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ALBANY STUDENT PRESS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 ISSUE 4 ALBANYSTUDENTPRESS.NET
STUDENT ASSOCIATION HATE GROUP CONDEMNED
PHILLIP DOWNES / ASP A student tears down a poster from the group Identity Evropa, which has been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
By JANE LEONHARDT & PHILLIP “FREEDOM OF SPEECH? NOT IN NEW and the Anti-Defamation League. thing, so I just felt incredibly angry.” DOWNES YORK,” alongside an image of New York Their following is small, consisting of On Wednesday, SA passed a resolution Gov. Andrew Cuomo. only about 300 members nationally, but denouncing the postings and the group re- University at Albany’s Student As- Another showed a young blonde-haired, large enough to be actively involved during sponsible and called on university adminis- sociation passed a resolution Wednesday blue-eyed girl holding an American flag the riots in Charlottesville, NC last August. tration to do the same. formally denouncing the white nationalist with the caption, “Thank you Customs and The posters sparked unrest among Senators-at-Large Alline Alvarez and group Identity Evropa after at least 25 unap- Immigration enforcement.” students and were removed not long after Alexia Holden drafted the proposal which proved posters and stickers from the group The posters were not approved by the first popping up by students such as Jamus had 11 co-sponsors. were found across campus. university. Socker, a member of the UAlbany College The resolution passed unanimously. On Sept. 15, students reported seeing Identity Evropa, the organization respon- Democrats. “We want that group to get the message several posters from the neo-Nazi group sible for the postings, often target college “I felt shocked, shocked that this group that they’re not invited here,” Holden said. hanging on the Academic Podium and on campuses to spread its message. would be bold enough to post its propagan- It is unknown whether the posters were Western Avenue. The group has been identified as a hate da on our campus,” Socker said, “I knew placed by a student or an outside entity, One sign had a message reading, group by the Southern Poverty Law Center what the group stood for prior to this whole however, the senators worry this is an See HATE GROUP page 2
POLICY University Issues New Tailgating Policies
By PHILLIP DOWNES The university paid two claims “total- ing less than $2,500,” according to Jordan The University at Albany recently took Carleo-Evangelist, director of media & action to reform its tailgating policies for community relations for the university, as a football games. result of students sitting on vehicles. According to the university, the new “Being completely surrounded by drunk regulations are oriented to, ”improve the fan and high young individuals was a situa- experience while also focusing on the safety tion that could have been avoided if proper and well-being of our campus community security was put in place,” wrote one person and guests.” who attended the event in a letter to UAl- Problems with tailgating are nothing bany president Havidan Rodriguez. new. Last year, Rodriguez assembled a team to In May, the Albany Student Press review the events in the Dutch Quad park- highlighted several concerns pertaining to ing lot, where much of the tailgating before raucus crowds damaging vehicles during games takes place. homecoming last October. Several notable adjustments have been JOE HOFFMAN / ASP See TAILGATING page 3 A board with the new tailgating rules hangs in the Dutch Quad parking lot.
BYLAWS ELECTION Bylaw Changes Now Null Campus Push for Voter Registration
By CHAD ARNOLD a conference to gain a two-week prior ap- By PHILLIP DOWNES Hispanic or Latino. proval from the senate before departing. “Currently our country is in an interest- The Student Association has work to do. The change came after SA leadership A coalition of various offices, student ing state, so I want to make sure that by Rather, re-do. attended a diversity conference in New leaders and organizations across the the time the elections come around, I can That’s because the organization’s failure Orleans during Mardi Gras, spending $500 University at Albany are aiming to bolster have my say and hopefully make a differ- to display the most current version of its on Uber rides to and from their hotel room voter registration ahead of the Nov. 6 mid- ence,” said Julia Wilkeyson, a political bylaws on its website has nullified any in French Quarter. term elections. science major, was passionate about her changes made to them. The trip was lambasted as a “waste UAlbany is a diverse campus with a motivations as a voter. A total of 11 revisions have been made of money” by Anna Agnes, a former SA broad spectrum of ideologies and values. The UAlbany College Republicans is a since the bylaws were last updated on the senator who sponsored the highly contested According to official demographics for political organization on the university’s site in February 2018. legislation, which was initially vetoed by this semester, there are 13,598 undergrad- campus that allows students to be active as The most notable adjustment: the organi- former SA president Jerlisa Fontaine. uate students on campus. Nineteen percent republicans and meet others, according to zation’s check on conference line spending. The senate voted to override the veto of the undergraduate population is Black Alexander O’Leary, the group’s president. Approved by the SA senate in March, the several weeks later, but - in order to comply or African American and 17.5 percent is O’Leary explained that the group bylaw requires any member of SA attending with its own bylaws - must now pass the NULLIFIED See page 2 See TURNOUT page 2
PRINTED BY THE TIMES UNION, ALBANY, NEW YORK — A HEARST CORPORATION NEWSPAPER TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 EDITOR: PHILLIP DOWNES ALBANY STUDENT PRESS [email protected] UNIVERSITY HALL NEWS 2 HATE GROUP Continued from Page 1.
