Tuesday, January 21, 2020 I Vol. 116 Iss. 19 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM

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PREPARING FOR THE BICENTENNIAL LeBlanc to hold community receptions in 10 cities across the nation ILENA PENG CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR

University President third century,” will take events in Los Angeles Jan. 28 ago. In his fi rst year in of- Thomas LeBlanc held the place in six states and D.C. and San Francisco two days fi ce, he embarked on a tour fi rst of 10 planned recep- over the course of the spring later. Registration is open for of fi ve U.S. cities to discuss tions across the country last semester. The receptions people interested in attend- his priorities and traveled Tuesday to celebrate GW’s come amid planning for ing the receptions in Califor- to London to boost alumni achievements and increase GW’s bicentennial anniver- nia and Florida, where LeB- engagement. community engagement. sary in February 2021, dur- lanc will head in February to Later this semester, LeB- The GW + You Commu- ing which offi cials are slated meet community members lanc will visit cities like New nity Receptions, at which to launch a major fundrais- in Miami and Tampa. York City, Boston and Rich- LeBlanc aims to engage ing campaign. LeBlanc named philan- mond, Virginia, in addition alumni, students and their LeBlanc traveled to Phila- thropy and constituent en- to a stop in Northern Virgin- families in a “conversation delphia last week for the gagement among his fi ve ia. The tour will end with an about the vision for GW’s fi rst event and will head to key strategic initiatives after event in the District on June future as we approach our California next week to hold arriving at GW two years 11.

Death in vacant I Street home prompts calls to restore neighborhood properties LIA DEGROOT investigation. Gertz said MPD will ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR continue to respond to service requests for drug and narcotic complaints on Foggy Bottom residents are pressing the block. community leaders to restore decrepit- “We advise that if anyone witnesses looking properties in the neighborhood any type of illegal activity to immedi- after a woman was found dead in a va- ately call 911,” she said. cant I Street home. Duncan Bedlion, the Second District Alaina Gertz, a Metropolitan Police De- commander, said at a neighborhood meet- partment spokeswoman, said police offi - ing Wednesday that MPD’s technical team cers responded to the 2500 block of I Street is further investigating the woman’s death. on Jan. 10 at about 9:50 p.m. for a report Bedlion said he and other offi cers found of an unconscious person. The woman evidence in the home that several people had gone missing on New Year’s Eve, may be using the home to take drugs. according to an MPD release, and Gertz “There was some indication that drug said offi cers found the woman uncon- activity was taking place,” Bedlion said. scious and not breathing in a vacant I “That was observed by me. I was there. I Street property. can’t disclose to you what we know about The incident has raised concerns from the victim at this time.” LILLIAN BAUTISTA | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Foggy Bottom neighbors over two other The Hatchet is not naming the wom- GW accepted about $76 million from the Saudi government and about $3 million from the Chinese government. properties on the street, 2505 I St. and an to respect her privacy. 2506 I St., which are run-down and vacant. Bedlion added that the Department Community leaders said they are plan- of Consumer and Regulatory Aff airs GW took millions from China, Saudi ning to hold a meeting Tuesday to discuss boarded up the property last week to how to address the state of the homes. prevent people from entering the house, Arabia, largely in tuition, since 2013 Gertz said D.C. Fire and Emergency which is pending development. He said Medical Services responded to the scene MPD can provide additional patrolling MEREDITH ROATEN to the Department of Education. She also and pronounced the woman dead. in the area if community members have SENIOR STAFF WRITER declined to take a position on criticisms of “D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Ser- further concerns about the property. ties between the United States and China vices responded to the scene, where they “Let Lieutenant Terry, let Captain Offi cials have accepted nearly $80 mil- and Saudi Arabia on account of issues re- found no signs consistent with life, and Caldwell – who’s your sector captain – lion in funding from foreign governments lated to human rights, free speech and in- the victim was pronounced dead,” she know, and we’ll have our officers give in recent years, mostly in tuition payments. tellectual property theft. said in an email. special attention,” Bedlion said. The University took more than $75 mil- GW accepted $76 million in contracts She said the woman was transport- lion from the governments of China and from the Saudi Arabian government since ed to the Offi ce of the Chief Medical See ASSOCIATION Page 5 Saudi Arabia since 2013, according to U.S. 2013 and $3.4 million from the government Examiner, and the case is still under Department of Education disclosures. Of- of China, the disclosures state. The Chi- fi cials said a large portion of the funding nese government also gave the University went toward student tuition grants, and about $333,945 in gifts, according to the the remainder funded academic initia- disclosures. tives. Funding from foreign governments at University spokeswoman Crystal No- universities has increasingly come under sal said all of the money GW received from scrutiny after FBI director Christopher Saudi Arabia funds tuition payments for Wray testifi ed before a U.S. Senate panel students. About 70 percent of the fund- that the Chinese government was “taking ing provided by China went to seminars, advantage” of the United States through its workshops and tuition, while the remain- universities by “exploiting” the country’s der of the money funded GW’s Confucius research environment. Institute, an educational program that sup- The Department of Education an- ports the study of Chinese language and nounced in November that federal offi cials culture. found $1.3 billion in unreported foreign “Foreign governments have for many funding in the early stages of its investiga- years provided tuition and expenses for tion of six U.S. universities. pre-college, undergraduate, graduate and Offi cials said about a year ago that they medical education and training for their were not considering closing GW’s chapter students attending GW,” she said in an of the Confucius Institute, one of the many email. “We regularly evaluate our interna- centers for China studies that has faced tional programs, including our programs scrutiny from academic freedom experts with these countries, to ensure they are and members of Congress for spreading consistent with our educational mission.” government propaganda. Nosal declined to confi rm the amount ALEXANDER WELLING | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Metropolitan Police Department of cers found a woman dead in a vacant house on the 2500 block of I Street earlier of funding that appears in the disclosures See OFFICIALS Page 4 this month. January 21, 2020 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

SNAPSHOT ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

NewsJanuary 21, 2020 • Page 2 CRIME LOG BURGLARY II/FORCIBLE Ross Hall Monroe Hall Unknown – Unknown Open Case GW Police Department and Metropolitan Police Department offi cers responded to a report from a male faculty member that his speaker was stolen from his offi ce. Case open ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER- MISDEMEANOR Public Property on Campus (900 Block of 23rd Street) 1/9/2020 – 6:54 a.m. Closed case A man unaffi liated with GW attempted to hit a GWPD offi cer with an object while he was being apprehended in connection with a robbery that occurred in Ross Hall. MPD People gathered around the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial Monday to observe the activist’s day of remembrance. offi cers arrested the subject and transported him to the Second District police station for processing. Subject arrrested IN BRIEF THEFT II/FROM BUILDING 2125 G Street (Building GG) Senior Greek life of cial departs GW after nearly ve years Unknown – Unknown Open Case A senior Greek life official no longer works at viser from March 2015 to August 2018, according to GWPD received a report from a female staff GW, according to one of the employee’s social me- his profile. dia pages. University spokeswoman Crystal Nosal said member that a security box was taken from The LinkedIn profile for Ethan Stubbs, the as- officials do not “typically comment” on personnel her offi ce. Case open sistant director of fraternity and sorority life, was matters. Stubbs did not return a request for com- changed Friday to show he has concluded his time ment. in the position after securing the job in August There is currently no job listing for Stubbs’ posi- 2018. His school email is no longer associated with tion on the University’s employment webpage. the University. Stubbs worked as the University’s area coordi- –Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko nator for Greek life and Interfraternity Council ad- —Lizzie Mintz

Retention rate for Class of 2022 drops one percentage point from previous year ILENA PENG tention Offi ce soon after to improve that your community formation is CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR retention. The offi ce was combined stronger than ever,” Ruiter said of into the Offi ce of Enrollment and the retention rate. The retention rate for the full- the Student Experience in July 2018. He added that strong academic time freshman cohort that matricu- Street departed GW last August. and fi nancial advising services con- lated in 2018 dipped roughly one GW’s rate has risen in the past tribute to higher retention fi gures. percentage point from the previous couple of years alongside Univer- Denny Bubrig, the assistant vice year. sity President Thomas LeBlanc’s president for student aff airs at the GW retained 92 percent of the push to improve the University’s University of Southern Mississippi, Class of 2022, about one percentage institutional culture through mea- said GW’s 92 percent retention rate point lower than last year’s reten- sures like increasing student dining is a “fantastic” statistic. He said the tion rate of 92.9 percent – the Uni- dollars and allowing all students to factors that infl uence retention rates versity’s highest in seven years – ac- take an 18th credit free of charge. vary depending on a university’s cording to Joe Knop, the director of LeBlanc also led the Colonial demographics but cited students’ institutional research and planning. Health Center through its fi rst ma- academic preparedness and the After GW dropped three spots jor overhaul since its 2015 opening, availability of support networks for in national rankings in part be- implementing changes like a health students as key determinants of re- cause of a dip in the retention rate insurance mandate and increased tention. from 2014 to 2015, former Univer- free mental health sessions. “You will see an assessment sity President Steven Knapp refo- David Ruiter, the associate pro- eff ort of students who do not con- cused eff orts to boost retention by vost for student and faculty success tinue their career at the institution strengthening “inner-community at the University of Texas at El Paso, in question,” Bubrig said. “From things” and improving the investi- said reaching retention fi gures in there, the institution may make gation process surrounding sexual the 90 percent range requires a “col- adjustments in physical services, assault. lective eff ort” from faculty, students student engagement, further edu- Offi cials also hired an inaugu- and staff to foster a positive com- cation in fi nancial management, ral executive director of enrollment munity. study skills, time management, retention, Oliver Street, in August “Whatever it happens to be, I career pathway selection or some- 2016 and created the Enrollment Re- would guess that it’s an indicator thing of the like.” ALYSSA ILARIA | GRAPHICS EDITOR

