"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." Volume XxVII, Issue 1 — Ruth Bader Ginsburg Fall 2020

COVID-19’s Toll on Women in Healthcare The COVID-19 pandemic has who make up the majority of nurs- the Times. The Times also stated strained women in the medical es. These burdens are compounded that professionals have been told field physically, mentally and by the sheer number of patients. A to cover their mouths with ban- emotionally. According to the nurse told The New York Times, danas or coffee filters. Healthcare World Health Organization, the “Our hospital is taking on way workers, the majority of whom are healthcare work-force consists women, “are gambling their lives of about 60-80% women and every day,” says The Washington more than one-third of active Post, and hundreds have already physicians worldwide. Women died fighting to save others from outnumber men in the field COVID-19. three to one according to Trish “We get such a pushback that Joyce, of Health eCareers. sometimes you don’t feel like it’s Women often face specific chal- worth saying anything, because lenges during their jobs that nobody listens and nobody cares,” have worsened during the pan- said Charlene Carter, a night-shift demic. nurse at Research Medical Center. Stereotypes of women and “You want to stand up for what gender inequalities have now you know is right, but you know been exacerbated by the pan- you’re going to get reprimanded demic. MS Magazine recently somehow.” These women are published that women spend an physically exhausted from over- average of 8.5 additional hours working, mentally tired from hav- per week on domestic activities ing to live up to stereotypical than men. “These women also standards, and emotionally drained have a responsibility to take care more patients than we can handle.” from what they experience every of parents, who are older, and Another nurse in California wrote day. “We've had the unfortunate school-aged children. So, their to the Times saying, “We are being circumstance during this pandemic lives are enormously impacted by called to jeopardize our own health that a female physician committed worrying about elderly relatives and safety to treat our community. suicide…[physicians are] the num- and by school closures,” stated It is disgusting. I wish more atten- ber one occupation for suicide,” Nancy Nielsen, senior associate tion would be given to us on the said Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson, dean for health policy at the Uni- front lines and the situation we CEO of Purple Health Founda- versity at Buffalo. Today, women face. We live in the richest country tion. The pandemic has increased in the medical field are expected in the world and yet we don’t have severe symptoms of depression, to do their jobs with additional the tools to perform our job safely. anxiety and psychological distress rigorous tasks in a frightening This virus is terrifying.” in women healthcare workers, ac- work environment, and then go Furthermore, women in cording to the American Medical home to aid their families and healthcare have a much higher risk Association. These repercussions watch over their children. of contracting COVID-19 because should not be taken lightly. These

ER AND THEWomen COMMISSION in the ONhealthcare THE STATUS pro- OF WOMEN:the PersonalATTUNED TOProtective TODAY’S WOMEN Equipment women have been profoundly af- fession work in a harsher environ- (PPE) tends to fit women’s bodies fected by COVID-19 in all aspects ment and are at higher risk of poorly. According to MS Maga- of their work, which has taken a COVID-19 than women in other zine, women have greater rates of great toll on how they live. Wom- professions. Dr. Celine Gounder, fit-testing failure, and many estab- en in the medical field have been an infectious disease specialist and lishments have ceased the test- mistreated physically, mentally and epidemiologist, points out that, fitting of the N95 masks, increas- emotionally, thus having experi- “Nurses’ levels of exposure are ing women’s risk of exposure to enced an excessive amount of dis- ‘higher than doctors’, because COVID-19. Most workers do not tress, which has obstructed their they’re much more involved in even receive PPE. Some are given lives. intimate care of patients. They’re masks that are cleaned and reused —Lilly Davis the ones drawing blood, they’re for several days. These cleaning the ones collecting specimens.” procedures do not seem to follow

