Monday, January 13, 2020 I Vol. 116 Iss. 18 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM What’s inside Opinions Culture Sports The editorial board Students are spinning off Men’s basketball maintains discusses how NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts a “growth mindset” after enrollment cuts will from the comfort of their an inconsistent conference impact diversity residence hall rooms skid Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 DOE complaints decline by more than two-thirds since 2015 SHANNON MALLARD against GW between 2015 ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR and 2018, only one complaint stated that the University vi- The number of complaints olated an individual’s rights fi led against GW in the U.S. and required offi cials to take Department of Education Of- corrective action, according fi ce for Civil Rights has de- to a ProPublica report. clined 70 percent over the past In 2017, the OCR began fi ve years. investigating GW’s web- The OCR – a DOE branch site accessibility. The probe that investigates discrimina- found that University web- tion allegations – launched 10 sites lacked viewing features federal probes into discrimi- like video and photo cap- natory behavior claims in 2015 tions to accommodate dis- but only investigated three abled individuals’ needs. cases of alleged discrimina- Offi cials formed a task tion in 2019. Discrimination force in early 2018 to exam- law experts said the number ine website accessibility is- of complaints may have de- sues. GW met its fi rst OCR creased after offi cials man- deadline to make online dated diversity and Title IX content more accessible last trainings and better handling January. of cases at the University level. The OCR initiated an in- Caroline Laguerre-Brown, vestigation into a complaint the vice provost for diversity, alleging that offi cials retali- ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR equity and community en- ated against a former stu- In 2019, GWPD of cers received 173 calls from on-campus blue light stations and made contact with nine of those callers. gagement, said the number dent for protesting age dis- of complaints fi led with the crimination last January. The OCR each year is “unpredict- complainant alleged that the Blue light phone use drops almost 20 able” and cannot “easily” be University fostered a culture attributed to specifi c factors. in which longer-serving pro- Laguerre-Brown said an in- fessors “bully” non-tenured percent in 2019 dividual could fi le more than and clinical research faculty. GRAHAM HURLEY GWPD received 110 one report with the OCR in When the DOE publicly REPORTER blue light voice calls in 2016, a certain year, and the DOE listed the complaint on the but GWPD only made voice may consider each grievance OCR website in February, Blue light emergency contact with the caller on as a separate complaint. offi cials said they were “con- phone use on campus de- 23, or about 20 percent, of “Still, we fully recognize fi dent” they acted “appropri- creased by nearly 20 per- the calls. In 2017, the de- that regardless of whether ately” toward the student. cent between 2018 and 2019, partment received 228 calls the number of complaints The complaint is still listed according to GW Police De- and 26 callers made contact fi led with OCR increases or on the OCR website. partment data. with the caller, about an 11 decreases in any given year, The OCR also opened In 2019, GWPD offi cers percent increase from the complacency is simply not an two investigations into al- received 173 calls from on- previous year, according to option, and we remain com- legations of disability dis- campus blue light stations, GWPD data. mitted to ongoing analysis crimination later that month. of which offi cers made Paradis said the Univer- and improvement of systems The fi rst inquiry investi- contact with the caller nine sity added “several” blue and processes for addressing gated whether GW denied times, the data shows. In light phones to campus in student concerns,” Laguerre- an individual benefi ts on the interviews, more than 10 2017, which likely caused ALYSSA ILARIA | GRAPHICS EDITOR Brown said in an email. basis of their disability, and students said they’ve never the spike in calls that year. Laguerre-Brown said of- the second launched an in- needed to use blue lights, She said GWPD more Senior Jennifer Nwoko- patrols, contribute to his fi cials have taken measures vestigation into whether the but knowing the phones frequently responds to blue lo said the blue light phones overall sense of security on like revising the Code of University retaliated against can be used to call emer- light calls than to the calls make her feel secure on campus. Student Conduct and re- an individual for protesting gency services makes them made from the PAL app, campus, but she doesn’t “It’s great that it is there working the Equal Oppor- disability discrimination. feel secure while walking which allows users to text know if they’re functional for people who might need tunity, Non-Discrimination, Neither complaint is listed around campus. or call GWPD about an or not because she’s never it,” he said. “And I feel like Anti-Harassment and Non- on the OCR website. Mary Paradis, the for- emergency and tracks the used one. it is placed strategically Retaliation Policy to ensure mer interim chief of police, user’s location using GPS. “If something were to around campus. So it’s defi - GW is equipped to handle Education and enforce- said blue light callers rarely Paradis said the University happen and there’s no re- nitely accessible.” discrimination cases. ment made contact with police will begin transitioning to sort, it’s good to know that Campus security ex- Offi cials debuted a bias Alan Sash, a partner in offi cers because callers typ- a new “app-based” security they’re there,” she said. perts said college students incident reporting website the litigation department ically leave the area before system this spring. Freshman Danielle typically opt to call emer- last February that allows at the fi rm McLaughlin & offi cers arrive. GWPD of- “The vast majority of our Shakib said her roommate gency services on their own faculty, students and staff to Stern who has worked on fi cers did not make contact calls for service are through used a blue light recently cell phones, but the blue report bias-related acts for Title IX cases, said students with nearly 90 percent of all our emergency telephone because she felt unsafe light is a secure option for the Bias Incident Response come from a variety of dif- blue light calls since 2016. line,” she said. “Calling the when she was walking students to use. Team – which includes ad- ferent backgrounds, so of- “It is not as important GWPD emergency line al- home late at night. Marc Lovicott, the ministrators from offi ces fi cials should establish clear for students to use them as lows you to interface with “She pushed the button, director of communica- like the Division of Opera- standards of acceptable in- it is for students to be aware dispatchers and provide the but somebody was there tions for the University of tions – to review. Laguerre- terpersonal behavior. He that we have these phones most detailed information to help her right away and Wisconsin-Madison Police Brown added that offi cials said instituting mandatory and to be aware of their lo- about the emergency.” walk her home, so it was no Department, said an “over- “regularly” evaluate ways to diversity and Title IX train- cation,” Paradis said in an Eleven students said big deal,” she said. whelming majority” of his increase student awareness ing for students could result email. “Blue light phones they’ve never used a blue Freshman Ryan Shi- department’s blue light ac- of resources like the Title IX in a decrease in the number are strategically placed light phone but feel safer woo-Kim said the blue light tivations are generally ac- and ethics offi ces. of complaints fi led with the DOE. around campus as a means knowing that the phones phones and GW’s other cidental or prank calls. Recent investigations to connect the community are a back-up option to call- security services, like Safe with GWPD.” ing emergency services. Ride and consistent GWPD See LIGHTS Page 2 Of the 24 cases brought See COMPLAINTS Page 2 Science and Engineering Hall has bolstered GW’s research output: faculty

VITA FELLIG universities joining GW. to house the entire depart- REPORTER “As a result of our hiring, ment in one location. The bio- our research expenditures medical engineering depart- Since the biology depart- have increased dramatically, ment was previously divided ment moved from Bell Hall our faculty’s publication between Phillips and Staugh- to the Science and Engineer- numbers are up, the number ton halls. ing Hall fi ve years ago, pro- of research-active faculty at He said the building has fessor Courtney Smith said SEAS is up – everything is allowed him to expand the she’s noticed “simple” im- up,” Can Korman, the en- range of his research – which provements in her working gineering school’s associate focuses on using imaging conditions. dean of research and gradu- technology to try to detect ill- She said SEH’s more ef- ate studies, said in an email. nesses, according to his fac- fective air conditioning sys- Korman said the build- ulty profi le – to include sea tem and the availability of ing – which cost $275 mil- urchins and biofi lms. pure deionized water in all lion to construct and opened “Having proximity to of SEH’s sinks have made in March 2015 – is the “key other researchers has greatly her research process faster facility” in terms of infra- expanded the scope of my and more effi cient. The space structure that supports GW’s research and led to many available in the building has scientifi c research. SEH en- more collaborative projects,” allowed her to keep an “ani- courages faculty research he said. mal housing room” in the by providing more lab space Igor Efi mov, the chair of basement, which she could and facilitating more cross- the biomedical engineering not maintain at her former disciplinary work between department, said research op- location. researchers from diff erent portunities for students have “These are the standard schools, he said. improved as a result of SEH’s aspects of science buildings Korman added that the design by physically integrat- that should be available, and HATCHET FILE PHOTO building, which is home to ing research and academics Of cials said the multi-million dollar Science and Engineering Hall has attracted top faculty and improved student this new building has made faculty fosters a “collabora- together. The building houses satisfaction since it opened ve years ago. it so it’s true for GW,” she tive education” for students classrooms and labs side-by- said. because they can work side- side and separates them with because they are conducive to his research which uses ma- later, someone assaulted a Roughly fi ve years after by-side. The building has clear glass panels. working on research projects. terials damaged by light. GW Police Department of- its offi cial opening, Smith is also improved the sense of “I think that the transpar- He added that the prox- “I would have designed fi cer after the offi cer arrived one of several faculty mem- community among STEM ency of the fl oor design is re- imity to SEH’s research fa- [the building] in an entirely at the building to investigate bers who said the hall – students and faculty, he said. ally helpful because you can cilities are a consideration for diff erent way and had the of- reported loitering. which houses more than 150 “Students like to spend essentially see what other prospective students, who he fi ce spaces put near the win- “One concern that peo- faculty and holds classes for time in the SEH common laboratories are working on,” said are clearly “impressed” dows, and labs put into the in- ple have always brought up thousands of students from areas,” Korman said. “I see he said. with the building itself when terior of the building, so there is that in general the SEH four of GW’s ten schools – them gathered together Efi mov said in his own they visit. would be less outside light building is open to anyone has enhanced student and studying all the time.” laboratory, where he studies Nirbhay Kumar, a profes- coming into the lab,” he said. who can walk in, even the faculty research opportuni- Jason Zara, an associate therapy treatments for heart sor in the department of glob- Kumar added that he is general public,” he said. “You ties. Offi cials said the build- professor of biomedical en- disease, he has hosted at least al health, said that while SEH concerned about the build- have students studying in ing has helped students and gineering, said the building’s 12 undergraduate students does provide a “pleasant” ing’s lack of security. open spaces, and someone faculty produce more com- creation has been a “game to work with him each year. place to work, the building’s In June, a person stole can just walk in and start do- petitive research, improved changer” for promoting his He said the spaces in SEH al- layout places large windows camera equipment from SEH ing something mischievous. student satisfaction and led department’s research be- low so many undergraduate adjacent to lab space, which after breaking into an offi ce I think building access has to to more faculty from top-20 cause it created enough space students to work in his lab can present some obstacles to in the building. Two months be limited in this sense.” January 13, 2020 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET Student leaders to host inaugural conference on LGBTQ health, advocacy ILENA PENG CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR

