Vista: February 4, 2021

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2-4-2021

University of San Diego

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The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968 THE USD VISTA Editorial: Academic integrity Beyond bid day HALLIE WILTSHIRE violations on the rise at USD ASST. OPINION EDITOR When thinking of the college USD’s interim vice provost sent out a mass email addressing the experience, one of the first ideas rise of cheating during a global pandemic that comes to mind is Greek life. Across the United States, provost, sent an email to the 2020, the first remote learning websites for exam answers, he nine million college students are TYLER PUGMIRE USD student body regarding an semester, there were a total of said. members of Greek organizations. NEWS EDITOR increase of academic integrity 32 academic integrity violations Cases have risen at However, for many, the words infractions that have happened reported to the office of the universities across the globe, “sorority” and “fraternity” On the first day of the since shifting to an online provost, according to Dr. Pace. with as many as 100 cases of hold a negative connotation. Spring 2021 semester, Roger learning format. This was an increase from 23 cheating at the University of The portrayal of sororities and Pace, Ph.D., interim vice In the fall semester of infractions in Spring 2020, and British Columbia on a single fraternities in popular culture is more than 400% increase math midterm, as well as at is of, at their best, party- and from the five cases in the Fall Texas State University where social-based organizations, and semester of 2019, the last there has been a 33% increase at their worst, racist and elitist semester to be fully in-person. of cheating cases reported. As organizations that promote These numbers are likely stated in an email sent to the alcoholism and sexual violence. lower than the actual count student body, the main offense With 26% of USD’s student of students that have been at TSU comes in the form of body participating in Fraternity & caught by professors because visiting third-party websites Sorority Life (FSL), the presence of some professors refrain from during exams in order to find such organizations is ubiquitous. reporting to administrators and answers. It is nearly impossible to scroll prefer to handle the situation One of the more popular through Instagram without independently. This has become websites students look to for seeing at least one post about a problem for administration homework and test answers a Greek life event. Despite the because they are finding it more is Chegg, which has begun significant levels of participation, difficult to find serial violators reporting to universities if most members of FSL claim that of the academic integrity policy, they suspect foul use on their USD’s Greek system is different according to Pace. website. Chegg’s stock price from other larger universities. Plagiarism has been the has tripled since the COVID- Although this may be true on most prominent form of 19 lockdowns and classroom some level — as USD does not violation to the academic restrictions that began Mar. 13, have FSL housing, which often acts as the epicenter of deplorable Academic dishonesty rose by over 400% from Fall 2019 to Spring 2020. integrity guidelines, followed 2020. behavior — the toxicity that is Photo courtesy of Wulan Sari/Unsplash closely by using third-party See Dishonesty, Page 2 ingrained in the Greek system at large still persists. Toreros fall to No. 1 Zags, 90-62 See Bid Day, Page 4 Sullivan’s 16 points among silver linings as USD makes Gonzaga MORE bend, not break STORIES were taking good shots and out- Torero mistakes helped the Zags where you’re just handing them ERIC BOOSE scoring the visitors early, head build momentum and find more points,” Scholl said. “So, we felt Spring semester SPORTS EDITOR coach Sam Scholl attributed his scoring opportunities. like we gave them nine points team’s strong start more to their “We just had some what we in the first half, just on our own changes After the first ten minutes ability to stop the Bulldogs. call ‘atomic bomb turnovers’ self-inflicted mistakes. When See News, page 3 of Thursday night’s game, the “We were doing a really good or ‘runout turnovers,’ where you’re trying to beat the number University of San Diego men’s job in transition defense,” Scholl we turn it over and it leads to one team in the country, and our basketball team held a five-point said. “(Gonzaga) are so powerful, a breakaway dunk or layup, See Gonzaga, Page 11 lead against the top-ranked and they can score in so many Twitter blocks Gonzaga Bulldogs, but that ways, and they are so fast and Trump would be the best they could explosive scoring in transition. I See Opinion, page 5 do. The visiting Zags scored 15 felt like we did a great job of not unanswered points to take the letting them have any transition lead before cruising to a 28- points, we did a great job of point victory, continuing their no second-chance points, no Marvelous unbeaten start to the season and offensive rebounds, we had five Marni handing the Toreros a seventh guys really determined in their loss in just nine games. role to get rebounds to finish See Feature, page 8 Despite being heavy possessions.” underdogs, San Diego was the But the Toreros could not stronger of the two teams in the keep the Bulldogs’ potent offense Olivia Rodrigo early stages of the game, holding down forever. A collection of GU to five points in as many turnovers and fouls did not help. tops charts minutes. And, while the Toreros After a strong start to the game, See A&C, page 9

Don’t miss the latest news. Winter sports Find us online: recap See Sports, page 12 @USDVista @theusdvista uofsdmedia.com Finn Sullivan led the Toreros’ offense, finishing with 16 points and six assists. Photo courtesy of Chad Cushing/USD Athletics 2 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 NEWS Honor code infractions climb during online learning Cases of cheating have increased by over 400% as USD announces another semester of remote learning until further notice

Dishonesty from Page 1 answers, according to Pace. “We are hoping for a and we know that there are times, it seems as though most of These violations occur more USD professors have been grassroots effort, where faculty concerns from students about the cheating comes from a “time often in the STEM departments notified through the college deans can encourage students (to take privacy there.” crunch” as Pace says. He also because most exam questions are that these infractions are on the their exams without any outside based on formulas and numbers, rise, and have been asked to come help),” Pace said. “We are not “We are not recommending the use of whereas an English or philosophy up with their own questions, as recommending the use of the the Respondus Lockdown Browser, and exam comes in the form of essay opposed to those from a textbook. Respondus Lockdown Browser, we know that there are concerns from students about privacy there.” - Roger Pace, Ph.D. Administrators aimed to noted that there does not seem alleviate the urge to cheat on to be many cases of premeditated exams by sending out the mass cheating at this time. email, and do not plan on sending Less than a week after the another blanket statement to the email by Pace, while San Diego student body, but are exploring remained in the purple tier, Gail other ways to encourage honest F. Baker, Ph.D., provost and vice learning. president, announced that the “My goal with the email was spring semester would be starting to motivate students to rethink remotely. Classes will remain how they’re approaching it and online until the county can enter even though that there may be the red tier, and when professors easy ways around the work, that is feel it safe enough for themselves never an adequate substitute for to deliver material in a socially learning the material,” Pace said. distanced, in-person classroom. As students navigate their While classes remain online, way through a global pandemic, USD officially has more than it is clear that no one is entirely 1,000 students living in on- Cases of cheating have risen at universities across America as they navigate online learning. aware of what anyone may be campus housing, according to Tyler Pugmire/The USD Vista going through and, in uncertain Pace. Biden reverses many Trump policies President Biden has spent his first days reinstating many Obama-era policies

