VOL. 27 ISSUE 5 THE KNIGHT NEWS OCT 14, 2020 BIO DEPT INVITES SPEAKER TIED TO JEFFREY EPSTEIN

QC Biology Dept Colloquium

SEE PAGE 3 Outrage stirs amongst the QC community over Robert Trivers’ connection to Jeffrey Epstein

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QC LIBRARY HOSTS BLM PANELS CAREER CENTER GOES VIRTUAL LIVE ACTION MULAN DEBUTS

SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 12

Queens Memory project hosts series of The Knight News sits down with Director Disney’s Mulan revived on Disney+ panels about diversity at QC Zavi Gunn to talk transition to virtual life. streaming service

theknightnewsqc the knight news theknightnews.com 2 OP-ED

OP-ED: The unfortunate A message from the Editor in Chief: Dear Readers,

reality of an online October’s finally here, just a few more months until the conclusion of the fall semes- ter. Like many Americans, I was deeply sad- college education dened by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg fought tirelessly for Daniel Lubofsky Asynchronous classes have been women’s rights, gender equality and on behalf Managing Editor an invaluable workaround to the varying of the LGBT community. Justice Ginsburg schedules of QC students, but those lectures showed the American public that it is possible Whether it be from dining room also require time and energy students to be friends with someone who does not agree tables turned work desks or the comfort have become responsible to find on their with you, as her friendship with the late Justice of one’s own bed, students in own. Rather than having a set schedule Antonin Scalia was proof. As the second wom- Anthropology 238 made sure to log into anchoring their day-to-day actions, students an to serve on the bench, Ginsburg set the bar their twice-a-week Zoom session at 1:40 must keep pace or fall behind while high, looming as a powerful figure to ensure PM. It was another hour and 15 minutes maintaining habits that ensure they never get that the court defined liberty for the American spent trying to avoid the temptation buried too deep under their respective public in the fairest of ways. other avenues of the internet bring, all workloads. The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, whilst zeroing in on the voice emanating “The readings are already Ginsburg opened many doors for women from one of the 20-something virtual homework,” an anonymous student said. across America, to get closer to breaking the boxes. “But I have to watch powerpoints and do glass ceiling. However, Justice Ginsburg did not The professor, who left readings. I have to watch lecture videos open all these doors for women, just so we can Queens, NY for Pennsylvania during and do the readings. There’s a lot more allow the leadership in America to slam them the pandemic, was in the middle of his work.” shut. Please, do your civic duty as Americans lecture until he no longer was. He Unfortunately, professors don’t have a and vote for leaders who can work to repair couldn’t be, not after a bear handbook to afford themselves guidance. Pages the nation. wandering into his backyard caught his are being filled with newfound procedures attention. by the day. Some have even actively On an unrelated note, please join me in The professor let out a taken it upon themselves to make the lives welcoming Johnny Sullivan to the editing staff. genuine “Oh f*ck”, leading his of their students easier with open-note Johnny is a junior theater major, who’s been ac- students to tune out of the lecture and tests and fewer requirements to earn a tively involved with The Knight News this year. look at him with intrigue. The reasonable grade. He’s been an enthusiastic face at the paper, and professor turned his camera and, sure “I’m basically deciding everyone gets has thoroughly demonstrated his willingness enough, a bear could be made out an A if they just do everything in good to serve. His competency in writing journal- through the low-resolution lens faith,” Media Studies Professor Douglas ism articles also makes him qualified for this strolling across his back lawn. Rushkoff said of his students. “I gotta bend new role. If you sign up for an article for our “That’s something that’s only over backward because I don’t know what coming issue, there’s a likelihood of working gonna happen on Zoom,” one of the people’s situation is.” with Johnny as he begins his new role as editor! attendees claimed after class. There’s long been an inherent give Queens College students are and take to the traditional in-person Sincerely, no strangers to online learning during college experience. Students burn themselves Sidd Malviya the fall semester. They made the out trying to bump up their grade point Editor in Chief, The Knight News transition into Zoom meetings and average, but walk away with added life [email protected] Blackboard Collaborate Ultra sessions experience that lays a foundation for their once COVID-19 reached the United future selves. Memories are created. Voices are States last spring. shaped. Perspectives change. Back in March, April and Without the “take”, students are H NIG T N K E May, the coronavirus was viewed as finding it much more difficult to invest in E W

