of students other and support stu- demonstrated “no un- of color, but they do not dents’ success in the hon- derstanding” of the work have control over which ors program, advocating students put into the com- students among those ad- for policies like diversify- mittee and “blamed” stu- mitted decide to come to ing peer mentoring and dents for the program’s GWU,” Chacko said. COURTESY OF SEBASTIAN WEINMANN programming. The mem- lack of diversity. Sophomore Fryda Student Association Sen. Sebastian Weinmann, Law-G and the caucus chair, said the SA is often seen as a bers of the collective said Chacko said she Cortes, a member of the space not inclusive of graduate student perspectives. the group will spend the formed a Vern student ad- collective, said the UHP semester pushing admin- visory council last year to Origins course readings istrators in the program advise her on various is- are “extremely” Eurocen- SA graduate student caucus aims to to enact their proposed sues, like creating a Multi- tric and include racist un- inclusion policies and cre- cultural Student Services dertones and ideas by the ate a safe space for BIPOC Center space on the cam- authors. She said updated link students with administrators students. pus. She said students, reading lists included MAKENA ROBERTS graduate school. He said way that we set ourselves Junior Ebunoluwa faculty and staff should more women authors, but CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR himself plus the three up to be more accessible to Akinbode, one of the two work “closely and collab- the lists still don’t feature members currently on the grad students is something students who originated oratively” to make GW enough voices from BI- the idea for the group, Members of the Student caucus will “likely” meet I think goes hand-in-hand and the programs within POC authors. said a group of students Association’s recently es- once a month. with getting more grad it more inclusive. She said the collective sent a letter to Bethany tablished graduate student “Graduate umbrella or- students involved in the “Over the last year, I will make a list of its own Cobb Kung, the UHP have had great experienc- reading content and en- caucus said they intend ganizations are quite effec- SA,” Falcigno said. director, in June follow- to boost the visibility of tive at advocating for their SA Sen. Gabriel Young, es working with BIPOC courage students of color ing nationwide protests and other students in the to fill out a UHP student graduate issues through constituencies to their CCAS-U and a co-sponsor against racial inequality. more direct communica- schools’ administrations,” of the bill that created the Mount Vernon Scholars testimony form to advo- Akinbode said student Program,” Chacko said in cate for themselves and tion between students and Weinmann said. “How- caucus, said the caucus leaders demanded the officials. ever, they, to no fault of will help connect graduate an email. report bias incidents. She UHP require unconscious She said she met with said the collective will en- SA Sen. Sebastian their own, often have little students with the Universi- bias training for students Weinmann, Law-G and knowledge or experience ty by serving as a space for members of the collective gage with administrators and core faculty. while they were serving in offices outside of the the caucus chair, said he in navigating the Univer- the group to discuss their “Your mission is to established the graduate sity-at-large bureaucracy.” concerns without input as student representa- UHP, and members have organize committed tives on the diversity and spoken with Jordan West, student caucus to ensure SA Sen. Thomas Falcig- from undergraduates, who scholars from diverse graduate students have a no, CPS-G and a member may have a poor grasp of inclusion committee “in the director of University backgrounds to engage a listening capacity.” She diversity and inclusion “unified body” to advo- of the caucus, said he will graduate student life. in questions of humanity cate for graduate-specific aim to increase graduate “By actually focusing said she participated in programs, about report- and apply it to the com- a second meeting to ad- ing racist incidents. issues, like connecting student participation in on the issues that graduate plex world around us,” dress some “issues” that Junior Nicolas Rios, a students across graduate the SA by informing grad- students collectively agree the letter states. “The pro- the students raised, but member of the collective, uate students who had ap- on, then that’s the best schools with administra- gram’s current environ- she didn’t specify which said the group has about tors. He said the caucus plied for senate positions way for them to be able to ment in which students issues were brought up. 15 members and will con- will advertise resources but were not selected for promote and meet with ad- of color feel alienated, Chacko said the UHP tinue to promote itself on available at the University the seat that they can still ministrators or find people ignored and frustrated in has increased its student social media to attract stu- to graduate students and be involved with the SA who actually are on focus spaces of your own cre- diversity with White stu- dents interested in join- continue advocating for a via the caucus. He said and on task with the prob- ation make it impossible dents making up about ing. He said the collective 10 percent tuition reduc- the SA received a record lems that they are trying to fulfill this purpose.” 45 percent of freshmen in is open for all students tion like the one under- number of applications for to solve within graduate The UHP released the program this fall com- interested in addressing graduate students received vacant graduate positions schools,” Young said. a statement in June an- pared to between 69 and issues facing UHP BIPOC this semester. this year. He said as an under- nouncing the formation of 73 percent from 2017 to students and will host “For far too long gradu- “My goal really is how graduate student being a diversity and inclusion 2019. She said Asian stu- meetings every second ate students’ voices have we can get graduate stu- conscious of the spaces committee and the start- dents made up about 23 and fourth Thursday of been diminished or com- dents involved in the SA reserved for graduate stu- ing of other policies like percent of this year’s in- the month. pletely ignored by the SA – that’s one of my top pri- dents and allowing them and University, despite the orities for this caucus,” he to discuss among their majority of the GW student said. “And also how we can peers without undergradu- body being graduate stu- make sure that if we are ate intervention can help dents,” Weinmann said. not currently accessible to support the caucus as a He said he wants to grad students, how can we whole. Young said he plans break down the assump- make ourselves accessible to talk with graduate stu- tion that the SA only serves to grad students?” dents that are involved in undergraduate students by He said recent changes similar extracurriculars bringing in more graduate to the SA, like pushing as himself and encourage students from outside the back legislative votes to them to sit in on meetings SA into the body. The new the end of SA meetings this and join the caucus. caucus comes on the heels year, allows more graduate “A lot of times the most of an SA referendum last students to vote because exposure I get to graduate semester in which nearly their classes sometimes students is through social 70 percent of students run past the senate’s 9 p.m. media, through Overheard voted to divide the SA into start time for meetings. at GW and Facebook,” separate undergraduate In previous years, legisla- Young said. “And so I and graduate bodies. tive voting took place at think this would be a great Weinmann added that the start of the meetings way of putting it out there the caucus will work with or was held immediately and letting people know graduate student orga- after discussing the legis- and be informed that there nizations who need help lation. is a place for them at the PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY IAN SAVILLE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER directing their concerns “Figuring out addition- GW Student Association A group of students in the University Honors Program is pushing for changes to the program's to administrators in each al ways in our bylaws in the table.” curriculum and operations to better include Black and Indigenous voices. THE GW HATCHET NEWS September 28, 2020 • Page 4 Officials debut updated campus safety app JARROD WARDWELL a “Safety Timer” that in- GWPD about his where- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR dicates how long someone abouts on the app. may take to get home, al- “I would feel comfort- Officials released an lows students to contact able knowing that I have upgraded campus safety GWPD and sends an alert this app that is connected app during virtual ori- with a student’s location to to the police department, entation last month that a list of family and friends and if I needed help, as- includes a wider selection if the timer expires. sistance would not only of digital features and ho- Nosal said the Univer- be able to get to me, but tlines. sity’s Health and Emer- they’ll also have a detailed University spokesper- gency Management Safety profile of me,” he said. son Crystal Nosal said team, consisting of GWPD, Experts in sexual vio- the new app, called GW GW Dispatch and the of- lence and criminology Guardian, will replace the fices of Emergency Man- said the app would help previous campus safety agement and Advocacy students feel connected app, GW PAL, which stu- and Support, helped de- to resources like EMeRG dents could use to either velop the new app, which in case of an emergency, call a SafeRide or send an nearly 140 students have but it may not successfully alert to the GW Police De- downloaded as of Friday. prevent crime. partment. Nosal said the “We believe it will give Joseph Schafer, a FILE PHOTO BY OLIVIA ANDERSON new app will carry more them quick access to the criminology professor at Lisa Benton-Short, the geography department chair, said the program will bridge the gap between quantita- utilities than its predeces- resources they need and St. Louis University, said tive approaches to problem-solving and environmental issues. sor and will continue to provide them with an the app won’t reduce the roll out new features “that alternate way to receive number of incidents that will benefit the GW com- alerts,” Nosal said. may occur on campus but Geography faculty launch major in munity.” Nosal said officials will can still help students take “The Guardian app is further