serve in the military, re-entering of these boomeranging executive MIKAELA FOEHR the Paris Climate Agreement, orders deal explicitly with the COPY EDITOR revoking the Keystone XL lives and rights of certain groups Pipeline permit, including non- of people: allowing transgender In recent administrations, citizens in apportionment counts, people to serve in the military, executive orders have become a and reinforcing Affordable Care for example. According to the common quick-fix for presidents Act provisions. In addition, Biden AP, there were an estimated looking to enact change, and has signed memorandums, which 14,700 transgender people President Joe Biden is continuing are not as forceful as executive serving in military ranks, both this pattern. Since taking office orders, repealing the travel ban on active and reserve, in 2019. These on Jan. 20, Biden has signed 28 people from seven predominantly service members have had their executive orders as listed on the Muslim nations and reinforcing professional careers in limbo for Federal Registrar. These orders Deferred Action for Childhood the past five years, from when have followed two major themes: Arrivals (DACA). Obama passed an order allowing addressing coronavirus and Many Democrats and liberals open service by transgender reversing Trump-era policies. have praised these actions; people, to the reversal by Trump, Executive orders are pieces of however, the ease in which Biden through years of court challenges, quasi-legislation addressing the enacted them also shows how to the current policy of the Biden function of the Executive Branch, easily they can be reversed. Nearly administration. which presidents have the power all of the policies that Biden has These executive orders, to enact unilaterally. While swift reversed were campaign promises while undoing some of Trump’s in enactment, executive orders do that President Trump made in most controversial policies, are not have the strength of a law, are 2016, indicating that four years not necessarily permanent, and often contested in court, and can of work can be dismissed with the will likely need action taken be easily reversed by a new head stroke of a pen if concrete laws are by Congress and the President executive. never passed to support them. together to outlast the next The Trump policy reversals More pressing than the easily- administration’s preferences. Biden has taken on include erased policy legacies of past There are also expected challenges Biden was sworn in on Jan. 20 allowing transgender people to presidents is the fact that some in the Supreme and district courts. Photo courtesy of GPA Photo Archive/Creative Commons Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ NEWS ◆ The USD Vista 3 Changes on campus for the spring semester New dining spots open, places to study, and the new challenges USD is facing with more students on campus

distanced tables and chairs are KARISA KAMPBELL available to use for studying or CONTRIBUTOR eating, especially around Copley Library and the UCs. In addition, With the start of the spring there are also tables and benches semester and an increase in available around residence halls. students on campus, there are Blake Burke, first year, shared some new changes to what is and his favorite place to study on is not available to USD students. campus. While San Diego remains in the “I like studying at the tables most restrictive, purple tier at outside of San Buenaventura the time of publication, due to because of the proximity to my the number of COVID-19 cases, dorm and how convenient it is to many on-campus dining options, go outside and get some fresh air services, and activities are either between classes,” Burke said. not being offered or are offering Although indoor gyms such remote services only. However, as the Jenny Craig Pavilion and some select spaces, dining, the Bosley Fitness Center are and services remain open and closed, there are other options committed to serving students. available on campus to work out As an alternative to apartment and promote a healthy lifestyle. studying, Copley Library, the Outdoor gym areas such as the Learning Commons, and the swimming pool, tennis courts University Center (UC) are all and TRX training stations at the open for individual study on Sports Center remain open on a campus. Masks must be worn reservation-based operation only. while studying in these spaces, The Torero Store is open and Lines have been blocked off outside of the SLP in order for students to have adequate space apart from each other. and there is no eating allowed, is a great place to grab Torero Tanner Claudio/The USD Vista per current state and county gear, school supplies, or even and Education, and the Center of snacks, smoothies, waffles, and of the semester, lines at the guidelines. Reservations for electronics such as a laptop or for Student Success. For more other tasty treats. SLP have reached upward of Copley Library must be made calculator. They are open Monday information visit the USD Student Jess Fernandez De La O, 45 minutes during peak times. Wellness website. a current first year living on Students are being forced to wait “If you’re going to let more students on In addition to the dining campus, shared her excitement outside, sometimes in inclement services that were open last about this new eating option. weather, for long periods of time campus you should open up more dining semester, the Student Life “They have so many good since the SLP is the only on- on campus to reduce the lines.” Pavilion and Tu Mercado, a new options and the people working campus dining option open that option for takeout or outdoor there are so sweet,” Fernandez accepts meal swipes as payment - Grace Bentley dining has recently opened to De La O said. “They have a great for dinner. provide students with more eating attitude and are always at the First year Meredith Bacon was beforehand and can be made through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. options on campus. Bosley Cafe, disposition to help. It’s really nice part of an experiment managing through the library website. Support services for students located in the San Buenaventura to go in for a smoothie so close to the line earlier last week that was In addition to these indoor also remain open, mostly through apartments and next to the where I live and see their smiling facilitated by the faculty. study spaces, there are plenty remote services. These resources Mata’yuum Crossroads, is now faces.” “The staff at the dining hall of outdoor spaces available include counseling services, open every day from 10:30 a.m. to With the limited dining are aware of the situation and had throughout campus. Socially Campus Assault Resources 11 p.m. Its menu includes a variety options on campus comes long us write the time that we got into lines at the SLP. Grace Bentley, line on a sticky note, and give it USD's COVID-19 Dashboard can be found at first year, commented on these to the cashier as we left,” Bacon https://www.sandiego.edu/blueprint/covid-19-dashboard.php lines and the lack of enforcement said. “What they will do with to maintain social distancing that information, I don’t know, in line during the busier dinner but hopefully something because cumulative cases since August 16 times. something needs to be done.” COVID-19 402 “If you’re going to let more Although the spring semester students on campus you should has begun as yet another online 45 residential student cases open up more dining on campus learning semester, there are WEEKLY to reduce the lines,” Bentley still some options for students said. ”Opening Bosley isn’t on campus to get out of their 329 non- residential student cases enough. With COVID, it doesn’t rooms, study, or dine. Bosley Cafe CASE make sense to have one main opening is a step in a direction dining option open because then towards more eating options 53 employees working on campus everyone is congregating and being open on campus, and is COUNT being in lines together, and you hopefully only one of many to Updated 2/2/2021 know we’re not social distancing.” reopen soon. La Paloma, Bert’s 21 employees working remotely Bentley isn’t alone in these Bistro, and Blue Spoon are all frustrations. Since the beginning closed for the foreseeable future.