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no more than an unexpected challenge the “give”. Some students have yet to T QC would do anything to put in the hand in any assignments or muster the rearview mirror. The goal for most, if sliver of enthusiasm needed to click on just Q U E E G not all classes, became to successfully one of their Zoom links. Poor grades and a E E NS LL end with as little duress as possible. lower GPA are no longer able motivators. CO Now, the effects of a global Not when the pandemic has life tugging at Queens College Student Union LL35 pandemic on QC have settled into an them harder than ever before. SIDDHARTH MALVIYA GISELLE IBANEZ Editor-in-Chief unsettling permanence. Technical “(College) is a community of Online Editor difficulties cut into lecture time and humans gathered together in the pursuit of VERONICA KORDMANY Executive Editor KASIA LIPA bears interrupt the class. The college knowledge and intelligence and a society and a Social Media Editor experience has become a mindless community of learning,” Professor Rushkoff DANIEL LUBOFSKY cycle of near-identical assignments to explained. “You couldn’t help but (have) your Managing Editor GLORIA STOYANOVA Designer submit on a weekly basis, many of conversations and interactions informed by ETAN OHEVSHALOM, which include hoards of readings the stuff you were learning. The online VANESSA MANGRU, VICTORIA YOUNG, teachers assign in an attempt to close thing makes it much more like college is this KAYLEE OWENS, ARWA ALI, CHLOE SWEENEY, the comprehension gap online learning stuff that you’re learning in order to get a FRANK TALAMO, SERENE KLAPPER, can create. degree in order to get a job. That’s not JASMINE DELOATCH, SAMANTHA GALVEZ-MONTIEL really what it’s about.” EMERSON HILLER, That might not be what college Editors was about, but that’s what it’s become. And DOV HERSCHBERG, JASON TOUGAW SAMUEL MINTZER Advisor just like every other issue causing stress in Copy Editors 2020, it’s on us to find ways to make it bearable until we no longer have to. The Knight News is always looking for new members! Join our team by reaching out to: [email protected] or DM us @theknightnewsqc on Instagram. 3

