VOLUME 104, ISSUE NO. 18 | STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916 | RICETHRESHER.ORG | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020

FEATURES Candidates argue efficacy Chinese of SA at Thresher debate international RYND MORGAN students talk ASST. NEWS EDITOR Student Association internal vice president candidate Kendall Vining and write-in IVP coronavirus candidate Ashley Fitzpatrick debated the functions of roles within the SA and the SA’s relationship to the student body, and presidential candidate Anna Margaret Clyburn discussed similar issues in the SA Election Town Hall and Debate on Monday, Feb. 17, hosted by the Thresher. outbreak During the debate, Fitzpatrick said that she would be prepared to stand up to and confront Rice administration when their interests conflicted with the student body’s KELLY LIAO interests. Fitzpatrick, the Martel College SA senator, said that she had experience THRESHER STAFF directly confronting administration figures such as Dean of Undergraduates Bridget Gorman and would be willing to confront entities like the Rice Management As Chinese families around the Company, even if it meant that the administration might disown the SA as a world prepared for the Lunar New legitimate campus body. Year, the Chinese city Wuhan, with “If anything, I think that that would make the SA stronger,” Fitzpatrick, a a population of 11 million, prepared sophomore, said. “I am very much prepared to continue to stand up for the for something darker: announcing a student body.” quarantine to contain the unexpected Vining, a former Martel New Student Representative, said that she outbreak of the novel coronavirus. would be willing to confront power structures within the SA itself by Fears for family back home put a reforming the NSR role to empower students in that role. damper on celebrations at Rice. “I’d often feel very intimidated [as an NSR] in Senate to not express Lingyin Wu, a Chinese international my opinion … [voting members] were seen as a higher [authority] figure, student from Wuhan, said her family because they had a vote, because of the title that they held,” Vining, canceled plans to visit each other also a sophomore, said. “I don’t believe NSRs should be forced to during the Lunar New Year holiday have an official vote ... but I want NSRs to have an opinion vote, and remained home for weeks because where they still engage in the process of typing in what they of the virus. Her cousin’s family, who think that their college truly wants.” remained in Wuhan, is still struggling Fitzpatrick said that her reforms of the NSR program to get ahold of necessary supplies. would involve delaying applications for the role “Although there are some community until after new students had the opportunity workers designated to support the to learn more about the SA Senate and what daily purchases of essential food and projects they might want to pursue in medical supplies, I am worried about student government. their living quality and mental health “Instead of just needing to put them because being trapped in an apartment on any project on any committee, we with limited food supplies can be can delay that start of the NSR program, extremely depressing,” Wu, a Martel let them figure out what they want to College senior, said. do,” Fitzpatrick said.

SEE SENATE DEBATES PAGE 2 CHANNING WANG / THRESHER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TINA LIU For many Chinese international students, although we cannot go back home, our hearts are always with people in Wuhan. Fayin Zhu POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

Another undergraduate student from Wuhan said he talks to his parents on a daily basis. They told him that since the city is currently under lockdown, food supplies are directly sent from local markets to their home, so they don’t need to leave the residential complex. (Editor’s note: This student’s identity NEWS has been anonymized to protect them from possible repercussions). Fayin Zhu, a bioscience Andrew Manias, Martel College senior, dies at 25 postdoctoral researcher from Wuhan, RACHEL CARLTON grieving a life that has been cut short in person I’ve ever met … and one of the said he is pleased with the efforts the SENIOR WRITER its prime,” Wells said. “We grieve not only clumsiest.” government has made to contain the the loss of Andrew in our lives; we grieve After a number of stories, many of which virus, like setting border checkpoints Andrew William Manias, a Martel College the loss of his gift to the world. The loss were met by laughter from those who knew and banning cars from leaving or senior, died Feb. 9 at age 25 in Houston, Texas of his potential and his promise. There is Andrew Manias well, Hayden Manias closed entering the city. after contracting pneumonia. While at Rice, nothing that any of us can say on this day his remembrance with words for his brother. “The efforts to tackle the virus would Manias was a history major and served on the that will take away the shock and the pain “It’s hard for me to accept that I won’t not be successful without residents editorial board of the Rice Historical Review. of Andrew’s death.” hear or see your amazing quirks again, carefully following the government’s The campus was notified of Manias’ because those are the things I’ll miss the orders and staying at home,” Zhu said. death on Feb. 12 by Dean of Undergraduates most,” Hayden Manias said. However, Zhu said he is concerned Bridget Gorman, who wrote that he was set to about a shortage of medical supplies at graduate this semester. local hospitals. “I hope that each of us will take a It’s hard for me to accept Zhu said his friends and family in moment to remember Andrew and be glad that I won’t hear or see Wuhan have told him that many frontline for his positive spirit and presence in our your amazing quirks again, medical personnel are overworked community,” Gorman wrote. and frustrated with the ineffective Gorman was among the attendees at because those are the emergency relief distribution. Manias’ memorial service on Feb. 15. The things I’ll miss the most. “I hope the government can service took place in the Jasek Chapel of Hayden Manias accelerate the reallocation of medical Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors supplies and provide adequate support and opened with “Ticket to the Moon” by BROTHER OF ANDREW MANIAS for the health workers on the battlefront Electric Light Orchestra, a nod to Manias’ of the epidemic,” Zhu said. love of astronomy and one of his top 25 most Hayden Manias, Andrew’s younger Local news reported that many frequently played songs. brother by 22 months, shared a number of hospitals are experiencing a shortage of Reverend Steve Wells of the South personal anecdotes to relatives, friends and respiratory masks, according to Wu. She Main Baptist Church presided over the family in attendance. said her friends back home are helping service, guiding attendees through hymns, “Andrew was truly the nicest person I’ve with organizing and transporting the scripture and reflections on Manias. ever met,” Hayden Manias said. “He was COURTESY THE MANIAS FAMILY donations of medical supplies to local “There is a pain that comes with [also] the most inquisitive and intelligent hospitals. SEE MANIAS PAGE 3 SEE CORONAVIRUS PAGE 4 2 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER

