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2-17-2020

Crow's Nest : 2020 : 02 : 17

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

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This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University History: Campus Publications at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Crow's Nest by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FROM BASEBALL TO BULLS? DISABILITY ACCOUNTABILITY ABBA-YABBA-DO NEWS, page 3 OPINIONS, page 6 FEATURES, page 8

As the debate between the Tampa Bay Rays A recent opinion article prompted an assistant What it do, ABBA boo? Swedish fans old and the City of St. Petersburg continues, journalism professor at USF St. Petersburg and new got a taste of covered ‘70s grooves. conceptual plans have been released to to point out the shortcomings he sees among Couldn’t make it? Had to snooze? We’ve got include a 22-acre research and development university administration and faculty alike. the story and photos, too. campus that USF has set its sights on. Read about how he thinks we could all be more accommodating to students with disabilities. THE CROW’S NEST THE CAMPUS NEWSPAPER AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA ST. PETERSBURG

Volume 54, Issue 6 - February 17, 2020 | Online at crowsneststpete.com @CrowsNestStPete @USFCrowsNest @USFCrowsNest @USFSPCrowsNest STAY ORANGE, SG senator who PONY BOY clashed with police faces criminal charge

By James Bennett III who has had several brushes [email protected] with the law, was ultimately given a trespass warning senator in Student and barred from campus. Government who Correa, who was leaving Awas detained and RHO with friends, objected handcuffed by university to the way the officers were police in November treating the man, Joshua for interfering with an Isaiah Simmons, 21. investigation now faces When she ignored the a criminal charge from officers’ instructions to the Pinellas-Pasco state keep her distance, police attorney’s office. said, they handcuffed Karla Correa, 20, a second- her for obstructing their year political science major, investigation and took her to was charged Feb. 4 with the university police office. THOMAS IACOBUCCI | THE CROW’S NEST obstructing or resisting an The police then referred Rex Orange County stopped by the House of Blues Orlando on Valentine’s Day. His officer without violence. the case to the state show was packed with indie bedroom pop, and the stage danced with bright colors. That is a first-degree attorney’s office and to the Relive the experience with Photo Editor Thomas Iacobucci on page 8. See story, page 8. misdemeanor that carries a university’s Office of Student maximum penalty of up to Conduct, which investigates one year in jail, 12 months’ alleged violations of the probation and a $1,000 fine. campus code of conduct. Questions abound The charge against Correa The next day, Correa came shortly before the and two of her friends filed university police department allegations of misconduct as consolidated SG released a 32-page internal against the two officers, report on the November Michael Wasserman and incident. The report cleared Patrick O’Donnell. two officers of misconduct That led to the internal elections begin and concluded that “Correa’s investigation by university actions, both verbally police Lt. Paul Andrews By Katlynn Mullins and Those details won’t be “The current budget and physically, hindered that ended Feb. 13 Emily Wunderlich resolved until the student that we’re making will be their ability to complete with the 32-page report that investigation.” [email protected] governments from all for the 2020/2021 fiscal clearing the officers. In response, Correa said Correa and her friends [email protected] three campuses agree on year, so they will not be she has hired an attorney – a consolidated financial affected as much until the “really felt like they had hen USF’s whom she did not identify legal course to do what three student code, which outlines the (next) election cycle comes – to defend her against the process and regulations Spring 2021.” they did,” but the police governments state attorney’s charge. investigation “determined W for allocating student fee The three campus She also criticized the consolidate in July, USF (the students) really police department’s internal St. Petersburg will have its revenue. councils will be responsible Although the next for recommending the investigation, contending own campus council with that the investigator did nine members, as well as meeting about the financial allocation of student fee code is scheduled for Feb. revenue to the Tampa- not interview all potential nine seats on the system- witnesses and glossed wide senate. 21, Jadzia “Jazzy” Duarte, based, Tampa-dominated USF St. Petersburg student SG senate. Each council over some statements But the campus will have from other witnesses. to hold a special election body president, could not will have six members, plus Correa said the investigator in the summer to fill its predict when the financial a campus attorney, campus did not properly address her positions. Only one student code would be finished. public defender and allegations that the officers has applied for campus “I’m not worried that campus financial officer. used excessive force against council, and six for the we’re going into this Each campus will her and that one of the officers senate. election cycle with an also have a governor and had made inappropriate JONAH HINEBAUH | THE CROW’S NEST unfinalized financial code,” lieutenant governor who comments in the past. Correa criticized the police And as campaigning “Police are never held for SG general elections Duarte said in an email to will essentially replace the department’s internal accountable so I’m not investigation, contending begins today, it remains The Crow’s Nest. “This current SG presidents and code will be used for the vice presidents. surprised,” she said. that the investigator unclear which of the elected At issue in the case is the did not interview all positions will be paid and next Student Government The system-wide placements, and the new senate will comprise 60 way two university police potential witnesses, how much they will earn. officers – who are white – glossed over important This year, 22 members of leadership will have seats — five of which were treating a young black meetings with current will be guaranteed to each witness statements and USF St. Petersburg’s SG man who was seen trying