Monday, January 11, 2021 I Vol. 117 Iss.16 INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM What’s inside Opinions Culture Sports The editorial board lays Some students have Men’s soccer players out some New Year’s welcomed pets into outline the international resolutions for GW’s their homes to cope recruiting experience. administration in 2021. with the pandemic. Page 7 Page 5 Page 6 ‘A moral imperative’: Vaccinated GW medical Men’s basketball pumps workers encourage others to receive vaccine breaks on season after a MICHELLE VASSILEV REPORTER positive COVID-19 test Raymond Pla, an anes- EMILY MAISE equipment staff and of- thesiologist at the Medical SPORTS EDITOR ficials. Sereno said GW’s Faculty Associates, was traveling party varies shopping at an Anacostia A men’s basketball by game but does not bookstore specializing in staff member tested pos- exceed 23 people. Black culture last month itive for COVID-19, forc- Tier 1 personnel are when he received a call from ing the squad to pause currently tested for the GW’s Office of Employee all team activities indefi- virus three times per Health informing him that nitely, according to a re- week on nonconsecutive he was selected to receive lease Friday. But basket- days, and tests are pro- the COVID-19 vaccine. ball insider Jon Rothstein cessed in-house by a GW He said in that moment, The positive test from lab. he thought about how his a “Tier 1” staffer in the Those who have test- nationally televised vacci- team’s traveling party ed positive will undergo nation could inspire trust in prompted the Colonials a 10-day quarantine and the vaccine among the Black (3-7, 2-1 A-10) to postpone will be allowed to return community, which he is a their matchup with St. to the team if they do not part of. Bonaventure Saturday. test positive and do not “We as a medical com- No determinations have exhibit symptoms dur- munity have to go out in the been made for future ing daily monitoring, medical community, par- games, according to the according to the NCAA’s ticularly not just those of us release. updated COVID-19 reso- who are African American “In accordance with COURTESY OF ROYA NAVID cialization plan. or Latinx, but all of us have Medical enterprise staff like Raymond Pla, an anesthesiologist with the Medical Faculty Associates, aim to com- guidelines, policy and The postpone- to go out,” Pla said. “This is bat mistrust in the COVID-19 vaccine to overcome the pandemic. protocols, all Tier 1 per- ment marks the sec- a moral imperative. We have sonnel are now under- ond straight game to to go out into the communi- high COVID-19 death rates, underlying health condi- educate people about why going additional testing be played at a later date ty and answer the questions which he said is a reality tions,” he said. “It is just yet they should feel comfort- and contact tracing,” the after the contest against that people have in a clear that will not change without another reason to continue able receiving it. The school release states. “Until the Massachusetts Wednes- and respectful, nonjudg- acceptance of the vaccine. with the mask wearing, fre- is also debuting an ambas- additional testing and day was put off follow- mental way.” “There is longstanding quent hand washing and sadors program to encour- contact tracing is com- ing a District-wide cur- Pla, an assistant profes- mistrust in Black and Brown keeping the groups very, age “peer-to-peer dialogue” pleted, all program ac- few as rioters stormed sor of anesthesiology and communities with respect very small.” about the vaccine. tivity will be paused.” the U.S. Capitol. critical care medicine, was to vaccines and with respect Yolanda Haywood, the “When the vaccine Athletic department The Colonials aren’t among the first members to health care more broad- medical school’s senior as- becomes available to the spokesperson Brian the first program to be of the GW community to ly,” he said. “We have to rec- sociate dean for diversity general public, we hope Sereno declined to com- sidelined this season by receive the COVID-19 vac- ognize that those concerns, and faculty affairs and an this will foster provider-to- ment on when the staff a positive COVID-19 test. cine, three of whom said in those misgivings and trepi- associate professor of emer- patient dialogue, as well,” member tested positive Nine other programs – interviews that they hoped dations are real and have a gency medicine, received Haywood said. and when the team was St. Bonaventure, Ford- to set an example of their longstanding historical root. the vaccine publicly with A research team from notified of the positive ham, Duquesne, VCU, confidence in the vaccine. Some of the root causes ex- Karen Williams, a retired the School of Medicine and case, citing “medical pri- Saint Louis, Massachu- The physicians said tend to practice and health anesthesiology professor, Health Sciences conducted vacy laws.” setts, Saint Joseph’s, He said the health care care disparities that exist in to encourage those who are an arm of the Moderna, Inc. He also declined to Richmond and George community has a responsi- the here and now.” anxious about getting the vaccine trial this past semes- say how many addi- Mason – have all report- bility to hear out concerns Despite being vacci- vaccine. ter, exceeding their goals for tional tests personnel ed positive tests among from members of margin- nated, Pla said his day-to- “Support is a powerful including Black and Latinx will take and how many Tier 1 personnel. La alized communities about day COVID-19 prevention motive for getting through participants. members of the pro- Salle, Dayton, Davidson the vaccine and encourage practices remain the same. anything that might be Sean Chester, an emer- gram were in contact and Rhode Island have members of those commu- He said “nothing changes” scary or anxiety-provok- gency medicine physician with the individual who yet to report a positive nities to take the vaccine. for him until public health ing,” Haywood said in an for the Medical Faculty As- tested positive for the COVID-19 test in its pro- November research authorities, who base their email. “We just hope that sociates and a clinical in- aforementioned reason. grams. from the Pew Research Cen- decisions in science and epi- others might adopt this structor of emergency medi- According to the Sereno said games ter found that 42 percent of demiology, declare that it is method of coping. It’s a bud- cine at the medical school, NCAA’s updated reso- will resume when “it Black Americans said they safe to hold and attend large dy system – ‘I got your back, said he immediately agreed cialization plan, Tier 1 is deemed safe by A-10, would take a vaccine if one gatherings. you got my back! We can do to get vaccinated in mid- personnel constitute the D.C. and GW policy.” were available to them, “Influenza is also a dan- this together.’” December when a nurse “highest exposure tier” The Colonials are cur- compared to 61 percent of gerous virus, particularly in She said the medical informed him that he had and include student- rently slated to be back White Americans. Black and communities of color where school is planning to hold been selected. athletes, coaches, ath- on the court Wednes- Brown communities have you tend to see more covert town halls and community letic trainers, physical day to take on VCU at faced disproportionately disease and more chronic briefings on the vaccine to See EXPERTS Page 3 therapists, medical staff, 2 p.m. Pinto aims to address homelessness, economic recovery over next four years JARROD WARDWELL ing. struggle to identify sources of ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR “It has been a very busy revenue under tight restric- first six months, a very - im tions. She said the Council re- TERESA KLUGEWICZ portant time for our city both cently passed a reinstatement REPORTER with the devastating effects bill that requires businesses to of COVID-19 and working to rehire employees laid-off amid Brooke Pinto entered the help folks and families and the pandemic once their posi- D.C. Council during an un- businesses recover but also tions reopen. precedented moment in local with the demand and calls for As the pandemic contin- D.C. politics. criminal justice, racial justice ues to cripple small business- Pinto completed the term throughout our city, and we es, Pinto said she’s worked of former Ward 2 Council take those responsibilities very through legislation to extend member Jack Evans – the lon- seriously,” she said. unemployment benefits, pro- gest-serving lawmaker in D.C. Pinto’s first six months in vide additional grants for history – who resigned amid office have been highlighted small businesses and approve an ethics scandal five months by key legislation for Ward 2 the use of “streateries” – out- SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR prior. As she stepped into of- and the District at large. She’s door seating areas that restau- fice, the COVID-19 pandemic voted to establish the D.C. Po- rants create to maintain service and racial justice protests were lice Reform Commission and and accommodate health re- Violent crimes fell, liquor violations sweeping through D.C. distribute additional financial strictions. She said restaurants Now, as she prepares for a COVID-19 aid for businesses can continue using licenses for full term in office as Ward 2’s and laid off workers while streateries through December climbed on campus in 2019: report first-ever female representa- engaging with constituents because of legislation she in- tive, Pinto said she plans to pri- like local leaders, people ex- troduced and helped put into RIO MATSUMOTO credited that decline to in general also helped oritize addressing COVID-19 periencing homelessness and effect last October. REPORTER a laxer liquor law policy maintain security. business recovery and Foggy unemployed workers in the “We think the biggest prob- that eased restrictions, “The University Bottom’s homelessness crisis. ward, which includes Foggy lem right now is around COV- Violent crimes on stipulating disciplinary continues to empha- Pinto said she hopes to bank- Bottom. ID and the effect that it has had campus declined for measures only for stu- size safety as the No. roll struggling workers and Pinto identified the COV- on our workers who are trying the third straight year dents directly involved 1 service priority, and small businesses and build ID-19 pandemic as the “biggest to get back to work,” she said. in 2019, according to an in underage drinking we continue to make trust with homeless communi- problem” currently facing lo- Annual Security and instead of all who are enhancements in our ties while working to supply cal neighborhoods like Foggy See PINTO Page 3 Fire Safety Report re- present at an incident. security-related capa- them with permanent hous- Bottom, as small businesses leased last month. Of the 31 violent bilities such as access Officials recorded 31 crimes officials filed control and emergency violent crimes – which in 2019, there were 19 notifications,” he said include robbery, ag- rapes, five cases of do- in an email. “Over time, gravated assault, rape, mestic violence, four these continued invest- domestic violence and cases of dating violence, ments build a culture dating violence – on three robberies and no of preparedness and the Foggy Bottom and aggravated assaults. should help reduce Mount Vernon cam- Cases of dating violence overall crime on cam- puses in 2019, 23 fewer were the only category pus.” than in 2018. Officials to report more incidents Goldschein said vio- credited the drop to in 2019 than in 2018, lent crimes like domestic safety initiatives in the when GW’s Annual Se- violence, dating assaults city, adding that they’ve curity and Fire Safety and rape are often under- since increased staff Report showed one case reported nationally. He in the Office of Advo- of dating violence. said officials tripled the cacy and Support and Richard Goldschein, size of the Office of- Ad released an enhanced the senior compliance vocacy and Support and campus safety app associate for the Di- created a space for sur- with expanded crime vision of Safety and vivors to receive “confi- reporting features and Facilities, attributed dential support and pre- resources to help drive the downward trend vention programming” down violence on cam- to safety initiatives on campus at 520 22nd pus moving forward. launched by the Dis- St. in 2020 following the The 2019 report indi- trict government and reporting period for the cated a surge in liquor University. He said the 2019 report to capture ev- law violations, with 230 relative safety of college ery incident possible.