Student leaders are hosting a NewsJanuary 13, 2020 • Page 2 conference on health-related issues pertaining to the LGBTQ community Saturday. The conference, which will take CRIME LOG place starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Mar- vin Center, will feature a town hall FALSE FIRE ALARM and presenters from the National West Hall LGBTQ Task Force and the non- 12/21/2019 – 2:05 p.m. profit health center Whitman-Walker Closed Case Health. Hannah Edwards, the Stu- dent Association’s vice president for GW Police Department officers responded to a fire diversity and inclusion, said the con- alarm activation and discovered that a male student ference will allow LGBTQ students to activated the fire alarm after his GWorld card access ask questions about wellness issues was denied. related to their identity and teach stu- Referred to the Division for Student Affairs dents how to advocate for the LGBTQ community. ALEXANDER WELLING | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR THEFT II/FROM BUILDING, SIMPLE ASSAULT Student organizers chose the The LGBTQIA+ Health and Advocacy Conference will educate students about health theme “We’re Still Here” for the event issues related to the community. Mitchell Hall (7-Eleven Stores) to highlight the ramifications of anti- 12/28/2019 – 10:41 p.m. LGBTQ public health policies and the Edwards added that Whitman- often focused on HIV/AIDS, which Closed Case community’s resilience in the face Walker Health will provide a free I can understand because D.C. has a GWPD and Metropolitan Police Department officers of regressive legislation. Edwards HIV testing service for attendees big HIV/AIDS problem – but there’s a responded to a report that a non-GW affiliated man added that the conference aims to starting at 10 a.m. on the day of the lot more to it.” stole cigarettes and pushed a 7-Eleven employee. address student concerns about the conference. Carl added that she hopes stu- GWPD arrested the man for theft and simple assault scope of the Colonial Health Center’s She said she conceived the idea for dents of all backgrounds will attend and issued him a bar notice. MPD transported the treatment options for LGBTQ stu- the conference after participating in the conference, particularly those man to the Second District police station for arrest dents. the psychology department’s “Health planning to work in health care or the Promotion in Underserved Commu- health care policy space in the future. processing. “I thought that it would be good Subjected arrested to have some type of opportunity for nities” summer institute, which ex- SA President SJ Matthews said students who are a part of the LGBT amines how diversity-related factors students will learn how to advocate community to be able to come and influence health outcomes. The two- for LGBTQ individuals at the confer- EXTORTION learn about health services and health month summer institute helps host ence, in addition to learning about 2208 F St. advocacy,” she said. an annual LGBTQ health forum at health issues in the community. 1/2/2020 – 9:45 a.m. The conference will feature the University, which Edwards said “I think the conference is im- Closed Case speakers on topics like sexual health she wanted to replicate in a student- portant in order to create a space for and the push to decriminalize HIV run conference. members of the LGBTQIA+ commu- GWPD officers responded to a report of two male on college campuses, Edwards said. “I think that it could start a move- nity to come together and discuss students in a dispute. One student had taken Criminal laws related to HIV often ment on campus where instead of health and wellness as a group,” she personal property, clothing, a cell phone and require individuals diagnosed with people talking about everything that said in an email. “It’s going to be a wallet from the other and demanded monetary HIV to disclose their HIV status to needs to change and stuff like that, great experience for anyone at GW, compensation for the return of property. While sexual partners even when there is that we really just see that we can take and I’m excited to have some great officers were on scene, the property was returned to a negligible risk of transmitting the that initiative ourselves,” she said. conversations with members of the the rightful owner, resolving the dispute. virus, according to the American Psy- Edwards said she hopes the con- GW community.” Referred to DSA chological Association. ference will become an annual event. SA Sen. Brandon Hill, CCAS-U, She added that the event will fea- Bridget Carl, the SA’s director said the conference will provide a ture a town hall discussion with CHC of student health services, said she dedicated space for LGBTQ indi- DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/VANDALISM staff to inform LGBTQ students about hopes the conference includes a viduals to receive information about Hand Chapel (MVC) the health services that are covered discussion of trans and non-binary health-related issues, adding that the Unknown – Unknown by GW’s student health insurance identities, which she said receive less conference will increase LGBTQ vis- Closed Case plan, which roughly 30 percent of un- recognition in conversations about ibility on campus. A female staff member reported a discharged fire dergraduates use. LGBTQ health. Carl added that dia- “Today’s climate deeply stigma- extinguisher at the Hand Chapel. Student leaders are partnering logue about health in the LGBTQ tized members of the LGBT+ com- No suspects or witnesses with several organizations to host community focuses intensely on HIV munity and discourages them to ask the event. The Columbian College’s and AIDS, overlooking other health questions about their mental, physi- LGBT Health Policy and Practice Pro- issues pertaining to the community. cal and sexual health,” Hill said in gram will fund the conference’s key- “I oftentimes am frustrated in an email. “The conference fosters a note speaker, who has not yet been how little we talk about that – this place that will allow those questions – Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko announced, and NuVegan Café will whole community,” Carl said. “And if to be asked freely and answered provide lunch, Edwards said. we do talk about it, it’s again, far too honestly.” Former chemistry department chair to retire after almost 50 years at GW JULIA RUSSO forms of the University.” crease opportunities for faculty in the depart- an integral role in growing the department to REPORTER King said he has been heavily involved ment to work together and confer on projects, its fullest potential by doubling the number of with the organic chemistry program at the King said. faculty in the department. Michael King always found joy in teach- University throughout his career, teaching King’s colleagues said he consistently “He has been tirelessly flying the chemis- ing others about math and science from a General Chemistry I and II and managing sought to provide support to students, faculty try flag the entire time he has been here and, young age. laboratory operations for the program. and the University throughout his tenure. as a consequence, we have been able to grow He has tutored many of his fellow stu- “Chemistry was an area of science that Former Provost Forrest Maltzman said he and have our aspirations for research and ed- dents since elementary school and knew his came naturally to me from high school to worked with King on several different initia- ucation evolve accordingly,” Cahill said. future belonged with the study of chemistry now,” King said. “I always enjoyed it – I liked tives and projects, including the design pro- Cahill said one of his fondest memories of and in pedagogy when he headed to college the manipulations, I enjoyed watching the cess for the Science and Engineering Hall and King was watching him hold office hours in at the Illinois Institute of Technology. After chemistry unfold in the laboratory – so all of the creation of the Columbian College of Arts a hallway in SEH using the building’s white- receiving his doctorate from Harvard Univer- that sort of played out from my bachelor’s de- and Sciences’ Dean’s Council. board walls. He said a crowd always showed sity, he started as an associate professor in the gree to my doctorate.” He said King played a “leading role” up to talk to King, even on a Friday afternoon. discipline at New York University in 1970 be- He said he enjoyed the size of GW’s stu- working with the provost’s office and the “He was sort of beloved because he has fore he began at GW in 1973 – 2020 marks his dent body during the first couple decades of Department of Operations to develop SEH’s taught organic chemistry this whole time and 50th and final year of working in academia. his career – smaller than the student body in design, adding that King deserves a large organic chemistry has, in many respects, an “I knew at a very early age that teaching recent years – because the smaller class sizes portion of the credit for the building’s com- undeserved reputation of being an incredibly was something that was natural and comfort- allowed him to get to know his students and pletion, which Maltzman characterized as difficult and sometimes ‘weed-out’ course,” able for me, and I knew I wanted to pursue talk with them “on a little bit more on a per- “inevitably the most complex building in the Cahill said. “But Michael King has never it,” King said. sonal level.” University.” taught this as a weed-out course and has al- After serving as the chair of the chemis- King said he felt his previous experiences Maltzman said King has served as a men- ways been committed to his students’ suc- try department for more than 20 years, from in academia made him qualified to serve as tor to “academic leaders” across the Univer- cess.” 1996 to 2019, King will retire from teaching at chair of the department after his predecessor sity and has demonstrated the value of col- LaKeisha McClary, an assistant professor the end of this academic year to focus on his David Ramaker resigned. He said he put his laboration and collegiality. of chemistry, said she has seen King work own research. After retirement, King plans to name up for consideration to serve in the po- “While building a very successful and re- “tirelessly” to support faculty members’ in- travel with his wife, conduct more of his own sition, and his colleagues elected him to serve search-oriented chemistry department is an dividual growth as well as the department’s research on organic chemistry in GW’s labo- as the department’s leader. important contribution that Michael made, collective growth throughout her seven years ratories and work on behalf of the department “I was fortunate for my colleagues to his impact is much broader and his legacy working with him. to recruit graduate students. have the confidence to select me to do that,” will be felt for a very long time across the Uni- “I appreciate a lot about Dr. King, but “It was just an amazing experience, and I King said. “So one of the things I was par- versity because of the lessons he informally perhaps what resonates most with me is that am really humbled to have been able to repre- ticularly interested in doing was to improve taught his colleagues about being an academ- he always considered different perspectives sent this department in a period of substan- the communication and collaboration of the ic leader and the example he set,” Maltzman within the department and sought to do what tial growth,” King said. “For over the years, department that would be of value to my col- said in an email. was best for us – our graduate students and I have had amazing colleagues and I am so leagues.” Christopher Cahill, the current chair of chemistry majors and minors, our staff and proud to be able to represent them in the While serving as chair, he worked to in- the chemistry department, said King played our faculty,” she said in an email. Trainings can lead to fewer complaints: experts Blue lights improve sense

