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3-15-2016 2016 Highlander Vol 100 No 9 March 15, 2016

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This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Archives and Special Collections at ePublications at Regis University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Highlander - Regis University's Student-Written Newspaper by an authorized administrator of ePublications at Regis University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Volume 100, Issue 9 March 2016

REGIS RANGERS AS MEN HUMANS OF REGIS: YOUR AND WOMEN IN ACTION NEW RUSGA OFFICERS GENDER FOR DUMMIES Students travel for a week Meet John Moritz and Vic- Stepping away from the of service in LA and the tor Kibakare: president sex and gender binary. Domincan Republic. and vice president. //Page 7 //Page 2 //Page 3 March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 2 WORLD NEWS A Modern Energy Miracle? Ali Meehan Staff Reporter Currently, fracking is a cheap in “almost doubled from and effective way to extract nat- the world oil price, which dropped 22,228 in 2000 to 43,354 in 2010.” rom fueling a car, to ship- from around $106 a barrel in July ping produce, to flipping a ural gas from the ground, which Concerns about fracking include, F outweighs the apparent environ- 2014 to under $50 by 2015. These but are not limited to, inadequate light switch, America runs natural low oil prices are not only seen in gas energy. As the US expands inspection procedures, air and our energy demand increases, pollution from drilling, water American politics remain divided quality impacts due to fracking on the topic of fracking and the chemicals, some of which are negative environmental effects carcinogenic and remain in the versus the short-term economic ground long after drilling, the gains. excessive amounts of water So, what exactly is fracking? used in fracking, when Colora- According to a December 2015 do is such a dry state, and dam- article from the BBC, “Fracking is age to landscapes and wildlife the process of drilling down into habitats. the earth before a high-pressure Fracking, while not usually water mixture is directed at the divided along political party rock to release the gas inside.” A lines, seems to have been cut mixture of water, sand and chem- this way for the 2016 presiden- icals are forced into the rock at tial election. The race began extremely high pressure, allowing with Trump and Cruz, senator the gas to flow out to the top of //Public Radio International of Texas, whose economy has the well. The term fracking is in greatly benefitted from fracking, reference to how the rock is frac- as advocates for American frack- mental damage. That same article energy, but also in food and con- ing. Rubio has also indicated his tured apart by this high pressure sumer goods that are transported mixture. According to a September from CDN calls fracking a “mod- support. Sanders was initially the ern energy miracle” and states, nationally and internationally. only outright opposition to Amer- 2015 article from Communities Colorado, alongside many other Digital News (CDN), “More than “the production of oil and natural ican fracking, however, Clinton gas from shale [the rock used in states, is currently part of the na- has ultimately chosen to side with two billion well-feet of horizontal tional fracking boom. According shaft have been drilled in the U.S. fracking] has altered the course of Sanders on the issue, with sever- global energy.” The most dramatic to a 2012 report put out by Earth- al stipulations accompanying her over the last 20 years, a distance Works, the number of active wells equal to 15 times around Earth.” effect of fracking can be seen in stance. What’s News? Getting to Know : Natalia Zreliak Social Media Editor Refugees in Colorado US Military Opens Combat Position to Women Gina Nordini Editor in Chief On the other side of the debate, Three months ago the Department of Defense announced a plan to s residents of Denver, Regis refugee supporters emphasize open all remaining combat positions to women. Following the announce- Astudents are part of a metro the need for better education and ment women service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and area with a vibrant refugee popu- awareness of the refugee residents Marine Corps started to volunteer for ground combat positions. Military lation. already settled in the country—not services will be using seven guiding principles to go forward with this According to CBS Denver, over to mention better resources for change; transparent standards, population size, talent management, phys- 50,000 refugees have resettled in those adjusting to new lifestyles. ical demands and physiological differences, operating abroad, conduct Denver since 1980. That number is In previous years, the majority and culture, and assessment and adjustment. According to Ash Carter, expected to grow significantly this of refugees within Denver have Secretary of the Department of Defense, it will take time to implement year. Syrian refugees are seeking come from countries in Eastern these changes into the US Military. asylum, and Gov. John Hicken- Asia, including China, Vietnam looper stated that Colorado would and Myanmar. There are also a not turn large number of ‘Dog Whisperer’ Animal Cruelty Investigation away its Ethiopians and Cesar Millan, or as many American’s know him, ‘The Dog Whisperer,’ percent- Eritreans