FILE PHOTO BY SARAH URTZ | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER in 2019, up from 165 vio- campuses compared Pinto said homelessness in Foggy Bottom is a major issue she aims to confront during her first full term. lations in 2018. Officials to surrounding areas See OFFICIALS Page 3 January 11, 2021 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

THIS WEEK’S THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN THE INDIA’S DOMESTIC POLITICS AND THE DEMOCRATIC EVENTS CONTEXT OF SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY RECKONING Jan. 11 • Noon EST • Free Jan. 14 • 10 a.m. EST • Free Join a panel to discuss the impacts of CO- This installment of the Sigur Center Lecture Series will host Pratap Bhanu VID-19 across communities, virus mutations, Mehta, a former president of the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, to vaccine trials and more. share commentary about the challenges democracy faces in India.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Shortly after the U.S. entry into World War II, air raid signals are installed on GW’s campus to alert the University of unidentified aircraft. NewsJanuary 11, 2021 • Page 2 JAN. 13, 1942 Program on Extremism launches database of court records for U.S. Capitol riot charges

ISHA TRIVEDI nated grounds” and theft. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR “In keeping with our tradition of providing primary source documents Researchers from GW’s Program to the research community and the on Extremism launched a database public at large, The Program on Ex- of federal court records related to tremism has launched a project to riots at the U.S. Capitol, officials an- create a central database of court re- nounced in a tweet Friday. cords related to the events of January President Donald Trump’s sup- 6, 2021,” the database page reads. porters rampaged the Capitol As of Saturday, the program Wednesday as members of Congress logged 43 people charged by either were finalizing President-elect Joe the federal or District government Biden’s presidential win. The Pro- with criminal activities related to the gram on Extremism’s database will riots. The database includes the name be updated as people involved with of the charged individual, the date the riots are charged for criminal ac- and jurisdiction in which they were ZACH BRIEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER tivities, like illegal activity on “desig- charged and the nature of the charge. LeBlanc said GW’s location in the District means “much more” than its physical proximity to events at the U.S. Capitol building and White House. LeBlanc condemns U.S. Capitol Faculty, students sign letter calling building riot for Trump to be removed from office

ZACH SCHONFELD “At GW, our location “The pictures of mem- ISHA TRIVEDI tion results and his role in inciting CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR represents the democrat- bers of Congress forced ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR the Capitol riots “threaten American ic ideals we uphold, our to take shelter under their democracy.” University President sense of civic responsibil- desks as protesters scaled More than 20 faculty members, Signers include members of the Thomas LeBlanc con- ity and our passion for the walls of the Capitol graduate students and administrators American studies and political sci- demned rioters who public service,” he said in were almost unimagina- who identify as political scientists ence departments in the Columbian stormed the U.S. Capitol the email. “It is a constant ble, and those responsible signed an open letter calling for Pres- College of Arts and Sciences, El- building Wednesday, call- reminder that we must use need to be punished to ident Donald Trump to be removed liott School of International Affairs, ing for them to be pun- our teaching and research the full extent of the law,” from office through the impeachment School of Media and Public Affairs, ished to the “full extent of mission in service of the LeBlanc said. process or through the 25th amend- Graduate School of Political Manage- the law.” public good and in service LeBlanc said he re- ment. ment and GW Law. In an email to the GW of democracy – especially mains optimistic, adding The letter “Our pro- community Thursday, when that democracy is that the country’s best comes after fession seeks LeBlanc said he hope is education. pro-Trump ri- “The President’s actions show to understand watched in “hor- “We are a com- “The pictures of members of oters stormed he is unwilling or unable to ful- politics, not ror” and “dis- munity of learn- the U.S. Capi- fill his oath to protect and defend engage in it, may” as the riot- Congress forced to take shelter ers and leaders tol Wednes- the Constitution. He should be but we share ers breached the under their desks as protesters who not only talk day, the same a commitment Capitol perim- about the impor- day members removed from office immediately to democratic eter. LeBlanc had scaled the walls of the Capitol tance of facts and were almost unimaginable, and of Congress before further violence takes values,” the let- previously said truth in our na- were work- place or further damage is done ter states. “The that GW’s cam- those responsible need to be tional discourse ing to final- to our democracy.” President’s ac- pus remained punished to the full extent of the but also bring them ize Presi- tions show he “quiet” with law.” to bear on seem- dent-elect Joe is unwilling or “limited activ- ingly intractable Biden’s win LETTER FROM FACULTY, STUDENTS unable to fulfill ity” following THOMAS J. LEBLANC problems,” LeB- in the 2020 his oath to pro- the riot. OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY lanc said. “We have presidential tect and defend LeBlanc said done so for nearly election. The the Constitu- GW’s location two centuries, and letter states tion. He should in the District we will continue that Trump’s be removed means “much threatened.” this work — today, tomor- actions to reject a peaceful transfer from office immediately before fur- more” than its physical He added that the inci- row and every day — in of power, his efforts to pressure elec- ther violence takes place or further proximity to events at the dent was “deeply disturb- the hope that it could cre- tion officials to overturn state elec- damage is done to our democracy.” Capitol and White House. ing.” ate a better world for all.” Vacant ANC seat leaves most of campus without local representation ABIGAIL OSBORNE think that addressing these va- REPORTER cancies is the highest priority right now,” he said. For the first time this month, Alumnus James Harnett, the much of the University’s stu- most recent representative of dent population doesn’t have 2A08 who became the young- direct representation on a local est chair of an ANC in D.C. his- governing body. tory this summer, called for city The district known as 2A08 officials to install a crosswalk is the only sector of the Foggy on H Street and bike lanes on Bottom and West End Advisory 20th, 21st and G streets during Neighborhood Commission that his tenure. Harnett, who spoke relies on a student to represent with a few students considering a constituency, which is nearly running for the seat last year, entirely comprised of GW stu- said the pandemic pushed them dents – aside from University home, leaving them unable to President Thomas LeBlanc’s on- run for the seat. campus residence. Former com- “COVID-19 is what hap- missioners said the COVID-19 pened and with only about 500 pandemic drained the area of students on campus this past potential candidates, and the semester, there simply weren’t district will lose a voice that has enough people that were here elevated students’ interests for that interested that would have years. been able to run for it,” he said. “What makes 2A08 unique is Harnett said the seat can fa- that it’s effectively a 100 percent cilitate greater physical change student district, where nearly in Foggy Bottom, like infra- 100 percent of the residents liv- structure improvements and ing in that district are under- public safety measures like new grads at GW, and so that has a crosswalks. Harnett used his particular importance due to the position on the ANC to vote for GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR impact that the students have,” expansions to the Capital Bike- The Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission seat representing a large swathe of campus is vacant. said Peter Sacco, the executive share system, sidewalk exten- director of the Foggy Bottom sions and a project that would ings, like Mitchell and Thurston unlimited Metro passes – a mea- “A lot of students don’t get and West End ANC, who served renovate part of Pennsylvania halls. sure the University ultimately involved locally in the com- as a student commissioner for Avenue. “I expect folks like Yannik shot down – and advocated for munity, and they’re focused on 2A08 from 2013 to 2015. “If we don’t have somebody Omictin, who is a GW student the installment of a helipad at classes or they’re focused on Sacco, an alumnus, said the at the table, to fight for those and is elected in a district that the GW Hospital. She said the national politics, which is all empty seat marks the first time priorities in this district, we’re is majority students while not helipad’s construction, which well and good, but that is a way the ANC has faced a vacancy not going to see the sort of being a universal student dis- Harnett urged the Student As- to amplify student voices and immediately following a general change we need to see, to keep trict, will step up to the plate sociation to support through a make them heard in a broader election, and the commission is people safe in our neighbor- and make sure that the views of D.C. Council testimony, under- community, and that’s why that consulting with the D.C. Board hood, to make living here more young people and students are scored the significance of stu- seat is so important,” she said. of Elections to determine how to affordable, to make sure that the represented in these conversa- dent advocacy on neighborhood Zhurbinskiy said since most fill the seat. The BOE typically government is really working tions,” he said. issues. students vote in their home allows ANCs to fill a vacancy for young people,” Harnett said. Harnett said Omictin’s “This is really an opportu- state and don’t pay attention mid-cycle, next January, but city When he was a student com- election still isn’t necessarily nity for whoever’s the student to local D.C. politics, not many officials suspended the process missioner, Harnett would speak enough to amplify student voic- commissioner to really repre- know enough about the ANC to during the pandemic because with students during meetings es, as Omictin “needs allies” sent the voices of the student launch a bid for 2A08, but she’s each commission must hold an on campus to share neighbor- like other students to fully rep- body and the community and interested in speaking with any- in-person election to fill a seat, hood updates, gather student resent their peers’ interests. kind of work on issues that im- one willing to learn about run- he said. feedback and relay input back He added that community pact students,” she said. ning. Sacco said he expects “a lot to other commissioners. improvement projects unique to Zhurbinskiy, an alumna, “What happens on the ANC- of advocates” to press city of- Harnett said Yannik Omic- 2A08, like new outdoor space for said the seat is critical because it level in Foggy Bottom can ficials to