attempt by the hate group to gain more on,” Alvarez said. of international students and UAlbany welcome, University President Havidán Ro- followers. UAlbany is a diverse campus with 48.2 maintains a position supporting DACA, dríguez said. “We will accept nothing less.” Both Sen. Alvarez and Sen. Holden hope percent of the 13,598 undergraduates with a notable population of “dreamers” to create an open conversation between SA enrolled being being non-white students, enrolled. Nicholas Sherman contributed reporting and the student body regarding Identity according to an official university report. ”We are committed to fostering a climate for this article Evropa. A total of 5.2 percent of the undergradu- that celebrates our individual differences “Students need to know what’s going ate population falls under the classification and in which everyone is welcome and feels
NULLIFIED Continued from Page 1
share of technical difficulties, SA SA has a choice: attempt to legislation pertaining to its bylaw is funded by the $110 per semester controversial bill, and 10 oth- has had the ability to upload rel- pass the 11 pieces of legislation revisions all over again. student activity fee, as a result. ers, all over again. evant documents to the site since again or move on entirely. “It’s certainly unfortunate that SA’s department of Informa- Here’s what you need to know. early last semester. The prospect of re-doing nearly this bylaw has been overlooked in tion Technology is currently in In March, Joel Duran, SA’s for- three months of work does not the years previous,” said Nicholas the process of updating dead The Bylaw mer director of Information Tech- sit well with Brandon Holdridge, Pepe, SA vice president. “It was a links, outdated code and ensuring nology, told the Albany Student SA’s current senate chair. mistake on the behalf of the Stu- everything on the site is uniform, SA’s senate chair is tasked with Press he had the ability to upload Last year, Holdridge served as dent Association, now the Student according to Royce Lobban, the updating, archiving and ensuring information and documents to the chairman of the Rules Committee Association has to make up for department’s current director. the most updated version of the site, and he was just waiting on and personally oversaw the now that mistake.” “As of right now, I would give body’s governing rules is dis- then senate chair Jarrett Altilio to nullified revisions. it about a month from now for the played on organization’s website. send such documents to him. In May, he ran for his current The Website website to start having relevant in- Failure to do so within one “Yeah, that’s something I just position on a platform of adhering formation on there,” said Lobban, calendar week of any changes to haven’t sent over to him,” Altilio to the bylaws. Now Holdridge is SA’s failure to update its web- who explained it’s just a matter of the bylaws, “will result in all the said at the time regarding senate hoping to find a way to “overrule site has plagued the organization referencing relevant documents legislative and executive actions voting records, which are also the bylaw” to salvage last year’s for several years. and putting it on the site’s server. towards the affected legislation(s) required to be displayed on the SA work. Senate voting and attendance Lobban also hopes to roll out being nullified,” according to the website, according to the bylaws. “I don’t think it’s right that records have not been displayed a new mobile app where students transparency policy-making direc- Whether Altilio failed to send everybody’s hard work and time on the site within the required 48 can reference all relevant SA tives portion of the bylaws. an updated version of the bylaws and countless hours spent past hour period for an untold number documents by next semester. A provision for “mitigating cir- to the IT department is not clear. midnight doing all of this should of years. Current agenda and min- Plans to digitize past documents cumstance” can be found within The bylaw, however, is. Failure be thrown away because Jarrett utes are also nowhere to be found and display them on SA’s website the law, something SA has cited to display the bylaws on the site [Altillio] didn’t do his job,” he as of writing. are also in the works in the past as reason for its failure puts the chair in direct violations said. The most recent legislative “We’re students first, so to upload current documents of those same laws. Holdridge plans to bring the agenda with working links dates everything’s not going to be on pertaining to the organization’s issue before SA’s senate. back to March 2016. a business time scale, but it will happenings. What’s Next? If no loophole can be found, Questions regarding transpar- still get done at an orderly time.” Though the site has had its fair SA must debate and vote on all ency have surrounded SA, which Lobban said.
TURNOUT Continued from Page 1.
discussed election information and The two groups share a key belief despite line platform that simplifies the registration she also expressed interest in meeting with deadlines at their meetings, where he has their conflicting ideologies: everyone and voting process for voters for individuals a student group to actually go forward with stressed the importance of voting to both should be encouraged to vote in elections. like the busy, preoccupied college student. the idea. members and non-members. O’Leary and Galway agree that, “exer- Joe Vesic, a freshman who had already Each academic department, residence The UAlbany Democrats is another cam- cising your constitutional right to vote is pre-registered to vote, was excited about quad and student group involved expressed pus group with a similar objective, focused the most important civil action a citizen can the university-sponsored initiative. “This is excitement about this program, which ends on getting its members opportunities, while do.” one of the best things to do for the topic of on October 12th, the voter registration allowing students to register through Turbo These two groups have joined with the elections.” deadline. And as Mirren Galway and Alex- Vote on National Voter Registration Day SA Civil Action Department and other Vesic expressed urgency for his class- ander O’Leary both provided, “the time to and helping to obtain absentee ballots. university offices to promote, “voter reg- mates to vote, arguing that electing our pub- register is now.” The upcoming election is seen as a unify- istration, education, and engagement,” as lic officials is, “the most essential right,” ing opportunity to Mirren Galway, presi- UAlbany Votes Ambassadors. as a citizen. Vesic also noted that many of dent of the UAlbany Democrats, who has The coalition is sponsored by the UAl- his fellow college students nationally aren’t made voter registration a top priority for the bany Votes team and the Center for Leader- very motivated to vote. organization. ship and Service. Hayley Yurowitz is a freshman student “I think people feel more connected to This also includes the “The Voter Regis- who has not registered yet but would be their representatives and feel the need to do tration Challenge,” which challenges those open to it if the process to obtain an ab- something this year,” Galway said. groups to get the most voters registered sentee ballot was easier. This is a common through Turbo Vote. Turbo Vote is an on- concern among out-of-state students, and
HAVE A NEWS TIP? EMAIL US AT [email protected] TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 EDITOR: PHILLIP DOWNES ALBANY STUDENT PRESS NEWS [email protected] 3
SA SENATE SA Senate Elects Sevor as Vice-Chair
CHAD ARNOLD / ASP SA senate elected Max Sevor, left, as senate vice-chair last Wednesday. Sevor ran against close friend Cassandra Jones, right.
