VOL. 28 THE KNIGHT NEWS JULY 2021 CUNY BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONVENES FOR FIRST TIME IN OVER A YEAR

SEE PAGE 3 Honors and business abound at meeting

INTERVIEW WITH REP. GARY ACKERMAN RETAIL WORKERS QUIT AT RECORD RATES RECENT STUDY SHOWS AMAZON RAINFOREST FOR HIGHER PAYING JOBS EMITTING MORE CARBON THAN IT ABSORBS

SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 6 SEE PAGE 8

A sit-down with the former Collective action making waves in the The implications of a changing Congressman private sector ecosystem

theknightnewsqc the knight news theknightnews.com 2 OP-ED

A message from the Editor in Chief: Do the Right Thing. Dear Readers, I’d like to begin my first message as Editor- in-Chief by extending my gratitude once again to Sidd Malviya, whom I succeeded in Recognize Eid. this position. Sidd continues to provide sound advice to the Knight News E-Board, even as he begins his graduate studies at Dartmouth Maria Mahmood University. We all wish him the greatest of luck Reporter and success. As we proceed with cautious optimism For an institution that prides mandates the accommodation of towards the first broad-scale in-person sessions itself on diversity and inclusiveness, any students observing a religious at Queens College since March of last year, the City University of New holiday. However, many Muslim it’s worth noting that, in all likelihood, not York has failed to recognize the students felt excluded from this everything will go exactly according to plan. Muslim holiday, Eid. Observed law, as several professors refused There may be hiccups along the way which after the Islamic holy month of to provide any accommodations. frustrate reopening efforts. As long as we are all patient with, and considerate of, one another, The Knight News, July theknightnews.com 2021 Ramadan, Muslims partake in a Students reported a failure of 3-day celebration, during which professors to cooperate with I’m confident that we will all be able to return they spend time with family and Muslims and provide adjustments to the normal M.O. before long. I, for one, am participate in Eid activities with for tests and assignments. One only too eager to set eye and foot upon our friends and extended relatives. student, who wished to remain beautiful campus once again. Since 2016, NYC public schools anonymous, complained they I’m reminded of the lyrics of Bob officially gave all students and could not communicate with their Dylan, who, in his song “Bob Dylan’s Dream,” faculty one day off for this Muslim professor due to the professor’s describes a pastoral scene spent with his pals: holiday. Now, in 2021, CUNY inability to respond to emails. has failed to make any progress This lack of cooperation led “With half-damp eyes I stared to the room in giving observing students a day to the student taking their final Where my friends and I spent many an off without compromising their on Eid, having to miss their afternoon academic career. Prior to the morning Eid prayer, and felt Where we together weathered many a Spring 2021 semester, Muslim rushed to finish so they can storm Student Associations across properly observe the holiday. Laughin’ and singin’ till the early hours of CUNY collectively composed a the morn” formal request asking for a day The email sent by QC only off for Eid, knowing the holiday deflects their responsibility on Dylan referred to a dream of the past, but I’d would fall just before finals week. religious and cultural inclusiveness. like to think that this can also be a dream for However, the semester progressed our future – days spent, once again, among with no advancement toward the Although Eid is celebrated across friends. recognition of the religious holiday. all 3 days, Muslims university-wide are simply requesting one day off. With numerous Muslim After a month of fasting from dawn Sincerely, organizations across campus, it’s to dusk, all while continuing their Johnny Sullivan no secret that Muslims account education during the semester, Editor-in-Chief for a large population of Queens Muslims are demanding one College. While CUNY rightfully day as a mental break from this gives off for Christian and Jewish exhaustion and to celebrate their H NIG T N holidays, it has yet to acknowledge religious holiday properly. While K E E W

a Muslim holiday. Its disregard of Muslims observe two different H S the religious holiday affects both types of Eid, one celebrated after T

Muslim students and Muslim Ramadan (Eid Al-Fitr), and the Q U E faculty. This past semester, a other celebrated exactly 2 months E G E E demand for a day off on Eid after (Eid Al-Adha), we are merely NS COLL gained tremendous support. A requesting the bare minimum: Queens College Student Union LL35 petition titled “Demand CUNY to one day off after observing Cancel Classes for Eid” received the holy month of Ramadan. JOHNNY SULLIVAN KASIA LIPA nearly 15,000 signatures, only Editor-in-Chief Treasurer emphasizing a call for student Editor’s Note: The author of SAMMY ALI HOLDEN VELASCO inclusiveness. In response, Queens this article, Maria Mahmood, is the Secretary Sports Editor/Webmaster College merely cited the New secretary for the Queens College JAYLA CORDERO KARLA SALINAS York State Education Law which Muslim Students Association. Managing Editor Designer KATHERINE SANCHEZ CHLOE SWEENEY KATIE SCHAEFFER ARWA ALI DOV HERSCHBERG NADIA RAMPERSAUD PASCAL HYACINTHE ASHLEY SIMONS JASMINE DELOATCH, Editors Copy Editors

JASON TOUGAW Faculty Advisor

The Knight News is always looking for new members! Join our team by reaching out to: [email protected] or DM us @theknightnewsqc on Instagram. 3

In-person CUNY Board of Trustees meeting 2021 theknightnews.com July News, Knight The addresses COVID, professor recognitions