to did not fully address her are collectively making leadership before taking campus, while the rest are get into Residence Hall One allegations. $70,704 in salaries. office to understand the around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 7. new process. >> SEE ELECTIONS on P3 The man, a non-student >> SEE POLICE on P2 2 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST USF embraces Public Records Law in lawsuit filed by Wisniewska By The Crow’s Nest Staff s former Regional to the amended complaint, Chancellor Sophia Genshaft and the university Wisniewska contend that Wisniewska’s A allegations of breach of continues to press a lawsuit against the USF contract and breach of good system, a key part of the faith “fail because they rely administration’s defense on an agreement which remains the Florida Public could not be performed Records Law. without violating a statutory In an amended complaint provision” – the Public filed Dec. 12 in Hillsborough Records Law. County Circuit Court, “When a contract or Wisniewska says she agreement, express or resigned in September 2017 implied, is tainted with the COURTESY OF SOPHIA WISNIEWSKA after then-President Judy vice of such illegality, no Sophia Wisniewska Genshaft agreed to withdraw alleged right founded upon contends her the draft of an explosive the contract or agreement “employability and letter firing Wisniewska can be enforced in a court professional standing” for the way she handled of justice,” Genshaft and the were destroyed by her preparations for Hurricane university contend. ouster. Irma. As the lawsuit, originally accuses the USF system Under that agreement, filed in April 2019, continues and Genshaft of breach of Wisniewksa contends, to ping-pong with filings contract, breach of “the Genshaft assured her that from both sides, the covenant of good faith and the termination letter would university has repeatedly fair dealing,” defamation “not be executed or placed stressed that Wisniewska and “intentional infliction of in her personnel file,” waived her right to sue when emotional distress.” where it would be subject she signed the voluntary The lawsuit seeks to disclosure under Chapter resignation agreement. damages exceeding $15,000, 119 of the Florida Statutes – The university also which is standard language the Public Records Law. says that the resignation in a civil lawsuit in Florida But the letter, which agreement specifies that the circuit court. harshly criticized agreement and other records Last October, Circuit Wisniewska, was released related to Wisniewska’s Judge Ralph C. Stoddard to the news media – a employment “may be subject dismissed parts of move that Wisniewska to Chapter 119.” Releasing Wisniewska’s lawsuit but says “disparaged” her them to the public “shall not ruled that she could file an reputation and destroyed be deemed a violation” of amended complaint. her “employability and the terms of the agreement, That led to the second professional standing.” the agreement says. amended complaint filed In its Feb. 4 response Wisniewska’s lawsuit Dec. 12. POLICE, continued from P1 overstepped their bounds,” thorough and unbiased. Wasserman watched Simmons report, O’Donnell said she knew Simmons because said police Chief David “The findings are clear: try to get into RHO. Simmons seemed relaxed and she didn’t trust them. Hendry. “Their intentions, the officers involved acted Wassserman asked was flipping his wallet around “I was just trying to while good, may have been properly to keep our students Simmons if he was a student while talking to O’Donnell. make sure he was OK,” misguided. They basically safe, which is always our or staff member. Simmons According to the report, the Correa said in a previous stepped in and interfered top priority at USFSP,” said that he was neither and two mostly joked about the interview with The Crow’s with the officers and the legal said Tadlock. “I appreciate that he pulled on the RHO fact that Simmons couldn’t Nest. “I wasn’t trying to lie performance of their duties. the professionalism that door handle because he was name anyone in RHO. to the police. I wasn’t trying “While we encourage you all members of the UPD curious what the building During the UPD internal to cause any trouble.” to monitor police activities displayed throughout this looked like from the inside. investigation later on, Past incidents on campus and ensure that you are incident and their ongoing Wasserman told Simmons Simmons — who was in Security at the campus’ maintaining a watchful eye commitment to serving our that although he wasn’t in custody at the Pinellas County two residence halls is a top and so forth, it is definitely campus community.” trouble, he was going to be Jail on unrelated charges priority of university police. not appropriate to insert What happened that night? issued a trespass warning — said he has a scattered There have been multiple yourself into the middle of an According to a police from the campus. Officer memory of the night because instances of non-residents investigation where officers report, officer Wasserman O’Donnell arrived around he was drunk. However, breaching RHO’s security and are dealing with a suspicious first saw Simmons that time, after Wasserman Simmons said he did not feel putting residents in danger. person,” said Hendry. “acting strangely” in the requested backup, and threatened by the officers. In February 2019, a Naya Payne, a friend campus parking garage Wasserman retrieved a Shortly before the officers 19-year-old male gained of Correa who witnessed around 11:16 p.m. trespass warning form and finished issuing Summons access to the building, waited the confrontation and co- Wasserman, who has a clipboard from his car. his trespass, around 11:36 signed the complaint against been on the overnight shift for a female resident he During the investigation, p.m., Correa and a group the two officers, has said a for 11-and-a-half years, had briefly dated to return Simmons indicated he of her friends walked out to her dorm, then dragged police internal investigation according to the UPD internal knew someone who lives of RHO and Correa began her to a stairwell by her of its own officers would be investigation, noted that in RHO, but he was unable speaking to Simmons. There hair and battered her. Then, biased against the students. Simmons didn’t appear to be to give Wasserman a name, were other students nearby he forced her into her car “It’s easy for someone to a student or faculty member, room number or phone