By NICHOLAS SHERMAN know he will do a great job.” “My commitment to SA is my first priority behind my To win this seat, a two-thirds majority vote was needed. own health and my academics and I hope that you guys see The Student Association senate elected Max Sevor as its Sevor received 29 of the 40 possible votes, two more than that I am here to help you,” Jones said. vice chair Wednesday night following a lengthy debate. he needed. Both candidates highlighted the negative tensions Sevor ran against close friend Cassandra Jones, who he Jones received the remaining 11. between the senate and executive branch, along with the had supported in her run for senate chair against Brandon Sevor, who served as the Chairman of the Appropriations organization’s failure to follow its bylaws last year. Holdridge back in May. Committee last year, is a Residential Assistant on State “I’ll even throw a pizza party to make things work,” said The vice chair is the second highest position in SA’s sen- Quad and a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, a Sevor, referring to a possible bonding idea between the two ate and is tasked with coordinating the administrative duties community service based fraternity. branches. of the senate, according to the organization’s constitution. His platform consisted of three points: listening, devel- Following a series of questions from the senate, both If the senate chair is absent, steps down, or steps down, oping, and building a community within SA. candidates were asked to leave the room to allow senators the vice chair is tasked with filling the role. “If I can be the catalyst that will make you guys better to further debate and vote. The pair joined the SA last year, representing State Quad listeners here in the senate, I really want to foster you to do Ultimately, the senate choose Sevor. where they sponsored the Protect Our Students from Asbes- that,” Sevor told fellow senators. “I want you to listen, but I “I believe that Max will thrive in this position,” said tos Act, which called on the university to be more transpar- want to also listen to you.” Brandon Holdridge, senate chair.. “I believe we will work ent in its dealing with asbestos-containing material found Jones, who was appointed chair of the Housing Task together beautifully.” throughout various living areas. Force following her work on the asbestos abatement bill The night ended with the newly elected vice chair calling “We had an agreement that our professional lives and our last year, was the first freshman to be appointed to the attendance for the first time. personal lives were two separate things,” Sevor said follow- Board of Finance and served as the junior ranking member “I’m feeling great,” Sevor said after the election. “I’m ing the election. of Constituent Relations last year. feeling very accomplished.” The two were seen hugging throughout the debate. Much of her platform mirrored that of Sevor’s, but em- “I adore him,” Jones said after the results were tallied. “I phasized her attention and dedication to SA.
TAILGATING Continued from Page 1.
IDs. Association, according to Carleo- dents, even before the game in the homecoming game on Oct. 20. made to the policy since then, Large groups of tailgaters must Evangelist. tailgating,” he said. The Great Danes’ homecoming including the time frame when now reserve space through the Many fans view tailgating as a Still, many students aren’t typically brings the largest tailgat- tailgating is authorized. Athletic Tickets office in advance, tradition that brightens the spirits convinced. ing crowd of the season, and space Tailgating hours have now but the university clarifies that it of the home crowd. Some students “The thing is, we don’t truly for tailgating may be limited. been reduced from six hours prior welcomes big crowds and wants are undecided whether the shift know if the popularity of home- According to the policy, the to kickoff to four and must now them to have, “the best experience from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. has coming tailgaters is among actual university will segment the Dutch cease 15 minutes before kickoff. possible.” negatively affected the event. students or simply alumni,” said Quad parking lot to let non-tail- The parking lots must also be The university also cited a mo- According to the university, Gabe Flaten, a UAlbany student. gaters “get in and out of the lots in cleared 90 minutes after the game. tive to respect neighbors adjacent fans have, “generally been under- Students have also indicated a a timely way.” Significant changes were also to the Dutch Quad and SEFCU standing,” about the changes. stronger presence of UPD officers As the season progresses, the made to etiquette and procedures. Arena parking lots. Michael DeRenzo, who at- and security personnel in tailgat- true impact of these changes will Amplified music from vehicles Carleo-Evangelist said the tended two of the Great Danes’ ing areas. become more prevalent, and the is now prohibited, and the univer- change was influenced by “signifi- home football games, was very The university says this is a university hopes for a positive sity has now reserved the right to cant input” from the departments enthusiastic about student attitude result of the new policy, which outcome. limit tailgating to ticket-holders, of Athletics, Student Affairs, during the games. allows them to allocate the “right those who paid for parking, and Facilities, the University Police “There did seem to be a lot of resources” to the right places. UAlbany students with student Department, and the Alumni school spirit represented by stu- Focus is now on the UAlbany
CRIME BLOTTER
DRUG COMPLAINT EMERGENCY-3RD Crim Poss Contrl Subst Report of a male student 9/27/2018 9/26/2018 9/24/2018 harming himself. Transport- Burglary - 3rd Degree Zenger Hall Podium-Campus Center Podium - Mail Center ed to hospital by 5 Quad. 9/21/2018 Assisted subjects in a do- No emergency found. Report of a male student in Downtown Campus-Draper mestic dispute. possession of a controlled FIRE ALARM Hall CRIM POSS CONTRL substance. A referral was 9/23/2018 Report of stolen property. DOMESTIC INCIDENT SUBST made. Tuscarora Hall 9/27/2018 9/26/2018 Caused by cooking Grand Larceny 4 Credit Campus Center State Quad-Eastman Tower Card Assisted subjects in a do- Report of students in pos- OPERATING MOTOR AGGRAVATED DWI:PER 9/21/2018 mestic dispute. session of marihuana and a VEHICLE IMPAIRED BY SE-BAC .18 OR MORE- Colonial Quad - Livingston controlled substance. Refer- DRUGS 1ST OFFENSE NO PRIORS Tower ASSIT RES LIFE rals were made for all. 9/24/2018 9/22/2018 Report of stolen credit card 9/27/2018 Roadways-Univ Dr East Roadways-Univ Dr West Livingston Tower CONCEAL/ALTER/DE- Report of a male subject Report of a female subject FIRE ALARM Assisted Residential Life. STROY PHYS EVI driving under the influence driving while intoxicated. 9/21/2018 9/25/2018 of a controlled substance. An An arrest was made and Tuscarora Hall UNLAWFUL POSSES- Colonial Quad-CQ Grounds arrest was made. vehicle was towed. Caused by burnt hair. SION OF MARIHUANA Report of a male student in 9/26/2018 possession of marihuana. A PETIT LARCENY UNLAWFUL POSSES- Roadways-Washington referral was made. 9/24/2018 SION OF MARIHUANA Avenue Podium-Arts & Sciences 9/22/2018 Report of a male student in PETIT LARCENY Report of stolen property. Indian Quad-Oneida Hall possession of marihuana. 9/25/2018 Report of a female student in State Quad-Eastman Tower CRISIS iNTERVENTION possession of marihuana. A FALSELY REPORTING A Report of a stolen bicycle. 9/23/2018 referral was made. CRIME/CATASTROPHE/ Paine Hall
HAVE A NEWS TIP? EMAIL US AT [email protected] EDITOR: MATTHEW MIRRO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 4 [email protected] OPINIONS ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