Johnny Sullivan Editor-in-Chief-

On July 6th, the CUNY Board Education has been published in of Trustees convened their academic journals and she has monthly meeting, their first in- given presentations at national person since February of last year. conferences such as the Council The board members marked the of Exceptional Children. As occasion with a hearty round of for Mengiste, a member of the applause, and the proceedings faculty for the MFA in Creative began. Writing, her work has also been The Board unanimously nationally published, appearing in approved a resolution to mandate no less than The New Yorker and proof of COVID vaccination for Rolling Stone. Mengiste was also any student wishing to register instrumental in the introduction for in-person classes. The text of of the Writing Minor at QC. the resolution acknowledges that Other colleges in CUNY Governor Cuomo, on May 10th, saw changes to their academics. authorized the Board to resort After a wave of interest, the to such measures. Provisions are resolution to introduce an laid out for “medical and religious Board before making any changes, and internationally renowned Astrophysics MS at the Graduate exemptions and limitations of as the resolution expressly states career in her field” as a “world- Center was unanimously approved. licensure as set forth in a University that no “further action of the leading authority in submarine The resolution touted the “coding statement of policy…” University Board of Trustees” paleoseismology, earthquake and problem-solving experience” Notably, the resolution needs be taken. geology, marine geology and available to prospective Masters also gives CUNY Chancellor There were several biogenic sedimentation.” candidates. Brooklyn College, Felix V. Matos Rodriguez the points of pride for Queens Doctor Mary Theresa meanwhile, formally said goodbye power to modify the vaccination College at the board meeting. Dr. Kiely and Professor via resolution to its Kinesiology mandate as he sees fit, so long as Cecilia M. Gonzalez-Mchugh Mengiste were also on the agenda, Department, which had been such modifications ”… take into of the Environmental Sciences as both were granted early contending with poor enrollment account and comply with any Department was designated tenure by the Board. The honor, numbers and a shrinking faculty subsequent change in federal, a Distinguished Professor at conferred upon those individuals pool. A separate resolution state and/or municipal laws, Queens College, a merit which whose services an organization provided for the transfer of regulations, or executive orders, as entitles her to a yearly monetary wishes to retain, was awarded to the Kinesiology faculty to “the such relate to the… public health award in addition to her regular Kiely and Mengiste in recognition Departments of Biology, Health emergency.” The Chancellor will salary. The resolution commends of their exceptional track record and Nutrition Services, and not be required to consult the Gonzalez-Mchugh for her “long at QC. Dr. Kiely’s work in Special Secondary Education.” 4 Ackerman: A political mover-and- shaker reflects and projects

Johnny Sullivan Editor-in-Chief- career into a portion of a 4-hour I then asked Ackerman what it. They’re praying for the passage interview, but Ackerman still it was that fueled his political of their bill.’” It was a sobering Earlier this month, I had the regaled me with some highlights, aspirations in the first place. moment for Ackerman, who’d privilege of interviewing former as detailed as if they had happened “Ego.” I hadn’t expected such a realized that things had changed Congressman and Queens College yesterday. He was particularly response, but he clarified. “An ego for good. “The conflict was no alumnus Gary Ackerman at his comprehensive in his recollections is fed by any activity which pleases longer good versus bad, as in the home. He had the sort of charisma of crossing Korea’s De-Militarized oneself. In much the same way quality of bills. It was now good one would expect of a national Zone in 1993 as the first man to that a baker’s ego may be fed by versus evil: the morality of bills.” politician, and over the course of do so since the Korean armistice. baking and selling loaves of bread, Ackerman has also noticed a our four-hour interview, he dished When I brought up that an L.A. my ego is fed by helping others and shift in the mediascape since his on the state of journalism, politics, Times article had called him ensuring that they are provided time as a journalist. So what’s and the world as they were, as they “tight-lipped” about the reasons for. My interest in political power changed? His take on the matter are, and as they figure to be. for his visit, he dismissed it as was never self-serving; I only ever was characteristically blunt. Ackerman’s first foray into “an attempt to make a big fuss sought to increase my station in “People have gotten dumber. The Knight News, July theknightnews.com 2021 journalism coincided with his time of things.” What had happened, order to increase my capacity for The difference between news and at Queens College. At the time, the per Ackerman, was that North helping others.” It made sense to entertainment has been blurred, Summit had a system of what were Korea had been stockpiling me that a man whose collegiate and what this has done is cause called house plans (or “poor man’s radioactive materials and turning and professional journalistic consumers to demand that you fraternities,” as Ackerman was UN inspectors away from the work was preoccupied with social lie to them.” He contrasted the quick to add.) The dues for these camera feeds trained on the locks advocacy would be attracted to a current state of affairs in news house plans were prohibitively to the vaults. After yearlong talks profession which does just that. media with that of 50 years ago. expensive, so Ackerman and with a North Korean UN staffer, Ackerman is well aware of the “You used to be able to turn on his friends formed a newspaper it was arranged that Ackerman vitriol inherent in modern political the television set and never know called the Knight to expose would travel to North Korea discourse, but he believes that it whether Walter Cronkite had a the situation. They bankrolled the to negotiate with the Supreme well predates the era of Donald single opinion, because what came operation by selling ad space in the Leader Kim-Il Sung himself. All Trump. Ackerman recalls the out of his mouth wasn’t the news paper to local businesses. the time, he’d remained mindful exact moment when he became as he saw it, but the news.” Ackerman’s first major social of the diplomacy of the situation: aware of a change in the nature In spite of it all, Ackerman still push, though, came about when “The North Koreans wanted me of party politics. “This was around considers himself “a depressed he was a schoolteacher in 1969. to take a government plane, but the time of Newt Gingrich, the optimist.” In his view, “good He applied for paternity leave, I was adamant about taking a man who introduced mean (into people still exist on both sides. unheard of at the time, and chartered flight – and so it was. politics),” he began. A colleague The problem is that some – not all endured a protracted court battle I travelled under no banner. If of Ackerman’s had been filling – Republicans adhere to Trump to have his request approved by the things went south, it would be him in on the proceedings of a out of fear. They fear the end of Equal Employment Opportunity Gary Ackerman who screwed up, meeting between Republican their political career, or else the Commission. As he related to me, not the United States.” Fortunately, staffers. They’d gathered together social repercussions that come he was the subject of ridicule at they hadn’t; North Korea agreed in prayer. “I told him, ‘You know with ‘abandoning the cause.’” the time in the New York Daily not to touch their stores of me. I’m as big a separation of Once people stop being “fearful of News, which opined that “it would uranium (plutonium was left off church and state guy as you’ll each other,” Ackerman believes, bankrupt the city if every wannabe the table), and sure enough, as a ever see in Congress. Let them do America and the world can begin dad demanded his due.” I asked if previously agreed-upon gesture what they want. It’s harmless.’” A to change for the better. he would consider what he did civil of goodwill, Ackerman departed pause. “’No, Gary, you don’t get disobedience in the spirit of Rosa North Korea on foot Parks and the Tiananmen Square and arrived the same protestors. “No,” he responded, way in South Korea. “I wouldn’t. Civil disobedience He would, at the time, requires that a law be broken, and call his journey “a very I broke no law.” Instead, he called long walk down a very his act “civil defiance.” His victory short road.” Was this, was a watershed moment in the perhaps, a reflection of advancement of fathers’ rights. the magnitude of the Indeed, he’s something of a real- moment? He flashed life Forrest Gump in his penchant me a wry smile. “Sure for being present at several events it was a very long walk! of historical interest. It was It took us a while to get impossible to distill the entirety there! They turned the of a thirty-year congressional lights off on us!” 5

