The independent newspaper of Washington University in St. Louis since 1878

VOLUME 142, NO. 5 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 WWW.STUDLIFE.COM

BACK TO THE GYM TIKTOK STAR DANCING ZOOM WU volleyball On using internet Dance students senior reflects on a fame to raise political go on with the fall without awareness ahead of show with virtual competition November election classes (Sports, pg 3) (Scene, pg 4) (Cadenza, pg 6)

Furloughed employees return to ‘Out of the campus for fall semester classroom, into the streets’: WUGWU joins with other local organizations to march for police abolition JULIA ROBBINS STAFF REPORTER

Chants of “No justice, no peace, no racist police,” could be heard last Thursday afternoon during a march led by the WashU Undergraduate & Graduate Workers Union calling for the reform and eventual abolition of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Students and other St. Louis com- munity members gathered together at 4 p.m. on the Medical School Campus before walking about four miles to City Hall. Local activists and government leaders, including a rep- resentative from the Coalition Against GABBY HYMAN we cannot address the challenges “[The furloughs] did coincide Antinolfi explained that through- Police Crimes and Repression CONTRIBUTING REPORTER of this situation without taking a with the stimulus that the govern- out the furloughs, there was an (CAPCR), spoke about the necessity hard look at ways to cut spending ment gave… From a financial point understanding that they were tem- of reforming the current policing sys- Nearly all of the Washington in this area,” Chancellor Andrew D. of view, people who were on fur- porary and all the faculty would tem throughout the demonstration. University employees placed on Martin wrote in the email to faculty lough for those 12 weeks did not, on come back to their positions after “I think it was kind of symbolic furlough over the summer have and staff in June. average, suffer financially,” Chair 13 weeks. The University decided that it went from Med campus to City returned to work for the fall. According to Martin, drawing of the Department of Economics to end the furlough a week early Hall because it’s bringing us to City On June 11, the University from reserve funds and the endow- Gaetano Antinolfi said. because 12 weeks is an important Hall, it’s showing our commitment to issued a report to faculty and staff ment would help relieve some of Fortunately, the vast majority of benchmark for unemployment go beyond just our school from now announcing that over 1,300 univer- the financial burden of the COVID- furloughed employees returned to benefits. on,” senior Jessica Yu, a member of sity employees would be furloughed 19 pandemic, but furloughs would work in July, according to Interim “Unemployment benefits are not WUGWU, said. for up to 13 weeks. also be a necessary part of the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs forever: at some point… you are This past summer, amidst nation- The furloughs were among the cutbacks. However, Interim Vice Julie Flory. expected to provide evidence that wide protests calling for police most notable of several finan- Chancellor for Student Affairs Rob “No faculty members were lost, you are looking for a job… and reform, WUGWU made advocat- cial adjustments that Washington Wild said that the University would and nearly all staff who were fur- you have to take a job if it comes… ing for police abolition one of its University implemented to relieve do its best to support furloughed loughed returned to work almost these things put a person in fur- main goals. According to Executive the more than $150 million lost faculty over the summer. three months ago,” she said. lough in a very difficult situation,” Chair Trent McDonald, WUGWU due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Furloughing members of our The majority of furloughs came Antinolfi said. “believes in bargaining for the com- Factors such as refunded student team through the summer provides from Medical Campus employ- On the Danforth Campus, nearly mon good, and police unions have dining and housing, the cancel- them continued access to their ees, as the elimination of elective every department furloughed at used their militant organizing only for lation of elective surgeries at the Wash. U. employee benefits as well surgeries greatly reduced revenue. least a few employees. Departments their narrow self interest.” School of Medicine and new tech- as unemployment compensation According to Flory, most of the such as dining, campus services and WUGWU collaborated with the nological expenses all contributed from the State of Missouri and the furloughs from the medical campus student affairs, in which employees Black Law Students Association, to the significant loss. federal government,” Wild wrote in were voluntary, and no employees were unable to work on campus, White Coats for Black Lives and a St. “As difficult as this is to acknowl- an email to the University commu- permanently lost their jobs after the were most affected. Louis advocacy group called Expect edge, we must face the reality that nity on April 29. furloughs ended. SEE FURLOUGH, PAGE 2 SEE WUGWU, PAGE 2

Virtual programming replaces college visits for COVID-era high school seniors

CLARA RICHARDS she said, explaining that while there attempting to expose students to the after attending this event, Wash. U. is interest in being accommodating to STAFF REPORTER were virtual resources available, University’s atmosphere in the best my top choice,” according to a quar- students given the impact of COVID- she hadn’t been engaging because way that they can. Programming terly report provided by Wair. The 19,” said Emily Almas, aAssistant When high school senior Grace she’s still trying to narrow down her directed at high school seniors for increased accessibility has allowed vVice pProvost & dDirector of aAd- Martin was thinking about applying options. the fall includes mock classes, virtual students with underrepresented missions. Both Hargrove and Martin to college, she envisioned the process Hargrove worried that “a lot of campus visits, online high school vis- backgrounds in rural areas to engage said that they planned to take advan- involving campus tours and official [the process] is just firsthand experi- its and academic theme days, where with the University, which has been tage of the policy. visits at a few schools, as she con- ences, like just stepping foot on the students can take the opportunity to exciting despite the unfortunate cir- In addition, Alms said that the sidered where she could best pursue campus and falling in love or just learn more about curriculum. cumstances, Wair said. University will continue their holistic rowing at a collegiate level. However, hating it.” And while her high school In addition, they have been work- However, Adam Litwin, a former application review and dedication her reality this fall has looked very has had admissions officers visit vir- ing to connect current students with tour guide, doubts that virtual tours to meeting 100% of demonstrated different as she juggles sports, school tually, she has been in class during prospective students, as “[prospective can give the same quality of infor- financial need. and applying to college in the turbu- many of the visits she would have students] want to engage with current mation to students that an in-person Ultimately, however, the lent time of COVID-19. Seniors like wanted to attend. Instead, she has students a lot more than they want to experience can. University is not completely sure Martin across the world are in the resorted to looking at the TikTok engage with us,” Tiara Wair, dDirec- “You can certainly get the surface- how much of an impact the unprec- position of trying to decide where trend where other college students tor of the vVisit wExperience, said. level ‘Tthis is what it looks like,’ but edented removal of campus visits to apply without being able to spend show off their college to get a “vibe The statistics for the number of you can’t really get the feel as much, will have, and they acknowledge that any time on campus or even talk to check,” she said. students connected with is strong— especially when you could walk visits are extremely influential in admissions officers face-to-face. Martin echoed a similar sentiment, a report shared by Wair showed around and go up to students and decision making. Wair said that until Claire Hargrove, a senior in saying that she felt more comfortable that the University’s feedback has interact with other people,” he said. Eearly Ddecision applications are Charlotte, N.C.orth Carolina, is applying to schools in her vicinity been exceedingly positive. Where “[What’s valuable about on-campus received, University administrators another student who is consider- because they were a known quantity, typically summer admissions pro- tours] is that it’s not the same thing won’t know how this new program- ing Washington University, but and she knew people who had gone gramming sees about 600 people every time, and you can divert based ming will impact the number of has struggled with applications. there. per event, the virtual event had four on the actual space.” applications. “[Applying to college] is confusing Washington University’s admis- times the number of participants. In terms of applications, the “We’re all kind of holding our as it is. And it’s even more confusing sions team is acutely aware of After the Virtual Summer Theme University has adopted a new test- breath to see what really stuck in our with all the COVID stuff around it,” these barriers, and they have been Day, one student said that, “now optional policy “driven by our efforts this fall,” she said.

