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2017-2018 Student Newspapers

2-20-2018

College Voice Vol. XLI No. 8

Connecticut College

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This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. It has been accepted for inclusion in 2017-2018 by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author. NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018 VOLUME XLI • ISSUE 8 THE COLLEGE VOICE CONNECTICUT COLLEGE’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1977 Students Rally Title IX Coordinator Behind Dr. Baldwin Debate Continues

Hannah Johnston Dana Gallagher News Editor Managing Editor The Connecticut College Gender and Within a week of the announcement of Women’s Studies department is in a time Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion of transition. Last year, a long, national and acting Title IX coordinator B. Afeni search yielded the hiring of a depart- McNeely Cobham’s departure, students ment chair, Professor Danielle Egan, gathered in Cro to discuss the shortcom- who officially began at the beginning of ings in Conn’s approach to upholding Ti- this semester (Spring 2018). At a recent tle IX requirements. Although the 2015 intra-departmental GWS meeting, con- “Dear College Letter” released by the U.S. sisting of Egan and fellow tenure-track Department of Education states: “Des- professor in the department Ariella Ro- ignating a full-time Title IX coordinator tramel, and the majoring and minoring will minimize the risk of a conflict of in- students, the future of the GWS depart- terest and in many cases ensure sufficient ment was discussed. Part of the meeting’s North and South Korean atheletes waving the unified Korean flag. Photo courtesy of Matthias Hangst/Getty Images. time is available to perform all the role’s purpose was to announce the changing responsibilities,” Conn does not currently of the department name (from Gender 2018 Olympics: A Chance for Peace embrace this protocol. Since Spring 2018, and Women’s Studies to Gender, Sexuali- gerian women’s bobsled team; Title IX coordination has fallen under the Jade Hui ty, and Intersectionality Studies). Visiting and the promise of American Associate Dean of Instituional Equity and Contributor Professor Andrea Baldwin, who started gold-medal favorites Nathan Inclusion’s jurisdiction, and previously, at Conn in the 2015-16 academic year, The world came together in Chen (ice skating) and Chloe the Dean of Institutional Equity and In- was not invited to this meeting. After anticipation of the 23rd Win- Kim (snowboarding). Howev- clusion had assumed the responsibilities several students, including Joseph Cas- ter Olympics currently taking er, the games’ location in South of Title IX coordinator. tro ’19 and Zaiden Sowle ’21, inquired as place in Pyeongchang, South Korea has dominated 2018 At the Feb. 14 meeting, concerned stu- to why Baldwin was not at the meeting, Korea. In of Olympic conversations, as the dents noted the distinction between des- Egan disclosed to them that Baldwin had the past, fans have expressed location in Pyeongchang has ignating Title IX as a responsibility under decided not to return for the 2018-2019 excitement regarding specific stirred apprehension regard- a full-time position, like Dean or Asso- academic year. events, favorite athletes, and ing the country’s relationship ciate Dean of Institutional Equity and Castro and Sowle reached out to Bald- even the designs and fashions with its neighbor North Korea, Inclusion, and making Title IX coordina- win after the meeting and found out presented in the opening cer- as well as the role the United tion itself a full-time job. The Associate that she had been offered an extended emony. News headlines to do States will play in their geopo- Dean position holds additional responsi- visiting contract for the next year and with this year’s Winter Olym- litical standoff. bilities, which some students say prevent an offer to be included in the national pics include the participation South Korea and the IOC Ex- the office from providing full-time atten- search for a new tenure-track position of Russian athletes competing ecutive Board extended an invita- tion for Title IX complaints. The meet- being created in GWS. The search to fill under the Olympic rather than tion to North Korea to participate ing—organized by Hannah Johnston ’18, the tenure-track position was to occur in the Russian flag as a result of Michelle Lee ’18, and Emma Race ’18— represented an initial step in a process to Continued on Page 4 a doping scandal; the first Ni- Continued on Page 10

IN THIS ISSUE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Continued on Page 7

NEWS OPINIONS ARTS ARTS

Grace Amato previews Price Day takes a campus Summer Wrobel reviews Brooke Sponzo reflects on the upcoming Sustainable tour and considers local Hygienic Gallery’s Wig & Candle’s most recent Agriculture Symposium on admissions marketing open mic night on page 13. production on page 16. page 4. strategies on page 6. THE COLLEGE VOICE 2 • Editor’s Desk FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Covering Title IX THE COLLEGE VOICE We’re shaking up our structure a little with our Title IX coverage. I think it’s an essential issue (oth- The views and opinions expressed in The College Voice are strictly those of stu- erwise I wouldn’t have put it on two consecutive front pages), so we need to make sure it’s getting fair, dent authors, and not of Connecticut College. All content and editorial decisions remain in the hands of the students; neither the College’s administration nor its thorough coverage. That’s why this week’s Title IX story—managing editor Dana’s report on a group faculty exercise control over the content. of student organizers demanding a full-time coordinator—despite being newsy, appears in Opinions. The story would normally fall under News, but Hannah Johnston, one of our News editors, is among the organizers taking this initiative into her hands. That’s fine with me. As I’ve stated in these Maia Hibbett ’18 pages before, I don’t believe in the concept of objectivity, the view from nowhere, etc.—I think that journalists should be able to reveal their beliefs if they so choose, and I think that “objectivity” is too Editor in Chief often cited in attempts to squash deviation from the norm. But that doesn’t mean I don’t believe in straight reporting: sometimes, the best approach really is to present all the sides available, in a bal- Dana Gallagher ’19 anced manner, without imbuing the story with the reporter’s opinion. Essential to this process, and to all reporting, is the disallowal of subjects from reviewing the stories in which they are featured, Managing Editor because people tend to want to tailor how they come across. That’s why Dana’s story, as well as any coverage of this particular group of Title IX activists going forward, falls in Ops. It’s not that I don’t trust Hannah not to editorialize the piece; but it would be neither fair nor transparent if we gave her the chance. EDITORIAL BOARD This all relates, too, to the letter from Dean McKnight included below. Clearly he wasn’t pleased by last issue’s cover story, for reasons related to individual perception as well as factual accuracy. For Price Day ’19 the factual corrections, I thank Dean McKnight: as editor in chief, I should’ve caught the mistakes about McNeely Cobham’s responsibilities and Pierce’s position. I thought they were well-sourced, but Hannah Johnston ’18 I should have verified. The point about distributing responsibility versus offering more options, I have News Editors a harder time accepting: it seems like regardless of the officially-stated rationale, the effect falls in line with the reasoning presented in the letter as well as the article: the work is divided, and that division Lauren Baretta ’18 does provide more options. Factual errors and differences in opinion alike remind me that running this paper—like running Jennifer Skoglund ’18 an educational institution—is a learning process, and we’re constantly improving. If you want proof, Opinions Editors turn back to the front page and check out Dana’s story. That one is airtight. Sophia Angele-Kuehn ’20 -Maia James Murray ’18 Arts Editors Letter Max Amar-Olkus ’19 Creative Director To the Editor,

I am writing to clarify information and correct inaccuracies in the article about Title IX in the Feb. 5 issue of The College Voice. I had been acting as the interim Title IX Coordinator after the departure of the College’s former Title IX Coordinator, whose position was part-time. As I managed the transi- MANAGING STAFF tion and planned for the future of this critical position, I determined that the College should combine Title IX oversight with oversight for other forms of bias, harassment, and discrimination. Title IX, Emir Kulluk ’21 remember, is fundamentally about harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex and gender, so this trend to combine these areas is becoming more commonplace in higher education. Business Manager With this decision, I appointed Associate Dean McNeely Cobham as Title IX Coordinator, moving oversight of the operations of Unity House, the Womxn’s Center and the LGBTQIA Center out of Hallie ’18 her area of responsibility, adding in campus-wide education, training and response to all forms of harassment and discrimination, and making the position full-time. It’s a very good model for Conn, Web Manager and one I believe will be quite effective. Unfortunately, Associate Dean McNeely Cobham decided to leave the College to pursue another opportunity. As I look to fill this important role, I will invite Emily Rubin ’20 students to participate in the planning and hiring processes. Katey Vesta ’21 Lastly, to correct the most glaring inaccuracies in the article, our former part-time Title IX Co- ordinator did not leave because of workload. As a part-time position, it was very well aligned with Social Media Coordinators the average number of cases Conn experiences. And finally, the expansion of the advocacy team is not about distributing responsibility, it is about giving students, staff and faculty more options for support. Our goal is to ensure people feel comfortable reporting issues. This expanded team of confidential campus advocates are now a more diverse group who can respond to the needs of the CONTACT US members of our . [email protected] 270 Mohegan Avenue Sincerely, New London, CT 06320 John F. McKnight Jr. thecollegevoice.org Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion The College Voice on Facebook @thecollegevoice on THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Features • 3 Community Bulletin Sports Corner By George Grotheer IASC Benefit Concert on Friday, Feb. 23 Women’s Track & Field Men’s Track & Field New London’s Immigration, Advocacy, and Support Center (IASC) is Valentine Invitational @ Boston Valentine Invitational @ Boston this year’s beneficiary in an annual Pete Seeger Tribute concert hosted by Non-Scoring Non-Scoring Friday Night Folk, an organization that uses folk music to support social Valentine Invitational @ Boston Gordon Kelley Invitational @ MIT and environmental justice. The show will be held in All Souls Church at 19 Non-Scoring Non-Scoring Jay St., New London at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free; donations encouraged. Gordon Kelley Invitational @ MIT Valentine Invitational @ Boston Non-Scoring Non-Scoring New England DIII Championships New England DIII Championships No Local Public Transportation Faces Cuts 6th/6 Scoring Team Score In New London, transit systems including SEAT are facing a budget New England DIII Championships New England DIII Championships cut of up to 15 percent for the upcoming fiscal year, the Day reports. The T-26th/30 Scoring 12th/28 Scoring Shoreline East rail system also faces cuts, which could eliminate all week- Women’s Squash (9-12) Women’s Squash (9-12) end train service and half of weekday service, potentially starting July 1. Wellesley W, 7-0 Wellesley W, 7-0 Haverford W, 6-3 Haverford W, 6-3 William Smith L, 3-6 William Smith L, 3-6 Connecticut Exceeds 1,000 Annual Overdose Deaths for First Time Women’s Basketball (15-9) Men’s Basketball (6-17) As of Feb. 16, the state of Connecticut has seen 1,040 opioid-related @ Trinity (Conn.) L, 50-52 Trinity L, 65-82 overdose deaths in the past year. According to an AP release, Connecticut @ Emerson W, 80-51 @ Bowdoin L, 60-77 chief medical examiner James Gill says that with a 300 percent increase Bowdoin L, 63-80 @ Colby L, 70-77 in overdose deaths in the past year, his office lost its accreditation because Colby W, 63-44 medical examiners had each performed too many autopsies. @ Tufts L, 48-85

