The California Tech Volume CXVIII Number 25 Pasadena, California [email protected] May 4, 2015 Four from Caltech Six lanes one way, one the other: elected to National The reality of the two-way street ANDRE COMELLA reading the Jezebel article about common, but also totally out of Academy of Sciences Contributing Writer this case, which includes the line. Consent is a thing that needs JESSICA STOLLER-CONRAD Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Facebook conversations complete to happen every time people have Caltech Media Relations Farm Research Campus; Robert Last week, Brad Chattergoon with annotations from Sulkowicz sex. Consent in the past does not Schoelkopf (PhD ‘95), the Stirling published an article about rape herself. The annotations highlight guarantee, or even imply, consent This article was originally Professor of Applied Physics and and gender discrimination. He a lot more of the subtlety and in the future. Just because they published online at caltech.edu. Physics at Yale; and William Ward specifically focused on the case explain behavior that would seem had previously had consensual One Caltech professor and (PhD ‘73), an institute scientist in of Emma Sulkowicz of Columbia strange to many. sex does not mean that it was three Caltech alumni have been the Department of Space Studies at University. I encourage you to read In fact, one of the largest impossible for Nungesser to have elected to the prestigious National the Southwest Research Institute. his article for context, but here, problems that stand in the way raped Sulkowicz. While it is true Academy of Sciences (NAS). The The National Academy of I want to focus on the broader of rape reports and convictions is that false rape reports happen, to announcement was made Tuesday, Sciences is a private organization of issues Brad’s article touches on. a flawed idea of how rape victims assume that every case is just a April 28, in Washington D.C. scientists and engineers dedicated Before going further, I would like should behave. Rape is inherently petty women pitching up a storm The Caltech faculty member to the furtherance of science and to say that this article will discuss a very traumatic experience, and as goes beyond sexist. elected to the Academy is Marianne its use for the general welfare. a great deal about rape and sexual such, often elicits strong responses But perhaps we should consider Bronner, Albert Billings Ruddock It was established in 1863 by a assault. For some, such things can from the victims. But here’s the where these viewpoints come from, Professor of Biology and Executive congressional act of incorporation be difficult or triggering. Be aware, thing: you cannot predict how a and why it seems so many rape Officer for Neurobiology. Bronner signed by Abraham Lincoln that this could get uncomfortable. victim will respond. Some are able allegations turn out to be false. is a developmental biologist whose calls on the academy to act as Before we get started, I would to compartmentalize and move on Beyond the fact that many victims studies focus on the cellular and an official adviser to the federal like to set the tone of this piece. It after some time, others respond retract their allegations when the molecular events underlying the government, upon request, in any chiefly discusses rape and sexual with extreme fear and anxiety, process turns out to be a second formation, lineage, and migration matter of science or technology. assault in its most commonly and still others respond in totally nightmare, there’s also incentive of neural crest cells—early cells in A full list of new members is discussed form: a man raping a different ways. Many victims react for the media to present dubious vertebrate embryos that eventually available on the academy website woman. Male, transgender, and as Sulkowicz did, by trying to cases. I encourage you all to read give rise to a diverse range of at: http://www.nasonline.org/ gender-nonconforming people are pretend everything is normal in the article called “The Toxoplasma cell types, from neurons to facial news-and-multimedia/news/ also far too often the victims of hopes that one day the pretending of Rage,” which goes much more skeleton cells. In 2013, she was april-28-2015-NAS-Election.html sexual assault, and they deserve far will make it true. The fact that into this, but in short, the most awarded the Conklin more attention than the next-to- her accusation came months profitable articles are the ones that Award from the Society for nothing they get. This is a reaction later is also not unusual; rape is people will argue over. Clear-cut Developmental Biology, piece, however, so I will be focusing considered among the most under- cases don’t drum up controversy and she currently serves on the scenario discussed by Brad reported crimes. Many victims are and can’t be milked for weeks, so as the editor in chief of in his article. unwilling to publicly make such an the media tends to report cases Developmental Biology, First, let’s look at Brad’s bold accusation, particularly because of where facts are muddier and there’s the society’s official statement, “There’s no way Paul how difficult proving rape is and plenty of room to argue. There are, journal. She is a fellow of Nungesser raped Emma Sulkowicz.” how society treats alleged rape of course, many situations where the American Academy of This comes after he discusses the victims. When reports do happen, the facts are clear-cut, and people Arts and Sciences (2009) Facebook conversations between they are often much later — after still argue against calling the crime and presently serves on the Sulkowicz and Nungesser. They the victim has had time to process, rape, and this is where victim scientific advisory board of do seem confusingly friendly, or perhaps, like in Sulkowicz’s blaming comes in. the Sontag Foundation. even after the alleged rape, but case, because they have found out See, Brad puts forward an idea Bronner joins 75 current it’s quite naive to think that their assailant had assaulted other that’s fairly popular among so- Caltech faculty and three every rape victim immediately people. called “men’s rights activists,” the trustees as members of the responds with fear, revulsion, and Brad portrays Sulkowicz as a idea that when it comes to rape, NAS. Also included in this avoidance. Sulkowicz’s response jealous woman crying rape after the men are the persecuted party. He year’s new members are is actually fairly common; she man she was sleeping with called claims that men are the real victims three Caltech alumni: Eric Along with three Caltech alumni, current wanted to discuss the incident things off and began sleeping with because, as a society, we label men Betzig (BS ‘83), a Nobel Caltech Professor Marianne Bronner was with Nungesser, but she also other people. The idea that rape as rapists and hold on to that laureate and group leader elected to the National Academy of Sciences. wanted things to be normal. For victims are really just jealous or in physics at the Howard Photo Courtesy of Lance Hayashida/Caltech those interested, I recommend vindictive women is unfortunately Continued on page 3 Student examines societal trends regarding investigation of rape cases ADAM JERMYN the resulting investigations. Even if they lost their scholarships.” That falsely accused, for instance), this along with the actual practice of Contributing Writer these data were available, however, reasoning seems bizarre to me: suggests that at least in the realm victim blaming, is so prevalent there is an even greater problem: the decision to acquit or convict of athletics, the current system that many jurisdictions in the U.S. In a recent article in The many cases are never reported, in a legal case should be based discriminates against the (mostly have adopted special laws (known California Tech, Brad Chattergoon in no small part due to hostile purely on the facts of the case, female) victims, not the (mostly as Rape Shield Laws) to prevent its made a bold claim: “As a society, environments. not on whether the defendant has male) accused. most egregious forms in court. we discriminate against men as College football is a good arena “suffered enough.” Of course, this More broadly, the reasons that None of this evidence rapists. We are ready to launch an for understanding this problem. is just one case, so we should look women do not report sexual assault suggests that there is systematic attack against anyone who has a This area has been a perennial further and see what the data says. cases are well-documented. In a discrimination against men in finger pointed at them.” This claim problem for sexual harassment Fortunately, the high-profile National Institute of Justice study, sexual assault cases. Of course struck me as strange and counter reporting and enforcement, from nature of these and other cases the three most commonly cited there have been cases of wrongful to what I have seen, so I decided to the Notre Dame case of 1976, means that statistics have actually were lack of trust in the justice accusation and wrongful legal/ investigate. where a witness was told by been kept. The Benedict/Crosset system, fear of not being believed disciplinary action, but these would Useful hard data on this university administrators “to shut study found that male college and fear of being accused of playing appear to be the exception, rather question is difficult to find. The up and mind my own business” to athletes accused of sexual assault a role in the assault. None of these than the rule. The rule appears to ideal dataset in this case would be the Brigham Young University case are convicted at less than half the paints a picture of a system which be one of discrimination against a summary of the outcomes of a of 2004, where two members of rate of the general population. overtly discriminates against victims of sexual assault, not the random sampling of sexual assault the football team were acquitted in Barring seemingly-unlikely accused men. Additionally, the accused perpetrators. accusations against both men and court because, in the words of the selection effects (that athletes last of these reasons is essentially women, along with the outcomes of jurors, “they had suffered enough, are that much more likely to be a fear of victim blaming. This fear,