Ruth Simmons Kraft Hall problems SA platforms Former trustee gives talk on racial Students with disabilities face Learn more about the candidates injustice, calling for university action, issues entering Kraft Hall due to for all the positions. Voting as part of President’s Lecture Series. delays in installing automatic doors. begins this Thursday. NEWS See more at ricethresher.org See more at ricethresher.org See more at ricethresher.org FROM PAGE 1 should be doing it internally first,” Vining on issues that affect not only Rice students said. “I want to increase the SA’s presence in but also different people in Houston, like the Senate Debates the actual college government.” Third Ward,” Fitzpatrick said. “There’s still a Fitzpatrick said the goal of giving the SA long way to go, but I think that we’re doing Heard at In a particularly contentious moment, Fitzpatrick responded to Vining’s discussion Senate a presence within college government pretty good so far, and that with changes of her background as a member of the group is already fulfilled by the senator position, with the way the SA operates, we can do in charge of researching alternatives to the and does not need to be expanded further. even better to represent students.” the Rice Emerging Scholars Program and ways “College government right now is very During the presidential town hall, Martel to expand the program. Vining said that she separate from the SA, and I think that’s President Anna Margaret Clyburn declined and the rest of the group submitted their something that people actually kind of want to comment on which IVP candidate she Debates: research for the Survey of All Students and to see happen more,” Fitzpatrick said. preferred, but said she looked forward to solicited responses through that platform. At the end of the debate, the IVP working with either candidate. Fitzpatrick responded, saying that as a RESP candidates discussed whether or not the Clyburn also discussed her concerns student she was not able to share her input SA Senate was still representative of or with being the only presidential candidate, with the group. relevant to the student body. Vining said that a situation she said may have stemmed from I’m open to working 40 “I thought that it was odd to me that this the SA Senate needs to improve its efforts the increasing demands of the role. group that did include some RESPies was not regarding diversity and inclusion within the “It is a large commitment and one that hours a week. I would actually reaching out to the RESP program to organization. does require taking time that could be used just love for it to not be ask us what we thought about this, and how “There’s a historic amount of Black for a paid job, away from that, or away from consistently [40 hours a we thought that it benefited us,” Fitzpatrick senators who ran last year, and then I went studying. I definitely think that to be able week]. said. to this ‘mandatory’ meeting for potential to run is to be in a position of privilege,” This moment was not the only time the candidates, and the lack of diversity was Clyburn, a junior, said. “I also believe that Anna Margaret Clyburn candidates clashed. In an argument over the just despicable,” Vining said. “The fact that the SA has taken on a lot of larger projects SA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE role of senators in the SA, Vining said she Black senators, despite having a record and has made statements on more diverse plans to have members of the SA executive number, are not coming back — that just says issues this year that are intimidating.” team periodically visit college government a lot to me.” The entire debate and town hall is meetings to support the senator at that Fitzpatrick said that she had seen available to view on the Rice Thresher college. improvements in the SA Senate’s Facebook page. “I want the SA, internally, to reach out representation of students and community A higher quality video, as well as our “20 [Supporting minorities] to students. I think it’s unfair to expect the members. questions with the candidates” series, will be is something I deal students to do it the other way when we “I think we’ve been making big statements online shortly. with every day as a Black woman. I literally fight every day for this Clyburn runs uncontested for president community. SAVANNAH KUCHAR just not where the school is moving towards, the end of the day there was one candidate, ASST NEWS EDITOR I decided that it would be in my best interest and I don’t know if that’s truly a bad thing if Kendall Vining [to withdraw my candidacy].” the person is willing to do the job. I think the SA IVP CANDIDATE Anna Margaret Clyburn, current Clyburn, a junior, said she found out she greater issue is trying to think about why did president of Martel College, will be the was the only candidate at a meeting before only one person want to run.” only candidate on the ballot this year for SA Senate Feb. 10, where all candidates on Engles, SA president during the 2018- the role of Student Association president the ballot were given a presentation of the 2019 school year, said she first became following Jones College Senator Drew rules regarding the campuswide elections. worried about the health of the SA during I have already been Carter’s withdrawal from the race. Current According to Clyburn, she decided to run last year’s presidential race and that her SA President Grace Wickerson and former despite these apprehensions because of her concern increased this year with only one standing up to SA President Ariana Engles have expressed experience overseeing large organizations presidential candidate. administration all year. concern over the implications of an in the past and her interest overall in “[Last year] I was really anxious around emerging pattern of a lack of presidential leading the SA. the idea that there was just Grace Wickerson Ashley Fitzpatrick candidates. “The position really attracted me running and then two candidates who SA IVP WRITE-IN CANDIDATE Carter, a sophomore, originally just because I’ve really enjoyed being in self-described as joke candidates from the submitted a petition to run for SA president, a position where I get to be involved in beginning,” Engles, a Lovett College senior, but said he withdrew it after realizing his conversations across campus that have said. “I was concerned then, and then it was vision did not align with what he called a real impact on student lives,” Clyburn literally just one candidate, not even any an overly bureaucratic SA. Carter said that said. “I like to facilitate conversations from joke candidates [this year], I became extra after this semester, he does not plan to be people in different groups and try to find concerned.” I also really like a double involved in the SA Senate in any way. solutions for problems that exist, and I want Clyburn said she wishes her race was shot almond milk latte “Our most marginalized populations to continue using those skills in a different not unopposed and that she hopes people with a quarter pump of really need a student body organization capacity.” in the future will be encouraged to be more like the SA to be able to speak up and not Wickerson said the lack of opposing involved with the SA. lavender ... I really like a hold back on issues and to outwardly say candidates is a concern, but that it is not as “I’m not happy that it’s uncontested,” hint of lavender without that we’re going to be anti-racist, that we’re much an issue in this case as they believe Clyburn said. “If anyone thinks that there is too much sweetness. going to be anti-xenophobi[c], versus always Clyburn is a good choice for the role. a better candidate I would love for them to try to be a neutral body,” Carter said. “Once I “I don’t have any doubts in [Clyburn’s] feel empowered to write that candidate in.” Anna Margaret Clyburn felt as though I could not achieve that as SA ability to be in the president role,” This story has been condensed for print. SA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE president and once I honestly felt like that’s Wickerson, a Brown College senior, said. “At Read the full story at ricethresher.org.

Wiess College announces application process for the 2020 John E. Parish Fellowship Recipients will receive support for approximately two months of travel during the summer of 2020. The purpose of the fellowship is to enhance the undergraduate education of the fellow by broadening the range of experience via self-directed travel.

Application information can be found at parish.rice.edu. The deadline for submission of application materials is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2020.

Dynamic and Energetic Teachers wanted. Pay rate is $24 to $38 per hour. We provide all training. Email your resume to [email protected] NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 • 3

MANIAS FROM PAGE 1 insights in evaluating submissions to the “No matter what, you’ll always be my journal, his friendly and open personality brother and best friend. Thank you and his willingness to help out,” Spiro Ledig passes SA vote, faces UCourt for showing me true strength and said. “We will miss him.” SAVANNAH KUCHAR of his removal from the ballot, he asked for a perseverance.” According to Wells, Manias took a break ASST NEWS EDITOR UCourt appeal, but was met with resistance. Wells continued by narrating bits and from Rice after three years following the “I attempted to request a UCourt hearing pieces of Andrew Manias’ life, emphasizing passing of his grandmother, with whom he The Student Association Senate voted to appeal the decision, like the SA bylaws his strength and perseverance. He said had an extremely close relationship. on Tuesday evening to allow Will Ledig, guarantee me the right to, and it seemed that Andrew Manias was flown into the “He read a lot on his own, [and] he a Hanszen College junior, to remain on that the director of elections was unwilling neonatal intensive care unit at the Rocky struggled for a couple of years, but this the ballot as a candidate for Rice Program to respect that request,” Ledig said. Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver spring he returned to campus,” Wells said. Council president, despite issues of Atkins said she recognized his right to on the Fourth of July in 1994. “He was set to graduate with his degree ineligibility and constitutional violations. appeal, even though she does not think he “He weighed only three pounds,” Wells in history in May. Andrew had overcome The ballot was originally approved at should be a candidate. said. “He was supposed to be in the NICU or was overcoming every obstacle that the Senate meeting on Feb. 10 before the “I’m not resistant, it’s his constitutional for 12 weeks, but he was ready to leave in ever moved into his path literally from elections committee acknowledged that right,” Atkins said. “I am expressing eight because he was an overcomer from the moment of his birth. There was every Ledig’s potential ineligibility. resistance to him being on the ballot. The the very beginning.” reason to believe when he got sick a couple According to RPC’s constitution, election committee decided it is best to Wells emphasized Manias’ ability weeks ago that he would be well today.” presidential candidates must have served remove him, but he had the right to appeal to overcome obstacles throughout his Ted Loch-Temzelides was a Martel on the RPC Council for at least one semester. his eligibility even if it goes against the RPC message to the audience. Manias was magister when Manias matriculated in Ledig served as a Hanszen Beer Bike constitution.” diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when 2013. coordinator last year, but has never been a The SA Senate passed the current ballot he was 4 years old, according to Wells. “As magisters during his early time member of the RPC council. with Ledig in a majority vote. UCourt will “The diagnosticians told [Andrew’s at Martel, we fondly remember Andrew Ledig said that he understands RPC’s be holding a public hearing on Wednesday parents] Bill and Gretchen not to expect as a kind, gentle and incredibly curious concerns with his lack of experience, but in Sewall Hall 309 at 9 p.m. to determine Andrew to ever play team sports, or to young man,” Loch-Temzelides said. “He that he doesn’t think that it should be whether Ledig will remain on the ballot, attend a competitive high school, or write was always eager to learn both in and grounds for removing his candidacy. which is scheduled to be released Thursday something like an essay,” Wells said. “But outside of the classroom. Andrew’s loss “So at this point, it looks like RPC is when voting opens. Andrew did all of those things.” weighs heavily on Martel College and Rice saying that, ‘Oh, he’s not a member of RPC,’ Irene Chu, current president of RPC, said After graduating at the top of his class University as we grieve a member of our but I guess that kind of makes sense because at SA Senate that even if Ledig remains on from the Kinkaid School in Houston, tight-knit community.” I’m coming in as an outsider,” Ledig said. the ballot and wins enough votes from the Manias enrolled at Rice University in 2013. Wells finished his message with a “That’s what you’d expect them to say when student body, RPC could decide to impeach “As a freshman at Rice, Andrew took reminder for the audience. I really want to shake up this organization.” him, which would result in a second round organic chemistry,” Wells said. “He never “As you grieve, remember this,” Wells Director of Elections Libby Atkins of elections to confirm a different RPC attended class. It was too loud [and] there said. “Our God knows what it is to stand presented this issue to SA Senate Monday president. were too many people. He made an A. He beside the grave of his son. And he has night and proposed either removing him Chu said she was not informed or asked memorized the textbook.” made a way through death and into eternal from the ballot, in which Ledig would have about Ledig’s candidacy and eligibility until Gretchen Manias, Andrew’s mother, life. One day, when you see Andrew again the option of appealing this decision to the after the ballot was initially approved. echoed the sentiment. … the tears on that day will be tears of joy.” University Court, or allowing him to remain “The election committee did not reach “He was always relentlessly curious To pay respects, members of Martel on the current ballot and defer the question out RPC regarding this issue,” Chu said. “I and inquisitive and loved his time at Rice, will write notes of sympathy for Manias’ of his eligibility up to UCourt. was not aware that eligibility was previously especially his history courses,” Gretchen family and set up a donation box to collect “If UCourt deems him eligible, then he discussed before it was brought to me.” Manias said. “He had a thirst for learning funds for the Rocky Mountain Hospital will stay on the ballot for Thursday,” Atkins, Currently the only other candidate on his whole life.” for Children where Manias was born in a Lovett College sophomore, said. “If UCourt the ballot for this position right now is Lisa Spiro, faculty advisor of the Rice accordance with the family’s wishes, deems him ineligible, we will remove him Samantha McClendon, a Martel College Historial Review where Manias served according to Martel President Anna because UCourt’s decision is higher than junior and current RPC internal vice as director of distribution, said she was Margaret Clyburn. the SA’s constitutional decision to have president. shocked and saddened by his death. Editor-in-Chief Christina Tan contributed another vote on the ballot.” Senior writers Rachel Carlton and Brian “I was impressed by his keen critical to this article. Ledig said that when he was first notified Lin contributed to this report.