THE TTUThese WOMEN’S tasks CENT often fall to women the CDC guidelines, according to Page 2 ATTUNE This edition of These articles reflect our lead quote Attune is a special one for me Letter from the Director from feminist icon Ruth Bader Gins- because it is the first newsletter problems affect the lives of regular people burg: “enduring change happens one step at a produced during my time serving as the and especially those who identify as women time.” Ginsburg has galvanized our work here director of the Women’s Center. It has and gender minorities. They demonstrate at the Women’s Center for some time, and we been a pleasure and an honor to collabo- how the problems of our current moment deeply felt her loss. Rachel Pearson discussed rate with the students who wrote and impact groups with more or less privilege RBG, a documentary about her life, during edited this newsletter. Everyone worked differently, and they point to some practical the first post for our new monthly Instagram diligently to produce this issue during the ways to start addressing these large issues as series, First Fridays Resource Feature. We’ve strange circumstances created by the pan- we go about our daily lives. We cover every- added a tribute to her at the end of this issue. demic. And in doing so, these writers ex- thing from COVID-19, systemic sexual vio- May her grit, persistence and enduring fight emplified the resilience and critical think- lence and sexism, the racist roots of the BMI for equality for women and marginalized ing that they praise in their articles. and diet culture, the importance of naming groups continue to inspire us. Collectively, these articles ask us to and pronouns, to leading public figures like consider the way large, complex social Tennessee’s own Dolly Parton. —Helen Hunt, Ph.D. line objects made A Future Summer Camp, which The “S” in STEM Stands for Sexism women feel alienated. encourages young girls in the According to a 2009 seventh grade and eighth grade The first day of class is neering internationally. It also article published in the Journal to pursue engineering. These usually exciting. Most students robs the nation of the collective of Personality and Social Psy- programs are just what’s needed experience the pressure of intelligence of women who could chology, society has communi- for women to find success in finding the right classroom or be contributing to science and cated with many women that STEM. When the same student making it to class on time. One technology. “they should dream in code, was asked what changes could Tech student, however, had According to Shapiro and watch Star Trek, and read sci- be made to benefit women in the added pressure of knowing Sax, women are discouraged ence fiction” to be in STEM. STEM at Tech, she said: I person- her professor did not want her from entering STEM- ally find it ridiculous that in his class. It was not because related careers and are certain clubs directed to- he believed her to be a trouble- instead encouraged to wards women in STEM some student, but because she enter a more traditional have been opened up to was a woman. This professor women’s role in society. men. I think that women had previously said aloud that Teachers, parents and in STEM should get to women shouldn’t be engineers. peers play a big role in have a break and actually While this one incident does how young people make be able to open up with not mean that Tech as an insti- future career decisions. each other in a safe space tution discriminates against Missing this encourage- instead of having one more women in STEM, it does point ment from important peo- place where we have to to a larger problem that many ple likely contributes to watch out for ourselves. women experience. Unfortu- the lack of women who chose to These harmful stereotypes steer Allowing women in STEM nately, while discriminatory enter STEM fields. women away from STEM ca- to have their own club would behavior in STEM fields may Another reason for the lack reers. provide them with a safe space seem to be an issue of the past, of women in STEM fields is the Including women in STEM to talk and feel the connection it is still a major problem. alienation women face in the is not limited to eliminating ste- and camaraderie that men in An important part of this learning environment itself. One reotypes and changing work and STEM often take for granted. issue is the underrepresenta- student at Tech shared her expe- school environments. This is a Students can talk to administra- tion of women in STEM pro- rience of alienation in class: I was societal issue, meaning that find- tion collectively and ask for it, as grams. According to research- sitting in class one day, complaining ing one clear solution to the students have power in num- ers Casey Shapiro and Linda J. about how difficult an exam was, and problem is not possible. Sax, women’s growing pres- one of my male classmates looked at me In order for change to hap- bers. Another way that students ence in higher education is not and said, “Why don’t you just change pen, young girls need to be can help women in STEM is to reflected in STEM fields. Ac- majors? It’s only going to get harder raised in a way to see STEM as a speak up when they see discrim- cording to