The -Established 1904- rinity ripod T T Volume CXVI Now then-Trinity! Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Number I SGA Election SARS-CoV-2 at Connecticut’s Colleges: Preview SHAWN OLSTEIN ’22 The Tripod Charts Cases Across the State NEWS EDITOR SGA election are page coming Sept. 14: find out who is running and what positions are contested in the 3 Tripod this week. Advice for Class of 2024 BAILEY MCKEON ’22 FEATURES EDITOR

page The Tripod’s Features Editor shares her 10 pieces of advice for the Bants of 8 the Class of 2024. Megan Thee Stallion LIZ FOSTER ’22 DANIEL J. NESBITT ’22 ing, with varying com- MANAGING EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR binations of remote and Tripod Examines Progress in-person learning, which How Megan The choropleth map page could result in increased Thee Stallion above shows the rela- or decreased likelihood found a way to tive amount of confirmed on President’s Special of infection. Finally, each dominate the COVID cases for nine school likely has a differ- music season Connecticut colleges and ent testing protocol, mean- Opportunity Hires and the charts. universities. The data ing positive cases could 9 shown were obtained BRENDAN W. CLARK ’21 ing members of underrep- be detected more quickly from the New York Times EDITOR-IN-CHIEF resented groups,” Acting at certain schools than interactive page “Track- Vice President for Aca- others, and with varying Trinity’s faculty Edu- ing Coronavirus Cases demic Affairs and Dean of degrees of accuracy de- cational Policy Committee Fall Sports at U.S. Colleges and Uni- the Faculty Sonia Carde- pending on the specifica- (EPC) and the College’s versities,” and the data nas told the Tripod in July. tions of the test employed. senior academic adminis- are current as of Thurs- Berger-Sweeney also told on Hold The choropleth shows tration have met over the day, Sept. 3. The yellow the Tripod that the posi- that the University of summer to consider the ANNA BAUER ’23 regions on the map indi- tions would be reserved Connecticut, located in apportioning of new facul- SPORTS EDITOR cate an area with large to “increase our faculty Storrs, CT (yellow region, ty seats for several “Spe- numbers of confirmed diversity.” This amounts Trinity’s fall top right), has the great- cial Opportunity Hires.” COVID cases, while the to eighteen estimated po- page sports and est number of cases among The Tripod examined fac- lighter, purple regions sitions—six each year, ap- practices Connecticut schools with ulty involvement in this indicate an area with pointed over three years— are radically 186 confirmed COVID hiring process, among sev- relatively few confirmed based on the July email altered by the cases as of Sept. 3. Yale eral objectives outlined by COVID cases at colleges. from Berger-Sweeney. COVID-19 Univesity has the sec- President of the College It is important to note It was not immediate- 12pandemic ond-greatest case total Joanne Berger-Sweeney ly clear when the College the limitations of this with 126 confirmed COVID in response to demands Also in this issue... dataset. First, all these expected to begin the hir- cases, shown as the large by student activists in data compiled by the ing process, though an Opinion: Waiting to Study colored region over New June over ongoing inci- Times is all publicly avail- email from Cardenas to Abroad? Remember Otto Haven, CT. These are the dents of unrest and dis- able, meaning delays in faculty in late June not- Warmbier, page 6 two largest hot spots on content over racism and reporting by schools could ed that it will occur in the the map at present. Cen- discrimination at Trinity. result in out-of-date, inac- 2020-2021 academic year Spiritual and Religious Life tral Connecticut State The special opportuni- curate data. Second, each while a general hiring Connects Virtually, page 7 University has the third ty hires “will be for diverse school has a different, freeze remains in place highest number of cases faculty members, includ- National Hockey League Contin- unique plan for re-open- see SPECIAL HIRES on page 4 ues Through COVID, page 11 see COVID on page 4 Published weekly at Trinity College, Hartford, CT TRINITYTRIPOD.COM 2 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 The Tripod Editorial Trinity Tripod We Need More Than Assurances Established in 1904 “Now then-Trinity!” As COVID-19 forces col- reflects only one positive the multitude of emails sent leges to implement various case on-campus (others oc- in August). Our Dean in- Editor-in-Chief means of testing, reporting, curred before students re- formed us that gathering BRENDAN W. CLARK ’21 and protecting their stu- turned). But the dashboard on the quad and in other Managing Editors dent body from harm, Trin- is updated only “twice” public places was subject to LIZ FOSTER ’22 ity College has succeeded during “business hours” prohibition until September KAT NAMON ’22 in providing a comprehen- throughout the week. Only 7th. From the day students DANIEL J. NESBITT ’22 sive testing procedure. It twice a week while students returned to campus, the is clear that the institution are tested four out of seven quads have been sites of so- NEWS EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS has made a concerted effort days? Twice a week when cial activity--with and with- KIP LYNCH ’22 ANNA BAUER ’23 this summer to afford the tests can come back positive out masks--and to the pass- SHAWN OLSTEIN ’22 MATEO VAZQUEZ ’21 sense of a safe environment one day after an update was erby enforcement seems left and that countless adminis- issued? The numbers are in- to chance. If Trinity’s policy OPINION EDITOR A&E EDITORS trators have sought various congruous. Between Friday has changed, that should skyler simpkins ’23 JOEY CIFELLI ’23 solutions to the problem and Monday, when the dash- be communicated. For now, MACIEJ PRADZIAD ’22 the pandemic introduces. board has yet to be updated, those who reside on the FEATURES EDITORS CAROLINE RICHARDS ’22 But appearances are Trinity could have seen any quad, absent a pronounce- KATIE CERULLE ’22 only half the battle: the number of variations in cas- ment, seem the contraven- MAURA KEARY ’22 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER sanitizing stations, colorful es. We simply do not know. ers of an unenforced law. BAILEY MCKEON ’22 alexandra boursican ’23 “Protect the Nest” signage, On a small campus of Some students believe OLIVIA PAPP ’23 and touchless door mecha- 2,000, Trinity’s rumor-mill that if they are seen with- BUSINESS MANAGER nisms are but a modicum is always turning. With a out a mask, they will be DIVYANSH GAUR ’22 of the most fundamental pandemic on our hands, expelled. Others believe element of effective leader- students cannot afford to be that gathering in groups of ship in a time of crisis, clear getting all of their informa- 25 indoors violates no pol- and seamless communica- tion from the alleged tales icy. Many students have tion that informs and drives of what happened on Ver- had disciplinary meetings student understanding. non Saturday night. If this this week for incidents that Following the first posi- College is to succeed, data range from a casual hello tive COVID-19 case on cam- cannot be hidden. If the Col- to friends to being in the The Trinity Tripod has been published by the students of Trinity Col- lege since 1904. Its staff members are committed to the reporting pus, announced via email on lege has good cause to only wrong place at the wrong and distribution of news and ideas that are relevant to the College August 29, students were update its dashboard twice time. Countless others par- community. The Tripod is published weekly on Tuesdays during the informed that updates on a week, tell the community ty at off-campus residences, academic year. Student subscription is included in the Student Ac- positive tests will not always why. Nothing can be left to another veil that Trinity tivities Fee (SAF). For non-students looking to subscribe, a one-se- be made to the community. chance and honesty remains cannot pierce. When these mester subscription costs $10.00 and a one-year subscription costs This, on its face, seems prob- essential: students should stories circulate, strong $20.00. Please address all correspondence to: lematic: students should know--at all times--how administrative response is 300 Summit St. Box 702582 know when and where pos- many cases rest ‘neath the needed. We need more clar- Hartford, CT 06106-3100 itive cases emanate. If that elms every day of the week. ity on what is acceptable Phone: (860) 297-2584 means ten emails in the The same is true of Trin- and what is not. Most im- course of a day, then so be ity’s return-to-campus pro- portantly, violators should Opinions expressed in Tripod editorials represent the views of the it: the level of communica- tocols. As students arrived, be met with consequences: Tripod editorial board, unless otherwise signed. Those opinions do tion in large part dictates vague guidelines and ex- if we expect to make it the not necessarily reflect the views of all contributors to the Tripod. Ad- the degree of seriousness pectations abounded, and semester, Trinity cannot ditionally, writing expressed in the Opinion section belongs to the and suggests that we need answers could be found advertise one message yet writers themselves and are not affiliated with theTripod in any way. to change course promptly only by scouring the Trin- enact and enforce another. The Trinity Tripod is always looking for student contributions in pho- as they grow out of hand. ity College website. Rules tography, writing, and graphic design. Anyone interested in joining As a solution to this in- and expectations regarding the Tripod can email [email protected]. tended infrequent updating, social gatherings have not the College launched its been clearly stated, as many All requests for advertisement placement in the Tripod can be COVID-19 dashboard. 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Join the conversation by emailing [email protected] NEWS Tripod Study Abroad Safety SGA Executive Board Investigation: Faculty Approval Election Preview SHAWN OLSTEIN ’22 Vice President of Finance, NEWS EDITOR Drew Gardner Class of ’21, and Provider Disclosures President, Leah Herbin, To fulfill this responsibil- article on study abroad Next week, Trinity Col- KIP LYNCH ’22 Class of ’22 President. ity, the Curriculum Com- programs at Cal State Ful- lege’s Student Government NEWS EDITOR The three contested elec- mittee reviews any new- lerton, Brandon Pho noted Association (SGA) will be tions are SGA President, Vice The Trinity Tripod is ly proposed study away the university “has seen a holding elections for the or- President of Multicultural examining all facets of programs and associated nearly 100 percent partic- ganization’s executive board. affairs, and Class of ’23 pres- study abroad safety. Over materials, often including ipation increase in a study Elections will be held online ident. Felicia McDevitt ’21 a series of forthcoming ar- individual course syllabi.” abroad program that is from Monday, Sept. 14 to and Giovanni Jones ’21 are ticles, the Tripod will dive The Tripod spoke to lacking in safety records.” Wednesday, Sept. 16. Bal- running for SGA President. into the issue through Associate Dean for Cur- An internal audit by CSU lots will be electronically Jederick Estrella ’22 and administrative, faculty, riculum and Associate System’s Office of Audit and distributed by the Student Renita Washington ’22 are student, and legal lenses. Professor of Theatre and Advisory Services found Activities Involvement and running for Vice President of Managing Editor Dan- Dance Mitchell Polin numerous weaknesses, in- Leadership Office (S.A.I.L.). Multicultural Affairs. Jason iel Nesbitt ’22 examined about the process for ap- cluding the “lack of a doc- The executive board posi- Farrell Jr. ’23 and Thursday last year the limited scope proving programs by the umented process for select- tions open for elections are Williams ’23 are running of the Jeanne Clery Disclo- Curriculum Committee. ing third party-providers the SGA President, SGA for Class of ’23 president. sure of Campus Security Discussing reasons of study abroad programs.” Vice President, Vice Pres- In a statement to the Tri- Policy and Campus Crime why a program may be re- The non-profit Protect ident of Communications, pod on his SGA presidential Statistics Act (Clery Act) jected, he stated that “the Students Abroad, founded Vice President of Finance, candidacy, Jones ’21 stat- and noted that this result- Committee will often seek by Elizabeth Brenner and as well as Vice President of ed, “For the longest time, ed in less than transparent advice from associated De- Ros Thackurdeen in 2012, Multicultural Affairs. Be- I’ve appreciated being able crime statistics. Nesbitt partments and Programs has sought to address yond these SGA executive to work from behind the referenced a particular in- whose areas are repre- gaps in program safety. board positions, the classes scenes. I grew comfortable in cident unreported under sented in the study away Brenner and Thackur- of ’21, ’22, ’23, will be holding positions where one does not the Clery Act in February program. The Committee deen have identified that their presidential elections. hold the title nor receives the 2018 when “the Tripod re- members need to make at “campus-hosted study All class senator elections as credit. Because of this, I’ve ported that three Trinity certain that any credits abroad forums, the goal well as the class of ’24 class developed a mindset where students abroad in Barce- earned are equivalent to a of programs is to recruit president election will be everything became second- lona were mugged in early credit earned through the students. Thus, program held in the coming weeks. ary to ensuring that the work January of the same year. completion of a course on materials have the flavor Traditionally, SGA execu- got done.” Presidential can- However, the ASR [annual our home campus. In past of marketing, with beau- tive board and class presi- didate McDevitt ’21 touted security report] stated that academic years, programs tiful photos and captions dential elections are held at her three years of SGA expe- the Office of Study Away have been rejected for not that promise a life chang- the end of the spring semes- rience as informative to her a reported zero incidents of meeting the criteria of the ing experience. Because ter, however these elections “fierce dedication” to serving any category. When asked college.” Programs are there are no transparency were delayed until the start the interests and concerns of about this discrepancy, then typically reviewed requirements of the study of this year due to the on- the students. Furthermore, Heavren clarified that ‘in annually by the Office of abroad industry, it can be going COVID-19 pandemic. both candidates identified this case, there was a Clery Study Away, which submits difficult for parents and Despite a combined total the problems of racial injus- reportable crime but it did its recommendations to the students to find both -neu of eight elected offices up for tices and sexual assault on not occur in the Clery ge- Curriculum Committee. tral and comprehensive election between the SGA campus as key issues. McDe- ography,’ thus it was not On whether the faculty information about stu- executive board and class vitt stated, “As a community, included in the full report.” have raised questions of dent safety.” Importantly, presidencies, only three elec- as student organizations, Study abroad programs concern relative to program study abroad programs tions are contested. SGA and as individuals, we are at Trinity must be approved safety, he stated that “The and providers “have no ob- Vice President, Vice Pres- met with a critical opportu- by the Office of Study Away Office of Study Away has ligation to disclose safety ident of Communications, nity to build upon dedicated and the College’s faculty not received questions or information, and we are Vice President of Finance, as student activists’ work this Curriculum Committee. concerns, in recent years, aware of programs that well as the classes of ’22 and summer (namely Instagram According to the Faculty regarding program safety. have not answered safe- ’23 presidential elections accounts @Blackattrin and @ Manual, the Curriculum However, safety reports are ty questions truthfully.” are uncontested. The candi- trinsurvivors).” Jones stated, Committee, which includes available from the Office of The Trinity Tripod dates for these elections are “As Trinity must navigate faculty representatives as Study Away upon request.” reached out to Director of as follows: Jack Stone ’22 through, and address, 3 pan- well as representatives of Trinity College is not the Office of Study Away SGA Vice President, Mad- demics, COVID-19, racial the administration and alone both in the popular- Jennifer Summerhays dy White ’22 and Jordan injustice, and sexual miscon- students, is responsible for ity of study abroad pro- for comment on Trinity’s Lewis ’22 Vice President duct, it is imperative that we “the approval, and period- grams as well as the lack of external providers, but of Communications (serv- bring to office an executive ic review, for study away transparency surrounding did not hear back as of ing alternative semesters), board that is committed to programs and offerings. crime statistics. In a 2017 the time of publication. Camille Valentincic ’22, working to get to solutions.” College Campus Safety Report: Aug. 31 - Sept. 7