SA anti-Semitism task force to push for religious tolerance in fi rst semester JARROD WARDWELL fi gure out how to address bias against them, you know REPORTER past incidences of anti-Sem- how the situation is being itism with “lasting institu- handled.” A group of Student As- tional change” and “guide- Zachary Nosanchuk, the sociation leaders aiming to lines that stick.” SA’s vice president for under- combat anti-Semitism on “Everyone belongs on graduate policy and a task campus said they will spend this campus and everyone force co-chair, said he intends the semester working to im- deserves to feel comfort- for the committee to spark prove accessibility for bias able on this campus no mat- conversations about anti- incident report systems and ter your faith background,” Semitic incidents that have encourage offi cials to incor- Kerrigan said. “You should harmed the school’s interfaith porate religion in diversity be able to have a place here culture. The 10-member task modules. without feeling like you’re force includes three SA cabi- After an anti-Semitic ever being targeted. So I net members, three SA sena- Snapchat rocked campus last think that’s sort of what the tors, three public members semester, the SA formed a group stands for as a whole, and a residential engagement task force aimed at encourag- and that’s why it’s important adviser, Nosanchuk said. ing tolerance for religious di- to have a group of people The task force is consider- versity and preventing anti- working on it together.” ing meeting with the Faculty Semitic incidents. Task force In the wake of the anti- Senate to construct active members said they hope to Semitic post last semester, steps to curb religious dis- incorporate modules dis- student leaders held forums crimination in the classroom, cussing religious diversity for students to share per- he said. into new-student trainings to sonal experiences with anti- “The task force will help educate students on ways to Semitism and help formulate bring to light a lot of discus- react to anti-Semitism. steps to take against anti- sions that people have been GABRIELLE RHOADS | PHOTOGRAPHER Hannah Edwards, the Semitism on campus. The SA having behind closed doors, Task force members are hoping to incorporate modules discussing religious diversity into new student SA’s vice president for diver- Senate passed a resolution and we’ll be able to bring trainings. sity and inclusion and a task last month urging offi cials to that forward as the Student force member, said the group create a working defi nition of Association of GW and talk fi rst-year diversity training within 48 hours, according to Services Center last academ- held its fi rst meeting last anti-Semitism. about these discussions on modules, but the University the Offi ce of Diversity, Equi- ic year. Sunday to discuss members’ Kerrigan said adding hy- this higher level,” he said. could work with organiza- ty and Community Engage- Erin Grossmann, a pub- goals for the semester. pothetical social situations SA President SJ Matthews tions, like the Multicultural ment website. lic member of the task force, “My hope is that students into diversity modules for said the task force will hold Student Services Center Gabriela Rossner, a mem- said she wanted to join the working with the task force fi rst-year students could help listening sessions in the next and GW Hillel, to educate ber of Jewish Voice for Peace task force to use her voice for will see that not all members engender discussions among week to garner student feed- the community on religious and a task force member, those who feel uncomfort- of the Student Association students about religious di- back about how the group awareness. said she joined the group to able speaking out against are just walking buzz words, versity. can tackle anti-Semitism on Task force members also voice her own experiences anti-Semitism and compel but passionate individuals “Just having something campus. intend to bring more atten- with anti-Semitism. She said students to initiate open dis- who are truly trying to make that involves interfaith and “I’m looking forward to tion to the availability of a the task force could push for cussion to the community. change at GW,” Edwards talking about how to deal seeing the great work this bias reporting system imple- more faith spaces on campus, “The task force is only said. with meeting diff erent task force will be doing this mented last year, she said. like prayer rooms, and ask as good as the input is, and Julia Kerrigan, the SA’s people of diff erent faiths, semester and the positive The tool allows students to offi cials not to schedule ex- making sure people feel director of interfaith en- like what is acceptable and impact they will have on the submit anonymous reports ams on Jewish holidays. comfortable talking to us is gagement and a task force unacceptable to be saying,” GW community,” Matthews of hate crimes or discrimi- A space intended for important in getting a vari- co-chair, said she hopes the Kerrigan said. “For bias re- said. nation acts, and an offi cial students to pray or meditate ety of perspectives and sto- committee will initiate con- ports, when someone feels She added that most stu- will address the report and opened up on the third fl oor ries so we can cater to every- versations with offi cials to they’ve experienced an act of dents have concluded the explain concrete next steps of the Multicultural Student body,” Grossmann said. THE GW HATCHET NEWS January 21, 2020 • Page 3 How Jack Evans’ resignation will affect the Ward 2 Council race AVI BAJPAI REPORTER All six Democratic candi- what term; who can vote in dates have announced that what election; who can’t vote they’ll participate in both the in the election – it’s confusing After the D.C. Council’s Democratic primary and the no matter how you slice it.” longest-serving council- special election. Candidate Daniel Her- member resigned earlier this The candidates are re- nandez, a Microsoft em- month, Ward 2 voters will quired to operate separate ployee and a former Marine be left without formal repre- campaigns and fundraising from Dupont Circle, said he sentation until an election in operations, according to the plans to compete in both the July. D.C. Offi ce of Campaign Fi- primary and special election. Jack Evans, who has rep- nance. Hernandez said he has been resented Ward 2 for nearly Patrick Kennedy, the canvassing in Ward 2 neigh- 30 years, stepped down from newly elected chair of the borhoods and speaking with the Council amid ethics ANC, said he had anticipat- residents to garner support. probes involving his abuse ed a special election after the “I’m currently planning of his Council seat to solicit D.C. Council voted to recom- to fi le for both, as I believe business dealings for his per- mend Evans’ expulsion last it makes the most sense sonal consulting fi rm. The December. Kennedy said the for the same person to win D.C. Board of Elections an- only change his team will both elections,” he said in an nounced earlier this month have to make to run in the email. it will hold a special election special election is operating Jordan Grossman, a for- to replace Evans June 16, two fi nances for two separate mer Obama staff er and a weeks after the Democratic campaigns. Ward 2 candidate, said he primary election June 2. “I’m the same candidate, plans to run in both elections The candidates must ob- HATCHET FILE PHOTO it’s the same message,” Ken- to begin addressing Ward 2 tain at least 250 signatures D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson told Ward 2 residents that while the councilmember's seat is empty until nedy said. “It’s the same ba- issues “as soon as possible.” from registered Ward 2 vot- the summer, the ward's Council of ce will remain staffed. sic amount of information “I have fi led as a candi- ers to qualify for the primary and it’s a fragile trust.” can help with,” Mendelson The Democratic primary we want to convey to voters date for both elections with election. The candidates must The Ward 2 Council offi ce said at the ANC meeting. winner will face a single about experience and ideals, the Offi ce of Campaign Fi- collect at least 500 signatures will remain staff ed to ensure A spokesperson for Ev- Republican candidate, busi- and so it’s really a question nance, and our campaign is to qualify for the special elec- residents can continue to ac- ans declined to comment on nesswoman Katherine Ven- of just making sure with the collecting far more than the tion, according to D.C. Coun- cess Council resources, Men- his resignation and his plans ice, who announced her special election being a factor required signatures from cil code. delson said at the Foggy Bot- for after resignation. His de- candidacy for the special and that we’re reaching out be- registered voters in Ward 2 D.C. Council Chairman tom and West End Advisory parture went into eff ect Fri- general elections Wednes- yond the Democratic Party.” to qualify for the ballot in Phil Mendelson said in a Neighborhood Commission day, and the Ward 2 seat will day. Kennedy said electing the each,” he said in an email. statement that Evans’ res- meeting Wednesday. Ward remain empty until the new The six Democratic can- same candidate in both elec- Yilin Zhang, a health care ignation was a “very sad 2 residents can call Monique councilmember is sworn in didates and one Republican tions is in Ward 2 residents’ worker and a Democratic moment” but “appropriate” Wynn, the offi ce’s deputy this summer. will each need to obtain at best interest because the can- candidate, said she plans to given the breadth of contro- chief of staff , with any in- LaDawne White, a least 250 signatures from didate can immediately work run in both the primary and versies and scandals sur- quiries, according to the D.C. spokesperson for the D.C. their respective registered to represent the ward instead the special election. rounding Evans. Council website. Board of Elections, said of- party voters in Ward 2. Can- of dedicating time to compet- “It is critical that we re- “It’s clear that Mr. Evans “We’re trying to make fi cials decided to hold the didates must collect at least ing in another election. store not only trust and ac- had not only lost the trust of sure that folks are harmed as primary election before the 500 signatures from regis- “This is an unprecedent- countability to this offi ce but his colleagues but the trust of little as possible and also that special election to “mini- tered voters in any party in ed set of circumstances,” also place a priority on listen- the public,” Mendelson said there’s still a place for Ward 2 mize confusion among vot- Ward 2 no later than 90 days Kennedy said. “Trying to ing to all perspectives to cre- in a statement. “The public residents to be able to call if ers” and give the candidates before the election date to explain how three diff er- ate comprehensive policies has a right to expect that their there are any neighborhood enough time to collect signa- register for both elections, ac- ent elections all happen this that make our community public offi cials are ethical, or constituent issues that we tures. cording to D.C. election law. year; which election is for better,” she said. Sigur Center debuts lecture series on Asian politics, affairs