Shapiro and Sax, the from here.” Every single time I think viable career path. Tech students ination. underrepresentation of women about how hard being in STEM is can help women STEM majors By raising awareness about in STEM creates economic and want to quit, I tell myself that I by creating a support system in the issues and working together consequences for women in have to prove him, and every other male which they feel comfortable. as allies, people can begin to the U.S., both on an individual who thinks I can’t do it, wrong. Some programs like this already make a shift at Tech and in soci- and national level as it lessens A 2005 study conducted by exist, such as the Women and ety to change the future for women’s financial independ- the American Psychological As- Minorities in Computing En- women in STEM. ence and hinders their ability to sociation found that more mas- dowed Scholarship for Comput- —Hannah Webster compete in science and engi- culine environments with mascu- er Science and the Engineering VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 1 Page 3

During the current COVID- breaking has the potential to put Though some people 19 pandemic, it has become Breaking Rules not only one’s own life at risk, are going to continue breaking more and more apparent that but also the lives of others. The rules, there are some solutions. some people refuse to follow nore instructions no matter how study’s findings suggest that Psychology faculty from Indiana rules. A simple trip to the store small of an inconvenience follow- people who refuse to wear University offered advice on will reveal many people ignoring ing rules may be. Surprisingly, masks and social distance are dealing with people who are not “masks required” signs or “one entitled people were less likely to likely those who have a higher following rules. If approaching a way” aisle markings. Everyone follow rules and instructions even sense of entitlement. Unfortu- stranger about not wearing a breaks a rule now and then, but when faced with punishment. nately, this research indicates mask, your action will depend on some people may be more likely Finally, the study found that enti- that not much can be done to the circumstances. Some to break rules than others. Ac- tled people are more likely to change the mind of an entitled strangers might have simply for- cording to psychological re- think instructions are unfair, lead- person about rule breaking. gotten to grab a mask out of their search, individuals who are ing them to ignore those “unfair” Zitek and Jordan propose that bag and will comply with your more entitled and have a narcis- instructions. making rules seem fairer may suggestion, while others who are sistic outlook about life are Zitek and Jordan state, “It help to encourage entitled peo- purposefully demonstrating non- more likely to break rules and seems that entitled individuals ple to follow rules, but entitled compliance might try to “make a not follow instructions. would rather incur a personal cost people still see simple rules that stand” and start a conflict with In a joint 2019 study con- than agree to something unfair.” most people abide by every day you. If you are going to confront ducted by researchers Emily Zitek and Jordan’s study suggests as unfair. someone, one faculty member Zitek and Alexander Jordan that the relationship between Zitek and Jordan’s study recommends always doing so from Cornel and Harvard Medi- entitlement and rule breaking is also mentions that entitled peo- politely. Though you may be cal School, participants’ entitle- most likely due to the individual’s ple strongly dislike being con- frustrated and angry to see some- ment was examined in relation perception of unfair imposition. trolled. Confronting someone one breaking COVID-19 safety to following or breaking rules. Overall, entitled people are more who is not following mask rules rules, the best thing you can do is The study found that entitled likely to break rules because they will probably not convince them keep calm and controlled, and do individuals were more likely to have a narcissistic outlook about to wear a mask since entitled your best to keep yourself safe. disregard rules and instructions. the way the world works. people do not like being told These individuals will also ig- During the pandemic, rule what to do. —Rachel Pearson one is sure how “body frame” was weight and mortality. The CDC recently BMI Doesn’t Hit the Mark measured for the data, but medical determined “that obesity and overweight historians today consider “the ap- were only associated with an excess of If someone asked you what the Body proach ‘pure fiction,’ as body 26,000 annual deaths, far Mass Index (BMI) measures, would you be frame was not measured by the fewer than guns, alcohol, or able to answer them? If you said BMI insurance companies themselves,” car