Tuesday, Sept. 1 Sunday, Sept. 6 Library High Rise

Fire - Unintentional, caused by a con- Liquor Law Violation - Four students tractor working in the building. received disciplinary referrals. This case is closed. 4 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 EPC, Special Opportunity Hires COVID Cases at continued from page one EPC could be “granted an ex- the course of the next year. over new faculty positions. ception” and have the “formal Special Opportunity Hire Interim Chair of the EPC and inquiry requirement waived” positions will not be the only Connecticut Colleges Associate Professor of Mathe- if applied for. Cardenas, in her positions considered over the matics Paula Russo explained June email, added that posi- coming year. Four previously and Universities to the Tripod that the EPC is tions will be apportioned “con- authorized but unfilled posi- continued from page one case. These four schools are generally responsible for deter- sistent with the process out- tions will be advertised, ac- not depicted in the choro- mining the allocation of open lined in the Faculty Manual for cording to Stater and Carde- among Connecticut pleth map due to the rela- lines across departments at the Special Opportunity Hires.” nas’ June email. While the schools with a total of 30 tively low number of cases. College and “carefully reviews” While the EPC is respon- College did institute a hiring confirmed COVID cases. In terms of Trinity’s to- proposals brought by depart- sible for bring recommenda- freeze in response to the coro- CCSU is shown in the choro- tal testing capabilities and ment and program chairs. tions on the apportioning of navirus, Stater noted that pleth map as the purple results, the College has re- Eighteen new positions, positions across departments, the “EPC will be allocating region near New Britain. ported that 4,310 COVID “preferably at the senior/ten- the “Dean of the Facylty some open positions to de- The U.S. Coast Guard PCR tests have been com- ured level” per Berger-Swee- makes the final decision” and partments” that had previ- Academy (near New Lon- pleted between Aug. 17 ney’s email, could constitute a may “replace one or more of ously been applied for, but don, bottom right), has a to- and Sept. 4, with only two formal increase in the size of the positions recommended those positions will not be tal of nine confirmed cases positive tests - a prom- the faculty under the Stewart by the EPC” with another, “hired this upcoming year.” while Sacred Heart Univer- ising sign. Additionally, Amendment, a provision in the added Russo. The College’s The senior administration sity (near Bridgeport, bot- there have been a total of Faculty Manual which affords senior administration has not declined to outline to the Tri- tom left) has just six total 46 invalid tests. The total the faculty oversight in the signaled where they expect pod in August what criteria cases. Trinity has had two test outcomes are shown process of increasing faculty to allocate existing positions. would be used in their hiring total confirmed cases (but in the figure below. As of size. The Stewart Amendment Stater noted that while he process, though Russo clar- only one on-campus) as of Sept. 4 Trinity has a posi- would require a vote of the fac- had not received any notice of ified that the hiring criteria Friday, Sept. 4, while Con- tive PCR test rate of just ulty to authorize the EPC to an intent by the EPC to begin a is an administrative decision necticut College, Univer- 0.02%, however the rate begin a “formal inquiry” and formal inquiry or bring a vote, and that others “determine sity of Hartford, and Wes- will likely increase as more would require a subsequent the faculty “would entertain whether the candidate meets leyan University each have data is made available. vote to change its size as part a motion if it came through the goals of the College.” The just one confirmed COVID of a two-step approval pro- the proper channels.” For an Vice President for Diversi- cess. The Amendment, which increase to be successful, 60% ty, Equity, and Inclusion also Trinity Test Results (Aug. 17-Sept. 4) originally arose in response approval would be required. “makes a recommendation to an attempt by the College Russo told the Tripod as to how well the proposed administration to eliminate that her understanding of candidate meets the College’s the Education Department the Stewart Amendment, goals for diversity,” Russo in the late 1970s, does have per the Faculty Manual, re- added. Recommendations a caveat in that faculty ap- quires that “any recommen- on faculty appointments are proval of a formal inquiry dations for overall changes in ultimately extended from is only “normally” required. the size of the Faculty, or for the College’s Appointments n=4310 The Tripod spoke with Fac- (other) substantial changes in and Promotions Committee ulty Secretary and Associate the educational policy of the to the Dean of the Faculty. Professor of Economics Mark College, must be approved Cardenas—in her June Stater, who stated that the by the Faculty.” Still, Russo email—added that “students increase in hires may require noted that the EPC has “not of color will be included in the a vote, “depending on if the yet had a formal discussion nomination process.” It was number of hires available in a about increasing the size of not immediately clear wheth- 0.02% Positive given year exceeds the number the faculty” and added that er students would be appoint- of Special Opportunity Hires.” such decisions of allocation ed or if an invitation to par- 98.91% Negative Stater, referencing the “nor- and timeline were among ticipate would be extended to 1.07% Invalid mally” term of the Stewart those topics that the “commit- certain community members Amendment, added that the tee will be considering” over as part of the process. Intercollegiate Update: News on Nearby Campuses