Editorial – 619.260.4584 The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Business – 619.260.4714 Advertising material published is for information purposes only www.uofsdmedia.com / @TheUSDVista and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. Celina Tebor - Editor in Chief Brittany Lang - Feature Editor Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista Jennifer Mossuto - Associate Editor Taylor DeGuzman - Arts & Culture Editor Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor 5998 Alcala Park Catherine Silvey - Managing Editor Eric Boose - Sports Editor San Diego, CA 92110 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Mikaela Foehr- Copy Editor Sean Butler - Distribution Manager The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Tori Tanigawa - Art Director Regan Ferarri - Social Media Manager Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For Tyler Pugmire - News Editor Austin Piona - Finance Manager identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit Alena Botros - Opinion Editor MaryCatherine Smith - Advertising Manager published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated. 4 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 EDITORIAL The reality of recruitment Fraternities and sororities at USD claim to be striving for more diversity and inclusion, but the current recruitment process undermines that goal

From Bid Day, Page 1 who gets a bid and who doesn’t if not based on appearance? The FSL community at USD Focusing on people’s unique is composed of 18 fraternities personalities and interests and sororities within three should not be the exception, it councils. Primary recruitment should be the norm. If the typical is done in early spring before recruitment process is not the semester begins. For the centered on PNMs as people and Panhellenic sororities, it is a instead is about choosing those three-day process in which who fit the cookie-cutter mold, Potential New Members (PNMs) it is inherently based on image. meet a number of current By being judged based on looks, members to learn more about PNMs are by extension being sorority life on campus. judged by race and social class, The document outlining the since having more money means Panhellenic recruitment rules is more access to the clothes and 17 pages long, with every possible accessories that make a more detail accounted for. Section appealing PNM. Further, the IX describes the expected attire model individual for Greek life for each day of recruitment, has, historically, looked one way: which is both demanding and rich and white. Unconscious bias limiting. Although this attire pushes those selecting PNMs to is not technically described choose individuals who fit that as ‘required,’ it is anticipated model of the classic-looking that all PNMs will dress sorority girl. in the prescribed manner. Greek life in the United States Additionally, it assumes that has always been very white and PNMs have the resources or exclusive. Many BIPOC report means to purchase the required that they feel excluded. The first clothing in order to fit in or Greek life organization in the look the part. Four completely United States, Phi Beta Kappa, different outfits ranging from was founded at the College of “snappy casual” to “formal” do William and Mary in 1776. During not come cheap, particularly the next following centuries, considering the high standards Greek organizations continued set by a relatively wealthy to expand to college campuses student body. across the country. White This is a common criticism students, through both formal of FSL: the financial burden and informal racist practices, imposed upon members. Across more readily had access to all seven Panhellenic sororities, higher education, and thus to the average new membership the clubs and organizations on cost is $819. Before the campus. When BIPOC students pandemic, the average cost of were able to attend majority Fall and Spring active dues was white universities, they were FSL has been inherently exclusive since its founding, with many BIPOC reporting their lack of acceptance in these organizations. $543 and $490 respectively. specifically excluded from Photo courtesy of James Fitzgerald/Unsplash At its core, FSL is too focused on image the recruitment process. How can we expect sororities and to be inclusive. fraternities to be diverse and inclusive if the path to join said They have since been lowered sororities and fraternities. organizations is based almost HAVE AN due to COVID-19. USD is not a diverse purely on looks and appearance? At its core, FSL is too university in terms of race and Virtual recruitment this focused on image to be inclusive. ethnicity. 52% of USD students year was reportedly less formal OPINION? PNMs are expected to dress are white. Striving for more and more conversation-based, and act a certain way during diversity and inclusion within allowing PNMs to shine as recruitment in order to stand a FSL is a worthy goal. Particularly individuals — a silver lining chance of being accepted. The in our current social and political of the pandemic continuing to recruitment process lends itself environment, not fighting force all activity online. This to judgements based on surface- for diversity is a grave error. should be the new standard. SHARE IT level visual characteristics. However, the history of racist Spend more one-on-one time Current members meet hundreds and discriminatory practices by with PNMs and talk to them as of PNMs in only a handful Greek life cannot be ignored, as people. Abolish the strict dress WITH US. of days, leaving little time to they continue to influence the code and allow PNMs to dress as they please. For an even Perhaps the root issues don’t lie with more drastic proposal, follow FSL as whole, but with the recruitment the model of “The Voice” TV show and don’t look at PNMs at process. all until after they receive their bids. actually get to know them on an perceptions of those both within Until the recruitment process Send an email to individual level.If sororities and and outside FSL. is no longer heavily based on [email protected]. fraternities don’t really know Perhaps the root issues don’t image, FSL will continue to lack their PNMs, how do they choose lie with FSL as a whole, but with diversity and inclusion.