From Page 1 “presumptions” about the individuals “If the campus works with OCR of safety: experts involved in a case. and other experts in the field and de- University should phase Officials overhauled the Title IX velops and implements best practices From Page 1 Incoming students are required to investigation process in 2018. Under to address sexual misconduct and dis- the system out because the attend in-person sexual assault pre- current GW policies, a single official phones still contribute to crimination, that should lead to a de- “They are very underutilized vention training and complete online handles individual sexual assault cas- campus safety as a whole. crease in complaints if that’s effectively technology,” Lovicott said. diversity training during their first es rather than a multiple-person hear- “Everything is a layered done,” Schorr said. “Now, that is not to say that semester. The Student Association ing board, and all faculty are required approach, and so those blue Marissa Pollick, a sports manage- we’re looking into getting rid Senate passed legislation last spring to report sexual harassment incidents lights are just one layer,” ment lecturer at the University of of the blue light phones. We demanding that members of student to the Title IX office. he said. “If there were four Michigan with experience in Title IX see them as a good thing on organizations participate in separate “If you follow the facts, you have emergencies that they re- research, said DOE reforms imple- our campus, and it provides Title IX training sessions. to investigate,” Sash said. “You have sponded to where they mented under President Donald a sense of security to our Sash added that educating students to investigate fully and fairly and lis- helped somebody, that’s a Trump’s administration – like rolling campus as well.” about the consequences associated with ten to people and treat everybody with good thing.” back protections for sexual assault sur- Lovicott said blue light sex, race, age and disability discrimina- respect.” John Vinson, the presi- vivors – could cause a decrease in com- phones are meant to help tion deters prejudiced behavior. Dan Schorr, the managing director dent of the International As- plaints. Pollick said individuals facing students who don’t carry cell “The mandatory Title IX training of Ankura – a risk management con- sociation of Campus Law discrimination might be less inclined phones with them or whose for incoming freshmen is huge,” he sulting firm – and a former sex crimes Enforcement Officers, said to report incidents if they feel the agen- cell phones break. said. “Because you are getting young prosecutor, said partnering with the blue lights are a single part of cy will not adequately respond to and “Most people carry a cell men and women, some 17 and 18, from OCR to develop responses to individ- a security portfolio that uni- investigate complaints. phone,” he said. “That’s prob- across the country – maybe even the ual cases could decrease the likelihood versities employ in addition In November 2018, the DOE an- ably the number one way world – where norms of what’s appro- of future complaints. He said collabo- to security apps. nounced proposed Title IX guidelines they’ll reach our department, priate and what’s not are very different rating with the OCR provides officials “Every institution, univer- that eliminate the single-investigator but we also like to have these to different people.” with the tools to address discrimina- sity and/or community col- model, allow institutions to dismiss around in places that are a tory behavior. lege has to decide what works assault cases that occur off-campus, little more desolate, and it Improving institutional Schorr added that instituting by- best for their respective com- require cross-examination during in- brings a sense of security to responses stander intervention training for stu- munity to ensure that no mat- vestigations and use a more stringent individuals as well,” he said. Sash said the number of complaints dents can lead to fewer complaints ter what the issue or concerns standard for determining guilt. Gary Sigrist Jr., the CEO filed with the OCR will likely decrease because officials will be equipped to are, around perceived and or “If the administration doesn’t pri- of the campus security com- if officials handle allegations of dis- handle discrimination cases before in- real crime or safety concerns, oritize civil rights, as this one does not pany Safeguard Risk Solu- criminatory behavior with a “fair” in- dividuals feel the need to complain to their community has a vari- seem to be doing, it’s not unusual to tions, said the drop in blue vestigation process that doesn’t make the OCR. see a decline,” she said. ety of ways to contact them,” light use doesn’t mean the Vinson said. THE GW HATCHET NEWS January 13, 2020 • Page 3 Traffi c crashes in Ward 2 highest in District despite four-year low

LIA DEGROOT in the same kinds of num- streets encourage residents ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR bers.” to use several transportation Perrotta said offi cials methods other than walking. Traffi c accidents on could add bulb-outs, or ex- “If you feel safer, they and near campus have de- tensions to curbs at intersec- often will bike more, walk creased by nearly 15 percent tions, to both provide added more and let their children over the past four years, ac- space for pedestrians to wait bike and walk more, which is cording to District data. to cross the street and slow nice,” she said. Ward 2, which has tal- cars down at intersections, DDOT spokeswoman lied the highest number of decreasing the chance for Lauren Stephens did not re- traffi c crashes city-wide for pedestrian-vehicle crashes. turn multiple requests for at least the past four years, DDOT recommended comment. faced about 5,400 traffi c adding bulb-outs at several Total traffi c fatalities de- crashes in 2019 – a slight dip intersections around the city, creased in the District for from the previous year, dur- Greater Greater Washington the fi rst time since 2016, but ing which about 5,800 crash- reported in 2016. some transportation experts es plagued the ward. Trans- Perrotta added that build- said traffi c death rates tend to portation experts said the ing protected bike lanes in fl uctuate, and there may not decrease in crashes could be cities contributes to fewer be a specifi c reason for the the result of transportation fatalities because drivers are decrease safety initiatives, like ban- aware of bikers riding on the Vision Zero, which May- ning right turns on red lights street. or Muriel Bowser committed and adding safe biking in- DDOT and the Foggy to in 2015, aims to eliminate frastructure, that the District Bottom and West End Ad- all traffi c fatalities by 2024. Department of Transporta- visory Neighborhood Com- Ian Savage, a professor tion implemented last year. mission have been negotiat- of economics at Northwest- Alexis Perrotta, a lecturer ing the route for a protected ern University, said the 25 of public and international bike lane running through percent drop in the District’s ALYSSA ILARIA | GRAPHICS EDITOR aff airs at the City Univer- Foggy Bottom for more than traffi c fatality count – from 36 sity of New York, said many a year and are planning to in 2018 to 27 in 2019 – is “ob- lovesh, who was killed while cro level, in the sense that crashes in the city overall traffi c safety advocates view start construction on the bike jectively” positive but doesn’t riding his bike in Northeast you’re going to look at in- because the area encom- transportation as a safety path in 2020. necessarily prove that the D.C., and two people expe- dividual intersections and passes most of downtown “hierarchy,” under which “Seeing someone on a city’s eff orts to curb traffi c riencing homelessness in things and you’re going to D.C., where traffi c is con- pedestrians rank the high- bicycle when you’re driving deaths have been eff ective. Foggy Bottom, who were fi nd that many of these are centrated. est, followed by cyclists and slows a person who’s driving He said D.C.’s overall traffi c killed by a speeding driver in just badly designed,” Sav- He said the drop in Ward vehicles. Perrotta said safety down, and that’s important,” fatalities are too low to deter- Foggy Bottom. age said. 2 traffi c crashes could have measures, like banning right she said. “Anytime you slow mine a specifi c cause for the Savage said D.C. offi cials Some experts attributed resulted from city-wide turns on red lights and con- down, you’re going to have drop. likely need to work on a the lofty overall traffi c crash safety improvements, like structing pedestrian waiting fewer fatalities.” “When you’re dealing “micro” level to continue the numbers in Ward 2 to the additional signage or street areas at intersections, help Kara Kockelman, a pro- with things that are under city’s downward traffi c fatal- large concentration of traffi c markings. cities prioritize pedestrian fessor of civil, architectural 30ish in terms of number, ity and crash trend, meaning in downtown D.C. “This is a very obvious safety over motor vehicles. and environmental engi- then you expect to see quite a DDOT could investigate in- Najmedin Meshkati, a direct one-to-one relation- “That’s what makes our neering at the University of variation from year to year,” dividual intersections. professor of civil and envi- ship,” he said. “If you don’t city run economically,” she Texas at Austin, said the drop he said. “The answer here is that ronmental engineering at have congestion, and you said. “Dense cities require in Ward 2 crashes is likely the Among those killed in probably everything you’re the University of Southern don’t have that much traffi c, people on foot, they don’t result of District traffi c safety traffi c crashes this year were going to do is at a very local California, said Ward 2 like- there is much less chance of foot people behind the wheel initiatives. She said safe biking advocate Dave Sa- level, I mean a really mi- ly has a higher rate of traffi c accidents.” Student organization demands GW divest from fossil fuel holdings