in the is facing investigation for possible animal cruelty. In what is now be- age of the city. ing deemed as “controversial” episode of his show “Cesar 911,” Millan 10,000 About 6% filmed a segment featuring a “pig-killing” dog. Millan introduced Simon, refugees of the Regis an aggressive French Bulldog Terrier mix, to a group of pigs. Once taken predicted neighborhood off the leash Simon bit off a chunk off one of the pig’s ears and continued to enter is made up of to charge at the group of pigs. After the segment aired, social media was the U.S. immigrants and a blaze and citizens drafted a petition to ban Millan from television. The in the next refugees. That petition has over 10,000 signatures. Authorities have yet to make contact year. number jumps with Millan. Hicken- to nearly 22% looper is in the High- Trump Supporters to ‘Hit Back’ At Protestors not in the //Gina Nordini lands and in Presidential candidate Donald Trump claimed that the protestors at the majority. the Sunnyside press conference are to blame for the violence on March 11. “The audi- As of November, the governors of neighborhood just South of Regis. ence hit back. And that’s what we need a little bit more of,” said Trump 30 states were opposed to accept- Opportunities abound for those in- at the press conference in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump did not specify ing refugees from Syria. Politicians terested in putting their Jesuit val- what incident he was referring to, as there have been quite a few violent cite the dangers of an inadequate ues to work. Be sure to check out incidents, however recently a video went viral of a Trump supporter screening process and potential the next edition of The Highlander punching an African-American man, Rakeem Jones, who was being terrorist infiltration. With the rising to find out how Regis students and escorted out of a Trump rally by police. But these rally attendees are just threat of ISIS on the minds of faculty are getting involved with following Trumps advice, at a rally in Iowa last month Trump urged his many Americans, people are de- local refugee communities. supporters to “knock the crap out” of anyone who looked ready to throw bating the proper response to those a tomato at him. who are fleeing their homeland. March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 3 LOCAL NEWS Rangers Outreach Reflections Dominican Republic Spring Break Escape Bailey Gent Guest Writer The trip was ten days and con- average day for us could look very city and down to the Bate’s we hen we think about sisted of culture immersion, ser- different on any given day. Some worked in. Bate’s are living areas Wcollege spring break, our vice, and exploration. We learned days our time was spent playing where Haitian field workers who minds are usually quick to wander about beautiful things we can with kiddos in the Bate, helping have migrated to the DR to work to images of beaches, parties, nights discover about other cultures when students in the mountains with are living with their families. In out, you know all of the things we step out of our comfort zones their English, learning about the these areas we spent a lot of time movies lead us to expect college and expectation and step into an culture with our families, or explor- learning about fieldwork, playing spring break will look like. adventure. There was a group of 16 ing and adventuring through the with the kids, and learning about a DR. Some of the projects while we lifestyle of scarcity. This trip con- were there were facilitating games sisted of building amazing relation- with the kids, ships with even working with better people, students on learning about their English, a brand new and tour areas culture, serving and meeting others, and just with people to coming alive in a see what our whole new area group can do of the world. Yes, to improve I’d say this was a the impov- L-R: Briceda Ortega Quintero, Bailey Gent, spring break for erished Selena Ilse Huerta and Nicole Alves. the books. Now Dominican Republic travelers and host families conditions // Photo courtesy of Bailey Gent that we are back // Photo courtesy of Bailey Gent in the Bate’s. at Regis and in Let me say, there is no better way Denver, we will continue to be do- Our spring break looked a little of us, a few of whom spoke little to pick up Spanish quickly than ing work to help support the people different. For spring break this to no Spanish going into the trip. when it becomes your only means we met and were working with in year, a group of Regis undergrad Upon arriving in the DR, we were of communication with the people the DR. We also hope to contin- students traveled to the Dominican placed in the homes of Spanish you are living with. After our few ue to raise awareness for across Republic as a part of Regis College speaking families who welcomed us days in the mountains with our campus for those living in poverty Center for Service learning pro- into their culture, their homes, and families, we rode our motorcycles around the world as well as the gramming. lives. We essentially lived and did back down the mountain into the importance of access to education life with these people for 5 days. An worldwide. Regis Loose in LA Technology Improves Emily Funk Guest Writer that move our hearts. It’s easy to Modern Social Justice he Regis University Ministry believe in social justice, but it takes program took twelve stu- personal interaction with