SOCIAL NORMS No Norms Represented in ‘Social Norms Campaign’ By MATTHEW MIRRO joke amongst my friends and I, and good choices of students are based population. This is obviously an That’s not to say these surveys I would bet good money we’re not off of less than six percent of insufficient sample size to present as don’t have any value. If analyzed One hundred percent of students alone on that one. Albany’s near 18 thousand strong being indicative of the student body correctly, surveys like these can at the University at Albany have UAlbany’s website says the as a whole, yet they continue to be helpful indicators of medical seen the colorful posters riddled campaign is “designed to correct be used for just that. and sociological trends for throughout campus. They’re taped misperceptions about UAlbany Furthermore, these posters college students. But with such a to pillars, tagged to doors and hung students by providing members often leave more questions than limited sample size, UAlbany’s over urinals. You can’t possibly of the University community answers. I’ve taken the CAPS presenting of this campaign as miss them. UAlbany’s “Did You with accurate information about survey before and seeing the being representative of campus Know? Social Norms Campaign” UAlbany students in the form of questions asked does help get an life as a whole is both inaccurate are everywhere, and I mean messages that are taken from annual idea of where these claims are and irresponsible. I understand the everywhere, presenting messages student health surveys”. This seems coming from. A poster claiming school wanting to better represent like “64 Percent Choose Not to Use to indicate that the Social Norms “75 Percent Don’t Let Alcohol their focus and I never thought its Marijuana”. Every single cardstock campaign was conceived as a direct Interfere With Having Safer reputation as a party school did sheet stamped with the mug of response to UAlbany’s one-time Sex” seems to be based on a justice to its academic successes. Damien saying “Great Danes Make reputation as a party school. CAPS question asking directly But a campaign like this does more Great Choices”. The poster itself claims that “Do you let alcohol interfere to serve as a running joke than it They’re almost like crop circles, the survey was conducted by with having safe sex?” That’s it; does to serve the interests of the leaving students asking where they Counseling and Psychological no parameters, no specifications, campus or the students. came from, why they’re here and Services (CAPS), who anonymously MIRRO no place to clarify what you as Mindful, have been slow. As what exactly are they trying to tell polled 1,041 randomly selected mean. So everyone who answers a result, across campus, the overall us. Very few of us, if any, actually UAlbany students. If this is “no” gets grouped into that Resident Dining food reputation has buy into these statistics. In fact, I accurate, that would mean these 75 percent, regardless of any been slow to improve. know that they’re often the butt of a posters meant to demonstrate the variation most likely present.
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Taylor Hotelling are written with the approval Chad Arnold Open Position Social Media Manager of the editorial board. The SINCE 1916 Editor-in-Chief Life & Entertainment Editor [email protected] ASP is a registered trademark [email protected] [email protected] of the Albany Student Press 845-519-4008 Gina Tan Corporation which has exclusive Business Manager rights to any materials herein. Joe Hoffman Matthew Miro [email protected] Managing Editor Opinions Editor The Albany Student Press [email protected] Contact the ASP [email protected] is published Tuesdays from for information and September through May by Phillip Downes publication schedules: Dalia Yan the Albany Student Press News Editor Newsroom: Photo Director Corporation, an independent, [email protected] Campus Center 326 photodirector.asp@gmail. not-for-profit organization. ALBANY Advertisements, as well as letter Email: Rob Lepelstat com STUDENT PRESS and column content, do not [email protected] Sports Editor necessarily reflect the opinion of [email protected] www.albanystudentpress.net ASP staff. All unsigned editorials FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @ALBSTUDENTPRESS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 EDITOR: MATTHEW MIRRO ALBANY STUDENT PRESS OPINIONS [email protected] 5
SUPREME COURT DINING Kavanaugh Resident Dining Halls Still Have
Should a Bad Reputation on Campus Step Down By FATIMA SAYED Mekeel, a freshman resident options that are provided at train the dining hall staff and criminal justice major the Halls using the 5-Week how to reduce the cholesterol from His from Rochester, NY, of Cycle Menu. content in foods and maintain As students adjust to life the Campus Center food. “Certain meals will appropriate serving sizes. on campus, many turn to “Even if the retail dining always be in the dining halls, Although the Nomination retail and resident dining is more expensive and has other open meal options will campus auxiliary services are areas to provide their meals smaller portions compared be switched up from lunch actively trying to improve and to offer a space where to residential, I am more to dinner. You will not see the quality of their food, By RAYMOND E STRAWN III students can socialize until satisfied with the overall the same lunch for 5 weeks, the development of better their next activity begins. quality of food at CC.” instead you may see lunch communication between Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to Amid mixed feelings across In contrast, when asked repeated as dinner after some the students and the staff the United States Supreme Court has been an the University at Albany to describe how students felt time has passed,” said Jones. about the new programs embarrassing circus. It appears Kavanaugh’s about the quality, variety, about the food being served at Jones emphasizes the implemented such as personal background was not thoroughly and healthiness of the the Residential Dining Halls, tradition of keeping staple Mindful, have been slow. As investigated. President Donald Trump should food offered on campus, I the word choice was more foods such as hamburgers a result, across campus, the remove Kavanaugh’s appointment into the U.S. investigated the satisfaction negative, common opinions and fries in the dining halls overall Resident Dining food Supreme Court, but the President has shown level of some students who including, “less variety” and but also trying to switch reputation has been slow to no concerns over these troubling allegations. eat at the Campus Center and “more unhealthy choices up the times when they improve. Because of this, Kavanaugh should step down the residential dining halls, to available”. are served. To understand from his nomination. hear their thoughts. “I have noticed that out what the university is Dr. Christine Blasey Ford was the first Out of 13 students I of all the Residential Dining currently implementing to come forward with allegations against interviewed, ranging from Halls, Indian provides towards healthy eating, Kavanaugh, claiming he sexually assaulted her freshman to seniors, and from the healthiest food year I spoke with Campus during a high school party in 1982, according off-campus to residents, all after year,” said Emily Dietician Donna Duffy to CNN. A second women, Deborah Ramirez of them said they preferred Zimmerman, who is a senior who introduced me to then told the New Yorker that Kavanaugh the Campus Center dining to communications major the Mindful program exposed himself, thrust his penis in her face, the residential dining. When and an off-campus student by Sodexo. Each and forced her to touch it without her consent at asked to describe how they also from Rochester, NY. station at Indian and Yale University, according to the Washington felt about the food that was “However, even after all the State has at least one Post. A third, Julie Swetnick claims Kavanaugh being served at the Campus efforts I have seen