help fill the vacancy, tin, a senior who emphasized GWorld vendors, likely won’t allows a student commissioner impact students in their day- but lawmakers might be too dis- student engagement ahead of slow down due to the vacancy “to work on issues that impact to-day lives, whether that’s tracted with other “big issues” his election to the ANC’s 2A01 because other commissioners students” and represent the deciding how late in the night surrounding the pandemic or seat in the fall, will help keep will step up to the plate instead. needs or concerns of the student construction on campus can recent riots to prioritize a solu- student interests in mind on the Eve Zhurbinskiy, a former population at ANC meetings continue or discussing how to tion. commission during his tenure. student commissioner who while not many students would make H Street between Kogan “The city is facing a lot of big Omictin represents a district served 2A08 from 2015 to 2017, be otherwise invested in the and Marvin safer for pedestri- issues with the pandemic right that includes residential build- endorsed a plan to give students neighborhood. ans,” she said. now, and unfortunately I don’t THE GW HATCHET NEWS January 11, 2021 • Page 3 Mentorship program helped students acclimate to GW: officials TIFFANY GARCIA sharing academic support finding student organiza- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR resources or biweekly up- tions or juggling responsi- dates of University news. bilities at home and school. First-year students en- “Guides have been She said she’s encouraged rolled in the Division for very creative in their ap- her students to remain Student Affairs’ newest proaches,” Coleman said. engaged in the GW com- mentorship program said “Among these activities munity while online by the program has provided have been student care helping them find classes them with emotional sup- packages, a template for and student groups that fit port as they navigated a first year ‘time capsule,’ their interests. their first semester of GW. a monthly GW historical “From the beginning DSA launched Thrive trivia challenge and reflec- of my students’ Thrive GW, a mentorship pro- tion exercises for students experience, I wanted to gram for first-year stu- for the fall term.” make sure that they felt dents to connect with Kaitlin Fahlbusch, an comfortable and had this staff, students and alumni alumna from the Class of self confidence and that while studying remotely 2005, said she “immediate- they were open to the idea last fall. Students involved ly” volunteered to serve of creating and discover- in the program said their as a guide after hearing ing new ways to make mentor has eased their about the program. She friends, connecting with FILE PHOTO BY ALEXANDER WELLING | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER transition to GW and they said she received an email other students,” Fahlbus- Kym Rice, the interim director of the arts and design school, said the new degree program is aimed at under- could lean on them for tips in late July from Coleman ch said. graduates with an education in interior design. on academics and mental and Director of Office Undergraduate men- health. of Military and Veteran tees in the program said Senior Associate Dean Student Services Andrew their mentors’ enthusiasm Corcoran to launch second master’s of Students Colette Cole- Sonn introducing Thrive has helped them acclimate man said the program is GW and asking alumni to to GW from home. intended to create con- serve as guides. Anissa Ozbek, a fresh- program in interior architecture nections for new students Fahlbusch, who men- man majoring in inter- BRENNAN FISKE Stephanie Travis, an and design said the program who were not going to tors two students, said national affairs, said she REPORTER associate professor of interior should emphasize inclusivity have a traditional first- she used to volunteer with reached out to DSA in architecture and the interior in design-related jobs and year experience. She said DSA during Colonial In- late August after hearing Administrators from architecture program head, encourage students, many of guides and students were auguration, now known some students talk posi- the Corcoran School of the said Corcoran officials have whom may become leaders matched before the aca- as new-student orienta- tively about the program Arts and Design will launch been discussing the program in the field, to consider how demic year started based tion, as an orientation in a GroupMe for students a Master of Arts in interior for “many years.” cultural biases are present in on academic, career and guide and was excited to in the Elliott School for architecture program this fall. She said administrators the occupation. recreational interests. “get back into that role.” International Affairs. She Kym Rice, the interim often receive “strong” Mina Chow, an adjunct Students interested in She said she checks in said since her parents did director of Corcoran, said applications to the existing professor at the University of receiving a mentor can with her mentees via text not attend college in the the school currently offers a graduate program for interior Southern California’s School fill out a form to be paired at least once a week and United States, having a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a architecture, intended for of Architecture, said when with an alumnus or DSA makes herself available in mentor to answer ques- Master of Fine Arts in interior those without prior experience she first entered the field of staff, according to the Of- case they want to chat. tions and empathize with architecture, but the latter is in interior design, that they design, those she worked with fice of Student Life web- “I’m in constant con- her experience has made for those who have a bachelor’s needed to reject because the sometimes misidentified her site. tact with my girls,” Fahl- her feel more confident degree in a field other than applicants already had a as an interior designer rather “Guides help new stu- busch said. “They have my navigating school during interior architecture. She degree in the field. The new than an architect because of dents orient to and engage cell phone number. They the remote semester. in the GW community said the new M.A., which is program welcomes applicants her gender. She said it’s crucial know that they can call or Ozbek said her mentor and find the necessary a one-year program, enables with prior experience in the for the new master’s program text me anytime with any has sent her cards and care support to foster student students with undergraduate field, she said. to ensure that the curricu- issues that they’re facing.” packages full of GW mer- success,” Coleman said She said she sees her- chandise, which she said experience in interior design “We wanted to be sure that lum’s materials are inclusive in an email. “In these un- self as a “liaison” for her has been an “exciting” to fine-tune their skills this program would challenge and support diversity, equity certain times caused by mentees, responsible for part of the program. She and apply for higher-level students who already have and inclusion. COVID-19, guides serve connecting them to re- said having her mentor positions in the field. a design background and Chow said officials in the as trained, experienced sources at school like DSA as a person to vent to has “We have had significant that this degree would take program should provide a and enthusiastic ‘anchors’ if they need help resolv- made her feel more com- interest in the new program them to the next step in their diverse group of faculty and to help first-year students ing any issues related to fortable and a part of cam- and already have applications career,” she said in an email. staff who can serve as role feel connected to GW.” school or their personal pus even while online. in progress for fall 2021,” Rice “We also had to get approval models for underrepresented She said guides are lives. She said although “Having someone old- said in an email. “Prospective from a number of channels, students. expected to check in and she is not an academic er, that’s an alumnus from students have inquired about including the National “They need to see meet as a group with stu- adviser, she helped one of GW, has been so great to this kind of degree for the last Association of Schools of Art underrepresented people in dents every few weeks her students last semes- just hear about their expe- several years.” and Design, of which the positions of power and their and at key points of the se- ter after the student had riences and have someone She said officials did not Corcoran is an accredited work having a positive effect mester like midterms and technological issues with there to support you that hire any new faculty and staff member.” on society,” she said. finals. She said each guide recording part of her final knows what you’re going members for the M.A. but Travis said the master’s Dennis Earle, an assistant was trained over the sum- foreign language exam. through,” Ozbek said. “It will work with the University degree also accommodates teaching professor of mer and leads group activ- She said meetings re- meant a world of differ- to reevaluate the need for for Corcoran undergraduates environmental and interior ities, which could include volve around a theme, like ence.” additional faculty and staff for who have expressed interest design at Syracuse University, the program over time. in continuing their study of said the program should also Rice said the COVID-19 interior architecture through encourage students to consider pandemic has encouraged the Grad2Grad program, how personal biases and prospective master’s students which allows undergraduates expectations might influence to seek to improve their skills to complete another degree at design practices and prepare to become “more competitive” GW with a 10 percent tuition students for “enlightened, in the current job market. discount after finishing their progressive leadership” in the Higher education experts say bachelor’s degree. field of design. graduate school applications “We worked extremely He said the program have increased in recent hard to create a studio-based should dispense more depth months as some jobs become curriculum that would push of knowledge in interior ar- far and few during the students to think conceptually chitecture and should develop pandemic. and creatively and to students to be leaders in the “The program is also emphasize leadership and field of interior architecture. specifically designed to help collaboration,” she said. “Our “Part of it is just more them develop invaluable unique location in the Flagg time studying the profession connections with the D.C. Building directly across the and related subjects, which design community,” Rice said. street from the White House translates to more informa- The program’s curriculum will allow for many D.C.- tion and more practice using includes courses in based projects that involve the such information, and part of architectural design theory community or focus on global it is education at a higher level and leadership in design issues, something that we are of complexity, sophistication FILE PHOTO BY DONNA ARMSTRONG | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER positions, according to the really excited about.” and performance,” he said in Program guides provided first-year students with resources like student care packages, a tem- program’s website. Experts in architecture an email. plate for a first year ‘time capsule’ and reflection exercises for students.