advertise the app responsibility for personal integrated with our GW when the majority of stu- safety, react to incidents environmental, sustainability science Alerts system and has far dents return to campus. and make phone calls more robust features that CARLY NEILSON Senior Kent Trespala- more quickly than before. cording to the department’s nity,” she said. integrate with our GW cios, a two-year member Monika Lind – a doc- STAFF WRITER website. Jason Brown, an adjunct Dispatch systems than of the Division of Safety toral candidate at the Uni- Keeley said the major has professor of geography, said the GW Pal app,” Nosal and Facilities’ Student versity of Oregon and a ISHANI CHETTRI two concentrations, one in he hopes students in the new said in an email. “Rave Advisory Board, said GW research associate at the REPORTER earth and environmental sci- major take courses like Intro- Guardian has determined Guardian improves upon Center for Institutional ences and one in ecological duction to Remote Sensing be- best practices after work- GW PAL because it offers Courage, said GW Guard- Geography department management. She said the cause of its usefulness in other ing with a number of large students a larger selec- ian may not be helpful in faculty launched a Bachelor of major is interdisciplinary, in- fields outside of geography businesses and other uni- tion of features, including preventing sexual assault Science degree program in en- cluding classes from about like agriculture and emergen- versities and can offer ex- the phone directory and on campus. She said the vironmental and sustainabil- eight departments like geog- cy and disaster management. tensive support.” the Safety Timer. Officials app’s features like the ity science this fall in response raphy, physics and chemistry He said studying remote The app includes links planning system upgrades Safety Timer are geared to growing interest from stu- and electives in classes like sensing helps prepare stu- to the National Sexual As- have also considered add- to help students when dents in the area over the past Conservation Biology, Water dents for jobs in environmen- sault, Domestic Violence ing a messaging system they’re approached and few years. Resources and Oceanography. tal and sustainability science and Suicide hotlines, the through which GWPD assaulted by a stranger, Faculty said students in “They are most interested by giving them a “founda- Network for Victim Re- officers can communicate which she said is the rarest the major will develop skills in the science side of the envi- tion” in understanding how covery of D.C. and the Poi- and track students asking form of sexual assault. in earth sciences and ecologi- ronmental studies program,” the environment changes. son Control Center. Stu- for help, he said. She said most cases of cal management for careers Keeley said. “That was always Brown said the geography dents can also reach GW’s “When I downloaded sexual assault occur when like environmental sustain- their interest so it just makes a faculty are “very knowledge- Title IX Office, the Office the app when I first got to the assailant and victim ability planning and policy. lot of sense to them. I think we able” because of their speciali- of Advocacy and Support, GW, I realized that it could know each other, an out- They said they are “excited” are seeing students who have ties and disciplines. Campus Advisories and be better, and I believe that come she believes the app about the major, which they strong interest in the sciences Tommy Gray, a junior ma- SafeRide, according to the the newer version is that fails to address. said was created as an ad- but are drawn to the ability joring in environmental and app. better version because it “In terms of the pre- ditional path for students to to take classes across disci- sustainability science, said Students can use the has more features that stu- vention piece, I would not the existing Bachelor of Arts plines.” they previously pursued in- app to create a personal dents are more inclined to expect this app to be time- in environmental studies pro- Lisa Benton-Short, the ternational affairs, astrophys- profile with emergency use,” Trespalacios said. ly and helpful for people gram and builds on the sus- chair of the geography de- ics and environmental studies contacts and medical his- Trespalacios, who lives who are actually at risk of tainability minor through a partment, said the program majors before “officially” de- tory information, which off campus, said the app being sexually assaulted more science-based study of will provide students with claring a major in the new B.S. responders can see when gives him “peace of mind” or in the process of being the environment. the types of skills required for program this semester. They students call EMeRG, while walking around a coerced or whatever be- Melissa Keeley, the direc- understanding and solving said the new major combines GWPD or 911. quieter campus in the eve- cause it’s so often someone tor of the environmental and “critical issues” like climate the two subjects they enjoyed Students can also use ning because he can alert you know,” she said. sustainability science pro- change and biodegradable di- the most, quantitative science gram and an associate profes- versity. She said the program and humanities. sor of geography, said student will “translate” well into a “I feel like that’s the word interest in the science side of world that is facing a demand of the decade right now is in- the environmental studies for environmental sustain- terdisciplinary,” Gray said. program sparked the develop- ability. “We’re in a time where we’re ment of the program. She said “It’s also important to have starting to realize that all many students had already a STEM degree particularly in these separate fields that have completed the requirements some of the areas where the all these barriers between for the new major under the physical science and environ- them need to start being torn existing bachelor’s program mental science side demands down.” so faculty decided to create a more quantitative approach They said they weren’t separate degree. to problem-solving,” Benton- sure if they were going to “This meets a need that Short said. graduate on time because of existed and students were She said Keeley led the their multiple major changes, wanting this kind of an option push along with faculty mem- but Keeley suggested that so it meets students’ interests bers in other departments switching to the new major and that’s what we wanted,” to design the major. Benton- would make it “easier” for Keeley said. Short said after hearing stu- them to finish on time because The program combines dent demand for the major, they already completed many the courses from the depart- faculty from the department of the courses required for the ment’s existing bachelor’s worked to create an “innova- major. programs in geography and tive” program. “Hopefully, that will draw environmental studies with a “We pride ourselves on a lot of even more intelligent variety of science courses like knowing our students really people to the major and to that PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JENNIFER CUYUCH | PHOTOGRAPHER Introduction to Sustainability well and having a fantastic, field because we need it,” they The new app features a safety timer that allows friends and family to "watch over" students as and Introductory Biology, ac- engaged, intellectual commu- said. they walk from one location to another. Projected budget losses take 'Distressing' wildfires plague optimistic turn as fall progresses student anxiety mer neared, officials laid expectations, reflecting She said seeing photos of staying. She said the air From Page 1 off hundreds of staff in a $180 million revenue From Page 1 Seattle covered in gray ash was hazy and smelled like administrative units, in- shortfall. was “distressing,” espe- smoke from the Dolan Fire As administrators pre- cluding the Center for LeBlanc said the “first Agarwal said it was “heart- cially because she couldn’t and SCU Lightning Com- pared for layoffs, they Career Services, technol- phase” of GW’s mitiga- breaking” to see places she relate her concerns to her plex, making it difficult to continued planning for ogy offices, event depart- tion efforts, which in- had hiked burnt. She said roommates who aren’t be outside without getting an in-person fall semes- ments and academic ad- cluded all budget actions she struggled to focus in from West Coast states. a headache. “It was really sad,” Nixon said the wildfires ter. Officials submitted vising. LeBlanc said at the taken through Septem- her classes due to power September senate meet- ber, reduced expenses by outages brought on by the Tapia said. “I almost felt a exacerbated her anxiety, af- a plan to the District on heat, evacuation concerns little guilty for leaving. I’m fecting her ability to stay June 15 for students to re- ing that officials had laid about $100 million, leav- off about 250 staff - mem ing tens of millions of and anxiety from the fires’ probably one of the only focused on school work. turn to campus in August ones I know for my circle She said she didn’t need bers with more expected dollars of the budget gap destruction. with an extensive test- “The media any extensions in the coming days. unaddressed. Officials ing and social distancing exacerbated that “It was so difficult to for her classes plan. Multiple faculty sena- have declined to say how fear with visuals but is worried if tors met with trustees to much money was saved of neighborhood justify doing my history she isn’t able to July discuss officials’ financial by each individual action forests or orange readings when the sky connect to the But uncertainty re- mitigation strategy and taken, including staff lay- skies, and there right outside my window Internet while ex- mained as cases began requested the Board use offs. was fairly vague was hued orange, and I periencing longer rising throughout the endowment funds to help But LeBlanc said or convoluted in- power outages in United States during the close the gap, according Thursday that updated formation com- had no idea whether we October or No- summer. The new fiscal to a senate executive com- projections reduced the ing from our city, would have to evacuate vember. year began without an mittee report. Speights, estimated annual revenue which added to next.” “While there have been scares annual budget, and the the Board chair, did not shortfall even further, the stress of not PRERNA AGARWAL knowing exactly about needing Board instead granted return a request for com- now estimated at $160 SOPHOMORE MAJORING IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS officials temporary finan- ment about the