JARED GANS & U.S.’s killing of Qassem director, began planning YANKUN ZHAO Soleimani, a high-profi le the lecture series this past REPORTERS commander in Iran’s Revo- summer. She said the lead- lutionary Guard, for key ers want to ensure that the The Sigur Center for regional countries and po- series covered current “hot Asian Studies launched a tential future developments topics” while not repeating lecture series on Asian po- in the region. scholarship already dis- litical developments last Earlier this month, cussed in similar forums week with an event on U.S.- American military forces elsewhere. Iran relations in the after- carried out an airstrike at “That’s the innovative math of an Iranian general’s Baghdad International Air- and original part of the lec- assassination. port, killing Soleimani. Iran ture series,” she said. The series will focus responded with missile Jiang said she, Hopkins on original policy-related strikes on two American and Sigur Center associate scholarship on current military bases in Iraq, injur- director Deepa Ollapally events in the Asian-Pacifi c ing 11. met during the summer region, and each lecture February’s installment to decide the parameters will feature experts explor- in the lecture series will fo- of the series. She said the ing recent developments in cus on the recent Taiwanese series fi ts with University LILLIAN BAUTISTA | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Researchers at the Milken Institute School of Public Health and the GW Cancer Center hope their Asia and providing insight election and developments President Thomas LeBlanc’s upcoming symposium will raise awareness for the ways lifestyle impacts cancer risks. on their potential impacts from incumbent Tsai Ing- commitment to advancing on the rest of the continent. wen’s reelection since then. research at GW. Staff said the series is in- Jiang said lectures in the Jiang said scholars and Scientists to host symposium on tended for people whose in- series will be held monthly, students should attend the terests may not necessarily and staff members current- series to better understand lie within Asia to broaden ly have a short list of po- Asian issues and how those lifestyle choices, cancer risk their understanding of the tential lectures for March’s issues can aff ect their own world’s most populous con- event, though they will con- country. ILENA PENG reception to Friday’s event, like chemotherapy to treat- tinent. tinue to monitor emerging “People seem to forget CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR organizers may hold similar ing the disease with preven- Helen Jiang, the pro- issues in the region to stay that Asia is a huge conti- events in the future. tative steps like improving gram coordinator at the up-to-date. She added that nent, enormous population, Scientists from the Brockton, AICR’s vice nutritional choices. Sigur Center, said the series Sigur Center members are economy is really taking off Milken Institute School president of research, said He said simple steps like highlights the Sigur Cen- trying to “feel out” what – it’s about to overtake the of Public Health and GW physicians working with reducing the consumption ter’s mission to research students, policymakers and West,” Jiang said. “This is a Cancer Center will host a cancer patients are some- of processed meats and sug- Asian aff airs and teach it to scholars in the fi eld are in- huge region that does need symposium in the Marvin times unaware of how ary drinks can minimize a broad audience. terested in discussing for to have a diverse founda- Center Friday to examine strong the evidence is link- cancer risk, particularly “The Sigur Center is future lectures in the series. tion – especially for Ameri- the relationship between ing risk factors like eating when these recommenda- very privileged to be the She said the members cans or at least international lifestyle choices and cancer red meat or consuming al- tions come from doctors. largest Asian studies center are marketing the series students – in the United risk. cohol to cancer, adding that But he added that even phy- in the D.C. area, and I think through a variety of meth- States.” In partnership with the event will help inform sicians have failed to see the with that status, it’s really ods, like live-tweeting the Hopkins, the center’s the American Institute for health care providers. link between the stigma- critical for our reputation events and accepting audi- director and an associate Cancer Research, the sym- “It still astonishes me tization of obesity and the and also for our depth and ence questions over Twitter. professor of history and in- posium will feature six that people actually very obesity-cancer relationship, breadth that we do have She added that the center’s ternational aff airs, said the speakers presenting on the closely aligned in the fi eld which is not “widely recog- something that’s so policy- members collaborated with series will include a “wide eff ects of factors like physi- don’t know how strong the nized.” relevant, timely, innovative partners like the School of array of perspectives” on is- cal activity, obesity and diet evidence is for certain risk “A lot of providers don’t and advancing original Media and Public Aff airs’ sues like the ongoing war in on cancer risk. Cancer and factors and how prevalent know how to open the con- scholarship,” she said. Institute for Public Diplo- Afghanistan. nutrition scientists speaking they are,” he said. “So in versation about it because The fi rst lecture, on macy and Global Commu- “With a history of host- at the symposium said the that respect, this sympo- it’s so stigmatized and be- U.S.-Iran relations, featured nications for the fi rst lecture ing upwards of 60 events event will raise awareness sium is more about sharing cause they often will blame Prashanth Parameswaran, and are reaching out to annually, the Sigur Center about how the daily, routine information that’s already patients for their obesity,” a scholar affi liated with other GW programs for co- is well-positioned as the choices people make can out there rather than confer- he said. “They think of obe- an international aff airs sponsors and speakers. intellectual hub of Asia-fo- impact their odds of devel- ences that tend to be more sity the way I think many magazine focused on the “We’re always on the cused scholarship and pub- oping cancer. latest research results.” people within the public Asia-Pacifi c region and a hunt for new co-sponsors lic outreach in the nation’s Kim Robien, an associate He added that the pub- think about obesity, that research center on interna- and we’re really happy to capital,” he said in a release. professor of exercise and nu- lic misidentifi es the relative people with obesity are lazy tional aff airs, according to engage with seasoned part- Ollapally, the center’s trition sciences at the public danger of certain factors or they lack self-control or the Sigur Center’s website. ners,” she said. associate director, did not health school, said she be- that drive cancer incidence, they’re responsible for their Parameswaran discussed Jiang said Benjamin return multiple requests for gan planning the sympo- citing how many people fear obesity.” the implications of the Hopkins, the Sigur Center’s comment. sium with Nigel Brockton, carcinogens in pesticides Fang Fang Zhang, a can- the American Institute for when research on diet choic- cer epidemiologist and Tufts Cancer Research’s vice pres- es has indicated a stronger University professor who ident of research, last Sep- link to cancer. has worked on research tember. She said presenters “The awareness part is with AICR, said she hopes at the symposium will focus really multi-pronged,” he to push nutrition policy in on policies that promote said. her presentation at Friday’s healthier food choices and Brockton added that the symposium. She said she physical activity to decrease one-day symposium, which advocates for policies like cancer risk. GW staff and students can taxing sweetened beverages “The conference goals attend for a discounted rate and requiring products with are to review the latest re- of $25, is more aff ordable high levels of added sugars search on diet, physical than conferences that often to have warning labels that activity and body compo- last multiple days. The full could create a large and sus- sition in relation to cancer price of a ticket to attend the tainable shift toward health- research and prevention, symposium is $50. ier lifestyles. and help participants think William Dietz, a Milken “If we think about the about how to start moving professor and the director cancer burden that can po- these research fi ndings into of the school’s Sumner M. tentially be prevented – that’s action,” Robien said in an Redstone Global Center for what lifestyle factors can email. Prevention and Wellness, help prevent – it’s not a trivial Conference organizers will speak at the event about percentage,” Zhang said. are promoting the event the relationship between through local healthcare obesity and cancer. He said providers, professional he hopes the symposium GWHATCHET.COM organizations and social for more information will extend the conversation ARIELLE BADER | SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR media. She added that de- from treating cancer with about presentations Benjamin Hopkins, the director of the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, said the center's speaker series pending on the turnout and more invasive techniques H at the symposium will include expert discussions on developments in Asia. January 21, 2020 • Page 4 NEWS THE GW HATCHET GW offers sufficient time for family, medical leave, faculty say SHANNON MALLARD most employers to cover – acts as a “vehicle” to col- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR an amount equivalent to lect and solicit feedback 0.62 percent of employees’ about leave policies from When William Win- wages while on leave. The faculty and staff. stead found out his mother act will go into effect July “This group meets dur- had terminal cancer, he 2020. ing the year to provide knew he needed to dedi- Under the act, “covered feedback from around the cate precious time to car- employers,” or any institu- campus community and ing for her. tion that exercises control share ideas that maximize Winstead, a political over employees’ wages, the quality of GW’s ben- science professor, said he hours and working condi- efits, including family and was “extremely grateful” tions, must pay unemploy- medical leave policies,” for the support he received ment insurance on behalf Lopez said in an email. from colleagues and felt of its “covered employees.” The University of Pitts- the University’s leave poli- The act defines “covered burgh and Tulane Univer- cies allowed him to make employees” as individu- sity each offer up to four the most of the time left als who spend more than consecutive weeks of paid he had with his mother. 50 percent of their work leave for full-time staff About six weeks after find- time working for a District and regular part-time em- ing out about his mother’s employer and less than 50 ployees, while Wake Forest diagnosis, Winstead took percent of their work time University offers six weeks a full spring semester off at the same employer in a of paid leave for staff mem- work. location besides D.C. bers and one semester off GW offers fewer weeks Nosal said the human for associate and senior- of family and medical resource office, benefits level faculty. leave for staff members consultants and vendor GW offers six weeks LILLIAN BAUTISTA | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR Officials said the District-wide laws and initiatives opened up medical and family leave options for more than most of its peers, but partners annually review of paid family and medi- employees. the school is on par with all health and welfare cal leave for full-time staff its peers in the amount of benefits, including leave. members and medical have been employed for at said she was “particularly involved sending an email time off granted to full- She said officials examine residents and provides one least a year and worked at pleased” that officials - ex to the political science de- time faculty. Full-time benefits the law requires paid semester off – about 1,250 hours in the last 12 panded leave policies to partment chair and receiv- faculty who have needed and trends related to leave 14 to 15 weeks – to full- months. specialized full-time fac- ing written approval, was to take time off said they to evaluate the quality of time faculty members, Boston University al- ulty, who were ineligible relatively “easy.” were satisfied with GW’s the University’s leave pro- according to the faculty lows up to 12 weeks of for leave until fall 2019. Arrington, a tenure- policies because the pro- grams. code. unpaid, job-protected “For full-time faculty, track professor currently cess of asking for leave is “The ability to take paid Northeastern Univer- leave for most employees. the leave policies around under consideration for relatively “easy” and they leave to care for a fam- sity offers eight weeks Employees’ leave must the birth or adoption of a promotion to become an face little “stigma” from ily member, such as paid of partially paid leave to exhaust their paid sick child are excellent,” Klep- associate professor, said colleagues for requesting parental leave, is a highly faculty and staff. Tufts days, personal days and pinger said in an email. her department chair leave. valued benefit among fac- University offers 12 work- vacation time to cover the But she added that the paused her tenure clock “It can provide much ulty and staff,” Nosal said weeks of paid leave to first portion of a leave of University should extend twice to accommodate her needed support during a in an email. “The Univer- eligible employees who absence, and the rest is family and medical leave while she was caring for quite difficult moment in sity recognizes that each have been employed for at unpaid. The University of benefits to adjunct and her newborns. She added one’s life – like caring for benefit may impact a par- least a year and worked at Miami allows 12 weeks of part-time faculty so every- that she was initially hesi- a sick relative who needs ticular family differently 1,250 hours in the last 12 unpaid leave for eligible one can spend time bond- tant to request leave to real attention,” Winstead so we continually work to months. employees. ing with newborn children care for her second child said in an email. “I hate to harmonize and coordinate New York, Syracuse Faculty who have gone or caring for their own or because taking longer than think of how I would have the programs available.” and Georgetown univer- on family or medical leave a family member’s health. normal to achieve ten- managed without GW’s Jennifer Lopez, the as- sities and the University said they were largely sat- “An important policy ure has traditionally been leave policy in place.” sociate vice president of of Rochester offer 10 to 12 isfied with their experi- priority should be to ex- viewed negatively in the University spokeswom- the resource office, said weeks of paid or partially ences because the leave-re- pand benefits to reflect academic community. an Crystal Nosal said the faculty and staff typically paid leave to eligible full- questing process is simple, the realities of our faculty But she said she ulti- introduction of new laws provide feedback to ben- time and part-time staff. and fellow colleagues did workforce,” Kleppinger mately decided to take and programs at the Dis- efits team members about Syracuse and Georgetown not stigmatize the practice said. time off because her de- trict level has expanded the University’s family universities offer one se- of taking time off. Celeste Arrington, partment chair included the size of the population and medical leave policies mester of leave to full-time Kathryn Kleppinger, an assistant professor of a note in her tenure file – eligible for unpaid and through phone, email and faculty, and New York an associate professor of political science and in- consistent with national paid medical and family in-person meetings. University covers the sala- French, francophone stud- ternational affairs, said trends – that she was still leave options. She said the Benefits ries of full-time faculty for ies and international af- she took one semester of approaching tenure con- The D.C. Council in- Advisory Committee – on up to six months. fairs, said she took one leave twice – each time sideration at an average troduced in 2016 the Uni- which six faculty mem- Tufts University offers semester of leave in spring to care for newborn chil- pace despite technically versal Paid Leave Amend- bers, six staff members and 12 weeks of paid leave to 2018 after she gave birth dren. She said the process taking longer to become ment Act, which requires one medical resident serve eligible employees who in December 2017. She of requesting leave, which eligible.