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body. Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ OPINION ◆ The USD Vista 5 EDITORIAL Twitter finally blocks Trump; should we be worried? Some are taking concern with social media now censoring politicians. However, it is well within their right to do so

or to serve the United States Twitter is a private entity, giving Amendment that classifies as worry more about the violence BAYLYNNE BRUNETTI government. If members of the it the right to make its own rules unprotected speech. The most that takes place when they do ASST. OPINION EDITOR Democratic Party were spewing and guidelines for its platform. common example: yelling fire in not. These companies do not falsehoods about our elections, The First Amendment states, the middle of a crowded movie exist to protect our freedom of After an already tumultuous I firmly believe that these “Congress shall make no law theater. You cannot use your speech; that is the government’s presidency, President Donald platforms would move to fact respecting an establishment of “freedom of speech pass” to job. Twitter and other platforms J. Trump started 2021 tweeting check and block those posts. religion, or prohibiting the free incite a violent attempted coup. have teams of lawyers that enough election fraud rhetoric This rhetoric that Twitter exercise thereof; or abridging The Supreme Court has made advise them on all the issues to incite a coup d’ètat against or Facebook possess too much that have been mentioned above. the American government. power and are trying to block Though I do worry about the blurred They do not want to be sued or He has fired off tweets about conservative voices in order to lines of social media platforms censoring be involved in the crosshairs of unfound election fraud since push a liberal agenda is merely government lawsuits. So, I trust last November. This continuous more propaganda to continue speech, I worry more about the violence in their policies and their legal rhetoric fueled the fire that the fear mongering that has that takes place when they do not. reasoning behind why they are led to an insurrection at the grown exponentially in the last taking a step to halt violence Capitol in Washington D.C., four years. We should be more when it presents itself on their taking the lives of U.S. Capitol concerned with the fact that the freedom of speech, or of it clear that not all speech is platforms. police officers and several of private companies had to alert the press; or the right of the protected. The Court established Alas, it seems Twitter was Trump’s supporters. Because the masses to the lies that were people peaceably to assemble, the clear and present danger test right in banning Trump from and to petition the Government which states that speech that “is their platform. However, it does for a redress of grievances.” directed at inciting or producing still leave a dangling question Twitter made the right call. They justified Therefore, unless Twitter has imminent lawless action” and is about what the future holds in their decision with multiple reviews of become the U.S. House of “likely to incite or produce such terms of social media censorship. Representatives or the U.S. action” is not protected by the I do not have a crystal ball, but their guidelines and rules. Senate in the midst of this chaos, Constitution. I do not see Twitter making they are not violating Trump’s It is fair to say that under this their new status quo and their platform allowed Trump being spread from our very own rights. this test, the speech that led to becoming the overlords of to rattle off his election fraud government officials. Even if Twitter were to inch the insurrection at the Capitol free speech. I hope this was fantasies, Twitter stepped up and Another issue that toward the government sector, would not be protected under an isolated incident in which permanently suspended Donald arises in this situation is the this would still not be a violation the Constitution. Twitter saw an opportunity to Trump’s account. In a statement argument that suspending his of the First Amendment. Though I do worry about make right in the wake of the by Twitter, the company said account violates Trump’s First There are exceptions that stem the blurred lines of social media horrific events at the Capitol, but they suspended his account due Amendment rights. However, from the baseline of the First platforms censoring speech, I only time will tell. to the risk of further incitement of violence. Twitter made the right call. They justified their decision with multiple reviews of their guidelines and rules. Trump did in fact incite violence — a violent insurrection at that — which should be more than enough to block him from Twitter. However, the issue at hand is the precedent that is being set by banning public officials from social media platforms. Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, published a series of tweets to say that even he was worried about the example they were setting. Dorsey stated, “This moment in time might call for this dynamic, but over the long term it will be destructive to the noble purpose and ideals of the open internet. A company making a business decision to moderate itself is different from a government removing access, yet can feel much the same.” This decision opens up the argument about what the future of the internet looks like, especially if Twitter moves toward having the powers of censorship at their fingertips. Twitter and Facebook are completely private companies. They have become useful platforms for civic engagement “...Twitter is completely stifling FREE SPEECH, and I, as President, will not allow it to happen!” -@realDonaldTrump May 26,2020 — in most cases. They do not Daisy Martinez/The USD Vista exist as a government entity

The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.

6 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ FEATURE ◆ The USD Vista 7

The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped Coronavirus Resurgence Spreads of the BLM 20 Across the Movement Globe

Photo courtesy of Muenocchio/flickr Photo courtesy of Elverr Barnes The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a world health emergency on Jan. 30 after the COVID-19 outbreak originating in Wuhan, China. Following the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery on May 6 and George Floyd The virus spread like wildfire across the globe and eventually throughout on May 25, Black Lives Matter protests began popping up all across San Diego and on the USD campus. Students were brought back from the globe in protest of police brutality, racism in all its forms, and study abroad programs, classes were moved to remote teaching only, and calling for justice for all the victims of these tragic incidents. The @ eventually on March 17, students were given 24 hours to move out of on- blackatusd Instagram page was created to highlight the voices of Black campus housing. Despite everyone clinging to the hope that students and 20 students and on July 10, Black faculty at USD wrote a joint letter to the faculty would have been able to make a return to in-person classes for the fall semester, it was made impossible due to the rapidly rising death toll. administration calling for institutional and cultural changes on campus.

The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped Biden Picks The Death Harris as of RBG WRAPPED Running

Mate Here’s our 2020, wrapped.