A Bangladeshi immigrant’s 2021 theknightnews.com July News, Knight The tragic drive home

Aliyah Ali Reporter

The death of a Bangladeshi bumps and speed cameras for ten-thousand dollars. He was parted ways from his homeland, immigrant named Mohammed years to decrease the dangers discharged from Rikers Island Bangladesh. Shakawat Hossain has shaken known to this intersection. Traffic and had a court date on June 17th, A few students were asked up the Queens community. The is said to be bad around the scene 2021. The family of Mohammed for their thoughts on the fatal forty-seven-year-old Lyft driver of the incident. Hossain’s family S. Hossain has been trying to raise car accident. They all expressed was tragically killed by twenty- was preparing for a vacation, but awareness for the victim and issue a personal sense of grief and two-year-old Erik Chimborazo the death of their beloved family of drunk-driving. Many leading remembrance of their family’s early in the morning of June 13th. member has caused anguish Instagram pages known to the sacrifices when they left their The Lyft driver was returning and pain as they make funeral South-Asian community such as homeland to come to the country of home after the last ride of arrangements. A GoFundMe page @bangla.bolo have been raising possibilities, the United States. QC his shift when he was t-boned has been set up for the family so awareness for the victim. Other junior Sarwar Nazrul, a computer by Chimborazo in a Queens that proper funeral arrangements Instagram pages that commonly science major of Bangladeshi intersection. Hossain’s last text to can be made. More than sixty-six provide updates on NY crime, descent, stated, “I feel like all his wife before the tragic incident thousand dollars has been raised COVID-19 alerts, and more, immigrant families worry every stated “I’m coming home right of the two-hundred-thousand- such as @coronavirusny, have time their family members go out now.” Chimborazo’s blood dollar goal currently. also spoken up about the issue. for work. Drunk driving is the most alcohol content superseded the The drunk motorist has Instagram users have expressed irresponsible thing to do. It is the legal alcohol limit, and his Ford been charged with vehicular a deep sense of rage and sadness worst crime ever.” This statement Explorer did not have insurance manslaughter and a DWI. for the victim and his family in echoed the voices of students or an inspection certification. Hossain’s final passenger who the comment sections of these and Instagram commenters that The drunk motorist also lacked a was in the car at the time of the pages’ posts. Many have also expressed the struggles immigrant proper license. He claims to have accident was aided for a broken questioned whether fifteen years families endure as they sacrifice had three beers, but it is suspected femur. However, Mohammed S. in prison is enough. Others have everything they have for a better he was even drunker than thought. Hossain was taken to Wyckoff tagged the governor and mayor life. Mohammed S. Hossain leaves Hossain’s crash took place at an Heights Medical Center where for recognition of the incident. behind three children, Samin (14), intersection, which is notoriously he passed away. Erik Chimborazo For many in the South-Asian Lyba (7), and Labeen (2) along known as a dangerous spot by the was taken to Elmhurst Hospital community, this issue has with his wife, Kulsuma Jahan. many residents that came forward Center (EHC) where he had his hard. The American Dream is to speak about what they saw the blood alcohol content assessed, often something many immigrants morning of the collision. which was significantly higher try to achieve when they migrate According to the Daily News, than the legal limit. to the United States, just like residents have fought for speed Chimborazo’s bail was set to Mohammed S. Hossain did as he 6 the retail industry after the pandemic. For larger figures in the industry, the Retail workers quit at record rates numbers aren’t surprising. According to Vice President of the Retail Industry Leaders Association Evan Armstrong, “I for higher paying jobs think the hiring challenges in retail are not that different than the hiring chal- the sector before are not surprised of. even though I was wearing my nametag.” lenges across the economy right now.” Stavros Anastasiou For millennials and even Gen-Z, to say Similar to Drizis’ account, the majori- One reason Armstrong cites is the Unem- Reporter that the industry undervalues its work- ty of retail employees who haven’t left the ployment Insurance government support ers would amount to a cliché. From low field also recount experiences of being stimulus, which in some cases has allowed wages and inconsistent hours to dealing undervalued, saying that franchise own- workers to choose not to go back to work With retail being one of the most with unruly customers as well as nego- ers have been more focused on restoring due to receiving more than their wages. heavily impacted sectors throughout tiating with unmoving managers, em- the shopping experience of customers As the job market continues to re- the pandemic, the recent lifting of re- ployees have become drained with the before the Covid-19 pandemic. Accord- cover and summer enters its last month, strictions as well as a slow transition into current state of their retail jobs. Rising ing to a recent survey commissioned by retail employers and former workers full capacity operations have presented sophomore Gloria Drizis describes her retail operations platform Zipline, a ma- are navigating a post-pandemic world. the industry with a new obstacle – com- own retail experience working as a sales jority of sales associates felt that their em- With Covid-19 revealing the many pit- pensating for the lack of labor force. associate at Burlington over the summer: ployers weren’t putting enough focus in falls of the industry, it remains to be A growing trend is taking place in “When I first applied for the job, they improving their working conditions. Of seen what initiatives will take place which retail employees are leaving their hired me on the spot and I was really the 500 responses, 42 percent expressed to improve the sector as a whole. jobs in pursuit of higher paying positions. excited about it. They said they would that they plan or are considering leaving Dissatisfied with the working conditions work with my schedule and give me train- brought on by the pandemic and embold- The Knight News, July theknightnews.com 2021 ing. But just after my first week, I started ened by a strengthening job market, for- working from evenings to midnight and mer workers are taking the opportunity my manager would be put in different to find roles that provide remote options, roles despite not getting any training.” benefits, and better wages. As Washington When asked what the deciding factor Post reporter Abha Bhattarai explains, was behind her quitting, Drizis revealed “649,000 retail workers put in their no- that she “...went in one day working a 6 tice in April,” contributing to what can hour shift and not getting a single break. only be described as the second-largest I approached my manager and explained one-month exodus in over 20 years within to them that I was entitled to at least a the industry, as recorded by the Labor 15-minute break - I know that because Department. The recent staffing issue that’s what they told me during my ori- has become an ongoing struggle for many entation. When they said that wasn’t employers since retail stores have begun case, I was surprised. I couldn’t even eat to open back up for full capacity - circum- lunch because I was on my feet... Also, my stances which many who have worked in managers kept getting my name wrong, Source: Columbia