those on Krystal de Dios Guest Writer explained how they provided audio T and visual broadcasting technology dents and two faculty members to the margins in order to understand irtual ability… The Open Media Foundation… Regis and education to the community East LA for an immersion/service what compassion really looks like. V so as to bring technology to the Our group toured Homeboy Indus- University… trip in conjunction with Homeboy What do each of these organiza- masses. Industries and the Dolores Mission tries, which was founded by Father tions have in common? Likewise, Regis University’s El- over spring break. Gregory Boyle. For one of the first Well, just a few weeks ago, these len Lundwall, an administrative as- niversity Ministry’s trip to LA times in my life, I let myself feel organizations sistant of the was an immersion trip with a spe- the pain of another person. Sure, it were repre- development cial emphasis on service. However, hurt more in doing so, but injustice sented on a program, as about anyone here at Regis can is a knife that cuts deep. And if it’s panel called informed the audience of a attest to, ser- inevitable that pain Media, Community, similar mis- vice does not be felt, it might sion through as well be shared. & Social act in a singular Justice. This our master of direction. It’s I think that’s one panel aimed development give and take. I way of defining to inform practice pro- believe I speak Father Boyle’s Regis stu- gram. This for all of my theme of kinship-- dents of the program provides group when I shared pain, which innovative Open Media Foundation //Art District Santa Fe say the homeless will hopefully use of tech- education to lead to shared joy. nology to connect those who feel the commu- we served meals nity on development practices like to in LA gave us Overall, my group isolated, unheard, or ignorant. Regis students meet Father Boyle // Virtual Ability and its founder, project design and organizational and I can agree so much more Photo courtesy of Emily Funk Alice Heron, showed how they uti- management. However, Regis’ pro- than our one on one thing for lized a virtual world called Second gram is more inclusive as it offers plate offering could give them. You certain: No one person can solve Life to establish an online commu- this course to local and internation- could even say they fed us as well, homelessness or gang violence, nity for disabled individuals which al students alike using video chat but rather than physical nourish- but we can do something about it, allowed them to showcase their software. ment we received spiritual nourish- even if that just means listening to talents and perform activities they Ultimately, each of these organi- ment. My personal takeaway from another person’s story and feel- couldn’t do in the real world. zations strives to empower individ- ing it’s weight--however heavy it In contrast, the Open Media uals in various communities with the trip is the pervasive truth that the assistance of technology. it is stories, not facts or figures, might be. Foundation’s Courtney Steele, March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 4 HUMANS OF REGIS John Moritz Victor Ribakare RUSGA President RUSGA Vice President Samantha Jewell Staff Reporter Samantha Jewell Staff Reporter

ighlander: What brought you to ighlander: What brought you to HRegis? HRegis? Moritz: I came to Regis because of the Ribakare: Regis actually just pulled Health and Exercise Science program. me in. At first I kind of wanted to It is a very new program and it is ex- transfer but I am still here so Regis has actly what I was interested in. So, that done something right to keep me here. I is the biggest reason. And obviously, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. am in love with Colorado, every aspect of Colorado, the outdoorsy-ness that H: What is your favorite Jesuit Value? it has. Those were probably the two Why? biggest draws. R: My favorite Jesuit value is men and women for and with others. I say that H: What is your favorite Jesuit Value? because I am a person who likes to do RUSGA President John Moritz Why? RUSGA VP Victor Ribakare more and when looking at how to give //Natalie Scott M: Cura Personalis, care for the mind, //Natalie Scott yourself to others it doesn’t necessar- body and spirit. I went to a Jesuit high ily mean going out there with the sole school and we were taught that it is not just caring for your own mind, purpose of helping them because they are less than you are. You are body, and spirit, it is also caring for those around you and I try to do putting yourself in their position and really immersing yourself with that with almost everything that I do: my friendships and relationships. them and they become equal to you. You are developing a relationship I make sure I am not just focusing on myself. and you serve them but it is not the typical form of service..

H: What has been your favorite on campus event? Why? H: What has been your favorite on campus event? Why? M: My favorite on campus event is probably, Mr. Regis because a lot of R: It would have to be Rangers Day itself just because the whole com- the guys go all out. It is pretty hilarious to see the things that they will munity is coming together to just enjoy each other’s presence, have fun come up with. So, every year that is always entertaining because every and really just be carefree. I am looking forward to that this coming year it is different. April.