CONTACT BY POST CONTACT BY EMAIL CONTACT BY PHONE ONE BROOKINGS DRIVE #1039 [email protected] NEWSROOM 314.935.5995 #320 DANFORTH UNIVERSITY CENTER [email protected] ADVERTISING 314.935.4240 ST. LOUIS, MO 63130-4899 [email protected] FAX 314.935.5938 2 STUDENT LIFE EM MCPHIE & TED MOSKAL | SENIOR NEWS EDITORS | [email protected] THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020

FURLOUGH from page 1 “The [person furloughed year and you have to make was the personal cost on the from my department] mostly sure that all the courses are in individual that was furloughed works on events, like seminars order,” he said. “There was a because that can actually have theFLIPSIDE and conferences… Both of little bit of rush at the end.” lasting effects. It is not a pleas- THU 15 FRI 16 SAT 17 SUN 18 these were affected by COVID. “We felt the other people ant letter to get when you have AM CLOUDS/PM SUN SUNNY SUNNY PM SHOWERS 60/35 61/37 68/50 64/45 This summer, we had very little had to do extra work but in the been working in a place for in terms of events,” Antinofli end it went okay,” he added. many years. That was what I MON 19 TUES 20 WED 21 AM SHOWERS PARTLY CLOUDY PARTLY CLOUDY said. “Had it been longer than 12 was worried about,” he said. 61/40 60/42 64/49 During the furlough period, weeks, I think we would have Flory claimed that the which, for most employees, been in trouble. Towards the impact of the furloughs on the was from May to July, staff end I began to feel the stress… experience of University stu- EVENT CALENDAR shortages forced departments Overall, we recovered well.” dents was almost nonexistent. to adapt. Antinolfi shared After communicating with a “Most student services THURSDAY 15 that his department was able furloughed colleague, Antinolfi were able to shift to virtual to cope with the furloughs, revealed that the emotional operations during the spring Visiting Writer Steven Dunn despite the added workload. aspect of the furloughs was the and summer, and all are fully Virtual Event, 8 p.m. “Toward the end it began to most difficult and impactful. up and running for the fall Shortlisted for Granta magazine’s “Best of Young American Novelists,” Visiting be hard because you have to “The psychological cost is semester, either virtually or in Writer Steven Dunn is the author of two books from Tarpaulin Sky Press: water prepare for the new academic still enormous… My concern person,” she said. & power and Potted Meat, which was a co-winner of the 2015 Tarpaulin Sky Book Awards, a finalist for the Colorado Book Award, and has been adapted for a short film entitled The Usual Route, from Foothills Productions. Steven was born and raised in West Virginia, and after 10 years in the Navy he earned a WUGWU from page 1 B.A. in Creative Writing from University of Denver. Us, among other organiza- the student leaders is to push to come join us in this fight.’” tions, to organize the protest. people to demand a say in the This type of community FRIDAY 16 The march was directly aimed contracts that the police unions spirit emerged when students at pushing for reforms within create. from Saint Louis University Public Tour: Edition MAT the SLMPD at a time when “The main focal point of and Harris Stowe University Virtual Event, 12 p.m. the St. Louis Police Officers why we were organizing, why joined marchers along the Join us for live, interactive tours on Zoom. Student educators design and lead Association (SLPOA) is we were trying to get people way, answering the chants of virtual tours featuring several artworks in the Kemper Art Museum collec- renegotiating its collective bar- together, was to push people to “Out of the classroom, into tion or in special exhibitions, showing images of the artworks through screen gaining agreement with the fight and advocate for commu- the streets.” City of St. Louis. nity oversight,” MacFarlane While organizers appreci- sharing and answering participant questions. On October 16, Jay Buchannan WUGWU Campaign said. ated the arrival of students (Arts & Sciences ‘21) discusses a selection of works from the temporary spe- Committee Chair Grace Ward Ward also emphasized the from other schools, the pres- cial exhibition “Multiplied: Edition MAT and the Transformable Work of Art, said that the union’s role is importance of local commu- ence of the SLMPD was a less 1959–1964.” “connecting the labor aspect nity action. welcome surprise for some at to the larger racial justice push “I would just hope that for the march against that very behind trying to influence the Wash. U. students, this local- department. SATURDAY 17 police contract.” izes their larger concerns about Police cruisers cut in front “We are a fundamentally social justice,” Ward said. “It's of the cars that demonstrators From Quantum Mysteries to Quantum Technologies anti-racist organization, so we easy, I think, to be a student at were driving to carry supplies Virtual Event, 10 a.m. take anti-racist work as one of Wash. U., undergrad or grad, like food and water, and to Igor Pikovski, of Stevens Institute of Technology & Stockholm University, will our key ongoing goals both at and kind of ignore the city and offer transportation for march- present. Quantum theory is over 100 years old. In the early days, its conse- Wash. U. and in the city writ the localized issues of the city, ers, Yu said. “That was a point large,” Ward said. “As another so one goal would really be to of interference from them.” quences were often mapped out through “Gedankenexperiments” – imaginary labor organization, WUGWU have people focus those con- “I've been to protests and experiments that reveal often bizarre and counter-intuitive phenomena. This identified [SLPOA’s renego- cerns and that energy here in yes, there's usually a good way of thinking helped clarify some of the fundamental notions of quantum tiation of the agreement] as a the city and at our University.” number of police, but I was so theory, but it was unimaginable that such scenarios could ever be realized in point of interjection to attempt Although turnout was surprised at how many police experiments. Today, not only have many such experiments become reality, they to push the city to influence lower than expected, event were there,” MacFarlane are also the basis of transformative new applications: quantum technologies that the contract negotiation pro- organizers said they were sat- said. She added that while use and control unique quantum effects. cess with measures that would isfied with the energy of the there were “no bad confronta- counter police brutality.” demonstrators. tions” between the protestors CAPCR has created a The march lasted for about and the police, it seemed like list of proposed reforms for four hours, but people were the police were trying to stop WU’s newest publication, the Danforth the SLMPD, such as end- chanting and singing and them from going to certain ing seniority considerations playing drums the entire time, roads. Dispatch, publishes its debut issue in the force and ensuring that MacFarlane said. “They were basically just the Ethical Society of Police “Nobody was discouraged, following us, and they were TED MOSKAL publications, while oth- we'd publish it.” (ESOP), an “almost exclu- which I thought was amaz- ahead of us and on all sides SENIOR NEWS EDITOR ers such as the Stanford When asked about the sively African American” ing,” she said. “It was great to of us as we were walking,” Review or the Middlebury potential difficulty of find- organization, receives “equal see how politically active the MacFarlane said. The Danforth Dispatch, Independent adopt a ing left wing writers for access to information and students at Wash. U. are.” Overall, leaders of the Washington University’s nonpartisan stance. The the Dispatch, Servidio was benefits” as do members of “I just hope that we con- group expressed optimism newest student-run publi- Danforth Dispatch plans unconcerned. SLPOA. tinue to do the hard things and with how the event itself went cation, published its first to follow in the footsteps “The fact of the matter CAPCR also recommends not just the easy things when and what they see as the future online issue, Oct. 1. of the latter two publica- is our rule is that we will the expansion of who has it comes to this, because it’s of the movement. The stated mission of tions, welcoming opinions publish unconventional authority to investigate “viola- only gonna get harder,” BLSA Yu said she left the march the Danforth Dispatch is from all ideological perspec- opinions that we aren't tions of police policy” so that President Cass Oliver said. recognizing the passion that to “critique the radical ide- tives. Mayesh maintained seeing a lot,” he said. “If “police would no longer sim- Oliver pointed to donating, University students have for ologies dominating campus that although the Dispatch society is such that all of the ply be policing themselves.” protesting and researching as advocacy. culture” by promoting receives funding from an unconventional opinions are The final recommendation is ways for people to more fully “Wash. U. students are will- critical analyses and ideo- organization dedicated to right-wing, that's a problem for a “more open process that engage in the Black Lives ing to take up intersections, to logical freedom. Articles promoting conservative for society to think about. allows for public input con- Matter movement rather than take up streets, and that was from its first issue covered thought, the ISI will exert It's not a problem for us.” cerning CBA negotiations.” just carrying out performative something some of the orga- topics ranging from the no editorial influence on the For Mayesh, the fact that According to Yu, actions on social media. nizers were talking about... Nagorno-Karabakh conflict paper. the Dispatch is funded by a WUGWU believes that the Marlene Kanmogne, a that they didn’t think Wash. U. to circumcision as a means “They [the ISI] spon- conservative organization CAPCR’s recommendations medical student and a mem- students would have the guts, for men’s oppression. sor our organization, but and at the moment mostly are a good start but do not go ber of the University’s branch would have the courage to go Upperclassmen Matias they have no editorial con- populated by right-leaning far enough. While the steps of White Coats for Black into the streets,” Yu said. “But Mayesh, Damian Servidio, trol over us at all,” Mayesh members, should not dis- laid out by CAPCR call for Lives, an organization of I think this shows that there Walter Treat and Jacob said. “We have full discre- suade writers from other reform, many members of the medical students dedicated to are at least enough to do that, Ramer came up with the tion over what happens parts of the political spec- student movement go further racial justice, expressed how to take the streets, so I think idea for the Dispatch last and that's really about it. trum from joining. by calling for police abolition. attending the march had per- that was great.” spring, in a reaction to what They've helped us organize “I am a conservative and “Yes, we want to defund sonally impacted her. “It was empowering to Servidio described as a a website—that's it.” yes, that's true that I am the police, but we need to “I think the act of marching know that we have numbers,” “uniformity of thought” on Mayesh pointed to the president of the col- abolish them,” junior Jasmine and chanting is very power- MacFarlane said. “People are campus. editorials by ISI-funded lege Republicans, but I fully MacFarlane, a chant leader at ful,” Kanmogne said. “It's that willing and ready to fight for “It's not so much that publications in favor of acknowledged that and the march and a member of act of letting your voice be the things and change they we disagree with the opin- defunding the police and I'm not going to deny it,” WU Students for Abolition, heard and trying your absolute want to see.” ions that people have, but electing Bernie Sanders as Mayesh said. “So it's not said. “People will want to do hardest to kind of let the com- An Expect Us leader closed we don't like the idea that examples of perspectives like I'm hiding from any- reforms, and reforms only ever munity know, ‘Hey, we’re here the night with the call: “We [we have to] hear the same that the Dispatch would body… I've invited plenty make the system bigger.” and we’re gonna fight for you,’ have nothing to lose but our thing over and over again,” be open to publishing in of people to come write for MacFarlane said a goal of but also, ‘Hey, you’re welcome chains.” Servidio said. “And it gets the future. In the present, us. And some of them have kind of tiring after a while.” the publication’s first issue said, ‘no’, some of them out Over the summer, the featured a mix of conser- of fear, some of them just students reached out vative pieces and apolitical not wanting to be associated for support from the content, with no left wing [with the publication]... I've Intercollegiate Studies perspectives present. made a concerted effort to Institute, an organization However, Mayesh wel- invite people and I always dedicated to promoting con- comed leftist writers to join, will.” servative thought on college pointing out that only one For the upcoming campuses. Started in the issue had been published so semester, the editors of 1950s by prominent conser- far, and that the Dispatch the Dispatch are planning vative thinker and founder would welcome unconven- to include more reported of the National Review tional opinions from all content, more ideological William F. Buckley Jr., the sides of the aisle. diversity and potentially a organization has built up “Generally we really are print issue. a network of around 18 willing to publish anything “We’re hoping since this student publications on that is unconventional,” he first issue is out, we'll get college campuses includ- said. “You know, if some- more people coming to us ing the Brown Spectator, one came up to us with a and having just a wider vari- the Princeton Tory and the traditional Marxist interpre- ety of opinions to choose Dartmouth Review. tation of something going from the published journal, Certain publications such on in academia and it was next issues,” Treat said. as the Princeton Tory or interesting, and we didn't “And then we're hoping to CREATIVE COMMONS/PASA47 the Dartmouth review are see that before in some other get a paper issue out next The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department headquarters. WUGWU and partners self-described conservative kind of campus publication semester.” marched last Thursday, hoping to influence the department’s contract negotiations. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 DORIAN DEBOSE & JOSH SHAPIRO | SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 3 SPORTS Athlete of the Week: Volleyball senior Kirby Knapp on a fall unlike any other