Summer Tuition Access Grant

Degree-seeking Rice undergraduates who qualify for need-based aid during the academic year are eligible to receive a need-based grant to participate in summer study abroad programs through the Rice Study Abroad Office!

Grants awarded in the amount of up to $3000 or 50% summer program tuition (whichever amount is smaller). Limited to 15 eligible students.

Interested students should consult a study abroad advisor. Apply by March 5th—early planning encouraged. 4 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER OPINION

EDITORIAL Why we’re not endorsing IVP PROS && CONS Last Sunday, Ashley Fitzpatrick better position to fix internal issues, but she began a write-in campaign against the lacks a concrete plan to encourage unity and previously uncontested internal vice cooperation in the SA. Kendall Vining president candidate Kendall Vining. While This is not at all to say Vining’s experience the Thresher’s editorial board normally as an NSR her freshman year is trivial. On endorses candidates in contested races, the contrary, her experience may be more we were unable to reach a consensus on relevant than Fitzpatrick’s since NSRs Has an ‘outsider’ Platform may be too endorsement for the IVP role of either Vining, are under IVP jurisdiction while senators perspective, can potentially ambitious and externally a Martel College sophomore and former new operate under the external vice president. relate to student frustrations focused student representative, or Fitzpatrick, a The NSR program is one of the main Martel sophomore and current senator. components of Vining’s platform and we Vining’s platform rests largely on her agree that she could effectively channel her Former new student Less familiar with ongoing ability to bring an “outsider” perspective to frustrations from her freshman year, namely the SA’s executive team due to her lack of surrounding the lack of guidance and feeling representative (IVP oversees efforts in the SA involvement in any official SA role this year. that NSR voices are not taken seriously, into NSR program) We recognize the value of Vining’s vantage tangible changes for the program. point as non-establishment — her plans to Yet, although the NSR program is a introduce ideas rooted in the non-SA student primary concern for Vining, many of her other experience could certainly help foster campaign promises are externally oriented Ashley Fitzpatrick stronger connections between the SA and to address the SA Senate’s reputation and student body. Fitzpatrick, on the other hand, reception among the general student body. is decidedly an “establishment” candidate. Her suggestion to have the IVP visit all Platform is internally focused As an integrated member of Being steeped in the establishment in residential college cabinet meetings seems this way could make it harder for her like a significant commitment that might not and specific to ongoing SA Senate, may not push for to understand and mitigate students’ have that much of an impact and her plans efforts in the SA Senate true reform frustrations with the SA Senate that develop to gauge outside student perspectives on on the outside. the SA Senate are ambiguous. With such an However, we also recognize the ambitious and externally focused campaign, Experience as senator and Vaguely articulated goals of pragmatic advantages of Fitzpatrick’s we believe Vining would have been an in composting project show ‘empathy’ unconvincing previous experience as a senator: More so excellent candidate for EVP rather than IVP. than Vining, she demonstrated a detailed While we were not able to come to a demonstrable SA efforts knowledge of the inner workings of SA decision as the editorial board, we hope our procedures, referencing the ongoing internal thought and consideration on both of their audit, for example. We recognize that these platforms and qualifications helps you come internal experiences place Fitzpatrick in a to your own.

EDITORIAL The elections are a hot mess. Why doesn’t the Senate care? “At this point we are beating a dead to find and encourage more than one potentially delayed election, or take him workshop requirement, has direct access horse,” the Thresher editorial board wrote candidate per role to run and lost the off and violate their own constitution. to the administrative officials who hold in 2017. “If the [Student Association] student body’s interest. real power and manages hundreds of cares so deeply about the constitution … The RPC race, while proving to be the thousands of dollars in student fees then why do they continue to completely most interesting aspect of this mess, most every year. disregard it?” clearly highlights the lack of care the SA And somehow, students still don’t Still confused about the elections Senate places in its own constitution But what’s democratic care about the SA. They don’t care three years later? So are we. What’s the and governance. Because he was not a about not having a enough to run and the SA is not giving point of the Student Association having a part of the RPC last year as defined by choice for the president, them a reason to care enough to vote. For constitution if they’re not going to follow their constitution, Ledig is most likely proof of this apathy look at the lack of it? What’s to stop the student body from ineligible, a point emphasized by current external vice president, candidates and diversity in this election, just ending that question after, “What’s RPC members and something we pointed treasurer, secretary and despite an incredibly diverse current the point of the Student Association?” out last Wednesday. Although the until recently, internal class of senators. While we don’t blame As is obvious from the low turnout rates Elections Committee should have caught vice president? the senators themselves for choosing to for last year’s elections and the lack of onto that earlier, they still had enough not continue upward in the SA Senate interest this year for literally any of the time to fix their mistake by notifying him bureaucracy, we must question why the SA executive council roles, the student and allowing him enough time to appeal After this tirade, you might be SA has failed to retain this diverse group body is already in the process of losing their decision through a UCourt hearing. wondering, “Why does the Thresher care of leaders. faith and interest in the SA. All of this is required by the SA’s own so much about this?” You would not be The SA is showing again and again that You might wonder why we began constitution; it is also required that the alone in this sentiment, which has been they don’t care about their constitution or this so bitterly. So, a quick airing of our final ballot be approved at the SA Senate echoed among members of the SA who their elections, that famously democratic grievances. before voting begins. Instead, they were tired of us hounding them over the process. But what’s democratic about not By scheduling campaign season over waited until this past Monday, the day of break — some have even accused us of having a choice for the president, external midterm recess, the SA Senate effectively the ballot approval, to inform him (which capitalizing on the opportunity to “stir vice president, treasurer, secretary and guaranteed that nobody, even their own might have something to do with the fact up drama.” The truth is, as students until recently, internal vice president? Elections Committee, would care about that We Were On a Break) which left him ourselves, we would like nothing more As the only undergraduate paper on this the elections that affect the entire student without enough time for a proper UCourt than an election that features diverse campus, we care because we recognize body. The SA Senate lost the ability to offer hearing.8 a.m. classessThis left thearen’t SA Senatethe with options and that goes off without a hitch. the SA’s potential and power to do the Rice Program Council presidential their hands tied (by their own members) We have not forgotten what an effective important work to improve life at Rice. So candidate Will Ledig a correctly timed —biggest keep him problem on the ballot facing and defer to SA Senate can do: The SA Senate why does it seem like we’re the only ones University Court hearing, lost the time an inevitablystudents messy UCourt hearing and created the Critical Thinking in Sexuality who do? STAFF Christina Tan* Editor-in-Chief OPINION DESIGN Anna Ta* Managing Editor Elizabeth Hergert* Editor Tina Liu* Director The Rice Thresher, the official First copy is free. Each additional Dalia Gulca A&E Designer student newspaper at Rice copy is $5. NEWS BACKPAGE Joseph Hsu Features Designer University since 1916, is published Rishab Ramapriyan* Editor Simona Matovic* Editor & Designer Katherine Hui Sports Designer each Wednesday during the school Editorial and business offices are Amy Qin* Editor Anna Chung Ops Designer year, except during examination located on the second floor of the Rynd Morgan Asst. Editor PHOTO Dan Helmeci News Designer periods and holidays, by the Ley Student Center: Savannah Kuchar Asst. Editor Channing Wang Editor Yifei Zhang Illustrator students of Rice University. 6100 Main St., MS-524 Chloe Xu Illustrator Houston, TX 77005-1892 FEATURES COPY Letters to the Editor must be Phone (713) 348-4801 Ivanka Perez* Editor Vi Burgess Editor BUSINESS OPERATIONS Ella Feldman* Editor Bhavya Gopinath Editor Karoline Sun Business Manager received by 5 p.m. the Friday Email: [email protected] Phillip Jaffe Editor Lindsay Josephs Advertising Manager prior to publication and must be Website: www.ricethresher.org ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Mai Ton Social Media/Marketing signed, including college and year Katelyn Landry* Editor & Designer ONLINE Manager if the writer is a Rice student. The Ryan Green Web Editor Jackson Stiles Distribution Thresher reserves the rights to edit The Thresher is a member of the SPORTS Priyansh Lunia Video Editor Manager letters for content and length and ACP, TIPA, CMA and CMBAM. Michael Byrnes Editor Mateo D’Agaro Asst. Web Editor Sarah Herring Office Manager to place letters on its website. © Copyright 2020 Madison Buzzard Editor *Editorial Board member OPINION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 • 5