throughout Mindful option where was present at a party where she was drugged Center, positive words were my four years at UAlbany, students, using the and gang-raped but did not identify her evoked, most common were the increase in residential BITE app or looking attacker, according to CNN. According to the sentiments of, “more variety” food quality has still been at a framed menu at Washington Post, Julie Swetnick stated that and “better overall quality”. minimal.” each restaurant, can between 1981-1983, she observed Kavanaugh “There are definitely I sat down at the visibly see which at parties where women were gang-raped. more options and variety Indian Quad Dining Hall meals meet the USDA Kavanaugh has also been accused of assaulting available, and I do not have on Thursday with Sodexo guidelines for “Healthy a woman he was dating in 1998 and assaulting to worry about the option General Manager Rick Jones, Americans”. In August SAYED a woman in Rhode Island in 1985, according to to eat unhealthy when I’m to better understand how the 2018, Duffy also brought CNN. there,” said Mackenzie university is cycling the food in professional chefs to These are disturbing allegations. If true, they show a continuous behavior of disrespect towards women. A man committing criminal acts that should place him behind bars, not behind the bench. Of course, Kavanaugh has denied these allegations. In fact, he has gone as far as saying he was a virgin through high school and many years during college in a Fox News interview. Time Magazine provides a full transcript of the interview. Fox News also posted the interview on YouTube if you’d prefer to watch it. During last Thursday’s hearing, Dr. Ford’s testimony was convincing. The New Yorker stated, “the nation might be unable to deny her credibility.” She answered any doubters about incorrectly identifying her attacker by replying, “100 percent.” The New York Times stated Dr. Ford, “maintained her composure throughout the hearing.” “When Kavanagh’s turn came up, he did not seem ready,” according to The New Yorker. “He made a show of being unprepared.” Even during questioning about Kavanaugh’s drinking habits, if he has ever been blackout drunk, Kavanaugh refused to answer the question by Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Instead, Kavanaugh asked her, “Have you?” The New York Times wrote, “Kavanaugh mounted a defiant and tearful defense” and described Kavanaugh as “aggressive.” Overall, the hearing did not change my stance on Kavanaugh. The American Bar Association urged for an FBI investigation into the allegations against Kavanaugh, as reported by CBS News. The ABA was quoted, “Each appointment to our nation’s highest court (as well as others) is JOE HOFFMAN / ASP simply too important to rush to a vote.” I A campus center worker puts the finishing touches on a student’s gyro at Niko’s Cafe. agree with the ABA. These allegations are too horrendous to ignore and rushing a vote is reckless. That is probably why President Trump ordered the FBI to continue looking into Kavanaugh’s background after the hearings, according to CNN. Hopefully, the FBI can seek out some of the truth. I still believe Kavanaugh should step down from his nomination. I believe Kavanaugh is continuing with his appointment because he is hopeful his friends will support him, and it will be difficult finding START FLOODING OUR INBOX WITH IDEAS evidence because of how long ago these allegations were. But if the FBI does a thorough investigation, which I hope it does, I believe these allegations will be shown to be accurate. SEND US SUGGESTIONS: Kavanaugh is better off stepping down now and end this embarrassing circus.
STRAWN EDITOR: POSITION AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 6 [email protected] LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
ALBANY BOOK FESTIVAL Writers Institute Hosts Inaugural Book Festival
DALIA YAN / ASP Attendees purchase books in the Campus Center West Addition while attending to inaugural Albany Book Festival, hosted by the New York State Writers Institute on Sept. 29.
DALIA YAN / ASP DALIA YAN / ASP The Writers Institute hosted the inaugural Albany Book Festival in the CC West Addition Volunteers direct guest to the Festival’s various events.
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SOCIAL MEDIA Aint Dat Something: Behind the Popular Instagram Account Taking UAlbany by Storm
By KATE WEST lifestyle only a student in Albany can like a junior.” on SoundCloud. experience.” “There was a need for someone who was The runners of the account want to stress If you have been scrolling through Gomez and Kim say the account actually actually in the school and on the streets that it’s not just a comical social media Instagram lately, it’s likely you’ve heard of started in the fall of 2016 as a group project seeing everything go down,” Stummer said. page, but a brand. Gomez states, the account that is capturing the true culture for a mass communications course. After Strummer resides in downtown Albany “Our vision behind the brand is what we of being a University at Albany student. the class had ended, the two decided to and notes that it sometimes can feel like it’s hope to bring more to light as it continues Started a few years ago, the page @ continue running the account, growing it own planet. to grow. Our vision being that we want AintDatUA has taken social media at into what it is today. On the @AintDatUA account, they try to to Create a close-knit Albany prided on UAlbany, and its students, by storm.The “As the account progressed we created bring people together through the comedy diversity, creativity, and community,” ‘UA’ in the handle stands for “United more homegrown content, videos and of that. Gomez said. Albany”. pictures, that catered specifically to Albany “It’s productive Debauchery,” said “We have plans to bring more art, “We wanted to entertain college and that stayed relevant trying to bring Stummer, who is currently working on a inclusiveness, and a sense of togetherness students as well as give them a platform more value and creative culture to the podcast that will be featured on the account through apparel, entertainment (online and where diverse groups in Albany could community,” Gomez said. entitled “It’s Always Cloudy in Albany.” offline) as well as campaigns and content come together and bring ideas, art, and Since its birth, the page has gained over His idea for the show is to have people that will push for a far more decorative and movements in a close-knit community,” 3,800 followers and upwards of 450 posts. anonymously DM their wackiest and cultivated Capital of New York State.” said Oscar Gomez, co-creator and runner of It offers something that every student can wildest stories to talk about. If you want to know what’s happening the popular account. relate to, regardless of the circle in which “It’s not only for fun, but for people around SUNY Albany, or simply want The majority of the content on the you belong. to relate to other student,” Stummer said. a taste of student culture go give @ account includes hilarious photos, Because the two founders have since “Maybe what you did this weekend isn’t as AintDatUA a follow. It’s sure to impress, or sometimes shocking videos, and incredibly graduated from the university, they decided bad as you thought it was in comparison to at the absolute least, make you double over relatable memes. to bring into a third student who currently others.” in laughter. Matthew Kim, the pages other creator, attends the college to help run the account. The link to submit your stories is notes that the account is also meant to Jameson Stummer, who says he’s a included on the @AintDatUA Instagram “reveal the fun, original and crazy social “sophomore credits-wise… but feels more page, and the podcast will soon be available
Source: @AintdatUA The popular Instagram account was started in 2016. The account posts photos, memes and videos and currently has more 3,800 followers.