total number of signatures on the wording of the letter. learn more about Sunrise’s on the letter. He said the group will spend eff orts and continue to The letter urges offi cials the semester growing inter- grow support for divest- to “close or cut ties” with est in the letter among other ment. the Regulatory Studies Cen- student organizations in “Although we occupy ter or “publicly disclose its which Sunrise members are diff erent niches within the funding, motivations and also involved. sustainability community, anti-regulation agenda.” The “The most important ele- I think, most importantly, letter calls on offi cials to di- ment is movement building it’s really important that vest its endowment from the and coalition building,” he all the green groups get to- fossil fuel industry. said. “We want to involve gether and endorse the let- Sunrise members extract- as many students, faculty ter because we’re holding ed the data from a June 2019 members and student orga- the University accountable report from Public Citizen nizations as possible.” for not doing its part in the – a progressive consumer A University spokesper- climate fi ght,” she said. rights advocacy group – that son said Sunrise GW had not Keith Nagy, the president has criticized the center for yet contacted offi cials about of GW College Democrats, alleged right-wing bias. the letter, but offi cials will said the group’s executive Offi cials have previously be “happy to respond” once board decided to sign the stated that divestment is they do. letter to strengthen the orga- not part of the University’s The Student Association nization’s relationship with investment strategy. A 2015 Senate unanimously voted Sunrise. He said part of the report fi nanced by the Inde- in 2016 in favor of divesting executive board’s mission pendent Petroleum Associa- the University’s holdings in is to build connections with PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXANDER WELLING | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR tion of America – an oil and the fossil fuel industry, and other student groups. The environmental advocacy group Sunrise GW posted a letter on its website calling on of cials to stop ac- natural gas trade organiza- 70 percent of students indi- Nagy said the group has cepting money from fossil fuel companies. tion – predicted that univer- cated support for divestment shared its endorsement on sities’ endowments would in a 2015 referendum. social media and encouraged LIZZIE MINTZ ExxonMobil. Students who University pretending to likely shrink if offi cials with- Jillian Webber, the presi- College Democrats members CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR endorsed the letter said the care about the climate by us- draw their holdings in fossil dent of Food Recovery Net- to sign the letter. He said he University should distance ing their support of the Paris fuels. work, which has endorsed will potentially organize Students are calling on itself from the center and di- Climate Agreement and The ExxonMobil Founda- the letter, said she met in- rallies with organizations offi cials to cut ties with the vest GW’s endowment from talking about sustainability tion donated $927,000 to the dividually with Sunrise like Sunrise this semester to fossil fuel industry and re- the fossil fuel industry to but then investing more than center between 2013 and 2017 members in December to demonstrate the student or- consider its relationship with meet national environmen- $20 million in fossil fuels and and the Charles Koch Foun- help craft the language of ganization’s commitment to a research center that re- tal standards. the climate crisis directly,” dation – a foundation that the letter. She said she de- supporting divestment. ceives donations from fossil Sunrise GW member and Maples said. “We feel that funds research grants – gave cided to endorse the letter “We feel that this is very fuel companies. sophomore Bryce Maples we’re in a time where we about $1.2 million in grants because green organizations much in line with progres- Members of Sunrise GW said the group posted the need to stand up and fi ght to the University between on campus should support sive ideals that are valu- – a student-led environmen- letter to build wide-scale stu- back or we don’t have a fu- 2010 and 2017, according to important sustainability is- able to the Democratic tal activism group formerly dent support for fossil fuel ture to fi ght for.” the report. Foundation and sues, even those that aren’t Party with environmental known as Fossil Free GW divestment, which he said Maples added that the University spokespeople did related to their group’s spe- stewardship,” he said. “We – published a letter late last will ultimately encourage letter garnered more than not return Public Citizen’s cifi c focus. thought that this would be month urging offi cials to offi cials to adopt the letter’s 100 signatures within three requests to confi rm whether She added that she a great way to better our divest from fossil fuels and requests. Maples declined days of the launch, and six the gifts were given primar- shared the letter on Green relationship with Sunrise restructure its relationship to say when the group will student organizations in- ily to the center or other de- GW’s social media and GW while also advocating with the Regulatory Stud- present the letter to Universi- cluding the Progressive Stu- partments, the report states. will include the letter in for a pretty great cause.” ies Center, a research hub ty President Thomas LeBlanc dent Union and Green GW, Maples said Sunrise GW Food Recovery Net- – Ed Prestera, Isha that receives donations from and the Board of Trustees. have all endorsed the letter. reached out to several stu- work’s weekly newsletter Trivedi and Jarrod Wardwell fossil fuel companies like “We are done with our He declined to specify the dent organizations for input so group members can contributed reporting. Ward 2 unaffected by homicides in 2019, MPD data shows LIA DEGROOT 18 percent were committed MPD’s crime map. high education and employ- crimes. “It’s important when you ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR with a knife and the rest The majority of the Dis- ment levels. “In those circumstances, look at homicides not to look were committed with vari- trict’s homicides are concen- Ward 2 has a 3 percent un- violence can come out simply at them as a total picture, but Despite a city-wide uptick ous other weapons, accord- trated in Wards 7 and 8, ac- employment rate, compared from frustrations and alien- more as pixels that put the in murders, the area on and ing to District data. cording to MPD data. Gertz with 7 percent District-wide, ation,” Brotherton said. total picture together,” Mi- around campus was unaf- Gertz said MPD plans said MPD plans to implement according to D.C. Health Ward 2 boasts the second- chaud said. “And then you fected by homicides in 2019, to work with District orga- violence prevention pro- Matters data. Thirty percent highest median income in the can look for causes.” Metropolitan Police Depart- nizations like the Pathways grams this year, like summer of Ward 2’s population over city, about $105,000 compared He said factors like Ward ment data shows. for Young Adults program, and fall crime prevention ini- the age of 25 holds at least a to the rest of D.C., accord- 2’s demographics and the Ward 2 – which encom- which assists young unem- tiatives, that target homicide- bachelor’s degree, and about ing to data from D.C. Health presence of universities, passes the Foggy Bottom ployed people who are not prone areas of the city. 29 percent hold a master’s de- Matters. Wards 7 and 8 have which are equipped with Campus and much of down- in school to fi nd job training “MPD will continue to gree, compared with 24 and the lowest median incomes, their own police depart- town D.C. – logged zero and work. She said the de- work hard to prevent and de- 20 percent city-wide. rounding out to about $38,000 ments that provide addition- homicides in 2019, but the partment will also work with ter all crime throughout the “When you have levels of and $34,000, respectively. al crime prevention, could counts fl uctuated in other ar- the Offi ce of Neighborhood entire city in the upcoming one, two and three, marginal “We know that poverty contribute to an area’s low eas of the city, from three kill- and Safety Engagement of- year,” Gertz said. diff erences, you can’t really creates all kinds of full condi- homicide rate. ings in Ward 3 to 63 in Ward fi ce, which works with other Criminal justice experts say much,” Brotherton said. tions in which people have to Michaud said police de- 8. Criminal justice experts agencies to lower the city’s said high poverty rates cor- He added that areas with make their lives every day,” partments can use methods said Ward 2’s low homicide violence rates. relate with homicide rates more thorough policing are Brotherton said. “Poverty like crime mapping to deter- numbers are likely a refl ec- “The city is working to because people who live in less likely to experience high makes it diffi cult for families mine which areas of the city tion of the area’s low poverty address those root causes by poverty are more likely to homicide rates because po- to function properly. There’s have the highest concentra- rate, which can correlate with engaging individuals who feel isolated from their com- lice offi cers are present to a lot of trauma within fami- tion of homicides and target violence, compared to rela- have fallen into that high- munities and turn to vio- prevent violent crimes from lies, crises within families those areas. tively more impoverished risk group through interven- lence. occurring. Poverty doesn’t just caused by the need to “People have to under- city sectors. tions,” Gertz said in an email. Ward 2, which has con- directly cause spikes in ho- survive.” stand that there are only X MPD spokeswoman MPD data shows 166 doc- sistently maintained some micide rates but leads to an John Michaud, the direc- number of police offi cers, Alaina Gertz said the depart- umented homicides through- of the city’s lowest homicide environment in which peo- tor of Husson University’s only X number of dollars to ment does not comment on out D.C. last year, the deadli- rates, experienced a slight ple are more likely to com- School of Legal Studies in spend,” Michaud said. “So crime trends, but many ho- est year the District faced in downturn in homicides in mit interpersonal violence, Maine, said examining the are there areas that the po- micide victims and suspects more than a decade. Seven 2019 – from three to zero – Brotherton said. types of homicide, like do- lice department, that law en- carry illegal fi rearms and homicides have been com- which David Brotherton, a He said poverty can mestic disturbances or vio- forcement can recognize as have prior violent off enses. mitted so far this year – none professor of sociology and lead to high rates of stress lent felonies, allows police high concentrations of crime About 80 percent of the of which occurred in Ward 2 criminology at the City Uni- and mental illness, which offi cers to develop strategies areas? Obviously, that’s year’s homicides were com- – compared with eight at this versity of New York, said is can cause people to turn to to target the specifi c causes of where they need to put their mitted with a gun, about time last year, according to likely connected to Ward 2’s violence and interpersonal killings. resources.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK Sunrise GW’s letter urging officials to divest from fossil fuels. p. 3