Experts 'reassured' by vaccine data Pinto to fight homelessness in DC Chester said he has shared dent, said she received the ministration and the De- equipment to homeless From Page 1 From Page 1 his experience receiving the first dosage of the Pfizer vac- partment of Consumer communities for COV- vaccine on Facebook and In- cine on Dec. 28 through Inova and Regulatory Affairs to ID-19. Bowser is develop- Several widespread myths stagram to address misinfor- Loudoun, the Virginia hospi- Pinto added that more stu- ensure “the public health ing plans to cut funding about the vaccine include that mation. tal where she works. The vac- dents returning to the Fog- crisis is taken seriously.” for nonprofits who supply it was developed too rapidly to “Especially now, as we cination process was similar gy Bottom Campus could Pinto said she’s also en- homeless communities be safe and effective and that have been seeing on social me- to receiving a flu shot and she help alleviate the financial couraged Mayor Muriel with social services, DCist individuals who have already dia, the gut reaction is to have experienced mild symptoms, strain on small businesses Bowser to enforce gath- reported last month. been infected with COVID-19 the complete negative reaction like soreness in her arm and in the area. GW officials ering limitations, which Local leaders said they don’t need to take the vaccine. and that just shuts down the some fatigue for a few days, expect nearly 4,000 stu- permit a private group of have established a posi- “After the vaccine got the conversation and turns into she said. dents – about one-third of 10 people indoors and 25 tive rapport with Pinto, approval and it was recom- personal attacks rather than Liwanag said she worries the student population – to people outdoors. who has been receptive mended by all the indepen- education and understand- that people will use getting return to Foggy Bottom in Pinto said homeless- to neighborhood com- dent experts and people that ing,” Chester said. vaccinated as an excuse for the spring semester. ness is another “huge is- plaints as simple as mov- reviewed it, I had a chance He said being vaccinated loosening COVID-19 restric- “We are looking for- sue” she’s committed to ing a portable toilet from to look at the data myself,” is not a “free pass” to ignore tions. Current COVID-19 ward to welcoming stu- confronting in Foggy Bot- a local playground during Chester said. “The New Eng- CDC guidelines, and medical guidelines should still be fol- dents back,” she said. “It’s tom, where students have her tenure in office so far. land Journal [of Medicine] put community members should lowed despite the rolling out really important to our rallied for years to protect Members of the Foggy out the article essentially that set an example to the public of the vaccine, and vaccina- city to have the students be unhoused residents at an Bottom and West End went over the trial data, so I for how to behave. tions should serve “on top of a part of it for their college encampment on E Street. Advisory Neighborhood was very reassured after see- Katherine Liwanag, a what we are already doing,” experiences, for support Pinto said she voted for a Commission, whom Pinto ing those things.” fourth-semester nursing stu- she said. for our local businesses. technology tax bill provi- has invited to personal It’s really an important as- sion last summer that al- meetings to discuss local pect of Ward 2, and we’re lotted $5 million for per- issues, said they hope the thrilled to see that.” manent housing vouchers Council member prioritiz- But more students in and said 200 permits were es the pandemic’s impact the area might illustrate distributed in D.C. last on jobs and public health Officials urge use of Guardian app a health risk of its own – month. during the next four years. a string of large student “The best way to assist Commissioner Jeri for universities to submit their crimes. gatherings last fall sparked our neighbors experienc- Epstein said she’s “very From Page 1 reports due to the COVID-19 “We are committed to ac- fears that other students ing homelessness is to give impressed” by Pinto’s first pandemic. curately reporting the crime and local residents could them permanent, support- six months in office, and “While we do not necessar- Scott Burnotes, the vice statistics as required by the be infected with the novel ive housing and adequate she’s confident Pinto will ily want our numbers to rise president for the Division of Clery Act, but the process tru- virus. Pinto said D.C. of- wraparound services so continue to be an effec- in those categories, we want Safety and Facilities, said the ly starts with the participation ficials must enforce CO- that folks aren’t back on tive representative of the survivors to feel comfortable department partnered with of our campus community,” VID-19 restrictions, like the street in one year’s Ward 2 community. Ep- reporting these incidents and the Clery Center, a nonprofit he said in an email. the city’s mask mandate time,” she said. stein said Pinto and her of- get connected to important re- promoting campus safety, last Criminal justice experts and gathering limitations, Pinto said she’s also fice have responded to her sources,” he said. year to accurately report crime attributed the decline in vio- to slow the contagion’s collaborated with nonprof- concerns, involving issues Goldschein said the re- data for the report. Burnotes lent crime to increased access spread. its, the District’s Depart- like sidewalk repairs and port’s release, typically sched- said he urges students to read to crime reporting and tighter She said the Coun- ment of Human Services homeless encampments, uled for October, was delayed the report and use safety campus security measures – cil has worked with the and the Office of the Dep- where Pinto has sent non- until December following U.S. measures like the GW Guard- part of a nationwide trend of Metropolitan Police De- uty Mayor for Health and profit workers to connect Department of Education’s de- ian app, introduced this fall, declining crime rates and en- partment, the Alcohol Human Services to dis- residents with health and cision to extend the deadline to improve GW’s census of hanced safety on campuses. Beverage Regulation Ad- tribute personal protective housing resources. January 11, 2021 • Page 4 NEWS THE GW HATCHET CRIME LOG National women’s networking group adds chapter

BURGLARY II/FORCIBLE, at GW TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: HIT AND RUN Academic Center (Smith Hall of Art) 12/19/2020 – 12:40 p.m. Open Case GW Police Department officers responded to a report of burglary that occurred at the Smith Hall of Art. The male subject broke the breezeway windows of the hall and stole two desktop computers. The unidentified suspect was wearing gloves and a facemask. The subject fled the scene in a vehicle and damaged the passenger side of an unoccupied parked car. Case open. THREATS TO DO BODILY HARM Public Property On Campus (2100 block of I Street) 12/24/2020 – 8:09 p.m. Closed Case GWPD and Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of threats to do bodily harm. Upon arrival, GWPD officers made contact with two non-GW affiliated male and female subjects who were involved in a verbal altercation about PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR family issues. Officers gathered their The organization publishes a weekly spotlight highlighting a successful female leader in industry called “Wise Women Wednesday.” contact information and sent them on TIFFANY GARCIA page with her in July. She Jamie Vinick, a 2020 laborated with community their way. Referred to MPD. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR said the group has met on graduate from Syracuse organizations like the GW Zoom biweekly since they University and the national Mutual Aid Network last Students interested in registered with the Divi- organization’s founder, said semester for a fundraising SIMPLE ASSAULT gaining personal advice sion for Student Affairs in while most universities re- event and has been reach- Off Campus (2000 block of E Street) from female professionals September but was not ap- main online, the organiza- ing out to other women 12/29/2020 – 3:30 – 4:05 p.m. can join GW’s branch of The proved as an official student tion has sought to host Zoom empowerment-centered stu- Closed Case Women’s Network, a na- organization until January. events like panel discussions dent organizations to host A male complainant reported that he tional organization aimed at She said the group re- with female politicians and events online. She said while normalizing conversations lied heavily on Instagram to business leaders for anyone operating online has made engaged in a verbal altercation with about gender in professional promote itself by following at any school to attend. it difficult to connect with an unknown male suspect while the workplaces. masses of students and con- Vinick said she originally other students and campus suspect was sitting outside his tent, Student leaders said sistently posting. She said formed the group in 2017 organizations, she looks for- according to an MPD report. While GW’s chapter of The Wom- the group publishes a week- with the mission of creating ward to hosting events like the complainant was walking around en’s Network, added to GW ly “Wise Women Wednes- a space for students to hold alumni panels with other a park around 3:30 p.m., the suspect Engage last week, will offer day” – spotlight of a success- honest conversations about groups online and eventu- approached him from the back, grabbed networking opportunities ful female leader in various entering male-dominated ally in person. his right arm and tried punching him and events with industry industries. workplaces and advocating “This semester, we’re go- in the head. MPD officers arrested the professionals, like a discus- She added that members for themselves about issues ing to really try to expand sion with a female astronaut. can apply to serve as a cam- like salaries. She said the our org and get our pres- suspect and transported him to the Junior Zoe Eberstadt-Beattie, pus ambassador, in charge organization has expanded ence and our message re- Second District station for processing. Cleared by arrest. . the president of GW’s chap- of reaching out to potential to 23 other universities since ally out there,” Alter said. ter, said the organization in- members and similar orga- she graduated last May. “The way that we’ll do this is tends to help members build nizations to attend meetings. “My entire time in col- definitely just through more SIMPLE ASSAULT confidence as they apply for Eberstadt-Beattie said lege, I had to seek out can- events and trying to engage GW Hospital jobs in areas dominated by the group held seven events did conversations related to as much as we can on social 1/1/2021 – 11:15 a.m. men. on Zoom last semester, like gender in the workplace,” media.” Closed Case “I just found that all of a discussion on working in Vinick said. She said the group also the orgs around me were in- law with Lisa Beattie Frelin- Sophomore Sundhya Al- launched a mentorship pro- A male complainant reported he was credibly competitive things, ghuysen, a clerk for the late ter, the vice president of the gram last semester, which assaulted when an unknown suspect and they just felt really in- Supreme Court Justice Ruth chapter, said more than 100 paired 50 freshmen with 25 threw urine on him, according to an secure,” Eberstadt-Beattie Bader Ginsburg. She said the students regularly attend upperclassmen mentors to MPD report. MPD officers arrested the said. “It was overwhelm- organization’s social media events and are subscribed to offer advice about course suspect and transported the person ing. I didn’t want to be a director also posts recaps the organization’s newslet- planning, internships and to the Second District station for part of that. When I found of events for members who ter, many of whom are fresh- self-care. She said students processing. The Women’s Network, it couldn’t attend an event to men interested in meeting involved in the program are Cleared by arrest. was just so clearly about be- watch. other peers while studying paired based on their inter- ing non-competitive, about “With these Zoom con- online. She said the group ests in a major or career. empowerment, about being ferences, we have the op- plans this semester to em- “One thing in the profes- supportive. I was immedi- portunity to bring in more phasize a mix of both pro- sional world for women is ately taken in.” people and to record these fessional and community- we’re all competing against Eberstadt-Beattie said sessions so that then peo- focused programs, like a each other,” Alter said. “And she formed GW’s chapter of ple can watch them, when LinkedIn workshop series there’s not really that sense –Compiled by Jarrod Wardwell & Kateryna The Women’s Network after they’re in a whole other time and casual Zoom hangout of support. And so we want- Stepanenko a friend shared the national zone across the world,” Eb- sessions. ed to erase that whole mes- organization’s Instagram erstadt-Beattie said. She said the group col- sage of, ‘ambition is bad.’”