NEWS | page 2 OPINION | page 3 FEATURE | page 4 SPORTS | page 5 In this Connor Discusses Students respond Kshitij offers ad- Emily Shih scores Academic-year to last week’s rape vice for mother’s goal for Water issue research case asrticle day Polo news 2 may 4, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Caltech Y Column From the (Interim) President’s Desk: CALTECH Y and to RSVP, contact vkkumar@ caltech.edu. Eligible for Federal Research during the academic year The Caltech Y Column serves to Work Study. CONNOR ROSEN dramatically by option, and in the (or in any other term they would inform students of upcoming events Interim ASCIT President largest options, such as computer otherwise underload) in order to and volunteer opportunities. The 2b. Hathaway Sycamores science or mechanical engineering, reach 36 units. It is unreasonable to list is compiled by Neera Shah from Monday | 5:30-8:00pm | I’ve had many discussions this ratio is far worse. This makes expect students to suddenly be able information given by the Caltech Y Highland Park with students, administrators and it difficult for many students to to find research third term of senior and its student leaders. Volunteer at Hathaway- faculty recently about the 12-term find research in their majors. year when they are underloading, Founded by students in 1916, Sycamores, a group that supports tuition policy. There are many Students in these majors also without multiple terms or even the Y was organized to provide local underprivileged but motivated nuances and arguments to be look for off-campus internships years of work before, especially extracurricular activities planned high school students. There are a made about the policy, certainly, at a higher rate, and the SFC two when divisions make no provision and implemented by students as variety of ages and subjects being but I remain convinced that the years ago pointed out that students for research in their planned an opportunity to learn leadership tutored. The service trip includes policy solves no problems and have an easier time finding and curricula. In fact, the only options skills and discover themselves. The about an hour of travel time and 1.5 is only creating more issues for succeeding in academic-year that explicitly include research in mission of today’s Y remains the hours of tutoring. Transportation students, and therefore needs research if it follows an on-campus their recommended course paths same—to provide opportunities is included. For more info and to serious reconsideration or repeal. SURF. Faculty and students in (in the catalog) are humanities that will prepare students to RSVP email Sherwood Richers One argument many faculty have the Division of Engineering and and social science options, applied become engaged, responsible at [email protected]. made to me in particular bears Applied Science, along with other physics, astronomy, materials citizens of the world. The Y seeks Eligible for Federal Work Study. discussion, however, and that is options, argue (perhaps rightly) science, and electrical engineering to broaden students’ worldviews, the argument that students can that many students are focused (in the thesis path). raise social, ethical, and cultural Other Announcements - just add research units to make on non-research careers after awareness through teamwork, Beyond the Caltech Y up the difference in any term they graduation, and therefore shouldn’t Academic-year research should community engagement, activism, would otherwise underload. Given be forced to do research while here. be a priority for students. Faculty in and leadership. More information Afternoon Coffee with Dr. the many discussions I’ve had Students in all departments point the various divisions should refine about the Caltech Y and its Shirley Malcom with faculty over the past three out that their research interests the curricula, both required and programs can be found at https:// Wednesday | April 29th | 2:30 years about academic research, don’t always line up with the recommended, to make provisions caltechy.org. The office is located at PM | Gates Library in Gates Annex this is a disingenuous suggestion research available in their majors, for research during the school 505 S. Wilson Avenue. | RSVP Required and a failure to actually address making it difficult to find a lab year. This must be accompanied Ongoing and past programs The Caltech Women in any issues with either the 12-term they are interested in that is also by encouragement of multi- hosted by the Y: Chemistry Committee cordially tuition policy or low research willing to take an undergraduate. disciplinary projects, independent Alternative Spring Breaks: invites you to “afternoon coffee participation. reading, and recognition that Costa Rica, New York, Yosemite, with Dr. Shirley Malcom,” Head of These are all valid reasons not to research is an important skill San Diego, San Francisco Education and Human Resources Academic-year research has do research. However, it is unjust regardless of career path. Until Make-A-Difference Day: Programs at AAAS been a topic of discussion at Caltech for the faculty to cite these reasons all of that happens, research Hillsides Home for Children, LA About the guest: Dr. Shirley my entire time here. For more than on one hand to justify the status participation will remain low. County Arboretum and Botanic Malcom is head of Education and two years, one of the opening panels quo of low research participation, Right now, research cannot be a Garden, Children’s Hospital Los Human Resources Programs at at the Student-Faculty Conference and then on the other hand ignore reliable method of achieving a full- Angeles (Coachart), Eaton Canyon, AAAS. She works to improve the focused on steps that could be taken them completely and suggest that term load, and the problems with Lifeline for Pets quality and increase access to to improve the participation rate students somehow overcome all the 12-term tuition policy remain Explore LA: Lakers game, Next education and careers in STEM of undergraduates in academic- of these barriers their senior year unsolved. to Normal musical, Norton Simon fields as well as to enhance public year research, Museum trip science literacy. Dr. Malcom is a predominantly RISE Tutoring program (an trustee of Caltech and a regent of through the caltech EARNEST C. afterschool math and science- Morgan State University, and a faculty and focused tutoring program that member of the SUNY Research curriculum presents WATSON serves public school students Council. She is a former member design. None LECTURE SERIES between grades 8 and 12) of the National Science Board, of those steps the policymaking body of the have been Upcoming Events National Science Foundation, taken. Shortly Wednesday, May 6, 2015 / 8 p.m. and served on President Clinton s after the SFC, 1. Caltech Y India Cultural Committee of Advisors on Science the Curriculum Trip - Info Meeting and Technology. Dr. Malcom, a Committee was Thursday | May 7th | 12:00 native of Birmingham, Alabama, asked to look into SEARCHING FOR VIBRATIONS - 1:00 PM | Caltech Y | RSVP received her Ph.D. in ecology from adding a research Required The Pennsylvania State University, requirement. The Caltech Y, in partnership masters in zoology from UCLA, After a year FROM THE BIG BANG with the SURF Program and IIT and bachelor s with distinction and a half, the Gandhinagar (IITGN) in India, is in zoology from the University of committee coordinating a trip to Ahmedabad, Washington. She also holds 16 finally reported India. Come hear more about honorary degrees. back to the the trip from two of this year’s Dr. Malcom serves on the Faculty Board, participants: Lekha Viswanadham boards of the Heinz Endowments, recommending and Aditya Bhattaru. Public Agenda, the National Math- against a research The Caltech Y India Cultural Science Initiative and Digital requirement Trip explores India as an emerging Promise. Internationally, she and suggesting nation and its potential role as a is a leader in efforts to improve that other ways global leader in the context of its access of girls and women to of encouraging history and culture. education and careers in science research be RSVP at https://docs.google. and engineering and to increase examined — like com/forms/d/1nUUnxYVoYBi3G use of S&T to empower women those mentioned PDWVFSMzKB4RBZ0iXaqSfbR3z and address problems they face in two years prior mHWQQ/viewform. their daily lives, serving as co-chair at the SFC. Still of the Gender Advisory Board of nothing has JAMES J. BOCK 2a. Pasadena LEARNS the UN Commission on S&T for happened. Friday | 3:00 - 5:00pm | Development and Gender InSITE, Professor of Physics and Jet Propulsion Laboratory Madison and Jackson Elementary a global campaign to deploy S&T to There are Senior Research Scientist School | Pasadena help improve the lives and status a number of Come volunteer at Madison and of girls and women. In 2003, barriers to Jackson Elementary School! We Dr. Malcom received the Public increasing Free Admission / Free Parking are partnered with the Pasadena Welfare Medal of the National participation in LEARNs program and work with Academy of Sciences, the highest academic-year Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium their Science Olympiad team or award givenFree by Parking the Academy. research. While do regular tutoring along with Source: http://www.aaas.org/ Caltech boasts of www.events.caltech.edu occasional hands-on science person/shirley-malcom its 3-to-1 student- experiments. Transportation is to-faculty ratio, provided. For more information that ratio varies Call campus x 4652 for information