who watched the incident. say that,” responded Hendry, was wearing dark clothing number. Instead, Simmons and drove to a secluded Correa said Simmons “but I have a vested interest and was in a place that was kept calling out to students, area to batter her again. looked uneasy, so she asked to ensure that our police unusual for anyone to be in, claiming they knew each Two months later, another department is a professional particularly late at night. other and asking them to if he was all right. After non-student, 21, followed law enforcement agency, that Wasserman tried to call let him into the building. Simmons said he wasn’t his former girlfriend into the campus can feel safe, that out to Simmons near the Wasserman noted that all right, Correa said, she RHO and battered another we are providing the best Peter Rudy Wallace building, Simmons stuck a hand down decided to stick around. student there, police said. service to our community.” but Simmons — who was his pants at one point during Officers Wasserman and In February 2016, In a statement, Regional chanting something — only the conversation, “vigorously” O’Donnell asked whether another non-student was Chancellor Martin acknowledged Wasserman rubbed his genitals, then Correa knew Simmons. arrested after he masturbated Tadlock praised university with a grin, then turned looked at Wasserman and Correa said she did, but later behind a female student police “for conducting around and kept walking. sniffed two fingers. admitted they had never met and touched her in the an investigation that was Shortly afterward, In the internal investigation and only told the officers parking garage elevator. 3 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST Trop could be possible home to future USF site

By Jonah Hinebaugh “(The city) said they’re It includes reconnecting the [email protected] planning on USF and probably city grid, creating footpaths eather baseball mitts one other university as well for access to the new area and the crack of wooden to have a conversation about from the Campbell Park bats echoing off empty becoming part of that plan, so area and a reexamination L that’s what I wanted,” he said. of the possibilities for seats could be a thing of the past in St. Petersburg by 2030. “If they develop a plan the future of I-175. Instead, the 86 acres that you see on the website, Originally, plans to that make up Tropicana going forward I’d hope that redevelop the Gas Plant Field could be redeveloped USF has a presence there on District –– where the into a mixed-use site and that site (and a) partnership Trop stands now –– reintegrated as part of the with the city,” he said. began in the 1980s. community. And USF wants “(The partnership would be) According to a 1998 St. to be part of that discussion. probably in a very specialized Petersburg Times article, According to conceptual kind of research and the City told the Gas master plans designed by development environment that COURTESY OF HKS ARCHITECTS Plant community in 1979 The proposed campus would be built on parcels nine and HKS Architects, it would allows our students (to have) that it would get “a new 10. The two make up a combined 22 acres according to include a “district center additional opportunities, and neighborhood of up-to- the plan. supporting entertainment community people as well.” date, affordable housing, In the design plans, with an industrial park for and retail surrounded by to the site,” the document says. present good opportunities an innovation, technology HKS notes partnerships The partnership could drive light manufacturing on the between medical centers due to the location of the city. west end. Buildings worth and research campus, future economic development “There’s a lot of research cultural entertainment, and the university are and education while expanding saving on the east end a strong possibility. that happens in this region, would be refurbished.” hotel, convention the institutional presence especially in the sciences and (center) and offices.” “Existing tech and already in the area, it said. Three years later, the medical centers nearby, in the healthcare industry,” City decided to level the According to designs Tadlock echoed the he said. “So, we have a within the plan, the such as USF St. Petersburg sentiments, saying a working neighborhood to make and Johns Hopkins All desire moving forward to way for a new stadium. As research and development partnership between the bring together the marine campus would be around Children’s Hospital, present College of Marine Science a result, 522 households an opportunity to tie the St. sciences and human health were relocated, more than 22 acres in total –– or 25 and medical centers would because both, of course, percent of the space. Petersburg Innovation District 30 businesses moved or are very interdependent. closed and 285 buildings The architectural “We’re sitting where firm designed two plans were demolished by 1986. that really matters, and so I In 1998, the Rays began based on whether a new, would hope that there’s an publicly funded stadium its first season on the soil opportunity to present those of a once vibrant district. would be constructed. two broad fields together But any construction or A recent Tampa Bay Times in a way that benefits article said Kriseman sees this renovations related to the people who live here. project most likely won’t redevelopment as a way to “Why not start addressing reconnect the city and bring begin until after 2027, when the gap and bringing those the lease –– binding the St. Petersburg back together. folks together? Maybe one “I know they want to lift Tampa Bay Rays to play aspect of a research center all home games at the field the communities, and the could be focused on the city as a whole, in whatever –– between the baseball intersection of the marine and club and the City expires. they do in developing that life sciences, and what the property,” Tadlock said. Regional Chancellor applications are for people in Martin Tadlock said he’s COURTESY OF HKS ARCHITECTS “It’s not just to bring in An image from the second conceptual master plan by those industries,” he said. a certain level of clientele been in contact with the The plan also seems to city to ensure USF St. HKS Architects. The firm drew up plans with and without and exclude others. I think a new baseball stadium based on whether or not the Rays include language appealing that’s not in the desires or Petersburg is at the table if to the communities in plan to