Biologist with ties to Epstein invited to guest lecture 14, theknightnews.com 2020 October News, Knight The at QC Bio dept Siddharth Malviya who has brought dishonor to the fami- inviting Trivers to speak. “I will be per- and Natural Sciences responded to Lahti Editor In Chief ly. Trivers’ lectures are centered around fectly frank that I am very uncomfortable in a later message to the biology commu- the benefit of inbreeding (i.e incest), as with David Lahti’s judgment and others nity. “While we of course welcome the Outrage spread throughout the biol- it makes it less likely for individuals to in this matter with his selection to host free exchange of ideas, I would assume ogy community at Queens College (QC) be killed. Trivers has proclaimed this in this speaker. It took me about an hour of that we are unlikely ever to host anoth- as people had come to learn that Robert regards to middle eastern ethnic groups, googling to discover these links after read- er seminar quite like this one -- a talk Trivers was set to be a guest lecture at which involve fathers imposing arranged ing the title of the talk. No one decided which I found to be not only stunningly the weekly colloquium. For those who marriages on their daughters. In the sce- to look up the research for this talk title? I offensive but also almost entirely devoid don’t know, Trivers is an evolutionary narios that Trivers describes, fathers are cannot imagine the reasoning behind in- of scientific content,” said Weinstein. biologist with ties to Jeffrey Epstein, an imposing arranged marriages between viting him to speak. There was no possible Weinstein spoke to The Knight American financier, and convicted sex his daughter and a related cousin. Es- way this talk was going to play out well.” News in regards to preventative mea- offender, in addition to human trafficking. sentially, Trivers’ lectures are centered Lahti defended his choice of guest sures being taken to repeat the instance Trivers was invited by David Lahti, around archaic stereotypes of middle prior to Kosinski’s message to the biology of inviting such a controversial guest. professor, and evolutionary biologist at eastern cultures that are not as preva- community. Lahti explained that invited “I have since asked Dr. Nathalia Holtz- Queens College. Trivers’ talk was cen- lent in our modern society (or world). speakers are not part of the QC communi- man, chair of the Biology Department, tered around the evolutionary logic of The talk left many offended, notably ty, and are therefore not held accountable to propose additional mechanisms, honor killings & other atrocities includ- Daniel Weinstein, dean for Math and for failing to share the values QC holds. consistent with our commitment to ac- ing powerful psychopaths. Trivers’ ties Natural Sciences, and Kaitlin Kosinski, a Kosinski commented to The Knight ademic freedom, rights, and responsi- to Epstein are financial, as according to doctoral candidate at the City University News about Lahti’s belief that there’s no bilities, for review of upcoming depart- a report from Reuters, “ Trivers was a of New York (CUNY), Queens College. accountability. “We have a responsibility mental seminars and seminar speakers.” friend of the convicted sex offender Jef- Kosinski put out a message to the bi- as scientists and as teachers to not expose Provost and Vice President for Aca- frey Epstein, and received $40,000 from ology community expressing her outrage. students to racist pseudoscience-- we demic Affairs, Elizabeth Hendrey, shared him to pursue research on knee symmetry “I find it particularly hard to stomach that would not entertain vaccine conspira- Weinsteins’ concerns for preventing a re- and sprinting ability. Commenting on the he would be invited given his association cy theorists at colloquium either. The peat of the situation at hand. “I join Dean accusation that Epstein had sexual rela- with Jeffrey Epstein and his statements standards we have for our community Weinstein and the Biology Department in tions with underage women, Trivers said: regarding that case given to Reuters as- should extend to all those we invite into their desire to support academic freedom “By the time they’re 14 or 15, they’re serting that 14 and 15-year-old girls are our community, without question. I be- and the free expression of views, includ- like grown women were 60 years ago, the same as adult women, and therefore lieve that our department and the under- ing those that may be considered contro- so I don’t see these acts as so heinous” Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes were “not so hei- graduate students would be best served versial; however, we want to clearly state For those who don’t know, honor nous”.” Kosinski also expressed her feel- by speakers who are working on current that we do not tolerate racism, sexism, killing, which is Trivers’ focus, is defined ings about Lahti’s choice of guest and projects with the highest scientific value.” homophobia, or bigotry in any form.” as the killing of a relative (typically female criticized the lack of research done before Daniel Weinstein, dean for Math relatives), belonging to a certain culture, 4 “When students don’t envision them- selves in what we are teaching them, then A conversation with Queens College Provost we are doing a disservice,” said Genao. Genao and Weeks feel pride in work- ing with the Black Latinx faculty staff Diversity fellows Weeks & Genao association (BLFSA), an organization look at how she can generate more equity, crucial,” said Genao. Professor Genao which creates a welcoming and safe space Siddharth Malviya both in terms of students accepting di- then went on to explain her project for for Black and Latinx faculty on campus. Editor in Chief versity on campus and the resources pro- the readers. “Primarily, [my research Genao notes that she was active in lead- ing the charge of demanding change The Knight News recently sat down vided to them. Simultaneously, she caters is about] the decolonizing of curricu- from the QC administration in regards with Professors Edisa Weeks and Sori- catering to faculty on campus by creating lum and pedagogy on campus”. Genao to creating a more diverse and inclusive bel Genao, the newly selected Provost a community and safe space for Black and hopes to re-evaluate the method and Latinx faculty. “You say we’re in the most environment for faculty (and students). Diversity Fellows at Queens College practice of teaching to be inclusive of While looking ahead to the future, (QC). Genao is an associate professor of diverse county in the entire country, so students of all backgrounds and cultures. Professor Weeks hopes that students and Educational Leadership in the Depart- how can faculty staff and administration She then went into how her research faculty will feel supported by the efforts ment of Educational and Communi- represent that diversity?”, said Weeks. revealed why Black & LatinX students Genao followed up by readily ad- of Professor Genao and herself, and that ty Programs and Weeks is an associate are hesitant coming to QC: From what dressing the need for diversity in the they are able to succeed in their time here. professor of Dance in the Department she’s studied, QC isn’t viewed as a wel- faculty, something that matters to many Genao explained the reality of being of Drama, Theatre and Dance. These coming environment for people of color, one of the few black women at Queens two professors, who are women of col- of the staff members, especially those especially in cases where a non person of College, at least in her department, is or, were chosen for the one-year Provost of whom are people of color. . “When color would teach a course that students anything but unified.“There are 3 wom- Diversity Fellowship due to their contri- en of color in my department (Black & butions to combating social justice issues. LatinX) and we look nothing alike…. our