MATTHEW FRIEDMAN with those two separate groups you heard the cancellation SL: Right, that makes sense ASSOCIATE EDITOR of 10? Are you able to have announcement back in July? with it being a lot of the something that replicates what more informal times where In a year without a pan- a normal practice would look KK: I was kind of expecting you’re getting to know each demic, the Washington like? it. We weren’t the first team in other and all of that. If University volleyball team our conference to have our sea- you think about what you would be preparing for its final KK: It’s a little different right son canceled and we knew we want this year’s freshmen to set of regular season University now. We’re not doing as many had a team meeting coming learn from you during such Athletic Association matchups team drills, both from a safety up, so I knew what was going a weird and unprecedented this week, a double-header standpoint and also just getting to happen at the meeting, but semester, what are some of against Case Western Reserve back into touching a volleyball it was still really hard to hear it the lessons that you want University and Carnegie and stuff. I think it’s going to come from my coach. I think them to get out of Wash. U. Mellon University next pick up more as the weeks go the hardest part was not being volleyball, or that you want Sunday in Rochester, N.Y. on, but right now it’s right now around my teammates to pro- them to absorb as they head Instead, the Bears are still eas- more individual skill-focused. cess the news. into hopefully being able to ing their way into practices. All play next fall in what looks GRACE BRUTON | STUDENT LIFE NCAA games are canceled SL: Before you were allowed SL: Yeah, it seems so tough like a normal UAA season? Then-sophomore Kirby Knapp gets underneath the ball for a this year, but there is the hope back in the gym, what sort of to be physically separate from set against Nebraska Wesleyan University in the fall of 2018. that the spring will allow for volleyball activities were you your team, even with tools like KK: I think the biggest thing scrimmages against individual able to fit in over the summer? Zoom. Given how strange I’m is not to take anything for finish senior season this Even though they’re young, teams. sure this fall semester has been granted. Obviously, none year. And that all kind of it’s really important to know To get a sense of what the KK: Over the summer, they for you generally speaking of us expected this. My stopped in March and my that from the start, that first few weeks of the fall sent us our summer workout with no sports, what’s been the plans were to finish out plans changed. So you just you’ve got to work hard now semester have been like for program, which we do every weirdest part? my spring season last year never know when your last because you never know the Bears, Student Life called summer, and I know that a few and stay here over the sum- ball is going to be—or your when it is going to be the last Kirby Knapp. One of two girls were able to get into gyms KK: I think that waking up mer and work out and then last game is going to be. time. seniors on the team, Knapp and play volleyball, depending when the sun is already up is was third in the UAA in assists on what state they were in. I the weirdest thing. We usually per set last year. She would was in California, so I wasn’t have morning practices, so I’m likely have surpassed 3,000 able to touch a ball that much out of the house by like six career assists this year, vaulting in a gym setting. There wasn’t or so every morning. So a lot herself even further into the a lot over the summer, actually. more sleeping in is happening University’s top 10. SL: What was that like for you this semester. One of our prac- to return to practice after not tices is in the morning, but it’s This interview has been edited for playing over the summer? at like eight instead of 6:30. length and clarity. And then the other ones are in KK: I was nervous at first, the evening. STUDENT LIFE: I want to starting back up and having start off by asking about what to wear a mask. And that defi- SL: Wow, 8 a.m. is still you’ve been able to do as a nitely is tough, but it’s made impressive. What do you miss team thus far. What have prac- me feel so grateful for all the the most about a regular sports tices been like? time I have in the gym with season? my teammates now, especially KIRBY KNAPP: We’re head- with it being my last year here. KK: Just the amount of time ing into our second week of It’s definitely really nice to get I get to spend with my team- practices in the gym and third back into a routine of leaving mate on a daily basis. Right week of lifts in the weight my apartment and going and now, we are in the small room, but we’re divided into working out and exercising groups and I do get to see my two small groups of less than and stuff, just being around my teammates, but I see half of 10 people and we’re not mix- coaches and my players. them and we’re not allowed ing those groups at all. We to shower in the locker rooms wear masks when we practice SL: Given that it is your last or use the locker rooms, really. and lift. But we’re getting into year here, I imagine that it We can’t eat together on cam- practice three times a week must have been incredibly pus, so it’s just all of the off the and lift twice, so a fair amount difficult to find out that you court stuff that you don’t really actually. wouldn’t have a typical fall think means a lot, but it ulti- SL: What are you able to do season. What was it like when mately does.