stay in St. Petersburg. the plan for the city at all.” redevelopment takes place. south St. Petersburg. ELECTIONS, continued from P1 apportioned “according to Sarasota-Manatee and two the percentages of the total from Tampa. number of students enrolled at According to The Oracle, St. Pete’s candidates each campus.” the student newspaper in The following information was pulled from each candidate’s application. For USF St. Petersburg, Tampa, for the system-wide Their biographies were not immediately available because SG’s supervisor of elections, that means a total of nine senate, 68 students have Maria Starr, was inaccessible over the weekend, according to SG adviser Bob Herron. seats — leaving three vacant applied from Tampa, six if all six who have applied are from St. Petersburg and three elected. from Sarasota-Manatee. System-wide president System senate “Personally, I did expect But, despite Tampa’s more students to apply,” larger student population, and VP • Michael Johnson, junior Duarte said. “We were out its voter turnout has seen P: Trevor Martindale, political environmental science and tabling and advertising for a dramatic drop in recent science major. policy major. weeks. We were hoping that years. VP: Darnell Henderson, graphic through engagement events In 2019, 3,677 out of design major. • Yelizza’s Mercedes, sophomore (i.e. SG hangouts) that we 43,866 students voted. In biomedical science major. would get more interest. 2017, 8,636 out of 43,542 “I fear the confusion that voted — a 68% drop in two Governor and • Eran Fruehauf, sophomore lies within consolidation and years. political science major. its new SG strayed some In 2019, 574 out of lieutenant governor students away.” 4,908 USF St. Petersburg (St. Pete campus) • Emily Maronie, sophomore Students are able to vote students voted — putting St. political science major. for system-wide presidential Petersburg’s turnout at about G: Jonathon Hatzistefanou, and senate candidates from 12 percent and Tampa’s at political science major. • Hatzistefanou and Jimenez. any campus. about eight. LG: Veronica Jimenez, political On the ballot during “I do not think that Tampa science major. the March 2-5 election are is at an advantage due to Campus council three presidential tickets their student population,” from USF Tampa and one Duarte said. “It’s not the G: Andrea Rodriguez Campos, • Hatzistefanou. from USF St. Petersburg. population that matters junior environmental science and For governor and lieutenant as much, but more so the policy major. governor of each campus, amount of students who LG: Isaiah Castle, sophomore there are two tickets from vote.” political science major. St. Petersburg, one from 4 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST The end of the road: Students reflect on New Hampshire primary experience

By Dylan Hart Haley Hobbs and Andrea a passerby rolling down [email protected] Rodriguez Campos, shared his window upon hearing t was a freezing February experiences from the New Martindale’s team discussing day in New Hampshire. Hampshire snow to attendees Sanders. It turned into a long Jacob Terrell, undeterred at the Bay-to-Bay faculty conversation where the voter I symposium on Feb. 14. told the team his life story. by the bitter cold and rain, knocked on a door that he The students took a lot The state’s size gives the would never forget. of lessons home with them primary a close-knit feel that An elderly woman came from the election, whether can’t be captured in Florida, to the door and invited him their candidate won or lost. said Rodriguez Campos, who in. They spoke about the While the six panelists also campaigned for Sanders. upcoming political primary were all politically involved There was a recurring by the fire, with tea in hand, before traveling to New joke in New Hampshire, she for almost half an hour. Hampshire, they all felt that said, that followed, “‘I’m Terrell pitched his candidate, the experience fundamentally not sure if I’m going to vote Elizabeth Warren, to the changed their understanding for Elizabeth Warren, I’ve woman. She was a stranger of the political process. only met her twice.’ It shows to Terrell, but her warmth “They can read about the New Hampshire politics in a and hospitality still shined New Hampshire primary, nutshell.” through. they can watch things on the The students on Sanders’ “That’s something I’m news, but I really wanted team saw him so many times going to take with me for to take them to experience that by the end, they were the rest of my life,” Terrell it for themselves,” said reciting his speech from said. “It was the American professor Judithanne memory, Campos said. experience.” Scourfield McLauchlan. “It’s The students’ experiences Terrell was one of electrifying in a way that’s went beyond campaigning. 29 students on the Road hard to describe.” Everyone met candidates Pete to the White House, an Duarte, who campaigned Buttigieg, Tom Steyer and intensive political science for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Amy Klobuchar. They also D-Minn., said that Scourfield met “media stars” like Kevin course that takes students COURTESY OF TREVOR MARTINDALE McLauchlan telling students Costner and Michael J. Fox. to New Hampshire for Martindale poses in a New Hampshire neighborhood 10 days surrounding the that they would be getting Duarte and another student on up at 6 a.m. to walk in the while canvassing, holding up a stack of promotional the Klobuchar campaign even primary election. Students photos for Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt. picked their candidate and snow and getting back at got free tickets to the Feb. 7 volunteered on their team, midnight every day wasn’t the sheer number of people number of undecided debate in Manchester, New knocking on doors and an exaggeration. Still, she she met while volunteering, voters on election day, said Hampshire. calling phones alongside learned a lot from the class. between voters and Scourfield McLauchlan. This “I’ve said it before and I’ll attending classes, forums and “You saw how intense the politicians. It motivated her led to a lot of long talks with say it again: It was the best 10 meetings. campaign offices were and to “be even more involved in voters for students. days of my life,” said Haley Terrell, along with how into the field everyone politics,” she said. Martindale, who Hobbs, who worked for the students Jadzia “Jazzy” was getting,” she said. One rare facet of the campaigned for Sen. Bernie Pete Buttigieg