Uber and Lyft are capitalizing in a prices on Uber and Lyft, the issue of where riders can turn to for less state of pandemic expensive trips is a pressing concern. Frustrations among drivers is also Shelly Lora years. “While fares have skyrocketed customers haven’t seen a change in prevalent as they are rallying for Reporter in this market, the drivers’ pay has the prices for their commute to work. better work conditions. The uproar not been raised at all.” Uber and Lyft Chicago customer Matt Shachat is nothing new, as previously riders have reportedly shared with The New said that when he first moved to have protested to be acknowledged Uber and Lyft are raising con- York Times that drivers are making Chicago, he would pay an Uber $23 as “workers” instead of independent cerns all over the nation as ride more but the consensus among driv- each way to get to his office, but now contractors which make less money prices skyrocket to an all-time high. ers is that they aren’t seeing much of that number is closer to $32 a ride. due to Uber and Lyft’s business model This comes as a result of a decrease a difference in terms of payments. In Shachat is not alone. Many other peo- of pocketing a large share of the fares. in drivers amid the pandemic. Driv- some cases they are seeing less due ple rely on rideshare services to get to What we will see in the upcom- ers are taking their time returning to longer cancellation times and less work, for reasons that just make sense ing weeks will determine whether to work out of fear of contracting minimum charge for longer distances. and with a phobia of contracting the riders will continue to wage in on the virus and some just aren’t moti- Rideshare drivers might not have virus.r. This coupled with increased Uber and Lyft’s scandalous business vated by the rideshare incentives in much of a choice with lack of work, vaccine rollout has made some, in model and whether drivers will con- a time when millions are still receiv- other industries not yet recover- contrast, feel safe to start going out tinue to put up with frustrating work ing ongoing unemployment benefits. ing, and the feeling that they aren’t again. Therefore, they rely on these conditions. In a state of pandemic, The question on everybody’s qualified to get work elsewhere. services to take them to restau- we need more companies to side mind should be whether drivers will Uber and Lyft seemingly have no rants and dinner dates with friends. with their employees, instead of giv- be more motivated to return to work prior qualifications besides passing Amidst all this reliance on ride- ing them the short end of the stick. now that the federal unemployment a criminal record and owning a car. shares, a rising concern among rid- Will capitalizing on a pandem- benefit that grants them an extra $300 Uber, on the opposition, said that it ers is that they feel they don’t have ic drive these rideshare companies per week is coming to an end in 25 is coming up with new ways to attract enough options in terms of services into a state of doom? If so, where states. A lot of people feel Uber and new drivers with offers such as sign- competing with companies like would employees turn to – in a Lyft need to offer better incentives. on bonuses being added every day. In Uber and Lyft. Taxis are drowning time when our economy is being “We’re making less than normal,” May, the company welcomed an ad- with the popularity of rideshare, to increasingly supported by gig apps, said Robert Eaton of Reno, Nevada, ditional 33,000 drivers, while 100,000 numbers never seen before.With we might have to rethink our eco- a full-time Uber driver for over two drivers also returned to work. Yet, less taxis on the road and higher nomic balance and laissez-faire laws. 7