24. A perfect cube 10. Ref 26. See 58-Across 11. Show The College Crossword 31. Served perfectly 13. Like CVS or Walgreens, abbr. 33. Badger 15. Award won by Miranda Lam- By Eleanor Knauss 34. Bollywood actor, Kapoor bert and Garth Brooks 35. Belonging to us 17. Great Lake 36. See 58-Across 20. Boy 41. Genetic information 21. TB test 42. Depressing 25. Braxton sister 44. Head of WSJ 27. Festival held in Las Vegas, abbr. 45. Actress Rae 28. New Haven to Hartford dir. 47. See 58-Across 29. Prescott, of the Cowboys 52. Spanish mister 30. DOD agency 53. Born 31. Atmospheres 54. Org. founded by Lucy Stone in 32. 1985 Sam Raimi comedy 1869 35. Petrol magazine, abbr. 58. Where the answers to 19-, 26-, 37. More robust 36-, and 47-Across struck gold 38. Jeremy, of the Nets 62. Eggs 39. Condition characterized by 64. Harry’s uncle neuroticism, abbr. 65. Potential 2020 election candi- 40. Drink enhancer date 43. Small 66. Actor Patel 46. Broke 67. Pierre’s praise 48. Years and years 68. Not a chance, in verse 49. Plenty 69. Summer, in Paris 50. Danish size 70. Like psoriasis or shingles 51. African archipelago, abbr. 71. Totals 55. Hyper 56. Injury reminders DOWN: 57. Fire residue 1. Elba, of film 59. Iceland’s most notorious wom- 2. Canadian rapper an, Bolladottir ACROSS: 14. Marie’s boyfriend 3. Strange 60. Boxer Brandon 1. “______honored” 15. Fad 4. Fencing sword 61. ____ Lisa 5. Belonging to the U.S. Dept. of 16. Inconvenience 5. Disaster 62. Poem Health and Human services 18. Like DnD or LARPing 6. Salt or pepper amount 63. Fido’s doc 9. Irritate 19. See 58-Across 7. U.S. business assoc. 12. Dribble 22. Un being? 8. Solmizations 13. Grand instrument 23. Noah had one 9. Farm helpers Key: Page 8 THE COLLEGE VOICE 4 • News FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Baldwin Sustainable Agriculture Comes to Conn

Continued from Front well, it would be difficult for members of the Grace Amato classes of 2019 and 2020 to finish their Afri- out for Conn students to be able to play with them. Kirk says that the academic year 2018-19, and though Baldwin cana Studies majors and minors. Staff Writer process for putting together the would be able to extend her visiting contract The students also tried to discuss Baldwin’s In its initial form, the upcom- symposium was relatively easy, de- for the duration of the search, there was no situation in relation to a larger institutional ing Community-Supported Sus- spite having to do most of the work guarantee that she would be hired into the problem. Nifemi Olugbemiga ’20, said, “it tainable Agriculture Symposium and planning around it, because tenure track. The students, along with Sa- would be unwise for us to treat this issue [as would only have lasted one day, she knew that she had support on mantha Weisenthal ’18, organized a meeting if it were] about a sticky situation involving but with speakers coming all the campus. She split up the budget with Egan, Dean of Institutional Equity and only one person...What I have seen is that a way from Missouri, Kira Kirk ’18 among different staff, faculty, and Inclusion John McKnight, and Dean of the person, a black woman, was let down by this decided to expand it from Feb. centers on campus in order to be Faculty Abby Van Slyck, for the students to institution...as a black woman I do not feel 22 to 25. Kirk completed her ca- granted the needed amount in the voice their concerns regarding Baldwin’s em- protected [by Conn].” Dr. Marcelle Medford, reer-funded internship at the Co- end. ployment status at the College. In addition to a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in the Sociol- lumbia Center for Urban Agricul- Last Thursday, SGA voted in the student organizers, more than 40 students ogy department, supported Olugbemiga’s ture in Columbia, Missouri and favor of funding the Community and several professors attended the meeting assessment and the comments of other stu- found the experience highly bene- Supported Sustainable Agricul- that took place on Thursday, Feb. 8. dents, saying, “the students hit the nail on ficial, claiming: “[CCUA] changed ture Symposium. Kirk will use Egan began the meeting by providing con- the head, being visiting or adjunct is a ten- my life...It was the first time that the $3,500 to fly speakers in from text on the situation with Baldwin and the uous position to be in—it’s an exploitation I had a job that I liked.” In an at- other parts of the country and the rationale behind the decision to change the of labor—I’m a woman of color; I don’t have tempt to expand her life-changing world to speak about communi- name of the department. Professor of So- a fraction of the students that Andrea has… experience into a project of greater ty support in sustainable farm- ciology Cherise Harris then read a statement How can we make [the College] better rath- public influence, Kirk decided to ing. The funding comes from the on behalf of Baldwin, who was not initially er than being another one of those colleges organize an event open to mem- Sustainable Projects Fund (SPF), invited to the meeting and who, upon find- that exploits women of color?” McKnight bers of the public interested in which has $40,000 to spend each ing out about it the day of, decided not to at- was quick to assert his dedication to the re- learning about community activ- year to support student initiatives tend. Darryl Brown ’18 quickly pointed out tention and support of women of color fac- ism and sustainable agriculture. like Kirk’s symposium. However, that “the classes that Baldwin offers would be ulty at Conn, but pointed out that “there is Kirk first began to think about despite the large budget for SPF, optimal [for fostering intersectionality],” and no other profession in the world that is nearly bringing the keynote speakers to some projects with good poten- several students also voiced their concerns as absurd as academia,” referring both to the Connecticut College during the tial are not funded due to either at having a department called Gender, Sex- intensity of the hiring process and the unique Fall 2017 semester, when she at- skepticism from the student body uality, and Intersectionality Studies with no benefit of employment for life. tended two conferences for her or push back from the administra- professors of color on staff. Egan responded The meeting did not reach a clear resolu- independent study. When Kirk tion. by saying that whomever they hire to replace tion, but many of the students, deans, and attended the 7th Annual Black Another issue with the SPF is the Baldwin would fulfill the need for intersec- faculty involved expressed hope that further Urban Gardeners conference in lack of projects being proposed, tionality within the department. communication will lead to a solution that Atlanta, Georgia, she encountered especially by younger students. A major source of student concern was a can make both students and the department keynote speakers Trish Woolbright According to Lera Shynkarova perceived inconsistency in hiring procedures and administration happy. The students in- and Matthew Dolan also in atten- ’20, the Chair of Sustainability, all within GWS, as students pointed out that volved have no intention of giving up or stall- dance, and she thought, “Why of the projects proposed this year while Baldwin would be expected to with- ing their advocacy for Baldwin, as she has not bring them here?” Dolan is have been from seniors. She feels stand a national search, Rotramel had been been an extraordinary influence in many of an AmeriCorps Opportunity Gar- that there is “a miscon- hired from a visiting to a tenure-track posi- her advisees’ lives. A flood of Facebook posts dens Associate and has a passion ception when we are talking about tion without the same formalities. Accord- have materialized in the past week, each one for teaching refugees to feed them- sustainability, people always think ing to Van Slyck, the GWS department was working from the same template including selves and their families through that it is something related to [the nearing state of crisis in AY 2014-15, as one the phrase, “I stand in solidarity with pro- agriculture. Woolbright is the Op- environment]” which can be dis- professor was denied tenure (the academic fessors of color being exploited by academic portunity Garden Manager who couraging to students who may equivalent of a dismissal) and the other re- institutions. Who are deemed less valuable works to “enhance the communi- not have ideas regarding this as- tired. At the time, the two departing profes- than their white counterparts.” Students are ty health by connecting people to pect, “but when you actually think sors occupied the only full-time, tenure-track hoping to draw attention to the larger issue of agriculture and the land through about sustainability, there are three positions in the GWS department. Their de- primarily white institutions (like Conn) not hands-in learning opportunities,” different pillars,” those being envi- parture allowed the department to offer Ro- valuing work done by contingent, women of Kirk put it. ronmental, economic, and social tramel an “opportunity hire,” which means color faculty. Professor Harris summed up Kirk initially planned the sym- sustainability. Therefore, the proj- she was hired without going through a na- the bigger picture at Thursdays event. “It just posium as a one-day event, but ects submitted to SPF don’t have tional search first. feels sometimes that we’re moving at a gla- the expansion into a four-day se- to focus entirely on improving the Van Slyck explained that the situation in cial pace—that when we have an opportunity ries offered more programming college or the New London com- 2014-15 differed from the GWS department’s to make a change it doesn’t happen...maybe opportunities. Thus, Kirk began munity’s impact on the environ- current status, as GWS currently has two this is a time when nothing could be done, to plan the rest of the days, in- ment, but if a student were to have full-time professors. While Egan, Van Slyck, but when it’s combined with all the times that cluding a New London commu- an idea regarding social or eco- and McKnight were hesitant to refer to any of something could’ve been done…[it makes nity tour, a composting workshop, nomic equity, it could also be sup- Baldwin’s work outside of the GWS depart- the impact feel worse].” and multiple community meals ment, Castro pointed out that three of the ported by the fund. It is important with speakers. One featured event that as many students as possible main faculty members involved in running Editor’s note: Maia Hibbett contributed will be a “chicken happy hour” on the Africana Studies program will go on sab- reporting. • Saturday, Feb. 24 at 10 am where batical next fall; if Baldwin were to depart as Sprout Garden will let the chickens Continued on Page 5 THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 News • 5 Flu Infection Rates at Conn: High, but not Shocking