CREATIVITY Art Collective Hopes to Engage UAlbany Musicians, Poets, Comedians By HENRY BURKERT of the back drop there. Or you could come to Culture Shock and be a pillar in the forefront, an Podcasts crackle with the sound of poetry, independent pillar,” McNiell said. laughs float up to the comic on stage, and The club also features creative outlets for finally, the party is packed with countless people Albany’s up and coming young writers. going crazy over the new mixtape of University “I wanna bring more creative writers together. at Albany rap artists. This is the goal of the Originally that’s what I made the club for,” university’s artists collective, Culture Shock and McNeill said. the dream of their president, Alvin McNiell. Culture Shock has created Poetically, a Culture shock aims to highlight student artists weekly podcast series in which writers can of all different backgrounds and skills, from feature their poems or short stories to a wide poets, to singers, and comedians, bringing them audience. under one space to showcase their talents. While comedians are also featured on the “It’s not just a club, it’s a brand,” McNiell Poetically podcast, McNeill wants to expand said. the presence of their talent in the club and hopes To date, the club’s big accomplishment is to draw more from the student body, who he is the Culture Shock Party, which took place in the positive is full of funny people. Campus Center Ballroom at the beginning of “There’s so many fun people on campus, each this semester. The party had over 600 people in squad has a funny person in the group. If we attendance and featured some of the university’s could just get one half or one third to join Culture best DJs and rappers. Shock, it would make it much much funnier,” “I definitely wanna do a Culture Shock Two McNeill said. party,” said McNiell. “It’ll probably happen on Thoughts of the Crossgates comedy club, The Halloween weekend.” Funny Bone and Lucky Strike’s Jupiter Hall, Involved in the club are some of UAlbany’s aren’t far off his radar either, “Jupiter Hall would most talented musical artists including D.J. Tekk be a great place to host the Poetically stage show, whose Caribbean style is closest to another UA or even the Culture Shock Two festival.” artist, Jedo. There’s also the rap artists JD, whose Albany, features a huge assortment of musical style resembles the tight knit, jam packed bars and artistic talent, to the point where there’s a New York rapper. There’s also Paris whose always something to do. poetic lines are reminiscent of rappers like Nas. The magnitude of the scene can be In addition to their massive parties, Culture intimidating to some looking to get involved, Shock produces a professionally made mixtape leaving them unsure where to start and making featuring rappers or artists to showcase their them question if there’s any room for them. unique talents. In addition, there are a number Culture Shock offers up the perfect solution. Source: Alvin McNiell of other podcasts and videos created by Culture With friendly members and a number of talented Culture Shock president Alvin McNeill at the group’s first Shock Party in the Campus Shock that features these artists. There’s no limit artists to work with and learn from, Culture Center ballroom in September. to the amount of talent either. Shock a great example of students taking “You could go to another club and be a part Albany’s cultural scene by storm. EDITOR: POSITION AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 8 [email protected] LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT ALBANY STUDENT PRESS
HIP-HOP ‘IRIDESCENCE’ Bursts with Originality and Energy
By KASSONDRA GONZALEZ
Hailing from San Marcos, Texas, up-and-coming hip-hop group stylized as BROCKHAMPTON released their much anticipated fourth album entitled “Iridescence” last week. Following their first three albums released as independent artists last year only months apart from one another, “Iridescence” encompasses just as much heart but with a fresh twist of experimental bangers. The group, most of whom met one another on a Kanye West fan forum, consists of a diverse bunch of rappers, vocalists, producers and more in their early to mid 20s. The amount of young creatives involved brings the official member total to 14, a number reminiscent of legendary collectives such as the Wu- Tang Clan. In effort to redefine the term ‘boyband,’ BROCKHAMPTON break barriers by simply labeling themselves as such and rejecting the stereotype. Their merchandise has previously read: “All-American Boyband,” as well as, “The hardest working boyband in show business.” BROCKHAMPTON’s new record opens with the energetic “NEW ORLEANS” where actor and musician Jaden Smith makes a surprise feature. It smoothly transitions into a gentle second track that serves as an extension of the first, entitled “THUG LIFE” where 26-year-old Dom McLennon, arguably the most distinguished lyricist in the group, raps, “I understand what I neglect in times when I obsess / I’m learning to confess, this fate is harder to digest / The biggest threat I’m up against is who I face in my reflection / Depression still an uninvited guest, I’m always accepting.” BROCKHAMPTON seldom shy away from peeling back the layers of their identities and heaviest emotions. Softer tracks like “TONYA” and “WEIGHT” aim to normalize male vulnerability. In the latter, the band’s 22-year-old leader Kevin Abstract openly raps about his experience as a gay young man growing up in Corpus Christi. “I thought I had a problem / Kept my head inside a pillow, screaming.” Abstract’s unabashed deep dives into his personal life deal with bold lyrical subject matter that BROCKHAMPTON is no stranger to. “I have to exist in a homophobic space in order to make change, and that homophobic space is the hip- hop community,” Abstract said in an interview with BBC Radio 1. “I don’t want to be labeled as ‘queer rapper,’ I just want to be a rapper, but I want to be me and express that.” On the contrary, BROCKHAMPTON never fail to showcase their aggressive side through mosh-pit inducing earworms. “J’OUVERT” begins with eerie robotic noises held together by electric drums. A sinister verse by Texas-born rapper Matt Champion Source: QUESTION EVERYTHING, RCA 2018 leads into exploding, furious vocals by rapper, singer and producer Russell Boring, primarily known as JOBA. As though they were crafted for the sole purpose of being performed live, some of the most fiery and enticing tracks off “Iridescence” including “DISTRICT” and “VIVID” are sure to fire up crowds on their upcoming “I’ll Be There” tour. Two out of three concerts in New York City next month are already sold out. “Iridescence” is BROCKHAMPTON’s first album following the departure of former member Ameer Vann. After sexual misconduct allegations made by Vann’s previous partners, the band announced the decision on Twitter. “We want to sincerely apologize to the victims affected by Ameer’s actions,” they said in their statement. “We were lied to, and we’re sorry Source: Wikimedia Commons for not speaking up sooner.” The New York State Museum, located in Empire State Plaza. Nonetheless, the group emerged stronger than ever with a battle against Josh Groban for the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 with no single releases, proper Source: Wikimedia Commons promotion or consistent radio play, underlining “Iridescence” as a solid body of work and further proving that BROCKHAMPTON have quickly become ones to watch.