meeting million. The second phase what would hap- to evacuate my cial authority until the fi- through a spokesperson. of cuts, which include pen,” Agarwal community for nancial situation became Hundreds have called suspending the Univer- said. “It was so the past three of friends that actually years, this year poses ex- clearer. on LeBlanc to resign, cit- sity’s base and matching difficult to justify doing my history readings when went back to their college tra problems because of On July 27, adminis- ing the layoffs as part of retirement contributions, the sky right outside my town. It was just like the the pandemic,” Nixon said. trators announced classes their rationale. reducing non-recurring expenses and using up to window was hued orange, hard aspects of being away “Whether it’s the fact that I would remain online for from home and the conse- might lose power for mul- September $20 million of the Univer- and I had no idea whether the entire fall semester we would have to evacuate quences of my roommates tiple days at a time and not with a 10 percent tuition As fall enrollment lev- sity’s unrestricted assets next.” not really fully grasping be able to keep up with my discount for Foggy Bot- els became clearer, GW’s is expected to close the Adriana Tapia, a senior and understanding the se- online classes, or that my tom undergraduates, projected losses became remaining gap. studying political science verity of it.” 90-year-old grandmother leading to tens of millions more optimistic. “I anticipate things and French from Sam- Freshman Lauren Nix- may need assistance evac- of dollars in lost housing LeBlanc said earlier could get better,” LeBlanc mamish, Washington, said on, a journalism and mass uating but we can’t come revenue and an expected this month that total un- said at a senate meeting she moved to D.C. before communication major, in direct contact with her annual revenue shortfall dergraduate enrollment earlier this month. “We the fires and has had to said she experienced poor because of the virus, a lot of $220 million. fell about 7.2 percent this built in fairly conserva- rely on her dad back home air quality for four to six of unfortunate and largely year based on the latest tive projections, so I don’t and the news for informa- weeks when the fires were unnecessary situations are August known estimates, signifi- see it getting much worse tion about the wreckage closest to Orinda, Califor- occurring, which is very As the end of the sum- cantly better than May than this.” occurring in her region. nia, where she is currently stressful.” September 28, 2020 • Page 5 NEWS THE GW HATCHET CRIME LOG Diversity in vaccine trials increases trust: experts School of Medicine, said including David Benkesser, an assistant THEFT II/FROM MOTOR From Page 1 a diverse group of participants in professor of biostatistics and bioin- VEHICLE, DESTRUCTION OF the trials will increase trust in the formatics at Emory University, said PROPERTY/VANDALISM “I think at this point it’s a situ- vaccine among members of those the way COVID-19 vaccines are be- Public Property on Campus (600 Block ation where the people, the gov- populations. ing evaluated is “standard” even of 23rd Street) ernment is willing to spend that “COVID-19, for a variety of rea- though the process is accelerated. 9/17/2020 – Unknown additional money to do this kind sons, has affected the people of “There’s a lot of uncertainties of work, which is very expensive,” color and minority populations about what the impact will be that Open Case he said. “In that regard, that’s not clearly disproportionately, and depend on the details of the results A male staff member reported that going to happen unless you have a aside from the fact of why that is, of these trials,” Benkesser said. while parked on 23rd Street, his vehicle crisis.” it is clear that those are the people “But if I had to bet, I would put my was broken into through the rear pas- Anna Wald, the head of the aller- that we have to protect, that we money on there being at least one senger window. His backpack and some gy and infectious diseases division have the obligation to protect most vaccine that is efficacious but prob- tools were stolen from the car. at the University of Washington of all,” Wald said. ably not perfectly so.” Case open. THEFT II/FROM BUILDING Mitchell Hall (7-Eleven) Career center continuing operations after layoffs 9/19/2020 – 8:45 p.m. Open Case GW Police Department officers -re with six virtual fairs sponded to a report of theft from a CIARA REGAN pandemic. Brown said the career lieu of on-campus events. female complainant who stated that an CONTRIBUTING NEWS “We recognize this is center will continue to of- Brown said career cen- unknown male subject stole two boiled EDITOR an unprecedented time and fer its traditional coaching ter officials have expanded we are here to help students services, including career KACIF travel grants to offer eggs, two sandwiches, a pack of fruit The Center for Career take the next step no mat- exploration coaching and reimbursements for remote and a cookie. GWPD officers canvassed Services is continuing to ter where you are in your industry-specific coaching. internship expenses like the area with negative findings. provide individualized ca- professional development She added officials will - of internet access and equip- Case open. reer coaching for students journey from exploration fer new opportunities, like ment. She said they have despite recent layoffs, offi- to implementation – we are group coaching, online created tailored resources THREATS TO DO BODILY cials say. with you,” Brown said. modules and job and intern- in Handshake to help stu- HARM Administrators elimi- Brown said the career ship groups. dents navigate the virtual nated eight positions in the center currently employs The career center has also environment and launched CVS Pharmacy (The Shops at 2000 Pub- career center as part of hun- 24 full-time staff members. expanded opportunities for a new micro-internship site. lic Property On Campus (900 Block of dreds of staff layoffs to close Career center staff had to students to engage virtually “There are thousands 23rd Street) GW’s annual budget gap make “difficult decisions” with employers, Brown said. of remote and non-remote 9/20/2020 – 4:00 p.m. amid the COVID-19 pan- about staffing levels along- She said instead of the opportunities, across all Closed Case demic. Rachel Brown, the side other offices across the usual three career fairs this sectors, on Handshake, A male student reported that an un- associate provost for Univer- University, she said. fall, the career center will QuadJobs and our new mi- known male subject had threatened him sity Career Services, said the “We tried to make the host six virtual fairs. She cro-internship site,” Brown with a fight earlier that day. career center will continue best decisions possible that said the career center will said. “Postings show that No identifiable suspect. to offer individual and com- would create efficiency continue to host virtual in- many employers still want prehensive career coaching while not dramatically im- formational sessions and to hire even if the position is for students looking to find pacting the student experi- interviews and launch city- remote and that’s encourag- THEFT II/OTHER employment during the ence,” Brown said. based industry panels, in ing.” University Yard 9/22/2020 – 8:24 a.m. Closed Case A non-GW affiliated female victim reported her jacket stolen by a non-GW affiliated male subject who had fled Students sign petition calling for officials to reinstate the scene. GWPD officers located and stopped the subject, retrieved the item pre-law adviser and barred the man from GW property. ISHA TRIVEDI students per undergraduate pre-law advising before. He that student resources are The victim refused to press charges. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Subject barred. adviser. said these advisers will coor- not “pawns” and their deci- He said he made the dinate with the Elliott School sions have “serious conse- A student launched a pe- “hard decision” to change of International Affairs to quences” on students’ liveli- FRAUD tition earlier this month call- the ratio to 220 undergradu- “coordinate the pre-law ef- hoods. Statesman Apartments ing on officials to reinstate ate students per adviser af- fort across schools.” She said she sent the pe- Multiple – Multiple Deborah Baker, the senior ter seeing the results of the “They also have secured tition to Blake, University Open Case academic adviser for pre-law review, which he said is still support for pre-law from the President Thomas LeBlanc, students in the Columbian better than the national av- Writing Center, which has Vice President of Student Af- A female student reported that she was erage but “more in line with the capacity to review appli- fairs and Dean of Students the victim of online employment check College of Arts and Sciences, who was recently laid off. what we can afford.” cations, and Career Services, Cissy Petty, Vice President fraud. The victim stated that she will Sophomore Karina “I collaborated with a which has alumni in legal for Development and Alum- contact the Metropolitan Police Depart- Ochoa Berkley, a political sci- group of faculty senators fields who can offer advice ni Relations Donna Arbide ment on her own. ence and philosophy major and deans to evaluate the and mentorship,” he said. and Vice Provost of Enroll- Case open. who started the petition, said structure and assure that Berkley said students are ment and Student Success the petition was signed by the University is appropri- worried about their “future Jay Goff. She said more than SIMPLE ASSAULT students, faculty and alum- ately sized, considering our prospects in law” without 500 people have signed the ni who have responded to need to mitigate budget chal- access to a pre-law adviser, petition, and “roughly” 300 Public Property on Campus (22nd and lenges due to the pandemic,” alumni are upset that a “cru- chose to express their griev- F Street) the situation with “outrage, disappointment and over- Blake said in an email. cial asset” that helped some ances with the decision. 