OPINION Giving back as easy as giving a break read more Who can deny the first thought that backgrounds, and that will come only when nonlisted students had at getting interviews.” online: comes to mind most often when one hears we in positions of power use it responsibly Volunteer to host a student (or several) the term “giving back to one’s alma mater” and altruistically. Power does also not for a formal externship through the Center “Combating a different is the opening of your checkbook. One have to mean occupying the C-suite either for Career Development, particularly might also think of donating one’s time, — merely being able to hold the door open since internships are not only few and kind of outbreak” be it through volunteering to serve on to others places you in an advantageous far between. The pool of opportunity gets “The virus has caused the Association of Rice Alumni board of position. If your company has openings, smaller when one factors in limitations underlying xenophobia to rear directors, interviewing prospective students post on Sallyportal and recommend the based on major and the ability to take its ugly head.” via Rice Alumni Volunteers for Admission applicant; we all know the deplorable, on an unpaid internship. Indeed, studies or spearheading a committee in a regional Sisyphean nature of applying to jobs, show internships lead to job offers. At alumni group. exacerbated by recruiters who ghost and the very least, if someone reaches out ALINA ZHU WILL RICE COLLEGE Yet there is another area that is often prescreening software. for career advice, get back to them, SOPHOMORE overlooked: mentorship and career outreach. particularly since many jobs are shared I remember as a senior back in 2012 by word of mouth. We should understand walking into the career fair in the Rice that for some, like first generation Memorial Center whose offerings were either The worst thing any of students, the CCD might be the first in consulting or engineering, neither of us can do is stay silent source of job advice they have received, which suited my humanities background. Of and as such, our recruiting efforts as “The Senate’s course, that is not today’s Rice — the recent or unengaged, content alumni to give access to certain corporate ‘independent’ jurors addition of buildings in such a short burst on reaping the benefits spaces are increasingly important. aren’t even pretending of time suggests that much — but I should Any one of the aforementioned ways of our education while anymore” hope there have also been strides made pulling up the ladder of of giving back are noble, but whichever in the companies present now at Tudor means we choose, we are all called to give “For a long time, members Fieldhouse. And indeed, there have been opportunity behind us. back however we can. The worst thing any of Congress have prioritized noticeable, laudable changes elsewhere: of us can do is stay silent or unengaged, their own political expediency The addition of the “internship and Though the career fair is only one content on reaping the benefits of our over their duty to the American practica” page on the School of Humanities event and one way to hire, if you work at a education for ourselves while pulling people.” website and Sallyportal are much needed. company that’s recruiting, convince them to up the ladder of opportunity behind We alumni, however, must also do apply for a table — after all, you know the us. To quote Michael Lewis: “Above all, HARRY GOLEN & DAN our part to support these efforts, current type of applicant you’d get because they are recognize that if you have had success, HELMICI students and other alumni — and no, you you, perhaps even better. Especially if you you have also had luck — and with luck JONES COLLEGE are not too “busy” to help. While anecdotal, work at a Fortune 500 company; our alumni comes obligation. You owe a debt, and FRESHMEN I cannot recall the number of stories I base is small, so the chance of landing a not just to your gods, you owe a debt to have heard from other alumni in their job at one of these after graduation is even the unlucky.” networking efforts of anemic affinity groups slimmer. And if your school is not listed or unresponsive peers, all the more baffling as a core school from which many elite when their profiles on Sallyportal state that companies hire the bulk of their candidates, they are willing to help. you don’t stand a chance. An article in We need to offer more types of Harvard Business Review wrote, “In the TRAVIS SAN PEDRO Want to write your own opinion for the opportunities in more industries to end, a personal connection to an existing HANSZEN COLLEGE ‘12 Thresher? We take submissions through applicants with more diverse educational employee or client was one of the few shots email. Email [email protected]!

OPINION Clarifying misconceptions about Rice Program Council In light of recent claims made about their residential colleges. Officers of the All money spent for fall retreat was for student safety, not the financial gain of Rice Program Council, we would like executive council are reviewed and selected food. RPC. Beer Bike fines paid by colleges are to take the opportunity to clarify some by the incoming president in consultation deposited directly into a separate Beer misconceptions about the organization. with the prior executive council and the Misconception: RPC profits off of Bike C-fund and are not used for other RPC RPC staff advisor. Committee co-chairs are fencing rentals and Beer Bike fines. events. Part of the fines go into paying a Misconception: RPC does not take reviewed and selected by the executive Fencing: small portion of the current year’s Beer student input. council. Committee members are reviewed College socials who plan public Bike costs. These costs include, but are This year, RPC has implemented many and selected by the committee co-chairs, parties are required to register and not limited to, concessions, security new initiatives to improve communication with approval by the executive council. abide by Student Activities procedures (such as RUPD and Rice Emergency with the student body. This includes the under the general rules, section B of the Medical Services), bleachers, scaffolding event feedback form, suggestions form, Misconception: RPC’s expenses are Undergraduate Alcohol Policy. Procedures and sound equipment, all of which are and collab with RPC form, all of which are wasteful and unnecessary, specifically outlined by Student Activities require necessary for the safe and successful found on the RPC website and under “Our regarding the spending on organization public parties to have a contained area execution of Beer Bike. Any rollover is Story” on the RPC Facebook page. The shirts, advertisement and the fall for beer gardens and a line management used to supplement the track maintenance event feedback form has also been posted retreat. system. They are not required to use RPC fund, which covers important repairs on RPC event pages following each event As a student organization with nearly fencing specifically for these purposes. to the track that is used every year by to get feedback to improve our events in 60 members, it is realistic to allocate Rice administration wanted to make sure every college (such as repairing cracks or the future. Our forms and outreach have $500 for organization shirts, which that fencing could be rented at a lower filling in holes on the ground). While the led to collaborations with other student amounts to around $7 per shirt. RPC rate than local vendors in Houston, so Student Association provides $2,000 for organizations, such as the Rice Art Club members are required to wear RPC shirts RPC was given the responsibility of buying the track maintenance fund, this can be at the S’winter Study Break and an ENST when volunteering at events in order to and renting out fencing panels to the insufficient to cover the track repair cost. 302 student team at the Homecoming distinguish RPC members working the college socials and any other on-campus The track is evaluated every year by Crisis Pumpkin Patch. RPC officers have made event from attendees. organization that would like to rent out Management, Environmental Health themselves available for student feedback Regarding advertisement, it is RPC’s fencing, at a rate of $7 per panel. RPC and Safety, Facilities Engineering and as well through RPC Office Hours with responsibility to ensure that we are taking does not profit from these fencing rentals. Planning and additional staff members. executive council officers and committee necessary measures to inform the student The funds received from fencing go into Repairs cost $12,000 to $14,000 every 3-4 co-chairs in the RMC Grand Hall lobby to body about events that are planned for a separate fund account used solely for years, an estimate determined by FE&P’s publicize upcoming events and connect the Rice community. With $1,000 for the purpose of purchasing new fencing or private contractors. Beer Bike fines are with the student body. Three one-hour advertisement spread over 18 events this repairing broken fencing. These funds are assigned by security volunteers who are office hour sessions were held in the fall year (excluding Beer Bike), the cost for not used for general RPC events. chosen by residential colleges. These 2019 semester, and an executive council advertisement per event is about $55. Beer Bike: volunteers are educated on the fines prior member along with a co-chair were This is used for flyers, posters, stickers When concerns were raised regarding to and the morning of Beer Bike. available to chat each time. and special creative publicity specific the safety of Beer Bike events, RPC helped We understand that RPC is not perfect, to events. While we advertise on many to facilitate the discussion with colleges and we welcome constructive criticism and Misconception: RPC’s structure avenues of social media as previously regarding how dangerous behavior during discussions to improve the organization. is unclear, and decisions are largely described and are making an effort to Beer Bike could be reduced. The colleges We are doing our best to incorporate dictated by the president. be more environmentally conscious, chose to regulate themselves instead of student feedback to continually improve The RPC website provides a written physical advertisements placed in college having the university step in, and thus RPC and to better serve the student body. description of the structure as well as commons are necessary to advertise to the fine system was introduced. As the Chu, Yiu, Su Chen Teh (not pictured) and an organizational chart to help better students who are not on social media. organization that oversees campuswide Priscilla Li (not pictured) are all members visualize all the committees and members Regarding the retreat, the fall retreat Beer Bike planning, RPC then took over of the Rice Program Council Executive of the organization. Applications for all is a mandatory information session for implementing and enforcing the fine Council. positions excluding RPC president and all RPC members, with the intention of system. Each year, the RPC campuswide college representatives are posted on the introducing members to RPC’s mission, Beer Bike coordinators work with RPC website and advertised on the RPC goals, history and expectations, and to university departments (such as Risk Facebook page, Instagram, “Class of” and inform members of different important Management and Rice University Police JOYCELYN YIU & residential college Facebook pages in the procedures and resources, such as using Department) to adjust fines as concerns IRENE CHU early fall or late spring. the P-card, booking rooms and planning arise. Changes in fines are discussed MARTEL COLLEGE The selection process and decision- events. While $750 is allocated for this with college Beer Bike coordinators on JUNIOR & SID RICHARDSON making for membership is as follows: retreat, only $326.50 was spent this year relevance and fairness. The primary COLLEGE SENIOR College representatives are selected by which breaks down to $5.44 per person. concern of these fines is campus and 6 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER