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “It is OK to not know what you want to do immediately after college.” OpinionsJanuary 13, 2020 • Page 4 — JINA PARK ON 1/2/20 Student organizations must prioritize diversity amid enrollment cuts STAFF EDITORIAL Officials released in- the undergraduate stu- sented communities feel ern or Arab. The bulk of of the student body to environment, limiting ternal models late last dent body. Student lead- welcome in their groups. Hatchet staff also iden- decrease. viewpoints and poten- semester showing that ers should make diver- This effort includes tify as straight, while The Hatchet and stu- tially creating an envi- reducing the under- sity and inclusion just The Hatchet. We may 14.6 percent identify dent organizations al- ronment in which prob- graduate student body as much of a priority not be able to measure as bisexual, 7.3 percent together should not let lematic behavior goes will decrease diversity. as some administrators the diversity of other as gay and 2.4 percent GW’s lack of diversity unchecked. All student Faculty have already ex- have – even if other ad- student organizations identify as queer – 4.9 prevent us from work- organizations would pressed concerns about ministrators are at fault around campus, but we percent of staff elected ing to foster more in- benefit from increased the impact of the cut for reducing diversity. can take a look at our- not to answer the ques- clusive environments diversity, and the Uni- on humanities and so- Lack of diversity can selves. We conducted a tion pertaining to sexual for all students. Other versity’s commitment cial sciences, but when harm a students’ feeling survey of The Hatchet’s orientation. In addition, student organizations to cut enrollment means we are talking about of inclusion on campus, 41-person staff, which 36.6 percent of Hatchet on campus should also that student organiza- diversity, student orga- especially in light of includes editors and re- staff receive need-based take steps to evaluate tions need to make an nizations – The Hatchet racist and anti-Semitic search assistants, and financial aid from GW. their own diversity and immediate effort. included – will take the instances last semester. asked them to respond Our diversity – or work to improve. We Diversity is more than biggest hit. Both events underlined to questions regarding lack thereof – in areas could all foster discus- a buzzword to be thrown The University has a campus culture in their race and ethnicity, like race and ethnicity sions on unconscious bi- around when talking made strides to foster a which minority groups gender, sexual orienta- and sexual orientation ases and push members about making people feel more diverse and inclu- feel unsafe, and reduc- tion, disability status, affects the stories we to participate in events included. On our staff, sive student body over ing diversity will not religion and financial find and cover. A more at the Multicultural Stu- diversity is a factor in the past couple of years, ameliorate the situation. aid standing with the diverse staff could show dent Services Center. the stories we find and hiring a diversity and Students look to the University. expanded coverage to We should also reevalu- the way we can report on inclusion education di- more than 400 organiza- This survey revealed underrepresented com- ate the diversity of their them, and other student rector, creating manda- tions to find community that the majority of munities and a greater leadership because it is organizations could be tory diversity trainings on campus, whether it Hatchet staff – 65.9 per- willingness for all stu- easier to feel welcome affected in similar ways. for first-year students be through a fraterni- cent – is white, while 14.6 dents to want to take in an organization in As we all move forward and sending admis- ty and sorority, sports percent are two or more part in the paper in which the leadership is in trying to right our sions officers to recruit team or community races, 7.3 percent are some capacity. We are representative of a com- wrongs and represent applicants from urban service organization. East Asian, 4.9 percent going to keep trying to munity to which an in- our community better, and low-income school Student organizations are Hispanic or Latinx, diversify our staff, make dividual may belong. the University and other districts. But these ef- have a responsibility to 2.4 percent are South everyone included and Lack of diversity has organizations need to forts cannot curb the understand the value of Asian, 2.4 percent are represented in our pa- an adverse effect on stu- move with us to make impending impact of an diversity and inclusion Southeast Asian and 2.4 per – especially as we dent organizations by our campus a truly di- enrollment reduction on and ensure underrepre- percent are Middle East- prepare for the diversity creating an exclusionary verse and inclusive place. What race/ethnicity What religion do do you identify as? you identify as? 2.4% 2.4% Arab/Middle Eastern Southeast Asian 2.4% South Asian 26.8% 2.4% Not religious, 4.9% Atheist Hispanic preferre d no t t o answer 36.6% Yes 9.8% 7.3% 65.9% East Asian Agnostic White 63.4% 43.8% No Christia n 14.6% 17.1% Two or more Jewish races