SMHS receives grant to construct mobile learning center at local high school LIA DEGROOT ways and better prepare SMHS leadership estab- NEWS EDITOR our future workforce in lished the Health Sciences STEM-H fields.” Academy at T.C. Williams SEJAL GOVINDARAO Kevin O’Connor, an as- High School to encour- REPORTER sociate professor of medi- age students from lower- cine and senior medical ad- income families to join the Officials from the School viser to the medical school, medical field. Students who of Medicine and Health Sci- said among the software are accepted to and attend ences received a grant last available will be a 3D model the academy are guaran- month to construct a sci- of the human body that will teed admission to the medi- ence learning center for a allow students to simulate cal school. high school in Alexandria, dissections. “We came up with the Virginia. “The center will incor- concept for the Community Using a $700,000 grant porate the latest immersive Medi-Corps Program and from Virginia Gov. Ralph learning technologies to the Immersive Learning Northam’s Growth and support critical thinking Center,” Zanin said in an Opportunity for Virginia and applied learning to email. “With the support grant program, which aims maximize student learning of Dr. Reamer Bushardt, to create economic growth and engagement,” he said [senior associate dean for throughout the common- in an email. “Our program health sciences], we invited wealth, three SMHS faculty also offers learning experi- community partners and will help establish a learn- ing center equipped with virtual and augmented re- “The center will incorporate ality technology. The space the latest immersive learning will become part of the high technologies to support critical GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR school’s Governor’s Health thinking and applied learning Medical school faculty will help build a state-of-the-art science learning center for Northern Virginia high Sciences Academy, which to maximize student learning school students equipped with augmented and virtual reality technology. SMHS launched in 2018. and engagement.” Teri Capshaw, the prin- opportunities to work with smooth the transition for this that is getting George cipal investigator in the TERI CAPSHAW health programs in neigh- students, making it “less of Washington University in project and an adjunct PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR boring school districts and a gap and more of a bridge.” front of high school stu- professor of clinical re- share best practices.” “Those transition points dents as early as possible, search and leadership in A release from are usually the places even before they’re going the medical school, said Northam’s office states the where there’s the greatest into that decision-making the center will include two center will help prepare risk for students to experi- process for enrollment.” virtual and augmented re- ences that engage experts in neighboring school systems students for careers in the ence some kind of disrup- Milder said exposing ality teacher work stations, the field and incorporates to join us in the initiative biomedical, lab sciences tion to their educational high school students to 20 student laptops and state-of-the-art AR and VR, and we put our grant appli- and pharmaceutical indus- trajectory,” Corrin said. high-level technology that’s STEM-H software. She said so students are provided cation forward.” tries. Max Milder – the di- common in medical educa- a company from Columbus, with an immersive learning Michelle Coffman, the Experts in postsecond- rector of research at the tion familiarizes students Ohio, is leading the center’s experience that builds and dual enrollment and acade- ary education said the cen- Education Advisory Board, with what they’ll be using construction and will begin promotes teamwork.” my coordinator at T.C. Wil- ter can provide students an education research or- throughout their medical work in the next few weeks. Linda Zanin, the medi- liams High School, said the with hands-on learning ganization – said part- careers. “Our vision is for this cal school’s director of learning center will help experiences and encour- nerships between higher “Experiential learning initiative to serve as a best strategic partnerships, them excel in their STEM age them to stay in STEM education institutions and is really critical,” he said. practice for other areas in said she learned about the courses. and health care fields after high schools can create a “And that’s true in K-12. Virginia and the region,” grant opportunity and de- “The unit also provides graduation. pipeline of leading new stu- That’s true in higher edu- Capshaw said in an email. veloped the idea for the a great opportunity to con- William Corrin – the dents to the institution. cation as well. And so part “We feel strongly that this center alongside Capshaw nect with the community director of K-12 education “Universities are always of the effort here is to bring innovative model, linking and O’Connor, who have and provide experiences at MRDC, an organization interested in how they’re some of these scientific or secondary education, com- together been involved in for the students outside of that researches social pol- going to continue to attract medical concepts to life and munity colleges and four- the Health Sciences Acad- traditional classroom set- icy – said high school and future students or enroll- do so in a way that is really year institutions, will ben- emy since its establishment tings,” Coffman said in an university partnerships ments in the coming years,” engaging and hopefully fun efit students in numerous in 2018. email. “It will also provide are beneficial because they he said. “There’s a part of for the students as well.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK When a men’s basketball staff member tested positive for COVID-19. p. 1

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “The only reason right-wing mobs got away with an insurrection is because the majority of them Opinions are White.” January 11, 2021 • Page 5 — HANNAH THACKER ON 1/6/21 The editorial board’s New Year’s resolutions for GW STAFF EDITORIAL New Year’s resolutions are western imperialism. When usually a fluke but some of GW’s hundreds of students consistently have been in the works for years. say that a moniker makes them feel 2020 was rife with budget cuts, unwelcome on their own campus, remote learning and continued the University has the obligation to pushes to change the names of listen and act – full stop. buildings, like the Marvin Center The Colonials nickname, while and Fulbright Hall. Those issues the most prominent, is not the only did not go away when the ball naming convention that students dropped, but the new year does have found to be offensive. turn a new leaf for GW to start Student leaders have lobbied chipping away at some of its issues. the administration to change Here are New Year’s resolutions building names that memorialize from The Hatchet’s editorial board problematic historical figures, for officials this calendar year: like the Marvin Center, Fulbright Hall and the Churchill Center. Stabilize GW’s financial With the country’s renewed focus situation on attaining long-overdue racial This coming year, the justice, it is more important than University should focus on ever to listen to activists and steadying its finances. work to dismantle structures of We are still in the grips of the oppression – this is one step the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a University could take to do just light at the end of the tunnel. The that. University must work out a game By the time things return plan to climb out of its financial to normal, students will likely hole and communicate its strategy Cartoon by Hannah Thacker have been away from campus to the GW community. This is for a year and a half. When the a given, but officials shouldn’t hellish pandemic era is over, we engage in any big costly events — back to those who were cut off The plan also dealt with cuts can do is craft workable plans for should return to a campus that like nonessential events and travel throughout 2020. in enrollment in an attempt to various reopening scenarios – and tells everybody that they are seen, — this coming fiscal year and If the University can’t do make GW a more competitive communicate them to students heard and belong. focus should be kept on regaining that, we deserve to know why. school and increase our rankings. well in advance. what was lost. Administrators owe it to their These changes would have made If vaccination rates among Give seniors a proper send- The pandemic has been costly employees to treat them as more GW Whiter and richer, which this students become an issue, the off and first-years a proper on GW as a whole, with financial than just discardable pawns in University does not need. University could aim to inoculate welcome losses brought on by the COVID-19 their financial game. students like GW did during the By the end of the spring, two pandemic projected to tally $180 Get students back on 2009 swine flu pandemic, as the separate classes of seniors will million. Students, staff and faculty Finally retire the 20/30 Plan campus this fall editorial board noted in November. have graduated without donning a need to know how the University University President Thomas The hope of returning to some The University deserves praise cap and gown at the National Mall. will dig itself out of this financial LeBlanc’s plan to turn GW into semblance of normalcy this fall is for its effective, efficient and free Many first-years – and even some situation. more of a STEM-focused school practically the only thing getting testing policy currently in place for sophomores – will have never has not sat right with many us through a raging pandemic. We on- and off-campus students. set foot on campus as a student. Rehire laid-off staff students and faculty and resulted are all mourning lost experiences The University must give those This goal might seem tough in faculty calling for LeBlanc’s of our young lives and receiving Act on student demands thousands of seniors the send- right now, but administrators resignation. The plan doesn’t a facsimile of an education in this – replace the Colonials off they deserve to cap off their should commit to rehiring the prioritize what students want or virtual format. It is paramount that, moniker truncated college years. hundreds of people who were laid GW’s comparative advantage – to whatever extent safely possible, For years, students have been What these efforts would look off. people aren’t as keen on coming to campus be reopened and students demanding that GW retire the like will certainly depend on the The University downsized GW to study hard sciences as they be allowed to return in the fall. Colonials moniker. Many student trajectory of the pandemic. So far, several departments last year, are to study international affairs, Obviously, the University groups, including GW Black the University has shown good slashing hundreds of positions political science, journalism and cannot magically make the Defiance, the Black Student Union, faith in trying to bookend the filled by people who desperately other key humanities fields. The pandemic go away and should not Students Against Imperialism GW experience for incoming and need a job during the pandemic. plan was “rendered obsolete” in take any step that would risk public and many more, have identified outgoing students. It will be key Rather than creating and hiring November, but officials should health. Officials have rightly made the Colonials brand as tacitly that administrators not lose sight for brand new positions, officials go further and eliminate all goals that a priority throughout the entire celebrating the