H: Where do you see yourself in five years? H: Where do you see yourself in five years? M: In my dream world, in five years I am working at the Olympic R: Five years from now I have hopefully graduated grad school and put Training Center with athletes working on their well-being. Hopefully. a foot in the sports industry because I would like to go into sports man- agement. Just doing something that I enjoy and building my resume to H: Why did you want to run for RUSGA President? move up the ladder. M: We talked a lot last semester, before even setting things in stone, just about things that could change or could be different to make an H: Why did you want to run for RUSGA Vice-President? overall better Regis experience. My main focus was just trying to find R: I wanted to change things up. It goes back to the Jesuit value of men those key aspects that we could work on right now and help in the fu- and women for others, serving the Regis students because I know what ture and that the future RUSGA officers will work on. I would say that it is like to be a freshman or a sophomore not knowing what is happen- is the biggest reason. REVAMPING things, like our campaign slogan ing on campus. I want to provide information for people that might be says. seeking it but don’t know where to look.

H: Is there anything else you would like the Regis Community to H: Is there anything else you would like the Regis Community to know? know? M: The biggest thing is I want them to know is that they can always R: About me? Sometimes my face doesn’t show it but for the most part come to us with any questions, ideas, concerns because we want to be I am pretty chill. And, in general, just be open to new people and new as visible as possible. And for people to know who we are and who experiences and what is to come. If I wasn’t open I wouldn’t be here they can go to with questions and concerns. today. Ranger Up! Revamp Regis: RUSGA Elections Brayden Weninger Staff Reporter greet event. At the end of these two Moritz (President), Victor Ribakare but I want to thank everyone again he United States Presidential weeks, candidates (Vice President), for all the support! I am honored TElections may not take place Megan Martinez, and Mikaela Meyer to have been chosen along with until November of this year but David Kluzniak, (Chief Justice). Victor and Mikaela Meyer to lead here at Regis, we are way ahead of John Jack Moritz, Immediately RUSGA for 2016/2017 academic the game. Early February at Regis is Victor Ribakare, following the an- year. Do not forget that we are here known as RUSGA election season and Mikaela Mey- nouncement, the for the entire student body and and this year was no different. For er took a step back winners took to always willing to listen.” Mortiz and the two weeks preceding Spring to let their peers social media to Ribakare ran under the platform Break, Candidates for the RUSGA take a vote. At the express their enthu- “Revamp Regis”, and continue to cabinet, including President, Vice end of a two-day siasm and gratitude express their enthusiasm regarding President, and Chief Justice cam- long voting peri- to all who voted for their plans to “revamp” the univer- John Moritz & Victor Ribakare paigned in a variety of ways. This od, the Office of the opportunity to sity through inclusivity, sustainabil- //Natalie Scott year, campaigning included tabling Student Activities serve their peers in ity, and visibility.” They encourage in the student center, frequently announced that the RUSGA Ex- the upcoming school year. Rising all returning students to “like the posting to social media, and at- ecutive Cabinet for the 2016-2017 President, John Jack Moritz, posted RUSGA Facebook page to be kept tending of an on-campus meet and school year will consist of John Jack to Facebook, “It is still a bit unreal, in the loop over the next year.” March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 5 STUDENT LIFE Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi Reclaims Islam

Lauren Kovanda Staff Reporter Ali Meehan Staff Reporter n Friday, March 11, Nobel did not just stop at laws but spoke When one pictures a Iranian oppresses women. OPeace Prize winner, Shirin of religion and used Adam and Eve lawyer, former judge, human rights However, as Ebadi previously Ebadi spoke at the St. John Re- as an example of the unfairness activist, and founder of Defenders demonstrated, this violence is not gis Chapel about the importance women face even in faith. Her of Human Rights Center in Iran, limited to Islamic countries. Eba- of Reclaiming Islam. She was a point with this was not to discrimi- one probably did not imagine the di advocated that western media lawyer and a judge until the 1979 nate the people coming from these less than 5’0 tall, but extremely makes it seem as though it is “only revolution when Iran as an Islamic backgrounds and laws, but to help imposing figure that is Dr. Shirin the Muslims that are violent in this state took rights from women and others understand that is out of the Ebadi. regard” while ignoring the violence passed many other discriminato- citizens hands unless one fights Ebadi won the Nobel Peace perpetrated against Muslims in ry laws. Shirin Ebadi then began back. Ebadi said, “As humans if Prize in 2003 for her influential places such as Myanmar, China, working as an activist for wom- we don’t know about something efforts in democracy and human and