*Data from internal Hatchet staff survey OLIVIA COLUMBUS | DESIGN EDITOR Humanities and social sciences are in Students should not be required to need of expansion, not STEM live on campus for their third year umanities and est buildings on campus. CCAS still lags behind in t udents are begin- to qualify for an exemp- plan. GW requires all un- social sciences de- When officials increase the resources. ning to consider tion. Students should not dergraduate students liv- partments are in proportion of STEM ma- While CCAS is the their housing for the need to fabricate docu- ing on campus to buy the Hneed of expansion. But jors, they should keep in largest school at GW, it is Sfall, but some upperclass- ments to opt out of on- meal plan, which ranges scaling back the under- mind that CCAS is really sometimes outshone by men may be left paying campus housing. Officials from about $3,000 to near- graduate population and the school that needs more smaller schools that have for on-campus housing should allow students to ly $5,000 per academic increasing the proportion funding to improve. more resources and better they do not want. choose between on- or off- year. Students should of STEM majors is not go- Cutting CCAS enroll- facilities. The Elliott School campus housing to ensure be able to decide how ing to give these depart- ment might mean admin- and the Milken Institute Laya Reddy they have the option to they want to spend their ments the support they istrators may not be able to School of Public Health are Writer find cheaper housing else- money on groceries dur- need. address some long-stand- both prominently ranked where and allocate their ing their third year, but ing issues in the school, by services like the U.S. own money toward meals. mandating that they live Isabella Sorial like advising. There are News and World Report. Officials increased the Part of the reason stu- on campus restricts their Writer currently 12 CCAS advis- But CCAS, which con- on-campus housing re- dents are dodging hous- dining choices. ers for more than 5,000 un- tains some of GW’s most quirement from two years ing requirements could be The cost of the meal dergraduates, while the El- popular majors – like po- to three years in 2013, say- because they have already plan, coupled with the The Columbian Col- liott School has 15 advisers litical science, which was ing the policy would en- found their sense of com- cost of housing, forces lege of Arts and Sciences for about 2,000 undergrad- placed at No. 40 nationally hance students’ academ- munity and do not need students to pay more. But lags behind in the quality uates. Officials should con- in the U.S. News list for ics and social life despite another year to meet new some of GW’s peer schools of advising and academics. tinue to focus on improv- its graduate program – is students speaking out. people in residence halls. give students more hous- Unlike schools like the El- ing academic advising not as highly ranked. Ad- Students were right when Students would have al- ing options. Ten of GW’s 12 liott School of Internation- services in the next couple ministrators should dedi- they first raised concerns ready established a sense peers – Boston, New York, al Affairs and the School of years, which could cate more attention to the about the policy – upper- of community in their first Northeastern, Syracuse, of Engineering and Ap- mean more funding for University’s core school – classmen are forced to buy two years on campus, so Tufts and Tulane univer- plied Science, CCAS does the department. Allocat- CCAS. a housing and meal plan an additional year will not sities and the universi- not offer students a first- ing more money to CCAS The glaring differenc- unless they receive an ex- likely make their sense of ties of Miami, Pittsburgh, year experience class and advising could enable offi- es in resources between emption. community any better. If Rochester and Southern is still trying to improve cials to hire more advisers GW’s schools show the Two years is a suffi- so many students are al- California – require less its academic advising of- and ensure students have root of the problem – the cient amount of time to de- ready finding a way to live than three years of on- fice. CCAS is the Univer- enough staff members to University does not put velop a sense of commu- off campus, the University campus housing. Many sity’s largest school and visit for questions or ad- enough emphasis on its nity on campus and find should make it easier for universities across the deserves more attention, vice on academics. largest school. CCAS is academic success. Adding them to do so by changing country have abandoned not less. The Elliott School, already struggling, and another year to this re- the housing policy. the on-campus housing Growing the propor- SEAS and the GW School slashing the number of quirement is excessive be- The three-year require- requirement altogether. tion of STEM majors could of Business also offer a first- humanities majors will cause it deprives students ment might be reasonable GW should lower its re- mean taking a step back year experience course to not make the problem bet- of the freedom to choose if on-campus housing was quirement to two years to for a school that needs help students adjust to col- ter. University President their housing for an ad- cheaper than off-campus match its peer institutions more funding so it can im- lege academics and learn Thomas LeBlanc said that ditional year, which could housing. Officials esti- and eliminate a financial prove its academics and skills like time manage- cutting enrollment will subject them to higher mate rates are comparable burden for students. advising services. It is not ment and organization. prioritize quality over housing expenses and a to those of surrounding Forcing students to just the school’s services But CCAS students do not quantity, but when the re- meal plan they may not off-campus housing, but spend more money to live that are in need. Faculty have the same opportu- sources for CCAS are al- want. If administrators re- a report last year found on campus is disadvan- in the psychology depart- nity as students in other ready scarce, it is hard to ally want to make the Uni- that on-campus housing tageous to students who ment have complained schools, placing them at imagine how the quality versity more affordable, is more expensive than cannot afford high rates. about the embarrassing a disadvantage. Officials will improve. The Univer- they should revert back off-campus apartments. Administrators should state of their department’s should ensure CCAS has sity must work to ensure to a two-year housing re- Students should not be commit to making GW building, and Bell Hall is access to the same class that CCAS students are quirement so students can forced into paying for on- more affordable by reduc- more than eight decades as other schools, which, given the same tools for opt for cheaper housing campus housing for three ing the on-campus hous- old. Meanwhile, many like advising, means more success as their peers. and leave campus in their years because of its high ing requirement to two STEM classes are housed funding. It is concerning – Isabella Sorial, a fresh- third year. cost. years. in a multi-million dollar that officials are still look- man majoring in interna- Some students wanted Pricier housing is not – Laya Reddy, a fresh- Science and Engineer- ing to grow the Universi- tional affairs, is an opinions a way out of the housing the only added expense man majoring in political ing Hall, one of the new- ty’s STEM presence while writer. policy anyway and got cre- from living on campus – science and music, is an ative, making up excuses it also includes the meal opinions writer.

The GW Sarah Roach, editor in chief Submissions — Deadlines for submissions are Friday 5 p.m. for Monday issues. They must include the author’s Leah Potter, managing director* Alexander Welling, assistant photo editor Ciara Regan, research assistant name, title, year in school and phone number. The GW Hatchet Parth Kotak, senior news editor Arielle Bader, assistant photo editor Katherine Abughazaleh, research assistant Hatchet does not guarantee publication and reserves the Dani Grace, senior news editor Jack Fonseca, assistant photo editor Makena Roberts, research assistant right to edit all submissions for space, grammar and clarity. 609 21st St. NW Jared Gans, assistant news editor Sarah Urtz, assistant photo editor Meredith Roaten, digital manager Submit to [email protected] Washington, D.C. 20052 Lia DeGroot, assistant news editor Lillian Bautista, contributing photo editor Annie Dobler, social media director Shannon Mallard, assistant news editor Olivia Columbus, design editor* Kate McCarthy, contributing social media Policy Statement — The GW Hatchet is produced by gwhatchet.com | @gwhatchet Lizzie Mintz, contributing news editor Tiffany Garcia, contributing design editor director Hatchet Publications Inc., an independent, non-profit Zach Schonfeld, contributing news editor Alyssa Ilaria, graphics editor Jack Liu, web developer corporation. All comments should be addressed to the [email protected] Ilena Peng, blog editor Danny Schapiro, video editor Aaron Kovacs, contributing web developer Board of Directors, which has sole authority for the content of this publication. Opinions expressed in signed [email protected] Kiran Hoeffner-Shah, opinions editor* Heidi Estrada, assistant video editor * denotes member of editorial board [email protected] Hannah Thacker, contributing opinions editor* Dante Schulz, contributing video editor columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily [email protected] Sidney Lee, culture editor* Natalie Prieb, copy editor* reflect the view of The GW Hatchet. All content of The [email protected] Molly Kaiser, contributing culture editor Ed Prestera, assistant copy editor Business Office GW Hatchet is copyrighted and may not be reproduced [email protected] Emily Maise, sports editor* Alec Rich, research assistant Andrew Shlosh, business manager without written authorization from the editor in chief. Belle Long, contributing sports editor Amy Liu, research assistant Tyler Loveless, accounting manager THE GW HATCHET CULTURE January 13, 2020 • Page 5

THE RON POPE MY FAIR LADY SNOOP DOGG SCENE Union Stage The Kennedy Center The Filmore Jan. 15 • $30 Jan. 17 • $39 Jan. 19 • $59 Indie rock artist Ron Drop by the Kennedy Iconic rapper Snoop Dogg Pope will perform beats Center’s adaptation of the will perform in Maryland like “Drop In the Ocean” Wednesday. classic “My Fair Lady.” Sunday. RELEASED CultureJanuary 13, 2020 • Page 5 THIS WEEK: ‘RARE,’ AN ALBUM BY SELENA GOMEZ Sororities host first bid day during winter break

Sisters celebrated their first bid day on the begin. Bid day also took place on the National last day of winter break Sunday. Mall for the first time in three years – sisters Panhellenic Association recruitment was welcomed their new members in Kogan Plaza held for the first time during the final days in 2018 and in Potomac Park, a parking lot off of winter break, ending the day before classes G Street, last January.

ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

SABRINA GODIN | PHOTOGRAPHER SABRINA GODIN | PHOTOGRAPHER Student opens up residence hall room for concerts JULIA RUSSO Maheshwari’s residence hall room to watch REPORTER the concert, during which PineWalls played their own songs for about 40 minutes and In the corner of sophomore Gitika Ma- Gokcebay sang for the first time live, she heshwari’s Francis Scott Key residence said. Those who couldn’t make the show hall room sits a keyboard, a drum set, could watch on @TinydormconcertsGW’s microphones and speakers. The desks are live stream. pushed into the kitchen, the beds are in “For the first show, a lot of my close the hallway, and the walls are strung with friends came to support because I was lights to set the stage for a tiny concert. pretty anxious on the turnout,” Mahesh- Maheshwari launched the Instagram wari said. “Theo had people from the mu- account @TinydormconcertsGW late last sic community and the Student Musicians semester, a spin-off of NPR’s Tiny Desk Coalition come and then the artists brought concerts that host small shows in an office their friends, and what was most exciting space. Maheshwari said she created the ac- was having people come by after just see- count to meet more people from the music ing it on Instagram.” community and help student artists gain Maheshwari has four more concerts PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JACK FONSECA | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR exposure in the low-key setting of a resi- lined up for this semester on Jan. 25, Feb. The WRGW podcast “Food for Talk” was inspired by two seniors’ travels abroad. dence hall room. 23, March 27 and April 17. Each of the four “Dorms can be small, but that is also upcoming concerts has two to three people somewhat of the purpose,” Maheshwari scheduled to play. WRGW explores global dishes said. “It is going to be a pretty intimate and “I was really excited to see where this relaxed setting for both the audience and goes and where it takes itself,” Maheshwari the artist.” said. “The informal nature and atmosphere in first podcast series She said she first talked the idea over is really comfortable for everyone because with a friend, junior Theo Magill, and to- it comes together quickly.” KATHERINE ABUGHAZALEH continue exploring differ- heard that would normally gether they launched an Instagram page. In the future, Maheshwari said she STAFF WRITER ent foods from around the never be heard,” Tohamy Maheshwari said in addition to being a tal- wants to plan a Tiny Dorm Concert festival, world. The podcast series said. “They’re Palestinian. ented guitarist in his own band, Magill is during which concerts would take place in WRGW’s first podcast se- allows them to taste several They started from the bot- an executive board member of the Student multiple residence hall rooms next to each ries will connect people from dishes and talk with people tom up. This episode is really Musicians Coalition and can borrow equip- other throughout one night. She added that different cultures around a who can share their favorite cool.” ment from the group to host shows. she wants to incorporate art exhibits in the dinner table – literally. dishes from their culture. The second episode’s All of the concerts are held in her FSK rooms during concerts to highlight artists Seniors Janaki Goudar For each episode of “Food guests are based on the space in room 305, and she promotes events who don’t sing or play instruments. and Sara Tohamy are the for Talk,” Goudar and To- theme “food as anywhere and the opportunity to play shows on the Allen, the lead singer of PineWalls, said hosts of “Food for Talk,” hamy said they first pick but home.” Two of Goudar Instagram page, Maheshwari said. Inter- he ran through a few songs and asked Jacy WRGW’s first podcast pub- a theme that could range and Tohamy’s friends, seniors ested student musicians can direct message Case, a student who has performed back- lished on Apple and Spotify from “food as anywhere Ilona de Heusch-Desquiron the Instagram account to set up a concert ing vocals for their live shows, to play with Monday. The hosts bring in but home” to “food as resil- and Mahalia Smith, appear date, she said. them the night of the event. He said mem- chefs from around D.C. and ience,” and guests share sto- on the show to discuss how So far, Maheshwari said she has re- bers of the band “love” playing live shows students interested in cook- ries on the podcast centered their international upbring- ceived about 20 messages from different and wanted to play in a relatively small set- ing to their apartment kitchen around the dish or food they ings in Tanzania, Argentina, student artists who are interested in per- ting like a residence hall room. table to discuss popular dish- choose. The hosts and guests Shanghai and Haiti influ- forming. “We figured it would be interesting to es from their culture and how choose a recipe to discuss in enced their cooking styles. De Freshman Adam Gokcebay was slated perform in an intimate, stripped-down they connect with their back- their West End apartment, Heusch-Desquiron prepared to be the sole performer Nov. 23, but Ma- setting like that – stripped-down because ground through food. then cook and talk about the a Haitian dish from her child- heshwari said she ran into two members of three of our band members were out of “I’m a firm believer in the dish together. hood while Smith showcased the band PineWalls, Greg Rice and Joesph town that week,” Allen said. “There were idea that food can bring peo- Behind the scenes, a pro- her homemade empanadas. Allen, who spontaneously decided to join probably 30 or so people there through- ple together,” Tohamy said. duction team comprised “We also wanted people in at the first Tiny Dorm Concert. out the night, which really fills out a dorm “Despite our differences, ev- of WRGW board members that are out of the restaurant About 20 to 30 people squeezed into room.” eryone can talk about food. operate all technical equip- business, like everyday GW Everyone’s got to eat.” ment, record the show and people,” Goudar said. “You Goudar and Tohamy said edit the sounds of cooking, get to talk to your friends “Food for Talk” is a way to eating and discussion, they about something you don’t unite people beyond common said. talk about every day.” interests and perspectives “We come up with the The next two episodes through food. Each episode themes ourselves.,” Tohamy will focus on a theme of explores a dish selected by said. “But behind the scenes, “food as resilience” and how the guest and a conversation there’s way more going on.” guests found respite in cook- around a dinner table about The podcast’s first epi- ing and sharing their craft. how the food is significant to sode featured a mother-son Goudar and Tohamy said the guest’s life, they said. duo that runs Z&Z Za’atar, they will feature stories of “Food for Talk” was in- a local Palestinian business immigrant business owners spired by Goudar and To- that sells classic flatbreads at and workers who established hamy’s travels, they said. farmers markets in D.C. and a home in D.C. through the While Tohamy studied Virginia. comfort of cooking. abroad in Singapore, she In the podcast episode, “Everyone, to some de- invited Goudar to visit and Goudar and Tohamy learn gree, has experienced adver- travel together in Thailand how to make Z&Z Za’atar’s sity,” Goudar said. “We’ve and China where they bond- classic flatbread before sit- been really inspired by ed with natives and other ting down to taste and talk people in Washington who travelers over local delicacies. about how the mother and have challenged obstacles After Goudar and To- son started their business. in life and have been able to hamy returned to the U.S., “The second part of our overcome them specifically COURTESY OF GITIKA MAHESHWARI they said they wanted to mantra is having stories through food.” Sophomore Gitika Maheshwari will host concerts in her room in Francis Scott Key Hall this spring. GAMES OF THE WEEK MEN’S BASKETBALL MEN AND WOMEN’S vs. George Mason SWIMMING AND DIVING Wednesday | 7 p.m. vs. Georgetown Men’s basketball searches for its first Saturday | 1 p.m. conference win of the season against The Colonials take on the the Patriots. Hoyas in the last home meet.

January 13, 2020 • Page 6 NUMBER The percentage of three-pointers women’s basketball sinks in the fourth quarter, down Sports CRUNCH 24.1 from its season average of 34.4 percent Men’s basketball hones in on ‘little things’ as marginal losses plague A-10 play

EMILY MAISE Christian said he makes average of 19.3 points against SPORTS EDITOR frequent substitutions in A-10 competition. conference matchups to He converts 41 percent of “keep guys fresh,” reaching his shots from the field and Drives to the basket and for senior forward Arnaldo connects on 36.4 percent of free throw shots helped Toro and redshirt senior his attempts from deep. men’s basketball chip away at guard Armel Potter for an Battle said Christian’s Saint Louis’ lead in the final average of 21.3 and 35 min- system is “perfect” for him. minutes of a game last week, utes off the bench, respec- He added that constant en- but the last-minute push tively. couragement from his team- wasn’t enough to overcome He added that the vet- mates has pushed him to the Billikens. eran leadership of Potter has take more shots. The Colonials (6-10, 0-3 been instrumental in leading “I know Maceo always A-10) have walked away with the team by example on the says it, tells me that I’m a great marginal losses at the buzzer hardwood. Potter averages shooter,” Battle said after the during their past three Atlan- seven assists and 11.7 points game against Duquesne. “Ev- tic 10 games, making a come- per game in A-10 play. In ery time we talk on the floor back in the final minute that tight games, Christian trusts he says that to me, so I think has placed them within five Potter to handle the ball as it’s just the confidence level points of winning each time. the clock ticks down. my teammates bring and the Head coach Jamion Christian “Potter does an unbe- confidence level coach brings said the squad’s ability to fo- lievable job of leading our is something that keeps me cus on its game supersedes guys on the floor and really going.” wins and losses, making being a guy that can battle,” Christian said the team them more “dangerous” for Christian said after the game hasn’t fully reached its po- future games. ZACH BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHER against Duquesne. “He’s got tential on the court, but its re- The last time the Colo- Senior foward Arnaldo Toro and freshman forward Jamison Battle defend against Duquesne. a great determination for siliency and connectivity are nials’ opened their confer- helping our team.” the marks of a “great team.” ence slate 0-3 was in 2008-09 Louis and Duquesne in their Louis, the Colonials missed got the chance to be a really Battle said the team has “I just appreciate being when the squad ended the first conference games of open layups and allowed special team,” Christian said. the vigor to win games, but around a group of guys that season with just four A-10 the season, dropping each the Billikens to net 15 sec- “No team right now is set to its biggest issue lies in tight- just keep fighting and they wins and an 11-18 overall re- contest by five points. The ond-chance points on a few win the title today and the ening up its play. keep leaning on one another cord. team’s 61.7 points per game missed box-outs. Against team that can learn the most “Once we figure out the and I think as we tie that in “You can play great and in conference play ranks it Duquesne, play-calling con- about themselves right now little things, what we need to with our ability to execute, I lose a game,” Christian said 12th in the A-10, but the Colo- fusion between Christian and adjust from it has the work on, I think we just have think we’re going to be a re- after the game against Saint nials have battled back from and the team on the court let best chance to hoist that ban- that fight and have the things ally tough team,” Christian Louis. “You can play bad and deficits as large as 17 to create a one-possession game turn ner up at the end of the year.” we need to do and we’ll be said after the game against win a game. It’s not really two-possession games. into a two-possession loss. Christian has stayed con- a really good team,” Battle Duquesne. “We’re not where about that for us. It’s really Each of the squad’s losses Christian said the team sistent with his starting line- said after the game against we want to be at today, but just about us staying locked has been at the hands of in- needs to learn and grow ev- up throughout each game, Duquesne. that resiliency – great teams in what we’ve got to do and consistency. Against St. Bo- ery day to better itself incre- relying on junior guard Ma- Battle continues to be have that – and we have a lot trying to learn how to play naventure, the team could mentally throughout the sea- ceo Jack, sophomore guard a bright spot for the Colo- of that.” at our very best that allows not sustain its defensive son if players want to capture Amir Harris and a trio of nials throughout confer- The Colonials are back in us to be at our best when our prowess in the second half a title in March. freshmen in guard Jameer ence play. The big man logs action Wednesday as they best is required.” and let a halftime lead slip “If we continue to have Nelson Jr., forward Chase a team-leading 36 minutes take on George Mason in the The Colonials have bat- away. a growth mindset and learn Paar and forward Jamison per conference matchup and Revolutionary Rivalry. Tipoff tled St. Bonaventure, Saint On the road at Saint from our experiences, we’ve Battle. is pacing the squad with an is slated for 7 p.m.