Connecticut College Middlebury College Colby College

Connecticut College returned to campus this At Middlebury, student leaders have become Colby College returned to campus this fall and, fall with a dashboard for monitoring COVID responsible for enforcing the College’s COVID-19 like its peer institutions, rolled out an extensive cases on campus. The dashboard is updated policies, according to the Middlebury Campus. testing program. The College has conducted more four times a week and tracks both the volume of The Campus reported that “nighttime gatherings than 6,400 COVID-19 tests (4,700 on campus; testing and the number of positive test results. that exceed 10 participants, sometimes without 1,700 before arrival) over the past month. Of The percentage of positive results is one of the masks” have become the responsibility of these tests, they have had five positive cases to important metrics the College will track in Residential Life workers and orientation leaders.” date (a rate of .08 percent). Of these five positive order to determine the campus alert status and Student leaders appear to have taken on a role cases, two were employees and three students. to make informed decisions about changes to greater than Public Safety at Middlebury, where The two employees were re-tested and received campus operations. Since Aug. 17, the College has Residential Life staff have become responsible two consecutive negative results. Neither was or performed 6,153 tests, three of which came back for collecting “the names, and sometimes the had recently been ill, nor had either individual positive - a positivity rate of 0.05%. The College ID numbers, of students who break COVID-19 traveled outside of Maine in recent weeks. One has four alert levels. The College is currently at policies.” Part of this shift in responsibility away had been working remotely from March, and the alert level 3 indicating that on-campus operations from the College’s public safety office was stirred other was tested early in their process and has must be reduced in response to a rising number by the protests over the deaths of George Floyd since left the college for a position elsewhere. The of both positive tests and potential exposures. and Breonna Taylor, according to Maya Gee, three students are currently in isolation and not Isolation capacity is decreasing and confidence a Residential Life staff member. The Campus experiencing symptoms according to reports from in the ability to complete contact tracing is also noted that Middlebury has already asked the College administration. These individuals did moderate. As a result, parts of the College or the several students “to leave campus” and “more not become infected at Colby, but were infected entire campus may need to shift into “cautionary are awaiting appeals for violating guidelines,” prior to their arrival on the campus in August. quarantine” to limit movement on campus and according to comments from Dean of Students These cases are unrelated and contained, and minimize in-person contact. This alert level is Derek Doucet. It was not immediately clearly as of Monday, Sept. 7, there is no evidence, the automatic status of the campus during on- how many students had been removed from the according to reports, of community transmission. boarding quarantine at the start of the semester. campus or what their particular violations were. OPINION Waiting to Study Abroad? Remember Otto Warmbier appeared in a press confer- suffer from torture and after JACK P. CARROLL ’24 who passed away in 2017 af- high school class and attend- ence in which he confessed being removed from a feed- CONTRIBUTING WRITER ter having traveled to North ed the University of Virginia Korea the previous year. on a scholarship. Pursuing to attempting to steal a ing tube, he passed away in If there is one skill that Otto, a particularly ad- a double major in economics propaganda poster from the the hospital on June 19, 2017 any of us have gained from venturous student with and commerce, Otto was in- restricted area of the second at the age of 22 years old. the challenges that the a penchant for traveling, tent on becoming a banker. floor of the Yanggakdo hotel. While the true recount COVID-19 related travel decided to make a trip to Furthermore, he had pre- Otto’s arrest and sub- of Otto’s travel to North guidelines have imposed, North Korea, en route to viously traveled to Israel, sequent confession were Korea and his subsequent it is the persistent abili- Hong Kong, where he had Cuba, Ecuador, and Europe prompted by (albeit low death remains ambiguous ty to conduct thorough re- initially planned to com- where he completed a foreign quality) surveillance foot- and subject to scrutiny and search and strategically plete a study abroad pro- exchange program at the age obtained by the hotel, debate, I believe that all plan prior to making any gram. The trip to North Ko- London School of Economics. which displays a shad- readers can agree that the important travel decisions. rea was arranged with the Unfortunately, “no” might owy and indiscernible death of Otto Warmbier was As colleges and universi- highly questionable travel have been the better answer figure stripping a poster devastating for his family ties in the U.S. consider the group, Young Pioneer Tours, as, early on in their travels, from the wall on the floor. and a tragic blow to the com- future of their international whose website states that on the night of New Year’s Despite the widespread munity that supported him. study programs, it is import- the company offers “bud- Eve in 2015, only some days uncertainty and speculation Hopefully my peers en- ant for students (my peers get travel to destinations after the group had left Bei- amongst global media as to tering and returning to col- included) to use their pan- your mother would rath- jing for the trip, Otto went the figure in the video indeed lege who, like Otto, are intel- demic-enhanced research er you stayed away from.” missing. That night, after being Otto, and whether his ligent, ambitious, and eager skills to make well-informed Pyongyang, the capi- returning from a day of confession was authentic or to build their futures and en- travel decisions when de- tal and largest city of the touring and sightseeing, the given under duress by the joy their young adult lives, ciding where to study in North Korean dictatorship Young Pioneers split up to North Korean government, are able to see themselves in a post-pandemic world. renowned for starvation, drink and bowl at their hotel Otto was tried and convicted Otto and in turn recognize Prior to selecting a coun- strict national security laws, of choice: The Yanggakdo In- of subversion under Article the widespread feeling of try or region to spend a se- labor camps, and govern- ternational Hotel. According 60 of North Korea’s Crimi- grief and tragedy left by his mester, students should ment-imposed murder, was to Danny Gratton, a Brit- nal Code on Mar. 16, 2016. death as a constant remind- take note of the existing the destination of travel for ish member of the traveling In June of 2017, at the er to make educated and laws, political climate, and Otto and his peers. Despite tour group, it was during command of President safe decisions when study- social norms of the coun- initially having reservations this time at the hotel, late Donald J. Trump, former ing abroad in the future. try in which one chooses to about the trip, Otto’s par- at night, when there was a Secretary of State Rex Til- While many of us may study. A failure to conduct ents, nevertheless, allowed “two-hour window” in which lerson secured the release not be able to prevent the such necessary research him to leave. Otto’s moth- no member of the Young Pio- of Otto from his impris- widespread death that and act in accordance with er, Cindy Warmbier, high- neers could account for Otto. onment in North Korea. continues to become a dis- the collected information lighted her thoughts when It would not be until 4:30 However, from the time turbingly integral part of could impose potentially allowing Otto to travel to AM the following morning he arrived in the US and our lives amidst the con- grave consequences to one’s North Korea: “Why would (New Year’s day) that Grat- was evacuated to the Uni- tinued and rampant spread individual safety, health, you say no to a kid like this?” ton would find Otto asleep in versity of Cincinnati Med- of the COVID-19 pandem- and overall well-being. To his mother’s defense, their shared room. However, ical Center, Otto remained ic, we can begin to prevent In order to truly grasp Otto was an intelligent and the story does not end there. in a persistent vegetative the loss of human life in a the severity of the perilous academically-driven young The following day, Jan. state. There, doctors dis- post-pandemic society by consequences that are asso- man whose extensive trav- 2, 2016, prior to departure proved North Korean claims encouraging our friends ciated with poor-informed eling background made at the Pyongyang Interna- that Otto had contracted and loved ones to become travel decisions, let us re- him all-the-more qualified tional Airport, Otto was ar- botulism and, instead, found well-informed, responsible, count the devastating death to undertake the trip. Otto, rested by two guards. Over a that Warmbier experienced a and thoughtful individuals of Otto Warmbier, a former who was once described as month after his arrest, Otto, profound loss of brain tissue before making any import- undergraduate student at a “math whiz,” was the Sa- who was still in the custody Furthermore, it was de- ant decisions in their trav- the University of Virginia, lutatorian of his graduating of North Korean officials, termined that Otto did not els and other life pursuits. At Trinity, Arbitrary Enforcement Is The “New Normal” ment runs the gamut from violations of the community view. Why can the same not tract or just a set of recom- BRENDAN W. CLARK ’21 “parental notification” to contract and the college will be applied during a time mendations and requests? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF expulsion, one would ex- as issues arise. joe [sic].” of crisis—when, to quote While Trinity’s disci- AND pect that students should Ignorance of the law, the Community Contract, plinary processes may not DANIEL J. NESBITT ’22 be duly apprised of the pen- then, seems a valid defense “there is little room for er- function as a court, it cer- MANAGING EDITOR alties of the “law” on this at Trinity this fall. Students ror in the face of this un- tainly seems as if the law Quod vanum et inutile campus for their actions. are left without knowledge forgiving virus.” Specificity has been suspended. A case est, lex non requirit, “the For instance, does a of when an act may move should be the expectation. of habeas corpus à la Lin- law does not require what single case of forgetting a to disciplinary action. They In addition, it remains coln? Perhaps a step too far, is vain and useless,” or so mask have the potential to have no defense if action is ambiguous whether this but students should be duly the maxim goes. For Trinity result in disciplinary conse- taken and sanctions zeal- Community Contract func- apprised to when sanctions College, on matters of en- quences? Will students be ously doled out, nor do they tions as a binding agree- will be imposed and when forcing its new “Communi- punished for meeting their have an outline to point to ment that students must incidents will arise to the ty Contract” that students significant other in a dorm in an effort to contest pro- follow or a simple set of rec- level of disciplinary action. have or will find themselves that they do not live in? ceedings. Arbitrary and ommendations that Trinity That’s the least they can ex- soon beholden to, it seems The possibilities for punish- capricious enforcement, is asking students to volun- pect for $75,000 a year amid that vanity and uselessness ment are seemingly endless. subject to the whims of tarily follow. For example, the risks of a pandemic-rid- shall come to be the guiding The Tripod sought clari- whichever dean catches the Community Contract den world. Trinity students principles of administra- ty from the newly promoted you, seems to be the inevi- states that students “may should not stand for this ad- tive enforcement this fall. Dean of Campus Life and table outcome of this “any not travel (leave campus ministrative jiggery-pokery. Trinity’s “Community Vice President for Student possible violations” policy. or leave [their] off-campus And, surely, the answer Contract” will permit the Affairs Joe DiChristina. Why Trinity cannot at- housing) for non-essential to that complex question of College to “if needed…fol- Specifically, we sought to tach specific violations to reasons at any time.” How- punishment and sanction low procedures outlined in understand whether “any punishments, or at least ever, DiChristina himself merits more than a sentence the student handbook” to and all violations of the Stu- speculate as much, is dif- confirmed to us that the Col- response that, in effect, de- enforce disciplinary action dent Responsibility Agree- ficult to comprehend. For lege “do[es] not have a legal fines enforcement at Trini- on students. How, though, ment have the potential to other types of student be- basis” to restrict student ty in one word: “arbitrary.” will students know what move to disciplinary pro- havior, clear expectations travel, and that the College potential violations and ceedings?” The one sentence have been enumerated in is simply “asking students acts may constitute disci- response we received: “the the Student Handbook and to focus on the health and This article was origi- plinary procedures? When college is certainly able to possible disciplinary actions safety of our community.” Is nally published online on the potential for punish- follow-up on any possible are delineated for all to re- this “Contract” really a con- Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. 6 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 Featured Opinion: How the Absence of Study of Irish Immigration in High School Curricula Leaves a Key Gap in the Study of American History Nationwide to take place any time in JACK P. CARROLL ’24 and future accomplish- became a disturbingly as the “Know Nothings.” ments, was not included the near future, I believe CONTRIBUTING WRITER integral component of They were a neo-nation- in California’s recent- that all readers could ob- many peoples’ lives, fur- alist hate-group disguised In a historical land- ly approved curriculum. tain a glimpse of the pre- ther fueled the destruc- as a political party which mark decision on Monday However, as disap- viously mentioned bene- tion of Irish civilization. aimed to combat Irish im- Aug. 31, the California pointed as I was when first fits with a cursory glance For example, a law that migration to the U.S. and legislature made coura- left landlords responsible declare their Protestant geous and praise-wor- for feeding their tenants, religious views as superior. thy academic progress in “...The curriculum approved un- who during the famine It would not be until becoming the first state had little to no money, led decades after their arrival to pass legislation that der Bill AB331 misses many mean- to the eviction of approxi- that the Irish would begin requires all high school ingful opportunities to promote mately half a million peo- to gain social footing in the students to complete diversity by forgetting to include ple. The landlords then, United States, specifically, a course related to the after removing their ten- through their large voter study of “racial and eth- a myriad of historically oppressed ants, used the land to graze turnout in state and local nic groups that have been and underrepresented social groups livestock in an attempt elections in which they oppressed and exploit- in the United States -- the Irish to profit, all while disre- elected leaders of the Irish ed through U.S. history.” garding the health and community into positions However, as has been among one of them.” wellbeing of their tenants. of power in government. pointed out by numerous The famine, which Furthermore, it would education policy experts reading through the bill, into nineteenth-century began when a fungus-re- not be for over one hun- and California state ed- I could not say that I was Irish immigration--which sembling organism called dred years until the first ucation leaders, the cur- surprised by the legisla- I have provided below. Phytophthora led to the Irish-Catholic U.S. Presi- riculum approved under ture’s exclusion of the Irish The story of the Irish plight of potato plants dent, John Fitzgerald Ken- Bill AB331 misses many in their curriculum. The in the United States is one all throughout Ireland, nedy, would serve in office. meaningful opportuni- study of the history of the of immense suffering and along with the ruth- Lastly, and most dis- ties to promote diversity Irish in the United States tragedy; the dark times less treatment they re- turbingly, it would not by forgetting to include in modern high school cur- that many Irish immi- ceived from their ruling be for another 150 years a myriad of historically ricula, for whatever reason, grants were soon to face government, however, from the start of the fam- oppressed and underrep- has been largely ignored upon their arrival were would not mark the end ine that Britain would resented social groups and left unaddressed. linked to even darker ori- of the Irish struggle. take some responsibility in the United States-- In fact, in my four gins that were most vivid- For the Irish immi- for its devastating con- the Irish among them. years of high school, I do ly described by one of the grants who were fortu- tributions to the famine. Before going any fur- not recall ever learning most influential Irish -his nate enough to survive the As a descendant, my- ther, I must note that I about Irish immigration torians, Christine Kinealy. unsanitary and cramped self, of the generations of applaud the decision of and their struggles in the When recounting the the California State As- United States. The closest famine-stricken landscape “Lastly, and most disturbing- sembly in their efforts I ever came to learning of Ireland in the mid-nine- to provide students with anything about Irish cul- teenth-century, which ly, it would not be for another 150 an acute understanding ture was in my senior En- would claim the lives of one years from the start of the fam- of the struggles and suc- glish course, A.P. English million and later motivate ine that Britain would take some cesses of various social Literature and Composi- the emigration of roughly groups whose well-being, tion when my peers and I two million in only a seven responsibility for its devastat- for too long in our nation’s read the novel A Portrait of year time span, Kinealy, ing contributions to the famine.” history, was tragically the Artist as a Young Man; writes in the Great Hunger neglected and left unac- the Irish culture which is Museum in Hamden, CT: conditions of the “coffin brave men and women who counted for altogether. deeply embedded within No part of the country ships”--the flotillas named sacrificed their wellbeing Furthermore, by in- the plot was, of course, not escaped from the horror after the quarter of the when emigrating from stilling our nation’s future the focal point of our the- of the Famine, and no re- 85,000 passengers who did Ireland to an initially cold leaders with a profound matic analysis of the text. ligious group was exempt not survive the trip over- and indifferent reception sense of respect and ap- Given the widespread from its ravages. Disease seas--a life of backbreak- in the U.S., I believe that preciation for different disregard for Irish culture and death stalked Ireland, ing physical labor, em- it is imperative for our ethnic groups with which and heritage that, as dis- and despair and despon- ployment discrimination, nation’s youth to closely one may be initially un- played by Bill AB331 and dency filled the vacuums. poverty, racial caricatures, study the Irish struggle acquainted, I believe that existing curricula across The laughter of children and violent confrontations in order to ensure that our our nation can become the country, continues to was replaced by cries of with anti-Catholic and an- students receive a compre- further unified in our- na remain an integral compo- pain, and the singing of ti-Irish factions awaited. hensive understanding of tional and global efforts nent of the study of system- birds by haunting silenc- Indeed, it was not un- the horrific and degener- to help those in need and ic oppression of various so- es. From 1845 to 1852, common for one to see an- ating consequences of dis- continue to disband the cial groups in high schools Ireland was a society liv- ti-Irish job-listing adver- crimination amongst all prejudices that have deep- nationwide, I believe that ing at the extremes--from tisements in newspapers cultures and all societies. ly fragmented our society. all readers could further callousness to compas- that read “No Irish Need While the decision of It is for the aforemen- enhance their cultural sion, from brutality to Apply”; as well as the de- the California legislature tioned reason, with re- awareness and under- benevolence. Moreover struction of Irish proper- to incorporate ethnic stud- gards to the importance standing of the root causes from birth practices to ty, such as the burning ies is a needed step in the of a high school education and effects of oppression in funeral rites and every- of the Old South (Cath- right direction towards curriculum that is ripe the United States with the thing in between, nothing olic) Church in Maine ensuring a rich multicul- in social diversity, that study of Irish immigration. was as it had been before. in the summer of 1854. tural education, it should I was disappointed to While major nation- As further presented It is also worth noting be broadened so that his- learn that the cruel and al curriculum reform, at the Great Hunger Mu- that these anti-Irish ef- torically oppressed social bigoted oppression that which extends the study seum, the desolate land- forts, which hardly scratch groups--such as the Irish-- the Irish faced when im- of historically oppressed scape was, of course, facil- the surface of the brute that are currently missing migrating to the United social groups in Ameri- itated by an unresponsive oppression that the Irish from California’s curric- States in the mid-nine- ca to include the Irish, British government which, faced, were mainly driven ulum receive the careful teenth century, as well among a long list of oth- amidst the widespread by the anti-Irish and an- study and consideration as their perseverance ers, does not seem likely suffering and death that ti-Catholic group known they deserve in curricula. FEATURES Spiritual and Religious Life at Trinity Remains Connected With Students, Even from a Distance