The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, The fellowship serves as an opportu- research agendas, our approach to edu- nity to allow faculty to better serve the cation… yet we’re always mistaken.” She Queens College community by taking then provided ananecdote of a microag- on specific projects. Each year, the Pro- ression she faced in the workplace on the vost selects two tenured faculty members basis of her sex: “At a faculty meeting, looking to engage in academic leadership my name tag was on backwards … and are selected for this one-year fellowship. because of my stature and because I am This year’s fellowship theme is centered a woman of color, I automatically had around diversity, in light of the ongo- to be taking minutes for the meeting.” ing social justice movements across the Weeks added that she makes no nation such as the Black Lives Matter apologies for being a black woman of Movement. Professors Weeks and Gen- color, adding “it’s a source of power ao gave their take on their journeys as for me… and I can focus on the mi- women of color and of how QC can Photo: QC Twitter croaggressions but [doing so]wears me better itself, terms of diversity, and Photo caption: Soribel Genao (left) and Edisa Weeks (right) down.” Weeks remarked, “look at a what work remains to be done to make system and find where the weakness- QC a more inclusive, safer campus. we are not being represented as faculty are interested in, ora curriculum that isn’t es are, and you’ll find opportunity”. As a fellow, Weeks is tasked with look- to students, [we]lose [our]own inspira- culturally diverse, she recalls as a former ing at the QC institution as a whole, to tion as representation matters, and it’s student and current in higher education.