9/23/2020 – 6:07 p.m. all concern.” Provost Brian He said he subdivided of them get into law school Berkeley said she intends Open Case Blake said his office ran a the reduction in “certain” will be taken away and fac- to send one of these messages A non-GW affiliated female reported study in June to determine schools, colleges and units, ulty are upset that students to officials every day to show being assaulted by a non-GW affiliated the efficiency of many aca- and deans made decisions do not have the resources for what Baker meant to the GW male subject. MPD arrived and issued a demic units including GW’s on how to manage the reduc- the “quality education” that community and “what it has report. advising structure, which tions. they signed up for. lost in her termination.” Case open. found that GW had about Blake said there are still She said officials are “Her reinstatement is of 193 students per undergrad- “several” advisers in the making decisions that are paramount importance,” –Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko uate adviser compared to CCAS advising team who “adversely and directly” im- she said in an email to the the national average of 250 hold law degrees, and some pacting students’ futures, officials. “We hope you will have played “key roles” in and they need to understand make the right decision.” Unionized nursing homes tally fewer COVID-19 deaths, study finds SEJAL GOVINDARAO & have greater access to training ZACHARY BLACKBURN funds through their union’s part- REPORTERS nerships with nonprofit organi- zations and nursing homes. He Nursing homes with union- speculated that these education ized staffs have logged fewer CO- programs could lead unionized VID-19 infections and deaths than workers to better understand how nursing homes without them, a to properly use PPE. GW study from earlier this month He added that unionized work- shows. ers are typically more likely to Adam Dean, a professor of have access to paid sick leave, re- political science and the lead re- ducing their chances of infecting searcher on the project, found that residents while on the job. unionized nursing homes in New “It might be the case that York sustained a 30 percent lower unions may be associated with COVID-19 mortality rate com- better outcomes for residents in pared to nursing homes without the setting because unionized unionized staff. Dean said union- health care workers are more ized workers’ ability to demand likely to have paid sick leave and access to personalized protective therefore not come to work when equipment, like N-95 masks and they are sick,” Dean said. face shields, could explain the low- Nursing homes in New York, er mortality rate among unionized which was an early epicenter of homes. the pandemic, have been hit excep- Dean said earlier research on tionally hard as a result of COV- nursing homes during the pan- ID-19, with more than 6,500 deaths demic focused on a potential link in nursing homes throughout the between the quality ratings of state. More than 77,000 nursing certain nursing homes and their home patients have died of CO- respective COVID-19 mortality VID-19, accounting for about 40 rates, but his research indicates percent of total COVID-19 deaths COURTESY OF ADAM DEAN that unionization is a more power- in the United States. Adam Dean, the study's lead researcher, said past research on the topic of COVID-19 in nursing homes focused on quality ful explanatory variable for coro- Atheendar Venkataramani, rankings. navirus death rates across nursing an assistant professor of medical homes. ethics and health policy from the “In the broadest sense, the University of Pennsylvania who cess to PPE, which may contribute it is, then certainly non-unionized lines could potentially reduce the findings suggest that the benefits worked on the study, said in ad- to lower COVID-19 mortality rates. workplaces could also implement risk of infection and fatality quite of unionization are not just limited dition to demanding adequate Brigham Frandsen, a professor those things.” a bit.” to union members or the health PPE, union workers have higher of economics at Brigham Young He said the study’s results Aaron Sojourner, an associate care workers who are represented pay, potentially averting the need University, said the study shows shouldn’t be extrapolated across professor of labor economics at the by labor unions, but potentially for to work at more than one nursing that adherence to PPE procedures the board, but the findings provide University of Minnesota, said the residents in nursing homes or pa- home, which could lead to cross- could have led to lower death valuable insight into how the U.S. pandemic could prompt a greater tients in hospitals perhaps and for contamination. rates, which isn’t unique to union- health care system at large could push for unionization among the broader public,” Dean said. “New York City was actively ized nursing homes and could be implement procedural safety. nursing home workers. Dean and his team used data discharging COVID-19 positive adopted at non-unionized nursing “One explanation for disparity “In every nursing home in the made public by the New York State patients to nursing homes, and so homes as well. is that unions traditionally in the country, the new environment Department of Health to analyze it’s possible that unionized nurs- “The study suggests that it collective bargaining process will demands changes to the job and COVID-19 mortality in 355 nurs- ing homes managed the flow of in- might be, and previous evidence advocate for adherence to proce- workers are being asked to shoul- ing homes from across the state. fected persons into nursing homes suggests that it could be, adher- dural guidelines, maybe to a great- der the burden of that to a larger Dean added that health care differently than non-unionized ence to procedural guidelines and er degree than would be present extent,” he said. “They want to workers who are a part of the nursing homes did,” he said. better access to workplace safety without a union,” he said. “And a have a voice in shaping those new 1199SEIU, the main labor union Economic experts said the ben- equipment including PPE,” Frand- situation like a pandemic or rising rules of the workplace and the new representing health care workers efits of unionization include a wide sen said. “If that’s the case and I infection rates would be one where design of their jobs in this new en- in nursing homes in New York, network of support for worker ac- think the study gives evidence that adherence to procedural guide- vironment.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK Trustee and faculty senator meeting on alternate financial mitigation strategies. p. 1

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “Given this new pandemic reality, we need to find ways to stay virtually engaged with our Opinions professors and each other this semester to maximize our learning.” September 28, 2020 • Page 6 —SHIR LEVY ON 9/23/20 Protesters shouldn’t have to feel threatened by police at demonstrations

n early June, less than devoid of violence, and 10 blocks from cam- the police allowed it to pus, President Don- continue as such. That’s a Iald Trump held a photo stark contrast to what has shoot in front of St. John’s happened at Black Lives Church in the midst of Matter protests across the protests over Black lives country. There’s no ques- and police shootings. tion that the treatment Later reports indicated of BLM protesters is far that during this political worse than that of White stunt, the Department of supremacist marchers. Defense considered de- While those in Char- ploying “heat rays” and lottesville chanted and sound cannons against marched, police never protesters who stood be- once saw them as a threat tween the White House to the peace that they and church. needed to forcibly remove them from the streets as Hannah Thacker they have done at recent Opinions Editor BLM protests. Many students are po- litically active and were When I first heard this likely to be at various pro- news, I thought it had to be tests, not only in D.C., but a joke. Beside the fact the in their home cities na- government contemplated tionwide. The prospect of violence against peaceful any student facing assault protesters, even think- by police officers sim- ing about using a “heat ply for protesting should ray” – formally known as scare everyone, no mat- an Active Denial System ter your political views. It – made the event seem should be common sense straight out of science fic- that the use of military- tion. But this weapon, like Cartoon by Hannah Thacker grade weapons against the government’s inquiry, civilians, especially those was real and is a jarring District. Police across the ers saw more than four ethical for use against the And, as with every is- fighting for Black lives, is exemplar of over-policing country have overmili- different types of law country’s enemies? sue, race plays a role in tantamount to fascist and at relatively peaceful pro- tarized their forces and enforcement, from the The excessive force who faces the brunt of racist behavior. tests around the country. brought in additional of- Metropolitan Police De- hundreds of thousands of police militarization. At a It doesn’t matter if Not only that, but it’s an ficers even though it was partment to the National Americans have encoun- “Unite the Right” rally in you stand with the BLM indication of the racism never necessary. In small Guard. Weapons develop- tered pose a serious threat Charlottesville, Virginia, movement or not – exces- prevalent in the response towns and cities, rou- ers originally designed not only to those peace- in 2017, hundreds of White sive police force should to demonstrations push- tine police matters like the aforementioned heat fully protesting but to ev- supremacists took to the not be used on protesters. ing for social justice. Pro- drug arrests are often ray for use on the battle- eryone who lives in cities streets to chant incendi- Heat rays and sound can- testers, many of whom addressed with far more field in Iraq, but ethical across the United States ary slogans until the rally nons should only exist in were students and re- firepower than needed – concerns indefinitely de- who encounter the police devolved into violence the pages of comic books cent graduates, shouldn’t literally. Protesters push- layed deployment. What in mundane contexts. The between those marching and plots of movies, not worry about facing pain ing for racial justice na- message does it send that job of police is to protect and those opposing them. opposite demonstrators or death at the hands of tionwide have faced down the president felt that the and serve its residents, not During this whole event, at the White House. their own government at a military-style tanks and walk between the White to attack them and com- the police did not step in –Hannah Thacker, a demonstration. weapons used allegedly House and St. John’s mit violent acts against until things got violent junior majoring in politi- The issue of over-po- to keep the peace. In the Church merited the use them in the name of main- between the two groups. cal communication, is the licing isn’t unique to the nation’s capital, protest- of a weapon deemed un- taining civility. Initially, this rally was opinions editor.