An orientation to O-Week Coordinators With next year’s class of coordinators already drafting plans, one from each college shared their views on O-Week. FEATURES See more at ricethresher.org FROM PAGE 1 CORONAVIRUS: STUDENTS FUNDRAISE FOR MEDICAL SUPPLIES, FEAR FOR RELATIVES

Luo said she is aware of the limitations of the secondhand information she receives from social media. “Because my social circle is restricted to people from middle-class families, I cannot develop a comprehensive understanding of the current lives of the lower class solely based on online sources,” Luo said. “Since it is impossible for the news to cover every individual of the socially disadvantaged groups, it is even harder to imagine their suffering under the lockdown.” Although a virus cannot identify human borders, some students noted that people have begun to draw social barriers as a result of the virus. Jiayan Liang said he has percieved widespread regional discrimination following the coronavirus panic. “I feel bad that we tend to treat people from Wuhan and even China like the virus itself and forget the fact that these are people like you and me who have a family and a life full of memories,” Liang, a Wiess freshman, said. Luo expressed frustration at the racist ideas conveyed against Chinese people on social media. “I am infuriated with how some Americans make racist jokes about the misfortune that Chinese people ILLUSTRATION BY YIFEI ZHANG are undergoing,” Luo said. “It is China tortuously suffering from the virus, To support Wuhan hospitals, the “Currently, we are just providing a used for coronavirus patients, there are rather than the Chinese virus threatening Rice Chinese Students and Scholars reliable source of donations from Rice no hospital beds for patients with other the world.” Association launched a fundraising students and teachers. However, we types of diseases.” Wu said. “I feel so However, many Chinese international event with the Houston Beida Alumni are also welcom[ing] any people or heartbroken and sorry for the tragedy in students said they’ve received emotional Association, according to Jian Huang, the organizations in Houston which would her family and I cannot even imagine the support from the Rice community. Wu said president of RCSSA. like to join us to help,” Huang said. agonizing pain that people like her have people around her have shown sympathy “Since the outbreak of the coronavirus Although they’re far away from home, to endure.” for the tragedy in her hometown. She in Wuhan, people all over the world are a number of students from Wuhan Other Chinese international students, said she was touched by encouraging making efforts to help China. When we expressed how important paying close even those not from Wuhan, share the messages, such as the supportive emails heard that the hospitals in China are short attention to the epidemic is for them. same feelings. Yi Luo said while she for Chinese students from President David of medical supplies ... we decided to launch Zhu said even though he is busy with his Leebron and other university faculty a fundraising event as well, encouraging studies, he follows the news online closely members, especially amid the growing overseas students and scholars, especially and keeps himself updated every day. prejudice against Chinese people in Chinese people in the Houston area, to “For many Chinese international I am infuriated with how American society. make their own contribution to our home students, although we cannot go back some Americans make “I was quite angry when seeing country,” Huang, a Lovett College junior, home, our hearts are always with people the rising racism in the international said. in Wuhan,” Zhu said. racist jokes about the community, especially the derogatory RCSSA publicized the fundraising Wu said she was a little bit worried misfortune that Chinese reference to Chinese in a recent Wall channels provided by the BAA, including when she first heard about the outbreak people are undergoing. Street Journal article,” Wu said. “But the QuickPay and Zelle, on various social of the virus, but did not take it as an supportive emails from President Leebron media platforms, according to Huang. If urgent issue. She said when she knew Yi Luo and other university faculty members help the donation is made through RCSSA’s one of her family’s friend and his wife WIESS COLLEGE SOPHOMORE relieve my anxiety.” publicity, RCSSA requires donors to put had been severely infected and were sent Liang, who said he carefully read every “Rice” in the notes to help them identify to intensive care units, she started to feel email sent by Leebron and the Office of the source of the donation. very distressed. feels fortunate that she is away from the International Students and Scholars, said Huang said under close monitoring “Even though they were transferred to epidemic, she is also guilty and frustrated he was also moved by how Rice values by the alumni association, the supplies one of the best hospitals in Wuhan, there that she could not offer any direct support every individual student’s feelings. they purchased were delivered by air to is no effective treatment to alleviate their to the virus-afflicted region. As the number of infected remains Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital Feb. 2. The symptoms,” Wu said. “I feel unsettled because of the news high three weeks since the lockdown, all hospital is at the forefront of the fight Wu said she has a high school classmate about the inefficiency of domestic charity students eagerly hope the government against the epidemic. The supplies they who lost her father due to the virus organizations like Red Cross and poor can act more quickly to alleviate the shipped are standard medical supplies, infection. Now her classmate also finds quality of medical supplies sent by some epidemic. including protective clothing, masks and herself infected but needs to take care of international students,” Luo, a Wiess “My ultimate wish now is that China goggles, which are purchased according her mother, who had been diagnosed with College sophomore said. “[But] being can combat the virus as soon as possible to the hospitals’ actual needs, according cancer years ago but was not hospitalized. away from China, I don’t know what else so that everyone can return to their to Huang. “Since all the hospitals have been I can do except donate medical supplies.” normal lives and stay healthy,” Zhu said.

Black at Rice: Black History Month Gabrielle Falcon, Martel College Senior This February marks a year of Black at Rice, a features series created with the intention of “One of my favorite poems is ‘I, Too’ by Langston Hughes. The first highlighting and celebrating Black voices on and off campus. For the anniversary and for Black time I saw this poem was on Twitter. And I just fell in love with it. I History Month, the Features staff decided to do something a little different with the series. read it over and over again. I think it just so eloquently and efficiently Rather than feature one student, we asked past participants and nominees of Black at Rice to explains the history of Black people in America. We too are America. tell us, in their own words, what Black History Month means to them. Here’s what they said. We too are history. We too allowed this nation to be what it is. We too See more at ricethresher.org are so intricately woven into the narrative of how America views itself — both positively and negatively. And of course, that negative aspect is Eddie Jackson, Baker College Junior the way America has treated Black people since its conception. That’s “Black History Month has always been an important month for me. It is one of the few where the shame comes from. And last, I love how Hughes emphasizes times of the year that I get to hear about important events in Black history and have how beautiful he is — we are. We too can be and are beautiful. And we my culture celebrated. However, there are lots of issues with Black History Month. It too call and try to make America beautiful as well. I think the poem is a focuses on a very specific point in Black history and cycles through the same Black journey. Of where Black people once were and where Hughes wants them people year after year. It has devolved from a genuine appreciation of Black culture to be. And with that, how Hughes wants the nation to view them. Also, to a performative act of integration. Black History Month has become a crutch for I think that the poem just makes me feel strong. It’s through struggle White people to say that they care about Black issues while still benefiting from White that Hughes discusses becoming strong. And through that strength he supremacy and the mistreatment of minorities. I’m not arguing for the abolition of sees his beauty and reverence as an American. He laughs in the face of Black History Month, but I think that a lot of work needs to ensure that it is used to adversity. He welcomes it at his door. I wish to be that brave and try to uplift Black people.” turn all of my struggles into a lesson and an example to be learned from.” FEATURES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 • 7 EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS Crossword by Grant Lu Thresher Staff ACROSS DOWN 1) Love letter dropped in a 1) Crossword-solver’s tool, 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 calf’s trough? abbr. 11) “American” series 2) Long-awaited ratification, 11 starring Lady Gaga abbr. 12) Not a dog, but ____ 3) Kinky vegan’s cry? 13) SWA and DAL competitor 4) __ and behold 12 13 14 14) Dubai home fed. 5) Spewed, as a volcano 15) Amazon’s loc. 6) Code-cracking org. 15 16 17 16) Feisty fiend 7) Tritone, abbr. 18) Attractive people in a 8) Promissory vowels Korean restaurant? 9) Gun-toting org. 18 19 20 21 22 23) KTRU tower buyer 10) Potato progenitor 24) Go back in time? 11) Warmonger 23 24 25) Subject of many an 17) __ Alpha Theta, nerdy org. Instagram account, and a clue 19) Subject enthusiast to this week’s theme 20) Mischeivous fiend 25 26 27 21) Tail end of Old MacDonald 28) Singer ___ Twigs 29) One of Jupiter’s four refrain 28 29 30 moons 22) DNA fingerprint 31) Hormone mimicked by polymorphism soy 26) Desert wet spots

31 32 33 34 35 36) Chance encounter 27) No, for Vladimir between two hams? 30) ___-a-penny 36 37) Respect 32) Tit for ___ 33) Google Maps suggestion, abbr. 37 34) Grocery center? 35) Bubble fodder

Answers will be posted on ricethresher.org and on the Thresher Facebook page. Bolded clues and colored squares correspond to the theme.