The TECH opinion THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 4, 2015 3 At the intersection of the Honor Code and Letter response to Brad/Chad Title IX: Discussing respect and consent ARIEL MARGARET O’NEILL EMILY MAZO after he or she says no is rape, even that asking “Wanna have sex?” is I say that this statement in Contributing Writer Contributing Writer if he or she said yes once before. If not a weird question to ask when last week’s article is dangerous to a man or woman consents to oral you’re already being intimate with this community because I see this Dear Brad, Last week’s Tech article “The sex and then you have penetrative someone. community as one that already You are not the judge of who has girl that cried wolf: Gender sex without his or her agreeing to it, The idea that anyone on this suffers from misunderstandings of or has not been raped, regardless of discrimination is a two-way street” that is rape. Just because someone campus needs to pay more attention consent, and one that already has how thoroughly you have reviewed made a seriously dangerous is in a previously consensual sexual to respect and consent is generally problems with respecting fellow the facts of the case available to statement about the ability of a relationship does not mean that he considered a joke. We mock Title students and their bodies. The last the public. Like you, I am also woman to consent to a sexual or she consents to sex forever after. IX initiatives because we don’t thing we need is to pass around the concerned about fair treatment in relationship. The author, after Respect your partner’s right to say think we need them. No one who idea that because Emma Sulkowicz cases of alleged discrimination, stating that he had read all of no, and respect your partner’s right laughed at that consent pamphlet was once in a sexually consensual harassment or assault. All parties the messages between Emma to change his or her mind. was at all considering changing the relationship, that automatically of all genders deserve to be treated Sulkowicz and Paul Nungesser This is not a campus where way that they approach a sexual means she was not raped. I cannot fairly in these cases, and I feel that presented in evidence in students feel they are ever in encounter. “This is Caltech! We pass any judgement on what this is often not what happens. Nungesser’s suit against Columbia danger of sexual assault. This is respect our housemates so much happened between Sulkowicz and While we may feel outrage University, said that he believed not a place where students feel and we know everyone else on Nungesser, two complete strangers over the outcome of proceedings, “There is no way Paul Nungesser anything but safe at Interhouse campus, and we trust each other. to me whose case belongs in a court I believe we should focus our raped Emma Sulkowicz.” He parties and while drinking with We have the Honor Code. People of law, but I am frightened by the efforts for reform at the process, based this statement on the housemates and friends. Thank god don’t get assaulted here because implications to our campus that an rather than the specifics of the communication between the two for that. But this is campus where Techers are better than that.” At assumption like that, commonly case. Starting with the outcome of them that presented examples I’ve stood next to male students least, that’s what you might want held, can have. we want, even if it is very clear to of a consensual sexual relationship calling a conservatively-dressed to believe. I wrote this article first to clear us what the correct outcome is, before the alleged rape, and also female student a slut because she But sexual assault does happen the air on the fact that consent and working backwards to create “extreme unrequited emotional was dancing on top of a speaker. on this campus: even if you haven’t can be retracted. But I find myself a procedure that remedies the attachment” from Sulkowicz onto This is a campus where I’ve danced heard about it yourself, I can assure ending with a plea to students on perceived injustice is not a reliable Nungesser after the event. at Interhouse parties and had you that it has happened while this campus: please take sexual way to create fair policies. Let’s get something straight. If strangers grab my body and start you’ve been here. We do have a consent and respect for your fellow I agree that women are strong. a man or woman consents to sex grinding on me without asking problem with sexual assault, just Techers seriously. Please listen However, when you imply that once, it means he or she consents permission. On this campus, “Title like every other college campus when your Title IX representative because women are strong, they to sex that time only. If a man or IX” is a joke yelled at dinner when in this country. But we do have presents to the house, or tells you should act a certain way, you are not woman consents to one aspect of someone says something that in the Honor Code, and we are a that something you’ve said or a empowering me to stop acting like a sexual relationship, he or she any way mentions femininity. After small school with a house system way that you’ve acted is potentially a victim. You are another person is consenting only to that act and freshman orientation this year, that fosters close friendships and damaging. Please speak up when telling me how I, as a woman, not to any others without explicitly my housemates found a copy of a relationships with housemates. We you see someone being mistreated should act in order to live up to your giving consent to those also. If a man handout on how to ask for sexual have huge potential to change the or taken advantage of. Help each assessment of a group to which I or woman says yes to sex one night, consent and mocked it mercilessly, way that we approach respect and other. Always ask for consent. belong. One of the strongest things and no the next night, having sex until I tried to convince them consent. I have ever done was reporting gender-based discrimination when the people around me told me I was Sexism an imbalanced 2-way street Dangerous misconceptions: How crying wolf. Continued from page 1 or condemn men who have been I am a feminist and I am strong, clearly proven innocent, but these rape skepticism harms victims but I do it my way. people are a radical minority. The LAURA WATSON attained. Sexual activity is naturally Sincerely, viewpoint long after they have been major public opinion is to doubt Contributing Writer private, which leaves a