campaign. Duarte, Trevor Martindale, She was also struck by campaign was the high Sanders, D-Vt., recalled Open mic shines light on growing new club By Edyn Gottlieb their feelings. Contributor After a round of “rotation here do broken poetry” — a game where hearts go? sheets of paper are passed For the poets around a circle with each W person writing a line on at USF St. Petersburg, they went to the Valentine’s/Anti- each sheet until the poem Valentine’s Open Mic. is completed — the group On Feb. 11, students from returned to talking. the Poetry Club gathered Student Xia Serpenta in the University Student remarked on how poetry has Center ballroom to listen to always been a way for her and perform their Valentine’s to express herself. She’d Day-themed poems. As been writing poetry for five everyone found a seat, club years before joining the club president Darien Desir- nearly a year ago. She now Thompson remarked on the serves as the vice president. growing turnout. As the event drew to a It has only been a year close, a reminder for their since Desir-Thompson upcoming event, “Voices of started the Poetry Club the Black Experience,” was with friend and former club announced. The event will president Giovanna Cano. take place from 6:30 to 8:30 The turnout was impressive, p.m. on Feb. 18 on the deck according to the duo. outside The Edge. Asked why they started All are welcome, whether the Poetry Club, Desir- it is to perform a piece or Thompson and Cano listen to others, Serpenta explained that they’ve been said. writing poetry “forever” and If you’re interested in CASSIDY SCHUCK | THE CROW’S NEST wanted a place to share it. As joining the Poetry Club, it meets on Thursdays from 4 Giovanna Cano, left, receives flowers from her boyfriend at the Poetry Club’s the night progressed, it was Valentine’s/Anti-Valentine’s Open Mic on Feb. 11. clear they were not alone in to 5 p.m. in the USC Ocean Room. 5 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST 6 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST Editorial: What NCF, Polytechnic should know about consolidation By The Crow’s Nest Staff website, which covers in The Crow’s Nest to clear make sense — i.e. taking and analyzes education the fog around consolidation entire colleges from the t seems the backlash governance, says other and the advocacy of USF St. Petersburg campus wasn’t clear enough states have adopted longtime faculty to keep and placing them under THE when the Florida the authority of Tampa. I similar mergers in an these changes from turning CROW’S NEST Legislature abolished USF attempt to blunt declining the campus into a shell of Despite inactive or St. Petersburg and Sarasota- enrollments and reduce its former self. These are defunct student newspapers, The Crow’s Nest is committed to providing Manatee’s independent administrative costs. luxuries that other schools the struggle must continue. its readers with news relevant to the accreditations in 2018. The Crow’s Nest University of South Florida St. Petersburg At both campuses, aren’t always able to afford. and its surrounding community. The Now, lawmakers have leaders denounced the The two smaller USF commends both NCF Crow’s Nest abides by the highest ethical and FPU students for set their sights on two proposal and the way it campuses have had to fight standards and focuses on stories that organizing walkouts and help readers make informed decisions more targets: New College was sprung on them. tooth and nail to remain being outraged at the on current issues. We take seriously the of Florida in Sarasota, “We respectfully anywhere near autonomous. public’s trust in our news reporting and and Florida Polytechnic news. In the case of USF, strive to uphold the highest standards of and strongly oppose And even when they think we will be left to wonder reporting as defined by the Society of University in Lakeland this unnecessary and they’ve sprung a victory, Professional Journalists. Opinions in this what difference it would’ve — both former satellite unwarranted legislation,” the main university body newspaper do not necessarily represent campuses of USF. made if students acted out those of the administration, faculty or Florida Polytechnic still tries to sneakily more against the merger student body. Under House Bill 7087, said in a statement. ensure plans that benefit –– whether it be organizing proposed on Feb. 10, “Dunderheaded ideas them (and them alone). protests or signing the Reach Us both public institutions are blooming like early Such was the case only petition one student made. would become part of azaleas up in Tallahassee,” a few weeks ago, when This is a time for USFSP Student Life Center Florida State University the Sarasota Herald-Tribune The Crow’s Nest found faculty, administration and Office 2400 and the University of editorial board said. charts showing the St. students to stand united in a 140 Seventh Ave. S. Florida, respectively, As students at a Petersburg and Sarasota- struggle against legislation St. Petersburg, FL, 33701 according to the Sarasota university undergoing the Manatee campus regional that would effectively (727) 873-4113 Herald-Tribune. consolidation process, chancellors having little erode the progress made [email protected] by each school. The path The bill to strip their we want to shed light to no authority, despite independence is sponsored carved by them should not on the glaring struggles repeated promises from hastily be erased in favor by state Rep. Randy Fine, and issues that riddle President Steve Currall. Staff a Palm Bay Republican of adding to two already the process and, most Both NCF and Florida monolithic schools. who is chairman of the likely, the final product. Polytechnic will likely Editor-in-Chief House Higher Education Push your representatives Emily Wunderlich When the initial phases be falsely assured that to speak out. Educate Subcommittee. He says of consolidation were a lot of the things that his proposal would reduce your classmates. Hold Editorial Staff underway, the university once made them thrive accountable the ones how much the state spends was considering a number will stay in place. who introduced the Managing Editor on higher education. Dylan Hart of sweeping changes to USF University administration bill and are idle in the The measure was St. Petersburg, including will see both campuses as struggle against it. Online Editor approved by the House Katlynn Mullins designating the campus little more than a number Most importantly, do not Education