Tap access expanded to all residence halls except Thurston in the GW Law School to unlock their rooms if because I can safely put building, and officials an electric lock malfunc- my GWorld in my phone added tap access to all on- tions. holder without it fall- campus residence hall lob- “The malfunctions hap- ing out, the way my key bies last semester. pen rarely, but now you would,” Idera said. “We have a project at can go from a tap reader Nick Sawaf, a District the law school to imple- to a mobile device, and fi- Hall resident, said he of- ment and install tap ac- nally to a key,” Diaz said. ten uses GW’s app-based cess and so now the class- RHA President Trin- electronic ID to access his rooms have the ability to ity Diaz said she worked residence hall room and lock down if we ever have with members of facili- can use his app if he mis- some type of targeted vio- ties, planning, construc- places his GWorld. lence event,” Diaz said. tion and management to “I frequently use the “Before we didn’t.” advise officials on how to electronic ID app to access Diaz said he planned install the electronic locks my room and prefer it to to dedicate money to the around students’ sched- the regular ID most of the safety division to priori- ules. time because I’m on my tize student security. He “A lot of the plans for phone throughout the day said the cost of installing tap installation were made anyway, so to be able to tap access hit the “low by high-level administra- use it to unlock my room seven figures.” tion in order to prioritize door is convenient,” Sawaf Diaz added that he the undergraduate stu- said. worked with the Student dent experience through Malin Hillemann, a Advisory Board, the Stu- better facilities,” she said. 1959 E St. resident, said dent Association and the “So we acted as a student individual tap access has JENNA BANKS | PHOTOGRAPHER Residence Hall Associa- voice to help minimize the Students said adding electronic tap access to residence halls alleviates the worry of losing their key. made accessing his room tion informally during the impact and give some in- more efficient because his discussion about installing sight where we could.” roommate doesn’t have to TAYLOR ROWE venient than using a key, Anything that will en- tap access. He said he at- More than 20 students let him in when he forgets REPORTER which can more easily be hance our safety position tended SA forums, where said tap access to their his key. He said he keeps lost or stolen. And create an environ- student leaders asked him individual rooms is more his GWorld in his wallet, Nearly every on-cam- Mark Diaz – the ex- ment that’s safer for stu- questions about the proj- convenient than a physical which he said is easier to pus student can now use ecutive vice president dents and our faculty and ect. lock because they can rely keep track of than an indi- their GWorld card to un- and chief financial officer staff, we’re not waiting.” “I want as much feed- on their GWorld instead of vidual key. lock their residence hall – said electronic access Thurston Hall will not back and engagement,” he having to remember a key. “It’s also so quick and rooms. aligns with the Univer- be updated with the elec- said. “That’s the piece that Feyi Idera, a Madison easy to tap rather than Officials added elec- sity’s overall culture ini- tronic lock system because I want. I want the students Hall resident, said elec- having to unlock the door tronic keys to 15 residence tiative, which prioritizes the residence hall is set to to engage in whatever ini- tronic access has saved her with a key every time,” halls as part of the Univer- safety. be gutted and renovated tiatives we’re rolling out, from waiting for her room- Hillemann said. “It also sity’s ongoing efforts to “We had a disparate ex- this summer, University or whatever ideas that mate to unlock their door makes me feel safe when enhance its security pro- perience amongst the stu- spokeswoman Crystal No- they want.” when she routinely forgot I know only other stu- file. In interviews, more dents,” Diaz said. “Some sal said in an email. He said students will her key. dents are able to get into than 20 students said the had it, Some didn’t. That The University has in- still be able to use a phys- “I definitely prefer my building with their tap access is more con- didn’t make any sense. stalled tap access in rooms ical key from Key Depot tap access to using a key cards.” Officials should share sources, uses of foreign funding, experts say

From Page 1 risk. the foreign policy think said. “It became very taboo cated in 2017. funding and involvement GW’s large international tank Center for Interna- to continue to work with A University release at in research is sometimes affairs program magnifies tional Policy, said GW risks Saudi Arabia.” the time credited the King- associated with the theft of International policy ex- the consequences of poten- attracting negative pub- Freeman said it is pos- dom of Saudi Arabia with new ideas and technology. perts said officials should tial influence from foreign licity by continuing to ac- sible that contracts like the establishment of the Because the Chinese gov- be transparent about con- governments because of cept funds from the Saudi GW’s with foreign govern- professorship but did not ernment is in close com- ditions associated with the public’s trust in the El- Arabian government after ments do not come with say how much funding the petition with the United funding from foreign gov- liott School of International the murder of journalist any improper influence, government provided. States, Chinese officials ernments to reassure stu- Affairs’ academic perspec- Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi but officials should disclose “I’m honored today could try to leverage their dents and faculty that for- tive, she said. government operatives. any strings attached to the to be given this opportu- funding at U.S. universi- eign governments are not “They are considered to Freeman said many places funding if they exist. nity to contribute, no mat- ties to recruit talent back to improperly influencing the be one of the leading uni- would not take the money “Just be open and hon- ter how small, to the GW China, she said. University’s research or ex- versities on international because of its association est about what you’re do- Cancer Center, the medical An Associated Press pert testimony. affairs – it raises questions with the regime. ing and don’t try to hide school, the University and investigation found that Mandy Smithberger, about their independence,” Think tank The Middle it,” he said. “The more they to the educational ambi- the FBI questioned univer- the director of the Straus she said. “We have an on- East Institute announced it try to hide that, the shadier tions and goals of the late sities across the country Military Reform Project at going public debate about would stop taking money it looks, and the shadier it King Fahd,” he said in the about Chinese theft from the nonprofit government what strings are coming from the Saudi government probably is.” release at the time. their researchers and in- watchdog Project on Gov- with these kinds of contri- shortly after Khashoggi’s Saudi Arabia’s govern- Beryl Benderly, a sci- vestigated some collabora- ernment Oversight, said butions and whether this is death before Saudi officials ment has funded faculty ence writer who wrote a tion between China and the public expects research another way foreign gov- admitted that the journalist positions at GW like that of column calling for more researchers. output and testimony from ernments are trying to in- was killed at the Saudi em- GW Cancer Center faculty transparency in foreign “This business of the faculty associated with fluence U.S. foreign policy.” bassy in Turkey. member Edward Seto, the funding at universities for talent, bringing back the universities to be indepen- Ben Freeman, the direc- “I think, in some senses, holder of a cancer biology Science magazine, said that talent that’s everywhere, dent, but foreign funding tor of the Foreign Influence Saudi Arabia became some- professorship named after beyond building mistrust that’s pervasive,” Benderly puts academic integrity at Transparency Initiative at thing of a scarlet letter,” he a former Saudi king dedi- in universities, foreign said. THE GW HATCHET NEWS January 21, 2020 • Page 5 Sesno focused on student support, fundraising during tenure as SMPA head SHANNON MALLARD actually contributing to the real ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR world out there,” he said. Sesno said that during his sab- Frank Sesno’s proudest accom- batical and moving forward, he plishment as director of the School hopes to dedicate more time to of Media and Public Aff airs was Planet Forward – a project he be- easy to name: the students. gan 11 years ago to teach students Sesno said watching them how to report on the environment graduate and return to visit the – in addition to personal writing school as successful journalists and audio projects. and politicos is an “amazing” He said offi cials asked him to source of pride for himself and the step into the director’s position school. shortly after he created the project Sesno will step down as SMPA in 2009, but the demands of the director at the end of this academ- SMPA directorship prevented him ic year and return to the school as from devoting as much time as he a faculty member after a year-long would have liked to Planet For- sabbatical, which he said he’ll use ward and other personal projects. to conduct “deep” research into Sesno said his decision to step areas like how the media frames down was partially driven by a and covers climate change. He sense of “urgency” related to is- leaves the school after introducing sues like climate change and orga- new programs to develop SMPA’s nized disinformation campaigns – alumni base and to increase fund- deliberate attempts by bad actors ing available to students to take to mislead the public with false advantage of job opportunities information – that he wants to fur- around the District. ther investigate. “If I were to think of the sin- “It felt to me with a sabbatical gle thing that would bring me to coming, which I actually delayed, tears, it’s being with our students that this was an appropriate time and hearing their aspirations and here to pass the baton and a good then meeting with graduates after time for me to sink my teeth into they’re done being students and some of these other projects,” he HATCHET FILE PHOTO seeing how they’re turning their said. Frank Sesno, the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs, will announce his successor in a couple of weeks. aspirations into reality,” he said. Sesno said SMPA offi cials will Over his tenure as direc- announce an interim dean for the about the eff ects on politics and students. ing his knowledge gained from tor, Sesno has worked to engage school within the next couple of the media of misinformation cam- SMPA Associate Director Da- years of professional journalism alumni and “outsiders” – profes- weeks. He added that he is still paigns and “deepfakes” – videos vid Karpf called Sesno the “char- experience. sionals in journalism and political speaking with SMPA offi cials and audio falsifi ed using artifi cial ismatic centerpiece” of SMPA, “He’s a busy guy,” Loge said. communication – interested in the about what his responsibilities as intelligence that are nearly indis- adding that his ability to both “He could have easily said, ‘Hey, school’s trajectory in fundraising a faculty member will entail once tinguishable from authentic clips. “joke around” with students and I’ve got to run’ – he could have eff orts to provide students with he returns from his sabbatical. He added that the new director address their concerns indicates to not responded when I shouted experiential learning opportuni- Steven Livingston, a profes- must further the school’s commit- the student body that SMPA lead- his name – it could have been any ties like internships and guest sor of media and public aff airs, ment to bolstering diversity and ers are invested in their education number of things but, instead, he speakers. Sesno also had a hand in held the interim director post in inclusion eff orts. and success. hung around and he wanted to developing SMPA’s Career Access 2004 after the school’s director In 2016, SMPA offi cials created “It’s a signal to them that engage the conversation which is, Network, which grants scholar- resigned. Lee Huebner, a profes- a committee aimed at increas- they’ve arrived at the place where I think, fantastic.” ships to SMPA seniors and gradu- sor of media and public aff airs, ing the diversity of the student they wanted to be,” Karpf said. Garret Hoff – a co-director of ate students who work in low-paid served as the school’s director for body. Last spring, SMPA students Peter Loge, the director of the the SMPA Director’s Advisory or unpaid internships. a few years before resigning in planned to propose new diversity Project on Ethics in Political Com- Council, a student advisory body With Sesno at its helm, the 2009, when Sesno came on board. measures after claiming offi cials munication, recalled a moment revived under Sesno – said work- school has added two major re- “I have spent the last 11 years had not taken serious action to when he saw Sesno walking out- ing with Sesno has been a “true search eff orts – the Project on Ethics committed to SMPA, to helping make the school more inclusive. side his classroom and asked him honor and privilege.” He added in Political Communication, which this place grow and everyone “We need to really be com- to join his class discussion about that the director’s decision to examines ethical standards in the here,” Sesno said. “I hope to be mitted – genuinely, honest-to-god the U.S. House of Representatives’ reintroduce the council refl ects fi eld, and the Institute for Data, De- more productive and feel like part committed – to diversity and in- move to impeach President Don- his dedication to listening to the mocracy and Politics, which stud- of a very special community. Just clusion,” Sesno said. “That needs ald Trump. Loge said Sesno re- opinions and concerns of SMPA ies digital misinformation. because I won’t be the director, to be not something we just talked counted his experiences covering students. “The benefi t of all of these is per se, doesn’t mean that I still about but something that we take the Clinton impeachment and of- “He is a brilliant, inspiring they reinforce and advance our wouldn’t be heavily invested in risks to achieve.” fered some similarities and diff er- leader who I always found to be a mission to understand how we in- that proposition and be willing to SMPA faculty said that in ad- ences between the two instances. tireless advocate for all members form and gather around informa- advance it.” dition to his tangible accomplish- He said the anecdote is repre- of the SMPA community,” Hoff tion to govern ourselves toward Sesno said the school’s next di- ments, Sesno has undertaken the sentative of Sesno’s commitment said. the aim of both learning through rector will face the “intensifying” work of forming personal rela- to forming meaningful relation- –Ed Prestera contributed our research, teaching and then challenge teaching SMPA students tionships with faculty, staff and ships with students and impart- reporting. Foggy Bottom Association members to meet to discuss neighborhood concerns surrounding woman's death