Students, staff and alumni should Professors must prioritize sign the SA’s no-donate pledge intersectionality in class STAFF EDITORIAL n one of my creative or text, professors need the confines of their own writing classes last to consciously discuss understanding. A flurry of statements, out LeBlanc’s three-year for new leadership. week, our profes- the intersection between In practice, inter- bad press and protests have tenure at GW. LeBlanc lost While protests and Isor invited students to their conversations and sectional discourse on escalated calls for Univer- the trust of students and statements signed by doz- discuss former history ideas of racism, sexuality course material would sity President Thomas LeB- faculty through his hiring ens of student organiza- professor Jessica Krug, and gender identity. give students a holistic lanc’s resignation. And this of a string of former col- tions and faculty did not who lied about her racial This professor’s selec- understanding of the week brought a new form leagues at the University of sway LeBlanc and the identity for most of her tive interpretation of Krug subject at hand. This ap- of protest: a pledge from Miami, a racially insensi- Board of Trustees into con- life. When it was our turn hiding her race is analo- proach can be applied to the Student Association tive comment, plans to cut sidering new leadership, to ask questions, another gous to most classroom all subjects, not just Eng- president asking people enrollment while increas- the prospect of reducing student and I explained discussions. In most of lish or creative writing. not to donate to GW until ing funding to STEM pro- GW’s appeal to potential Krug’s mistaken hiring my past English classes, For instance, in one of LeBlanc is replaced. grams at the cost of the hu- students would be a jolt – was rooted in the lack of we discussed the literary my history courses last The pledge is part of manities and recent layoffs and rightly so. A pledge is racial diversity in acade- worth of Shakespeare’s year, we were discussing SA President Howard and disdain for student a commitment to action, mia and in the GW histo- plays, but we never tal- Mohandas Gandhi’s un- Brookins’ executive order activism. There is near- not just words on a page ry department. ked about how his am- derstanding of “swaraj” calling for LeBlanc to leave unanimity among the GW or people holding signs. biguous sexuality might or home rule in India. A his post. It implores stu- community that he should A pledge to not donate to Shreeya Aranke have affected his work. narrow discussion of his dents, faculty and alumni step aside – but even in the the University until things We discussed poet Emily writing would focus on to withhold donations from face of opposition, LeBlanc change demonstrates com- Columnist Dickinson as a shining his understanding of cul- GW until LeBlanc is ousted has refused to even answer mitment and impacts the example of a talented ture and why he believed and “shared gov- University where female writer in a male- Indians – South Asians – ernance is imple- it matters most dominated field, but we were fit to rule over their mented” among This pledge could be an – its wallet. It My professor was barely discussed how own subcontinent instead staff, faculty and even more effective way of won’t be effective far more interested in her White privilege gave of the British. An inter- the student body. unless students, steering the discussion her the opportunity to sectional approach would Hundreds of peo- actualizing those demands faculty, staff and toward the include a discus- ple and groups because it hits GW where alumni sign on. “character- My professor was far sion of the elitism – including The it hurts – its wallet. Aside from building” ele- more interested in steering and sexism that Hatchet Editorial placing financial ment of the influenced his Board – have been pressure on the Krug debacle. the discussion toward the writing. This way, asking for LeBlanc University, this As a creative “character-building” element students would to step down for months questions about whether pledge is also beneficial writing class, of the Krug debacle. receive a better now. This pledge could be or not he will step down. to the SA. Brookins, the he was equa- understanding of an even more effective way This pledge goes beyond organization’s president, ting Krug to what views Gan- of actualizing those de- just words, which is a nec- is demonstrating his mes- the creation of dhi actually held mands because it hits GW essary step given LeBlanc’s sage to the entire Univer- a fictional character who sit down and write while when it came to his ideas where it hurts – its wallet. refusal to hear what stu- sity community – and that fabricated varying per- women of color rarely about which Indians We could begin to dents are saying. carries a lot of weight. Not sonas. Assuming he was had the chance to do so. should govern. make some headway in This pledge could have only was Brookins voted equating creating a fic- The professor who Classroom discus- much-needed changes at substantive effects – tak- into office to represent all tional character to Krug coined the term “inter- sions are often bound the University if every ing a financial angle is a students at the University, creating varying types of sectionality,” Kimberlé by the professor’s inter- member of the GW com- key tactic of effective pro- but he is the only student Black and Caribbean per- Crenshaw, used the term pretation of the material. munity – students, faculty, test. Lack of donations can member on the Board. And sonas, his comment con- to describe how race, Because of the overall staff and alumni – sign the negatively impact GW’s he decided to strike while veniently glossed over class, gender and other lack of diversity in acade- pledge. We must sign on to rankings in U.S. News and the iron is hot – the Board the racial nuances of the characteristics overlap mia for generations now, ensure new leadership and World Report and The Wall is set to convene next week Krug debacle. with one another. In an these interpretations are a greater voice at the top. Street Journal, which are and Brookins has an oppor- But this kind of academic setting, ack- looking at the material “Students very often do tentpoles of the Univer- tunity to express students’ White-washed environ- nowledging intersectio- in a very narrow way. An not have a say in the hap- sity’s prestige and pitch to and faculty’s frustration to- ment is common in GW nality would mean pro- intersectional approach penings of the University, prospective students. Dur- ward GW leadership. classrooms. Students fessors account for their will illuminate different but signing this pledge can ing a financially stressful Students very often do are often subject to the racial and ethnic identity aspects of the professor’s change that. Students, time amid a pandemic, the not have a say in the hap- professors’ narrow un- in their interpretation of interpretation of the topic alumni, staff and faculty University also cannot af- penings of the University, derstanding of subject course material and en- or text at hand, and will must take advantage of the ford to lose donations. The but signing this pledge matter, rather than ha- courage other students to enrich students’ under- SA’s protest and join the prospect of further finan- can change that. Students, ving the opportunity to share their perspectives. standing of the subject pledge.” cial woes is a nightmare for alumni, staff and faculty discuss a more diverse Professors must welcome matter. These criticisms are get- administrators and could must take advantage of the set of interpretations. the ideas of their students –Shreeya Aranake, a ting old, but let’s rehash the feasibly force them to ac- SA’s protest and join the Instead of focusing on a rather than expecting junior majoring in history, series of missteps through- cede to student demands pledge. single aspect of a topic their class to stick within is a columnist.