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Come out to News Nights and meet writers on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Campus Center 326 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPORTS EDITOR: ROBERT LEPELSTAT ALBANY STUDENT PRESS SPORTS [email protected] 9
FIELD HOCKEY Danes Field Hockey Edges Out Delaware in 2-1 Victory
Source: Bill Ziskin, UAlbany Sports
By GABE FLATEN izing off of a fast-break traveled to Newark, Danes. situation,” Sykes told UAlbany might not opportunity when fresh- Delaware to face-off “We knew it was ualbanysports.com after have the name recogni- Last weekend, the man forward Elaina against then #5 ranked going to be a tough the game. tion of top-ten ranked #24 ranked University Burchell assisted the Hens in a game that game,” Sykes said. Through nine games, teams such as UNC, at Albany Great Danes team’s leading scorer, went down to the wire. “Delaware won the the Danes defense has Duke or Princeton, but field hockey team sophomore midfielder After an intense regula- national title two years allowed just five goals, that does not mean that rose to the occasion Ghislaine Beerkens tion period, the Great ago and they’re loaded. and has not allowed the ladies of Alumni when they matched up for the first goal of the Danes needed overtime They have such a good more than one goal in Turf are not a force to with the 2016 NCAA match, a lead that UAl- to upset the Blue Hens team. They’re deep, any single contest. be reckoned with in national champion, the bany maintained going 3-2, while giving the talented, and have the Goalkeeper Melissa 2018. #15 Delaware Blue into halftime. Danes one of the pro- national player of the Nealon is saving the Hens. Just three minutes gram’s biggest wins in year from a couple ball at an astounding 84 In a match featur- after Delaware tied the history. years ago, and they percent rate, while play- ing two of the na- game at one in the 48th Last Sunday’s win can do damage at any ing behind a defense tion’s toughest teams, minute, sophomore versus Delaware af- time. I was curious to that gives up less than UAlbany took the win attacker Katie Mac- firmed that the victory see how our composure four shots on goal per in nail-biting fashion Callum set up junior a season ago was no would be today and I game. outlasting Delaware midfielder Dana Bozek fluke, and the sound thought that’s what won To put that into 2-1. for a slap shot that gave of that is music to the us the game, just being perspective, UAlbany The Danes got on the the Great Danes the 2-1 ears of long-time head calm and making good has scored four or more board just four minutes advantage. coach Phil Sykes, now decisions and not being goals in four games this into the game, capital- A year ago, UAlbany in his 14th year with the overwhelmed by the season.
PROFILE Solabarrieta: Leading the Soccer Family By ROB LEPELSTAT (1999-2001). the Ronaldo comparison] but he’s - playing with something He also ranks third on the got the look to start - I guess” to prove. A quick search of University at all-time program scoring list in teammate and fellow senior Carlos Albany men’s soccer midfielder Division-I goals with 19. Clark says with a smile, listening Despite all their suc- Nico Solabarrieta on Google and So what are Solabarrieta’s nearby to the conversation. cess, the goal for his it won’t be long until you see the thoughts on the lofty comparison? “I love this kid,” Solabarrieta 2018 senior season is comparisons between Solabarrieta, “I don’t think it’s accurate at says. “We were roommates fresh- simple, to go out on top. the Santiago, Chile native, and all,” he says with a chuckle. “He’s man year and sophomore year.” “We know this year global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. much much better than I am.” He pauses and then says, “Un- we’re not the favorites It’s no mystery where the com- “It’s obvious he’s a player I fortunately now we spread apart. but that’s our motiva- parisons come from - Solabarrieta, always liked, one of the reasons I Carlos decided not to live with me tion. We’re back to back just like his Portugal idol growing started loving this sport. Just how on Empire so I miss the kid. We’re champions. We feel up, wears No. 7. He has the same good he is and the hard work he always together though.” challenged that nobody fade haircut as Ronaldo and like gives to the game.” The senior forward also isn’t believes us - that we can Juventus’ biggest star, he scores Over a decade ago, watching the afraid to push his teammates, make win this for the third time both points and goals. A lot. 2006 FIFA World Cup, Solabar- them the best player possible. He in a row.” In a 3-2 overtime win versus rieta watched the Portugal national keeps the intensity high and even Solabarrieta is very Harvard on August 31, Solabarrieta team compete on TV. He saw a calls out someone out on the field happy to bring up the set up teammate Carlos Clark on a then 21 year old Ronaldo, wearing when it’s necessary- the sign of a diverse and international give and go for the game winning No. 17, dribbling by defenders and proven leader. nature of the team he goal in the 100th minute - the 16th making them look ‘like fools’. Clearly it’s worked, as Solabar- leads. With players from assist of his career, becoming the He began to follow Ronaldo and rieta along with former Great Dane ten different countries on Source: UAlbany Sports all-time program assist leader. his career. He was hooked. Afonso Pinheiro, the program’s all- the squad, their camara- What went through his mind? “There’s many things that every time program leader in points and derie and chemistry they “We won.” the 6’1” senior says player should imitate. They way he goals who graduated in the spring, share is never guaran- ter than we came. Yes we won two with a smile. “That’s all.” works and his game style.” helped lead UAlbany to back to teed. They are a ‘family’. in a row but we can’t settle with Two weeks later, with a 60th Clark, who Solabarrieta de- back America East conference Despite many new faces with that. We want to win three. This is minute goal to end a 1-0 deficit scribes as his best friend, raves championships in 2016 and 2017, players like Pinheiro as well as our senior year. We won it sopho- on the road at Quinnipiac, he about his teammate’s style. His the first titles in program history. defensive anchors Jeff Medina and more year and junior year. Why not moved into sole possession of fancy foot skills, his ability to take Like the young Ronaldo in the Moosah Khanat all graduated, the get out of here with another title?” second place in program history in defenders straight on, his kind World Cup, the Great Danes star Danes are confident as they begin career points (51) behind former heart and a great person both on remembers coming in as a fresh- to get into the heart of conference teammate Afonso Pinheiro (91), and off the field. man and not being taken seriously, play. breaking a tie with Jarvin Skeet “He’s got a long way to go [on embracing that underdog mentality “We want to leave this place bet- TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018 SPORTS EDITOR: ROBERT LEPELSTAT ALBANY STUDENT PRESS SPORTS [email protected] 10