Committee with as an “instructional site,” and will make sure that each fall so easily into aloofness News Editor a 12-6 vote on Feb. 12. It and believe the freedom James Bennett III largely sapping it of its school falls in line with does not have a companion autonomy and identity. whatever the bigger campus and authority enjoyed Arts & Life Editor bill in the Senate. It took dozens of stories is doing, even if it doesn’t now will stay the same. Carrie Pinkard The Education Dive Op-Ed & Feature Editor Jonah Hinebaugh Staff Reporter Inverting the burden on disabled students Savannah Carr Any faculty member Second, Savannah has is difficult to find the elevators Design Staff can work with the library’s reached out to administrators, in almost every building — for Creative Director instructional design specialists including Regional Chancellor example, the elevator in the Mary Kate “MK” Brittain to build accessible content Martin Tadlock, but we don’t Student Life Center. Not to for courses. Doing so reduces seem to be collecting proper mention, the ramps are rather Photography Editor much of the burden on the data on disabled students. We secluded for some buildings, Thomas Iacobucci students to figure out with need to start collecting and such as the University Student Disabilities Services how to making the data accessible to Center. Operations Staff adapt to each individual course the public. We can’t improve Again, there is a legal Marketing Manager while they are already taking anything systemically if we liability here, but it’s also a Brianna Rodriguez the course. don’t know what the system is. crucial element in forging a Adviser This shouldn’t need saying, The university should also welcoming campus culture. Rob Hooker By Bernardo H. Motta but Savannah’s experience offer proper training to staff, We all should treat disabled Assistant professor of proves it still does: Don’t make faculty and students to make students exactly as we would theory and community your students’ lives harder the campus culture more like to be treated. If you are than necessary. Students are inclusive and accessible. We planning an event, make sure Letters to The Editor journalism human beings with jobs (often can’t say that we welcome it’s accessible and inclusive The Crow’s Nest accepts letters to the [email protected] more than one), families, other disabled students and then — not just physically, but also editor. All submissions should be no more classes and health issues, just make their lives unnecessarily culturally. Use the microphone than 500 words. Writers must include his article is a response their full name. In addition, USF faculty to an opinion piece like everyone else. and disproportionately harder (it’s not for you, it’s for the should include their title, department published by staff writer Disabled students usually than the lives of others. disabled student). Don’t and extension. All letters are subject to T have to go through a routine of Many of the issues are schedule meetings in places Savannah Carr on Jan. 21 in The editing for clarity and length. Letters can Crow’s Nest and an appeal to self-care that takes a lot of their linked to visibility and that are inaccessible. Don’t be sent to administrators, faculty, staff and free time in addition to what education. We should hire make inaccessible activities [email protected] everyone else has to do. We can disabled experts on disability with subject title “Letter to the Editor.” students to move the burden of the center of an event without demand quality in their work and inclusion in education to offering inclusive alternatives. Because of high production costs, getting accommodations from members of the USFSP community disabled students and put it and effort in their learning, provide training and consulting. Use communication technology are permitted one copy per issue. where it should be: on all of us. but we must be reasonable and They are at the forefront of the that allows for a range of Where available, additional copies First, to my colleagues in be willing to work with them. discussion and can be much disabilities and improves the may be purchased for 10 cents each by the faculty, we need to make Asking disabled students (or more effective than non- experience overall. contacting the newspaper’s editor-in- sure the content of our classes, any student) to jump through disabled experts. For a list of additional chief or managing editor. Newspaper unreasonable hoops just Speaking of visibility, the theft is a crime. Those who violate assignments and any task or resources, visit the online story the single copy rule may be subject to resource is either accessible or because we don’t want to be ADA accommodations on at crowsneststpete.com. civil and criminal prosecution and/or has accessible alternatives. It’s flexible is not just unfair, it’s campus need to be labeled Savannah Carr contributed university discipline. not only the law, but it’s good morally wrong. If you don’t better. For students in to this article. practice. know how to help them, learn. wheelchairs or other students It’s part of our job. who cannot take the stairs, it 7 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST International conference: More than bombs and rockets By Emily Wunderlich disappears,” she said. “So it’s [email protected] the whole thing of putting events into context that I think he eighth annual St. is missing in people’s daily Petersburg Conference lives.” Ton World Affairs If the panels aren’t enough, this week promises a little students will also get to something for everyone — hear from representatives of including some extra space in the U.S. State Department, the campus parking garage. Peace Corps, and Fulbright From Wednesday through Scholars program during free Friday, nearly 90 experts recruitment luncheons on in government, academia, Wednesday through Friday at business, the military, the 12:30 p.m. in the ballrooms. news media and the arts Since 2013, when the will descend on USF St. conference began as a one- Petersburg. day, 10-panel event that drew And this year, attendees are 200 attendees, it has sought being directed to park at the to contextualize international Mahaffey Theater, in metered EMILY WUNDERLICH | THE CROW’S NEST affairs across the political street spots or in handicap Since 2013, the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs has sought to contextualize spectrum. Now, its focus is on spots. In previous years, they international affairs across the