Shae Albertson increase in the percentage of the flu, Rago explained, muscle aches, sore throat, shorter cases; however, she patients presenting to hospi- “that would be something runny nose, fatigue, or nau- suggests that “the vaccine Staff Writer tal emergency departments that would be self-directed, sea and vomiting. Rago in- is still really the best way to This year’s influenza sea- and outpatient providers that is not directed by us.” structed, “We want anyone prevent.” The instructional son has progressed in a sim- with ILI, as well as increas- She observes that, although with a cough and a fever sheet also suggests that “the ilar way to last year’s pleth- ing numbers of flu-associ- the health center can track to not go to class, not go best way to prevent the flu ora of influenza activity and ated hospitalizations and the number of students di- to work. We also encour- is by getting a flu vaccine cases on campus. Influenza, deaths.” Throughout theagnosed with the flu on age people not to go to the each year.” Rago report- also known as the “flu,” is a entire flu season, a total of campus, it cannot easily dining hall. We tell them to ed that about 350 flu shots contagious respiratory ill- 1,360 patients have been determine the number of send friends with their ID, have been giving in student ness caused by flu viruses, hospitalized with influenza. off-campus diagnoses. She and they can ask for special Health Services, and are still according the the Connecti- There have been a total 77 says, “if people went to Po- containers and bring food being given with a $20 cov- cut State Department of influenza-associated deaths sition 1 or the Emergency back.” er charge. The flu is active in Public Health. Two types of in the state of Connecticut Room at Backus or LNM, Rago explained that even the winter and spring, and the virus circulate through- alone, with 61 associated we wouldn’t necessarily those who have gotten the Health Services expects it to out the annu- with flu A and 16 with flu B. know about that.” Typical- flu shot are still getting the be prevalent until April or ally. Influenza A can cause Of those who died, just one ly, the health center advises flu, often in more mild or May. • moderate to severe illness, patient was between 19-24 students diagnosed while Influenza B causes years of age. The number of with the flu to miss deaths reported this season, class until they milder symptoms that are Do you secretly love to do research? typically found in children. Connecticut reports, “is have been fever free The Centers for Disease within the range of influen- for 24 hours. The Have you ever wanted to know more za-associated deaths (1-65) center also gives Control and Prevention about how to do research? encourages all people over reported during the previ- diagnosed students the age of 6 months old to ous five seasons.” a sheet to hand out be vaccinated, as each year Shauna Rago, current In- to roommates or Visit Connecticut College’s research blog, millions of Americans safely terim Director of Student friends who they receive seasonal flu vaccines. Health Services, explained think they might ResearchScapes: Not getting vaccinated, as that the volume of influ- have exposed. The Discussions on the Art and Craft of the CDC warns, could result enza on campus has been slip simply says, in disease or putting others similar to what it was last ‘You may have been Research at serious risk for illness, year. Rago explained, “I’ve exposed. Please particularly babies or people been here since 2015. The contact Student with cancer. first year I got here, I don’t Health Services.’ In the state of Connecticut, think we saw that much flu Students would the illness was categorized as activity. Last year, we had a then make an ap- sporadic between Oct. 1 to pretty active year. With over pointment and de- Oct. 21. Between Oct. 22 to 100 students diagnosed in cide if they should Nov. 18, it was categorized Health Services, within a 4 take TamiFlu, a as local, and between Nov. week period. This year, it’s medication to help 19 to Dec. 2, categorized as really only been since we got prevent someone regional. Since Dec. 3, it has back from break. We’re still from contracting been categorized as wide- seeing active cases. But I’d the flu. http://wordpress.conncoll.edu/researchscapes spread. say it’s a fairly high volume, The instruction- The Connecticut Depart- comparable to last year. We al flu sheet that ment of Public Health re- don’t run any statistics until Student Health This site is intended to talk about: ported on Feb. 8, 2018 that, it’s over.” Services outlines “in Connecticut, influenza As there has been dis- symptoms in- activity remains high and cussion of students leaving cluding fever, dry • What librarians do to help you widespread with continued campus in an effort to avoid cough, body or • How you do research • Interesting problems and curiosities Sustainable Agriculture Symposium • New ways of doing research with published

Continued from Page 4 College. The SPF is, therefore, entirely materials enrollment-driven and specific to each propose ideas because the money comes academic year, so if students want to out of students’ tuition. The SPF collects get the most out of their yearly tuition, Shain Library’s Research Support and Instruction $25 per student, and if the money is not they should take advantage of existing Team manages this blog, but we welcome entries spent, it does not carry over into the sustainable projects or pursue projects by other members of the community! next year, but instead is returned to the of their own. • THE COLLEGE VOICE 6 • Opinions FEBRUARY 20, 2018

With Community Meals, BRIGAID Makes Nutrition Public

Lauren Baretta working as a chef in an expensive, our interview, Guisti mingled with If people come in and we think we modern, and highly creative atmo- several of the 200-250 individuals should give them free meals, then Opinions Editor sphere to serving food to public he considers regulars. The com- we give them free meals.” “You’re trying to change food school students was difficult. “When munity meal, which takes place ev- It is clear that Guisti is passionate for people to be healthy and to try I first came into it, I thought we ery Wednesday night from 5-6pm about the work he does— a world new things, but before that there’s were going to do all this cool stuff at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle class chef does not leave his position the need for people to eat,” said with the food, but then you realize School, is a subset of BRIGAID. It at Noma arbitrarily. With 9,860 food Dan Guisti, the former head chef of that these kids are just hungry.” He expands the mission of providing insecure children in New London Noma in Copenhagen. Guisti made continued, “You see it on long week- quality, nutritious and affordable county alone, his cause is sadly rel- it to the top in the world of fine din- ends, that there’s kids who are not food to include not only school-chil- evant to the times. Food insecurity ing —as Noma is widely considered eating much. You know, you hear dren, but all who live in the county. affects more people than most real- the “world’s best” restaurant—but about these things and you know Because BRIGAID does not have to ize. As Guisti claimed, “I think most when I sat down for an interview that’s the situation, but when you’re pay for its kitchen space, residents people associate food insecurity with him, it was over a simple dinner right there - it hits home.” Guisti’s pay $5 for a meal that would other- with people who don’t have homes, of mashed sweet potatoes, chicken, ability to provide children and teens wise cost $12-13. “Instead of people but a lot of people have homes and and kale at Bennie Dover Jackson with nutritious meals they may not going to McDonald’s, they come their kids go to school everyday and Middle School in New London. have access to at home is exponen- here,” said Guisti. “These communi- they don’t have any food.” In early 2016, after leaving his po- tially more important than his abil- ty meals have changed everything.” To eat is a basic human right. Every sition at Noma, Guisti founded BRI- ity to present gourmet meals, which The community meal aims to be person deserves access to nutritious GAID, an organization that brings distinctly contrasts his previous role affordable, but even for those who food. As Conn students, we can take professional chefs to public schools at Noma. cannot pay, alternative payment small steps. Despite attending a col- in need. Since its start, the program In fact, when Guisti first began options exist. An organic pay-it- lege with a tuition of over $67,000 a has hired a team of chefs, many of BRIGAID he faced criticism from forward movement is part of what year, it is easy to forget that we ex- whom used to work in fine dining, to the New London community. He makes Wednesday nights so com- ist in a place of privilege, that we cook free meals for students at pub- explained, “When I first came here munity oriented. Every week, 40-50 are part of the New London county. lic high schools and middle schools people built up this idea that I was extra tickets are paid for by individ- So, attend a Wednesday night meal across New London. They have one this world class chef. It seemed uals attending the dinner. When I at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle common purpose: fight food inse- overboard.” Guisti recounted a mes- asked what BRIGAID did with these School. Volunteer at the United Way curity. As Guisti heads to New York sage he received from a community additional meals Guisti responded, Food Bank or the Giving Garden in City to expand BRIGAID’s mission member when he was first begin- “We can ask people from shelters to Mystic. Donate money or goods to and provide for other cities in need, ning, “We should just send our kids come in or people come in some- food pantries. It is our responsibility I think the program that will con- to school in limousines.” times — you know you start to be to be active members of our com- tinue to serve New London after his Since then, Guisti has overcome able to identity some people that are munity—we are failing if we refuse departure deserves recognition. the negative perceptions, largely kind of on hard times— and we of- to recognize the needs of our neigh- For Guisti, the transition from by interacting with the wider New fer them free meals.” He furthered, bors. • London community. Throughout “So we kind of have this bank going. Considering a First Look at Conn, Three Years in

Price Day and looping past Cummings. There was an art exhibit going on, and being an artsy guy I was down to stay and look at art stuff, but the guide brought News Editor us outside to describe the arts center without disturbing the occupants. We Have you ever wondered what prospective students see when they visit continued past Palmer, where the guide told the prospective student she Connecticut College? Like most other Conn students, I’m often kept up at could be “spending a lot of time during orientation,” a comment that cannot night by this question. Do they find out about the horrors of cilantro night? be overstated. Are they warned about the legion of skunks? Are they shown how far away We then walked to Fanning, and I couldn't help but notice the lack of South Lot is from any conceivable location? So many questions. comment on Bill Hall, perhaps the most unfortunately named, and de- One February afternoon I decided to put these questions to rest, and I signed, building in the entire Constitution State. Fanning and New London walked leisurely down to the Admissions Office in the hopes of tagging Hall were described in depth, however, and we walked through the first along on a campus tour. Tours start at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. daily, floor of NLH and looked at a couple labs in progress. but I guess the 1 p.m. tour was not a popular slot that day, as there were We continued past the dorms of Central campus, and the tour group con- only two people on it, a high school senior and her mother. After asking the tour guide if I could join, we began by walking along Tempel Green Continued on Page 8 THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Opinions • 7 “Guest Student” Programs: Title IX A Saturated Market for Symptomatic Treatment