NASA intern attacked for her Hindu faith amid 2021 theknightnews.com July News, Knight The Hindu Persecution Awareness Month

Aliyah Ali a Professor of Peace and Conflict including these goddesses and gods a lot of conversation about my faith Reporter Research at Uppsala University in around her for the photo. Together, after NASA published a Tweet about India left a derogatory comment: different communities came forward the fall internship deadline.” In the July is Hindu Persecution “Why does a Hindu kid need to be and requested that Hinduphobia be remainder of her heartfelt post, she Awareness Month, which honors surrounded by Gods and Goddesses? recognized and spoken about. thanks those who stood up for her and victims of heinous crimes in many Can’t we do anything without them?” In response to the hate, Roy issued her support team at NASA. countries worldwide, yet NASA intern This comment has since been deleted a ztatement on her LinkedIn profile. Pratima Roy’s case of Hinduphobia Pratima Roy was targeted through due to the outpouring of responses In a small excerpt extracted from her is just one of the many people of the ignorance and hate for her religious against the Hinduphobia presented page she stated, “As an American- Hindu faith undergo, despite Hindu affiliation. On July 9th, NASA posted in the comment section, however born Bengali who practices Hindu, Persecution Awareness Month being four photos of interns of myriad screenshots of the tweet still circulate I always strive to preserve my in effect right now, which not a lot of origins on Twitter with the caption, on various media outlets. background and culture. This love for people are aware of. The ignorance “Today’s the day: applications for While comments like Swain’s were my culture is evident in the photo of and hate displayed in the NASA post fall NASA internships are due!” Roy, rampant in the comment section there me that was first shared on a NASA showcases that awareness must be a CUNY City Tech alumni, was was also an overwhelming amount of blog in March and recently sparked widespread. featured in the post, photographed support for Roy. Many were amazed by her desk with Hindu gods and to see the young woman display the goddesses next to her laptop. Hindu deities, Lord Laxmi and Lord The photo caught the attention Saraswati. Lord Lakshmi is known of many social media users. Some as the goddess of purity and wealth bluntly insulted Hinduism and the while Lord Saraswati is known as the gods like Twitter user @NastikMan, goddess of knowledge, music, art, who commented “The 4th intern speech, wisdom, and learning. Many will send an email saying “rama commenters appreciated this, such built a bridge” and sanghis will use as Twitter user @BamaWatchtower that email to say “nasa accepted who wrote, “Brains, beauty, and rama as real and the blue guy built confident in her beliefs! I am proud that bridge.” In the Hindu religion, for you and can’t wait to see her Lord Rama is known as the god of accomplishments!” Many of the protection, yet this information did Hindu community came forward not stop the ignorance and dislike and educated others on the Hindu for Roy’s faith. Even intellectuals deities and what they represented, such as Ashok Swain (@ashoswai), resulting in celebrating Roy for Source: Twitter

policy.” the issue of how to teach about race Critical Race Theory: In fact, although some of the public- and its long and bloody history in this facing rhetoric made by politicians in country. Another prong in the running support of the aforementioned laws debate that started with the New behind the debate that’s mention Critical Race Theory, the York Times’ 1619 Project in 2019 text of the laws themselves in most which aims to place the discussion cases doesn’t mention the concept at of slavery and racism at the center sweeping the nation all and generally stick to statements of how we understand American outlawing racial preferences with History. For those considered in the More concretely, Critical Race bans against teaching certain debates of the past several weeks to Avi Koenig Theory is a legal framework which elements of Critical Race Theory be pro Critical Race Theory”, they Editor examines how racism intersects with woven in. For example, Tennessee law view the education system as needing the legal sphere, and its central tenant HB50, while banning such things as to take a proactive role in integrating Over the past several weeks, the argues that racism is systematically “An individual [being] discriminated racism into history education not only concept of Critical Race Theory embedded in American institutions. against or receive adverse treatment in teaching about racism in the past has exploded into the popular The fact that Critical Race Theory is because of the individual’s race or tense but also in the present bringing consciousness in the wake of several at its core, a legal one in nature rather sex” and that “One race or sex is in discussions of systemic racism and state legislatures passing laws than one based in historiography (the inherently superior to another race social justice into the classroom. For purportedly banning the teaching of study of the methods of developing or sex”, it also outlaws teaching that those in opposition, they view teaching the concept in K-12 schools. Some history) or educational theory means “A meritocracy is inherently racist or history as something that by its nature have pushed back against these that most schools aren’t actually sexist, or designed by a particular race requires neutrality, apoliticism, and bans arguing that these pieces of teaching Critical Race Theory in its or sex to oppress members of another for some, even a degree of patriotism. legislation are simply strawman to pure form. As Randi Weingarten, race or sex” or that “[Tennessee] or This debate is likely to rage on for attack diversity initiatives in schools the head of the American Federation the United States is fundamentally the foreseeable future, yet another more broadly. of Teachers says, “Let’s be clear: or irredeemably racist or sexist”, two facet of a growing new phase of the But what is Critical Race Theory critical race theory is not taught in concepts that are often pushed by culture wars and in all likelihood is anyway? Critical Race Theory is elementary schools or high schools. proponents of Critical Race Theory. going to have a significant influence defined by Richard Delgado, a pioneer It’s a method of examination taught That being said, this debate over on the future of how we educate in the field, as “a collection of activists in law school and college that helps Critical Race Theory shouldn’t really young people. What that future is will and scholars interested in studying analyze whether systemic racism be looked at as one over that concept heavily depend on how this debate and transforming the relationship exists — and, in particular, whether but rather as a debate over how our (and resulting legislation) progresses among race, racism, and power.” it has an effect on law and public education system should deal with over the coming months and years. 8 Recent study shows Amazon rainforest emitting more carbon than it absorbs