political spectrum. Pictured above is a panel on the making the conference more could park in the university opinionation of news from Feb. 25, 2019. From left: William Dowell, Marguerite Moritz, inclusive and accessible. garage, which forced some Donald Morrison (moderator), Douglas Herbert, Jim Verhulst. “When (students) initially students to find parking conference’s first female culinary events throughout Conference President look in the room, they’re elsewhere. keynote speaker. Her address, the week. Diane Seligsohn, a journalist going to see, you know, 600 The conference — “The Rights and Plights of But for Thomas W. Smith, who splits her time between people there, and they might which is free to attend — is the World’s Children,” will be political science professor and St. Petersburg and Paris, says think, ‘Maybe this isn’t my expected to draw thousands held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the co-founder of the event, the the panels will offer attendees scene,’” Smith said. “Grab a of people as it continues its Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth conference will always be a “something that they’re not seat anyway. growing emphasis on art and Ave. N. “flagship” event for USF St. getting elsewhere.” “I think they’ll pretty community outreach. Bellamy is chair of a Petersburg. “I think international quickly see that this is This will be the first year Geneva-based nonprofit that “If we didn’t do it, people coverage has really declined actually a pretty lively the conference expands to works to strengthen resilience would say, ‘Where’s our in this country, especially discussion, and I think they’ll Eckerd College, where retired against what it calls “violent conference?’” he said. during this presidency, where be engaged.” Army Gen. John Nicholson, extremist agendas” through Topics will include so much of the focus is on who recently commanded For registration, sched- job creation and empowering “Climate Change: Florida at what the president is saying or NATO and U.S. forces in uled speakers and other women and youth. Ground Zero”; “Women’s what the president is doing,” Afghanistan, will deliver events, visit https://stpeters- Also new to the Equality: When is the she said. the closing address at 7 p.m. burgconferenceonworldaf- conference will be its take on Battle Won?”; “Artificial “With the media, you Friday in Fox Hall, 4200 54th fairs.com/. If you’d like to get “International Week,” which Intelligence (AI) and Health sometimes have information Ave. S. involved with the conference was dubbed Feb. 11–16 by Care”; “Politics of Infectious about a certain subject or a Carol Bellamy — a former as a volunteer, you can fill Mayor Rick Kriseman in Disease”; “Obesity as a certain country, and it’s in director of the Peace Corps out a contact form at https:// 2019. The conference will Global Public Health Issue”; the news — it might even be and former executive director stpetersburgconferenceon- partner with local businesses and “Media Literacy: Making on the front page one day or of UNICEF — will be the worldaffairs.com/contact. to host additional artistic and Sense of It All.” two days — and then it just

What to do this week: Feb. 17-23 By Brianna Rodriguez [email protected] Conversation. The event Advice from Aristotle to https://bit.ly/2u2c6BK. seventh year and will be MONDAY begins at 6:30 p.m. at Zinsser.” The free event held at Williams Park, Put an end to your the Historic Manhattan is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Want to rent a sailboat 350 Second Ave. N, nightmares with a Casino, 642 22nd St. from Campus Recreation? from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. handmade dream catcher. S. The event is free, Sign up for its Start Learn how to build a but reservations are THURSDAY Sailing Right program, Celebrate the grand personalized dream required. RSVP online at Meet local business where you’ll learn the opening of Mary catcher at Mad Hatters https://bookwhen.com/ owners and entrepreneurs necessary skills to safely Margaret’s Olde Irish Ethnobotanical Kava floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ at the Small Business navigate a sailboat. Tavern, 29 Third St. N, Bar, 4685 28th St. N, at ev-s8fm-20200218183000 Networking Monthly Skills include knot-tying, from 8 to 11 p.m. with 7:30 p.m. The event is or call 727-820- Event at Fashion Scrub seamanship, sail theory, live music from local band $10 and includes all of the 0100 ext. 301. Depot, 2604 Central emergency procedures, Celtic Conundrum. supplies needed. RSVP Ave. The event is free boat handling and sail on Facebook at https:// WEDNESDAY and begins at 6 p.m. trim. The class rate is SUNDAY www.facebook.com/ Enjoy a night of music $95 for students, and the Take a Sunday stroll events/133826674481254/. and learning at Tombolo FRIDAY course can be purchased through the Sunken Books, 2153 First Ave. Enjoy Greek food, at bit.ly/usfsprecshop. Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. TUESDAY S, featuring Roy Peter music and dancing at Space is limited. N, between noon and 4:30 Attend a panel Clark, a former journalist St. Petersburg’s Super p.m. to celebrate its flock’s discussion about the turned writing instructor. Greek Festival. The free SATURDAY birthday at the Flamingo controversy around The event will celebrate event will be held at St. Meet local business Festival. Enjoy live St. Petersburg’s the launch of his most Stephanos Super Greek owners and celebrate all music, food, drinks and historical icons at recent book, “Murder Festival, 3600 76th St. things local at Localtopia. its featured “flamosas.” Beyond the Green Your Darlings: And N, from 11 a.m. to 10 The free, two-day event Tickets cost $12 for adults Bench: A Community Other Gentle Writing p.m. Register online at will be celebrating its and $6 for children. 