Continued from Front It seems clear, then, that there ex- the meeting “was mysteriously de- Maia Hibbett ists a discrepancy between student layed for weeks.” In announcing Mc- increase student input over Title IX and administrative perception of Neely Cobham’s parting to the Conn Editor in Chief staffing. what successful Title IX coordination community, McKnight revealed that The narrative surrounding Hurricane Maria is Most Title IX coordinator po- should entail. In an email exchange he would “be convening a group of ongoing and gruesome. It’s one we’ve all heard be- sitions began as part-time jobs or with the Voice, McKnight stressed: students, faculty, and staff” to advise fore and yet one we haven’t heard enough. It’s in- added responsibilities for faculty, “there is a fundamental misunder- on him on how the office of Equity dicative of larger problems—climate change, en- but current Title IX coordinators standing among students about and Inclusion may best fulfill the vironmental racism—that some members of the have assumed greater responsibili- the nature and volume of [Title IX] Title IX guidelines, but the degree mainland U.S. population won’t admit exist; some ties across the country as the scope work.” He emphasized that the Title that students actually hold influence others work arduously to combat; and most of us of the law has expanded. In the IX coordinator “is not an advocacy remains unclear. Johnson, Lee, and seem just to have accepted as reality. last three years, dozens of institu- role “and that trained staff serve as Race have—however—have sched- Homes, businesses, and natural areas in Puer- tions—including Franklin & Mar- advocates for survivors. He says that uled a meeting with McKnight for to Rico were decimated by a hurricane, and then shall College, Stanford University, the coordinator assumes “highly ad- Feb. 23 to express the demands of their needs were largely ignored by the mainland and the University of North Caroli- ministrative” tasks and that, “with an concerned students. McKnight, in United States. Its institutions of higher educa- na at Chapel Hill—have established average caseload of about 8-10 cases his separate email exchange with the tion mark no exception. “The rumor mill runs independent Title IX offices with per year over the past several years” Voice, says that students will be in- unusually fast in disasters,” writes Jeffrey Herli- full-time coordinators. In fact, in the workload is “manageable for vited to attend open meetings with hy-Mera, a professor at University of Puerto Rico its “Dear Colleague” letter, the De- even a part time person.” Students, coordinator finalists. at Mayagüez, in the Chronicle of Higher Education. partment of Education revealed that in their meeting, were quick to note These students have written and “Someone siphoned diesel from a generator at a incidents of sexual misconduct actu- that the referenced caseload reflects circulated a petition that highlights funeral parlor in Vieques. AT&T Wireless will be ally decrease when colleges hire full- the number of incidents that actually their list of demands. They call on out for a year. A ferry is shuttling people from San time Title IX staff. But despite the get litigated rather than the number President Bergeron, McKnight, and Juan to the Dominican Republic. Wi-Fi works at attention that developments in Title of incidents reported at Conn. the College Board of Trustees to es- City Hall. An ATM near Sam's Club has cash. The IX have received, just ten percent of The merging of Title IX and Eq- tablish a full-time Title IX coordi- morgue in Aguadilla has been full for days. Cuban coordinators surveyed by the Asso- uity and Inclusion oversight is not nator with the sole responsibility of doctors are treating people at no charge in Añas- ciation of Title IX Administrators re- explicitly condemned by the 2015 addressing sexual assault cases. The co. Classes begin on October 8.” ported to have no major responsibil- “Dear Colleague” letter, but not ex- position must be filled “through a Herlihy-Mera then qualifies that, in reality, ities other than responding to sexual actly endorsed, either. “Title IX does process that is transparent and over- there was neither wi-fi at City Hall nor cash at assault and gender-based discrimi- not categorically exclude particu- seen by students,” the petition notes. Sam’s Club. But classes were held on Oct. 8. “We nation on campuses, the Chronicle of lar employees from serving as Title They further advocate for the hiring aren’t going to lose the semester,” Herlihy-Mera Higher Education reports. IX coordinators,” the letter notes. of a coordinator with at least two stresses. In an email to supporters, Race “However, when designating a Title years of experience “in the realm of Enter, mainland United States. Enter, Connecti- contends that the “administration IX coordinator, a recipient should Title IX litigation” who is account- cut College. is just not giving [Title IX] the at- be careful to avoid designating an able to Conn students as well as em- After Hurricane Maria, a wave of positive press tention it requires and deserves.” employee whose other job respon- powering a separate office to handle coverage lauded the good deeds of several main- The vacancy created by McNeely sibilities may create a conflict of in- cases of discrimination based-bias. land U.S. colleges and universities that had cho- Cobham’s departure raised further terest. For example, designating a The demands, to meeting organiz- sen to offer in-state or free tuition to Puerto Ri- questions among these students over disciplinary board member, general ers and attendees, seem winnable. can students displaced by the hurricane. On Oct. whether the College will hire a new counsel, dean of students, superin- Paolo Sanchez ’18, the SGA Chair 19, 2017, PRI’s “The World” ran the story: “Some coordinator without addressing any tendent, principal, or athletics direc- of Equity and Inclusion, has said Puerto Rican college students displaced by Hurri- of the structural issues associated tor as the Title IX coordinator may that he will draft an SGA resolution cane Maria have already started classes again—in with the current job description. Bal- pose a conflict of interest.” While the demanding a full-time coordinator. Florida.” Three days later, NPR published: “Main- ancing the demands of multiple jobs, Title IX coordinator may not advo- Race also noted that McKnight’s po- land Colleges Offer In-State Tuition To Students the Associate Dean of Institutional cate on behalf of certain parties, the sition was established as a result of Affected By Hurricane Maria.” Both start with Equity and Inclusion cannot devote position requires direct contact with student activism, and student activ- the same appeal, highlighting individual college sufficient attention to the investi- students over highly sensitive expe- ism can continue to spur structural students and the impact the opportunity had for gation of cases or provide affected riences. As a result, students believe change at the College. She contends them. CNBC and Remezcla took a different ap- students with appropriate support. that they deserve to have greater say that, because “money exists in all proach by releasing listicle-style articles that fea- It seems that the choice of McKnight in the coordinator hiring process. sorts of random places” at the Col- tured the first wave of institutions to participate— as interim Title IX coordinator only The absence of meaningful stu- lege, Conn has the means to hire a including Brown, Tulane, and NYU. compounds this problem, as one stu- dent input in the hiring process of full-time Title IX coordinator. The The articles raise some good points about the dent who attended the meeting not- Title IX coordinators in the past rallying-call of these student orga- importance of resources and the insufficiency of ed that McKnight sometimes takes remains a key point of contention. nizers declared at the Cro gathering relief efforts. “The electricity, clean water and cell several days to “get to sensitive cases, Race said that she and other students references the consuming nature of service available on campus—not to mention col- because he has too many jobs.” John- had tried to meet with McKnight sexual assault, harassment, and dis- lege classes—stand in stark contrast to conditions ston echoed this claim and observed early in the semester to advocate for crimination to capture the essence at home,” Carolyn Beeler writes for PRI. “Much of that McKnight has said that he can- an independent full-time coordina- of their demands: “for a full-time not take on the responsibilities of tor as well as encourage more trans- experience, we need a full-time co- Title IX coordinator for a significant parency in the hiring process, but ordinator.” • Continued on Page 8 period “on top of his other jobs.” THE COLLEGE VOICE 8 • Opinions FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Admissions Tour Guest Student Programs

Continued from Page 6 Continued from Page 7 education, seeks to fortify its retention. García de León goes on to describe tinued to discuss Greek life presence (there is none) and the Puerto Rico is still without power a month what we seldom see in U.S. narratives new Smith Game Room (RIP to Smith Dining Hall). I tried after the hurricane. Water contamination covering the impact of Hurricane María: to stay quiet and let the tour guide do her thing, but she did is widespread. The scope of the disaster professors holding classes outside, and ask for my input a few times. We then visited Harris and the there is still not completely understood.” students attending them despite the de- Plex; we were supposed to view a dorm room in Morrison, But, like any form of publicity, this cover- struction. “The [traditional] classroom but the door was locked, and the tour guide did not have her age does not capture the whole story, and was traded for patios, gazebos, [and] key. The guide noted that many first-years live in the Plex it does contribute to a trend. The world tents, where light, air conditioning, and and highlighted its reputation as “living in a hospital,” which of academia is notorious for its empha- other commodities...were not necessary surprised me. I was also surprised that we visited Morrison sis on recognition and ranking, and as a for the learning process. It was a return and not the newly-renovated Hamilton, the least hospital-y result, academic institutions are particu- to the ancient times, as Socrates [taught] of the Plex dorms. larly susceptible to influence from their his disciples,” García de León writes. Next up was Crozier-Williams. We entered through the peers. The idyllic image should not, of course, back door to first appreciate the Sprout Garden. When the This seems to have happened at Con- detract from the severity of the situa- guide mentioned the moniker “Cro,” it took all my willpower necticut College, which arrived a little tion in Puerto Rico. What it indicates to not interject by joking that real Conn students refer to the late to the white-saviorism party. On is not that assistance is not needed, but Student Center as “Willy.” This tour felt more personal than Dec. 8, Conn announced the establish- rather, that perhaps shuttling students a normal tour, probably due to the attendance of two, which ment of a guest student program that away from their home institutions is I hope added to its memorability. As someone who took a would provide free tuition, room, and not the only solution. “It’s now, when tour of Conn in high school and who does not remember a board to “up to six” juniors or seniors perhaps we’ve returned to the tradition- second of it—except that it might have been raining—I think at the University of Puerto Rico. The al classroom, that we face the challenge that a memorable tour might have eased the college decision College later updated its guest student of retaining student[s] and convincing process. website to reflect that students from “any [them] to stay in [Puerto Rico] to finish The tour guide described the various uses of Willy, such as accredited university in Puerto Rico” their academic courses,” Garcia de Leon dance studios, late-night food, mail room, and offices. She would be eligible for the program. adds. then went into a description of the various academic cen- Despite the offer’s seeming appeal, It seems that mainland universities’ of- ters and the Pathways system. I was glad she did not ask my no students from Puerto Rico decided fers of education and housing, like many opinion on that can of worms—as a junior, I have no idea to take it, as Dean of the College Jeffer- relief efforts, are a well-intentioned but where to even start when discussing Pathways. The next son Singer confirmed. “The University symptomatic treatment that in some building was the library, and the different volume level floors of Puerto Rico put out a request in late ways hinders the resolution of the prob- were outlined, as well as the resources available to students December to try to keep its students lem as a whole. Perhaps it’s for the best, in Shain. President Bergeron walked by at this time, and she on island and that basically stopped the then, that Conn had no takers on its told the tour members “come to Conn!” after saying hi to flow of students to the mainland for the guest student program. each of us. This school is my top choice, so I hope meeting spring,” Singer noted. the president helps my application. In Diálogo, the official publication of *Editor’s note: García de León’s quota- We continued on to Blaustein, and the guide gave the typ- the University of Puerto Rico, Julia M. tions were translated from Spanish by the ical, vague “collaboration and diversity” description of the García de León writes that institutions author. • Global Commons as we navigated the space-age first floor. of higher education in Puerto Rico faced We came out on the other side, overlooking Tempel Green. challenges in providing essential ser- The tour was almost over, and we talked to the mother and vices even before Hurricane Maria, and Crossword Key daughter about Knowlton and the language dining hall in after the hurricane occurred, UPR alone Freeman, as well as the chapel, as we passed by them. It was took a hit of $118 million in damages, overcast and misty but warm, and the south side of campus according to a report from Puerto Rico’s looked very beautiful. I would certainly want to go here. El Nuevo Día.“More than 200 thousand Back at Admissions, we said our goodbyes and I began people have emigrated to the United the long walk back to Larrabee, another building left conve- States since the passing of the storm in niently off the tour route. I thought the tour was just that, a search of better living conditions,” García tour of campus. Maybe it's different because I already know de León observes*. The emigrant popula- all the buildings, but having gone on countless tours of cam- tion is largely comprised of “productive puses in my day, they blend together like nothing else. Before youths who, faced with the disjunctive to I left, I told the girl and her mom to go for a walk in the Arbo continue studying here or to obtain bet- if they had time. I think even a small addition like that would ter conditions outside their native land, go a long way towards making a Conn tour a more memora- opted for the latter.” This wave had a neg- ble one. Whether you think our school is different or boring, ative impact on the University of Puerto our tours should stand out. • Rico, which, like any institution of higher THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Opinions • 9