Russia. en. While Ebadi spoke through a we are scared of it, and then we rights, especially women’s, chil- Ebadi asked her audience what translator she did not fail in mak- begin to hate it.” dren’s, and refugee rights. She was the root of this violence is, whether ing the audience listen, laugh, and Terrorist groups like Isis abuse the first Iranian to be awarded the it is religion and God, or rather, truly understand her views. She human knowledge and leave peo- prize. Currently living in exile in “people who abuse religion and the explained the rich and beautiful ple with distorted views of their the UK as a result of the persecu- word of Islam.” She called back to culture of Is- tion to those critical to the very beginnings of the Abra- lamic coun- the Iranian government, hamic religions, Judaism, Islam, tries and Regis was blessed to and Christianity to remind us that the unfair- host Ebadi Mar. 11 as the first sinner, who caused the fall, ness many part of our Women’s was Eve, a woman. Therefore, all women face History Month events. these religions, as well as many not just in Ebadi’s talk, Re- others, have this negative view of Islam, but all claiming Islam: Wom- women deeply ingrained in their around the en, Faith, and Human beliefs. world. Rights, was an eye Ebadi ultimately stated that Shirin opening experience for “psychology tells us that when we Ebadi’s deep all who attended. She don’t know about something we appreciation began by establishing are scared of it” which leads to and love for instances of violence hatred. “Therefore, not until all the her country, against women that she people of the world know about despite the has encountered across other cultures, know about other fact that she the world, specifically religions they will not be able to will never Shirin Ebadi presents to Regis community, March 11. referencing Liberia, live in peace together.” be able to //Natalie Scott India, and Finland. She thanked Regis for inviting return, truly She used this point to her and giving her the ability to inspired the audience. She spoke country and the innocent people demonstrate that it is not Islam help in this education process that of other countries that face similar that live there. Edabi explained that that perpetuates violence against she believes will ultimately lead to unjust laws and unfairness like the Muslim religion is not based women. Rather, Ebadi argued, it world peace, for, “if we can make India, Liberia, and Finland explain- off of hatred and violence, but is the law in many Islamic coun- ourselves better, the society will ing that this type of phenomena instead peace. tries, which is based on incorrect become better.” happens all over the world. Ebadi interpretations of sacred texts, that Do You Even Denver? Upcoming: Concert for a Cause Denver Homeless Out Loud is Katy Kirk Staff Reporter Matt Bender Staff Reporter mimosas for all of those who are a non-profit organization made up kay, WHO in the world of age.) After about three hours oncert For a Cause will be of homeless people and homeless Odoes not like a good spent in our private room eating Ctaking place on April 8 for rights activists who are working brunch? My money is on no one. chicken and waffles and laughing the eighth consecutive semester. together to take on legislative op- Alumnus Zoe Vlastos started the Recently, there was yet another our behinds off, we decided to stay pression towards the homeless and fundraising concert in the fall of one of those awesome weekends downtown and go wherever our to raise awareness about the Den- 2014. The fundraising concert with 70 degree weather. Naturally, feet took us. ver homeless epidemic. was started in Fall of 2014 by Zoe The organization has recently a dozen of us piled up in a few cars We were lead to 16th Street Mall Vlastos. had a tiny homes village proposal and headed downtown to one of to the ice skating rink. Ice skating This semester is the first semes- gain political support. They are our favorite brunch spots—South- downtown is super enjoyable AND ter that Vlastos will not be organiz- beginning to fund the construction ern Hospitality. Yes, I know, that is only $2! We all laced up our seems like a lot of people, but I ing the event but the original mis- of tiny homes for homeless people skates and circled around the rink sion statement to use local causes think the restaurant sensed a crazy living on the street. The proceeds for a good hour before we left to will persist. The concert is put on bunch and gave us our own room from Concert For a Cause will go head back home. I think we were by various student musicians who to take over for a few hours. directly to Denver Homeless Out the oldest “kids” there, but that did audition for a spot. In past years Loud and their tiny homes project Southern Hospitality is located not stop us from having a blast. the fundraising event has given funds. downtown, right down the street So, the next time you and your their proceeds to causes related to For more information about from Union Station—another friends find yourselves stuck on cancer such as Camp Wapiyapi and Concert For a Cause such as audi- fun spot to “Denver.” One of the campus, hop on the to go Love Your Melon. This year the tions and fundraising contact Jack attributes about this restaurant that downtown to indulge in a good committee has decided to change McGrane at [email protected]. drew my friends and me in is that