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VOLUME 142, NO. 5 Emma Baker Kya Vaughn Curran Neenan Sabrina Spence Adrienne Levin Coleman Copyright © 2020 Washington Editor-in-Chief Senior Forum Editor Senior Photo Editor Social Media Director General Manager University Student Media, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Inc. (WUSMI). Student Life Nathan Springman is a financially and editorially Matthew Friedman Dorian DeBose JJ Coley Webmaster Tammy Dunsford independent, student-run Associate Editor Josh Shapiro Isabella Neubauer Advertising Sales Supervisor newspaper serving the Senior Sports Editors Copy Chiefs Jamila Dawkins [email protected] Washington University Jayla Butler [email protected] [email protected] Forum Editor community. Our newspaper is Kya Vaughn a publication of WUSMI and Managing Editors Isabella Neubauer Vivienne Chang Christine Watridge does not necessarily represent Sabrina Spence Kathleen White Spencer Linenberg the views of the Washington Em McPhie Senior Cadenza Editors Engagement Directors Jaime Lee University administration. Ted Moskal [email protected] Designers Senior News Editors HN Hoffmann [email protected] Mia Goldberg Jaden Satenstein Design Chief Christine Watridge Benjamin Simon [email protected] Multimedia Editors Senior Scene Editor [email protected] 4 STUDENT LIFE BENJAMIN SIMON | SENIOR SCENE EDITOR | [email protected] THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 SCENE From boredom to TikTok fame: Senior shares life behind the screen SAMRA HASEEB really like it, so she kept doing STAFF WRITER it. And 203,000 followers later, Nepos’ success has seen Maya Nepos’ TikTok ori- no limit. gin story began the same way Just ask her about Alicia as mine and probably yours Keys, who recently reposted too. After being sent home a TikTok of Nepos receiv- from school in March—in her ing her absentee ballot to the case, a study abroad pro- sound of Keys’ 2020 song, gram—something had to fill “Love Looks Better.” When the quarantine void. “I was she saw the singer’s Instagram just sad and in my room, and story on Oct. 1, Nepos bored, and I was like ‘I guess shrieked and proceeded to I’ll download this, I don’t skip “all of school for the rest have anything else better to do of the week.” with my time now that I have While Nepos is technically so much time.’” still a full-time Wash. U. stu- Our origin stories deviate dent, she said her senior year from one another, though, has been drastically altered in that she is TikTok famous by her TikTok career. The and I, well, have zero public original plan of having a chill, videos on my account. 12-credit spring semester was The Washington scrapped in exchange for hav- University senior has gained ing a lighter course load this a large social media follow- fall semester—the semester ing for her informative yet of the 2020 U.S. Presidential entertaining TikTok videos Election. CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE pertaining to everything Nepos likens the upcoming Washington University senior Maya Nepos sits in Bowles Plaza. Nepos returned to campus this fall with over 200,000 followers on TikTok. politics. From anti-Trump election in November to the raps to reminders about voter Olympic Games. “Every four a Psychology major and though, because it has. interest in activism. out to thank Nepos and let registration, she brings view- years the world is watching,” Marketing minor, she sees “I was into it before [recent When asked which of her her know that they regis- ers all the news coverage and she says. And with less than herself getting involved with years], just because my mom TikTok videos was her favor- tered to be poll workers this commentary one could need four weeks left until Election marketing and social media teaches political science and ite, Nepos first mentioned November. in the confines of a minute. Day, it is officially crunch in the future, but not politics sociology and stuff. And so one of her more viral ones: “We were like hundreds Initially, Nepos’ account time. “I have like 10 emails per se. we would talk about it… a Trump freestyle from July, of thousands of poll workers was set to private for her and every two minutes in my Nepos does feel, however, that’s just like normal dinner when he first threatened to short and so that one was her friends. But as time went inbox of people like, ‘Oh hey, that psychology makes its conversation. When I was 11, ban TikTok. After address- the one I felt like I made the on and the 2020 political we’re trying to get the vote way into her TikTok experi- [my mom] took me to my first ing him as “cinnamon bun,” biggest impact on, I guess.” scene grew more insane, she out,’” Nepos says, “and I’m ence through the connectivity protest. I have a picture of it Nepos goes on to call out the Nepos went on to say that she decided to go public about like, ‘Okay me too, let’s go!’” of the platform. “Being able somewhere on my massive president on his attempts to loves all her videos though, her opinions. “Trump did Her apartment mates know to relate to people is what wall,” Nepos says, motioning limit freedom of speech when because if she didn’t, they the whole ‘yeah maybe you how busy she is, but from an gives me life,” says Nepos. to the extensive photo collage the words are not in his favor. would not have been posted should put bleach in your outsider perspective, it can be And her videos have clearly in the background of her That freestyle video has now in the first place. system,’...I can’t not say pretty hard to tell. “It’s pretty resonated with all types of Zoom video. been viewed over 2.3 million When considering her anything about this,” Nepos chaotic and it’s pretty nonvis- demographics, from fellow They were bundled up on times on the social media app, account’s trajectory for remembers. ible chaos,” Nepos explains. Wash. U. students to moms the streets of Madison, Wis., with over 10,000 comments. post-election times, Nepos By the time June rolled In our current COVID-19 living in Alaska. “I never marching with the crowds “That was the one I started expressed a bit of uncertainty. around, Nepos was filming world, even working with the would’ve met these moms of protesters demanding getting press about, even “I really don’t know what about the Tulsa rally, the BBC News on a documentary from Alaska if it weren’t for the recall of Governor Scott though I didn’t find out for I’m going to do after a month Black Lives Matter move- must happen from the safety TikTok,” she adds. “It kind of Walker. More than maybe like a month,” she said. from now. I think I might ment and even Kanye’s step of one’s room. just makes your world bigger, even the specific cause Nepos also encouraged just go on vacation or retire into the election ring. She Despite the recurring which is awesome, so I kind itself, the mixed excitement and informed viewers on her or something,” she laughed, combined her passion for theme of her videos, Nepos’ of just kept doing it.” of being in the capital and TikTok to participate in poll “because hopefully I don’t politics with her talent for academic and career aspira- That’s not to say that poli- getting to skip school made working. The feedback on the have to be on TikTok for four freestyle rap to form relevant tions go far beyond the tics has not been an integral that first protest a pivotal video was overwhelmingly more years. Like hopefully, content. People seemed to realm of civic activism. As part of Nepos’ upbringing experience for Nepos and her positive, with people reaching things go well.”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, RAs work to build community JONAH GOLDBERG in the best way. “For example, when we justice topics. Juniors Isra Emily Xu designed a residents are not always STAFF WRITER Navigating the obvi- had a presentation from Ahmed and Naasik Syed campus scavenger hunt for as enthusiastic about ous health questions is a the Office of Student both recall experiencing her Wheeler House resi- the conversations as her, When Residential challenge for all RAs, and Conduct, which I believe “Zoom fatigue” after six dents, awarding points to and remembers feeling Advisor (RA) junior Leo one especially poignant they normally do every hours of modules each teams for taking selfies at similarly. Karp passes the com- for Karp, whose tradi- year, they made sure to day. Although online obliquely described loca- “I didn’t realize at the mon room for Lee 0 or 1, tional dorm has him emphasize the protocols training compounded its tions, such as “Minecraft time that the vibe can he typically finds many sharing a bathroom with for people who break the demanding nature, senior lookin rocks.” actually be really casual.” people there. The empty his residents. “From public health guidelines Davis Holmes spoke simi- To fill the gap in active Even in the absence of South 40 halls are a very what I understand,” Karp that the University has put larly of his experience last programming, RAs have community events like different picture from the explained, “Wash. U. into place.” year. “Regular training is been asked to up the the annual Residential freshman year most upper- and ResLife have been in Virtual training for RAs very intensive, it’s very frequency of one-on- College Olympics, Xu classmen experienced at close contact with infec- began three days before in-depth and it’s easy to ones, a mildly dreaded believes that each addi- Washington University, tious disease experts at freshmen moved in, and get lost in it sometimes, experience of Wash. U. tional one-on-one and an observation that the the medical school, and the blend of synchro- because there’s so much residential life, especially weekly staff meeting have freshmen more than they basically told us, if nous and asynchronous content,” Holmes said. through Zoom. Holmes deepened her sense of anyone are likely tired of it wasn’t safe to live in sessions continued as This year returning RAs acknowledged that from belonging with not just hearing. But the obstacles LeeBeau [Lee House and residents arrived. Modules like Holmes were spared the RAs’ end, “it could be her floor but also the to normal residential life Beaumont House], we included how to support the bulk of the required awkward at times, because William Greenleaf Elliot for underclassmen are wouldn’t have opened it students of concern, the training if they passed there are certain questions residential college, encom- an ever-present concern up.” Karp also observed multitude of campus a review assessment. In ResLife gives us to ask, passing Danforth, Shepley for their RAs, who are that health regulations resources for students, Holmes’ view, “that’s which can be really weird and Wheeler Houses. “It’s working to make their were a “driving force” emergency protocols and a much more fair and and sometimes difficult surprisingly comforting to residents’ year memorable in RA training this year. restorative and social appropriate way to struc- to weave into natural walk by someone in this ture training.” Holmes conversation.” These corner of the 40 or see said that if Residential questions include whether people hanging out on the Life activities are normal the student is getting the WGE lawn and realize next year, they would like academic resources they they’re probably a WGE to continue a hybrid ver- need, and whether anyone walrus as well,” she wrote sion of that programming has caused them stress in a statement to Student so former RAs only have since they’ve been on Life. to attend certain sessions. campus. It is clear that all Zoom training quickly All of that said, Holmes RAs are putting serious transitioned into Zoom still sees the benefits in thought and effort into programming. Syed these one-on-one conver- building a home for their acknowledged that sations. “It’s definitely residents and how, despite “ResLife’s guidelines have nice to get to know the the obstacles presented made in-person program- people on your floor,” this year, students are ming a little tricky,” and Holmes said. “Like I still forming those critical many RAs are hosting know that there are three relationships. “The most Zoom sessions to play other people on my floor rewarding thing for me games like “Among Us.” this year that are from the has been that my residents Despite the challenge, same 30-minute radius as have gotten really close,” RAs have found creative where I’m from…At the Ahmed wrote. “They are ways to get their residents end of the day, it’s just a mostly very friendly with off-screen. conversation.” one another, and they are Syed and his co-RA Xu echoed that the one- casual in our GroupMe junior Beth Althouse are on-ones have been integral and when talking to me planning a human foosball to connecting with her and my co-RAs, which game for their Shanedling residents. She finds it makes me feel like we’ve GRAPHIC BY CHRISTINE WATRIDGE House residents. Junior understandable that done a good job.” THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 DORIAN DEBOSE & JOSH SHAPIRO | SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 5 MATT’S MUSINGS A FIFA soundtrack compilation playlist for the ages