bel Genao, QC Provost Diversity Fellow and professor in Education suggests that How can we do better? Creating a more just people in office and local community officials serve as outreach individuals to and inclusive future unify communities, ultimately empower- ing African Americans and their allies. Nika Nuñez higher education in the United States. mass media and technological resourc- Genao then went into how the edu- Writer The series kicked off on September 22nd, es, only a few hundred people rallied cational curriculum is not culturally in- with QC President Frank Wu serving as in cities. Now, over a thousand people clusive. Genao argued that curriculums The Queens Memory project team re- a moderator for a discussion about the of different races, gender, ethnicities should be “decolonized”, explaining that cently launched a three-part panel series Black Lives Matter Movement and An- and backgrounds are sharing the same courses such as East Asian Studies, Lat- titled, “How Can We Do Better? Creat- ti-Racism Public Higher Education. goal: equality and racial justice. It’s no inx Studies, and Africana Studies should ing a More Just and Inclusive Future.” Some of the topics discussed were the longer just an issue amongst the Black count towards general education require- This series was meant to give the Queens role of Black Lives Matter (BLM) pro- community, but a worldwide concern. ments instead of being specialized con- College (QC) community a virtual plat- tests amidst the global pandemic. Enoch The priority of all supporters and BLM centrations. In other words, more profes- form to meaningfully discuss and raise Jermott introduced the prominent role leaders is for current and future genera- sors of color should be teaching physics, awareness about issues regarding race, of social media in sharing #BlackLives- tions to make this movement permanent. natural sciences, mathematics, history, etc. identity, civic participation, and student Matter worldwide. Jermott is a junior To better understand and thus learn Overall, the panel stressed the impor- leadership which hopes to instill positive transfer student at QC and a documen- about the shift in racial protests in history, tance of strength in numbers. Allyson Re- social reform. The panel was part of a tary producer. Social media sites have Sales defined systemic racism as “socially gis, a counselor at the SEEK program for national dialogue that was prompted amplified the BLM movement and bol- constructed lies that affirm biological dif- Queens College, candidly spoke about her by the death of George Floyd, a black stered tremendous activism amongst us- ferences place white people as superior to experience with allyship. She maintains man who was victim of police brutality ers. As a result, the social justice move- African American people from the South- that although allied non-colored persons and passed away earlier this year in May. ment that was often overlooked in times ern US region”. Differences between An- have good intentions, their support is of- With a recent surge in racial animosi- past is now being “shoved down people’s glo and African American customs were ten misconstrued. To combat such loss, ty across our nation, protests against the throats at work” according to Jermott. used as a pretext for white supremacists Regis suggests that people should remain deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Tay- William Sales, former director of the to treat people of color poorly. Racism open minded and actively listening to lor, and Ahmuad Arburey in the hands SEEK program at QC, offered his his- within the American capitalist system Black stories and experiences. She wants of police, and rallies against systemic torical perspective about protests in the enabled the exploitation of black peo- others to “amplify her voice rather than racism in police practices lead several 1960s and 1970s. He explains that “the ple. Policies, practices and procedures, stifle it.” Together, as a community, we prominent QC community staff, schol- scale, distribution, composition of these such as Jim Crow laws have dispropor- can combat systemic racism and strive for ars, and professionals to come together protests is radically different” now than tionately prejudiced black communities. equity and equality for all communities. for an in-depth discussion about race in ever before. Prior to the acquisition of To combat such disparaging acts, Sori- 5

The CUNY Biology The new Career 14, theknightnews.com 2020 October News, Knight The Graduate Program: Center for all your How to Get in