MAURA KEARY ’22 Christian organization, til outdoor meetings can FEATURES EDITOR has gathered virtually be formed in groups not since returning to Trinity. exceeding 25 individuals. While the Trinity Col- The first Council meeting Trinity’s current policy lege Chapel has remained consisted of student mem- restricts gatherings to no relatively unoccupied over bers, including first-year more than 25 masked in- the past six months, stu- students who had recently diviuals, socially distanced dents of Trinity’s faith- joined. The members were in an outdoor space. For- based organizations have able to introduce them- tunately, technology is be- begun their return to selves, discuss ideas, and ing set up to live-stream campus in the hopes of reflect upon their plans for services, such as Catho- reconnecting with their the upcoming semester. lic mass, if the number of religious groups. Just as Trinity Episcopalian attendees hits the limit. places of worship have in and Protestant communi- Associate Chaplain for the “real world,” Trinity’s ties are another group that Roman Catholic Life John various faith based orga- has gathered online. On Campbell said that he nizations have succeeded Sunday, Sept. 6, Episco- hopes to be able to gath- in creating the welcoming pal College Chaplain Rev- er for Catholic mass after ambience of meetings that erend Rebekah Hatch led Sept. 14. Campbell ex- are typically held in per- a virtual service for stu- plained that the Office of son despite the move from dents and the communi- Spiritual and Religious the physical world to Zoom. ty, preaching on scripture Life hopes to utilize the Interim College Chap- and welcoming students large tent adjacent to the lin Reverend Trevor Beau- back to campus despite Chapel as a location to hold ford relayed how students their separation from the outdoor services. “There can continue to be part of College’s Chapel. Chap- is a lot of anxiety in the these groups in saying that el Council member Alex world right now,” Camp- this fall, “we will be engag- Chambers ’22 explained bell remarked, “So, the ing virtually and when that students were able to more we can get students allowed, we will offer out- participate as if they were to take care of each other, door services. All faith tra- in the Chapel. Though pray, and remain even- remain connected with will be in the new Mus- ditions will have the oppor- the service took place on keeled, the better campus members of Trinity’s lim Prayer Room in tunity to meet for prayers Zoom, students were able will be. We can make this Catholic community. The Crescent 76. day Shab- and public worship.” to read scripture, engage a fabulous semester if we health and safety of Trin- bat will be virtual for the With only a few weeks with their community, and step up and take care of ity students will remain a time being, and Chapel of “gatherings” under their listen to recordings of Col- ourselves.” Campbell also priority as organizations services and mass will be belts, some organizations lege Organist Christopher began a “Monday Morning continue to reevaluate the online until further plans are starting to create a new Houlihan’s music from Chaplain” series, where structure of their gather- develop.” plans develop.” normal, including online the Chapel organ. Some he reflects on God and ings. Rev. Beauford also Thus, despite distance, religious meetings and ser- services, such as those in the world. This program, explained the plans for spiritual and religious vices. In particular, Chap- the Episcopal tradition, began over the summer, several other groups: “The life remains strong at el Council, a student-led will be offered online un- has allowed Campbell to Friday Jumlah Prayers Trinity this fall term. A Virtual Introduction Like No Other: The Tripod Speaks With Orientation Leader Maddie Reckner ’23

OLIVIA PAPP ’23 across the United States, their nest t-shirts in person. “Meeting virtually is not the process went smoothly.” FEATURES EDITOR and the effects are also ev- The S.A.I.L. team worked most ideal way for freshmen When reflecting on the ex- ident throughout New Stu- hard to find activities for to meet their classmates, perience as a whole, Recker dent Orientation at Trinity. students that could operate however, my group showed commented, “I would have New Student Orientation With much preparation on online. There were many up to our meetings and we changed the way everyone typically takes up four or part of the Trinity admin- different activities avail- all made an effort to make received their orientation five days and is devoted to istration, mainly through able for new students to at- orientation go smooth- group.” In previous years, ensuring that new students the Student Activities, In- tend, similar to those from ly,” she remarked. Recker the orientation group as- can become acquainted with volvement, and Leadership in-person years. Although voiced her concern over the signments were done life at Trinity prior to the team (S.A.I.L.), the Ori- the most substantial set- fact that there is “nothing through freshmen seminar beginning of classes. Orien- entation process has still back this year was having we can do about this situa- groups. This year, however, tation leaders will often aid been deemed a success de- virtual orientation sessions tion without putting people the groups were assigned new students in adapting to spite the comparative lack rather than in-person ses- in danger of contracting the before class registration was the many newfound difficul- of in-person programming. sions, the S.A.I.L. team at virus. Even still, the whole held due to the pandemic. ties of college. This aid can This year, the majority Trinity made it possible take on many forms such of events during New Stu- for students to attend ac- as showing new students dent Orientation were vir- tivities such as yoga, bin- around to their classes, an- tual, a significant departure go, trivia, the annual can- swering unresolved ques- from the tradition of previ- dle-lighting ceremony, and tions, or simply being a role ous years. All introductory even Convocation. The en- model during this unset- meetings between new stu- tire process went general- tling transition period. Ori- dents and orientation lead- ly well, despite a few tech- entation this year, however, ers were done over Zoom. nical glitches over Zoom. looks much different than Other activities promoted “Orientation went as it has in previous years. by the S.A.I.L. Team were well as it could have gone, The effects of coronavi- also done through Zoom given the situation we’re TRINITY COLLEGE rus have begun to grow ap- meetings, however, new stu- in,” said Maddie Recker President Berger-Sweeney speaking at the virtual parent on college campuses dents were still able to claim ’23, an orientation leader. Convocation for the Class of 2024 this year. 8 September 8, 2020 A First-Year’s Perspective on 10 Pieces of New Student Orientation Advice for the Bants