Meet me at the Moody Café

Your spot for sandwiches, salads and sweets. Free coffee with purchase! Now accepting Tetra Points. Operated by Salento @themoodyarts 8 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT ‘BLACK GIRL CHURCH’ CELEBRATES VERSATILITY, RESILIENCE

SUPPORT HOUSTON BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS

“Black Girl Church” pushes its audiences to support Black-owned business with a list of over 300 Black-owned beauty supply stores around the world. The comprehensive list is featured on the documentary’s website courtesy of Jeffrey Beauty Supply, a key subject in “Black Girl Church” and the first Black- owned beauty supply store to open in Brownsville, a residential neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn, New York.

Support the community of Black beauty industry owners by visiting these Houston businesses:

Obsidian Beauty Supply 9344 Jones Road, Ste E Houston, Texas 77065 (281) 477-7910

Brashae’s Beauty Supply 11902 S Gessner Rd Houston, TX 77071 (713) 541-2279

Bennett Beauty & Barber Supply COURTESY BLACK GIRL CHURCH 13820 Westheimer Rd 6714 Houston, TX 77077 KATELYN LANDRY Similarly, Crain shared childhood For film co-creator Williams, the (281) 752-7520 A&E EDITOR memories of doing her hair with her mother on biggest misconception about Black hair what they fondly called “wash days” — entire lies in the assumption that women are Emely’s Family Haircut When I asked Rice Creative Society founder days dedicated to hair maintenance and style. primarily motivated by insecurity to change 22424 Imperial Valley Dr., Ste 200 Taylor Crain what struck her most about the The communal tradition of doing hair is one their style. “Just because we change our Houston, TX 77073 documentary short film “Black Girl Church,” that is practiced in barber shops, salons and appearance with hair it doesn’t mean that (281) 443-1728 her answer was simple: “It’s encapsulated in beauty supply stores alike where Black hair we aren’t happy with the ways we look, our the title — the documentary feels like home.” is celebrated and understood — for the most Blackness,” Williams said. “Black Girl Church” extols the beauty part. Crain also described the proliferation In addition to tackling these supply store for its integral role in the Black of “whitening” products that encourage skin misconceptions, “Black Girl Church” community as a sacred space where women bleaching or hair straightening, an infiltration addresses the friction between Black and can exercise autonomy and creativity. In of sacred space with outside messaging. Asian communities caused by overwhelming picking out new products, accessories, “I think having to navigate the messaging Korean and Korean American ownership weaves and wigs, Black women celebrate the that you get, especially really early on, of Black beauty supply stores as opposed versatility of their hair and practice self-love that your hair is either not enough as it is to African American entrepreneurs. Since in the face of racial biases. or it’s not pretty as it is ... this film tackles the explosion of the wig business in South Crain discovered the documentary that really nicely,” Crain, a Lovett College Korea in the 1960s, Korean companies have COURTESY BLACK GIRL CHURCH through Instagram last summer and junior, said. “I think people seeing this film monopolized the billion-dollar Black hair messaged the filmmakers, inviting them will be powerful because they’ll see how industry by disallowing Black manufacturers to host a screening at Rice. With support complicated hair is for Black women: both from entering the distribution business, on Black women’s experiences with the and sponsorship from campus centers empowering and also constricting.” according to MadameNoir. beauty industry, Crain hopes the event Academic and Cultural Empowerment at Crain said that anxieties surrounding Williams hopes that by the end of the will set a precedent for the Rice Creative Rice and the Center for Engaged Research Black hair and how it will be perceived by film audiences are inspired to support Black Society as an organization where students and Collaborative Learning, Rice Creative employers and others outside the community business. “We want credit,” said Williams. can see artistic endeavors translated into Society set about organizing the event, are unfortunately still too relevant. Crain “We want our creativity to be ours and to successful passion projects. which has been so enthusiastically received explained that while loose, well-defined curl reap the benefits of creating these things.” “Rice does house creativity and by the Rice community that tickets have patterns have grown to be more celebrated Following the screening, students want these kinds of panels and sold out twice. and normalized, thick, tightly coiled hair cinematographer and editor Joe Schaefer discussions to happen on campus,” Crain The award-winning documentary, created known as type 4 hair is often perceived as will join Bowen, Williams and Pina for said. “All of [the filmmakers] have day jobs, and directed by Audrey Williams and Marissa unprofessional. Similarly, people who wear a panel discussion about the making of they don’t make documentaries for a living Pina, navigates the beauty supply store as an locks, a popular hairstyle that involves “Black Girl Church” before opening up [and that shows] that you [don’t] have to essential site of empowerment, independence fashioning hair into rope-like strands of for audience questions. This Friday will sideline your creative passions. You can and creative liberty for Black women and girls varying widths, are sometimes construed as mark the documentary’s first presentation still prioritize yourself creatively and make of all ages. being uneducated or unclean. in Texas — and the South in general it happen and have a big impact.” “When I was old enough to be outside “It’s a pretty common talk, especially — following an overseas screening in “Black Girl Church” will be screened this with my friends without parental supervision, for college-aged women,” Crain said. “It’s Amsterdam and a highly successful circuit Friday, Feb. 21 at the Moody Center for the so I’d say about 10, a group of girls and I like, how do I do my hair for an interview? in and around New York last year. Arts. The screening will follow a reception would ride our bikes to the beauty supply and Will it impact my interview if my hair is in “This is my first time in Houston and with refreshments beginning at 7 p.m. and $5 would take us so far. That 99 cent lip gloss a fro and not pressed out? Did they make I’ve never seen a Black girl from there with will conclude with the panel discussion. is still the truth,” cast member Sesali Bowen, certain judgments about who I am and my her hair not LAID! I can’t wait to hear their Tickets are currently sold out but you can a former editor and writer at Refinery29 and competency because of my hair? Did I not get beauty stories,” Bowen said. be placed on the waitlist by visiting the Nylon Magazine, said. this job because my hair was a certain way?” In addition to educating audiences event Facebook page.