crashes.” This evidence measures obesity and overall health, you according to Strings' research. indicates that weight is insig- would be wrong. Adolphe Quetelet invented Additionally, life insurance was nificant in determining health the index for purely statistical purposes in the only attainable by those who were and mortality risk. mid-19th century. His primary focus was on affluent and legally capable of From its problematic the “average man,” according to Sylvia making such an investment. His- inception by Quetelet Karasu, M.D. for Psychology Today. “He had torically, those who fit these crite- through its journey into med- no particular interest in the study of obesity,” ria tended to be white men. icine, the BMI’s roots in rac- and rather than studying medicine, he was a In addition to the flaws in past ism, sexism and classism is student of mathematics. The statistics he statistical methods, modern re- enough evidence to declare gathered on this “average man” came from search dismantles the idea that its defectiveness. Even ignor- the measurements of “typical weights among BMI and its weight categories are ing the glaringly apparent French and Scottish conscripts,” according to accurate and medically significant. inaccuracies during its development, BMI Erna Kubergovic from the Eugenics Archive. According to Christy Harrison in “Anti- In the 1800s, a majority of the population in Diet,” socioeconomic status affects average has no meaningful use in regards to pre- France and Scotland were white. One of the weight, which likely explains why obesity was dicting health outcomes according to re- most fatal flaws of effective sampling occurs first prevalent in the “rural and poor” states cent research showing weak correlation when samples are taken only from particular of the U.S., such as Mississippi, Alabama and and no proof of causation. So next time populations; this flaw discredits Quetelet’s West Virginia. Linda Bacon, author of your doctor comments on your BMI, re- research. “Health at Every Size,” also explains that member that number tells you nothing In “Fearing the Black Body,” Sabrina only “severe obesity” correlates with a shorter about your health or your risk of mortali- Strings notes that BMI transformed from a life span. Meanwhile, being “overweight” ty. Instead, it reflects our culture’s roots in statistical observation to a standardized meas- correlates with a longer life span than those exclusion and inequality, providing a base- urement when Metropolitan Life Insurance in the “normal” BMI range, and the effects of line showing how much further we have Company used “data culled from the compa- obesity on mortality predictions are low over- to go in liberating everyone from diet ny’s policy holders between 1911 and 1935” all. Most importantly, all of these relation- culture, regardless of shape or size. to make a new table that included “body ships are correlations, meaning there is no —Amber Lovell frame” in addition to height and weight. No defined cause and effect pattern between Page 4 ATTUNE stakes finals in August. young age of members (16-22) also exacer- Scales, Arpeggios & Unfortunately, DCI’s oversight of corps bates the likelihood of coercion. has failed. According to Nadolny, an investi- George Hopkins isn’t the only predator Sexual Violence gation by the Inquirer revealed that DCI did employed by a drum corps. Nadolny also not require corps to run criminal back- reported that percussionist and instructor In the summer of 2018, Drum Corps ground checks on any staff application. Dan Mike Stevens groomed Melody Romo when International was shaken to its core. Tri- Acheson, executive director and CEO of she was just 15 and the two eventually en- cia Nadolny, a journalist of The Philadel- DCI, said there was an understanding that gaged in a sexual relationship. Five other phia Inquirer, published a story accusing corps would do “what they’re supposed to women have approached the Inquirer, accus- the director of the Allentown Cadets, be doing to man- ing Stevens of inappropriate behavior. Ste- George Hopkins, of sexually assaulting age themselves vens and Hopkins are just the start. Several several women throughout his career. accordingly,” but men with sexual violence in their pasts have This story spurred various other accusa- corps did not. been employed by various corps or by DCI. tions against Hopkins and member mis- For example, By knowingly hiring perpetrators, the treatment in other corps. Sadly, sexual Pioneer Drum corps and DCI show survivors the organiza- violence in drum corps is not just isolated and Bugle Corps tions do not believe their stories or don’t to these incidences, and DCI needs to do knowingly hired a registered sex offender as care. DCI critic Stuart Evan Rice claims that more to protect and support their mem- an instructor. The same investigation found he warned DCI and