2020 Wrapped: A Year in Review Most people would be hard pushed to name a year in modern history more marked by unforeseen change and 20 Photo courtesy of Office of Senator Kamala Harris Photo courtesy of bswise/flickr historic events that will be remembered for years to come, whether we want to remember them or not, than 2020. It was a year in which “unprecedented’’ quickly became everyone’s least favorite word — the kind of year that will one day spur the questions of “where were you when ___ happened,” from the future children of the world to their On Aug. 11, Democratic presidential nominee Biden chose On Sept. 18, the powerhouse and feminist icon that was Ruth parents, who will all have an answer. California Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate, which Bader Ginsburg (RBG) died from pancreatic cancer. RBG had 20 marked the first time in history a Black and Asian woman served on the Supreme Court since 1993. Ginsburg was officially From a global pandemic that altered almost every aspect of life as we know it, to the loss of some of the world’s appeared on a major party’s presidential ticket. Biden was replaced by Amy Coney Barrett on Oct. 27, whose nomination greatest icons, here is a look back on everything we faced on campus at USD and nationwide: the good, the bad, officially chosen as the party’s presidential nominee on Aug. sparked much controversy in the government and across the nation. and the ugly. 18, the second night of the Democratic National Convention.

The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped 2020 Wrapped The Death Joe Biden Light at the of Kobe Announced End of the See our Bryant as Tunnel: highlights of President- Coronavirus 2020 Elect Vaccines

Our top stories, events, Photo courtesy of Fred Kearney/Unsplash Photo courtesy of Executive office of the president of the United States Photo courtesy of Daniel Schludi/Unsplash and a light at the end The world came to a standstill on Jan. 26, the day 41-year- On Nov. 7, Biden was officially announced to become the On Dec. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) old Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant lost his 46th president of the U.S. after a tumultuous election. Results issued the first-emergency-use authorization for a vaccine of the tunnel life in a tragic helicopter accident alongside his 13-year-old were certified on Dec. 7 with West Virginia being the last for the prevention of COVID-19. There are currently two daughter and seven other friends. Bryant will go down in history state to confirm. The election had the highest voter turnout FDA-approved vaccines being distributed in phases across as one of the greatest basketball stars that has ever lived. record since 1900 — around 160 million votes were cast. the country that have granted us the hope of a return to normalcy in the future, where students at USD can return to in-person learning and the vibrant campus life we once had.

6 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ FEATURE ◆ The USD Vista 7

The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped Coronavirus Resurgence Spreads of the BLM 20 Across the Movement Globe

The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped The USD Vista 2020 Wrapped Biden Picks The Death Harris as of RBG WRAPPED Running

Mate Here’s our 2020, wrapped.