Vaishali Patra 2019, the Brazilian Amazon emitted with Brazil “unless Bolsonaro agrees carbon percentage is concentrated Reporter more than 0.65 billion metric tons to do more to tackle Amazonian in the Amazon rainforest. Thus, any of carbon than it absorbed. What destruction.” harm to it will negatively affect the As the world grapples with the caused this? Scientists in the study As a result, pressure has been lives of not just Brazilians but of the effects of climate change, a recently pointed towards the “loosening mounting upon the U.S. and the entire world. . It is yet to be seen published study has revealed that of forest protection policies” as a Biden administration to limit its whether world leaders, will recognize sections of the Amazon rainforest significant factor. In a statement trade relations with Brazil and block their collective responsibility on are emitting more carbon than they released earlier this year, INRA, a the import of goods linked to the this issue and keep their promises absorb. Known as a carbon sink, French research institute that was degradation of the Amazon. In April to protect the Amazon rainforest the rainforest has absorbed carbon part of the study claimed that, “A 2021, dozens of celebrities including and preserve the Earth for future dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere change of government in Brazil in Leonardo DiCaprio and Katy Perry generations. to create a cooling effect for decades. 2019 brought a sharp decline in the among others signed The BBC reports that “since the country’s environmental protection a letter“[urging 1960s, these [carbon] sinks have policies.” Specifically, this is referring President Joe Biden taken in around 25% of carbon to the election of President Jair to not sign any emissions from the use of fossil fuels.” Bolsanoro in January 2019. There environmental deal

The Knight News, July theknightnews.com 2021 However, with a marked increase has been extensive reporting about with Brazil” owing in global warming, deforestation, how Bolsonaro’s policies have proven to Brazil’s role in the and forest fires in recent decades, to be extremely harmful to the deforestation of the sections of the Amazon rainforest environment. Human Rights Watch Amazon. Additionally, are beginning to lose this capability. (HRW), for example, has claimed that a report prepared A study published in the scientific his administration “has sabotaged by academics from journal Nature on July 14th found environmental law enforcement U.S. and Brazilian that “this carbon sink seems to be agencies, falsely accused civil society universities also called Photo: NBC News in decline […] as a result of factors organizations of environmental for a “U.S. policy to such as deforestation and climate crimes, and undermined Indigenous block goods linked to change.” Another study published rights.” The Guardian recently forest destruction.” in Nature in 2019 found that during reported that some European nations A large chunk of the Credit: Photo: Carl de Souza/AFP/Getty Images a decade-long period from 2010 to are even willing to block a trade deal Earth’s biodiversity and

data and variables are needed to Missing lake in Antarctica may make the climate change model even more accurate. However, the initial findings have found that as the warn of the harmful effects of temperatures rise globally there is an increase in surface meltwater which may cause the rise in sea levels that climate change other researchers are finding. Warner and his team are currently comparing Aliyah Ali data they have from decades prior Reporter involved in this project noted that no name, but the missing lake is a to understand this incident, but this this was a rare phenomenon called big indicator of global warming mysterious event has shed light on a hydrofracture. This is a process by becoming a major global issue. The how the Arctic is in danger due to Antarctica remains as one of which water that is under pressure on Arctic regions are melting at a rapid factors related to global warming. the world’s most mysterious places top of the ice shelf fractures, usually rate which contributes to sea levels Despite the ongoing research on Earth, but recently a missing the water is quite dense. Warner rising. Traditionally the ice in these of this issue, the humongous lake lake in the continent is shedding stated that, “We believe a large crack areas are thick, but Indiatoday.in disappearing in Antarctica should light on why humans need to opened briefly in the floating ice shelf reported that ships are able to move be a reminder to everyone about be aware of global warming. and drained the entire lake into the freely through these pieces of ice on how valuable Earth is and how the In East Antarctica, the Amery Ice ocean within three days”, due to the sea. Studies are still being done loss of these natural formations Shelf experienced the disappearance that rapid flow of water he likened on how climate change is affecting could harm us, as humans. of a ginormous lake in 2019. This it to the sight of water flowing on the the Arctic, and took place in three days and went Niagara Falls. The Amery Ice shelf what steps can be unnoticed until the following summer is around 1,400 metres thick and the done to conserve of the occurrence. A glaciologist hydrofracture is said to have split it these study-worthy who is affiliated with the Australian fully, which would explain why this regions of the world. Antarctic Program Partnership at is called a rare sight, because of the Warner and his the University of Tasmania, Roland Amery Ice Shelf ’s massive thickness. team have used Warner, noticed this on a satellite Since the lake drained out a large climate change models whilst examining the Amery Ice ice doline, a sinkhole was left which to understand how a Shelf. This ice shelf is the third largest measures 11 square kilometers. rise in temperature is ice shelf in Antarctica. Ice shelves Approximately 21-26 billion cubic linked to an increase help keep ice sheets stable, without feet of water was lost to the ocean, in the meltwater them glaciers would accelerate and posing a threat to the sea levels rising. on the Antarctic ice would be emptied into the ocean. Research is still being conducted ice shelves. Warner Warner and the researchers about this missing lake, which has added that more 9