blood-drenched of how important it is to leave no should prioritize giving jobs stemming from the plan. pandemic. But what administrators history of U.S. colonialism and student behind. Officials must commit to bring all Social media is no place to students back this fall complain about classes niversity President Thomas LeBlanc planning hybrid classes for the student body. witter and the Face- room or over email. a professor or student made a statement last month that would As one option, classes could have one in- book page Over- Both students and makes inappropriate surely only serve to boost his popularity person meeting per week, streamed online, for heard at GW ex- professors are adults who comments or remarks U– despite new vaccination efforts, a “full” return vaccinated students, and another masked and Tploded late last month have chosen to embark and their university does to campus this fall seemed “unlikely.” distanced meeting for unvaccinated students, after a professor tweeted on a journey into higher nothing about it. But the also streamed online. This would allow students out a mistake that a stu- education, and it is time majority of the time, these Kyle Anderson to continue their education in the city in a safe dent had left in a final pa- for us to stop acting like personal matters do not Writer manner. Another option would be allowing per that read “blah blah, children throwing tem- need to be published. students to trickle into in-person classes as they whatever I decide to write per tantrums online and Like everything in life, become vaccinated in the fall. about for the rest of this enter the real world. I’ve there are people using so- LeBlanc later clarified his remarks, Even without vaccinations available, godforsaken paper.” seen it countless times on cial media for better or for explaining that officials are scoping out ways several universities had returned all students Twitter, where someone worse. to ensure everyone can come back to campus to campus last fall with promising results. The Hannah Thacker will post an out-of-context Rather than com- this fall. His clarification, while more optimistic Ohio State University, for instance, brought Opinions Editor email from a professor plaining to Facebook than his initial statement, is still disappointing. students back to campus on Aug. 23, and per and get the Internet riled and Twitter followers, Dismay about the comments on social their reporting data, has since recorded only up. There’s no end game students could file a com- media was widespread, as many hoped the 5,570 positive tests over 259,933 administered. In the tweet, Stephen in these circumstances – plaint with their school or proliferation of two vaccines would fast-track Considering more than 60,000 students had Livingston, an associate the post often lacks detail, take their upsets to exter- the University’s reopening plans. On the returned to their Columbus campus, they professor in the School of and the situation should nal and anonymous sites Facebook page Overheard at GW, a post sharing tested each student on average four times, and Media and Public Affairs, be told to the school or like Rate My Professors. LeBlanc’s original remarks garnered nearly 60 less than 2.5 percent of those tests came back judged the unnamed stu- professor, not random us- GW even conducts sur- comments, most lamenting the statement and positive. OSU’s data is bonafide proof that dent for their mistake and ers. They bring no justice veys of each class at the questioning the rationale. Another post on well-enforced student housing guidelines and insinuated that democ- to the complainer and end of each semester for the matter, this time on Reddit, saw a student an organized rollout plan can significantly racy was “doomed” be- instead come across as students to anonymously call the ongoing online model “borderline curb the spread of COVID-19 among students, cause of it. While Livings- childish and immature. critique their class and theft.” Earlier that same day, a video posted on allowing a full return to campus in the fall. Add ton’s tweet was humorous When you choose to professor. While it can the same forum showed CNN coverage of a to this the possibility of universal vaccination to many, including myself go to or work at a Uni- seem daunting to email woman getting vaccinated in the GW Hospital, for students, and what results is surefire, who have taken multiple versity, you are choosing a professor a grievance a facility which administered many of D.C.’s reliable means to ensure every single student classes with him, it is in- to learn, be critiqued and or go to an office hour to first vaccines. can get the in-person learning experience they dicative of a larger prob- behave like the adult you discuss it, sometimes the These two posts show conflicting realities for are paying for. lem in higher education. are. We should not resort better option is simply to officials. On one hand, LeBlanc has not given a Some may point to the tanking economy We are all too quick to to mudslinging over so- have a conversation with concrete answer on what our return to campus or its own financial woes as a reason the throw professionalism cial media to complain the professor. plan is despite increased vaccinations. On the University may not be able to afford to vaccinate out the window on social about varied intelligences There have been sev- other hand, hundreds of vaccines are being every student. While the economy has surely media. or learning and teaching eral times during my administered next door in our own facilities. failed for many, those invested in the market, Students are quick to styles. Social media has time here at GW that I While vaccination efforts remain in Phase 1A like the University’s own endowment fund, are complain on Twitter and the incredible and dan- have had an issue with a – reserved for health care workers and related much better off than was suspected in March. Facebook just as profes- gerous ability to spread professor or issues with associates – vaccine doses are expected to be The Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq are all sors find no problem with information, some that a class’ teaching style in available to the general populous as early as at record highs, and the real estate investment posting something they is true and informative general. In these instanc- this spring. Not everybody will be vaccinated market is doing well as apartments in major find funny from their and some that is not. It is es, I did what any mature by fall, that much is true. But it’s equally true cities are refilled. GW even appears to be time grading papers or entirely possible for plat- person would do: I just that GW owes a substantial debt to its students hiring real estate consultants, a move they’d be teaching. There is no place forms to be abused and went to my professor’s who have sacrificed such an integral component unlikely to make if they were strapped for cash. for this on social media, lead people to get the office hours and talked of their college experience. LeBlanc asked for If anything, the University owes such especially when student wrong ideas about a class, about it. In all situations, I ways to make the community safe for a full a measure to their students after a lengthy and professor contact is professor or subject. Try- left the conversation feel- return, so here’s an idea: Bring every student pandemic and the academic sacrifices they’ve so limited and consigned ing people in the court of ing heard, more confident back to campus and vaccinate every last one of made. It’s just a matter of GW putting in the to virtual communication public opinion without all and more comfortable in them. legwork and sticking its neck out for their during the pandemic. Stu- the facts or all the context the class. We are all adults By fall this year, per the Centers for students, a gesture sure to be a breath of fresh dents and faculty should can lead to disastrous re- here, and it’s time we Disease Control and Prevention, all vulnerable air for a student body that hasn’t had one in not use social media to sults. started acting like it. populations will already have been vaccinated, quite some time. mock one another or com- There are some in- –Hannah Thacker, a allowing students with immunodeficiencies to –Kyle Anderson, a sophomore majoring in plain – these are private stances when taking to a senior majoring in return to campus virtually risk-free from the get political science and criminal justice, is an opinions situations that should be vengeful site like Twitter political communication, go. From then on, it’s just a matter of strategically writer. dealt with in the class- makes sense, like when is the opinions editor.

The GW Sarah Roach, editor in chief Submissions — Deadlines for submissions are Friday 5 p.m. for Monday issues. They must include the author’s Hatchet Parth Kotak, managing editor* Lillian Bautista, senior photo editor Olivia Columbus, design editor* name, title, year in school and phone number. The GW Kiran Hoeffner-Shah, managing director* Arielle Bader, assistant photo editor Riley Burke, contributing design editor Hatchet does not guarantee publication and reserves the Jared Gans, senior news editor Camille DeSanto, assistant photo editor Sidney Lee, graphics editor right to edit all submissions for space, grammar and clarity. Lia DeGroot, news editor Grace Hromin, assistant photo editor Aaron Kovacs, web developer Submit to [email protected] 609 21st St. NW Isha Trivedi, assistant news editor Sabrina Godin, assistant photo editor Lindsay Paulen, social media director Washington, D.C. 20052 Jarrod Wardwell, assistant news editor Sophia Young, contributing photo editor Amy Liu, contributing social media director Policy Statement — The GW Hatchet is produced by Tiffany Garcia, assistant news editor Amanda Plocharski, assistant video editor Donna Armstrong, contributing social media Hatchet Publications Inc., an independent, non-profit gwhatchet.com | @gwhatchet Makena Roberts, contributing news editor Dante Schulz, assistant video editor director corporation. All comments should be addressed to the Zach Schonfeld, contributing news editor Heidi Estrada, assistant video editor * denotes member of editorial board Board of Directors, which has sole authority for the [email protected] Ciara Regan, blog editor Alec Rich, podcast host content of this publication. Opinions expressed in signed [email protected] Hannah Thacker, opinions editor* Sarah Sachs, podcast host columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily [email protected] Andrew Sugrue, contributing opinions editor* Gwyn Wheeler, podcast producer reflect the view of The GW Hatchet. All content of The [email protected] Anna Boone, culture editor* Lizzie Mintz, copy editor GW Hatchet is copyrighted and may not be reproduced Diego Mendoza, contributing culture editor Ed Prestera, assistant copy editor Business Office without written authorization from the editor in chief. [email protected] Molly Kaiser, contributing culture editor Carly Neilson, research assistant Andrew Shlosh, business manager [email protected] Emily Maise, sports editor* Lauren Sforza, research assistant Meredith Polk, sales representative Cost — Single copies free. Additional copies available for [email protected] Belle Long, contributing sports editor Yankun Zhao, research assistant Mary Clare O’Connor, sales representative purchase upon request. THE GW HATCHET January 11, 2021 • Page 6 THE NAPLES: MASTERPIECES OF THE BLACK COMIC BOOK FESTIVAL SCENE CAPODIMONTE Jan. 13 • Free • Online registration Jan. 12 • Free • Online registration Join the NYC-based Schomburg Center Learn about the history of pieces from southern in celebrating Black history and culture in Italy’s most important museum. comic books, including a cosplay show.