LaFleur discovered an inherent, SYDNEY FRIGERIO unwavering love for animals, and CONTRIBUTOR the opportunity to learn about them in an educational setting From overcoming challenges was the light that illuminated during her unique upbringing her career path. She finished her to creating her own non-profit master’s degree in Canada before organization based on her passion, moving to the states to pursue Marni LaFleur has dedicated her education even further. much of her life to making a After being accepted to positive impact on society. She University of Colorado, Boulder, has lived in various countries, LaFleur began her new life in built her education from the the United States in pursuit ground up, become a university of her Ph.D. in anthropology. professor, and unwaveringly Moving to a new country upheld her intention to make inevitably brought forth cultural the world a better place. shifts and new observations “I value kindness over for LaFleur, one being her anything,” she said. “I think if awareness of the perception of we were all a little bit kinder, race. In the midst of the 2008 it would truly go a long way.” elections, LaFleur recalls the LaFleur is a gem within the confusion that struck her after USD community. She encourages viewing statistics for the Black, and celebrates empathy, diversity, White, and Latino votes, asking education, and loves to share her herself, “Isn’t a vote just a vote?” passion for science and animals. In Canada there is freedom of A noteworthy endeavor of information, she shared, which LaFleur’s is her (pre-coronavirus) means that your information annual research in Madagascar. belongs solely to you. There is She hopes to someday bring no census nor open disclosure students along with her on these of racial identity, so LaFleur was excursions to study lemurs. Not quite shocked by this political only does LaFleur make USD focus on disparities within a brighter place, but she also groups of people. It was this has a magnificent story to tell realization on top of questioning behind her many achievements. her complex religious upbringing LaFleur traces her youth that furthered LaFleur’s passion back to Victoria, Canada. She for creating a more just society. was an only child raised by Facing the difficult task of her fundamentalist Jehovah’s reconciling what she had been Witness parents who never taught and what she felt, LaFleur instilled values of education chose to trust her emotions and within her, which made her acknowledge the prejudices schooling experience bleak. At within the religious teachings the end of middle school, LaFleur she had grown up amongst. LaFleur started her own nonprofit organization called Lemur Love in 2012. entered into difficult times LaFleur shared how deeply she Photo courtesy of Marni LaFleur with her parents, as she simply dislikes unfairness, especially critters. Still, she feels honored their forest homes through the fellow volunteers want for them. stopped listening to them. This when based on something to have spent time in her favorite power of women, science, and LaFleur began teaching at the resulted in them pulling LaFleur that is a part of who an animal’s home in its rawest state. an extended global ‘troop.’” University of San Diego just three out of school in the eighth individual is. This principle has “I love being out in the Through this new endeavor years ago, previously teaching at grade and leaving her home assuredly fueled her activism. forest. It is such a privilege LaFleur has been able to the University of California, San by herself for a year straight. “In the small ways that I to be completely accepted by work with communities in Diego. She loves USD because of She recalled the extremely can contribute to initiatives on these animal groups,” she said. southwest Madagascar near how she is appreciated not only desolate year rich with isolation, campus and in society, I absolutely “At this point, they know who the Tsminanampesote National intellectually, but as a person. loneliness, boredom, and lots will, because I truly want the I am, they know when I come Park, build relationships with She teaches classes on biological of rain that reflected her inner world to be more fair,” she said. back. I’m out in the middle of these communities, and promote anthropology, primate behavior, condition. LaFleur shared that Another key quality that nothing and get to hang out conservation of these areas ecology, and conservation, on top of the emotional strain makes LaFleur who she is is her with these awesome creatures.” and the life that they behold. and also seeks to instill of being cut off socially and love for all animals, especially It was about a decade ago Lemur Love has combated inspiration within her students. educationally, she also endured an lemurs. In fact, she adores that LaFleur recalls a particular illegal lemur pet ownership, “I like to stress to students eating disorder that she ties back them so much that she built visit in Madagascar where she advocated for local Madagascar that they are in control of their to the lack of control over her life. her own nonprofit organization noticed that aspects of the field inclusion in the science realm, own life,” she said. “We get lost Although LaFleur faced entitled Lemur Love. Her were missing. She saw gaps in and helped further research in depression and the grading rather unique circumstances in passion for these lively little their habitat, recognizing clearly and preservation of lemurs. system and all of these pressures, her youth, she made the decision creatures evolved as she spent that the lemurs’ favorite spots During the past few but if you really hate what you are to reclaim ownership of her time in Madagascar observing to relax, including their favorite months in the midst of the doing, you don’t have to do it. It life around the time of her 18th and analyzing their behaviors. naptime trees, had disappeared. pandemic, Lemur Love has feels like nobody will understand, birthday. LaFleur began to pave Something unique about the “I was the only one working been able to focus their efforts but they will. We can’t forget that the pathway that would get her ring-tailed lemur that LaFleur with these animals and if I on humanitarian aid. In these we are in charge of what we do.” education back on track by taking is drawn to is their matriarchal didn’t do something, they would times of need, they have made Outside of school and lemurs, placement tests, working various social structure, which is rather disappear and nobody would payments and food deliveries LaFleur loves her husband, jobs to provide for herself, and uncommon in the animal world. even notice,” she said. LaFleur to poor communities across her pets, going to the beach, enrolling in community college. LaFleur’s Madagascar felt responsible and inclined Madagascar, which LaFleur and making homemade salsa Her persistence landed her experience consisted of lengthy to protect them, which led to feels proud to have coordinated. straight from her garden. Marni at the University of Victoria travel days, a sinkhole for bathing, the birth of her organization. During her time within these LaFleur, in all her essence, where she pursued a degree temperatures up to 130 degrees, LaFleur started Lemur communities, LaFleur makes is a lover — lover of animals, in biology and fell in love no electricity, and various Love in 2012 with the mission a point to figure out what they lover of people, and lover of with learning about primates. neighborhoods of bugs and to “ensure lemurs thrive in want, not what she and her making the world a better place. Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ ARTS & CULTURE ◆ The USD Vista 9 ARTS & CULTURE “Drivers License:” from crying through the suburbs to debuting at No. 1 How 17-year-old Olivia Rodrigo turned her breakup into the world’s most-listened-to song the intriguing story “Drivers the “Gen Z heartbreak anthem,” “It was so sweet of her. I’ve for Asian representation TAYLOR DEGUZMAN License’s” lyrics paint that is namely on the most popular looked up to her for as long and what it means to her. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR sparking much conversation. social media platform, TikTok, as I can remember, so it was “Growing up I never saw Much like any gossip that which seems to be driving really sweet of her to do that.” someone on the screen that Everyone knows the all-too- follows a popular heartbreak Rodrigo’s record-breaking Fellow Swiftie and USD looked like me, or really knew familiar feeling of what it was anthem, synonymous with a number of streams. Amassing senior Kaitlin Solis shared how a singer who represented my like to finally get our driver’s Taylor Swift ballad, people over three billion views on her love for Swift makes her love culture,” Solis said. “Knowing license. The liberation that always point a finger at TikTok, users under the hashtag and relate to Rodrigo even more. that kids get to grow up with at came with this new chapter of who the song is about. “Drivers License” continue to “I love how, similar to least one more face that looks life was unmatched. Many can “I just can’t imagine how post their raw reactions to the Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo like them and especially a young recall very fond memories of you could be so okay now that song, their own version of the uses metaphors in her songs in person who is achieving her what they did after receiving I’m gone,” Rodrigo sings. “I song, and their own remixes. order to draw such an impactful dreams, makes me so excited for their license. Some remember guess you didn’t mean what you Several fans of “Drivers story for listeners to relate to,” representation in the future.” driving alone down the Pacific wrote in that song about me. License” note the similarity Solis said. “When Taylor Swift Solis believes that Coast Highway, blasting the ‘Cause you said forever now I in lyricism to that of Taylor rose to fame and her music Rodrigo could be “the start song of the year, while others drive alone past your street.” Swift and Swift’s ability to started getting recognized, of something new” for think back to finally driving to Several rumors point encapsulate a myriad of she was so young. I see that more Asian representation. school without their parents. toward Rodrigo’s co-star and authentic, real emotions, and similarity in how young Olivia “I truly believe that Olivia However, for one particular love interest in “HSMTMTS,” relatable stories into her songs. Rodrigo is, and it makes me even Rodrigo’s success is just the person, getting her driver’s Joshua Bassett. Bassett is Several comments under the more excited for her future.” beginning of more and more license brings back a not-so-fond a singer, songwriter, and “Drivers License” music video Although Rodrigo is a Asian representation within memory: driving through the actor as well, who was closely hail Rodrigo as the “next Taylor multitalented star and the the entertainment industry,” suburbs crying over an ex, and linked to Rodrigo after many Swift,” while many exclaim that biggest Taylor Swift fan, what Solis said. “Maybe Asians who wishing she could drive home believed that their chemistry the young songwriter is the many might not know about see Olivia, or young, aspiring to them. Namely, overnight teen on the Disney+ show felt a little “next Olivia Rodrigo.” A huge Rodrigo is her Filipino heritage. songwriters will feel compelled sensation Olivia Rodrigo turned too real. In an interview by Swiftie, or Taylor Swift stan, Rodrigo is part Filipina on to put themselves out there too.” this heartbreaking experience Vogue, Rodrigo addressed the Rodrigo herself “nearly died” her dad’s side. With Asian The 17-year-old star with into what would be acclaimed rumors surrounding her song. when Swift commented, “I say representation slowly continuing Disney success, a record- the “song of the year,” by Rolling “I completely understand that’s my baby and I’m really to permeate mainstream breaking first single, attention Stones, who predict that Rodrigo why people are curious about proud,” underneath Rodrigo’s entertainment, from “To All from Taylor Swift, and a very and the power ballad will the specifics of the song but, to Instagram post of “Drivers the Boys I’ve Loved Before” bright future may inspire many “completely dominate 2021.” me, who and what the song is License” previously sitting right and “Crazy Rich Asians,” there people to follow their own dreams, Rodrigo’s debut single, about is not important,” Rodrigo under two “Evermore” bonus still seems to be minimal Asian no matter how big or small. “Drivers License,” currently said. “People are resonating tracks on the iTunes chart. representation in mainstream Perhaps now, when getting sits at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot with the song because it’s so In an Apple Music interview music. However, “Drivers one’s driver’s license, they’ll 100 for the third week in a row. honest, raw, and emotional.” with Rodrigo, interviewer Zane License” debuting at No. 1 is a remember the incredibly “Drivers License” holds the spot Rumors aside, Rodrigo hits Lowe explained to Rodrigo that gigantic stride in this direction. liberating feeling of driving for biggest single-day streams it on the nail when she says that “Taylor Swift doesn’t extend out As a fellow Filipino- through the suburbs and of any song by a female artist people are resonating with her her support unless she feels it.” American, Solis explained blasting the song of the on Spotify in the U.S. (5.688 song. “Drivers License” remains Rodrigo gushed and said, what Rodrigo’s success means year: “Drivers License.” million) over Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” (4.19 million) at the time of publication. Rodrigo first appeared in the spotlight starring in Disney Channel’s “Bizaardvark” and Disney+’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” (HSMTMTS). Hailed as the “next Taylor Swift,” this 17-year-old actress, singer, songwriter, and rising star first caught fans’ attention with her original song “All I Want,” which premiered on “HSMTMTS” in 2019. “All I Want” boasts over 200 million streams on Spotify. Huge fan of “HSMTMTS” and USD junior, Lauren Smith, exclaimed that she was a fan of Rodrigo before the entire world knew about her, and how interesting it was to see “Drivers License” rise to the top. “It’s almost like those who knew her before her debut single blew up, fully understood the background of the song and maybe even who it’s about,” Smith said. “Her ability to be so vulnerable and so open about heartbreak really helps individuals cope with maybe their own heartbreak or what they’re going through too.” While her Disney background helped grow a large fan base and platform for The cast of HSMTMTS promoting their show at D23, the biggest Disney fan expo, in 2019 (from left to right: Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, SofiaWylie, Matt Cornett). her debut single’s success, it is Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Television/flickr 10 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 Back to school playlist The soundtrack to the best Zoom playlist curated by The USD Vista staff