England’s captain, scored the same erico Bernadeschi scores at the center 2021 theknightnews.com July News, Knight The Euro 2020 Results way as Berardi and gave England its of the goal. That would end up being first point. Their goalkeeper Jordan the winning goal as England’s Jadon Pickford saved Andrea Belotti’s shot Sancho and Bukayo Saka missed Kasia Lipa “It’s coming to Rome. It’s coming to while Harry Maguire, England’s de- their shots. As a result, Italy won the Treasurer Rome!” fender, scored at the top right corner. shootout with a score of 3-2. The phrase was altered in mock- Leonardo Bonucci once again equal- Italy’s win marks the first time that On a night of immense tension, ery of the English fans who chanted ized the score, this time being 2-2. it won the Euros since 1968. Bonucci Italy was crowned the champions of “It’s coming home. It’s coming home. Marcus Rashford, forward, misses his was right — football came to Rome the UEFA Euro 2020 after defeating It’s coming. Football’s coming home,” shot by hitting the left post and Fed- and not home - to England. England in a penalty shootout with a during this year’s Euros. The words score of 3-2 on July 11 at the Wemb- were actually repopularized by the ley Stadium in London. fans as it was released in 1996, when Italy’s victory was not clear cut in England hosted the Euros; coinciden- the first half as England’s Luke Shaw tally or not the slogan of that year’s scored the fastest goal in Euro final championship was: Football Coming history in a minute and 57 seconds, Home. causing a huge eruption of applause. The 1-1 score stayed put through England continued to dominate the the remaining 23 minutes and also 30 midfield with the duo of Declan minutes of extended time, leading to Rice and Kalvin Phillip, but it wasn’t the highly stressful penalty shootout. enough to score another goal. For those unfamiliar with how penal- Italy’s recognizable strength, after ties work, five players of both teams being unbeaten in 33 consecutive are picked to participate and alter- matches and conceding only 10 goals, nate between shots. To determine made an appearance in the second which team begins the penalties, the half in the form of equalizing the captains of both teams meet with the game at the 67th minute mark — referee and settle it with a coin toss. credit to Leonardo Bonucci silencing The team that scores the most penal- the crowd. ties after the first five takes wins the In celebration of his goal, Bonucci match. ran to the camera closest to the net In order: Domenico Berardi, Ital- and screamed to the viewers, both ian forward, scored after putting the Credit: Yahoo! Sports in the stadium and across the world, ball in the bottom left. Harry Kane,

MLB All-Star Game moved

by still allowing Colorado in Coors Field, the home of from Atlanta due to election absentee ballots the Colorado Rockies. This decision without giving to move has split many people and a reason for has cost the state of over laws passed the absentee, $100 million since they lost hotel Christos Kladeftiras other companies that did business allowing up to a 17 day period reservations, advertisements, and Reporter with Georgia while these laws were of early voting, still having voting endorsements, just to name a few. being signed. After these claims were boxes throughout the cities, and This will be the 91st MLB All-Star made, the Washington Post gave his letting citizens enter the buildings Game, as well as the second time After a shortened season, the speech “Four Pinocchios” which is to vote as long as they have picture hosting for the Rockies, who last 2021 MLB All-Star Game was set their way of saying Biden’s claims identification with a signature. The hosted the event in 1998 in the same to take place in Atlanta, Georgia on were inaccurate. Stacey Abrams, latter has been needed for voting stadium. July 13th at Truist Park, home of the former Georgia Representative was in some states, as well as common Atlanta Braves. That was the plan in agreement with the President, things in life like buying until President Joe Biden appeared claiming that the Georgia GOP cigarettes or alcohol on ESPN and claimed that due to “traded economic opportunity for and entering federal Georgia’s new election laws, they suppression.” This was also marked as buildings. This is in stark should move the All-Star Game out false by the Washington Post, as they contrast to Delaware, of the state. President Biden claimed said that Georgia was actually looking Biden’s home state, which that Georgia’s new laws were “racist” to expand business opportunities offers a reasonable excuse and said they echoed “Jim Crow” inside the state. for absentee ballots, no senses. Biden’s claims of racism were early voting laws, no vote Georgia’s new legislation was made echoed throughout the sports world boxes, and laws already to slowly start getting things back to and were heard by many people put in place for voter normal while still allowing for leeway including the MLB Players Alliance, identification. Georgia within the system. The most notable who pushed MLB Commissioner claims that these laws, in changes are the requirement of Rob Manfred to change the location fact, help encourage and identification when voting, removing of the All-Star Game. Georgia enforce registration. some drop boxes, and giving the state Governor Brian Kemp said in a press MLB made the more control over how elections are conference, “We shouldn’t apologize decision to move the 2021 run. for wanting to make it easier to vote MLB All-Star Game as President Biden denounced the and harder to cheat.” well as the MLB Draft Source: MLB new laws toward the MLB and Georgia answers those concerns from Atlanta to Denver, 10 In The Heights Review