KATIE CERULLE ’23 tests each week shows implemented an online FEATURES EDITOR that the college is “ded- alternative to important of the Class of 2024 icated to having all stu- freshmen events such as 6. Say hello to the The first days of an dents remain on campus Convocation and Matric- BAILEY MCKEON ’22 person next to you. It’s ordinary freshman year for as long as possible.” ulation. These two events FEATURES EDITOR the easiest way to make a consist of experiencing In addition to discuss- are usually memorable new friend. And it’ll bring nothing but new people – ing how Trinity is ensuring experiences that students 1. Keep your head some light into someone bouncing from dorm room the safety of its students, talk about through their up. Your college experi- else’s day. Especially in a to frat backyard, and oc- Teddy also spoke about the time at Trinity. Com- ence is just beginning. You time when we may be feel- casionally winding up in ways that Trinity has fa- pleting these two events have a world of opportu- ing disconnected, friend- a classroom with up to 50 cilitated bonding between virtually were valuable nity waiting for you that liness goes a long way. of your peers. But not this members of the freshmen additions in an attempt you aren’t even aware of year. COVID-19 has tak- class. “Trinity has given to normalize the Trini- yet. No one has “the per- 7. Speak up about en a toll on usual fresh- us the time and the place ty first-year experience. fect start,” and one might what you are struggling man year activities across to make new friends while Coming to college for be especially rare in the with. Trinity offers so many the country, and Trinity staying within the COVID the first time in the era of midst of a pandemic. resources to support your College is no exception. guidelines,” he added. He COVID, it was tough for Don’t get down about it. success. You and only you Teddy Komjathy, a also touched on the bene- Teddy to form expectations Believe that good things are responsible for reach- freshman on the lacrosse fit of having outdoor tents, about how Trinity was are coming. They are. ing out to these sources. team from Wellesley, Mas- seating outside the cave, going to achieve a social- Help will not miraculous- sachusetts, is making the and the ability to be on ly distant and enjoyable 2. Don’t party. That ly come to you. So please most of his first few days the quad in small groups. first few days in Hartford. being said, our promis- don’t be afraid to ask for on Trinity’s campus. The These small moments of “I was hoping that ing future here is con- guidance either-it’s being check-in process that Trin- face-to-face contact with there was going to be a tingent on our ability to offered for a reason. Vis- ity students went through peers has been helpful in lot of socializing and get- follow proper health and it the Counseling Center, upon arrival involved the process of acclimat- ting to know people, but I safety protocols and keep engage in a spiritual activ- showing proof of a nega- ing to campus culture. also knew that that would COVID-19 cases on cam- ity, or seek academic sup- tive COVID test taken no As a replacement for be achieved in a differ- pus low. It’s not worth port. Never forget that you more than three days be- the usual first year -ori ent way,” he stated. The engaging in things now are not alone and that so fore moving into campus, entation, there have been emphasis on keeping stu- that could compromise many people on this cam- taking another COVID numerous Zoom meetings dents and faculty of the the rest of our semester pus are dedicated to help- test, and completing a with orientation leaders college safe and healthy here. Trinity historical- ing and supporting you packet of documents that that gave first-years the has limited the amount ly has an active social along your college journey. lay out the importance platform to bond with of face to face gatherings, scene but there are other of your health and safety other students virtual- Teddy mentioned, but he is ways to engage with your 8. Learn about your and keeping those around ly despite the pandemic’s exceedingly grateful to the peers and meet new peo- resources. Consequent- you safe. As a freshman, restrictions. “It’s good for college for allowing him to ple. As a student body, ly, in order to utilize your Teddy emphasized that students to have an op- have a partial in-person ex- we need to collective- resources, you have to having to complete all of portunity to meet others perience and get to engage ly continue to keep the know about them if you these tests ensured that in an organized way,” Ted- in some of the friendships number of COVID cases are going to reach out to he felt safe coming into dy remarked. In addition and Trinity traditions that low on campus. The bet- them! Ask others to point school for the first time. to these Zoom meetings make our campus the spe- ter we do this, the more you in the right direction, Additionally, having held by the orientation cial and unique place it is restrictions will be lifted. or simply search for help students take COVID leaders, the College also during the academic year. 3. Please don’t on the Trinity website party. Enough said. (www.trincoll.edu) if you are unsure where to turn. 4. Give it time. It’s okay to be unhap- 9. Balance is import- py during this period of ant. Starting a new routine transition. Adjusting to here can be overwhelm- college is not easy and ing, especially during an every returning student era where establishing this year have similar routines is harder than experiences. But we’re ever. Remember to take all still here for a rea- time to take care of your- son. Be patient. You will self. Consider virtual self- find friends. You will care opportunities offered find your path here at through Trinity’s Ban- Trinity. Social circles tams in Balance program open up dramatically be- or find ways to engage in fore you even realize it. self-care at a distance by doing yoga on the quad. 5. Get out of your comfort zone. Take a risk! 10. Practice gratitude. You are here to grow, and, As much as this may not believe it or not, you are be the start you had imag- in charge of your own ined or dreamt of, we are growth. Grab the reins! all so fortunate to be here. Take control! Plant your This is a unique opportu- seeds and see how you nity for each and everyone of us to strive to be better TRINITY COLLEGE blossom. Try a club you are unsure about. Email humans and take advan- While Trinity’s campus may be socially distant, Bants like Teddy Komjathy ’24 are making your online classmates tage of our beautiful Hart- the most of their Trinity experience, knowing that while things are distant now, campus life and ask to social dis- ford campus. Be thank- will return to normal in time. tance and study. These ful for what you do have. small things can initiate Sometimes a good atti- a whole new community tude is all that you need for you here at Trinity. to start the day off right. Arts & Entertainment Every Summer is a Hot Girl Summer For Her: How Megan Thee Stallion Stole the Music Season ing of both her parents. The turned to Tik Tok. As days around the world to throw it thee stallion stan for life.” LIZ FOSTER ’22 rapper is also entering her stretched to weeks, Megan back for a chance at a sliver In a summer shaken by MANAGING EDITOR third year at Texas Southern Thee Stallion’s song “Savage” of clout. Powerhouse influ- coronavirus, a critical up- University as she continues slowly wormed its way onto encers like Addison Rae, the coming election, and general In a world where bars to pursue her higher educa- users’ “For You’’ pages. For platformer’s highest earner uncertainty of what the fu- held their doors wide open, tion. The rapper has thus You pages or FYPs are care- and a member of the popu- ture could bring, Megan Thee strangers clustered in far balanced school with fully curated by Tik Tok’s al- lar collaborative house the Stallion reminded us that we crowds, and brushing hands writing and recording mul- goritm as it feeds users new “Hype House,” performed the are still hot girls. To close with someone on the street tiple mixtapes and albums, content in a way similar to song repeatedly. As everyday down this COVID-summer, didn’t induce an instant and touring with massive Instagram’s “Explore” page. folks copied the app’s super- Megan and Cardi B brought flinch, Megan Thee -Stal industry names like Future The For You page proves stars, Megan’s songs climbed the heat with “WAP,” an ode lion appeared as a shining and Meek Mill. She became itself time and time again as higher and higher. Tik Tok’s to soaking genitalia every- beacon. The Houston rap- an industry sweetheart and a shortcut for musical success popularity often lands songs where that secured its num- per leaped onto the scene in an icon for sexually empow - in the internet age. Artists on Spotify’s curated playlists, ber one spot on the Billboard 2016 before picking up trac- ered women as she dared to like Flo Milli and ppcocaine, leading more listeners to find charts and broke records tion with the release of her match the hypersexual en - who both boast multiple Tik and stream the songs. Danc- with 93 million streams in mixtape Tina Snow in 2018. ergy so often abused by the Tok hit “sounds,” have re- es and memes trickled onto its debut week. Coming as Her next break out arose in men of the Billboard Hot 100. cently gleaned the benefits Twitter and Instagram and no surprise, the sound has the summer of 2019 which Megan took over the scene of Tik Tok domination along- soon enough, Beyonce had been used over 2.5 million would soon become “Hot Girl with catchy dances, memes, side Megan Thee Stallion. joined forces with Megan to times on Tik Tok. As Hot Summer”--named after a and other Tik Tok content Most recently, ppcocaine, a catapult “Savage” to peak at Girl summer creeps closer tweet from 2018. A song fol- as the platform rocketed her 19-year-old best known for the coveted number #1 space to Hot Girl fall, Megan Thee lowed, featuring Nicki Minaj songs “Cash Shit” and “Freak her raunchy lyricism and on the Billboard Hot 100 Stallion continues to secure and Ty Dolla $ign, the lat- Nasty” to virality. Megan was sugary, sour tagline of “trap- on May 26th. Even Charli the bag, drive the boat, and ter of which I still find -un even forced to eventually file bunnieBUBBLES,” scored a D’Amelio, the app’s most-fol- rule the charts with her necessary over a year later. for a trademark after brands deal with Columbia Records lowed creator and de facto Southern charm, larger than Megan Thee Stallion com- continuously marketed lines following her overnight suc- mascot, is a fan of Megan, life personality, and end- bines raunchy male bragado- with the slogan “Hot Girl cess on the platform. Songs her bio reads: “i am a megan less collection of bangers. ciousness (her sex life, her Summer.” Anyone could be on Tik Tok rise to fame in a bag chasing, and her use and a hot girl in Megan’s world. way unlike other social me- disposal of sexual partners), As her songs rose throughout dia platforms. Trending songs with feminine charm and a the Billboard Hot 100, Megan on Tik Tok cast a wide and collection of signature ad libs solidified that the final sum - all-consuming shadow over ranging from her tongue pop mer of normalcy belonged to traditional promotional ad- “ahh”s and kissy “mwahs.” Thee Stallion. vertisements through Snap- She has the swagger of a When COVID-19 ar - chat filters, Instagram ads, rockstar, the sex appeal of a rived in the United States or fan-targeted emails. All it video-girl, and the sensibili- and forced college students takes is a little help from Tik ty of a businesswoman. She home and onto online school, Tok’s algorithm to push a song plays no games and takes time previously consumed from user to user until some- no prisoners. Yet, beneath by physical class, socializ - one 1.) choreographs a dance her beauty and hot-girl at- ing, and other on-campus, (Doja Cat’s “Say So”), 2.) cre- titude, she feels human in a college-related activities ates a meme template from way other stars don’t. Megan was now free to be spent in key lyrics (see Flo Milli’s “Not has befriended a range of ce- a digital facemelt. Quaran- Friendly”), or 3.) snatches the lebrities including Beyonce, tine was, for many, months song as a de facto anthem Kylie Jenner, and Jenner’s of scrolling through social for their community (“XIX” estranged ex-best friend media as the world crum- by Kismet became a staple Jordyn Woods. Her Insta- bled to pieces outside of the sound for the proudly self-ti- gram live streams allow her shiny screen. Overwhelmed tled “alt Tik Tok” community.) to speak on pertinent issues by the newest, most tumul - “Savage” along with “Cap- @THEESTALLION such as rapper Tory Lanez’s tuous event in many young tain Hook” sparked viral Megan Thee Stallion’s bangers never stop, writes shooting and the recent pass- people’s lives, Gen Z’ers dance routines and led users Managing Editor Liz Foster ’22 Suicide The Ripple Effect: The Embodiment of Hope MACIEJ PRADZIAK ’23 four-letter word to those who tal illnesses are not defined viewer feel like they’re watch- aware while giving a sense A&E EDITOR have lost it, but Hines and by them and that the prop- ing a home movie made by a of genuine hope to those Dicharry created a piece of er treatment and care truly close friend. Having those In honor of National Sui- who are painfully aware. art that brings the sense of can make life worth living. “flaws” contrasted by the stun- cide Prevention Month, I’ll With the film review’s urgency and importance it A noticeable aspect of the ning shots of the Golden Gate be reviewing Kevin Hines conclusion, I want to address once had and gives you proof film that would, in theory, Bridge, the crashing of ocean and Greg Dicharry’s master- the readers who understand that hope truly does exist. garner negative criticism is waves in San Francisco Bay, ful documentary, Suicide the what it means to suffer men- Suicide the Ripple Ef - the amateurish cinematog- and the pink clouds during Ripple Effect. As some read- tally and may struggle with fect tells the story of Kevin raphy by Steven Higgins and sunset makes for an experi- ers of the A&E section of the suicidal ideation or have Hines’ second chance at life Adan Pulido. Throughout ence that is gracefully turbu- Trinity Tripod may recognize, contemplated taking their after he attempted to take the documentary, there are lent. The intimacy one feels this review is already vastly own life before. I want you to his own life at the age of 19 moments where Higgins and watching a film that know- different from the other cri- know that your life has mean- by jumping off the Golden Pulido were unprepared for ingly has flaws, but continues tiques I’ve written for this ing. You may not see it, but Gate Bridge. Although his the lighting of various loca- to be just as beautiful in its publication in that it is un- there are people around you suicide attempt had an im- tions and would change the presentation, is an excellent usually informal. In light of who value you as a human mediate negative effect on ISO (what controls a camera’s metaphor for continually mov- this documentary’s straight- being and accept you for who his close family and friends, sensitivity to light) midway ing forward in your life, no forward and intensely inti- you are. You may feel like you Hines pushed forward to in - through the shot and make matter how immense the diffi- mate nature, I have decid- want to die, but all you want ternationally tell his story the image either overexposed culties you may be facing are. ed to reflect its essence and is the pain to stop. Those of redemption, strength, and or underexposed. In most cir- Suicide the Ripple Effect plainly tell you that this film are two drastically different hope to show the possibility of cumstances, this would make is a profoundly honest and is an extremely vital watch things. I want you to know creating something positive for an extremely distracting touching documentary that for anyone suffering from that it is possible to lessen the out of the seemingly bleak. viewing experience; however, sheds a destigmatized light any kind of mental illness. pain and feel like your life is His story proves that human I found this style to be partic- on the struggles of mental “Hope” may just look like a truly your own. You are strong beings who suffer from men- ularly effective in making the illness to those blissfully un- enough, and I believe in you. 10 SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 Weekly Skylights: The Tripod Looks to the Clouds JOEY CIFELLI ’23 A&E EDITOR