MATT SINGER never the most skillful player. was probably my best team, immediately), I’ve put Shelter – Porter 18 soundtrack. It instantly SPORTS COLUMNIST As I was getting more into with TOTS Michy Batshuayi together a playlist of my Robinson & Madeon became one of my favor- the sport, I also started playing and man-of-the-match Eden favorite songs from FIFA 14 (FIFA 17): ites, with the guitar solo Love-hate relationships FIFA. 2010 FIFA World Cup Hazard my stars in that through FIFA 20. There are being a particular highlight. are complicated. It’s liter- South Africa on Wii is one of edition. no more than 10 per game, When two of the best elec- It’s hard for me to pick my ally in the name. Love and my all-time favorite games. I barely played FIFA 19. I even if I wanted to include tronic DJs combine forces for favorite FIFA song, but this hate occupy opposite ends (Wavin’ Flag, anyone?) I really only got into it over the more (which I definitely did). a track, you hope that their would undoubtedly be in the of the emotional spectrum. tried Ultimate Team for the summer when I had free time. The playlist is 55 songs in collaboration will live up to running. Logically, it makes no sense first time on FIFA 14, and I had had enough of all the total, but I’d like to highlight the hype. “Shelter” does just how someone could feel both it was the following year crap players deal with, so for a few here. that, as the American and Feel the Vibe (feat. ways about someone, but for with FIFA 15 during which the sake of my mental health French producers create a Anderson .Paak) – BJ the whatever reason, these rela- I truly got into it. I packed a (and college applications), I Love Me Again – John song that somehow makes Chicago Kid (FIFA 20): tionships exist. Don’t ask me Legend, Oliver Bierhoff, that basically stopped playing. I Newman (FIFA 14): you feel safe, living up to the why. I’m not a psych major. year, something I didn’t real- drew a line in the sand. track’s title. You really do “Feel the Vibe” I, too, was once in a love- ize the significance of until You can see where the hate The quintessential FIFA song. when listening to this song. hate relationship. Not with a I told some friends who pro- part of our relationship comes “Love Me Again” is a fairly The System Only Dreams Anderson .Paak stays win- person though. No, for many ceeded to freak out. FIFA 16 from. But why, you may ask, well-known track in its own in Total Darkness – The ning with a smooth verse years, I found myself in a was my first full year of total do you still love a game that right, but FIFA 14 players National (FIFA 18): to start the track off, and BJ complex relationship with devotion to the game, and I has wronged you and your remember it from that game’s the Chicago Kid balances it FIFA. The video game, not spent many a weekend night mom’s wallet (sorry, Mom) so soundtrack. I actually had for- The National are not a new out with a wonderfully vivid the governing body of soccer. cursing at the television while many times? The soundtrack. gotten about it until a saw a act by any means, but I hook. I love this song so much (I have no love for them.) my friends laughed over the The video game itself is tweet a couple years ago that hadn’t heard of them until I that it’s currently my anthem It was actually because of headset. As I got more into always flawed and frustrates reminded me just how much heard this song on the FIFA on Tinder. FIFA that I really fell in love the game, I began to realize me to no end. But every of a banger it was. with soccer in the first place. just how annoying it could be. year, FIFA puts together a Back in the day, I would Nothing was more frustrating fantastic soundtrack of 40 Crystal Express – Raury play FIFA 08 or FIFA 09 than dominating someone or so songs that I anticipate (FIFA 16): on my friend’s Nintendo online and still losing (though more than the game itself. As Wii. I would always choose it was understandable if they someone who doesn’t have This one went a bit under the Chelsea, and as a result, the had Bernd Leno in net). the attention span to listen radar in FIFA 16, but boy is Blues became my club. It Nevertheless, EA still had to entire albums in one sit- it good. Raury is known for took a few years for me to me hooked, and FIFA 17 ting, the release of the FIFA blending genres, and he does really start following the sport was much of the same. I had soundtrack has become some- that here with clear R&B and closely, with Chelsea’s 2012 a brilliant team that year, thing I look forward to every indie influences. Champions League Final with Team of the Season year. Traditionally, alternative triumph in Munich against Harry Kane, TOTS Christian and electronic music have Love Songs – Lola Coca Bayern igniting my passion Eriksen and in-form Son dominated the playlists, but in (FIFA 17): for football. Since then, I have Heung-min leading the attack recent years, the curators have been as much a fan of soccer in my 4-3-1-2. But the game put together more diverse Breakups are a well-explored as I am of other sports, if not was as frustrating as ever, soundtracks, with UK rap, idea in music, but rarely is it more so. It’s actually kind of and by FIFA 18, my junior for example, getting several done as freshly and honestly funny how my soccer fandom year in high school, I started tracks in the last few editions as in “Love Songs.” British took off right around the time to play the game less and of FIFA. artist Lola Coca combines I stopped playing the sport. I less. I did get back into it by To honor the release of her rapping ability with a lo-fi don’t know if the two are cor- spring when I packed 98-rated FIFA 21 (a game I’ll prob- quality to create one of my GRAPHIC BY CHRISTINE WATRIDGE related, but let’s just say I was TOTS Mohamed Salah. That ably play once and hate favorite FIFA songs ever.