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RELEASED “SHORE,” AN ALBUM BY FLEET FOXES CultureSeptember 28, 2020 • Page 7 THIS WEEK: Beyond the walls: Examining the history of campus building names JULIA RUSSO When Hatchet staff members wrote STAFF WRITER an editorial in the spring of 1947 ar- guing that Black students should MOLLY KAISER be admitted to the University, Mar- CONTRIBUTING CULTURE EDITOR vin swiftly suspended them. Marvin also defended his seg- As recent incidents of racial in- regationist views, saying students justice continue to gain national at- learn best within their own racial tention, long-standing names and groups. traditions are being brought into “Students of any race or color question – and GW is no exception. perform their best educational In a 1967 press release, admin- disciplines when they are happily istrators said unnamed campus situated in a congenial and homog- buildings should be named for enous group, and the University, people affiliated with the D.C. area in its tradition and social envi- or those “distinguished in Ameri- ronment, has long preserved this can thought and culture.” But a co- policy,” Marvin said in an unad- alition of five student groups is call- dressed internal policy statement ing on the University to rethink the in 1938. names of the Colonial moniker and six campus buildings named after The Churchill Center prominent figures who, despite Named: 2016 their contributions to the Univer- Named after: Former British Prime sity and the United States, enslaved Minister Winston Churchill people or supported segregation. “A lot of the times Black stu- The Churchill Center opened dents have been asked to live, Oct. 29, 2016, through a partnership breathe and occupy spaces in build- between the University and The ings which are named after repre- International Churchill Society, an hensible men who promoted seg- organization dedicated to preserv- regation in their time here at GW,” ing former Prime Minister Winston said Rayaan Ahmed, the director Churchill’s legacy. Located in the SOPHIA YOUNG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR of advocacy for The Black Student basement of Gelman Library, The Many of the buildings on GW’s campus are named for statesmen with unsavory personal histories often swept under the rug. Union – an organization involved GW-founded center is the first ma- with the campaign. “At the end of jor research center dedicated to the in the fields of education, culture to white colonists’ identity,” Trout- the day, Black students aren’t ask- study of the former prime minister and science.” For that reason, The man said in an email. Madison Hall ing for a lot. We’re literally asking of the United Kingdom. Fulbright Program, an internation- Troutman added that the term is Named: 1957 for the rooms that we sleep and eat The society chose to partner al exchange program funded by not closely tied to George Washing- Named after: Fourth U.S. President in to not be named after individu- with GW due to its proximity to the U.S. government, was named ton, the person, or the Revolution. James Madison and first lady Dolley als that claim our people.” the White House and its status as after him. “Washington led the Continental Madison Students launched the cam- a world-renowned university, ac- Despite his contributions to U.S. Army and disparaged the petty paign just a week after officials cording to GW Libraries. foreign policy, Fulbright was a sig- ‘Colonial’ ones,” Troutman said. Madison Hall, originally established task forces to evaluate “Churchill’s leadership during natory of the Southern Manifesto, “But the term is even more prob- known as the Flagler Apartments, these names, including that of the the greatest crises of the 20th cen- a document written in 1956 to op- lematic today, especially for a uni- was built in 1945 and acquired Marvin Center and the Colonial tury [referring to WWII] provides pose the landmark Supreme Court versity so well known for inter- by GW in 1957. The University re- moniker. In the meantime, we inspiration and instruction to lead- case Brown v. Board of Education national affairs: when our study named the building for the fourth sifted through Hatchet archives, ers in every field of endeavor,” a and the racial integration of public abroad programs instruct students president, James Madison, and his GW Libraries’ pages and press re- GW Libraries page states. spaces. not to pack any GW clothing with wife, first lady Dolley Madison. leases to better understand each But Churchill was involved in the term ‘Colonials’ on it, you know Madison is known as “The Fa- building’s namesake and why stu- overseeing concentration camps in Colonial moniker you need to change your ‘brand.’” ther of the Constitution” for his dents are pushing for their name Kenya and South American and or- Established: 1926 role in drafting and ratifying the changes. chestrated the Bengal Famine, dur- Named after: George Washington Francis Scott Key Hall document. But students are calling ing which a substantial portion of Named: 1940 for the University to reconsider this Cloyd Heck Marvin Center the rural population of British India The University, originally Named after: Lawyer Francis Scott name because of Madison’s role as Named: 1971 died via starvation. Student groups called Columbian University, was Key an enslaver – he owned a planta- Named after: Former University that launched “Reconsider the renamed to The George Washing- tion in Virginia called Montpelier President Cloyd Heck Marvin Names” said those acts are grounds ton University in 1904 after the FSK Hall was built in 1940 and with more than 100 slaves in 1801. to change the center’s name. George Washington Memorial named after Francis Scott Key, the He viewed slavery as a necessary Formerly known as the “Uni- Churchill has also been quoted Association commissioned a cam- songwriter of “The Star-Spangled element of the Southern economy. versity Center,” the Cloyd Heck conveying racist attitudes. For ex- pus building in honor of the first Banner.” It’s unclear why the GW Marvin Center opened its doors ample, he denied the harmful ef- U.S. president. Officials adopted residence hall was named for him. James Monroe Hall/Hall of Feb. 16, 1970, but remained name- fects of racism and asserted that the Colonial moniker in the fall of Key was an advocate of slavery Government less for almost a year. Students Whites constituted a superior race. 1926 as a way to pay homage to the and an enslaver himself. He served Named: 1951 informally dubbed the building “I do not admit for instance school’s new namesake. as the district attorney of D.C. for Named after: Fifth U.S. President “Kent State Memorial Center” that a great wrong has been done Prior to 1926, sports teams were seven years and he used his posi- James Monroe on May 5, 1970, to honor the lives to the Red Indians of America or called the “Crummen,” which was tion to defend slavery and attack lost in the Kent State shooting – a the Black people of Australia,” the last name of an old sports coach, the abolitionist movement, accord- Monroe Hall/Hall of Govern- massacre conducted by the Ohio Churchill said in a 1937 address to “Buff and Blue” and the “Hatch- ing to the Smithsonian Magazine. ment was built in 1951 and named National Guard on a group of stu- the Palestine Royal Commission. “I etites.” A Hatchet editorial written “He spoke publicly of Afri- after the fifth president of the Unit- dents protesting the United States’ do not admit that a wrong has been on Oct. 27, 1926, advocated for GW cans in America as ‘a distinct and ed States, James Monroe, that year. involvement in the Vietnam War. done to these people by the fact to instead go by the “Colonials.” inferior race of people, which all The Founding Father’s triumphs Less than a year later on Feb. that a stronger race, a higher-grade “George Washington Univer- experience proves to be the great- include the Westward expansion of 15, 1971, the building was officially race, a more worldly wise race to sity, in its antecedents, is a colonial est evil that afflicts a community,’” the United States and the creation named the Cloyd Heck Marvin put it that way, has come in and school,” the editorial states. “Dat- journalist Jefferson Morley wrote of the Monroe Doctrine, which Center after former University taken their place.” ing back to very early post-Revolu- in the 2012 book “Snow-Storm in states that America would not in- President Cloyd Heck Marvin, who tionary days, it was founded when August: Washington City, Francis terfere in wars between European served from 1927 to 1959. Dorothy Fulbright Hall the term ‘colonial’ still applied to Scott Key, and the Forgotten Race powers and that Europe should Betts Marvin, the late GW presi- Named: 1996 an era which was then passing. Let Riot of 1835.” stop colonization and expansion in dent’s wife, donated $1 million to Named after: Former U.S. Senator J. us then, in just regard for our pre- As a former DA, Key spent time the Western world. the University to name the center William Fulbright, D-Ark. cious heritage, adopt as the name trying to “crack down” the rhetoric Students leading the “Recon- for him two years after his death, for the warriors wearing the Buff and “free speech” of abolitionists sider the Names” campaign said according to Washingtonian. Fulbright Hall, originally and Blue the term ‘Colonials.” in D.C. who he believed were “ril- the hall’s namesake should change Marvin is known for increasing known as the Everglades Apart- But Phillip Troutman, the di- ing things up in the city,” Smith- because of Monroe’s role as an en- the school’s endowment eightfold, ments, was renamed in 1996 to hon- rector of writing in disciplines and sonian Magazine wrote. At one slaver and “his dehumanization of tripling the faculty size and dou- or the late J. William Fulbright, a an assistant professor of writing point, Key prosecuted a doctor liv- native people to uncivilized ‘sav- bling enrollment during his tenure. Democratic senator from Arkansas and history, said the “Colonials” ing in Georgetown for possessing ages,” according to the group’s ini- But the name had never sat right and alumnus. The building earned nickname was conceptualized by abolitionist pamphlets. The case tial petition. The Monroe Doctrine with students. Since the year it was the designation of a historic site by administrators “romanticizing a ended up going to the Supreme paved the way for the United States dedicated to Marvin, students have the National Parks Service in 2010. purportedly glorious golden age Court as United States v. Reuben to further colonize occupied coun- protested the building’s namesake, Fulbright created the 1943 Ful- of patriarchal gentlemen and civi- Crandall, where Key tried to argue tries and expand its power and citing his segregationist attitudes. bright Resolution, which prompted lized ladies.” that property rights of slavehold- influence into regions where some During his presidency, Marvin the United States to join the United “Adherents of the 20th century ers outweighed the free speech of say it never belonged. resisted desegregating the Univer- Nations. A couple of years later, he Colonial Revival idea routinely abolitionists. He believed that abo- “The Monroe Doctrine’s legacy sity and restricted students’ free- proposed a bill to Congress call- ignored and sometimes openly litionists’ free speech rights were is steeped in the blood and sweat dom of speech. His anti-integration ing for the sale of excess war prop- embraced the genocidal wars and so dangerous that he tried to have of the Latin American people,” advocacy made the University the erty to fund international peace violent enslavement inherent to the Crandall hanged, according to the Reconsider the Names petition last in D.C. to integrate in 1954. “through the exchange of students American colonizing project and Smithsonian Magazine. states.