Mission Beach and are Gymnopédie No. 1 — Erik ANNA VALAIK stuck at home… Satie, Phillippe Entremont ASST. A&C EDITOR California — The Lagoons If you miss the old For many college students, Taylor Swift… If your professor won’t music carries them through their email you back, the essay Fifteen — Taylor Swift day-to-day activities. Whether it is due at midnight, and you be driving to the grocery store or need some positivity… simply running along Mission If you just want to feel Bay, students are always tuned GUD VIBRATIONS — like pure sunshine… into their devices, allowing NGHTMRE, SLANDER someone else’s voice to flood Throwaway — SG Lewis, their minds. It’s an emotional If you can still taste Clairo release, an uplifting motivator, those La Paloma pancakes and even a welcome distraction on a Saturday…. If you are in need of a to never-ending Zoom lectures good throwback… Banana Pancakes — Jack posted on Blackboard. Johnson Harvest Moon — Neil Young For this reason, The USD Vista created a back to If the Starbucks Triple- If you are dreaming school playlist for the spring Shot Latte isn’t hitting hard up the most romantic semester. There is a little enough… Valentine’s Day this year… something here for everyone, no matter the mood, setting, September — Throttle x Movie — Tom Misch or musical preference. Enjoy! Earth, Wind, & Fire If you live in Southern If you are driving down If you miss laying on the California and feel like no Linda Vista Road thinking lawn with friends before one appreciates country about your ex… class… music…

Driver’s License — Olivia Good Morning — Ralph 7 Summers — Morgan Rodrigo Castelli Wallen