(Right) There’s something about summer that’s hard to describe. The dis- likes come to mind first: the heat, the bugs, the bug bites, sweat,- sun screen, sunburn, bug spray. Everything is sticky all the time. I really do not care for it. And the good things, the things that make me love those months, they’re much less tangible. Walking in a grass field in the eve- ning, for example, when the sun is going down and the breeze is soft. Trees rustling if any happen to be nearby, and the grass cool on your feet. Or, in the middle of the day, when the sun is beating down overhead, sitting on a flat rock on a creekbed. Your shoes and socks lying next to you and your legs dipped in the sparkling water. It’s those moments, whether they ap- pear big or small or frequently or only once, mixed into the terrible things, which are unending, that make summer hard for me to place. 8.8/10.

August 20, 2020

(Right) Clothes fashioned from the ripe fibers of cloud possess many unique qualities, vain in a way that today’s sky has its own sky within itself. By which I mean, typically the sky constitutes the ephemeral part of our world, ever forming and reforming, while the land remains static and defined. Today, there’s some acknowledge- ment of those historic roles, and the clouds have staged themselves in a satirical representation of both spheres. Notice how the bot- tommost layer of clouds are finely textured. And their shape. Do they not resemble mountains? To find the “sky” of this sky, tradi- tion holds: look up. There’s a wonderful, hazy blanket there. That warmer area on the right is especially touching. The way that light blends cozily with its blue-grey surroundings is just great. I think there may be a little cheekiness at play here, between realms outside our own. What a delight that it looks like this! 7.6/10.

August 24, 2020

(Left) There is a bird somewhere that has lost its feather. A bird who would dare to go out in this weather. A bird like the birds of which old people speak. One with wings stretching miles and miles so deep that it blots out the sun and the moon and the stars and everything bright on this marble of ours.

So the children stay hushed cuddled under their covers while surrounded by terrified fathers and mothers. Every flap of its wings is a thunderous clap and each shriek from its lips leaves a cavernous gap in the ground as it glides as it grows as it looks till it finds that damn feather and swoops down and hooks the thing up and away and out at last gone. Back to its home in the land of no dawn. 9.4/10. September 3, 2020

(Right) As the school year kicks back up again, I get to thinking about pos- sibilities, you know. All is blank. What’s going to be the thing this year. How will I change? Will I improve? I don’t know, it’s always hard to tell with these kinds of things. The endless choices can be paralyzing to everyone some- times, certainly to me. It’s ironic that total freedom can leave us feeling more trapped than a limited number of choices. I learned in economics a couple years ago that, for determining the opportunity cost of an action, we only consider the next best option. I think there’s something to that. Instead of mourning the infinite loss of possibilities, we should appreciate the solidity of a choice. Who cares how it turns out? Better to fail than do nothing. 6.8/10.

September 4, 2020 SPORTS National Hockey League Continues Through the COVID Pandemic With the Stanley Cup Playoffs