SPONSORED BY: Minor in the Business puzzle of the Arts mania Open to allyour undergrads. AD here Find out more. olin.wustl.edu/arts [email protected]

2019 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 ISABELLA NEUBAUER & SABRINA SPENCE | SENIOR CADENZA EDITORS | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 6 CADENZA Go with the flow: How WU’s dance program has handled the pandemic

GRADY NANCE keeping students’ safety the while continuing to provide replicate an in-class experi- and slowly moving it as he and you’re more aware of STAFF WRITER top priority. opportunities for online ence, professors are using performs a short dance. your own inability to do When the COVID-19 students. This includes the pandemic’s constraints With constantly shift- things…it feels like you’re In a semester that has pandemic forced everyone everything from 10 foot by as a creative opportunity ing conditions and new struggling alone,” Schein challenged every academic online in the middle of the 10 foot pods in studios to to explore new formats opportunities slowly being said. Without the benefit of department, dance classes spring semester, along with new technology that tracks for performance—think- implemented, improvisa- her classmates and profes- at Washington University the ubiquitous hardship of foot movements for online ing outside the pod, so to tion has become the new sors, “as a dancer, you have gotten creative to adapting the curriculum dancers. Still, he acknowl- speak. normal for dance instruc- don’t know if you’re doing try and adapt to a new to unfamiliar technology, edges the obvious gap “After 25 years of teach- tion, but these professors it right because you can’t environment. dance classes struggled to between the two formats. ing…you get into habits, are used to staying on their watch yourself.” It’s hard enough to find ways to engage stu- “It’s an idea to give [online assumptions about how toes at all times. “I and my Still, the opportunity absorb class material when dents in the performance students] the same experi- the form works,” Marchant colleagues feel very grateful to return to the studio it is delivered through of the body through the ence—it’s not possible," he said. The virus has forced at this moment that we’re and have some degree of a Zoom meeting or an abyss of the digital void. said. "Instead of pretend- him and his colleagues to artists,” Marchant said. balance in her practice has asynchronous module. Using bedrooms as stages, ing I’m trying to give them rethink their craft and how For students, it’s been been particularly reward- Every department has fighting with family for an equal experience, I’m to use the limitations of a refreshing to dance in any ing in a year fraught with confronted the issue of bandwidth and struggling acknowledging the fact that screen (or a pod) as a tool capacity. Junior Serena obstacles. Even with the maintaining the same to stay in sync with music they are working in a dif- to express in new, unique Schein, a dance minor limitations in place this caliber of education for that cuts out twice a min- ferent experience.” ways. In Marchant’s case, and classroom engage- semester, “it is still my their students given the, ute, students and professors Catering instruction to this means incorporating ment moderator, says that highlight at Wash. U.,” to quote many a univer- alike have sorely missed the online students has been the camera as an element rejoining the dance com- Schein said. Nobody sity email, unprecedented stability of the studio. particularly difficult for of performance in his munity, even in a limited knows how long we’ll be conditions. The Performing Coming into the fall dance given its inherent Dance Composition class. fashion, has been impor- separated by pods and Arts Department’s dance semester, dance program physicality and focus on “I’m shocked I hadn’t tant in regaining a sense of learning from computers, program, however, faces coordinator and profes- group synchrony, he said, thought of it sooner…we’re structure. but for Wash. U.’s dancers, the unique dilemma of sor David Marchant has but the program is doing creating a new artform,” “Over Zoom, you’re not moving with the times has trying to teach an intimate, exhausted every avenue to what dancers do best: he said, demonstrating seeing other people strug- been—and will be—the key physical discipline while get dancers back in person pivot. Instead of trying to by picking up the camera gle or succeed with you, to success.