RELEASED “INTRODUCING...” AN ALBUM BY AARON FRASER CultureJanuary 11, 2020 • Page 6 THIS WEEK: ‘A constant companion’: Students lean on furry friends amid pandemic

LINDSAY PAULEN intended to get a dog when she SENIOR STAFF WRITER graduated from college, but the pandemic allowed her to do it ear- Senior Olivia Zarroli planned lier than expected. Allyson takes to get a dog after graduating. Then, classes full time and interns 30 classes went online. hours per week, but she said she’s With more time at home and a been able to manage her responsi- more manageable class schedule bilities and look after her dog Ron- during the pandemic, Zarroli said nie because she works remotely. she bought her dog Fletcher in No- “I don’t think my school work vember. She said her dog has been a suffered, I don’t think my work suf- source of emotional support for her fered or anything,” she said. “It’s and her boyfriend during this “un- just nice to have him around and certain” time. I think because he’s an emotional “He definitely loves us, and you support animal, the benefit that I can tell,” she said. “It’s so nice to gained from having him was much have a feeling of friendship when greater than any kind of difficulty you can’t really be with people.” I would have with time manage- Zarroli is one of more than a ment.” dozen students who have adopted Abbigale Harrison, a senior ma- or bought a pet since classes moved joring in communications, said she online last March, contributing to a decided to get her dog Louis after spike in pet sales that started when finding herself with more free time the pandemic hit the United States. when classes went online. After a Students said their new four-legged short-lived stint abroad, a canceled friends have given them comfort internship and a completely virtual as the public health crisis rages senior year, Harrison said Louis is on, giving them reasons to head a “bright spot” in her day and of- outside for a walk or take a study ten comes with her on outings to break. Georgetown or walks to the phar- Isabella Marchese, a senior macy. studying political communication, “He’s a constant companion in a said she had been thinking about time of world-wide loneliness,” she PHEBE GROSSER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER getting a dog for some time but said. Students at GW, like Americans nationwide, are turning to pets for companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic. never felt it was “ethical” when she While these pets have helped was living in a residence hall. She to ease anxiety, some students said to California – where Mobarhan is Miguel Arias, a senior majoring a dog named Fletcher, said she and said the pandemic gave her enough they’ve become an extra responsi- from – during the holiday season. in criminal justice who adopted a her boyfriend – who she co-parents time to properly raise and train her bility when they want to travel or For Thanksgiving, Mobarhan’s cat named Fae, also said his pet has Fletcher with – have found it to be dog Bear, who she got in June. get out of the house more often. friend watched Vienna and during added a “whole other dimension,” difficult to ensure Fletcher doesn’t “I figured if I’m going to move Manush Mobarhan, a senior winter break, she had to pay an ex- like extra fees and more things to develop separation anxiety since on to law or grad school, it’s going studying economics, adopted a kit- tra $95 to bring Vienna on a flight. carry, to traveling. they are together nearly all the time. to be years before I ever have this ten named Vienna in November to “Bringing Vienna home with “I said to my mom after the “I have to be cognizant of leav- kind of time again,” she said. “Plus, “have someone to hang out with” me for winter break was pretty dif- first time traveling with her that ing him alone on his own so that my roommate said she would help while she spends more time in her ficult,” she said. “Just getting her I feel like I’m one of those people he doesn’t get used to having me me. So with the pandemic, in com- apartment during the pandemic. readjusted to a new space and re- with a baby on a plane,” he said. around all the time,” Zarroli said. bination with her offer, I was like, Mobarhan said she has been able purchasing all the things she needs “She wasn’t really used to traveling “Sometimes I’ll just walk around ‘How could I refuse this?’” to juggle taking care of her pet with here at home. And then when I go much so she started crying and she my apartment and put him in his Emily Allyson, a junior study- other responsibilities, but it has back to D.C., I’ll have to readjust her pooped in the bag.” crate so that he knows it’s OK if ing international affairs, said she been difficult to travel with Vienna to the apartment.” Zarroli, the senior who adopted we’re not together all the time.”

Freshmen socialize online entering second remote semester

ANNA BOONE they were taking classes in person. CULTURE EDITOR “A lot of students said they felt dis- connected from [the] University,” Rich- CHLOE KEARIN WILLEFORD ards said. “They wanted the option to STAFF WRITER get on campus, to get out of their home environment and to feel like a commu- When Melanie Campbell found out nity and not a number. When you’re at her freshman year would be held vir- home and you have to look at a screen tually, she signed up for any student all day, it’s hard to get connected with organizations that fit her interests. your peers, make friends and have a Campbell put her name down for social life.” GW Balance, the Student Association, Ashley Standard, a prospective bi- GW College Democrats and the GW ology major from the DMV, said she Choir, hoping to make friends remote- hasn’t joined any student organiza- ly. She said those connections helped tions because she won’t be able to meet her find upperclassmen mentors and any of them in person. freshmen peers who share her inter- “I have not even touched a club ests, and she’s held on to those con- yet,” Standard said. “There’s no point nections heading into an online spring in getting into a club if I’m not going to PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAMILLE DESANTO | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR semester. meet anyone.” For some students, the need to organize and map out due dates in advance became more important after “I thought I might as well, even Instead, she said she joined District classes moved online. if we’re not on campus, try to join as Scholars, a GW program that connects much stuff as I can now so once we are students from the DMV with mentors, eventually on campus I’m already in- where she found a friend. Students share lessons learned from tegrated in the community,” she said. “You get this adviser, and you meet In interviews, freshmen said up every week on a certain day, like a online school they’ve joined group messages and class,” Standard explained. “I met one student organizations through the fall friend from there, and we are in the DIEGO MENDOZA she can carry over once Major said. “It wasn’t a to make up for a lacking college ex- same class too, so we talk almost all CONTRIBUTING CULTURE classes are back in person. matter of, ‘Oh, why don’t perience. They said social media has the time.” EDITOR After setting up regular you get this work done?” helped them find their niche and meet Tobias Williams, a prospective Zoom study sessions with but rather, ‘Oh, I under- other first-year students in person who international economics major and With nearly a year of re- a couple of friends to help stand there’s a lot on your live nearby or in the DMV. member of the men’s soccer team, said mote learning under their one another through their plate right now.’” Charlene Richards, a prospective he lived on campus last semester. He belt, students said they feel statistics course last se- Brooks-Major said stu- political science and journalism major, said because so few students live on more prepared to tackle mester, DeLattre said she dents should treat their said she’s used the Class of 2024 Insta- campus, he ended up using Instagram the challenges of a second now plans to meet up with professors with the same gram page to find friends, sometimes and Snapchat to connect with people full online semester. them in D.C. this spring. care they’re being offered, messaging peers who are posted on and meet up if they happened to live Students said through- adding that they should the page to chat. in D.C. out the fall, they’ve learned Turn on your camer- participate and connect Richards said she also keeps in “I ended up interacting with a good to separate their home as and participate with professors as much as touch with her class through her role amount of people just online and hav- lives with class expecta- Senior Min Wong said possible. as a freshman representative for the ing connections over like Zoom and tions despite working and students should turn on SA. She said she helped publish a sur- stuff,” Williams said. “And some of the living in the same space. their cameras and partici- Take control of your vey last semester asking the freshman people in D.C. got to meet up and like As universities gear up for pate to get the most out of workspace class to share their experiences with check out the monuments and that sort another physically distant class. For many students like online learning and whether they of thing, and that was fun and a good semester, they said their She said one perk of on- senior Madeline Hennig, would perform better academically if time.” peers should prioritize or- line learning is that profes- online classes have also ganization and maintain- sors are more interested in paved the way for stu- ing social connections. their students’ academic dents to customize their From one student to an- success and overall well- optimal learning environ- other, here are some tips being, given the mental toll ment. Instead of staying for succeeding during an- of the pandemic. Having at home for the semester, other virtual semester: her cameras on has forced the international business her to engage in class dis- major said she rented an Form a virtual study cussions, retain knowledge apartment in D.C. with her group and have candid conversa- best friend where the two Freshman Emma De- tions with professors. both studied together and Lattre said she formed “It felt kind of like the enjoyed one another’s com- study groups and signed professors were really try- pany. up for office hour appoint- ing to get an in-person and She said organization ments with professors to collaborative feeling as and planning is essen- make up for the lack of in- much as possible,” Wong tial to ensure all of her person interactions. said. Blackboard modules and “I reached out a lot to discussion posts – now my professors throughout Meet your a common task for many the semester trying to ask professors halfway students – are completed questions, meet them, see Senior Alexa Brooks- on time. Hennig said this their faces so it wasn’t just Major said professors have is her first semester using like I was taking a class been generally accom- Google Calendar where with a robot, more or less,” modating throughout the she sets reminders for the DeLattre said. past two semesters, and due dates of every assign- She said keeping in students shouldn’t take ad- ment for class. touch with her study vantage of their flexibility. “If I didn’t have Google PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CAMILLE DESANTO | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR groups and professors “I felt that my profes- Calendar, I would have not Social media pages like the Class of 2024’s Instagram page are among the ways freshmen are con- helped her create long- sors were more trusting been able to survive,” Hen- necting virtually with their classmates. lasting relationships that with students,” Brooks- nig said. GAMES OF THE WEEK WOMEN’S BASKETBALL MEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Richmond vs. VCU Jan. 13 | 5 p.m. Jan. 13 | 2 p.m. The Colonials look to snap their After two postponed games, GW looks three game skid against the Spiders. to pick up its third win in four A-10 games. NUMBER The percentage of men’s basketball’s total points that come from sophomore SportsJanuary 11, 2021 • Page 7 forward Jamison Battle and sophomore guard James Bishop. CRUNCH 51.6 Men’s soccer continues to develop strong recruiting ties in Europe ROMAN BOBEK or even met his family,” he Tim Neumann and senior STAFF WRITER said. “That’s the important midfielder and