MATEO VAZQUEZ ’21 SPORTS EDITOR

As the NHL season winds down, this year’s playoffs are being held under unique circum- stances. Disregarding the lack of fans in the stadium and the interruptions in their season, the National Hockey League has safe- ly arrived at round two of the playoffs this past weekend. Game Six re- sulted in a tied-up series, at (3-3). The most inter- esting standout thus far coming out of Game Six was the intense match- up between the Philadel- phia Flyers and New York Islanders on Saturday. What should have been an easy sweep for the Islanders turned into NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE a fight for control of the puck very early on in the The New York Islanders celebrate their win against the Philadelphia Flyers during game six of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in a major victory by the team. The NHL is one of the leagues continuing during the COVID-19 pandemic. match. The Flyers came out strong with two goals the puck across the mid lowed them to advance to sult and a thrilling mo- (2017-2018) and lost to in the first period and put while their forward, Scott Game Seven against the ment for hockey history. the Washington Capitals. the Islander’s goalie un- Laughton, went to the far Islanders. The celebra- The match which oc- A win against the Dallas der constant fire through- right side. The Island- tion and sense of victory cured last night for the Is- Stars would allow them out the period, which ers made a push for the for the team was palpable. landers was one in which to have a second shot at certainly demonstrated center, leaving Laughton Over the weekend, the they had to continue on a Stanley Cup win and a their excellent tactical open for a pass and a rush two teams faced off again with their offense. It was chance to bring home their abilities with the puck. on goal for the shot to tie and the Islanders came clear from the start that first win to Las Vegas. While the Islanders the game up at 4-4. While out in full force deter- the match would boil While the Stars already were able to make a come- the Islanders attempted mined to finish the game down to an intense toss won game one against the back later in the period to make a comeback, they and advance strong. In up of who was able to Knights by one goal, it is and get a shot on goal, they could not connect as an of- the first period alone, the have more puck control quite evident that these were not able to recover as fensive front, but managed Islanders were able to and which defense was teams are evenly matched well on the defensive end, to hold out on defense al- hold off the Flyers and able to limit the minor and the victory by Dallas which resulted in them lowing Game Six to go into land two strong shots on errors during the match. can be equated to a slip entering the period down overtime in what would net that sealed off the Last night’s face-off be- up by the Knights goal- by a goal. Things were become one of the most first period at 2-0. Then tween the No. 2 Tampa tender, who was not on not looking up, but they exhilerating and thrilling in the second, the Island- Bay Lightning and No. point during the match. certainly showed through- moments of the match. ers once again persisted 6 New York Islanders If anything, the takeaway out the match that they Overtime saw both and landed another shot took a turn, and by the from Game One should had the spirit to recover sides relentlessly firing on net that got inside the third period the Light- be that defense is going strong. During the second shots on the net for any pocket, and then retreated ning were in the lead 7-2. to be the key to success period, the Islanders came chance to gain a lead and to defense to keep the 3-0 The Lightning took out in these upcoming games. out in full force and syn- win Game Six. However, lead against the Flyers, the Boston Bruins with The next game of the chronized their attacks on much like the first and who were not able to rally an end result score 4-1 in Stanley Cup Playoffs will the net, coming one after third periods, the Island- back on offense and make their last game, so it was take place tonight, Sept. 8, another to score. They ers struggled to come to- a successful attack on net. obvious they were not at 8:00 p.m. with the Stars were able to cause hav- gether in attacks on the While the Flyers at- going to let the Island- facing off against the oc on the Flyers net and net which hindered their tempted a last-minute ers off without a fight. Knights. Then, the East- score a total of three goals chances to effectively con- push in the third period, The beginning of the ern Conference continues taking the lead, 4-3, in an nect with the net. On the they came up unsuccess- game saw a strong start on Wednesday with an- exciting turn of events. other hand, the Flyers ful and the Islanders ad- for the Lightning, who other face-off between the Things took a turn for were making the quick vanced with an end game were quick to put up three Islanders and the Light- the worse in the third pe- plays necessary to get score of 4-0. The Islanders goals. One of these three ning, possibly giving the riod as the Flyers were at- down the rink and set advanced to the Eastern was provided by cen- Islanders a chance to re- tempting to tie the game themselves up to score, but Conference Finals to face tre Brayden Point, who deem themselves after last up and send it into over- just kept coming up emp- off against the Tampa wasted no time in ensur- night’s performance. It will time. While the Islanders ty handed and could not Bay Lightning while the ing the Lightning came certainly be a game worth were playing excellent de- seem to find their center. Las Vegas Golden Knights out of Game Seven on top. fans paying attention to. fense throughout the third The Flyers found them- will take on the Dallas The Western Confer- However the matches period, the Flyers were selves connecting in one of Stars. This advancement ence has also been shap- turn out, you can bet that able to outmaneuver them their offensive pushes and for the Islanders marks ing up to be a good toss- the Tripod sports team in a transition from de- within a few quick pass- their first Conference - Fi up between the Knights will be on the case, pro- fense to offense and again es they attacked the net nals in 27 years in what and the Dallas Stars. viding you with the latest demonstrate their control and were able to push a is surely a victory being Particularly for the up-to-date accounts on the of the puck. In a matter shot through bringing the celebrated by Islander’s young Knights team who most thrilling moments in of 15 seconds, the Flyer’s score to 5-4. The Flyers fans everywhere. It was went to the Stanley Cup the NHL season this year center was able to take sealed the game and al- certainly an exciting re- during their first season for your reading pleasure. Inside Sports: NHL Playoffs and Bantam Athletes Trinity College Adapt to Fall 2020

This Week in Sports At Trincoll... COVID-19 Rears Its Ugly Head in Trinity Athletics ANNA BAUER ’23 during practices will vary pervision, i.e. no captain’s ming and diving team plans late October. However, as SPORTS EDITOR depending on the sport practices. No close contact to utilize the U.S. Swimming one might assume, this is and the kind of contact will occur throughout prac- guidelines, indicating how entirely dependent on the The COVID-19 pan- that would usually occur. tices at the start, and, again, to properly distance within virus levels staying man- demic has complicated For example, volleyball face coverings will be worn. the parameters of a pool. ageable not just on Trini- just about everything, and will have group sizes lim- The only exception is speed While this may be quite ty’s campus, but within the Trinity College’s Athletic ited to seven athletes at a and conditioning work, but a rocky start, there remains surrounding community teams are no exception to time, and, to prevent close 12 feet of distance will be re- hope that a slow progres- and Connecticut as a whole. this. It has already been proximity, there will be no quired between each athlete. sion to what practices and So, to all the athletes, keep decided that Trinity will blocker when any hitting The winter teams have activities usually look like the faith and hopefully we not be participating in any is done at the net. The foot- the potential to begin with a can be made by mid-to- will see you in games soon. NESCAC competitions or ball team will be required more normal start given that NCAA championships this to split up into four groups their first practice starts Oct. fall. However, according to of 20 and two of the four 15, while the spring and fall the Director of Athletics, groups will practice at the teams begin Sept. 18 – a full Drew Galbraith, the ath- same time, but on opposite 14-days after the last students letic department is doing ends of the field. For our have arrived on campus. At everything it can so that lacrosse and soccer teams, the moment though, the close all sports can have team coaches have the choice of proximity required for winter practices in a safe manner. either running multiple sports like wrestling, basket- This starts with a practices or dividing the ball, ice hockey, and squash COVID-19 Education Work- groups as they see fit based still leave these teams be- shop, with an assigned ath- on the team roster sizes. ginning with small group letic training staff mem- In addition, at least work and, of course, masks. ber, as well as an Athletic for the first few weeks, no Now, while masks may Orientation for all athletes defensive plays or drills seem like the devil when ex- before practices begin. The will occur during any team erting a lot of physical ener- general guidelines are that practices, and all of the gy (especially when your own indoor groups will be lim- players will be wearing sweat makes you feel like ited to ten students and masks under their hel- you’re drowning), the wearing outdoor groups will be lim- mets. This mask rule ap- of masks may allow athletic ited to 25 students; howev- plies to all athletic teams. practices to normalize over er, the requirements that In addition, each practice the course of the semester. BANTAM SPORTS each team must adhere to must also have adult su- On a separate note, the swim- Currently, COVID-19 testing has been taking place in the fieldhouse of Ferris Athletic Center. Trinity Athletics and COVID-19... Strength and Conditioning Steps-Up During Phase I

MATEO VAZQUEZ ’21 mester ensure that ath- pate in multiple sessions. ther focus on different ar- been given this semester. SPORTS EDITOR letes are ready to take on The new changes also al- eas of their training over The Strength and Con- their upcoming seasons low the athletes to work the winter break. A week- ditioning staff are doing As the Bantams ath- by reducing traffic and with a variety of coaches ly nutrition newsletter all that they can with letes return to campus, high volumes of students that they may not have that provides tips, work- their given resources to they are finding numerous utilizing the spaces at had the chance to in past out outlines, and goals to meet the needs of athletes ways to adapt to the new one time. Another major years and will be a good keep in mind throughout and provide them with challenges that they must change athletes must way to further familiarize the training process has opportunities to grow face in light of the impact adapt to includes out- themselves with the staff. also been added to the and remain competitive the COVID-19 pandem- door Strength and Con- Athletes will notice that resources athletes have throughout the semester. ic has had on athletics. ditioning, which they there are a lot of advantag- An area of their training will partake in under es for them during this fall that looks quite different tents when the weather season to specifically devel- during the Phase-1 stage is not feasible for train- op their skills on a personal of athletics reopening is ing. This allows for an level. Trainers throughout the Strength and Con- easier environment for this week will be conduct- ditioning program. One athletes to safely train ing a baseline test that major change for the pro- and reduces the need to allows athletes to have a gram includes the reduced wear a mask, given that detailed personal plan that number of athletes that each individual has more highlights their strengths are allowed to train per than 12 feet of space be- and weaknesses to fur- session and utilize the tween them and others. ther develop themselves equipment at one time. The varsity gym will throughout the semester. provide athletes with a The varsity gym wel- Then, prior to the end TRINITY ATHLETICS comes the highest flow of diverse schedule includ- of the semester in the fall, The Trinity College Strength and Conditioning Pro- traffic for athletes who are ing strength, circuit, and there will be another cycle gram will adapt to social distancing protocolS as made training both during the wildcard workouts, as of baseline testing which clear by the college’s COVID-19 guidelines as well as on-season and off-season. well as a variety of bo- will highlight any chang- those set by the state of Connecticut. However, changes that nus workouts if athletes es of improvement and of were implemented this se- would like to partici- course allow them to fur-