Jayla Cordero Managing Editor

In The Heights directed by dispatcher. As the film progresses, Then we are introduced how the people in the community Jon M. Chu, is a musical filled we see the struggles each character to Vanessa, who struggles to supported each other and were with elements of hip-hop, salsa, faces such as Nina, who returns accomplish her dream to become basically family to one another. merengue and soul music. The home from college feeling lost and a fashion designer. In her current We see this with characters such film explores the lives of three discouraged and shares her college job at a salon, she feels boxed in but as abuela Claudia who takes care characters in the New York experience as lonely. She fears the endures it because she’s chasing a of everyone in the neighborhood City Latino neighbourhood of disappointment from her father goal. She breaks into a song about and always has people over at her Washington Heights. It depicts how and the community she’s grown chasing her dream and ends with house for gatherings and dinners. a Latino community is clinging to up with, telling her that she was saying” it won’t be long now, This film also brings up their dreams while trying to make “the one who made it out” and anyday” with a discouraged face. important issues such as DACA ends meet, living paycheck by waiting for her to succeed. She is Even though she continuously and how Hispanics don’t fit into the paycheck, but doing it with their drowning in the expectations of tells herself that her dreams will “American dream” ideology that if heads held high and with pride. others while having to deal with come true, there always seems you work hard in America, you will We are introduced to three the stereotypes that she faces as a to be barriers that she has to be rewarded for it in the end. There characters: Usnavi (Anthony Latina at an elite college. All of overcome. The stories told by are obstacles that Hispanics and The Knight News, July theknightnews.com 2021 Ramos), a bodega owner who this causes her to lose her sense these characters give an authentic other minorities have to overcome has a dream of moving to the of self and her career path. We view as to what minorities go that make it nearly impossible to Dominican Republic to rebuild can see the transformation in through to achieve their dreams. achieve the American dream. his late father’s bar, Nina (Leslie Nina throughout the movie in As a person who was born and Overall, this film showed the Grace), a Stanford College the beginning, when she shows raised in Washington Heights, I robust lives and dreams of the student who’s trying to find her up from college with her hair loved reminiscing on some of my Latino community in Washington path in life, and Vanessa (Melissa straightened and wearing muted childhood memories that popped Height. There’s a distinct sense of Barrera), a nail technician at a colors. This represents her trying up in the film such as piragua, pride that is exhibited in this film, salon with a dream to become a to change herself to fit in, but shaved ice with flavored syrup, on that is celebrating where many of fashion designer. It also involves later in the movie as she returns a hot summer day and running us came from and it shows that we the complicated love affairs of two to Washington Heights, she is through the open fire hydrants. This should have a promising outlook couples, Usnavi and Vanessa and soon seen with her natural curly film represented the atmosphere of towards where we’re all going next. Nina and Benny, an off-license taxi hair and wearing brighter colors. the neighborhood perfectly, with 11

Simons Says : Lost Boys is a 2021 theknightnews.com July News, Knight The Bittersweet Slice of Home

Ashley Simons Editor

In 1984, the commercial the East End, and haunts their giving the reader an intimate families to a playground for the fishing ship, the Wind Blown, families to this day. This book relationship with the people. This wealthy, Fairbanks touches on the left Montauk Harbor to never shows how commercial fishing is story would be a phenomenal social divide. This tale exposes the return. What seemed like a routine no easy task. It pushes the young documentary film. With many lives of true locals. Look past the offshore fishing expedition turned and brave far beyond their limits. It of their immediate relatives alive luxurious Hamptons and get a taste into a tragedy that is now a core is a dangerous job and one would today, as well as friends, neighbors, of local life. Famous and wealthy piece of local folklore. The Lost wonder who would take up such and townspeople, presenting this tourists frequent the Hamptons for Boys of Montauk tells the true, a task and why. These men make information in another medium its horse shows, estates, and most heart-wrenching tale of four men their motives very clear, despite would be doable, if not already importantly, the pristine seaside. lost at sea. the risks that they take. necessary. Little do they know about the sea’s After a few days of embarking It’s not just the story that drew Although, there are quite a powerful force, one to be feared on the Wind Blown, the ship and me in, but also the clear writing, few fillers, some which may be and loved. crew suddenly vanished forever. wonderful storytelling, and too personal about the lives of As someone who grew up in the They were fighting for their lives photos. Fairbanks obviously did the missing men. There were area, the references to local shops, and were victims of a nor’easter her research and uncovered the moments when I thought about landmarks, and streets that I know storm. The Wind Blown and lives of the deceased. This is more the ethics of journalism. While it and love, like Gosman’s and Ditch the bodies of the crew were than just a story about a sunken is a journalist’s job to accurately Plains, make the story even more never recovered. We read about vessel and men lost at sea. It talks record history and share it with real. Every place mentioned I the victims of the storm such as about the lives of the Captain and the world, there were times when could see in my mind and think Michael Stedman, Captain of the three mates, their families who it felt disrespectful and invasive of my own memory there. The Wind Blown, was a loving husband are in desperate need of closure to share such information. The familiarity of the area makes this with three sons. David Connick and a recovering community. It book was teetering on just enough book a must-read for East End was an avid surfer from an affluent is driven by first-hand accounts information and “TMI” moments. locals especially. family. Michael Vigilant was only of their families and friends who Additionally, many of the people The Lost Boys of Montauk 19 years old when he proposed to combat immense grief, in the big mentioned seemed to blend shows the timeless and horrific his girlfriend before heading out to and small ways, that will touch towards the end with the constant tragedy of resilience, love, and sea for the last time. Scott Clarke lives for generations to come. back and forth of the different sorrow. Fairbanks wonderfully was the youngest of the team, an Even decades later, everyone who people and times. It lacked some captures the raw story of four 18 year old determined to make was interviewed could remember coherence because each chapter men who perished at sea and life his mark. that day so clearly. This shows jumped from one time period to after such an incident. It is an The Wind Blown disappearance how much of an impact it had on another. unfinished story that will neither was an awful loss to their families their lives. Photos are dispersed You know the Hamptons? be forgotten nor fully understood, and the East End as a whole. It throughout the book which only Think again. From a small fishing yet beautifully finds a way to bring is truly a tragic story that shook makes the story more real, almost community with working-class a torn community together.