Events online and in D.C. to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

NURIA DIAZ Sandra Cisneros. This event screening will begin by 6:45 p.m., Sept. 28 to Oct. 9: D.C. which will concentrate on the REPORTER will teach attendees about the but the doors will be open at 6:30 Public Library Virtual Afro-Latino experience. stories of people featured in p.m. For more information, visit Storytime Thursday, Oct. 1. For more in- Spend the next couple of these portraits with biographies the La Cosecha website. The DC Public Library will formation, visit its website. weeks celebrating Hispanic of their lives. Some of the dis- host both a Hispanic Heri- Heritage Month with a lineup cussion will be offered in Span- Sept. 15 to Oct. 15: tage month Twitter chat Sept. Oct. 1: “¡Viva Broadway! of in-person and online events ish. ¿Dónde está mi gente? 28 and a weekly Virtual Story Hear our voices” around the District. Tuesday, Sept. 22 to Wednes- GW’s Latinx Heritage Cel- time every Friday until Oct. 9. Viva Broadway, an audience D.C. is hosting a handful day, Oct. 28. Tuesdays and ebration has prepared a month- The Hispanic month Twitter development partnership with of events celebrating Hispanic Wednesdays starting at 11 a.m. For long virtual program to enrich chat will discuss Latinx-based the Hispanic community, will culture during the celebratory more information, visit the Nation- the University community on young adult fiction like “Clap provide a musical event hosted weeks, which run from Sept. 15 al Portrait Gallery’s Facebook page. Latinx heritage and culture. When You Land” by Elizabeth by actress Andréa Burns for to Oct. 15. Take part in events You can tune into a discussion Acevedo. The virtual Storytime Latinx Heritage Month. The like a Hispanic film festival and Sept. 19 to Oct. 10: La on the impact of COVID-19 in events will include a bilingual event will include musical and learn about traditional food, Cosecha Cena y Cine communities of color, a Netflix Facebook live stream starting dance performances by Tony- costumes and dances unique to La Cosecha Foundation, an watch party of the show “Gen- on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. to cele- winning artists and other re- the culture during the celebra- organization dedicated to the tefied” and a conversation with brate Hispanic Heritage Month. nowned artists like actor Chris- tion. education of Latin American alumnus Ivan Zapien, a former Twitter chat: Monday, Sept. topher Jackson and Antonio culture and heritage, will host chief of staff in the House of 28. Virtual Story time: weekly on Banderas, playwright and actor Sept. 22 to Oct. 28: Young a movie and dinner at its mer- Representatives and Senate and Friday at 10 a.m. EDT until Oct. Lin-Manuel Miranda and sing- Portrait Explorers National chant space near Union Market a lobbyist. The celebration will 9. Check the D.C. Public Library’s er-songwriters Gloria Estefan Portrait Gallery every Saturday to commemo- also feature a social media cam- Facebook and Twitter for more in- and Thalía. The show will pre- The Smithsonian museum rate Hispanic Heritage Month. paign encouraging members of formation. miere on Oct. 1 on Playbill.com, arranged an online program for You can enjoy films like “Coco,” the Latinx community to vote Playbill’s YouTube channel younger audiences to observe “Selena,” “Mi Familia” and with posts on why people voted. Oct. 1: Afro-Latinidad and on The Broadway League’s portraits of prominent Hispanic “Stand and Deliver.” La Cose- Tuesday, Sept. 15 to Thursday, Panel website and remain available figures like Associate Supreme cha food merchants will also Oct. 15. Check the Multicultural The Multicultural Student until Monday, Oct. 5. Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, sell meals for purchase. Student Service Center to register Center of the Illinois College of Premieres Thursday, Oct. 1. late singer-songwriter Selena 1280 4TH St. NE, Saturday, for events. Lake County is hosting an Af- For more information, visit its Quintanilla-Pérez and author Sept. 19 to Saturday, Oct. 10. The ro-Latino Panel through Zoom, website. GAMES OF THE PAST WOMEN’S SOCCER WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY vs. St. Bonaventure at the Paul Short Run Oct. 2, 2016 Sept. 29, 2018 The Colonials recorded their fifth Suzanne Dannheim recorded the third- shutout of the season against the fastest 6 kilometer time in GW history. Bonnies. NUMBER The percentage of the top-10 fastest 6 kilometer times in women’s cross country SportsSeptember 28, 2020 • Page 8 program history recorded by Suzanne Dannheim. CRUNCH 40 Athletic department cuts staff, prepares for seasons amid pandemic EMILY MAISE capital projects. schools, and the conversation SPORTS EDITOR Vogel took a pay about cutting the teams reduction along with other became “more active” in the The sports that members top officials, but the rest of last year and a half. Officials of the GW community the athletic department did said in the summer that the knew before the COVID-19 not face pay cuts, she said. pandemic sped up plans to pandemic are “gone,” She declined to say how slim down the department. Student-Athlete Advisory much of a pay reduction she Council President Lauren took. Vogel, SAAC work Bennett said. Programs’ operating toward racial equality All spring and fall sports budgets were decreased “25 Vogel said conversations have been halted, and the to 35 percent,” Vogel said. about racial equality athletic department needed She said the department cut spawned in March after the to make cuts of its own – back on teams’ travel budgets killing of Ahmaud Arbery including slashes to seven and nixed the training table, and have prompted officials teams, a pay reduction and which provided breakfast to to create a Diversity, Equity scaled back travel budgets. athletes every morning. and Inclusion task force and As the pandemic dragged The Atlantic 10 increase focus on diversity in into the fall and social unrest regionalized fall sports’ recruiting practices. swept the United States, regular season and She said the Smith Center athletic officials began to championship schedules will also receive updates to formulate a return plan amid the pandemic, and the honor the Black Lives Matter for student-athletes and modifications will remain movement, but the additions implement a slew of diversity when fall sports compete in have not been revealed and inclusion initiatives. the spring. yet. Student-athletes are HATCHET FILE PHOTO “We are having to move “We really approached it also forming the Black Tanya Vogel, the head of the athletic department, said she mandated a six-week-long unconscious bias forward, and move forward that way, knowing that travel Student-Athlete Alliance, training for teams after talking with women’s basketball assistant coach Ganiyat Adeduntan. better now, while trying to makes up a large percentage led by head women’s tennis stay as safe as possible,” said of what we do,” Vogel said. coach Torrie Browning and for racial equity. help transition athletes and She added that the Bennett, who rows for the “That was the area I felt like Administrative Associate Vogel added that she coaches back into practice upcoming basketball season, women’s program. we could make the biggest Shatara Stokes, to discuss mandated a six-week-long and set up protocols for the first athletic events since impact.” improving inclusivity in the diversity and unconscious programs to follow, she said. March, will look differently Department cuts staff The department department, she said. bias training – an idea During the first weeks as a result of the pandemic. Vogel said she needed announced July 31 it would “My commitment to sparked by conversations of the return to athletics With the basketball season to lay off “some” employees eliminate seven programs at our staff and our students is with women’s basketball plan, Vogel said student- set to start Nov. 25, Vogel said and decrease operating and the conclusion of the 2020- that we’re going to continue assistant coach Ganiyat athletes’ training hours the Colonials may begin the administrative budgets to 21 season. Vogel called that to have conversations and Adeduntan. are limited, and masks season in an empty arena account for financial loss Friday a “horribly difficult work to make real actionable and social distancing are depending on public health brought on by the pandemic. day for GW athletics,” saying change,” Vogel said. Department prepares required. The plan will then guidance. The department’s proposed the department had been Vogel said the Diversity, for future seasons progress to zero-contact She added that the Smith plan to expand the Smith considering reductions “long Equity and Inclusion task Vogel said the training that includes small Center, which seats 5,000 Center and replace the pool before” she arrived at GW. force existed for about a year, department established group workouts before people, has ample room with a practice basketball She added that a but it was recently revamped committees to plan each student-athletes can partake to accommodate social court has been paused along 27-program department to include events and a film team’s return to athletics and in scrimmages or full team distancing if D.C. allows fans with the suspension of other outsized market basket series highlighting the push competition. The groups will practices, Vogel said. to attend sporting events.