From Page 1 “People are fed up about the borhood for more than 20 years no citations at 2505 I St. but will bers noted in the email chain that buildings that are in bad shape, and will continue to do so, but schedule a follow-up inspection they had often observed lights and it’s brought that issue to the are fed up with these properties to confi rm. on and boards removed from the Neighborhood leaders said forefront once again,” Streznews- making our neighborhood seem “DCRA has taken enforce- doors of the vacant I Street prop- the incident is indicative of a ki said. like a slum,” Wayne said in the ment action against the property erties. larger issue residents have faced Following the death, Foggy email. going back several years for fail- Inez Saki-Tay, a community with unkempt homes on I Street. Bottom community member Susan Lampton, a Foggy Bot- ure to maintain the exterior of the outreach specialist at DCRA, Marina Streznewski, the pres- Scott Wayne said in an email to tom resident, called for “account- building,” Babers said. fi elded questions about the death ident of the Foggy Bottom Asso- community members that the ability” in homeownership in the William Kennedy Smith, the and the properties on I Street ciation, said she heard from com- death at 2507 I St. led him to feel neighborhood. former chair of the Foggy Bottom from community members at the munity members that the woman concerned about vacant proper- “I look forward to immediate and West End Advisory Neigh- ANC meeting Wednesday. City who died struggled with sub- ties in the neighborhood, includ- resolutions and will join my other borhood Commission, whose offi cials cannot remove squatters stance abuse. Streznewski said ing the home across the street – neighbors who will not let the cir- term ended Wednesday, said the or people who live in a home they the property in which the woman 2506 I St. – that is “leaning” and cumstances of the woman’s tragic family that owns the vacant 2506 don’t own, from vacant proper- was found has been vacant since has “crumbling” steps. death be shrugged off ,” she said I St. property wants to extend the ties, according to D.C. law. she moved to the neighborhood “We do not know the full cir- in the email. property and move into the home. Saki-Tay said people can be in the early 2000s. cumstances of the woman’s death Lucinda Babers, the deputy Smith said several neighbors arrested for trespassing for enter- “The property is a wreck and and how she accessed the space, mayor for operations and infra- are protesting the expansion ing a home that’s been abated, but has been a wreck for decades,” but one thing my neighbors and I structure, said in an email ob- of the home because the added offi cials need proof of a “direct she said. defi nitely agree on is that having tained by The Hatchet that DCRA rooms would block sunlight from correlation” between the squat- Streznewski said the death abandoned and dilapidated prop- offi cials inspected the prop- the house in the back. The fam- ter and the home’s boards being at the property has highlighted erties in the neighborhood is not erty next to 2507 I St., where the ily will need an exception from removed. neighbors’ concerns with the helpful, healthy or safe,” he said woman was found dead, and the DCRA to build if the expansion “Ugly is not a violation,” Saki- appearance and danger posed in the email, which was obtained home at 2506 I St., located across does block the light, he said. Tay said. “What I mean by that by dilapidated properties in the by The Hatchet. the street. She said offi cials noted “The ANC has to decide is there are properties that don’t neighborhood. She said the Fog- Wayne said allowing vacant possible violations for the front whether to allow these to make look that great. But if the prop- gy Bottom Association will hold and decrepit-looking properties step of the home and a window an exception to do their expan- erty is sound, and it’s not causing a meeting Tuesday night to dis- to remain in the neighborhood is but planned to do a full inspec- sion, or whether they’re going to harm to the public at large, then cuss how neighbors and city of- a “blight” to the community. tion last Wednesday. sell this,” Smith said. we can’t force the person to beau- fi cials can address the homes. “We have lived in the neigh- She said DCRA offi cials found Multiple community mem- tify their property.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK Why a senior official in sorority and fraternity life left GW. p. 2

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “Finding the right person to replace Evans will be a difficult task, and students should think about which issues matter to them when choosing a candidate to support and advocate for.” OpinionsJanuary 21, 2020 • Page 6 — KIRAN HOEFFNER-SHAH ON 1/16/20 Phi Sigma Sigma recruitment withdrawal reflects intolerance for racism ne sorority did not Phi Sigma Sigma and an to pay for the actions of get to partake in example of what happens another sorority member. the buzz and hype to an organization that de- The University is con- Oof sorority recruitment velops a reputation for al- tinuing to promote a cul- and bid day on the Nation- lowing racism. ture of inclusivity, and al Mall this year. Phi Sig- Sororities are supposed sororities need to move ma Sigma withdrew from to foster an environment in the same direction. the process on the first in which women feel that For Phi Sigma Sigma, day of recruitment, leav- they are part of a family. withdrawing from recruit- ing many people outside But Phi Sigma Sigma has ment can give the chapter of the Panhellenic Asso- hindered that goal and time to rebuild its rela- ciation with unanswered prevented potential new tionships with members questions about the chap- members from believing of the GW community. ter’s future. that they can take part in Instead of welcoming new an inclusive organization. members, the chapter can Hannah Thacker There is nothing more use the semester to make isolating than feeling like amends with communities Contributing Opinions you are a part of an or- it hurt. Phi Sigma Sigma Editor ganization that allows or needs to make it clear to condones racist or unethi- the community that while cal actions, and potential they were represented What goes around new members likely saw by someone who showed comes around, and Phi that concern during the racist behavior, they are Sigma Sigma is paying the recruitment process. moving forward with price for its former presi- On the heels of two steps that will prevent any dent’s racist Snapchat last racist incidents over the incident from happening semester. But seeing that past couple of years, offi- again. the chapter was unable to cials and student leaders Taking a chapter out of continue with recruitment have pushed diversity to the recruitment process showed a change different the forefront of the Uni- may look like a hit for Pan- from the diversity train- versity. By now, values of hel, but it does not need ings and discussions all diversity and inclusivity to be. Phi Sigma Sigma’s Panhel sororities were re- should be ingrained in all removal is a sign that stu- quired to attend in the fall. students’ minds, and Phi dents do not tolerate racist Sororities head into Sigma Sigma’s departure behavior and a lesson for recruitment with the sole is a reflection of the direc- other sororities that they purpose of garnering tion the University should will pay for their actions. more members. But Phi be heading. Potential new If Phi Sigma Sigma wants Sigma Sigma knew it could members may have not to remain on campus and not take in the members wanted to preference Phi get new members in the it needed for a successful Sigma Sigma because future, they need to show process, demonstrating they do not stand for rac- growth and a commitment that students may have ist behavior. This shift in to reforming the internal not wanted to be part of a attitude is a step in the Cartoon by Hannah Thacker culture of the sorority. sorority with a racist past. right direction for both –Hannah Thacker, a Choosing to leave recruit- sororities and new mem- insensitive event does not to sororities about the with problematic histo- sophomore majoring in ment is both a sign that bers, and sororities should happen again. consequences of their ries, and Panhel should political communication, is potential new members continue to promote inclu- The sorority’s remov- actions. There is no tol- continue working to en- The Hatchet’s contributing did not want to be part of sivity to ensure another al also sends a message erance for organizations sure they do not need opinions editor.