crime Ariel Margaret O’Neill acquitted. But let’s really talk about the woman, to blame her and to scene with no witnesses and little how we treat each side of a rape write off the man’s actions with a Brad Chattergoon published evidence. Most rapists are serial case. Undoubtedly, there are those simple “boys will be boys.” Let’s an article last week about sexual rapists, and Nungesser has three Network). If a victim is raped by who immediately assume guilt, and look back at the Steubenville rape assault. In general, maybe it isn’t other sexual assault complaints a friend, a relative or a spouse, we even more moderate people are trial from two years ago. Two super tactful to start an article against him, a fact unmentioned in wouldn’t expect these people to prone to doling out severe criticism teenagers were convicted of raping about the painful and complicated the previous article (according to immediately stop loving the other of alleged rapists. For many, one of their high school classmates issue of rape with “Avengers The New York Times and Jezebel). person, or to be able to immediately even an acquittal isn’t enough to while she was unconscious. There premieres this week, so that makes We can’t prove that he is a rapist, halt contact with them. When a change their opinions, but should was no doubt of the boys’ guilt; life worth living.” That being said, but when multiple people come person cannot leave an abusive it be? Most of the evidence needed video, eyewitnesses and dozens of I’d like to thank Brad for bringing out with the same story, it raises relationship, we don’t assume that to prove rape is biological and pictures were available. But many up this issue — he has started a doubts about his innocence. it wasn’t abusive. Sometimes the decays after a few days or even media sources portrayed the girl conversation about sexual assault Brad also cites Facebook social and emotional consequences a simple shower and therefore as a “slut” or an attention-seeker. in the otherwise politically-dead messages between the two students of changing behavior towards or is never collected. Additionally, Her community lashed back at bubble that is Caltech and provided as evidence that Sulkowicz wasn’t speaking out against a rapist can many rapists coerce their victims her, claiming she was hurting the an opportunity for education. raped. This is incredibly insulting be damaging. All in all, there is by exerting authority over them; reputation of the town’s football Brad’s overall message was to any person who has been no reason any person looking in the same authority can protect team. And the rapists? The media that “As a society, we discriminate sexually assaulted — who are we from outside of Nungesser and the rapist from being convicted (CNN in particular) was far more against men as rapists.” His to decide how a person should Sulkowicz’s relationship can make or even tried (cases like these are sympathetic to them, describing argument was based on a sexual respond to intense physical and any judgements about what events believed to be most common in the how difficult and painful it was to assault case at Columbia University emotional trauma? Violation occurred or how either should have military). In short, there are many be convicted of rape. The media in which Emma Sulkowicz accused of one’s body can be extremely responded. It’s ridiculous to think things besides innocence that can even went so far as to describe the Paul Nungesser of rape. Brad damaging psychologically, and one could know everything about prevent a guilty verdict. tragic loss of the boys’ promising claimed that a series of Facebook there is no correct way to react. the nuances of a person’s feelings Victims of rape are subjected to futures and football careers. messages was proof that “There Sulkowicz responded casually to and relationships based on his or enormous amounts of criticism and So yes, sexism happens to is no way Paul Nungesser raped Nungesser’s messages, implying her Facebook interactions. abuse. They are blamed for their both sexes, but calling it a “two- Emma Sulkowicz” and continued that a sexual assault had not According to Brad, the story of assaults, called sluts and made to way street” implies something far to allege that Sulkowicz accused occurred. I encourage everyone this accusation was that Sulkowicz feel dirty and worthless. There are more balanced than the reality. Nungesser of rape because she was to research the case, read the accused Nungesser of rape after constantly those who will blame Those who treat alleged rapists mad he started dating other women. messages and read Sulkowicz’s Nungesser rejected her and the victims, tell them they were unfairly are a radical minority. Let’s get into the misconceptions comments on her feelings during proceeded to date other people. “asking for it” (how one can ask for But those who treat victims with and stereotypes which made this this time (which can be found in the “Hell hath no fury like a woman something that is, by definition, scorn, disbelief and shame while article misleading and harmful to Jezebel article). These give context scorned,” Brad continued. As non-consensual is beyond my defending rapists form a much victims of sexual assault. to and insight into why a person misogynistic as this is, it sadly isn’t understanding) and in general add more common demographic. This First of all, a failure to convict may respond “normally” to such an uncommon thread in rape cases. untold amounts of awfulness to the is a societal problem, which makes Nungesser does not “confirm his a traumatic event. Not everyone Rape victims who speak out are process. it a daunting one to take on, but on innocence.” Rape is an extremely is able to immediately come out often ostracized as crazy or “sluts And in the typical scenario, the other hand, it means we can difficult thing to prove, as many against his or her rapist — 73% of who were asking for it,” sometimes how do we see the man? True, each have a hand in solving it. And of the cases truly come down to sexual assaults are committed by to the point where they leave school some people call for a “guilty- I really believe we can do better a he-said, she-said argument a non-stranger (according to the due to the intense public backlash until-proven-innocent” standard than this. Frankly, we have to. about whether or not consent was Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Continued on page 4 Feature 4 may 4, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Blur releases first LP, , after 12 years