Siddharth Malviya & Veronica Kordmany terview, where questions are centered virtual needs Editor in Chief/ Executive Editor around research experience and reasons for seeking a PhD. They intentionally Arwa Ali be able to mentor students and give them Amid the pandemic, the future of look for “applicants that have a clear Editor /Reporter insight into the world of work. It has been graduate studies is blurry for most un- plan and can discuss their science back- a great collaboration with Alumni Affairs dergraduate students. The abrupt shift ground and science knowledge in a con- The inability to communicate in per- and Institutional Advancement.” Engel from in-person learning to online educa- cise, coherent manner.” Additionally, as son has impacted every single aspect of believes that bridging that connection has tion has caused many to consider paus- in any interview, getting a sense of the our community’s virtual college experi- been fruitful because of how important it ing their education as long as schools applicant’s personality is an important ence. That is why every QC department is to leverage alumni during a time where are strictly virtual. Professors are sympa- goal. “A candidate can look great on has made its own concerted efforts to pro- they can relate to the student’s strug- thetic to this fact, but are still trying to paper, but this can change dramatically vide students with the necessary support gles and provide much needed advice. ignite a spark of light in this dark time. in the interview,” Dennehy pointed out. they need to easily acclimate to an online Engel is also passionate about the Recently, The Knight News sat down However, in light of the pandem- environment, and the Center for Career success of the Hire QC newsletter, with John Dennehy, Deputy Executive ic, many applicants are left wondering Engagement and Internship is no excep- which includes both career and health/ Officer for PhD program admissions at whether their chances of getting into tion. The Career Center has made it its wellness related resources. The weekly QC, and asked him about the state of graduate school have been significantly goal over the past several months to be a schoolwide email is simply a condensed Queens College biology admissions, and impacted. CUNY has been hurt by bud- vital resource for our community amidst version of the expansive opportunities how it will function for the time being. get cuts, which have created fears about the uncertainty of a global pandemic. available on the official Hire QC website. To get into the QC biology graduate class reduction and a lack of resources. The Knight News spoke to two Ca- Hire QC is an online career man- program, the prerequisites are as follows: When asked how the budget cuts have reer Center staff members, Director agement platform where students can a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, impacted Dennehy’s job as an admissions Zavi Gunn and Alumni and Employer apply for jobs/internships and sign up two letters of recommendation, and a officer, he explained that his workload has Engagement Specialist David Engel, for events. Once logged in, you can up- 500-word personal statement essay. Ap- increased significantly. Elaborating, he ex- about how their department has ad- load an updated resume and provide plicants are also not required to take the plained that gradual budget cuts over the justed, what new opportunities they any necessary profile information so that Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). years have taken their toll on his day-to- have to offer, and why their services are the right employers can find you. Gunn On their transcripts, applicants are en- day workload. “My administrative work- more valuable now than ever before. was happy to report that there has been couraged to have at least 20 credits in up- load has exponentially increased over the Upon the transition to online learning a 17% increase in internship offerings per-level biology, along with coursework past ten years. It is not especially cost-ef- this past spring, the Career Center was through Hire QC during the pandemic. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and fective to pay someone a faculty mem- quick to strategize how to best approach Another thing Gunn is proud of is statistics. But as Dr. Dennehy explains, ber’s salary to perform work that could providing virtual assistance. They did the Career Center’s commitment to pro- the admissions committee looks past the be accomplished by a part-timer with no this by curating a survey in March that viding stipends for students completing numbers: “Our approach is definitely specialized training.” Students around addressed the needs of the student body. unpaid internships. Over the spring, more holistic. We aren’t simply looking Queens College have also taken notice The survey, which received 101 responses, she helped roll out the Dr. Felix Matos at numbers. We pay special attention to of faculty members being overwhelmed showcased that students prefer to main- Rodriguez Stipend, which was gener- what the candidate writes and what is with administrative tasks, something tain communication via email as opposed ously funded by the QC Foundation. written about them (personal statement Dennehy readily acknowledges. “Because to social media, are mainly available for “Being able to give students $2400 for and letters of recommendation). We of budget cuts, faculty members are rou- guidance on Mondays and Thursdays doing 150 hrs of internship work was also look at the level of preparation and tinely spending time on such tasks instead between 12-2 PM, and are in dire need phenomenal.” Winning students were their academic trajectory. Does the can- of focusing on teaching and research.” of finding internships and full-time work. able to apply for the stipend toward a didate show a linear academic progres- It’s always recommended that ap- The survey worked as a useful jumping-off summer or fall internship, which Gunn sion or are they unfocused and aimless?” plicants looking to learn about vari- point to ensure the Career Center ran assisted in ensuring they all secure. But as any STEM major will tell you, ous programs contact the university’s their operation as efficiently as possible. Both Gunn and Engel are pleasantly a key component of a graduate appli- admissions department for advising. Gunn is proud of how fast her team surprised by how well their department cation is research. After all, if someone Admissions officers like Dennehy have adapted to the unnerving circumstance. was able to meet the needs of students, pursues a PhD, they need to be com- helpful insights that can better pre- “We were all resilient and quick to pivot, and are able to continue doing so amidst mitted to dedicating their life to seeking pare students for the stressful endeav- which made our team stronger. Our mis- the current crisis. From holding virtual out answers. Dennehy emphasized how or of graduate school applications. sion statement is ‘educate, engage, and workshops and career fairs to providing the overall application should be cen- empower students and alumni for career individual guidance at any hour, they have tralized around research. “The person- opportunities within a transforming local witnessed higher levels of student engage- al statement for graduate studies is not and global workforce,’ and that’s what we ment than ever before. They also recog- the same as the personal statement for have been doing. Being a career educator nize that students are desperate for sup- undergraduate studies. We [admissions you have to be compassionate, patient, em- port and direction from professionals that officers] are not interested in how your pathetic, and creative. You have to think care about their success, something that [insert family member here] illness/ outside the box in how you solve issues.” the Career Center never fails to supply. death inspired you to study biology. We Engel is especially enthused about the If you would like to schedule an ap- look for evidence that the applicant is various initiatives that his team managed pointment with a career advisor, you can intellectually and mentally prepared for to implement even while the world went do so via the QC Navigate app or www. graduate school,” said Dennehy. He fur- virtual. The most prominent being the navigate.qc.cuny.edu. Also follow the Ca- ther explained that one’s activities during QC mentorship program, which he spear- reer Center on all social media platforms undergraduate years should be related to headed. “We built a community of alum- to stay up to date on upcoming events. research. “How can you commit to a five- ni, faculty, staff, and employer partners to year endeavor without having any expe- rience in what the day-to-day lifestyle of working in a lab or in the field is like?” Photo: 123rf.com Dennehy also noted that the em- phasis on research does not end in the application. It should carry into the in- 6 Photo: beyondpositive.org How will New York City’s budget cuts affect CUNY and our community?