Blackpink’s long-awaited ‘The Album’: 3.5/5 finger hearts

MADDIE CHIU bold declaration of self-con- 2019 Coachella Music extra attention by entering CONTRIBUTING WRITER fidence, “” Festival. Though these a war with K-Pop seems to be an anthem for songs fail to defamiliarize fans and Blinks themselves After debuting in 2016, single girls with a melodic from the proven formula and summoned her fans, the Korean girl group chorus. There is a question- for success in the charts, Bardigang, before returning released their first studio able message in “Lovesick they also have the idealized to promoting the album. album on the first of this Girls” from problematic addictive beats and energy Since the release of month. During this four- lines like “I’m nothing that fans love. “The Album,” Blackpink year period, Blackpink without this pain.” Even Other upbeat songs has broken the record for fans—termed Blinks—have more, what is being said is like “Ice Cream” featured a K-Pop girl group selling begged for an album and inconsistent, from the lines Selena Gomez and “Bet the most physical albums protested to Blackpink’s “love is a drug that I quit” You Wanna” featured Cardi on their first day, at 590,000 agency YG Entertainment to “but we are still looking B. Such big-name features copies. They broke the for “starving” them. Blinks for love.” The music video by Western artists and lyrics record for fastest video to even began to interpret also appears inconsistent being all or majority English reach 100,000,000 views on Blackpink’s lyric “See you from a life-size neon sign point towards Blackpink’s YouTube with the “How later maybe never” from that flickers between “Born hopes of entering the You Like That” music their song “See U Later” Alone” and “Die Alone” to Western market. Perhaps video. They also broke literally. With Blackpink’s another sign that says, “You the most obvious turning- the record for fastest girl success coming from a never have to be alone.” point in audience targeting group to reach 500,000,000 repertoire of only thirteen There are other depressing is the release time set by YG streams on . songs released before 2020, and random neon signs like Entertainment: midnight Despite not remaining Jennie, Blackpink’s lead “NO EXIT” and a 5 by 50 in Eastern Standard Time within their binaries of vocalist and main rap- feet “NOTHING.” It leaves rather than midnight in black and pink, the colors per, famously said at their fans wondering if this song Korea. After the release, of Blackpink we do see in Atlanta concert in 2019, “I could be referring to YG Blackpink continued their “The Album” are so varied had so much fun today. I Entertainment’s ongoing campaign into the Western and erratic that the outcome an overall message from dedicated fans would want to do ten more songs if five-year dating ban for market through interviews is a rather confusing hue the album. “The Album” know. The album itself also I had any.” Blackpink members. with Jimmy Fallon, Apple you would get from mixing becomes an aesthetic project condemns haters with lines Such was the starvation However, it would Music, Spotify, YouTube too many colors together. that lacks a greater state- like “You ain’t worth my for Blinks and the frustra- be wrong to discredit Released, Entertainment Fans can hear Blackpink, ment besides “Blackpink love if you only love to hate tion from Blackpink as a Blackpink’s new venture Tonight and Elle. Selena but the songs lack the depth in your area.” Yes, they are me” and what seems like a group, so the long-awaited into the melodious and Gomez joined several inter- to hear them as individuals. here, and that’s all. diss track in “How You Like album, appropriately titled more gradual realm. Songs views via Zoom and Cardi B The lyrics seem designed as Yet Blackpink’s album That” with the line “Look “The Album," seemed like “You Never Know” did what Cardi B does best quotes for fans to scream has definitely been catered at you, now look at me.” As like the culmination of continue this quest with by tweeting non-stop about (“Sound the alarm!” or to their patient Blinks. From Jennie said in an interview, years of patience, hope and a ballad that spotlights her feature in “Bet You “Look up in the sky, it’s main vocalist ’s rap “We just wanted our fans persistence. every members’ previously Wanna.” Coincidentally, a bird, it’s a plane!”), and verses and deep notes, Jisoo to enjoy whichever [song] Of the eight songs on underutilized vocals. Other the night of the album’s they also ring with an air of saying “Blackpink in your that they like because we the album, the title track, songs like “How You Like release was also the night over-simplicity. There seems area,” which all members have everything ready for “Lovesick Girls,” dynamited That,” “,” and of Trump’s coronavirus to be no subtext, and the have done except her, to you.” Indeed, Blackpink has Blackpink away from their “Crazy Over You” refer announcement, prompting album itself denounces love, Jennie and having lon- an appetizing feast satisfy- typical black and pink col- back to their classic hits like Cardi’s tweet to Trump, then announces love as the ger raps, Rosé showing off ing those who have closely ors, trappy beats and fierce “DDU-DU DDU-DU” “’’ sole objective to life. Such her vocals and high notes, followed the band and their yet cute image. Unlike the and “” that wear a mask now.” It is contradictions both within and an even line distribu- Blinks’ wishes, but it leaves pre-release song, “How You garnered global fans and also important to men- and between songs make tion, Blackpink has checked new listeners still wondering Like That,” which was a landed them a spot at the tion that Cardi B garnered it difficult to synthesize off several boxes that only who Blackpink really is. drink. dine. play. WEEKLY BAR, RESTAURANT AND FUN GUIDE

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We need transparency before it’s too late