it brunch—I dare you! directions, but still focus on a local For more information about Den- is partly owned by Justin Timber- recipient. All proceeds go to Den- ver Homeless Out Loud contact me lake! (…and there are bottomless ver Homeless Out Loud. at [email protected]. March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 6 SPORTS Insight to Intramurals Highlander Staff old and new friends. , “Intramu- dent athletes are unable to play in Katy Kline Staff Reporter Gina Nordini Editor-in-Chief ntramurals are a great way to rals have been a great way for me the same intramural sport as their Karli Denk Publisher to stay active while making some varsity program. Tanner Stuhr Lead Associate meet new people and show off I great friends along the way. I love Most games are held on cam- Editor your athletic skills in a competitive environment. Regis’ intramural getting together with my teams for pus in the Fieldhouse, the Ranger Emily Barad Online Editor program has been a huge success some good, clean fun, competing Dome, or on the outdoor soccer Natalia Zreliak Social Media due to the great athletes fields. This is an Editor that participate along easy and accessible walk from your Dianna Rivera Business Manager with the coordinators Ethan Lockshin Business Manag- who make the show go dorm. Although I er Assistant on. have not participat- McKenna Solomon Strategic The program provides ed in an intramural Marketing Director sport, I recently at- Bernie Clark KRCX General multiple quality sports tended an intramu- Manager to satisfy the needs of students. There are a ral basketball game Courtney Moynihan multitude of sports that in the field house. Staff Reporter are offered, with the While supporting Matt Bender Staff Reporter a friend, I noticed Mallory Benham Staff Reporter current Spring season of- Grass Volleyball intramural team that the program Brayden Weninger Staff fering basketball, indoor //Regis University Reporter volleyball, floor hockey, brought passionate, Kelly Catlin Staff Reporter outdoor soccer, and ultimate Fris- to get a t-shirt,” Senior Katy Kirk hard working individuals who were Kerry Mullin Staff Reporter bee. said. And get this, faculty and staff looking to have a good time. So Gabrielle Ocaña Staff Reporter Intramurals here at Regis draw can join too! Wouldn’t it be won- next time you are itching for some Samantha Jewell Staff Reporter derful to play on the same soccer friendly competition, look into the Marley Weaver-Gabel Staff in lots of students due to the fact team as your Chemistry professor? Intramural Program here at Regis Reporter/Layout Editor that it is competitive as well as social. This combination creates Although the Intramural program University. You will not be disap- Hayley Lokken Photographer/ a great environment to bond with is open to all students, varsity stu- pointed. Layout Editor Natalie Scott Photographer Addison Callahan Photographer

Emily Funk Guest Writer A Favorite Bailey Gent Guest Writer Krystal DeDios Guest Writer Pastime Katy Kline Staff Reporter Ian Dawe Faculty Advisor ummer will be here before We are always happy to consider S we know it. Maybe you have student, staff and faculty contribu- some exciting plans to backpack tions. across Europe or plans to spend Please send questions, comments your days on the beach in Hawaii. or story ideas to highlander@ regis.edu. Or just maybe, like myself, you Contact [email protected] if have no plans at all. Although it you are interested in advertising in may be nice to have no set sched- the Highlander. ule, it is important to know about and take advantage of all the great Please include the nature of your re quest in the subject line of your things Denver has to offer in the email. We look forward to hearing summer! The options for sponta- from you. neity and adventure are limitless in Denver but one thing you will have The Highlander is an independent, to cross of the list is attending a student-run publication. The views and opinions expressed in this Rockies game this summer. newspaper do not represent the The season opens on April 4 at views of Regis University. Arizona against the Diamond- backs, while the home opener against the San Diego Padres is on April 8 at . The season extends from April to September. RUHIGHLANDER.COM The Rockies went 68-94 last year, resulting in 5th place in NL West. The results from the 2015 season bring concern, but The Rockies are /RUHIGHLANDERNEWS looking to have a prosperous and successful season this year. Attending Rockies games in the summer is a great way to spend @REGISHIGHLANDER time with family and friends. The “Rockpile” seating behind center field is where you can find cheap tickets. Next time you are sitting at @RUHIGHLANDER home pondering what to do, check out a Rockies game and have a great time while snacking on some peanuts and hot dogs. March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 7 PERSPECTIVE A Crash Course in Sex and Gender (And Why You Should Care) McKenna Solomon Staff Reporter of sex reveal that it doesn’t exist as in line with what is expected of us other, criminalizing one another an and woman. Girl and a simple male and female binary. either. In fact, we can very rarely for our inability to be real men Mboy. Binary after binary, In fact, it’s not terribly uncommon attain normative assessments of and women. We have got to stop we categorize ourselves and others for individuals to be