Acheson to Hopkins’ bers. that “nearly half of the 24 World Class behavior 15 years before the accusations DCI governs all U.S. and various corps employed at least one former teacher came out. Accusers of Hopkins, Stevens and international drum corps. Drum corps are previously disciplined for misconduct with a other perpetrators have cited that they tried exclusive, high-performing, independent student.” to tell various leaders in their respective organizations consisting of brass, percus- DCI is not the only organization in corps, but they were ignored, according to sion and color guard members. Though which this type of abuse occurs; sexual vio- Nandoly. One of the most important ways to similar to marching bands, these organi- lence is a systemic problem found in many support a survivor of sexual violence is to zations are the epitome of the sport. large organizations. The imbalance of power believe them, and then take action to protect From November to May, corps hold au- innate in corps’ hierarchical structure makes them. In both these areas DCI has a long way dition and training camps to develop their DCI especially vulnerable to this kind of to go. Drum corps members work too hard show. Beginning in May students sleep in problem. According to the National Sexual during the season to also be worried about school gyms with their fellow members, Violence Resource Center, having power their safety, especially from those who should practice up to 14 hours a day, and per- over someone can influence how comforta- be caring for them. form around the U.S. until the high- ble they feel saying no, especially to sex. The —Amy Bosley ence—it’s a fresh start. Some know how to treat trans peo- gender her after death. Clearly That’s My Name. people change their name to ple respectfully.” Establishing the burden of combating mis- simplify their legal name. Others your own pronouns when in- gendering and deadnaming is Wear it Out choose to change their name troducing yourself may help something no one should have A chosen name is a name that because of newly found spiritual others feel comfortable sharing to face, especially to the point is different from someone’s legal beliefs. theirs. Ultimately, respect is of suicidal ideation. name. Using someone’s chosen Perhaps most importantly, key, whether or not someone To avoid this at Tech, name shows respect to their cho- chosen names are crucial to chooses to share their pro- chosen name policies must be sen identity. “Any person’s name is those with transgender identities nouns. pursued. These policies may emotionally loaded to that person because they create coherence Ignoring someone’s chosen help students be more com- and has the power to pull him or and safety. “Having a name that name or pronouns called dead- fortable on campus, in resi- her into whatever is going on. By is incongruent from your gender naming or misgendering them. dence halls, and in their social putting that person at the center of identity and gender presentation Deadnaming is addressing lives. Furthermore, a more attention, naming takes only a mo- is also a way that many trans someone using a name with inclusive campus would be ment from you—but for them, it is people are outed as trans which which they no longer identify. more appealing to many pro- deeply affecting, and lasts,” says exposes them for transphobic Laverne Cox, a trans woman spective students. Lastly, stu- Dr. Daniel Chambliss, professor of violence and harassment,” trans activist, shared an example of dents are more likely to be sociology at Hamilton College. woman Jae Alexis Lee writes. the harmful effects of misgen- mentally healthier, and there- When someone chooses to go Chosen pronouns are just as dering in an interview with fore they can function at their by a different name, it is not an important. Devon Price, a social The Washington Post. Cox fullest potential. By enacting easy decision. It takes time and psychologist (they/them), has a explained that she contemplat- this policy, Tech would show requires precious thought. Choos- few suggestions for how to navi- ed suicide because of the its support of all students and ing to refer to someone by their gate pronouns. Before asking, “psychological and emotional will benefit a community that chosen name is a quick way to consider Price’s list of precondi- injuries she went through eve- otherwise may go unrecog- make them feel valued and appre- tions. Make sure that “You’re an ry day as a black trans woman nized or ignored. ciated. ally to trans [or non-binary] peo- living in New York.” She In some cases, a chosen name ple, you’re in a space that is safe would leave notes so that peo- —Natajha Johnson & is more than just a name prefer- and accepting of trans and you ple would know not to mis- Bria Turner VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 1 Page 5 Greek life creates