NAILEN MATSCHKE played a number of shows and Thankfully, the band does march, the song makes a Contributing Writer released a handful of material, with a sonic about-face on the next transition to a constant, The Magic Whip, released April 27, track, “New World Towers,” which disconcertingly steady At 26 years old, Blur and its now being their first studio in begins with a sparse background beat so that when middle aged members are getting almost 12 years. of interspersed vocals and a Albarn sings, “There are fairly long in the tooth, with a Recorded mostly while the contemplative piano melody too many of us / that’s storied history to match. Born out band was stranded in Hong Kong supporting ’s plain to see / And we all of England’s more underground for five days, The Magic Whip vocals, gradually adding in a basic believe in praying / for scenes in the late 1980s, Blur’s 1991 certainly sounds like the work of a beat and a variety of warbling and our own immortality,” it debut, Leisure, reflects the reverb- band that’s neither here nor there, stabbing synths before a noodly really feels like humanity heavy influence of new wave and morphing through a variety of guitar passage gently takes control is hurtling toward some shoegaze, welded together with styles that, while building upon the of the song’s direction. While this unforeseen consequence the more upbeat, danceable alt- already solid foundation of their goes on for a couple more minutes of our collective hubris. rock that would define much of the prior releases, demonstrate no lack without anything terribly exciting This is just one of following decade. The next few years of influence from the changes that happening, it’s interesting that the diverse set of tracks saw the band honing the latter half have transpired in alt-rock since these two tracks open the album, as that make up the heart -http://www.theskinny.co.uk of their sound, producing a series they last stood at its forefront. they essentially demonstrate its two of this album. “Ice at somewhere that doesn’t usually of bright, radio-friendly Right out of the gate, the group extremes of energetic alt-rock and Cream Man,” another personal get mentioned in popular music, whose lyrics fully embraced the establishes this as a Blur album quieter, emotional tracks, many favorite, is led in and supported and the song has some of the most group’s British heritage, cementing with opener “,” of which revolve around lyrical throughout by a bubbly synth interesting instrumentation on the them as early figureheads of the which comes in with loosely themes of homesickness and feeling pattern that meshes remarkably album. Britpop subgenre. In 1995, the strummed distorted guitars and a out of place. Personally, I find that well with the acoustic guitar Much of this LP is incredibly band famously engaged in a public grooving drumbeat that could have most of my favorites on the album and bass; this, together with the diverse in musical style, and I could rivalry with fellow act Oasis, and come right out of leftover material lie somewhere in the middle of the vocals and layers of drum machine easily go on with other songs that while Blur won in the UK with from the ’90s. In comparison to spectrum, as the slow songs tend and synthesizer effects, creates were unexpected at first but very albums like and The Great Blur’s earlier work, however, there to drag on once they incorporate a subtle yet infections groove. enjoyable once I wrapped my head Escape, these were outshone by the has been a noticeable increase in all their instrumental layers, while “Pyongyang,” towards the end of around them. There definitely were massive sales of Oasis’ (What’s the the group’s songwriting ability. The the louder ones feel like remnants the track list, also stuck out to me at some that felt like filler, such as “I Story) Morning Glory? elsewhere, song smoothly flows to and from its of an earlier time in Blur’s history, first because I was caught off guard Broadcast,” mostly because it just and partially as a result of this pre-chorus sections with layered without any really solid riffs to by its abrupt transitions between didn’t feel like their hearts were Blur’s 1997 self-titled LP displayed vocals and synthesizers, as well as make them memorable. dissonant, dark verses and a huge, really in it, and these tended to be a lo-fi-influenced aesthetic with far from the bridge into a funky synth That’s not to say that there isn’t swelling chorus that juxtaposes the ones that sounded the most like more lyrical references and musical solo, and throughout its length this a great deal of meat in the middle, the beauty of Pyongyang’s “perfect what made Blur popular originally. nods to the U.S. This was followed track is packed with minute details however. In particular, I find avenues” and “cherry trees” with Otherwise, the album presents a by the increasingly artsy 13 and from the keyboard pattern backing myself coming back to “There Are its dysfunctional reality of “silver truly impressive scope of styles and sonically diverse Think Tank, as up the main melody to whistles to Too Many of Us,” lamenting the rockets” as “the light to bathe textures, with Blur’s songwriting the band’s members drifted apart improvised jams in the bass, all increasing emotional disconnect of the great leaders is fading.” Over and lyrical execution in top shape, and eventually went on hiatus to fitting together coherently. Still, it the modern world