born with gender appropriate behavior. putting ourselves in boxes. by characteristics of sex and gen- sexually ambiguous genitalia or As a society we expect men It is also entirely possible that der. As human beings, we naturally chromosomes, this is referred to and women to embody specific your gender expression and identi- categorize information to develop as intersex. Simply put, this is not and highly unattainable ideals of ty don’t match your birth sex at all. understanding, in fact, our brains an “XX” and “XY”, but a world gender. Men are expected to be This is what makes a person trans- naturally organize different types where a variety of sexes are sup- strong, without feeling, aggres- gender. People who are transgender of visual information to help us de- posed to exist. I use the phrase sive, promiscuous and successful. are not afforded the basic niceties cipher it. We categorize everything. “supposed to” specifically because They are supposed to like cars and and rights that the rest of us take We categorize on a cellular level. babies born with ambiguous gen- sports. Women are supposed to be for granted everyday. I sincerely But what if the categories of sex italia often have force correction demure, compassionate, compla- doubt strangers ask you about your and gender our society is using are surgeries so that they resemble one cent and pure. They are supposed genitals or that you have to wonder inaccurate? Where does that leave side of the binary or the other. The to like makeup and fashion. These whether you’ll be able to use the us? Well, it places us exactly where male/female dichotomy prevails, are quite simplified stereotypes restroom facilities when you go out we’re already standing, in a haze of despite the fact that it isn’t entirely however they symbolize the nice in public. This is not an experience misunderstanding, discrimination accurate. tiny box we’re all expected to live I can speak to myself, but it is dif- and violence. Gender is a social construction, in. Now let’s think outside of it. ficult to address the social implica- Sex and gender are largely com- a formulation, based almost entire- Even though we’re socialized to tions of having a non-conforming plicated issues in contemporary ly on the behaviors we observe. be these perfect little packages gender expression without includ- society. It’s important to under- In essence, gender refers to the of femininity or masculinity, we ing the difficult socio-cultural stand sex because it is one of the behaviors that we associate with very rarely embody our anticipated plight of the transgender communi- most basic biological determinants biological sex. Gender, like sex, gender perfectly. When a person ty. It is not impossible for a person of who society says we should be is typically viewed as a binary or does not fit social expectations of to identify opposite their birth sex as individuals. My chromosomes often as a spectrum between male their gender, they are considered to just like it is not impossible for a read “XX” so according to main- and female. We anticipate that be non-conforming. This is healthy. man to be effeminate or a woman stream media I should be vacuous individuals will fall into the mess This is normal. No one has told to be masculine. and aspire to be whatever it is my somewhere. Based on heteronor- you that it’s normal to be non-con- After reading this, I highly machismo of a husband demands mative teachings and stereotypes, forming, but it is. Gender is fluid; encourage you to engage in the of me. I hyperbolize, but you get our gender expressions are sup- you can embody both feminine and discussion and take some women’s my point. It’s important to under- posed to fall directly on the poles. masculine characteristics differ- and gender studies courses. My stand gender because the inability This spectrum, using male and ently throughout their lifetime. understanding of myself and my to prescribe to social expectations female poles, isn’t entirely accurate Sometimes throughout the day- gender was informed entirely by a of femininity or masculinity has either. Perhaps we should sim- time. Most people have been trying course on gender and sexuality and social consequences that have ply create a continuum in which to cram you back into that silly how they inform my identity and damaging psychological impacts. non-conforming and traditional box, through social aggression. position in society. This is valuable In the year 2016, some understand- roles sit on either pole, abandoning This is why boys are called “girl” information for students, both male ing of sex and gender is vital to the male/female binary altogether. or “wimp” or worse, because they and female. It’s so important to your participation in society as you Gender isn’t a simple male/female show their feelings. This is why be mindful of how you negotiate negotiate your own identity to the dichotomy and it isn’t finite. A girls are called “bitch” for being yourself to norms and stereotypes available norms. person's identification, due to their assertive. We tell our children “A and to be especially mindful of the The sex of a person is the label social interactions and the media real man doesn’t *insert anything ways in which you police yourself received based on their chromo- they consume, may not always deemed appropriate for a wom- or police others into expressing some expression and their genita- match social