THE WEEKLY SCENE SAS MELA RICE MEDIA CENTER ACAPPELLOOZA KTRU SPRING Join Rice’s South Asian Society for their first 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT annual Spring Mela this Saturday from 3 - Experence the talents of Rice’s student a Celebrate with the opening reception of Jam out to local talent this Saturday at 7 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to cappella groups with performances by the Geoff Winningham’s “Friday Night in the KTRU’s annual spring concert. Hip-hop learn about Daya Houston, an organization Rice Philharmonics, Nocturnals, Low Keys Coliseum,” a collection of photography on producer Joshy Bones, synth-pop duo Space dedicated to empowering South Asian and Apollos this Sunday from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Houston’s wrestling scene in the ’70s, which Kiddettes and rockabilly blues musician survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, This event is free and open to the public. will be on view until March 20. Rice Cinema Oliver Penn will take the stage at Valhalla while enjoying food and games. This event Optional donations to the Music Therapy will also screen a selection from 50 years of starting at 7 p.m. This event is free and open is free and open to the public. Center of Houston will be collected. student films. The event is free and open to to the public. the public this Saturday from 6 - 9 p.m. Rice Memorial Center Rice Memorial Center Valhalla Ray Courtyard Grand Hall Rice Media Center ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 • 9 Review: Tame Impala delivers trademark vibrations but fails to innovate studio wiz. Pulling from a plethora of genres, open letter to Parker’s late father that begins untethered, expansive soundscapes feel Parker created a psych-pop album that was with a guitar line reminiscent of that in the diluted and watery when consumed on a simultaneously chock-full of catchy earworms Eagles’ 1976 hit “Hotel California.” Pairing small scale. In “Currents,” Parker’s aural and his signature sonic maximalism. Hearing a bossa-esque beat with an arpeggiating environments emerge clear and defined, “Currents” live for the first time at Boston guitar line, the sixth track of the album, pulsating beats tethering soundscapes Calling Music Festival last May, I found “Tomorrow’s Dust,” delivers a bittersweet ode together and creating a directionality that myself transfixed by the album’s adaptability; to temporality. emphasizes the “pop” in “psych-pop.” “Currents” was a triumph precisely because it “Our regrets tomorrow are our actions Songs like “The Less I Know the Better” that could be enjoyed through both headphones now,” Parker says in his Apple Music lyrical entertained huge festival crowds also found and festival loudspeakers. commentary. “Future memories are present their way onto party playlists, mixtapes Yet, Parker’s newest endeavor, “The day current events. Tomorrow’s dust is today’s exchanged between high school sweethearts Slow Rush,” falls short of the creative genius air, floating around us as we speak.” and everyone and their mothers’ Spotify of “Currents.” Although any track off the The rest of the album’s tracks generally Wrapped. “The Slow Rush,” on the other album could easily work in a festival set, proceed as such, with fear-tinted nostalgia hand, feels directionless — a well-intended the 12-track’s lack of structure creates an and meditations on the passage of time effort that ultimately finds itself mired in COURTESY MODULAR RECORDINGS album that is a disjointed sonic experience underpinned by mind-expanding maximalist self-awareness and creative stagnation. instead of a united musical work. While soundscapes. Few of the tracks stand exceptionally THE SLOW RUSH “The Slow Rush” continues the drift away Here’s the thing: This album is so well independently, and horizontal sonic from the Lennon-esque psychedelia of Tame deeply intentional. Every chord voicing, expansion takes precedence over interesting Genre: Alternative / Indie Impala’s first two albums, it simultaneously instrumentation, lyric and studio effect was musical motifs or melodies. For such a Top Track: ‘Breathe Deeper” strays away from small-scale palatability and chosen with thought and deliberation. Due deeply meaningful album, it all feels rather … musical ingenuity. in part to personal reasons, Parker took five meaningless. The album opens with the track “One years to create the album and his process was My point here is not that the album won’t More Year.” Parker’s first synthesized vocals meticulous. Even after the initial solo-debut be successful, widely listened to or cohesive stretch and unfurl outward through space, of “Borderline” in 2019, Parker remained with the rest of their body of work: In fact, setting the atmosphere and introducing the unsatisfied and pulled the track back into my point is exactly the opposite. “The Slow LIA PIKUS album’s leading lady: the passage of time. Just the studio for revisions before the album’s Rush” stands as a creative concession, a mere FOR THE THRESHER like his past three albums, “The Slow Rush” release. treading of water at a point in Parker’s career is predominantly occupied with a singular “I was so in my own head about the song,” where he could have created a truly envelope- Making an album as creatively rich as theme that permeates the entire work. Parker said in an interview with radio station pushing work. Each song on the album could “Currents” was always going to be a tough “I’m being swept by this notion of time Triple J released last Thursday. “The way it have easily been tacked onto “Currents” as a job or Kevin Parker, and his newest album passing,” Parker said in a New York Times sounds now is the way I was hearing it when I filler track without anyone batting an eye, and “The Slow Rush”- is the comparatively- interview last spring. “There’s something released it the first time.” that feels like a letdown. lackluster proof. really intoxicating about it.” The intent behind every stylistic choice On the other hand, maybe that’s the “Currents” was Tame Impala frontman On the next track, “Instant Destiny,” and the emotional rawness behind every entire point. Heady soundscapes are Tame Parker’s first big move toward his own Parker continues his exploration with a lyric is palpable. Parker’s extensive and Impala’s claim to fame, their pièce de unique brand of psychedelia, plucking percussive beat and vocals drenched in studio diverse musical repository also takes center résistance. Maybe it’s fruitless to analyze a groovy bass lines straight from the ’70s to effects, nostalgia and a boldness that only stage, weaving an intricate musical quilt Parker work, especially one imbued with so give shape to amorphous blobs of paisley- comes from being head-over-heels in love. with patches of ’80s R&B (“Breathe Deeper”), much intention and care, with the normal pop soundscapes. While Parker’s first two “Borderline,” the album’s third song, falls disco-funk (“Is It True”) and acid house (“One tools of music criticism. Maybe, Parker’s not albums — “Lonerism” and “Innerspeaker” closest to the “Currents’” brand of psychedelic More Year”), just to name a few. here to give us a “Currents”-shattering artistic — showcased his astonishing mastery of pop — a sugared whirling of instruments and Yet, as I was writing this review with triumph; maybe he’s here, just like the rest of the psych-rock genre, “Currents” was a synthesizers anchored by a subwoofer-worthy “The Slow Rush” playing on repeat in the us, to literally vibe. testament to the 34-year-old performer’s bassline. Any Eagles fan’s ears will perk up at background, I would often forget that I “The Slow Rush” is available on all major growth and versatility as both an artist and a the onset of “Posthumous Forgiveness,” an was listening to anything at all. Parker’s streaming platforms. 10 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS BASKETBALL SEEKS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS AGAINST UNT

courtesy rice athletics Freshman forward Lauren Schwartz, senior guard Erica Ogwumike and junior center Kendall Ellig each reach for a loose ball on a rebound. This year, Ogwumike leads the team with 18.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Schwartz has started all 24 of the Owls’ games and is averaging 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds as the Owls’ sole freshman starter.

period with seven straight points, and the seven [games]; that’s pretty intense,” “We all see that we have lots of games BEN BAKER-KATZ Owls were unable to make up the difference Langley said. “I think being in front of our left to play, and we have a lot of room THRESHER STAFF before time expired. crowd again, and having the comfort of our to grow,” Schwartz said. “We have to be Against Charlotte, the Owls were unable own facility, is always nice. It will help us ourselves [against North Texas] and grow Rice women’s basketball will aim to get to get anything going on offense, shooting get back to kinda doing things the way we from last week. Like Coach always says, back into the win column when the team just 29 percent from the field. They were do them.” ‘the next game is the biggest game.’ So faces the University of North Texas at home able to keep the game close with their To start getting back on track, Rice will we’re just focused on what we have to do to on Thursday. Rice has lost two games in defense, but Charlotte was able to break prepare for a North Texas team they beat be our best and win the next game.” a row to Conference USA opponents: Old through in the third quarter with a 16-6 67-52 earlier this month. Besides winning The Owls will face off against North Dominion University and the University of run that gave them the lead and eventually handily, the Owls were also able to hold the Texas at Tudor Fieldhouse on Thursday, North Carolina, Charlotte. Previously, the the game. Schwartz said the Owls lost their Mean Green to just one made three-pointer with tipoff at 7 p.m. Owls had won 11 straight games, all against groove near the end. on 10 attempts, which Ellig said was crucial C-USA opponents. “I think it was more of our misses to the win. SEASON STATISTICS According to junior center Kendall Ellig, and our lack of execution during plays,” “[North Texas] is a better shooting team the team is not fully satisfied with its recent Schwartz said. “We just didn’t really play than they have been in the past, so it’s going record performances. our game.” to be important for us to protect the three- “There are ebbs and flows to a season,” Despite their recent losses, the Owls point line like we did last game,” Ellig said. 16–8 Ellig said. “Obviously we would have liked are still in excellent standing in C-USA. “Aside from that, we just have to continue conference record the ending to be a little different, but I think They are 11-2 in conference play and just to grow on offense and be creative, and that 11–2 it just gives us some really clear ideas of one game behind Old Dominion with five will put us in a good position to win.” what we need to work on to get better.” games remaining in the regular season. Rice has excelled on defense this season, points per game Against Old Dominion, Rice senior The Owls will face Old Dominion again allowing just 56.5 points per game, good for 64.9 guard Erica Ogwumike led the team with in Rice’s season finale, this time at Tudor No. 25 in the nation. The Owls have also 26 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Fieldhouse. According to Langley, the fact kept opponents shooting just 35.5 percent points allowed per game Junior center Nancy Mulkey added nine that Rice will face the Monarchs at home is from the field, and 26.8 percent from three- 56.5 points and eight rebounds. But the important. point range. According to Schwartz, the Monarchs were able to open the overtime “We had five away games over our last Owls are in a good spot moving forward. infographic by katherine hui MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS SET TO HOST LSU IN DUAL MEET SPENCER MOFFAT senior Priya Niezgoda and sophomore not result in a victory, women’s tennis in their Sunday match against LSU. SENIOR WRITER Anastasia Smirnova dropped their doubles head coach Elizabeth Schmidt said After losing to LSU 6-1 last year, match, juniors Michaela Haet and Linda the team benefits from playing ranked Ustundag said he thinks this year’s match Rice men’s and women’s tennis will face Huang helped Rice rebound by winning opponents. Arizona State was the Owls’ will be different. Louisiana State University on Sunday in a their match 6-4. second ranked opponent of the season, “I expect our team to be better than dual home meet. The men’s team, with a However, freshman Maria Budin and after Rice lost 4-2 to then-No. 8 North what we showed last year,” Ustundag 3-3 record, hopes to first defeat Texas A&M sophomore Diae El Jardi fell in their match, Carolina State University on Jan. 25. said.“I expect it to come down to the wire, University on Friday, while the women’s giving ASU the doubles point. In singles play Against LSU, women’s tennis will look especially if we show up with the same team will seek to first up its 4-4 record against the Sun Devils, the Owls took two of to improve upon last year, when they were intensity and energy and want to write the against Texas State University on Saturday. the five finished matches, with Niezgoda and shut out 7-0. The LSU women’s tennis team, ship after that three match skid we had.” Last weekend, women’s tennis lost to junior Anna Bowtell emerging with wins. ranked No. 40 in the country, improved But Ustundag also said the No. 49 then-No. 18 Arizona State University. After While this past Sunday’s match did to 5-2 on the season after pulling off two Tigers will still pose a stiff challenge for wins in a row against Southern Methodist the Owls. University and Tulane University. “[LSU is] a very talented team and On Friday, Rice men’s tennis will face it’s a team that doesn’t have any holes,” Texas A&M, the No. 13 team in the nation. Ustundag said. Before its current two-match winning Overall, Schmidt said having both the streak, the Rice men’s tennis team suffered men’s and women’s teams playing at the a three-match skid in which the Owls won same time at home creates a unique tennis only one singles match and were completely atmosphere. shut out against two Ivy League opponents: “It’s a really cool environment having Dartmouth College and Harvard University. 12 courts of Owls playing at the same According to head coach Efe Ustundag, the time,” Schmidt said. “It really showcases team didn’t execute well in those losses. our school pride and we hope to get a lot “We didn’t do certain things that this of fans from the school and community.” team is better at doing during that stretch,” The dual match against LSU will be Ustundag said. “We could have made the only time this spring season that both better decisions and we could have shown men’s and women’s tennis will play at Allen sellErs / Rice thresher a better fight.” the George R. Brown Tennis Center at the Junior Sumit Sarkar tracks the ball as he prepares to hit a serve on Sunday against Abilene After facing Texas A&M, the Owls will same time. The match kicks off at 11 a.m. Christian University. In singles play, Sarkar has five wins and five losses this season. look to continue their recent run of success on Sunday. SPORTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 • 11 Grace Forbes: Lightning Fast