“Backpack Full of Cash” Offers a Partial Critique of Charter Schools

Abigail Acheson nize, that the intersectionality of race and class are dollars marketing their educational product and Staff Writer not independent of the continued defunding of lobbying to receive public funding, while deliv- public education. Low-income students and stu- ering an education that often proves to be worse With an hour and a half of interviews, heart- dents of color are disproportionately affected by than public school education. These are scary breaking testimony, and brief animation, “Back- public school closures and while other children problems that affect, and have been affecting for pack Full of Cash” will leave the viewer sufficient- are increasingly educated in private, online, and many years, thousands of students in the United ly disheartened about the education system in the charter schools, these students often are prevent- States. United States. This past Tuesday, The Roosevelt ed from accessing these better-funded schooling There is one ray of hope, however, and it is Institute and Education Department screened alternatives. Private and charter schools both re- found in New Jersey’s public education system. the film to raise awareness among the Connecti- ceive public funding and are only held account- The story starts in the 1970s with New Jersey’s cut College and greater Southeastern Connecti- able to deliver on national education standards atrocious gap between the quality of public cut communities on the dangers of defunding when contracts are due for renewal. schools in wealthy suburbs and those in low-in- public schools. The film’s message hit close to The content of the film consisted largely of in- come areas. The state proposed an ultimatum home, eliciting audience members to chuckle, terviews with parents and former-teacher activ- that the various regional public education sys- cry, and even offer sarcastic responses to on- ists, reels of protests and town hall meetings, and tems must determine how to level the playing screen interviewees. Blank stares and exasperat- the principal of South Philadelphia High School. field or else find themselves placed under state ed sighs from the film’s speakers sometimes left Intermittent between these are animated frames control. The film highlights one school, called the audience with no choice but to laugh at the designed to illustrate the effects that alternative Unity Charter School, as a positive example of almost comical absurdity of the miniscule fund- options to public schools have on funding. The this transformation. Though the documentary ing public schools receive. Repeated sound clips animations also introduce key terms, which make thoroughly demonizes charter schools for most of businessmen and public servants arguing for the content easier to understand while giving the of its duration it takes a wholly opposite posi- schools to be run as businesses drew out bitter film a quirky grade-school flavor. tion by offering a public charter school as the laughter followed by under-the-breath criticisms If a reader is looking for an intersectional ex- model for reform. Sarah Mondale, the director, from the audience. And, protests, testimonials, ploration of the current state of education they is unclear as to why she makes an example of a and the death of multiple children from prevent- will be disappointed, as that simply is not the goal charter school as opposed to some other tradi- able asthma attacks at one public school where of this piece. Instead, the documentary seeks to tional public school. Located in a low-income funds were too insufficient to even pay a full-time spark a discussion about issues with the educa- area, but among the best performing schools in nurse, evoked tears. tion system specifically in regards to funding and the country, many of Unity’s graduates later at- The event was well-attended with over fifty privatization, and perhaps to demonstrate the tend Ivy League schools, and yet its status as a students, professors of the college, k-12 teachers, dos and don’ts of reform. One peculiar aspect public charter school was hardly mentioned, if at members from the New London NAACP Youth of the piece is its disjointed tone. Matt Damon all. Does the director intend to argue that charter Council, and a representative from Re:publicEd narrates the piece in an attempt to offer publicity schools can sometimes be a positive change, or is (a coalition formed to better Connecticut’s pub- to an important social problem, but his deflated the audience still supposed to support exclusive- lic schools) all crowded into the cramped lecture reading seems to lacks intensity and urgency. ly traditional public schools? Mondale’s attempt hall. The event coordinators jumped at the op- With footage that takes viewers inside public, to encourage a revitalized fight against the pri- portunity to further discuss public education by religious private, online charter, and physical vatization of public education ends up instead promoting a follow-up event to be held on March charter classrooms, the documentary can dash confusing the audience and leaving them in the 6 in New London, as well as to advertise available hopes of the most optimistic viewer with regards midst of a gray area of charter school vs. public teaching positions at tables outside the screening. to the next few generations. Public schools, oper- school debates with no explanation. “Backpack Full of Cash” avoided leaving in- ating under insufficient budgets, have classes with The piece ends with the graduation of students terpretation to the audience and instead aimed more than sixty students to a teacher, forcing half from South Philadelphia High, where one of the to deliver a simple and straightforward message: the class to stand and making it difficult to focus. last things the principal says to the camera is that the defunding of public schools is a danger to Public schools also struggle to hire enough guid- it was a “pretty good year...considering the re- democracy and the future of American society. ance counselors, thus putting low-income and sources we had.” With that, he effectively sums It centered with laser focus on the nation-wide minority students disproportionately at risk of up the state of public education today. school closures and teacher layoffs which are a not receiving the advice and help they may need I recommend attending the follow-up com- direct result of the proliferation of private schools to overcome obstacles. Online charter schools re- munity conversation on Tuesday, March 6 about that attract students and funding at the expense move students from the social aspect of learning the future of public education. The event is free, of public education. The documentary missed that is so important, and instead turn their ed- open to the public, and will be held at 6:00 pm in the opportunity, however, to highlight the under- ucation, and yes, even Physical Education, into the All-Souls UU Congregation, Unity Hall at 19 representation of people of color in teaching and a series of buttons and on-screen videos. Mean- Jay Street in New London. For more information administrative positions, and seems not to recog- while, physical charter schools spend millions of email [email protected]. • THE COLLEGE VOICE 10 • Opinions FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Olympic Messages: The Peace Perspective

Continued from Front a gold medal in the 2010 Games and a silver in the ficials, embarked on a three-day trip that included a 2014 Games. meeting with Moon. The trip represented the highest in the games in an attempt at making peace. North Ko- While Moon is optimistic about the unification of level of contact between the two Koreas in more than rea accepted and was actively involved in the opening the nations for the Games, some Koreans remain hesi- a decade, as Kim Yo Jong is the first immediate mem- ceremony, which took place on Feb. 9. North Korea tant about the presence of North Korea. The director of ber of North Korea’s ruling family to touch down on sent 22 athletes, along with several artistic performers the opening ceremony, Song Seung-whan, expressed South Korean soil since the 1950-53 Korean War. On and celebrated pop stars, to the Games—despite con- his disapproval of the president’s confidence in his ef- the Friday of the opening ceremony, Kim Yo Jong met cerns that North Korea’s involvement in the Winter fort to mend the relationship between the two nations. foreign dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President Mike Olympics would violate international sanctions. How- Song stated, “The crisis on the Korean Peninsula does Pence and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This ever, South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in believes the not get resolved with a one-off event like sports games allowed for the possibility of unprecedented diplomat- Games to be vital in his effort to communicate with or an inter-Korean summit meeting.” ic encounters between North Korea and the leaders of North Korea, to persuade the country into negotia- While Song is apprehensive, others believe the enemy countries. tions, and to put the North’s nuclear missile program Games symbolize hope. Kim Tae-yoon, a media stud- Despite South Korea’s movement for peace, Mike to rest. Moon stated: “Many considered it an impos- ies student from Cheonan, South Korea states, “I won- Pence stated that his visit was an effort to counter sible dream to have an Olympics of peace, in which dered whether any of our efforts would be a step to- North Korea’s propaganda and highlight its abuses North Korea would participate and the two Koreas wards unification when we could very well just be used and atrocities to the world. Whether Kim Yo Jong’s ap- would form a joint team.” This dream was made a real- for North Korean propaganda.” Kim continued,“But pearance was a message sent from Kim Jong Un to the ity during the opening ceremony in which North and the two Koreas marching together looked good. I hope president of the South is unclear. However, Moon has South Korea entered the Games as one team: Korea. that the Pyeongchang Olympics will be remembered expressed that he would be willing to meet with Kim An image rests in the world’s eyes of the penulti- as one where we showed the world that we communi- Jong Un if he were assured that this meeting would mate torch bearers, North Korean Chung Su-hyon and cated well with North Korea.” lead to an end of the crisis regarding nuclear weapons South Korean Park Jong-ah, as representatives of the A particularly surprising part of North Korea’s in- and missile development program. Time will tell, but unified Korean hockey team. The athletes carried the volvement in the Games was the appearance of Kim for now, let the Games unfold and much luck to the torch up the final steps and handed it off to the dearly Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong athletes representing the United States of America. • loved South Korean figure skater, , who won Un. Kim Yo Jong, along with Senior North Korean of- Olympic Priorities: A Focus on