BASKETBALL The Patroons: Minor League Mecca
New documentary highlights historic Albany basketball team THOMAS PALMER / ASP
By ROB LEPELSTAT “I got to learn what Phil Jackson’s Some of the other names on that 1000 Casey, a Columbia High and Villanova personality and coaching style was,” wins list - Jackson, Pat Riley, Larry University grad, actually attended What do Phil Jackson, George Karl, Casey said. “I learned how George [Karl] Brown, and Gregg Popovich. Patroons and Siena games as a kid. Rick Carlisle, Scott Brooks, Michael Ray approached the game… as they grow Karl spent two seasons as the head He marvels at the decade from 1982- Richardson and Tony Campbell all have older, they have so much insight into the man for the Patroons in 1988-89 and 92 in which the documentary takes place, in common? game and life itself.” 1990-91, including leading them to a chronicling the untold story of the team’s Before their successful careers in the In attendance for the showing - 50-6 record in 1990 while going a perfect quick rise, championship success and NBA, all of them were either on the court Patroons greats including former player/ 28-0 in home games that season. He was ultimate downfall. or the sidelines for the Albany Patroons current head coach Derrick Rowland, named CBA Coach of the year for the For a city that so desperately wanted - a professional basketball team of the former Patroons/ NBA player Tony third time that season. a professional sports team to grab onto Continental Basketball Association based Campbell and Karl, the 2013 NBA Coach “The Albany Patroon family of and support, he describes it as being the right here in the Capital District from of the Year and one of just nine coaches basketball has a tradition of excellence,” perfect match - in part with the growth 1982-92 and 2005-09. with over 1000 wins in their NBA Karl said at the Minor League Mecca of cable television during this time and Jackson, the 11-time NBA Champion coaching career. premiere. “It’s nice to be a part of it.” the games being shown on nationally on and highly regarded as the greatest ESPN. NBA coach of all time, won his Legendary ESPN reporter and first championship ring when he journalist Bob Ley, who has been with led the Patroons to the 1984 CBA the Worldwide Leader all 39 years Championship. He would go on to from the start, is also shown in the film. win six more with Michael Jordan He was the play by play man for many and the Chicago Bulls, as well as five of those games covering the Patroons with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles from the Armory in downtown Albany Lakers. during their championship runs. Brooks, current head coach of the Current ESPN play by play voice Washington Wizards, and Carlisle, who Marc Kestecher, the network’s lead holds the same position for the 2011 voice for the NBA on ESPN Radio NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, including the NBA Finals, also started were guards on the 1987-88 CBA his career as the radio voice of the champion Patroons team, coached by Patroons. the late Bill Musselman. As Casey recalls growing up Last year, the team made its return to - without smartphones, Netflix Albany, becoming one of the inaugural and UAlbany/ Siena not yet at the members of the North American Division-I basketball level, on a cold Premier Basketball league (NAPB) and February day in Albany, the Patroons returned to the Washington Armory as were the place to be. their home court. “Mike Tyson was there. Local Insert Brendan Casey - the celebrities were there. National 39-year-old East Greenbush native celebrities too. You had to be here.” and executive producer for the Although the showing was a one- Minor League Mecca, a 90 minute time premiere, Casey’s plan is for the documentary looking back at the rich documentary to be available worldwide history of the Patroons in the CBA. in the coming months for anyone who His three year project with over 23 wants to relive this special time in the hours of raw footage finally came to life Capital District sports history. at the film’s first public showing last Source: Chuck Miller, Flickr For more information, visit month at the Palace Theater in Albany. Jamario Moon dunks over Damien Dantzler of the Dakota Wizards in the 2005-06 CBA minor league sea- patroonsmovie.com and @ It all started with an interview with son. patroonsmovie on Twitter. Jackson. Once that happened, he knew he had something.
Note from the Sports Editor
Last weekend’s Albany Patroons event at the Palace was another reminder as to why I started writing for the ASP in the first place as a freshman. Sports are supposed to be fun. Working and covering them certainly are too. You join a student newspaper because you hope to tell others stories - while at the same time, learning something new, getting better every time you write and meet some awesome people along the way. I can certainly say I’ve gotten all of these and so much more. On top of that, you might get to do some really cool things. Standing eye to eye while having a conversation with George Karl, the 2013 NBA Coach of the Year and one of the winningest NBA head coaches of all-time, along with other reporters, certainly was one of them for me. I say this to try and encourage you to join our ASP sports team. I know there are passionate journalists on this campus. I am certain there are just as many if not more passionate sports fans. But as it stands right now, there are very few of those put together - sports journalists - on our award-winning 103 year old newspaper staff. For those who have consistently written and contributed, thank you. You know who you are. One of my main goals for the year is to change THIS problem. To build and grow our staff. But I need your help. I can’t do it alone. If anything I’ve said above resonates with you even the slightest - you know where to find us. [email protected] Go Danes! -Rob Lepelstat