despite its ever- time, however, it has very much making The Magic Whip one of the pursue other projects. Since the feels a little sterile, and an album increasing density and physical grown on me, as I think it’s a pretty best alt-rock albums I’ve heard in group’s reunion in 2008, Blur has of just this would get old quickly. interconnectivity. Starting off like a unique and tasteful artistic look quite some time. Mother’s Day: Do it to believe it Victims harmed by skepticism Continued from page 3 males are much more likely to be KSHITIJ GROVER Next came washing the sheets So naturally: I forgot to clean sexually assaulted than to be falsely Contributing Writer and setting the bed. the monitor screens. I know my during a traumatic event in their accused of sexual assault (according mom wouldn’t lives. The fact that this kind of to David Finkelhor and the CDC). Adapted from an article forget. stereotyping emerged so casually Both women and men suffer from originally published at medium. last week is insulting to rape victims stereotypes that victims of sexual com/@kshithappens as Mother’s These are — the truth is that only 2% of rape assault are just “crying rape,” and Day 2014. little things, accusations are falsified, which is the result is that for every 100 and far from the same rate for other felonies rapes committed, only two rapists “The phrase ‘working mother’ is who a mom (according to the FBI). We don’t serve a day in jail (according to the redundant.” — Jane Sellman truly is and immediately doubt those who come Department of Justice). So who is Mothers do a lot. We all know what she forward claiming other felonies. really being discriminated against that, and inevitably we all forget truly means. Brad stated, “I recently spoke with here, victims of sexual assault or that. I certainly didn’t appreciate it a retired attorney from the Los those accused of it? until I got to college, and now it’s Yet, it’s the Angeles District Attorney’s Office, There’s no right way to respond hard to deny the effect it’s had on Getting out those wrinkles will always be a bigger little things and he related to me that around to sexual assault. If you or a friend me. struggle than anything else. I don’t know how my that make 70%of sexual discrimination cases is a victim of sexual assault or rape, Teenagers are slobs. mom does it. you miss your get dismissed right away because reach out to campus resources I have no idea how my mom Photo Courtesy of Kshitij Grover mother at first. of how frivolous they are.” First of — UCCs, Health Ads, RAs, the dealt with two of us at the same It’s the little all, an estimate by a retired DA is Counseling Center and confidential time. Gosh, in retrospect, that must Thinking I was done and I things that lead to big realizations. not a statistic. Secondly, the use of resources Jenny Mahlum and have been painful. should move on to homework for this sexual discrimination statistic Taso Dimitriadis. Assaults can be Mother’s Day is not really a huge the day, I took one look at my desk. Instead of baking a cake or immediately following discussion reported to Felicia Hunt, the Title deal in my family — we often just go It was a mess. making breakfast, spend some time about the need to give the benefit of IX coordinator; reporting does not out for brunch and spend a warm understanding the doubt to the accused in sexual mean you have to press charges. day in front of the TV. Nothing what your mom assault cases was misleading. If someone approaches you saying glorious, but definitely special. does for you. I Public backlash contributes to he or she was raped, be supportive. Definitely memorable. promise — at the the extremely low levels of rape It isn’t your job to determine what For obvious reasons, I can’t end — you’ll have reporting (just 32% of rapes are happened, and sexual assault is a do that this year. Sitting in a broken back, a reported, according to the Justice painful and emotional event. If you Pasadena, there wasn’t much I headache and a Department). The commonplace are raped, even if you don’t plan to could really think of that would larger heart. reduction of victims of sexual press charges, I recommend going show my mom how much I love assault to vindictive women to the Rape Treatment Center her. Here’s to the dominated by their hormones set (424-259-6000) to get biological You see, the first step to loving hardest job in the on destroying the lives of young evidence taken. Biological evidence your mom is understanding what world. Here’s to men is despicable and undeserved. is the most intact shortly after she goes through. all the mothers out This isn’t just a women’s issue — sexual assault — try to go before That’s exactly what I set out there this Mother’s reporting statistics are even lower showering, and even before to do. Day that heartily for male victims of sexual assault. urinating if possible. The RTC I spent the afternoon doing I can definitely graduate college before I ever learn deserved to be One out of three women are sexually offers free medical care, counseling laundry. This is the result of 4 how to fold like my mother. recognized. Here’s assaulted before age 18 and one out and evidence collection for sexual hours of my afternoon: Photo Courtesy of Kshitij Grover to my mom. of six men are, which means that assault victims 24 hours a day. Sports THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 4, 2015 5 Emily Shih scores epic anti-shutout goal