Hallie Carmen tention it deserves. Despite the sport’s the podiums of each discipline. Given the increase in the number popularity during the Olympics, the To make it to the Olympics is a life- of U.S. figure skaters being sent to the Web Manager U.S. has experienced a “medal drought” long dream for many athletes. In the Olympics this year, the end of the medal in figure skating over the past several U.S., where the competition is tough in drought may be in sight. Additionally, Every four years, for roughly three years. Though and Charlie comparison to other countries which the inclusion of the team figure skating weeks, American society is enthralled White won the ice dancing competition have fewer figure skaters, it is extreme- event, which was introduced for the first with figure skating. The costumes, art- at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, and Evan ly difficult to qualify for an Olympic time at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, added istry, drama and of course the sport, Lysacek won a gold medal in men’s sin- games. The qualification process for to the United States’ collection of med- captivate American audiences during gles at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, U.S. figure skaters is based on the de- als. The team event adds up points based every Olympics. However, after the U.S. skaters have not returned to a time cisions of a committee put together by on the performance of individual skat- three magical weeks are over, life goes where they have consistently swept the U.S. Figure Skating, the national gov- ers in different disciplines, and this year, back to normal. For the American pub- podiums at international events like the erning body that regulates the sport in the U.S. defended the bronze medal they lic, skating is put on the back burner for Olympics. the United States. To put it simply, the won in 2014. The team event consisted another four years. Take for example , who committee bases its decisions on the of and in I started figure skating when I was is a legend in the world of American skaters’ performances and placements at Men’s singles, and Bradie four years old. From early childhood figure skating. Button became the first that year’s U.S. National Championships Tennell in Women’s singles, siblings through high school, I spent a lot of my American figure skater to win back-to- and the prior year’s major international Maia and Alex Shibutani in Ice Dancing, time inside the rink. Like anyone who back Olympic gold medals in the men’s events. Depending on prior internation- and Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Chris spends more than 10 years actively tak- singles competition—in 1948 and 1952, al placements of U.S. skaters, the U.S. is Knierim in Pairs. ing part in a competitive sport, I will for- respectively. In the 1956 Olympics, allocated a specific number of Olympic While each U.S. skater in the team ever feel a connection to the sport I love. American skater spots they can fill in each discipline. event contributed to the winning of the It bothers me that during each winter won the gold in Men’s Singles and Ten- Even before the start of this year’s winter bronze medal, it seemed to be the stellar Olympics, Americans suddenly decide ley Albright won the gold in women’s games, the U.S. proved its international performances of skaters Adam Rippon, they are figure skating fans and only singles. Four years later in 1960, the dominance and potential to win more siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani, and watch the sport for its brief moment in Americans won gold again with David Olympic medals in all four disciplines of Mirai Nagasu that especially increased the spotlight. Nevertheless, the height- Jenkins (men’s singles) and Figure Skating after being allotted more the United States’ chances for winning ened attention the sport receives during (women’s singles) winning the gold. In spots for U.S. figure skaters. At this year’s another bronze in the team event. In this time is important in the mainte- later years, the U.S. skaters continued to games, the U.S. was given three spots for particular, Nagasu added a large amount nance of the sport. dominate, winning more medals. both Men’s and Women’s singles, three of points to the teams final score by be- The three-week duration of the Olym- In the past couple of years, though, spots for Ice Dancing, and one spot for pics marks the only time when Amer- Russia, Japan, and Canada have topped Pairs. icans only give figure skating the at- Continued on Page 11 THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Opinions • 11 Olympic Injustices: The Planning Perspective

Emir Kulluk required. Most countries that host the having a history of corruption; one ex- ities. Olympic games greatly exceed the bud- ample (out of many) came just last fall The location for each year’s games Business Manager gets that they put aside for the event. For when Carlos Nuzman, former president could be chosen by a simple raffle. An- example, China spent 45 billion dollars of the Brazilian Olympic Committee, other solution could be that countries With the start of the Pyeongchang on the 2008 Beijing Olympics, more was arrested for bribery in connection to are given even more time to build and Winter Olympics last week, I once again than twice of the estimated budget. An- the selection of Rio for the 2016 games. prepare for the Olympics, and also have started to think about the Olympics, and other example is Rio, where the estimat- Beyond the issues of corruption and to include plans on how they would re- the last time I was so excited to watch ed budget was around 14 billion dollars, misuse of public money, more localized locate their citizens and how they will them. The last time the Olympics re- but the whole event ended up costing 25 problems arise within each country that regulate the infrastructure of the cities. ally got my attention was in 2012, at billion dollars. hosts the Olympics. The governments These plans could be reviewed by a sep- the Summer Olympics in London. The However, the issue is not resolved usually have to make space for all of arate committee, comprised of city plan- 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, as well as when the games end. Once the Olym- these new structures that will be built ners and architects. the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, failed pics move on, numerous problems that for the Olympics, while also trying to After reviewing all of this, it is easy to get me to watch closely. In fact, the remain, one of which is the presence improve the image of the city that the to say that the Olympics bring more 2016 Rio Olympics were known not for of structures built specifically for the games will be held in due to the expect- harm than good both for the countries their events or their opening ceremony, Olympics. Once the games are over, the ed tourist traffic. However, due to the that host them and their populations. but rather the issues that bogged down Olympic-specific buildings are not de- strict timeline they are on, the removal However, despite all of their deficits, the whole event. With problems ranging molished, but are instead left to deterio- of citizens from certain areas of the cit- the Olympics are the times where the from an unstable federal government in rate, causing the land they were built on ies could be rushed and violent. The best entire world unites to see their best ath- Brazil to polluted seawater in the Gua- to lose value. There is no way of dealing and most recent example of this is the letes compete in a myriad of sports, and nabara Bay, it was a miracle that the with these structures without a deficit. Rio Olympics, where the Brazilian gov- where the best of the best are rewarded. Rio Olympics were not just cancelled. Demolishing them will cause a deficit for ernment sent in authorities to remove Personally, I will never forget the In my opinion, they should have been the government, while having the build- people from the favelas.The whole pro- time where I saw dom- cancelled and many people agreed with ings remain there will affect the land cess resulted in riots, protests, and the inate most of the swimming categories me, but the Brazilian government went they are found on and the land around Brazilian government building a high- during the summer Olympics in Beijing past the point of no return as soon as them negatively in the long-term. way directly from the airport that had in 2008, and how it spiked my interest in they began laying the foundations for Another concern is the International walls surrounding it, to prevent tourists the sport of swimming. That is another the Olympics. Olympic Committee. Every two years, from looking at the favelas and the riots. reason why the Olympics should not be Hosting the Olympic games is no easy cities interested in hosting the Olympics All of these issues raise one question: discontinued: To raise a new generation or cheap task, as it requires a massive make bids to the IOC, which in turn What could a solution look like? First of that saw the best athletes during their workforce to construct the arenas, the always pushes for, and prefers, more all, I believe in eliminating the bidding childhood, and aspired to become even Olympic Village, as well as the trans- expensive plans. The IOC is known for process in favor of reusing existing facil- better ones. • portation system and roads that are Figure Skating

Continued from Page 10 of the sport in 1994, throughout the late 90s and early of another American figure skater becoming as suc- 2000s, the US figure skaters’ domination of the interna- cessful as in the next couple of years tional scene was able to help them make their way into is quite unlikely, there are already signs of a reemer- coming the first U.S. woman to successfully complete mainstream American media. Skaters such as Michelle gence of American interest in figure skating. According the triple axel, which virtually no other woman in the Kwan, , , , to CNN and Google Trends, this year’s Olympics have field in this Olympics is attempting to execute. and became household names, compara- seen an increasing interest in figure skating among the In addition to the complicated new scoring system ble to popular athletes today like Michael Phelps, Aly American Public. Out of all of the winter sports goo- possibly contributing to figure skating’s dwindling in Raisman, and Simone Biles. During the Olympics that gled throughout the past 12 months, “figure skating” popularity, American Figure Skating’s popular past in- took place in the ‘90s and early 2000s, figure skaters’ has been the most popular. Again while this popularity cluded more drama and politics as well as the winning were plastered on cereal boxes and featured in adver- of figure skating is seen only within the context of the of more olympic medals. tisements. They performed in professional ice shows winter olympics, the popularity of skaters during this Following the 1994 and Tonya Hard- that toured around America, wrote bestselling books, olympics - skaters including Adam Rippon, Nathan ing incident in which was accused of and some even took part in Dancing with the Stars. Chen, siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani and Mirai Na- hiring her ex-husband to bash Nancy Kerrigan’s knee A key member of this 1990 early 2000 star group gasu - seems to show hope in bringing figure skating before the National Championships - which would is Michelle Kwan. Virtually every American, whether into the mainstream once again. kept her from qualifying for that year’s Olympics (this they watch Figure Skating or not, has heard her name. Whether they earn medals or not, hopefully the was also the event upon which thea 2017 film I, Tonya As a two time Olympic medalist and five-time world performances of the members of Team USA during is based) 48.5 million TV viewers watched Olympic fig- champion, Michelle Kwan was, and to many, still is, the this Olympics will encourage Americans to continue ure skating, making it the third-highest rated sporting face of American figure skating, and during her peak watching the sport all year long. Whatever happens at event after Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XVII, ac- popularity, she was the country’s most popular female this Olympic games, each American skater shows great cording to a CNN report. In comparison, the 2014 So- athlete. Since Kwan’s retirement from competitive fig- promise and hope in reviving the American legacy in chi Olympics’ 21.5 million viewers presents a large gap ure skating more than 10 years ago, no skater in the the sport of figure skating. • in viewership. While the publicity of the Harding/Ker- U.S. has won as many medals or become as prominent rigan scandal definitely contributed to the popularity of an ambassador for the sport. While the likelihood THE COLLEGE VOICE 12 • Arts FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Meets the Timberlake Underwhelms #MeToo Movement at Super Bowl Halftime