oppor- exclusively in the PCS handbook for fraternities per- tunities for friendships, helps Higher Standards states that recruitment counselors taining the same card. These with the college transition and of making sure the chapters must set their social media accounts are identical forms that are allows for networking to help comply with the guidelines set to private and are not allowed to be turned in to the same office, in future jobs. The first Greek by national and Tech hand- present at bars 30 days prior to but sororities have a defined life organizations were much books. their sorority’s final day. This rule fine in the handbook, while more academically inclined Both fraternities and sorori- regulates the social aspect of sorori- fraternities do not. than the Greek life we see ties have handbooks for Greek ties in attempts to keep up a proper These are just a few exam- today. In the U.S., the first life recruitment policies; the image. ples of rules that sororities fraternity was formed in 1825 Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) There are also three fines and fraternities have to follow and the first sorority was handbook is five pages while spelled out in the PCS handbook during recruitment week formed in 1851. As of this the Panhellenic Sorority Coun- that are not included in the IFC alone. These rules hold sorori- year, there are 60 fraternities cil’s (PCS) handbook is 14 pages handbook. One of the fines is ties to a higher standard, and and 30 sororities spread na- long. The recruitment policy promising a bid, or an invite to the pose potential fines for sorori- tionally throughout the U.S. handbook is a how-to guide to sorority, to a prospective member. ties that do not exist for fra- Sororities make up one third recruiting new members. The Under this rule, something as sim- of Greek life, and, upon ob- IFC handbook includes the ple as saying, “see you tomorrow” ternities. The policies focus servation, seem to be held to a following rules: no alcohol at to a prospective member could cost more on the social aspect of higher standard than fraterni- parties during recruitment week, the sorority $200. There is also a sororities, like having to set ties. must not misrepresent the fine for a woman touching the social media accounts to pri- Gender inequality is a house and must not promote ground due to a tackle at a Bid Re- vate and not allowing counse- familiar topic in Greek life, alcohol. veal event, where prospective mem- lors to show up at bars. These both nationally and here at The PCS handbook dives bers run into a crowd of current rules also give more freedom Tennessee Tech. Policies that more into the social status, fines members of the sorority they are to the fraternities because they govern Greek life promote and interaction between sorority accepted into, which usually results have fewer rules to risk break- gender inequality and allow members. The sorority hand- in members hugging each other. If ing. These rules demonstrate fraternity brothers to have book includes the no alcohol a woman hits the ground during the the inequality between frater- more freedom than sorority rule, but also states, “No alco- run, the sorority is fined $250. The nities and sororities, as they sisters. Fraternities have fewer holic beverages may be served final fine relates to a bio card, are held to unbalanced stand- rules and regulations in their at any sorority event or during which is a grade release form for ards and regulated by different handbooks than sororities, formal recruitment, including Greek life. If a sorority member rules, which continues the inadvertently giving them Bid Day.” Fraternities can have turns in a bio card that is not more freedom. Tech has 11 alcohol at regular events properly registered, each potential gender inequality foundational fraternities and six sororities, throughout the semester, but new member is fined $50. There is to Greek Life. with three councils in charge sororities cannot. Another rule no fine mentioned in the handbook — Shelby Campbell Do we think our little attraction “The Stampede” after A Tennessee Treasure white asses are the learning some people view the Dolly Parton might have rocketed to only ones that matter? word “Dixie” as offensive. Con- fame through her songs, big hair and No!” This is very im- cerning this change, she told Bill- sequins, but she has used her success to portant coming from board, “We'll just call it The Stam- help others who are less fortunate than a popular country pede, as soon as you realize that her. She uses her music to promote im- artist from East Ten- [something] is a problem, you portant messages. For example, her re- nessee. Many people should fix it. Don't be a dumbass. cent release “When Life is Good Again” in rural, predominant- That's where my heart is.” Dolly speaks of life after COVID-19 and her ly white Tennessee