Mary Boyajian: “Emily Shih: ‘Yes, I think we get pretty aggressive because of polo.’” P.S.: This is a very effective use of the color page. -http://gocaltech.com

Eric Martin is a very special snowflake who undoubtedly stands out in his race. Erin Wang admires the way the sun shines off of her bicep as she rises up to meet the ball. -http://gocaltech.com -http://gocaltech.com

As David Watson stood at the plate awaiting the pitch, he caught a glimpse of the sunset and For Tim Menninger, the loss was hard to accept. But what was harder to accept was the fact that thought to himself, “Should I get Chipotle for dinner?” Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays. -http://gocaltech.com -http://gocaltech.com Do you like sports? Are you witty? Do you believe that Monica should have less responsibilities???? Then YOU should become the sports page contributor! Email [email protected] for more details. Do it for Monica; she needs sleep. Announcements 6 may 4, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH

VICE PROVOST’S OFFICE HOURS Professor and Vice Provost, Cindy Weinstein is holding office hours for graduate and undergraduate students. Professor ASCIT Minutes Weinstein oversees the Council on Undergraduate Education, Caltech accreditation, the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center, Student-Faculty Programs, the Center for Teaching, Learning and Outreach and the libraries. She also has key involvement in diversity matters on campus. Student Office Hours for Spring Term 2015: Wednesday, May 6, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.  Tuesday, May 26, 12 p.m.-1 p.m..  Wednesday, June 3, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. There are four appointments per hour. Sign up the day of the  meeting starting at 11:30 a.m. in 104 Parsons Gates, Vice Provosts’ o Offices (x6339). o CALTECH PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS o o PRESENTS: SPRING CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

o The first concert will be the Mother’s Day Concert on Sunday, May 10, at  3:30 p.m. Enjoy music of Romantic masters Mendelssohn, Brahms, and o Rachmaninoff performed by outstanding Caltech student musicians. The second and final concert in the series is the Annual Chamber Music Marathon on Sunday, May 17, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Caltech students present music for every taste -Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Schumann, a complete performance of “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by Piazzolla, and much more! o Audience members may drop in at any time and stay as long they wish. o Please note that these concerts begin at different times. For complete  program details go to music.caltech.edu one week before each concert. o Admission is free and no tickets are required. o o Contact Cindy De Mesa at [email protected] or (626) 395-3295 with o any questions.  o The California Tech o Editors-in-Chief Neera Shah  Caltech Nehaly Shah o Page Editors Monica Enlow o Katherine Guo o Ching-Yun (Chloe) Hsu Liz Lawler

o Public Events Contributing Writers o Andre Comella Kshitij Grover o Adam Jermyn  Nailen Matschke Emily Mazo o Ariel Margaret O’Neill o Connor Rosen Hiring Ushers Laura Watson Circulation Manager Kit Chinetti Flexible hours. Advisor No experience needed. Richard Kipling Outgoing Personality. Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 Contact [email protected]