James Murray suspecting McDonald’s franchises Emily Chun through her 2013 performance of over a speciality dipping sauce than a medley of all her popular songs, Arts Editor Contributor the reasons I love it. I won’t get into and once again in 2016 with “For- Throughout my first year and a the szechuan sauce disaster too The 2004 Super Bowl halftime mation.” Katy Perry performed a half at Conn, I genuinely felt like much here, but the limited edition show unraveled mass hysteria variety of her single ballads that every other eclectic individual I dipping sauce was featured in the throughout the country. As the voic- propelled her career forward. Lady met was asking me whether or not first episode of Season 3. Under a es of backup singers, techno music, Gaga redirected the spotlight on her I’d seen this show, Rick and Morty. significant amount of pressure and and basses reverberated through- and her career at 2017’s Super Bowl From the gangly, sleepy-eyed, ef- demand from Rick and Morty fans, out the stadium, halftime show. With the return of fortlessly cool junior who lived the sauce was reintroduced for one made a surprise appearance during Timberlake, he too was seeking a ca- in Larrabee my sophomore year day at select McDonald’s franchises. Janet Jackson’s ballad, “Rock Your reer revival. to my philosophical, four-eyed, The sauce quickly ran out at one of Body.” On the final verse, Timber- Performing at this year’s Super the restaurants where it was avail- lake tore off a piece of Jackson’s out- Bowl halftime show enabled Tim- fit, revealing her right breast on live berlake to showcase his new song, television. Despite justifications and “Filthy,” as well as a new tag name apologies, the incident was regarded he has coined, “Man of the Woods.” as a wardrobe malfunction; Jackson However, from his attire he wore had to apologize for something over that night—a shirt with two deer on which she had no control; and her it, a faded camouflage suit, and a red career began to unravel. But when bandana tied around his neck—and it came to choosing a performer for the poor use of his vocals and back- the Super Bowl LII halftime show, ground music, his performance was Timberlake was offered a second simply unimpressive. Despite being opportunity to redeem himself. To well-known for his lissome voice some, his 13-minute performance through his NSYNC and early 2000s was a success—to others, a letdown. career, his 13-minute performance For decades, the Super Bowl has heavily focused on dance rather than been a cultural staple, an event vocals. Throughout Timberlake’s during which families, coworkers, performance of “Cry Me a River,” and friends come together on a Sun- “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “Suit & Tie,” day evening to sit in front of a screen and “The 20/20 Experience,” it often with snacks and drinks covering ev- sounded like he was just adding a Photo courtesy of Ethan Miller/Getty Images ery square inch on a table and cheer few riffs here and there to the exist- on their preferred team. Four hours ing vocals in the songs. Even though of attention get devoted to men several of his hit songs made an ap- botany-inclined companion who able and a mild form of pandemo- wearing helmets and shoulder pads, pearance that night with a complete frequented Harkness patio to do nium ensued (but that could be an tossing a ball around, and ramming backup band, they did not seem to organic chemistry; this show had article all on its own). into one another. Although football have the same grand impact on his a cult following that was rapidly Is it the melodramatic subplots is, of course, the main attraction of fans as they did a few years ago. It transitioning into a mainstream that seem to always grapple with the Super Bowl, the halftime show was not until Timberlake changed obsession. Although the show has the fleeting nature of human ex- is a highly anticipated and watched into a tuxedo and sat behind a white achieved a high level of success and istence and the search for mean- performance. It is not unknown that grand piano to sing “Until the End popularity, it has not proven to be ing that make the show so popu- the Super Bowl halftime show is the of Time” that his vocals fell in-tune, immune to controversy or justi- lar? Maybe it’s the fact that people biggest platform in music, a book- allowing their natural warmth to fiable criticism against one of the genuinely appreciate the image of ing reserved solely for pop culture come through. show’s creators, Dan Harmon. a dysfunctional, imperfect fami- icons. Pre-Timberlake 2.0, perform- As expected, Timberlake’s perfor- I attribute my own initial ob- ly in which no one—not even the ers such as Beyonce, Katy Perry, and mance sparked much controversy session with the show to the no- kids—are sheltered from the cyn- Lady Gaga lit the stadium ablaze. due to his rendition of “I Would Die holds-barred raunchy comedy, ical reality that you’re no more Their performances left attendees 4 U,” which featured a projection of nonsensical and flawed side kicks, special than anyone else on a rock and viewers across the globe speech- Prince behind him. Before Prince’s and outrageous interdimensional floating through space that simply less, starstruck, and spellbound. For death, Prince and Timberlake had adventures. However, I am more happens to possess the perfect con- said performers, the Super Bowl a feud dating back about 11 years. intrigued by what has made this ditions for carbon based life forms halftime show served as a pivotal During a 2006 post-Emmy party, show so wildly popular to the gen- point in their careers. Beyonce took eral public and induced riots at un- Continued on Page 15 advantage twice to reinvent herself Continued on Page 15 THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Arts • 13 Hygienic Gallery Holds Poetry Open Mic

Summer Wrobel late 1970s. The Hygienic literally sits on his- Contributor tory. When digging up the soil for a “We are all artists, we are all fam- new underground gallery a cannon- ily,” was the slogan of the Hygienic ball was found. While the original Art Gallery’s open mic on Friday, building dates back to 1884, it went Feb. 9. Chairs formed a semi-cir- through a series of transformations cle around the microphone in the until 1931 when it became the Hy- gallery’s space on Bank Street, New gienic Restaurant and Delicatessen. London. Those who didn’t come A popular eatery, the restaurant is early enough to get a seat gathered said to have served President Roo- in the adjacent room and craned sevelt and Al Capone. The building their necks to see. Not a single was purchased in 1998 and renovat- wall was blank. In the background, ed into the artistic hub it is today. paintings, sculptures, and collages Yet the space still boasts the orig- came together to color in the lively inal countertop from the restaurant atmosphere. The range of artistic as a reminder of its past. There is no Visitors at the Hygienic XXXIX Exhibition opening on Jan. 27. Photo courtesy of James Murray. stage. Shanell Sharpe, the featured styles on display that night was a alum and a former member of the a poet, rapper, and singer, Sharpe product of the Hygienic’s declara- poet of the night, moved the mic be- hind her and paced at the front of Poetic Release team, Sharpe made ended her set by sitting down on tion of “no judge, no jury, no fees, her writing debut in the third grade one of the speakers and performing no censorship.” The motto pays the room. It would have felt like a private moment, were it not for the with “Ms. Williams and the Spice her recent single, “Lights Low.” The homage to New London’s own Salon Girls,” a piece dedicated to the pop- des Indépendants movement in the way Sharpe responded to the audi- ence’s demand for more. A UCONN ular band and Sharpe’s teacher. Now Continued on Page 14 Tuning in to Campus Tradition with WCNI

Elizabeth Berry hundreds of vinyl records and CDs. While 90.9 clipping hung in the office explains that the radio is best known for folk music, its vast collection station was originally created by Carol Crane ’50, Staff Writer of music spans all genres. But as Weisenthal put and Phyll Hoffman ’51. Before my uncle, Michael I will admit that I only knew Connecticut Col- it, that “the youth prefers Spotify.” In fact, one of Schiff, was part of WCNI—he had a weekly show lege has a student-run radio station be- that played folk and jazz music—students cause my uncle, a member of the class of used to plug their radios into outlets in their ’78, was part of the radio station during dorms to listen to the station. his time at Conn. That said, discussion However, eventually WCNI became a real of Conn’s WCNI radio station (channel radio station that played music live. When 90.9, also found at wcniradio.org) ap- Schiff was a student at Conn in the seven- pears limited on campus. Wondering if ties, he said that members of the club used my first-year status had just limited my a ten watt station, which is the smallest FFC scope of WCNI conversation, or if WCNI approved station. Despite this limitation, really is a ghost on campus, I decided to the station still thrived. Music ranging from find out more about the mysterious sta- jazz and classical to rock n’ roll was played tion. through the turntables and sometimes cas- WCNI’s headquarters is located on settes. Even though the station had a limited the right side of Cro. Or, as Samantha range, not only students listened to the ra- Weisenthal ’18, a DJ who plays music dio: faculty members and some locals who every other Tuesday with Miranda Di- lived near Conn’s campus enjoyed it as well. mase-Nordling ’18, said: you can locate Fast forward a few decades and there is the office from the music radiating out now a larger antenna that reaches listeners from the speakers. This proved to be true: Weisenthal and Dimase-Nordling in the WCNI booth. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Berry. spread across a greater radius. There are as I opened the doors to the office, I heard now twenty DJs working at WCNI and each music pulsing throughout the room. Immediate- Weisenthal's Spotify playlists was on in the back- host has a three hour slot during which they play ly, my eyes were drawn to the various stickers ground during my tour. their music. Students dedicate time to making and posters that covered the walls and doors. Although set in a small space, Conn’s radio sta- tion has grown over the years. An old newspaper A brief tour revealed a back room stocked with Continued on Page 14 THE COLLEGE VOICE 14 • Arts FEBRUARY 20, 2018

Poetry Open Mic

Continued from Page 13 ed high school, where she took creative writing classes, it was as if her circulation was cut off. “It song has a steady beat that provides a simple cut off every outlet to express myself,” she told background for Sharpe’s strong lyrics. Available me, “’cause there’s not really a lot of opportuni- on all major platforms, Lights Low is a fearless ties to express yourself as an adult in New Lon- response to a negative relationship. Filled with don.” She described the Hygienic as being a life self-love, Sharpe sang, “Only wanna see me source and performing her poetry as coming up when the lights down low. I don’t like this, I can’t for air. hide no more.” Open mics are an opportunity for creative ex- Applause followed Shanell’s performance. In pression. What made the Hygienic open mic so fact, the audience was receptive to all kinds of successful was the celebration of both the com- performances and the energy remained for the munity and the individual. The Hygienic created entire two-hour set. There were musicians, sing- a space for the collective where the individual ers, poets, and rappers. Themes ranged from was not lost. It is easy for an open mic political commentary to personal anxiety and Open mics also provide a space to be heard grief. The performances included local poet and and a platform for activism. Anita Dees, a poet teacher Laura Strobel, who describes her poetry and the current host of the Washington Street as a “slice of life, silhouette style” and others, like Café’s open mic, told me that it is only the art- A performer takes the mic. Photo courtesy of Summer Wrobel. Seth Howard, editor of the new Capsule mag- ists who can bridge the divides in our country. azine, who wanted to accentuate the quietness “You can preach all day long,” she says, “and they Organized by Juanita Austin and hosted by behind his words. will be impressed by you, but that does not mean comedian Nika Domingo and DJ Prime, the There are plentiful reasons for needing a space they have internalized any word you’ve said. I’d event marked the closing weekend of the gal- like the Hygienic in a community. Monica, a lo- far rather have people remember the ideas in my lery’s XXXIX Arts Extravaganza. Yet nothing cal poet, explained to me that when she graduat- work and think they thought of it themselves.” about the event felt like closure. •