Parton’s validation of the view- song “19th Amendment” gives a history towns embrace “All points of Black Americans serves of women earning the right to vote. Dol- Lives Matter.” This as inspiration to change for us ly created the Imagination Library for popular mindset often shuts down different here in Tennessee and the larger south. She kids who are unable to afford books to perspectives quickly, which can make it has, once again, shown how to make the read, and the Buddy System, which is a difficult for people in the area to support world a safer place. program that helps motivate high school Black Lives Matter. Dolly Parton speaking Overall, Dolly Parton has always wanted students to graduate. out against this mindset has the potential to to make changes for the greater good. She Dolly is also known for not getting help people, especially young adults who has dedicated her time and resources she has involved in politics; however, she has disagree with the mindset they grew up gained from fame through the years towards recently broken this historic silence by around, feel more confident dissenting from making the world a better place. Dolly Parton taking a stand with the Black Lives Mat- the “All Lives Matter” movement. spreads hope and equality wherever she can, ter movement. Dolly’s viewpoint is that Dolly Parton has proven that she be- and that is exactly what we need in the cur- all lives don’t matter until black lives lieves the perspectives of Black Americans rent political climate. matter. In an interview with Billboard, in our community matter. For example, she — Madeline Boyanton Dolly said “Of course Black lives matter. has renamed her popular Dollywood dinner First Annual Commission on the Status of Women Coming Spring 2021 Award Winners Book Club: Attend this term’s inaugural meeting of our Women’s Center staffer Amy Bosley won the Alison Piepmeier student book club in February. This is your chance to Outstanding Student Award. The award celebrates Piepmeier’s meet other readers and discuss books and issues of inter- legacy of fierce feminism by recognizing a Tech student whose est. research, activism and outreach advances gender equity. One Billion Rising: In February, Tennessee Tech com- Yvette Clark won the CSW Excellence Award. The award is munity members will join with, come together, rise up presented to a Tech employee who has contributed to gender and stand against sexual assault and violence against equity. It honors three qualities that characterize women’s women. leadership at Tech: perseverance, generosity and mentorship. Beverly Gooden: Beverly Gooden is a victims’ rights advocate as well as the author and creator of #WhyIStayed. She is a graduate of Hampton University, where she completed a B.A. in Communications and re- ceived her M.A. from the University of Chicago in Social Justice. Beverly breaks down the myths and misunder- standings around domestic violence to illuminate the complex reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships and what everyone can do to help survivors. She’s pas- sionate about gender violence, women’s issues, healing, empowerment, and economic justice. Jes Baker: Jes Baker is a positive, progressive and irrev- erent thought leader in the realm of self-love, mental health advocacy and body image. She is internationally recognized for her writing on her blog “The Militant Baker, the “Attractive and Fat” campaign and her literary debut Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls. Her work is dedi- cated to shifting social paradigms so that all people can embrace themselves just as they are. Get connected to your Women’s Center. Like us at “TnTech Women’s Center” on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @tntechwomenscenter More information can be found at tntech.edu/women/

Tennessee Tech University ATTUNE is published twice a year by Women’s Center the Women’s Center and the Roaden University Center 339 Commission on the Status of Women. P.O. Box 5216 Cookeville, TN Women’s Center Staff 38505-0001 Helen Hunt, Ph.D., Director Diana Lalani, Admin. Associate Shelby Campbell, Co-Editor Office Hours: Rachel Pearson, Co-Editor Monday-Friday Amy Bosley Bria Turner 8 a.m. - noon & Madeline Boyanton Hannah Manhoff 1- 4:30 p.m. Madison Cantrell Amber Lovell Lilly Davis Hannah Webster Natajha Johnson Visit our website: www.tntech.edu/women Contributors for Spring 2020 Ruth Bader Ginsberg Amy Bosley Amber Lovell Ruth Bader Ginsberg was an associate justice of the Madeline Boyanton Rachel Pearson Supreme Court from 1933 until her death in Septem- Shelby Campbell Bria Turner ber 2020. She was an avid advocate for gender equality Lilly Davis Hannah Webster and women’s rights. To quote Ginsberg, “Fight for the Natajha Johnson things you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

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