DANIEL SCHRAGER distance runner Don Lash. She wears his FOR THE THRESHER lucky sweatshirt — a souvenir from the 1998 Rose Bowl — to every single race as a way to Grace Forbes has been outrunning just honor him. Before each race, she said she about everyone she’s faced this season. But, reminds herself to “do it for gramps.” according to Forbes, the freshman track star “My true inspiration is my grandpa,” who has taken Conference USA by storm, that Forbes said. “Right before every race I think hasn’t always been the case. about him.” “In my grade school years, I was actually In addition to her family, Forbes said she the worst of [my] family [at running],” credits both her faith and high school coach Forbes said. “I have [two] sisters, and we for motivating her. were all running at a pretty high level, “I would say one of my main motivators except I was always the runt of the group, is my high school coach Bill Coren,” Forbes always the slowest.” said. “He’s really made a big impact on my Forbes used to have two siblings who life. I think he deserves a shoutout.” were faster than her; now, only a few people Despite her family’s many track roots, in the entire conference can make that claim. Forbes initially took to soccer. She participated Forbes, who finished fifth in the 5K race at in both soccer and track for much of her life, the C-USA championships in November, said and it wasn’t until the end of her junior year that the competition helped fuel her to reach of high school that running finally won out. a “higher level.” Eventually, she said, she began to realize how Forbes was recently named the C-USA much she enjoyed running. Female Track Athlete of the Week for two “I realized that I truly had a lot more fun consecutive weeks after recording the fastest running. It was really cool to test my limits,” indoor mile (4:40.69) among all NCAA Forbes said, “My dad has this quote: ‘Any day Division I freshmen and the No. 2o indoor with a run in it is a good day.’ And it really 3,000 meter time (9:13.64) in all of DI. In the relates to me. Any day that I’m running, that fall, Forbes also finished No. 87 in the 6K race feeling of accomplishment after a good run, it at the NCAA cross-country championships. brightens up the rest of your day, it makes you According to Forbes, track runs in her feel like you’ve done something a little extra family. Both of her parents were runners, that day.” as were both of her sisters, including one, With soccer out of the fold, she picked up Madeline, who runs here at Rice. Even her cross-country and began to train for track year dog, a golden retriever named for the first- round. She’s improved rapidly since then. ever marathon runner Pheidippides, is a track Since getting to Rice, she says she’s lowered athlete in her own right, running four miles her 3K time by nearly a minute, and her mile a day. Forbes said that she draws inspiration time by four seconds, which she credits to her from her family. high school coach Coren and Rice women’s “Definitely people at home, so my family, cross-country and track head coach Jim my mom and my dad,” Forbes said. “They’re Bevan. Yet even with her success, Forbes said definitely the main motivators.” that she still feels the need to prove herself. Most of all, however, Forbes said that “I want to prove to everyone on that track courtesy rice athletics she draws her inspiration from her late that I’m worthy of being a competitor there,” Freshman runner Grace Forbes extends her stride while in the inside lane during a relay race. grandfather — also a runner. She said he was Forbes said. “That I’m worthy of running at Forbes has excelled for Rice this season: She broke the Houston Invitational meet record mile time once the runner-up to former record-breaking the DI collegiate level.” and was recently named C-USA Female Athlete of the Week for the second week in a row. 12 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020 BACKPAGE

Official Backpage 2020 Write-In Endorsements Even in an election cycle with so few candidates and contested positions, there’s no shortage of controversy. Bypass the bureaucracy, write in Backpage-endorsed candidates. While most of these candidates aren’t technically “eligible” based on “by-laws” and “basic rules,” that hasn’t stopped some of the campaigns across the blanket tax organizations this year.

SA Secretary: The person in your class SA External Vice President: Lightning Mc- who’s always clacking away on their laptop Queen from Cars All of the University Standing Committees report They just love taking notes, don’t they? to the EVP. A particularly salient committee They’re always typing so much, they must be during these trying times is the Parking documenting ideas and facts that are really of Committee. We need an EVP who makes value. Never mind the fact that the professor parking a priority and is passionate about read off the PowerPoint slide for the past 10 ensuring cars have spots even as construction minutes — this Note G.O.A.T. listens between seems to block off dozens more every single the lines to jot down only crucial information. day. An anthropomorphic car seems like But, it is a little weird that they take notes in their he would be the best candidate to address messaging app and on Facebook somehow. arguably the most important issue that falls under the overall responsibilities for EVP.

SA President: The literal Slack app

The residential college presidents report directly to the SA president, who serves as the primary spokesperson for the entire student body. The college presidents already love reporting anything and everything directly to their Slack workspace. The automation revolution is upon us, so cut out the middleman of an actual president. Just forward screenshots from the Slack directly to Leebron (but maybe don’t pass on everything from the #rant channel that Sid President McKinzie let us know about). A working group can be assembled for this screenshot distribution.

SA Internal Vice President: A babysitter SA Treasurer: The strongest squirrel on campus The IVP oversees the New Student While we haven’t yet narrowed down which Representative program. Why a babysitter? New squirrel is in fact the strongest, when we students are NOT babies. In fact, most of them do, they’ll be rewarded handsomely! Being are legal adults. But, think back to O-Week — the treasurer entails accountancy of the SA budget. language of O-Week “moms” and “dads,” plenty The most relevant part of this duty to squirrels’ of magisters forbidding the explicit mention of skills is the “tails” in “entails.” But the second- (gasp) drinking on a college campus and the best reason to vote squirrel is their ability to general infantilizing of new students. Given stock up on and maximize utility of valuable all of this, wouldn’t it just make sense to have a resources, like nuts and crusts from leftover babysitter in charge of the NSR program? pizzas at the RMC Info Desk.

The Backpage is satire, written and designed by universal write-in candidates Simona Matovic and James Joyce Loves Farts. For comments or questions, please email [email protected]. CLASSIFIEDS FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT at 2622 Sun- WANTED set Blvd. West University- Houston 77005. TEACH FOR TESTMASTERS! Dynamic and Walking distance to Rice University. All Energetic teachers wanted. Starting pay bills pay included, utilities, WIFI, kitch- rate is $20 to $32 per hour. Flexible sched- en, and laundry areas. Very quiet and safe ADVERTISING Cash, check or credit card payment house. Contact Ann 832-277-3999 anaest@ We accept display and classified ad- must accompany your classified ad- ules. We provide all training, all training is vertisement, which must be received sbcglobal.net.net Rent $680/monthly vertisements. The Thresher reserves paid, and we pay for travel. Email your re- the right to refuse any advertising for by 12 p.m. on the Friday prior to sume to [email protected]. any reason. Additionally, the Thresher publication. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING graduate stu- does not take responsibility for the RICE ALUM HIRING TUTORS for Middle & dent or faculty needed to be an Expert factual content of any ad. Printing an Lindsay Josephs Witness for patent infringement lawsuits. advertisement does not constitute an Advertising Manager High School Math, Natural & Social Sci- endorsement by the Thresher. We are looking for someone with knowl- [email protected] ence, Foreign Language, Humanities and P.O. Box 1892 edge of wireless communication networks SAT/ACT prep. Reliable transportation re- Display advertisements must be Houston, TX 77005-1892 quired. Pay is based upon variety of factors. including self-optimized networks (SON) received by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to (713) 348-4801 Contact 832-428-8330 and email resume to and Location Based Services (LBS). Paying publication. $100-$400 an hour, part-time. Most of the [email protected] First copy free, second copy $5. work can be done at home. See our website at Traxcell.com. Call Jeff at (469)777-2217.