WCNI

playlists and conducting the station is a “platform to lar bands; including artists Continued from Page 13 research about new songs explore.” And indeed it is. such as Billy Joel and Bon- and albums, which helps Charlie King ’18, the cur- nie Raitt. This is a tradition them create suitable play- rent student general man- that King hopes to revital- lists that people will want ager and program director, ize, as well. to hear. However, Weisen- said that the radio station WCNI is one of many thal admits that she, along helped him and other stu- platforms that allows stu- with Dimase-Nordling, do dents go outside their com- dents to project their opin- not always have a planned fort zone. ions. My uncle considers playlist, which allows them Although the station has it an “essential voice of to compose on the spot and expanded since its creation Connecticut College.” Ac- “goof off on air” a little bit. in the fifties, King still wants cording to King, the station Whether planned or impro- to go further. He explained gives students a chance “to vised, music has the unique in an interview that the sta- get out of the [college] bub- ability to inspire certain tion was very popular in the ble” and have a relationship emotions in listeners that nineties and in fact never with the New London com- may have not been there be- went off air—King wants munity. WCNI is not only fore, Weisenthal explained. to make this happen again about playing music that The radio station is an- and said that he only has their listeners will enjoy, other comfortable and wel- five more slots he has to fill but is also a means of ex- coming space on Conn’s in order to have the station pression and connection to campus where students can be live twenty-four seven. others that not all organiza- mess around with music During my uncle’s time tions possess. I know I will and have fun. Dimase-Nor- at Conn, the radio station start tuning in to 90.9. • Image courtesy of WCNI online dling goes on to say that would annually host popu- THE COLLEGE VOICE FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Arts • 15

Halftime Show

Continued from Page 12 Prince commented on Timberlake’s “SexyBack”: “For whoever is claim- ing that they are bringing sexy back, sexy never left!” During “Give It To Me,” Timberlake came back with, “We missed you on the charts last week. Damn, that’s right, you wasn’t there. Now if sexy never left, then why is everybody on my shit? Don’t hate on me just because you didn’t come up with it.” The bitterness between the two artists carried on into 2007 when Timberlake mimicked Prince’s short stature at the Golden Globes by squatting to a low stance at the microphone in order to accept the award on his behalf. When the stadium lights dimmed low and purple surrounded the stadium, Prince appeared on a projector screen alongside Timberlake. Despite the controversy and the feud between the two, the projection was a stylistic homage to Prince’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show in 2007. Although there were numerous tweets, reviews, and memes made after Super Bowl LII’s halftime performance that claimed Timberlake’s perfor- mance was a disappointment, the country still came together to witness a halftime show that will likely be remembered as controversial yet creative. We also bore witness to a football game that had the country divided, and commercials that will forever be humorous.Whether the next performer will be Drake, , Kendrick Lamar, or someone else, the nation will gather again in a year to celebrate one of America’s most beloved cultural events. •

Photo courtesy of Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Dan Harmon ment she experienced while working on the show. Ganz, challenged Har- Continued from Page 12 mon to own up to his indiscretions and his self-described “ass-hole behav- to thrive. Maybe it’s the complicated familial dynamic among Jerry, Beth, ior” which unsurprisingly consisted of more than just being a challenging Morty, Summer, and Rick that resonates deeply with your average person; person with which to work. viewers understand that being in a family takes work, sacrifice, trust, and Harmon, in his lengthy apology on his podcast, “” de- support. Further, it could be the fact that the jokes and characters are so scribed the ways in which he misused and abused his influence and po- absurd and unique to the show that it effectively stands out amongst an sition during the production process of Community. This meant putting overwhelming field of competing programs. Ganz in oftentimes impossible and agonizing positions with the inappro- I think it is very likely and perhaps plausible that the obsession with the priate and unacceptable ways that he acted towards her in the context of show is a confusing combination of all the previously mentioned char- a boss-employee relationship. Importantly, Harmon’s apology showed a acteristics. I don’t think it should be understated that the show taps into level of detail and reflection that has all too often been missing from men some seriously heavy, dark, visceral themes mostly around the meaning who have been found guilty of similar actions. of life, happiness, and mortality. There are few shows that can successfully On Twitter, Ganz voiced her approval for Harmon’s apology when she combine the absurd and nonsensical with the relatable and cynical. Rick noted, “I didn’t expect the relief I’d feel just hearing him say these things and Morty does this to great effect. Moving forward, it is unclear whether actually happened. I didn’t dream it. I’m not crazy.” In a subsequent tweet or not the show can replicate its past successes or even maintain the same she says, “this was never about vengeance: it’s about vindication. That’s core group of creators and writers. The show’s future has been sitting in a why it didn’t feel right just to accept his apology in private.” The fact that relatively precarious position ever since early January. this case stands out as much as it does is indicative of the tragedy that is With shows like Rick and Morty, it’s not only the zany characters that not only the rampant sexual harassment and assault that occurs in the get attention, but the show’s creators as well. Dan Harmon, one of those entertainment industry and the world-at-large, but also the failure of so creators, had considerable success on the program Community before many accused and charged to make any successful attempt at reparations, co-creating Rick and Morty for Adultswim with . It is hard remorse, closure, or healing. It is all too rare to see the individual in ques- to deny the show’s popularity and loyal following, but as the #MeToo tion take full responsibility, own up to their actions, and communicate movement has swept through the entertainment industry, the public has their shame not only to the victim, but the general public as well. It re- come to understand a grimmer reality behind the lives of some of Holly- mains to be seen how this revelation will affect the so far smashing success wood’s biggest names and budding stars. of Rick and Morty. It would not be the first time when people are forced Several weeks ago, a former Community writer named to rethink their affinity for certain TV programs when their biggest stars, implicated Dan Harmon in the #MeToo movement when she publicly creative minds, or writers turn out to be far less than the infallible geniuses announced on Twitter the sexual harassment and toxic working environ- that we sometimes make them out to be. • THE COLLEGE VOICE 16 • Arts FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Constellations: A Story of Brilliant Love & Twisted Time

Brooke Sponzo struggles to live her life with a horrid brain tumor over and over again. Staff Writer The show is ultimately about time. Moreover, it’s about how we choose to spend our time and It is often said that the fate of lovers is written if what we do with our time truly matters at all in in the stars, but for the characters of the play the grand scheme of the universe. Rooney pens Constellations, things aren’t that simple. The play, in her Director’s Note, “I am essentially able to which was originally written by Nick Payne and live at the mercy of chance, because who knows given a new life under the direction of Connecti- which word, choice, or idea will actually change cut College’s Katie Rooney ’21, focuses on the my life.” The multiverse theory in this play is lives of two individuals—a down-to-earth bee- not there for the science fiction element, but to keeper and a struggling science professor—and prompt audience members to instead think crit- how these two seemingly different lives might ically about the choices they have made and to come together or fall apart across multiple alter- wonder if they were the right ones. If this show nate realities. were to be summed up in a single sentence, that The two protagonists of the play, Marianne and sentence would have to be: the choices we make Roland, have a chance meeting at the barbecue can affect the course of our whole lives, so choose of a mutual friend. Sparks fly, but the audience wisely because you don’t get to go back and soon learns that Roland is married when he tells choose again. Mary that his wife is off fetching drinks. A chime Audrey Black ’21 played the role of physicist sounds. The scene repeats, almost exactly the and outer-space analyst Marianne, who slowly same, only now Roland, instead of being married, comes face to face with her own mortality upon has just suffered a bad break up. The show contin- the realization that she has a brain tumor. Mar- ues in this respect, offering viewers a glimpse of ianne’s intelligence makes her character intrigu- the same scenes over and over, only each time the ing because she has such a firm grasp on what the new scene is played out in parallel universe where concept of time is, yet does not really understand some aspects of the scenario have been changed. what time means and how she should spend her This forces the audience to come face to face with numbered days. Black did a phenomenal job por- the question: what if things happened this way traying this complex character. Audiences could Photos courtesy of Katie Rooney instead? feel how brutally Marianne’s illness is affecting The play displays a gorgeous balance of both her and how it is handicapping her brain, which universe, the character’s traits vary. In some in- joy and sorrow. In some scenes, the audience is before was her strongest asset. We witness Mari- stances, Roland helps and supports Marianne, laughing at a cheesy proposal repeated over and anne’s character go from explaining complicated and in others he abuses her, is rejected by her, over again, emulating a charming Groundhog theories about the relativity of time to stumbling or leaves her. Thomas’ ability to portray all these Day-like wit. Other scenes show the play taking on her words as she tries to speak simple sentenc- differing sides to Roland, while still conveying to on a darker tone, fully turning around such that es. While many things in her life vary from uni- the audience the essence of the original charac- the audience is now mourning, their heart strings verse to universe, her impending mortality and ter was masterful. While Marianne struggles with pulled tightly, like the scene where Marianne her illness remain an the idea of time as a concrete and scientifically unchanging predic- proven theory, Roland takes cues from his profes- ament. sion to grapple with the concept. Throughout the Andre Thom- alternate universes he often brings up the lives of as ’20 played Ro- honey bees and how they work so hard only to land, a man trying be tossed from their hives when their time is up. to make a living at So, like Black’s character, Thomas’ character also beekeeping whose ponders if our time on this earth and the deci- life is changed, for sions we make are truly meaningful or just min- better in some cir- ute changes in an already set plan. cumstances and The show took place in Palmer 202, a small for worse in oth- and homey theatre, which connected the audi- ers, upon a chance ence to the play’s story and morals more than a meeting with Mar- bigger production space could have. The produc- ianne. Thomastion space allowed the play’s strong message to be does an incredible well received and ultimately reminded audiences job portraying this about the fragility of time. With so many choic- character, especial- es in our daily lives, sometimes we’re all a little ly considering that, starcrossed. • from universe to