IN BRIEF

Duquesne knocks off men’s basketball

Men’s basketball had a plan to recover from a four-point deficit with less than 30 seconds left, but confusion between head coach Jamion Christian and players stunted the comeback against Duquesne Saturday. The Colonials (6-10, 0-3 A-10) evened the score at halftime, but timely execution in the final moments of play powered the Dukes (14-2, 4-0 A-10) to a tight 66–61 win. Christian said he and the team had two different plays in mind, and players did not know where to pass the ball in the remaining seconds. “We want to be a team that really executes well at the end there and it seems like we didn’t do a good job of executing, and that’s on me,” Christian said. “Just making sure the guys know where you want the ball to go to.” Freshman forward Jamison Battle led the squad for the second straight game with 20 points, matching his career-high against St. Bonaventure Jan. 5. He tacked on 10 rebounds to record his second consecutive double-double. The Colonials struck first with a layup from freshman forward Chase Paar. HATCHET FILE PHOTO BY HADLEY CHITTUM | PHOTOGRAPHER Duquesne fired back with a 7-0 run before freshman guard Jameer Nelson Jr. Redshirt freshman forward Mayowa Taiwo is averaging 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in conference play. notched a layup down low. On the day, he netted 14 points on 6-of-14 shoot- ing. Battle sunk his first three-pointer of the night to even the score at nine, but junior guard Tavion Dunn-Martin responded with a triple of his own to retake Women’s basketball finds strength the lead. Dunn-Martin along with three other Dukes finished in double-digit scoring. With less than 10 minutes to play, Duquesne blocked a layup attempt from in frontcourt in first A-10 games Paar and secured two points in the paint for themselves. The Colonials went EMILY MAISE back to Paar on the next possession and the big man hit the layup. SPORTS EDITOR hasn’t been as big of a The frontcourt has An 13-4 run by the Dukes built an 11-point lead for the team with three weakness for us in A-10 thrived in Rizzotti’s sys- minutes remaining in the half. Thirty seconds later, Battle found his rhythm play.” tem. It has amassed 38.1 from long range, hitting two back-to-back triples and nailing two free throws Women’s basketball has Rizzotti added that points per game against to bring the Colonials within three points. begun to see improvement her backcourt is an area in A-10 competition. The Co- Battle said his teammates played a large role in his offensive production, in reducing turnovers and which she wants to see “con- lonials have also tapped allowing him to take a team-leading 15 shots throughout the game. scoring in the paint dur- tinued growth” because her into the paint for scoring “I probably wouldn’t get as many shots as I do, it’s just with my team- ing the first few conference players are relatively inexpe- opportunities, averaging mates, right, because they’re the ones who pass the ball to me,” Battle said. games. rienced. Junior guard Lexus 24.7 points a game. “And I think they’re the ones always coming to me, ‘Keep shooting, keep In their opening trio of Levy is the only guard who A duo made up of gradu- shooting, you’re a great shooter.’” Atlantic 10 games, the Colo- has seen minutes in confer- ate student forward Alexan- With four seconds on the clock in the first frame, Battle hit a buzzer-beating nials (7-9, 1-2 A-10) defeated ence play this season who dra Maund and sophomore three-point shot to send both teams into the locker room knotted at 32. He Duquesne but fell to George also saw minutes on the center Kayla Mokwuah lead netted 18 of his points from deep, connecting on 6-of-15 attempts from beyond Mason and Fordham. Head court last season. the charge for the Colonials, the arc. coach Jennifer Rizzotti said Graduate student guard averaging double-digits. “We were pretty excited,” Battle said. “We knew that we just had to come the squad is still learning Ariel Stephenson and red- Rizzotti said Mokwuah out in the second half and fight, and I think at points we did, but I just think from past games and gain- shirt junior guard Sydney and Maund are able to sub there’s just more to it.” ing experience to find a bal- Zambrotta have college- in and out for each other, al- Despite Battle’s hot hand, the Colonials only connected on 26.7 percent of ance in all facets of the game. level playing experience, but lowing them to stay fresh in shots from beyond the arc and netted 40 percent of its attempts from the field. “Our guards and our they are wearing GW uni- each rotation. Duquesne’s shooting percentage stood at 39.3 percent from the field, but the posts needed to figure out forms for the first time this “When I can split min- Dukes fired at a .429 clip from deep. how to play together and season and have been side- utes between them, they end Both teams markedly improved its shooting in the second half, trading what’s going to work, and lined throughout the year up being really, really effi- basket for basket. The Colonials sunk 46.2 percent of its attempts from the field it’s just been a focus for us with injuries. cient,” Rizzotti said. and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Dukes fired at a .500 clip from long and something that we talk- Redshirt freshman Redshirt freshman for- range and connected on 60 percent of its three-point attempts. ed a lot about,” Rizzotti said. guard Tori Hyduke, who is ward Mayowa Taiwo nearly Another triple from Battle and a layup from sophomore guard Amir Harris The Colonials are averag- in her first year on the court, averages a double-double boosted the Colonials to a three-point lead. The Dukes rallied a 9-0 run to take ing 12.7 turnovers per game has assumed a portion of the against conference foes. In their largest lead of the half, advancing by six points. in A-10 play, down from ball handling responsibili- her first look at A-10 play, The Colonials lagged behind by one or two possessions for 10 minutes their season average of 17.7 ties and leads all guards in she is averaging 9.7 points before Nelson Jr. sunk two shots from the charity stripe to even out the score at per game. Through its first average minutes with 27.7 and 8.7 rebounds per game. 54. The lead changed six times in the final five minutes of play. trio of conference games, per game. Sophomore guard She notched a career-high A Nelson Jr. dunk off an inbound pass pulled the Colonials ahead by one GW is sharing the ball and Maddie Loder, who aver- 18 points against Duquesne at the 2:27 mark, but a three-point stroke from sophomore guard Sincere Carry averaging 14.3 assists per aged 26.6 minutes per game and ripped a career-high 14 gave the Dukes a lead GW could not overcome. game, up from its season av- last season as a ball handler, boards against Fordham. “Great awareness by them of getting the ball to the right spots and really erage of 11.8. has not seen the floor since Rizzotti said Taiwo’s suc- keeping pressure on us,” Christian said. “We just couldn’t get that stop to come The squad’s assist-to- Dec. 20. cess has sprouted from a out with another offensive possession and really open it up.” turnover ratio in confer- Rizzotti said for her new approach to using her Miscommunication between Christian and the squad on the court coupled ence play clocks in at No. 4 backcourt to be success- quickness and strength. with clutch free-throw shooting from the Dukes sealed the Colonials’ fate. GW in the A-10 at 1.13. Rizzotti ful, they need to be more “It was nice to see her fell to Duquesne 66–61. said the statistic demon- patient. Guards have aver- trying to really figure out in Christian said the team will focus on the execution portion of practice in strates how her team has aged 20.7 points in confer- the last couple weeks how to the days to come to ensure players are moving to the right spots on the floor to progressed to strengthen ence play this season. take advantage of her physi- “really attack the opposing team.” a former weakness. “We need to make sure cal assets, but also to be able The Colonials are back in action Saturday to host George Mason. Tipoff is “There’s an area that we have a little bit more to slow the game down in scheduled for 7 p.m. was a real weakness for patience early in the game her mind and be much more us, and we’re figuring about letting our offense effective,” Rizzotti said. out how to neutralize it work and letting our post The Colonials are back in —Emily Maise a little bit,” Rizzotti said. players draw the kind of action Saturday at Davidson. “I wouldn’t say that it’s a defense that’s going to al- Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. strength, taking care of low for easier shots on the – Roman Bobek contributed the ball, but it certainly perimeter,” Rizzotti said. reporting.