GWPD’s new chief should Bisexuality is just as valid as prioritize community policing every other letter in LGBTQ

STAFF EDITORIAL ou are just con- to grow up in an accept- some people because it fused. Are you ing area of Los Angeles, is considered the norm ever going to surrounded mostly by Nearly nine months after build trust while mak- tice. The University of Mi- to be attracted to only Ymake up your mind? people who were sup- one type of person. Bi- the former senior associate ing students feel safer and ami’s police chief gets to You are not really bi- portive of my choices vice president for safety and more comfortable around know students by taking sexuality challenges sexual, you are just gay and my identity. But security abruptly left, ad- officers. The department them out to lunch and ask- that norm and, in turn, and do not want to say I can still point to in- ministrators have selected a could create a website to re- ing them for suggestions to causes many people so. You should be care- stances of biphobia I new GW Police Department port police discrimination, improve the office’s polic- to question and doubt ful – bisexuals cheat on faced from those inside leader. More importantly, which students advocated ing. GW’s peers have made it. This lack of under- people. and outside of my fam- GWPD has been given an- for in 2015. GWPD should an effort to take a commu- standing is at the core ily and friends. other chance to start fresh. also increase the number nity approach to policing by of issues facing the bi- In high school, I was James Tate will be the of programs that educate prioritizing trust and com- sexual community. Hannah Thacker talking with friends fifth person to oversee students and community munication – and GWPD Many people in the about our futures and GWPD in two years, bring- members about GWPD should do the same. Contributing LGBTQ community potential lives. I was ing with him experience as procedure and host discus- To regain the trust of the may believe that bi- Opinions Editor dating a woman at the the former chief of police at sions among officers, - ad community, officers must sexual people are too time, but I was told that Rice University but taking ministrators and students build a better relationship afraid to come out as I would end up marry- over an office with many un- to allow community mem- and work to understand the gay or do not want to I have heard it all, ing a man because my answered questions about bers to voice concerns. needs of campus. One way be with bisexual peo- and it is because I am “phase” will be over by administrative changes. In In the past, GWPD GWPD has improved com- ple because they think bisexual. But I rarely the time I am grown up. a department plagued by has aimed to build trust munity relations in the past we are more likely to hear a conversation I was so hurt that my turnover, Tate’s new leader- through the Connect Pro- was by changing its policy cheat. Bisexual people about biphobia – the friends did not seem to ship gives the GW commu- gram, which brought offi- on liquor law violations to are not considered in fear or aversion toward believe that my identity nity an opportunity to de- cers and students together only EMeRG students if discussions about is- bisexual people – which was real, but I bit my velop goals for the direction in an informal environment. emergency medical services sues facing those in the is surprising given that tongue because I felt it of the office. Officials also created a stu- finds them over-intoxicated. LGBTQ community be- I experience the issue was better to say noth- Tate has mentioned in- dent advisory board in 2018 Policies that minimize the cause many see bisexu- in all facets of my life. ing. tentions to introduce com- to help GWPD identify safe- need for GWPD to intervene als as having a “hetero” Bisexual people face dis- I have also faced munity policing, meaning ty concerns and work with will alleviate some concerns privilege when they are crimination from both judgment from within that GWPD officers would students. Tate should in- about interacting with of- in opposite-gender re- the straight and LGBTQ the LGBTQ community. prioritize building relation- stitute more programs that ficers. lationships, or they are communities, which of- In one instance, I was ships with the community. allow students and officers Community policing can seen as posers when ten doubt their existence told that bisexual peo- At a school where GWPD to get to know each other, easily be a buzzword that they are in a same-sex because they are not ple are greedy and want has sometimes lacked com- while also addressing larger does not solve real prob- relationship. seen as a member of ei- to say they are a part of munity trust, bringing in a problems with trust that lems, but it can also be a Stereotypes and ther group. the community and still new approach to policing center around race relations framework for bridging the misunderstanding about Biphobia is seen in date opposite gender could help the department and abuse on campus. divide between officer mo- bisexual people are everything, like the in- partners. Hearing a ste- rebuild. As Tate takes over a Tate should also consid- rale, campus safety and stu- harmful to both the peo- sistence that bisexual reotype from a commu- historically shaky office, he er some of our peer schools’ dent satisfaction. Externally, ple perpetuating these people are confused nity that is supposed to should present plans to in- programs aimed at build- some students do not trust beliefs and the bisexual about their sexuality be accepting of all iden- stitute community policing ing community trust. At GWPD. Internally, GWPD community. If there is and only attracted to one tities was disheartening that prioritizes trust, com- Boston University, officials officers may lack morale as enough tolerance to un- gender. It is seen in the and made me feel that munication and relation- hired a veteran officer with several officials have shuffled derstand and accept that fear-based stereotypes there is no group that ships. roots in the community to in and out of the department. some people are attracted that bisexual people are really accepts bisexual- Some student organiza- serve as deputy chief. The Community policing, which to the same gender, there promiscuous or more ity. tions have criticized GWPD Georgetown University Po- brings accountability in the should be enough toler- likely to cheat on their Bisexual people are for its role in race relations lice Department has worked form of open forums and re- ance to understand that partners than people not confused. They are in past years, alleging that to quantify racial incidents lationships, is a compromise some people are attracted who are not bisexual. Bi- not just secretly gay, GWPD contributes to a na- between police officers and that can solve GWPD’s exter- to more than one. sexual people are cut out and they are not more tional issue of distrust be- students and administrators nal and internal problems. Bisexual people are of conversations on LG- likely to cheat on you. tween civilians and police. hosted an open forum for It will be easier for Tate valid. Intolerance, stereo- BTQ issues like health Bisexual identities are Student trust has also been students and officials to dis- to improve campus safety types and toxic erasure care and societal accep- valid and deserve to be damaged by past incidents, cuss racial bias in policing. measures if he has the trust toward this sexuality tance, and sometimes seen as such. like a 2017 lawsuit that al- Members of the University of students and the broader should not be accepted. they are cut out of the Many misunder- leged GWPD arrested an of Southern California can GW community. He must im- We are here, and we are community altogether. standings and stereo- admitted student who was have a say in policing by plement a stronger commu- here to stay. But bisexual people are the victim of domestic participating in the school’s nity policing approach that is types about bisexual –Hannah Thacker, a part of the LGBTQ com- abuse. Cadet Program, which al- grounded in communication, people are rooted in ig- sophomore majoring in po- munity and deserve to Taking a community lows people to learn about trust and community rela- norance. Being attract- litical communication, is have a seat at the table. policing approach can help policing and criminal jus- tionships. ed to more than one The Hatchet’s contributing I was lucky enough gender may confuse opinions editor.