tudents have been Wash. U. recently inform safety guidelines are we really getting the process, because that two weeks, as opposed to back on campus for changed its campus alert as the virus progresses. most useful, up-to-date information isn’t avail- 2 or 3 days should we test Sover a month now, level from orange to yellow, The color system seems information that we could? able anywhere. There’s a more frequently. and while this situation signifying that “current arbitrary, and without more The infrequency of testing serious lack of transpar- We worry that Wash. certainly isn’t anywhere regional and campus clarity, creates more ques- could make it harder to ency and clarity about U.’s lack of detailed near normal, things seem conditions are stable and tions than answers. measure the magnitude of the University’s efforts information and lack of to be going smoother than reassuring.” Furthermore, In comparison to St. an outbreak right away; it to manage the virus, and transparency about their many may have expected. the University changed Louis University, for might be two weeks too it potentially places the rationale for how to con- The University continues to their Thanksgiving policy example, which outlined late before the scale of Washington University tain the virus could lead hold in-person classes and from prohibiting students potential testing strategies the spread is accurately and St. Louis community to a false sense of com- students haven’t been told who travel outside of St. and explained why they reported, and by that point, in danger, especially with placency. We don’t have to move out of the dorms Louis from returning, to chose their current test- it might be too late to more students living off a clear or strict enough immediately like in the “strongly recommend- ing model, Wash. U. has contain it. campus this year than what protocol to know if the spring. All circumstances ing” that students stay largely left us in the dark Yes, students are was initially planned. More testing system is actually and Instagram posts about within the St. Louis area about their thought pro- required to complete a students are interacting working well. Just because students breaking social for the holiday. But these cess. Additionally, a study self-screening before com- with the campus commu- we haven’t encountered an distancing guidelines con- changes are concerning, as led by the Yale School ing to campus every day, nity and greater St. Louis outbreak yet doesn’t mean sidered, things seem to be they raise many questions of Public Health argued but if administrators aren’t community simultaneously, it will stay that way for the going better than expected. that seem to not have any that students on college enforcing that policy, the and the University bears at rest of the semester, or that This is partially due to answers. What conditions campuses need to be tested system is not nearly as least some of the respon- our system is foolproof the efforts of many in the signaled to administrators every two to three days effective as it should be. sibility for making sure enough to contain it. student body, but it also that it was okay to change to safely reopen. Every Even if Wash. U. itself students interact with both All it takes is one irre- suggests that perhaps the the alert level? What data university has a different is managing the virus well, communities safely. sponsible act to trigger an Wash. U. community isn’t was used to decide this? protocol this semester, and what about the rest of St. There is validity to the outbreak with dire conse- getting the full picture. Essentially, we’re meant that is okay, but students Louis and Missouri? With argument that more fre- quences, and students need Wash. U. ‘s COVID- to blindly trust what we’re have a right to know how active cases at high levels quent testing could create to remain vigilant. In order 19 dashboard seems to being told and that we’re and why these decisions across the city, county and a false sense of security--if to properly defend against support the idea that the “doing well.” are made, as these direc- state, it is simply untrue students receive a negative COVID-19 and keep the University is handling the There’s no available tions directly impact our to claim that regional test, they might be more student body, staff, faculty virus better than other criteria to gauge how health and safety conditions are “stable and tempted to host social and St. Louis community universities, as we’ve only effectively Wash. U. is That’s not to say that reassuring.” gatherings or go outside safe, students need to stay had 66 confirmed student managing the virus apart any of the information on We have no way without a mask more often properly informed, and that cases since the beginning from the dashboard, nor the page is inaccurate or of knowing how the than they would otherwise. starts with the University. It of August, whereas other is there consistent com- wrong, but if Wash. U. is University is considering However, as the current starts with clear guidelines, Missouri schools have had munication as to how the only surveillance testing St. Louis and Missouri system stands, this false enforced testing policies hundreds. alert-color system will students every two weeks, in their decision-making sense of security lasts for and above all, transparency.

Women’s reproductive rights are at risk

GRACIE HIME Ruth Bader Ginsburg others addressing the of birth control (for concern. They are *sup- This is such an important STAFF WRITER once said that the option Affordable Care Act. any reason) talk to your posed* to be here for their part of protecting human to bear (or not bear) These claims alone justify OB/GYN about it now, people. rights. Not only does your s my roommates a child is “central to the widespread fear of los- especially if it is a form of Study up and spread the ballot have the potential and I watched a woman’s life, to her ing basic human rights. IUD. Please do your own word. to change legislation, but A the presidential dignity. It is a decision With the ever-changing research on this as well. While this is a promi- it also is a note to the debate, the passing of she must make for herself. political environment, Some birth control is not nent issue in Missouri, local, state and federal legendary Ruth Bader When Government con- here are some things you good for certain people! these rights may also be officials who represent Ginsburg and the nomi- trols that decision for her, may want to consider Get in contact with your at risk in other states as you; it states our demand. nation of Amy Coney she is being treated as less looking into. Regardless local Planned Parenthood. well. If Roe v Wade is In Missouri especially, Barrett, we couldn’t help than a fully adult human of your sexual orientation, Stay updated on their overturned, some states our legislators are not but feel an ominous fear responsible for her own gender, age or where you status and what resources have a law set in place as a representative of the of the future. With talk choices.” This proclama- live, it is to your benefit to they offer. reaction. These are called greater community—this of female reproductive tion is being completely educate yourself on this Check out Plan B trigger bans. These hostile is proven by the bills that rights in Congress and the trampled over as Amy topic. It may not affect options. They have a states could be able to are passed and proposed. Supreme Court, women Coney Barrett threatens you directly, but it could shelf-life of 4 years. completely ban abortions, Our representatives are everywhere have shared to end the Roe v Wade directly affect over half Planned Parenthood pro- family planning and birth not Missouri, but instead their fear of losing access ruling. If she is confirmed of the US’s population. vides this free for people control. Individual states trustees of their own to mandatory family for the Supreme Court, Consider the following 18+! will hold a lot of power if agenda. We are the only planning and reproductive she will have access to at actions! Research your represen- threatening health bills are people with the power to resources. This is back- least seventeen abortion- If you have had any tatives and get in contact passed or overturned. change this. Vote for the tracking on progress. relevant bills and several interest in getting a form with them expressing your In conclusion, vote! greater Missouri.

The leaves are falling, and so are my spirits THOMAS HUMPHREY they represent something social engagement on Zoom in cases, and so has Missouri. not on campus. Encapsulated made it no secret in previous STAFF WRITER far more sinister. Sadness, is enjoyable, let alone emo- What happens when people in a bubble of perhaps a few articles how much I detest despair, hopelessness, fatigue, tionally fulfilling. Humans are do things on Halloween and people in an apartment. Think this season of death, but there h, the great out- discomfort and gloom. not designed for isolation; we Thanksgiving? People will of living on the International is beauty in winter. There is doors. Trees and According to an USA are social animals. travel, they will party, they Space Station, only allowed opportunity to gain strength Aacorns, squirrels TODAY report on college We have not been getting will do all kinds of things that out of the ship for a few through adversity, as long as and racoons, more trees and students with seasonal affec- better at doing this—at least they are not supposed to—it’s masked space spacewalks in you do not let yourself get more acorns. We have been tive disorder, “The National I have not. I have been going not good but the reality is that an unbearable cold vacuum. beaten down. But you made lucky to have as our refuge Institute of Mental Health insane. ‘Quarantine fatigue’ the guidelines will get broken, Think of how inhuman, it this far—eight months the crisp late summer air and found in a 2011 nationwide has been the new buzzword and we will not see the conse- alien that life is. That is about since Spring Break ended and varied topiary of Saint Louis. survey that 30% of college as people start letting little quences of it until much later. where we are at right now, normality refused to return. Even as we have been more students reported feeling things slip through the cracks. But maybe I should focus albeit with cozier conditions. What I am saying is winter isolated inside, outside, where ‘so depressed it was difficult When global crisis becomes back onto the micro, the So how should you prepare will be bad, but nothing you the breeze sweeps away viral to function.’” That statistic the new normal, it becomes day to day experience with for a long and terrible winter? cannot handle after every- particles, I can be more com- sounds bleak, and yet this easier to ignore. But things “hybrid” learning. Winter will Well I suppose you always thing else that has happened. fortable. But that time is over, survey was taken when you are not getting better any time be awful. More people are liv- have to look on the sunny Do not focus on the light at or at least it is nearing its end. were allowed to see people soon, and these little slips only ing further away from campus side, even when the sun is not the end of the tunnel, it’s still The dreaded damp grey hells- indoors during winter. That make things worse. Winter is and have to deal with longer there. Perhaps you can take too far away to see. Rather, cape of an urban midwestern is no longer the case. Now when viruses thrive, and the commutes in the cold on this opportunity to appreci- force your eyes to adjust to winter is creeping in on us. we do not even have each coronavirus will be no differ- foot. You cannot meet people ate some of the beauty in the darkness, and, before you Those yellow and orange other—not really. You cannot ent . The United States has in the park, you cannot sit winter that you might not know it, it will be much easier leaves might look pretty, but convince me that any kind of been seeing a steady uptick outside and eat, you are still have noticed before. I have to see.

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