8 February 17, 2020 THE CROW’S NEST ABBA MANIA turns back time Story and photos by “Mamma Mia” filled the back and forth, reflecting Decker Lavely theater. The iconic love song the performers’ moves and Contributor united longtime ABBA fans spirit. “Fernando,” one of and those who learned the ABBA’s best selling singles rom platform boots to band’s greatest hits from the and chart-topping songs, disco dance moves and films “Mamma Mia!” and centers on two reminiscing Fthe memorable hits of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go war veterans. ABBA — the 1970s were Again.” “There was something in back, if just for one night. “Something I love about the air that night, the stars On the Mahaffey Theater the show is that we have were bright, Fernando,” stage Feb. 13, the Swedish audience members who are voices sang. pop band’s song “Waterloo’’ 5 years old singing every “Take a Chance on Me,” welcomed audience single word, and you have “Super Trouper” and “Lay members to the tribute show people who are 90 years All Your Love On Me” “ABBA MANIA.” old singing every word,” were other upbeat favorites In homage to the group’s Stewart said. on the ABBA MANIA legacy, “ABBA MANIA” Stewart joined the setlist. Long’s powerful solo began in 2000 on London’s tribute tour three years ago. performance of “The Winner West End. It now tours She’s been a part of other Takes it All” captivated around the world and productions on London’s listeners and earned a premiered in the U.S. for the West End, like “Priscilla, booming applause. first time seven years ago. Queen of the Desert,” and Allen walked slowly In typical ABBA fashion, has toured with Disney’s down the stage steps while the cast sported bold ‘70s “The Lion King.” Her playfully singing “Does The ABBA cover band performed classics like “Dancing style clothing with plenty parents shared their love Your Mother Know” and Queen” and “Mama Mia.” of sequins. The members for ABBA with Stewart cozying up on the laps of recreated the band’s final growing up, turning her into laughing audience members. performances before they a devoted fan. ABBA MANIA closed broke up in 1982, giving “ABBA has such a way of the show with “Gimme, audiences a taste of an telling stories,” Stewart said. Gimme, Gimme,” with fans ABBA concert experience. “Every single song is a story still standing from their seats The U.S. tour comprises and I just think that connects as the stage went dark. four performers singing and with so many people.” One song had not yet acting as the original group Fluorescent stage lights been performed. members: Kirbi Jo Long as behind the band changed As the stage lights Agnetha Fältskog; James from a bright red to a mood- returned and each member Allen as Björn Ulvaeus; Jeff setting blue. reappeared, the famous Pike as Benny Andersson Long and Stewart piano glissando played, and Amy Stewart as Anni- sat on stools near Pike’s signaling the start of ABBA’s Frid Lyngstad. white Yamaha piano and utmost anticipated anthem, Amy Edwards, left, and Jeff Pike of the ABBA tribute band The audience broke out encouraged fans to join them “Dancing Queen.” perform at the Mahaffey Theater on Feb. 13. The show, dubbed in cheers and dance during in singing “Fernando.” “Everyone wants to be “ABBA MANIA,” began in 2000 on London’s West End. It’s U.S. Thursday’s performance as Arms flew up across a dancing queen when they tour includes more than 30 shows that ends in early March. the familiar first notes from the theater and swayed hear it,” Stewart said. A Valentine’s evening spent with Rex Orange County Story and photo by pop, indie, hip-hop and jazz. Lights,” a jazz-inspired song With the release of “Pony” that relies just as heavily on its Thomas Iacobucci in October 2019, O’Connor lyrics as it does on its fluctuating [email protected] further solidified himself within synth beats and its use of brass crowd of 20-somethings the indie/alternative scene, and woodwind instruments. gathered in the small, showcasing his creative, youthful Despite mainly sticking standing room only sound, filled with catchy riffs to tracks from his latest A contrasted by melancholy album, O’Connor did give venue at the House of Blues Orlando on Feb. 14. ballads on the 10-track album. the concertgoers some of his Bordering adolescence and on O’Connor’s inherent ability personal hits from his past two the impending edge of adulthood, to convey empathy and emotion records, such as “Sunflower,” the crowd stood shoulder- has transcended his still- “Loving is Easy,” “Best Friend” to-shoulder in anticipation blossoming, yet popular career and “Corduroy Dreams.” of the show’s beginning. — making his Valentine’s Day At one point, around halfway No older than the hundreds set that much more intimate. through his set, O’Connor sat in the crowd he was playing On a stage lined with green back down at his keyboard for, Alex O’Connor — more turf and sunflowers, standing setup and began playing Alicia commonly known as Rex no higher than 5 feet against Keys’ “No One.” Though the Orange County — walked out a backdrop of fake blue sky crowd may have been too on stage to a flurry of screams. with three-dimensional clouds, young to remember the song’s Born in Hampshire, England, O’Connor stood above the sea of release, they belted out the in 1998, O’Connor burst into the fans that traveled across central words in unison as if it were a indie-pop movement at the age Florida to see him perform. Rex Orange County original. of 16, uploading self-produced Opening the show with There is a unique appeal to tracks to SoundCloud and gaining “10/10,” the same opening track Rex Orange County, and it’s not recognition from fans across on his latest album, O’Connor just in the 21-year-old’s mild- the world, eventually landing a struck into a soulful, piano- mannered stage presence that feature on Tyler, The Creator’s clad rendition, reciting the first progressively becomes more 2017 album “Flower Boy.” few lyrics as though he were jubilant and interactive as he O’Connor’s latest album, alone and back in his studio. performs –– though this is one “Pony,” sees a natural With the help of a five- major appeal. O’Connor’s charm progression in the artist’s person band, “10/10” quickly becomes fused in his onstage musical career. From his self- transitioned into its original banter, making its way into produced 2015 debut album, fun, pop-filled indie sound, each of his songs, eventually “Bcos U Will Never B Free,” with O’Connor cavorting bleeding over into the crowd. to the acclaimed 2017 “Apricot across the stage while With only four more stops on Princess,” O’Connor employs the simultaneously leading the his 2020 “Pony” tour, it’s safe to same angsty alternative sound crowd as they sang along. say that O’Connor has crossed that was present in his first two Keeping the energy from the threshold into maturity, albums, further incorporating the first song going, O’Connor calculating and relaying the On Feb. 14, Rex Orange County danced and sang with a a medley of bedroom-style went to his new arsenal of songs ups and downs of what every crowd of 20-somethings at the House of Blues. on “Pony,” playing “Laser 20-something eventually endures.