Basketball standouts talk social justice, sports at Elliott School panel EMILY MAISE during anthems, wore so- racist gestures toward him SPORTS EDITOR cial justice warm-up shirts while he was shooting free and even took time away throws, which sparked a Head women’s bas- from the game to advocate conversation between him ketball coach Jennifer Riz- for social equality. and his teammates about zotti and a former men’s Rizzotti said women the injustices Black people basketball hall-of-famer have always needed to and other minority groups discussed the intersection be on the defense against face. of sports and social justice sexism or critics doubting “That was probably at an Elliott School of In- their ability to play the the one situation overseas ternational Affairs event game, and fighting for so- where it really stood out to Wednesday. cial justice was no different. me and some of my team- Rizzotti and former “They’re always having mates were like, ‘Man, how men’s basketball standout to play defense,” Rizzotti do you feel about that? Pops Mensah-Bonsu talked said. “And this summer, How do you feel?’ and we about racism in sports and they played offense, and had to explain to them that HATCHET FILE PHOTO the ongoing push for social they set the message that it’s just everyday life for The Colonials knocked off Hofstra, Monmouth, Florida, San Diego State and Valparaiso to win their justice in the Atlantic 10. they felt like needed to us,” he said. first postseason title. Lindsay Krasnoff, an inter- be set. And every one of Mensah-Bonsu said national sports writer and them was on board, every Black athletes were previ- expert on sports diploma- single player – American, ously afraid to speak out Top sports moments: 2015-16 men’s cy, moderated the event. non-American, White, about racism in sports, but Rizzotti said if she had Black, moms, single wom- the recent movement for received the invi- social causes has basketball team clinches NIT crown tation to partic- “It was actually the empowered more WILL MARGERUM the Colonials would than a minute on the clock, ipate in this talk absence of sports that athletes to speak STAFF WRITER struggle against Atlantic but he missed the open six months ago, up against injus- 10 opposition. A 10-8 look from beyond the arc she wasn’t sure made us pay attention tice. In lieu of fall sports, we’re conference record earned and Larsen snagged the she would have to something that’s way Mensah-Bon- dusting off the history books GW the fifth seed in the rebound. accepted. She said su, who operates a and taking a look back on 10 of A-10 Championship. Just after a Colonials’ she didn’t know more important. When Sports for Educa- those sports came back, the best GW sports moments, Sophomore guard timeout, Cavanaugh drilled enough about the tion and Econom- ever. Here’s to hoping some Yuta Watanabe’s 19-point a triple of his own to put Black Lives Mat- every one of them – ic Development old-fashioned nostalgia can performance in the second his team in the driver’s seat ter movement and soccer, baseball, foot- camp in Ghana, keep us going until the restart. round of the tournament for the waning seconds of has worked hard said he wants lifted the Colonials over the game. He and Mitola in the past few ball, basketball – their to use his expe- No. 7: Men’s focus was on the right Saint Louis by eight points. combined to hit all five of months to expand riences playing basketball nabs first In the quarterfinals the their late free throws. her knowledge. things.” around the world NIT Championship Colonials’ run ended as Six days later at “We didn’t to educate future Saint Joseph’s eliminated Madison Square Garden, have these con- JENNIFER RIZZOTTI basketball play- HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH The 2015-16 men’s GW 86–80, leaving the defense was the name of versations when ers about culture basketball team made Colonials’ postseason fate the game in GW’s semifinal I played back in and their rights. its mark in GW’s history in the hands of the selection showdown with San Diego high school and He added that he books when it claimed the committee. State. The Aztecs shot in college,” Rizzotti said. en, straight women, gay wants to reduce “culture 2016 National Invitation GW did not receive an 13.6 percent from three- “I thought, ‘Well, I’m a part women – they were all on shock” when players from Tournament title. at-large bid to the NCAA point land as the Colonials of the women’s basket- the same page. And it was a Africa come to play in the Head coach Mike Tournament, but it did trampled them. ball community. We’re di- beautiful thing to see.” United States. Lonergan led the team to accept an invitation to the The Colonials became verse and we’re accepting She added that the lack “Anything I’m going its winningest season in NIT as a No. 4 seed, facing the winningest team in doesn’t matter what race, of sports as a result of the through, I really want to program history, racking Hofstra in the first round. program history and sexuality, we’re one of the COVID-19 pandemic ac- speak to that so that they up a 28-10 record. The roster The Pride put up a captured a postseason most inclusive communi- tually benefited the team’s don’t have to experience it was chock full of talent, tough fight, eventually title in one fell swoop in ties in the world.’ I never push for social and racial too,” He said. “It was dif- featuring redshirt junior falling 82–80 to a bucket their next meeting with put the work into under- equality. She said players ficult coming up. Again, I forward Tyler Cavanaugh, from graduate student Valparaiso. standing.” and fans were not con- wouldn’t change anything senior forward Kevin guard Alex Mitola with less Valparaiso’s success She added that she had sumed in normal seasons because it made me the Larsen and senior guard than three seconds on the came from the standout talks with her team after and had more time and man I am today. And it al- Patricio Garino. Cavanaugh clock. Cavanaugh powered duo of senior forward the police killing of George energy to dedicate to social lows me to use that expe- nabbed the NIT MVP award the team with 20 points and Vashil Fernandez and Floyd, and several mem- justice. rience to help others to not during the tournament run. 11 rebounds. junior forward Alec Peters. bers of the squad involved “It was actually the ab- have to go through that.” The Colonials started The second round Fernandez won the Lefty themselves in Athletes sence of sports that made He encouraged attend- the season with six went smoother for GW. Driesell Award as the Driving Change, an Atlan- us pay attention to some- ees to vote in national and straight victories in their The Colonials knocked nation’s best defender after tic 10-wide organization thing that’s way more local elections and use nonconference schedule. off No. 1 seed Monmouth amassing 119 blocks, while seeking to create equality important,” Rizzotti said. their platform to support GW received an early 87–71 behind Cavanaugh’s Peters led the team in through education and ser- “When those sports came social justice movements. season boost when it second straight 20-point scoring with 18.4 points per vice. back, every one of them – He added that he will con- knocked off No. 6 Virginia plus double-double. game. “It’s important for soccer, baseball, football, tinue to use his platform to at the Smith Center 73–68 Power Five opposition GW went into halftime me to be a role model for basketball – their focus was fight for a time when “we in the second game of the awaited the Colonials in with a slim 32–31 lead my student-athletes, for on the right things.” will not be judged by the campaign. Cavanaugh the quarterfinals. The No. but came out swinging my family, for my kids at Mensah-Bonsu, a 2006 color of our skin but by our and Garino both scored 18 2 seeded Florida Gators in the second period. The home, for people to un- graduate and former hall- work, ethics and morals.” points in the statement win. came to the Smith Center Colonials left Valparaiso in derstand that it’s our re- of-fame forward for men’s “I’m glad to be a part A 61–56 loss to No. 24 for GW’s final home game the dust, outscoring their sponsibility to continue our basketball, said he had of it because it’s history,” Cincinnati did not deter of the season. The Gators opponents 44–29 in the evolution, regardless of our teammates from across the Mensah-Bonsu said. “And GW. The team bounced were led by redshirt senior final 20 minutes. Mitola cut background, regardless of United States and world, you have to look yourself in back with three straight Dorian Finney-Smith, who down the nets to mark the our upbringing, to make like Ukraine. But he said the mirror and say, ‘Which wins over Power Five now starts regularly for the program’s first title. sure that we’re educated the topics of racial equali- side of history do I want to schools, including eventual Dallas Mavericks. Just months after to make a difference going ty or social justice weren’t be on?’ I want to be on one Big East champion Seton At the end of a game the win, Lonergan was forward,” Rizzotti said. discussed in a sports set- side when my grandkids Hall. The victories elevated that saw 19 lead changes, fired amid reports of Women’s basketball and ting until he played on the ask me in the future what the Colonials to a No. 20 GW came out on top with abuse toward his players. the WNBA has been at the British National Team. did I do, I want to tell them national ranking. an 82–77 victory. Finney- Assistant coach Maurice forefront of the BLM move- He added that a crowd this is how I championed Despite going 11-2 Smith had the chance to Joseph succeeded him in ment as players took knees in the Czech Republic made this cause.” in nonconference play, put Florida ahead with less the head coaching role.