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THE LIL BABY GRACE POTTER ARMIN VAN BUREN SCENE The Anthem The Anthem Echostage Jan. 23 • $55-80 Jan. 25 • $45-75 Jan. 25 • $159 Rapper known for his Roots rock singer Potter This Dutch DJ will make collaboration on “Yes will bring chill vibes like attendees jump to electro Indeed” with Drake will perform Thursday. “Stars” to D.C. Saturday. house beats Saturday. RELEASED CultureJanuary 21, 2020 • Page 7 THIS WEEK: ‘CIRCLES,’ AN ALBUM BY MAC MILLER Oscar-nominated movies worth watching before the awards ceremony Dozens of films are up for Oscar nominations, but worthy movies. Here’s a rundown of the films that only a few will take home the coveted golden statue. racked up the most Oscar nominations to help you You may not have the time, interest or money to narrow down which movies are worth your time at watch every film, so we’ve compiled a list of note- the theater. ‘Joker’ Carroll Shelby and race car with powerful labor union touch your soul. If a movie en. The movie depicts the dark sides of both families, Todd Phillips’ “Joker” is driver Ken Miles, who take leader and figure in orga- can reinvent the wheel, it’s upbringing of four sisters, crafting parallels between disturbingly compelling but on Enzo Ferrari’s racing em- nized crime, Jimmy Hoffa. this one. each with different dreams the families while creating a an absolute must-see. In the pire. While the story moves Robert De Niro plays the title – Gracie Jamison for their futures, from a small double-edged sympathy and film, clown-for-hire Arthur slowly at times, “Ford v. Fer- character, Frank Sheeran, Massachusetts town during distrust of both families’ be- Fleck – played by Joaquin rari” takes the time to show and shows us with nuance, ‘Jojo Rabbit’ the Civil War. The March haviors. The film culminates Phoenix – feels isolated by the grit that comes with the vulnerability and gentle hu- “Jojo Rabbit” is a dram- sisters navigate their transi- in an unexpected plot twist a society that knocks him world of professional rac- mor the consequences of de- edy showing the story of an tion into adulthood, facing during a birthday party for down time and time again, ing. James Mangold’s film cay. “The Irishman” is a vital impressionable 10-year-old challenges with love and the the Park family’s young son. literally. When Fleck stops jumps between adrenaline- reminder to the viewer about German boy named Jojo liv- responsibilities of a woman Enticing and unsettling, taking his medications and inducing racing scenes and the inevitability of time pass- ing in Nazi Germany during in the 1800s. The film is filled “Parasite” is nothing short of gets ahold of a gun, the man heart-wrenching personal ing. World War II. Throughout with Hollywood’s best with cinematic brilliance. behind the clown mask seeks struggles, all while teaching –Gracie Jamison the film, Jojo confides to his actors Saoirse Ronan, Timo- –Bridie O’Connell revenge on the world that a valuable lesson that not ev- imaginary friend: Hitler. But thee Chalamet, Meryl Streep, turned its back on him. ery attempt for success pays ‘1917’ when he discovers a Jewish Florence Pugh, Laura Dern ‘Once Upon a Time in Phoenix portrays Fleck’s off. We’ve seen dozens of teenage girl his mother has and Emma Watson. “Little Hollywood’ mental devolution with such –Kiran Hoeffner-Shah movies about war, but “1917” been hiding in the attack, Women” is a must-see for “Once Upon a Time in intensity that his every little is worth adding to the list. Jojo’s developing Nazi beliefs anyone who wants to leave Hollywood” tells the story movement and mannerism ‘The Irishman’ The film is made to look as and trust in his imaginary the theater with a full heart. of Rick Dalton – played by sends chills down your For a movie about fol- if it is one single shot, tak- pal are tested. The directors –Carly Neilson Leonardo DiCaprio – an spine. For a full two hours, lowing rules, “The Irish- ing your breath away and cased an odd mix of actors aging actor struggling to your heart will pound and man” sure does break a few. breaking your heart at some like Rebel Wilson and Scar- ‘Parasite’ find his place after his hey- you won’t be able to pull your In many ways, the movie jaw-dropping moments. Fea- lett Johansson, but the star- Making history as the first day in a ’50s western televi- eyes away from the screen in shows director Martin Scors- turing something of a dream studded group embodies the Korean film to be nominated sion show, and Cliff Booth this suspenseful film. ese wrestling with his own team in director Sam Mendes film’s elements of satire and for best picture and several – played by Brad Pitt – who –Rachel Trauner inner demons, but it also and 14-time Oscar nominee drama. other Oscar categories, Bong is Dalton’s longtime stunt serves as an overview and writer Roger Deakins, “1917” –Anna Boone Joon Ho’s “Parasite” tells the double and best friend. Writ- ‘Ford v. Ferrari’ arguable culmination of his centers around two men story of the poverty-stricken ten and directed by Quentin “Ford v. Ferrari” is not career. Based on the book, seeking to save a battalion ‘Little Women’ Kim family who artfully Tarantino, the film explores just an action-packed racing “I Heard You Paint Houses,” from walking into a trap. The The novel “Little Wom- manipulate their way into themes of consequence and movie – it’s a human inter- the movie slowly takes us scenes, some of which show en” has been adapted several replacing the household staff companionship as Rick and est story. Matt Damon and along on the journey of an a town in flames and images times, but Greta Gerwig’s of the affluent Park family. Cliff navigate the changing Christian Bale star in the true average, working-class man’s of combat, look like paint- modern take on the Ameri- Commenting on class divi- landscape of Hollywood story of visionary automaker life as he joins the Irish mob ings on the screen, while the can classic will inspire you sion and social inequality, during the late ’60s. and becomes close friends moments of human bravery with stories of young wom- the film shows the light and –Brennan Fiske Freshman mentors high schoolers in Michelle Obama campaign DIEGO MENDOZA dents to pursue higher edu- who she counsels through REPORTER cation despite the Univer- the college application pro- sity’s relatively small Latino cess and fields questions Many freshmen only student population. about school, she said. dream about landing an in- About 9 percent of GW Delgado said she sends ternship or leadership posi- students identified as His- her vlogs to campaign pro- tion in their first year, much panic in 2019, according to ducers, who compile videos less a job under former First institutional data. from the three other repre- Lady Michelle Obama. “I’m the oldest out of sentatives from California, But freshman Linette three siblings, and I come North Dakota and Alabama Delgado is one of four select- from a Mexican household into a series on ATTN’s IGTV ed to participate in Obama’s where you’re told you have page. The first episode is set “A Year of Firsts” project, a to go to school because that’s to premiere later this month, multimedia collaboration the only option to get out of she said. between the advocacy group how you grew up,” she said. She said that while she ATTN and the first-genera- “At times, I did doubt my mostly vlogs about her study CAMILLE DESANTO | PHOTOGRAPHER tion initiative Reach Higher. worth, because you’re com- habits and campus culture The techno-inspired exhibit “Future Sketches” will showcase the work of artist and computer The campaign aims to pro- peting against other students on her phone, there are other programmer Zach Lieberman. vide students from socio- and you also have limited re- not-so-positive aspects of economically marginalized sources.” college life that she wants to backgrounds with insight She said she interned for share. Delgado said she dis- into the lives of first-genera- Reach Higher last semester cusses her struggle to find Artechouse exhibit uses code to tion students before they em- and worked for iMentor, an a core group of friends and bark on college themselves. advocacy organization that student organizations to join. “The first year of col- guides high school seniors “I do try to give them a create interactive design lege is exciting, but also a through the college applica- raw experience of what col- little nerve-racking,” Obama tion process. Delgado said lege is like,” Delgado said. she impressed Reach Higher “I think a lot of students will RACHEL ARMANY mations of costumes or er Jessica Helfand that wrote on Instagram earlier coordinators with her com- glamorize college life and STAFF WRITER shapes projected onto chronicles the history this month. “As a first-gener- mitment to help first-gener- won’t tell you what’s really moving bodies, distorted of facial recognition and ation college student myself, ation students, and she was going on, so I try to be real A new installation at human faces and hands phrenology – the ways I know how intimidating recommended as a represen- and keep that balanced.” Artechouse uses com- and moving shapes and in which phrenology has it can be to try to navigate tative for Obama’s campaign. Delgado said that while puter code to transform colors. been racially discrimi- through a new place and “I didn’t think it was fake she ultimately wants to images of the human “I want to make art- natory in determining make new friends, all while when I got the email about give high school seniors body into an interactive work or create a space what a “criminal” face is. trying to figure out who you the project, but it came out insight into her experi- design. that makes you feel like “The structure of the are and who you want to be.” of nowhere,” Delgado said. ence with class, friends The “Future Sketch- you want to make some- exhibition, whether it The campaign’s four “I said, ‘Yes’ immediately and extracurriculars, she es” exhibit, which will thing too,” he said. “I has labs, the sketch lab, participants are students because I feel that Latinos, also wants to use the op- be on display at the want to show what code the code lab, it invites who have faced “tremen- in general, have to be repre- portunity to break down Artechouse until March feels like because this is you to learn in a very dous odds” to attend col- sented, and it was a chance the stereotype that Latino 1, uses elements like a medium that I really playful environment,” lege, Obama said in the post. to encourage other Latino students cannot succeed in light, animation and love, but I think it’s not Galperina said. “And The interns will share their students to pursue higher school. facial recognition soft- always approachable.” there are elements that stories about “the ups, the education.” “There are lots of stu- ware to show visitors an Liberman said he he brings in that are downs and everything in She said the bulk of her dents of color who are expressive augmented splits his time between not just playful, but he between” of college life, she job with “A Year of Firsts” in- excited about pursuing reality. New York-based his art and teaching wants to create a space said. volves blogging and record- higher education,” she new media artist Zach media arts at the Mas- for greater conversa- She said that as a first- ing videos on IGTV of her said. “This is about letting Lieberman said he in- sachusetts Institute of tion.” generation Latina student, typical days at school, which the world know that we tends for the exhibit to Technology and the The interactive labs of she had to independently involves morning treks to need help, and if that help illustrate what the hu- School of Poetic Compu- “Future Sketches” also apply for college and navi- class, reflections of her days could be given, it would man voice or body might tation in New York. He include a device where gate a predominantly white and topics followers ask her be greatly appreciated be- look like in inanimate said that like teaching, it visitors can talk into school. She said the initiative to discuss. Delgado also texts cause there are not a lot of objects. was rewarding to watch a microphone and see is an opportunity for her to daily with assigned mentees, support systems.” “Technology should people interacting with their voice turn into col- encourage other Latino stu- always be in service the space he created. orful lights on a screen. of the idea,” Liberman “You don’t under- A light refraction soft- wrote on Artechouse’s stand your work un- ware that reflects shapes website. “The idea til you see how other and letters are placed on should be something people see it,” he said. a table that people can that is poetic or that tells “So actually putting it move around, manipu- us about what it means out there and seeing lating the displays on to be human. When I how other people, what the screen. create work, I don’t want they’re excited about, Exhibit attendee Zoe people to point at it and you learn about yourself Hawryluk said her fa- say, ‘That’s dope soft- as a trainer.” vorite element was the ware.’ I want them to Lena Galperina, the “Face Lab” – a feature say, ‘That’s a beautiful visitor experience direc- that allows visitors to sit idea.’” tor at Artechouse, said down and make facial The exhibit is divid- Lieberman was an easy expressions on camera. ed into three distinct choice for the company’s The expressions are cod- rooms. The “Code Lab” 15th exhibition because ed to match with other gives visitors a look at he combines education faces that are similar to the code behind the de- about code and media theirs. signs, the “Interactive art to create an artistic “When you raise Lab” allows visitors to design, following Arte- your eyebrows or smile, augment their body with chouse’s goal to help you get like this burst drawings and costumes, visitors learn about tech- of light,” she said. “And and the “Face Lab” al- nology through art. I thought that that was lows people to virtually Galperina cited a very beautiful to equate try on geometric masks. feature of the exhibit in human emotion with so Visitors can also ex- which Liberman shows many different kinds of SARAH URTZ | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR pect to see short ani- a video essay of design- people.” Freshman Linette Delgado is one of four first-generation student representatives for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “A Year of Firsts” campaign. GAMES OF THE WEEK MEN’S TENNIS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Howard vs. Dayton Friday | 12:45 p.m. Wednesday | 7 p.m. Men’s tennis goes after its first The Colonials look to snap a two- victory of the 2020 season. game losing streak and nab their second conference win. The average number of seconds by which graduate student Haoning Chen January 21, 2020 • Page 8 NUMBER Sports CRUNCH .38 defeated the closest opponent in his first Division I swimming compeition. INJURED TO STARTERS: FIRST-YEARS LEAD WOMEN’S SQUAD First-year forward finds starting role for women’s basketball ROMAN BOBEK ham Jan. 12 and 18 points with a “veteran pres- STAFF WRITER in a victory over Duquesne ence” and substitute. Jan. 8. Against conference Rizzotti added that A preseason injury foes, she averages 7.8 points Taiwo is learning how to kept redshirt freshman per game and a team-high adapt to the different de- Mayowa Taiwo off the 7.5 rebounds per game. fenses opposing teams im- court last season, but she’s Her strength on the plement to counter her play bounced back this year boards distinguishes her and increase her offensive and exploded into Atlantic from other players in the range to the perimeter to 10 play. A-10. In conference games, serve as a double threat. Taiwo earned a piv- Taiwo ranks No. 9 in re- “She’s made some re- otal starting role on the bounds per game, and she ally big strides in her de- squad this season, becom- ranks third among A-10 velopment, and I think her ing a regular to the start- players with 3.5 offensive confidence has skyrocket- ing lineup last month and boards per game. ed as a result of that,” Riz- contributing 5.8 points and Head coach Jennifer zotti said. 6.7 rebounds per game in Rizzotti said Taiwo has Graduate student for- that span. The Hanover, become “more comfort- ward Alexandra Maund Md.-native reached career able” with her strength said Taiwo is an athletic highs in both points and and quickness, and she has “tank” and plays at “100 rebounds in her first four the ability to harness her it percent” during every mo- games of conference play. during games to succeed. ment of every game. FILE PHOTO BY ARI GOLUB | PHOTOGRAPHER Redshirt freshman guard Tori Hyduke drives the ball toward the basket in a game against Georgetown. “I’m hoping to be a con- “I’ve really tried to put “I’ve had some teams sistent player for coach,” her in positions where that have been close, but Taiwo said. “She’s really she can use her strength she is 100 percent every looking for somebody to and her quickness to get second that she is on the Redshirt freshman point guard guides play both sides of the floor, easy baskets,” Rizzotti floor and it is so incredible so I hope to bring my de- said. “But she’s worked re- to watch,” Maund said. fense into offense.” ally hard on being able to Taiwo said her con- women’s basketball after injury Taiwo said she devel- change her pace and find fidence has only grown oped a bond with redshirt different ways to score “a little bit” since finding ROHAN KANDESHWARATH for averaging 22 points in a said. freshman guard Tori Hy- based on how the defense more court time this sea- STAFF WRITER pair of road comeback wins She added that Hyduke’s duke, who was sidelined is guarding her. So she has son, but Maund said it’s against Delaware and Quin- shifting role has been accom- with an injury last seaso- a lot more patience.” because Taiwo plays with After spending a year on nipiac. panied by increased minutes nand and helped her over- In the absence of ju- humility. the sidelines, redshirt fresh- “I’m really just thinking studying film, asking “good” come the first-year road- nior forward Neila Luma, “Sometimes I’m like, man guard Tori Hyduke has of trying to run our offense questions and turning her block. who has been relegated to ‘Really? You don’t have to found the ball in her hands to the best of my ability, and mindset away from being a Taiwo averages 6.2 the bench with an injury be good at everything,’” more than any women’s bas- the shots just come from it,” scoring point guard. rebounds per game and since Nov. 20, Taiwo has Maund said. “But it’s in ketball player this season. Hyduke said. “There’s a receptiveness has amassed 106 total re- provided much-needed such a humble way and An ACL injury put Hy- Last season, Hyduke said to her and a willingness to bounds this season. On intensity down low, aver- she’s very shy about all her duke on the bench for the she looked up to 2019-gradu- be a really consummate point offense, she averages 5.3 aging 23.6 minutes on the talents.” 2018-19 season, delaying her ate point guard Mei-Lyn guard and not just a scoring points per game over the court per game. Rizzotti The Colonials return to debut at the point for the Co- Bautista for her style of play point guard that I’ve really course of 17 games. said she hopes Luma will the Smith Center against lonials (7-10, 1-3 A-10). This and love for the team. She seen develop over the last few She has garnered career be able to participate in Dayton at 7 p.m. Wednes- season, Hyduke said she is added that she and Bautista weeks,” Rizzotti said. highs in A-10 play, taking practice in the coming day after a two-game road developing her voice as a spent some time last season Hyduke’s teammates have 14 rebounds against Ford- weeks to provide Taiwo stint. young leader and adapting to discussing the nuances of also tried to encourage her the expectations of manning the point guard role in GW’s development through com- GW’s offense at the point. system. munication on the court, a “It’s definitely a big jump Hyduke said she is look- skill necessary to running an from high school to college,” ing to head coach Jennifer offense, graduate student for- she said. “Having to step into Rizzotti this season, a former ward Alexandra Maund said. the point guard role as a fresh- point guard at UConn, to help She added that the squad’s man is difficult, but it’s some- her improve her leadership heightened communication thing that I’m trying to get and communication skills. has helped her see the floor better and better at every day.” “She’s hard on me, but I’m and find teammates. The squad lost both red- ready for it and I know that Maund said coming back shirt junior guard Sydney it’s going to help me in the from injury to a starting posi- Zambrotta and sophomore long run and help the team in tion is not easy, but Hyduke guard Maddie Loder to inju- the long run,” Hyduke said, has transitioned well and be- ry on Nov. 13 and Dec. 20, re- referring to Rizzotti. came a floor general who can spectively, which limited the As the offense attempts lead the Colonials to victory. team’s options at the point. In to derive more points in the “To go from being out for their absences, Hyduke is the paint and from post players, a whole year, not playing any lone Colonial to start all 17 Hyduke’s role on the team is basketball to coming on and games this season and leads ever-changing. Rizzotti said playing college basketball is GW with 32.2 minutes per she has responded well to such an adjustment,” Maund game. the shift from a producer to a said. “It’s one I actually made She fires at a 39.3 percent passer. myself and it’s so hard. So, clip from the field and sinks “The first couple of con- to know that she’s not only a team-leading 41.1 percent of ference games, teams have come back on the floor but is shots from deep to the tune really keyed on her and she’s now starting and leading us of 10.2 points per game. She struggled to get done what as a point guard is insane.” FILE PHOTO BY ARI GOLUB | PHOTOGRAPHER earned Atlantic 10 Rookie of she was able to do in the non- –Roman Bobek contributed Redshirt freshman forward Mayowa Taiwo takes a free throw in December’s game against Georgetown. the Week honors last month conference portion,” Rizzotti reporting. ‘Someone to lean on’: Freshman roommates offer support system in first year EMILY MAISE with me, it just boosts with handling the ball SPORTS EDITOR my morale,” Battle said. from the get-go, and Men’s basketball “He believes in me and I he has proven to be an topped George Mason for believe in him, and I think effective scorer and passer, its first Atlantic 10 win it’s something I’m lucky to averaging 10.1 points per Wednesday, but another have.” game on .389 shooting moment stuck out to Battle has been a from the field and ranking freshman guard Jameer force from three-point second on the team with Nelson Jr. and freshman range, hitting a triple in 38 assists. On defense, forward Jamison Battle. every game this season Nelson Jr.’s quick hands Freshman forward and leading the squad have disrupted opponents’ Chase Paar was hit by a with a .416 three-point passing and earned him a screen, and the gum he was shooting percentage. His team-leading 33 steals. chewing flew out of his sharpshooting has led him Battle said Nelson Jr. mouth. Nelson Jr. scanned to average 12.3 points per took on the challenge at the court and locked eyes game. In conference play, the point position and has with Battle, who burst his average jumps to 16 grown to be a jack-of-all- into laughter. The moment points per game. trades through shooting, was insignificant to the “Shooters don’t get driving to the rim and game’s outcome, but the shots if they don’t get defending to help the team duo said it demonstrates a the ball, and I think my win. closeness that has helped teammates have really “I just remember seeing them thrive in their first helped me,” Battle said. him in the summer,” Battle year as Colonials. “Coach has helped me. He said. “I know coming in, believes in me. He’s given point guard, there’s a lot Nelson Jr. and Battle ARIELLE BADER | SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR have been staples to head me this opportunity as a you have to know. As a Freshmen Jameer Nelson Jr. and Jamison Battle said sharing a room has helped them bond on and off the court. coach Jamion Christian’s freshman and I think not freshman, I think he’s always connecting.” Colonial this season, shoot the ball but also team, serving as two of a lot of freshmen get the just grown tremendously, Nelson Jr. added that racking up 17 starts. He make really dynamic plays the three players to see opportunity right away.” the right reads, he’s just their bond as roommates also leads the team in in the lane.” action in all 18 games this Nelson Jr. said Battle becoming a better player.” and friends causes them minutes, logging 34.6 per Christian added that season. The two hold three was criticized for his The bond between the to hold each other to a game. Nelson Jr. averages the duo was a “good A-10 Rookie of the Week rebounding coming into two freshmen extends high standard and feed off 28.1 minutes per game and combination” for the honors, making them the college, but he has since off the court and into each other in games and has started 16 contests. program’s future and their first pair of freshmen to snatched a team-leading the residence hall room practice. Christian said Battle and bond off the court created receive the nods since 7.6 rebounds in conference they share. Battle said the “We get on each other Nelson Jr. earned their a support system for the Joe McDonald and Kevin play to shut down two have stayed up until a lot, but it’s because we playing time in practice young players. Larsen earned the award commentators. the early morning “just love each other,” Nelson and make contributions to “It’s great that they’re seven years ago. “He’s just going talking.” Nelson Jr. added Jr. said. “We want to be the squad on both offense roommates and they have Battle said the moments against a lot of adversity,” that the pair grabs dinner the best at whatever we’re and defense. the chance to bond together in games when he can Nelson Jr. said. “In high together at least five times trying to do. We just work “We really value guys and work together and “laugh and goof around” school, people said a lot a week, frequenting their and work off each other. I that can shoot the ball, just go through these with Nelson Jr. represent of things about him. ‘You go-to spot Wawa. think we keep each other and Jamison Battle is trials and tribulations their connectivity off the can’t rebound, you can’t “We’re always talking at a certain standard. obviously one of the best together,”Christian said. court as roommates and do certain things,’ but about basketball, whether We hold each other shooters in our league,” “They have someone to friends. he’s proved people wrong. it’s in the dorm or in the accountable.” Christian said. “We value lean on.” “I think having my He’s been a crazy scoring locker room,” Battle said. Battle has started guys like Jameer that are –Belle Long contributed roommate on the court threat for us.” “We’re always talking Nelson Jr. was tasked about something. We’re the most games of any great defensively and can reporting.