If you can’t stop thinking If your biology exam is about long beach days on tomorrow… Anna Valaik/The USD Vista 5 good outcomes of the worst year ever: why 2020 wasn’t all bad A look back on the best things that happened in 2020 for food safety; there’s been a lot associate dean and professor depressing years in our lifetimes. to mitigate the devastating OLIVIA HUNT more attention to how meat is in the School of Leadership USD senior Shane Duffy, pandemic were shown to have ASST. A&C EDITOR produced in the media,” Ball said. and Education Sciences at who has amassed over 48K been swift, effective, and lasting. “People are trying to figure out USD, explained the purpose followers on TikTok, gave some According to Bloomberg’s There’s no debate that 2020 safer ways to find what they’re of this grant in a press release insight as to why 2020 was “Covid Resilience Ranking,” was a unique year to say the looking for, and plant-based “This HRSA grant such a popular year for the app. Jacinda Arden, New Zealand’s least. Uniquely terrible, actually. meat provides not only a great exemplifies the mission of “During a time of little social prime minister, helped her But it wasn’t all that bad. In increase in food safety, but also SOLES, by providing support interaction, it’s been a really country become the most resilient fact, it came with plenty of silver in environmental sustainability.” in the form of scholarship great way to connect with people to the pandemic in the world. linings — ones that will leave This trend of reducing monies to disadvantaged all over the world,” Duffy said. While it’s not surprising a positive legacy for years to our carbon footprint is students who wish to enter the “On top of that, it’s nice to have that these female leaders come. Below are five of the good expected to continue into field of Counseling,” Spencer something to consistently do stepped up to the immense things that came out of 2020: 2021, especially with the U.S. said. “Increasing the diversity and look forward to every day.” challenges brought about recently rejoining the Paris of counselors subsequently From the comfort (and by COVID, their successes 1. The Environment Agreement on Climate Change. increases the diversity of clients safety) of one’s couch, TikTok are certainly praiseworthy. Got a Breather that counselors are able to serve.” has enabled people to create This push for more diversity and find some respite from 5. Animal Shelters At least the environment 2. Online Mental in the field of counseling will these unprecedented times. Were Emptied Across the had a good year! Due to the Health Resources Improved certainly have long-lasting, Country economic recession caused by & Increased positive effects on USD’s student 4. Female Leaders COVID-19, partnered with the body as a whole. Mental health Stepped Up to the Plate As it turns out, dogs and cheaper cost of renewable energy The pandemic has is being recognized more and cats were the big winners of sources like solar and wind undoubtedly worsened the more as a health issue — one The same year that Vice 2020. With more people than power, carbon dioxide emissions state of people’s mental that affects a person’s overall President Kamala Harris ever working from home, pets dramatically declined, according health on a global scale. wellbeing, just as a physical issue was elected to office, female certainly got far more attention to CNN. Furthermore, 2020 had This sharp decline sparked does. Such immense change leaders around the world from their owners, and new another driving force reducing an increased demand for may bring about an end to the have made major progress in pets were brought home the U.S. carbon footprint: mental health services, mental health stigma for good. the fight against coronavirus. too. Shelters and nonprofit meat alternatives. Since the directly spurring the launch In a study from Business breeders alike reported that pandemic began, sales of plant- of numerous online resources. 3. TikTok Didn’t Get Insider, research showed that demand for a pandemic pet based proteins and veggie Several companies even Banned countries with a female leader skyrocketed as people abided burgers, such as the “Impossible offered their services for free. were able to respond more by stay-at-home orders. Burger” and “Beyond” In 2020, more people than Luckily, one of the best effectively to the pandemic. The increased ability for meat, have been on the rise. ever took advantage of digital cures for boredom didn’t get Such countries include virtual adoption meetings also Matt Ball, a senior mental health resources, taken away from us in 2020. Germany, Denmark, New made it easier for people to communications specialist from video counseling to With its gold mine of filters, Zealand, Taiwan, Iceland, and adopt pets and rescue animals. at the Good Food Institute, text-based therapy services. reaction videos, and memes, Finland; each having experienced With all the current craziness of explained the public’s USD’s Counseling Program the app TikTok keeps millions fewer deaths than their male-led the world, furry friends relieve newfound interest in alternative was also awarded a $3.2 of people entertained and counterparts, such as the U.K., an immense amount of anxiety, meat in a Forbes article. million grant in June of 2020. laughing every day — no small Spain, Italy, and Brazil. The so increased pet adoption “There’s a greater concern Joi Spencer, Ph.D., feat during one of the most policies enacted by these women has really been a win-win. Volume 58 Issue 12 ◆ SPORTS ◆ The USD Vista 11 SPORTS Plenty of lessons for San Diego in GU defeat Head coach Scholl looks to build on positives, reduce mistakes from loss to Bulldogs the loss, Scholl saw multiple for improvement. positives to take and build on “I think it was our worst for the rest of the season. Junior game, or one of our worst games guard Finn Sullivan put in an in terms of turning the ball over, impressive performance, leading so obviously we didn’t feel great the Toreros with 16 points. about that,” he said. “You can’t And, while the 16 points stick have empty possessions against out on the box score, it was the a team like Gonzaga.” understated aspects of Sullivan’s The Toreros turned the performance that stuck out to ball over 17 times on Thursday his coach. night, their highest total of the “The number one thing that I season. Turnovers aside, Scholl was excited about was six assists was pleased with how his team to one turnover,” Scholl said. executed the game plan, praising “The second thing I was most his team’s transition defense excited about was his defense, and rebounding, as well as their was how he competed against ability to create good shots on a lottery pick in Jalen Suggs. offense. Where a nearly 30-point And then the third thing was loss could easily drain a team’s his shooting percentage. I want confidence, Scholl figured his Finn taking good shots, and if team’s self-belief had only Finn is out playing to be a point grown thanks to the competitive guard and to be the leader on the opening minutes. floor of our team, he’s going to That confidence will be take good shots.” tested, as the Toreros face Sullivan shot 6-8 from the two weeks without basketball, field, and 4-5 from three-point shortly followed by their second range, but perhaps his best play face-off with the Zags. Due to a of the night was swiping the ball positive COVID-19 test within from Suggs, a projected top-ten the program, USD began a two- pick in the upcoming NBA draft, week long pause in basketball and throwing down a slam dunk activities on Tuesday, which will in the game’s early stages. Scholl end four days before they are Despite a good start, USD could not contain Jalen Suggs (left) and the GU offense forever. Suggs finished with 19 points. also praised forward Ben Pyle scheduled to travel to Spokane Photo courtesy of Chad Cushing/USD Athletics and center Vladimir Pinchuk, and play the Bulldogs. The Gonzaga From Page 1 a double-digit deficit, Scholl said of the game.” who both scored in the double Toreros will have one game to goal was to hold them to 80, and his message in the locker room But the Toreros could not digits, as well as forward Yavus get ready for the rematch with you’re handing them nine points, was focused on trying “not to repeat their strong performance Gultekin, who scored nine points GU; their next scheduled game that makes it a real challenge.” make the same mistake twice” from the first half, and Gonzaga and hauled in five rebounds in is a Feb. 18 date with the Santa Those nine given away and “starting the first four rolled, scoring 50 points in his first game since Dec. 9. Clara Broncos in the Bay Area. points helped the Zags to an minutes of the second half how the second half on their way But where there were That game’s start time is yet to 11-point lead at halftime. Facing we started the first four minutes to victory. However, despite positives, Scholl also saw room be announced. 12 The USD Vista ◆ February 4, 2021 SPORTS