standards perfectly. an*” and “A lady doesn’t *insert only those traits deemed acceptable lia. Typically, this is viewed as a The way in which we express our anything deemed appropriate for a by society. It’s time to step out of binary, but thorough investigations identities behaviorally isn’t always man*.” This turns us against each that box and away from the binary. The Rise of Virtual Reality and Regis Ethan Lockshin Business Manager Assistant & James Samaras Staff Reporter a 3D movie where your presence tour and see what it’s like to be a generation of virtual reality case, a gaming console). You are is broken by the borders of the student at Regis! Students not only Ais approaching quickly. The then isolated from screen, here you are able to get to tour Regis, but they get to ex- Oculus Rift, The PlayStation Four reality, fed artificial turn within the world a full perience , skiing, VR headset and the HTC Vive, are stimuli and given 360 degrees without seeing and visit Red Rocks Amphitheater. the three high-end headsets that a perception of re- anything else but the virtual They are able to experience what it all allow users to experience gam- ality in which you reality. is like to truly be a student in the ing, movies, social media, and so can interact with Regis University’s office great state of Colorado. The Regis much more in a way that was once and exist within. of admissions is one of the oculus experience has “fun facts” just a fantasy associated with the Two lenses first admission offices for inside each of the videos. Those future. As we have always looked to in these head colleges and universities in are a special feature of the video various forms of entertainment to mounted displays the nation to use Oculus Rift portion, along with having a sound take a break from our reality, soon (HMD’s) with head for advertising. Now when bed and voice over. These make the we will have the capability to put tracking technol- our admission counselors go experience more than just a loca- ourselves in a different one. ogy put you to different states around the tion to explore. VR (Virtual Reality) headsets in a 3D space Ethan Lockshin tests out country to see prospective wrap your hearing and sight in that has never Oculus Rift tour of campus students, they can actually To check out the final product for // Kathrine Beers, hardware that connects to com- been achieved put the Oculus Rift goggles yourself (VR headset not required), RU Admission Counselor puters (or in the PlayStation VR’s before. Unlike on people. They will be able visit: http://www.theprimacy.com/ to go on a virtual reality regis-vr March 15, 2016 ruhighlander.com 8 CAMPUS EVENTS

Regis Ramblers Present:

Kelli Catlin Staff Reporter “Bye Bye Birdie” song. The winner is Kim MacAfee, practice and vocal training to pre- 28. They will have three days to he Regis Ramblers will be played by junior and vice presi- fect each number before opening finalize the show before audiences Tpresenting Bye Bye Birdie, dent of the Ramblers Mary Kate night. A cast of nearly 40 people arrive. a family friendly musical March 31 Willden, of the small town Sweet along with the help of a tech crew, The production will be held in through April 3, 2016. The show Apple, Ohio. Jealousy, chaos and set design team, and other Regis the Mountain View Room at 8:00 focuses on Albert Peterson, por- romance ensue while accompanied faculty work together to produce PM Thursday March 31 and at trayed by senior Garrett Rice, and by flashy show tunes, large dance this show. 7:30 PM Friday and Saturday April Rose Alverez, played by senior Mi- numbers and screaming fans. The hard work will pay off once 1-2. There will also be matinees randa Guettlein, who must conduct Since the beginning of spring the cast gets to perform in front at 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. a publicity tactic before rock and semester, the cast has put in nine of a live audience and the entire Tickets are $8.00 and are available roll icon, Conrad Birdie, played by hours of work a week to create a production comes together through at the door before each show or freshmen Alex Gallegos, leaves for quality show of high energy. The sound, music, and lights. The cast online. For more information and the Army. Albert and Rose create a actors have grown together as a will rehearse for the first time in to purchase tickets visit regis.edu/ contest for one lucky fan to bestow team through many hours of dance full costumes and makeup on the ramblers. a kiss to Conrad during his final completed set Monday March

Tanner’s Tantrums A Letter from the Editor

Tanner Stuhr Lead Associate Editor

olitics are something that I We are a country that is Pdo not understand. So, natu- supposed to stand together and rally what am I going to do? Talk want what is best for our fellow about something I do not under- citizens. Yet, we are so divided stand. Well, I do not understand on every single major issue it OUR politics. seems that compromise is noth- ing short of an impossibility. Granted, there are people who are capable of having healthy discussions with people of dif- ferent views and many of those people are on this campus. However, too often we squab- ble on Facebook over using diction with no meaningful substance. I do not know how to resolve the issue of divisiveness that our politics create. Maybe it is something that cannot be resolved.

//Hayley Lokken