forward thing for me. That’s why I try Oscar Haynes Brown said Bolstered by the team’s to get over to Europe and on they both were involved with recruiting class, men’s soccer to other places for these kids, agencies to find schools. is sustaining its recruiting to meet them, to meet their “My childhood dream, ties in Europe. families.” like every boy’s dream, Of the 25-man men’s Alumni who returned was to go pro with soccer,” soccer program, 10 active to their home countries can Neumann said. “But at some players traveled to play from also assist in the recruitment point in my life, I decided that Europe, and six of those process. Jones said he has it would be great to merge players were new additions asked alumni to assess a athletics with academics.” for the upcoming season. league a recruit plays in, and Neumann, who joins Head coach Craig Jones, a some alumni have reached graduate student midfielder Wales native, said he started out about a potential recruit and defender Sandro Weber recruiting close to home in who could be a good fit and freshman defender the United Kingdom and at GW. Jones added that Aaron Kronenberg as the then began to branch out coaches even stay with team’s three German players, over time. alumni during recruiting said he paired with an agency “We’ve had some success trips. to find a good academic and with German players, most “It’s a nice time to drop athletic fit. He added that recently ventured into in and see alumni if we’re he went to showcases and Iceland,” Jones said. “Some in some of these countries,” sent recruitment videos to of that is just contacts from he said. “It helps with our coaches for evaluation. talking to other coaches who budget, or lack of budget, I Neumann said he was HATCHET FILE PHOTO have had players come out of guess. We’re not staying in one of the first players from Men’s soccer coaches usually plan to visit Europe yearly pre-pandemic to recruit athletes from three to four it, even played against other the hotels, we can stay with his region to head across countries. teams with internationals on some alumni when we’re on the Atlantic and play in the there, and how they found some of these road trips.” United States. As a physics him through text and Zoom through. Haynes Brown was able these guys and then doing To aid in international major, he said he had meetings. “It was quite a big thing to meet with coaches and the groundwork.” recruitment, Jones said opportunities to study and Haynes Brown, an in our school because my become acquainted with the The freshman additions athletes commit to play soccer in Germany, but England native, is a veteran school is one of the biggest area. He joked that a trip to shore up an already strong companies and agencies to the balance between the two of the squad. He missed soccer independent schools District Commons sealed international presence in GW help pair them with a college was more manageable away most of the 2019 campaign in England,” Haynes Brown the deal, but his visit gave Athletics. The men’s soccer program in America. He from home. with an injury but notched said. “A lot of people years him the clarity to commit in program has developed said the United Kingdom “The school will not 11 goals and Atlantic 10 above me had already gone Ma rc h 2017. recruiting ties around the and Germany have more really take care of your time All Conference First Team to America because it was “Once I visited, I felt like European continent, finding established companies, schedule in terms of football honors in 2018. signed to be such a big thing it was almost more of a, ‘I players in England, Germany whereas the Netherlands, and vice versa in Germany,” Back in England, Haynes in England.” woke up one day and I knew and Iceland. France and countries he said. “And here it’s Brown played for Ardingly Haynes Brown said he I wanted to go and take the In a pre-pandemic throughout Africa are perfectly orchestrated that College and was selected to met his future teammates – adventure,’” he said. “And setting, Jones said he and his developing companies you’re able to do both at the the England Independent 2020-graduates midfielder my parents agreed, and they coaching staff make a yearly and agencies for potential same time. And I think that’s Schools Football Association Max Holdsworth and said it felt right.” trip to Europe and hit “three student-athletes. the decisive factor because I national team four times. defender Gabriel Seemungal The 2020 men’s soccer or four” countries. He added He said the agencies assist didn’t want to let go of either Prior to his recruitment, – while playing in England. season was postponed amid that he needs to make the athletes in understanding the university side or the he said Jones had traveled He said he also talked the ongoing COVID-19 most of the team’s budget to academic and amateurism soccer side.” to England to watch him with former players and pandemic, and the Colonials meet players and families requirements, provide them The COVID-19 pandemic play for one of the English 2018-graduates midfielder are set to play their season face to face. with a Test of English as a prevented Neumann national teams. He added Alex Conning and forward during the spring. The “I find it difficult to really Foreign Language and hold from visiting GW before that he visited a school in Christian Lawal prior to team’s schedule has yet to be offer that scholarship to a showcases for coaches to committing and arriving in San Francisco and was even making the trek to Foggy released. player that I haven’t seen live watch athletes play. August. He said coaches and scheduled to go to school in Bottom. –Belle Long Will Margerum Freshman midfielder players kept in contact with New York before the offer fell Upon his visit to GW, contributed reporting. How the COVID-19 pandemic shook up men’s and women’s basketball BELLE LONG GW COVID-19 issues in CONTRIBUTING SPORTS Men’s basketball Duquesne’s program. EDITOR The men’s basketball program reported one Women’s basketball Men’s and women’s positive case among Tier One game has been basketball programs 1 personnel, pausing canceled because of a across the Atlantic 10 all team activities positive COVID-19 test in have faced a bumpy Friday. The squad’s the opposing program. road. Saturday matchup with On Dec. 12, the team Ten of the St. Bonaventure was announced a positive conference’s 14-member delayed, and no decision test result from within schools reported a has been made on further the program, canceling positive COVID-19 test contests. two nonconference within its programs Games against games. since the start of the Towson and South season, leading to dozens Carolina were canceled, Saint Louis of game cancellations and a contest with Men’s basketball and postponements. William and Mary was The Billikens GW joined the ranks rescheduled due to have suffered one of Friday when the athletic COVID-19 concerns from the worst outbreaks department confirmed a the opposing programs. in the conference, FILE PHOTO BY ERIC LEE positive test result from postponing five games The Colonials attempt about 14 three-point shots a game but less than three find their way through the rim. a Tier 1 staff member Women’s basketball at the start of conference in the men’s basketball No positive cases play. According to a program. have been reported out statement from the According to of the women’s program, athletic department, the Women’s basketball cold from three- NCAA guidelines, but it did postpone its program has paused all Tier 1 members are Jan. 8 conference clash team activities until all point land after first third of games individuals unable to with Saint Louis due to personnel are cleared. WILL MARGERUM “But if you’re a good shooter, average through nine games wear face masks and COVID-related issues in The team previously STAFF WRITER and you’re open, you need last season. maintain social distance the Billikens’ program. canceled a game as the to be able to take it because “Anyone can emerge as a at all times, which could opposing team paused include student-athletes, Richmond for coronavirus-related With nine games under that’s going to continue to three-point threat if they can help us open inside.” make some threes,” Rizzotti coaches, athletic trainers Men’s basketball reasons. its belt, women’s basketball is and physical therapists, still waiting to lock down its The team’s beyond said. “We’re hoping that we On Dec. 1, the the arc offense puts it at a can continue to work [Gabby] medical staff, equipment Richmond athletic Women’s basketball three-point shooting. staff and officials. After The opener against The Colonials (3-6, 0-3 disadvantage in conference in, work Sidney back in and department canceled play, where three-pointers get Maddie and Faith going. a Tier 1 positive test, the games against Missouri was postponed A-10) are currently knocking NCAA recommends a due to COVID-19 issues down 18.1 percent of its have been crucial to the These are guys I watch every Charleston and Furman squads’ offensive production day make shot after shot in 10-day quarantine and due to positive test in the Missouri program. three-point attempts. Their extensive contact tracing. The team played two rate ranks them 332 of 336 so far this season. Of the top- practice.” results within the team. five scoring offenses in the Junior guard Maddie Here’s a look at how The Spiders’ season games until it went on Division I teams and is on COVID-19 has impacted back-to-back pauses pace to be the lowest in A-10, four are also in the top- Loder has taken a team-high opener was also canceled five most efficient three-point 29 shots from beyond the some of the A-10 men’s over virus concerns on Dec. 8 and Dec. 30, program history. The current and women’s basketball respectively, putting off low-water mark stands at 27.6 shooting teams. arc, and Blethen leads the the opponent’s side. GW’s offense – ranked squad with six made threes. so far this season: Another game has nine matchups as a result percent by the 2009-10 team. of positive tests. “It’s just finding that one No. 13 in the conference – Loder has hit on two of her been postponed after game where we can break is only better than George attempts, and her 6.9 percent through a little bit and have Mason among A-10 teams, success rate is a significant everyone relax about our but even the Patriots knock step back from her 25 percent perimeter shooting because down triples at a 26.4 percent clip last year. it will certainly help as we are clip. The Colonials are struggling to score against Last season, the Colonials struggling to hit treys when some of the better defensive made 31.4 percent of their they matter the most. GW teams in the league,” head attempts from deep and had dropped four of its last five coach Jennifer Rizzotti said a go-to threat in the form contests, losing each game Sunday after a loss to Dayton. of then-redshirt freshman by 10 points or fewer. The Their three-balls rank guard Tori Hyduke. The team made just 2-of-15 from second to last in the Atlantic point guard sank 40 of her outside during the fourth 10, besting only Saint Louis. 125 attempts during the quarter in those four losses The lack of consistent and campaign. Through her first combined. steady three-point shooting eight games, Hyduke hit 56.8 In the showdown has forced the ball inside, percent of her attempts from against Davidson Jan. 1, resulting in 210 points in the long distance. the Wildcats’ three-point paint and bigs accounting for Hyduke has since shooting in crunch time 50.5 percent of the team’s total transferred, and the Colonials lifted them a 66-62 victory. points. But the squad has have failed to find a similar GW did not score a field goal still struggled to put points caliber shooter. Sophomore in the final six minutes of on the board, averaging 56.8 forward Faith Blethen, who play and watched an eight- points per game for a rank was second on the team in point lead evaporate, while of 286th of the 336 Division I triples last year with 35, has Davidson drilled two clutch programs. run into a sophomore slump. shots from beyond the arc “We don’t want to not The guard landed just 22.2 in the last 71 seconds of shoot the three, we want to percent of shots from deep, a regulation to tie and then FILE PHOTO BY ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDIRTOR 16 percent decrease from her surpass the Colonials. The men’s basketball program has reported one positive case among Tier 1 personnel, postponing an be selective,” Rizzotti said. upcoming game.