Pay Rate: The Tech is published weekly except dur- ing vacation and examination periods by Senior Class Co-President nominations the Associated Students of the California $15 per hour Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions are open until Friday, May 8, at noon. expressed herein are strictly those of the authors and advertisers. Letters and submissions are welcome; e- Email ReviewCommitteeChair@ mail submissions to [email protected] as plain-text attachments, including the au- caltech.edu to nominate a team. Caltech Students thor’s name, by Friday of the week before publication. The Tech does accept anony- mous contributions under special circum- stances. The editors reserve the right to only!! edit and abridge all submissions for any REMINDER FROM COUNSELING CENTER: reason. All written work remains property of its author. The advertising deadline is 5 PM Friday; all advertising should be submitted elec- Meditation Mob Contact: Adam Jacobo tronically or as camera-ready art, but The Tech can also do simple typesetting and (drop-in mindfulness meditation group) arrangement. All advertising inquiries 626.395.5907 should be directed to the business man- Meets every Tuesday, 12:00-12:50 p.m. ager at [email protected]. For subscription information, please send mail to “Sub- Bottom floor of Winnett [email protected] scriptions.” feature THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 4, 2015 7 Students relay dangers Crossword of replica firearms on a college campus Student Contributors on campus. Most people believe they would never create a situation This article was submitted with a fake gun where an officer by the Dean’s Office on behalf of would feel in danger. However, a an anonymous group of current college environment can be very students. exciting, and alcohol or other There have been many fatal substances can impair judgment. police shootings publicized in Heim mentioned a time where the last few years, but here’s one some students were participating that may not have been as widely in an airsoft battle. One of the reported: 12-year-old Tamir Rice students saw a security officer and was shot and killed by a Cleveland absentmindedly waved his gun in police officer on November 22, the air. Maybe he thought he was 2014 at a public park. This case was helping the situation by making it slightly different from the recent clear he meant no harm, or maybe slew of law enforcement related he didn’t realize it was an officer. deaths in that officers were called to “For them that’s a green light,” the scene after bystanders reported Heim told us of the officer. seeing the boy brandishing what “There could have been a turned out to be an airsoft pistol shooting right then and there. stripped of its safety markings. Thankfully, he paused and realized -http://puzzlechoice.com The case is still being investigated the situation.” The only way due to suspicious circumstances to really ensure these types of Across 40. Chubby Down 32. Composition surrounding the officers’ reaction. situations don’t happen is to keep 1. Sort 43. Lowest part of the 1. Alpine lift 33. Annoying person However, it’s clear that all of this replica guns off of campus. 5. Small snake musical range 2. Yesteryear 34. Large bundle could have been avoided if the What if a student’s hobbies 8. Brusque and surly 44. Pale purple color 3. Treaty 36. Carry with boy hadn’t been carrying around a include use of replica firearms, 13. Vessel 46. Cogwheel 4. Principles of right difficulty replica firearm. or even real ones? Airsoft and BB 14. Cylindrical tower 48. Feline and wrong 39. Mariner Incidents related to replica gun events can be very fun when 15. Relating to the 49. Contestant 5. Atmosphere 41. Boundary line firearms occur far too often, and done safely. Also, many students moon 52. Faithful 6. Gambling machine 42. A short moral many of them happen on college frequent shooting ranges. Owning 16. Curved masonary 54. Neither one __ 7. Having great story campuses given our nation’s and maintaining a weapon, as well structure the other influence 45. Water flask heightened sensitivity to school as expensive ammunition, would 17. Slow pace of 55. Facilitate 8. Person who eats 47. Artifice shootings. It should be clear that basically be impossible while living running 56. Armed conflict and drinks to excess 50. Immediately these toy guns, which sometimes are on campus. Are there any resources 18. Become one 59. A duplicate copy 9. Operate 51. Sponge cake with almost indistinguishable from real available to students to allow for 19. Part of the eye 61. Signal fire 10. A single undivided jam, wine and custard guns, should be handled cautiously this? “Not at this point, though it’s 21. Trial 65. Dodge whole 53. Explore and with good judgment. It should something we can explore,” says 23. Golf accessory 67. Young horse 11. Destiny 56. Sob also be clear that they have no place Heim. Perhaps in the future there 24. Jargon 69. Wander 12. Liberate 57. Allege on a college campus. will be a way for students to safely 26. Mesh 70. Strange and 14. Type of comedian 58. Uncommon In a recent interview with explore these types of activities. 27. Dwell frightening 20. Metal fastener 60. Midday Bill Heim, Director of Security Until then, guns, real or fake, have 29. Ballroom dance 71. Solitary 22. Darn 62. Carbonated drink Operations, we talked about the no place on campus. 34. Container 72. Talon 25. Recount 63. Ellipse dangers of owning a replica firearm 35. Period of calm 73. Clean with a bill 27. Small bird 64. Small semiaquatic weather 74. Finish 28. Express great joy salamander 37. Health 75. Stop 30. Long crusty 66. Device used for professional sandwich roll shaping metal 38. Adjoin 31. Extended area of 68. Conjunction land

Sudoku

John H. (“Jack”) Richards, professor of organic chemistry and biochemistry, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2015. He was 85 years old. Richards studied the mechanisms by which proteins function—how proteins act as catalysts to perform the chemical reactions necessary to life, including the proteins that endow some microorganisms with antibiotic resistance; how proteins transport the electrons that are the cell’s energy currency, especially a class of copper-containing proteins called azurins that power certain types of bacteria; and how proteins interact with nucleic acids in order to manage the cell’s activities. Richards earned a BA from UC Berkeley in 1951; a BSc from the University of Oxford, England, in 1953; and a PhD from Berkeley in 1955. He joined Caltech as an assistant professor of organic chemistry in 1957. He was promoted to associate professor in 1961 and to professor in 1970. He was named a professor of organic chemistry and biochemistry in 1999. A full obituary is posted at http://www.caltech.edu/news/john-h- richards-1930-2015-46693. Written by Douglas Smith/Caltech Media Relations Photo Courtesy of Caltech Archives -http://puzzlechoice.com Humor 8 may 4, 2015 THE CALIFORNIA TECH

Acquired Taste Dr. Z

“Anyway, here’s some eagles...” Liz Lawler

Answers to previous crossword

-http://puzzlechoice.com

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