Jayla Cordero These budget cuts have affected the Writer jobs of important service workers such as EMTs, as New York City has been left The COVID-19 pandemic that has with no choice but to lay off 400 emer- Getting “Locked out” taken over our nation has caused a de- gency medical workers. According to cline in our economy by disrupting the Business Insider’s article by Bill Bostock, city’s businesses, and more important- “Bill Neidhardt, a City Hall spokesper- ly, our schools and public services. For son, told NBC News that the city ‘does of Graduation months, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and not want these layoffs to happen, but this state budget officials have warned that is the hole we are in without a stimulus Serene Klapper survey, known as the CUNY Student Ex- New York and local governments would perience Survey, reported that 35% of the or borrowing authority. Our EMTs and Editor/ Reporter have to make extreme cuts to essential firefighters save lives every day and we are students surveyed claimed to have been services including law enforcement, fire Many students enrolled in the City unable to register for one or more of their working with their unions to find person-

The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, departments, and schools due to lack of University of New York (CUNY) have courses, thereby possibly contributing to nel savings to avoid layoffs, but unfortu- additional federal stimulus money. Within nately all agencies will face layoffs,’ the had the relatable experience of seeing the the delay in their graduation. Unfortu- these cuts, primary education is the most dreaded blue square next to a course title nately this issue remains prevalent among spokesperson said. ‘Without a stimulus or recent victim of the cutbacks, causing borrowing authority, EMTs and firefight- on CUNYFirst, the student class portal, CUNY students in 2020, especially those local school districts to announce possi- just minutes before their registration slot, pursuing common majors such as psy- ers will have to find personnel savings’.” ble layoffs and moving to more remote New York received $5.1 billion from indicating that a class that they wished to chology, biology and computer science. learning in order to save money. The sign up for has already been filled. As a re- “When registration for this past spring the federal government to cover COVID City University of New York schools were related costs and has already spent $2.2 sult, registration dates and class capacity opened, the only class I needed to take for among the first of the university institu- are easily two of the most stressful factors my major was Advanced Experimental billion so far, but the state’s budget plan tions within New York State to experi- estimates that the remaining aid will be in ensuring a fulfilling semester to follow Psych” said an anonymous senior psy- ence budget cuts, those of which equat- and in some cases, a timely graduation. chology major at QC. “It was a 20 or spent by the end of the year. According ed to about $270 million in late June. to Times Union’s article by Amanda For the past 30 years, CUNY has 25 person class and even though I had CUNY officials blame the Professional reported below-average four-year regular senior registration, I got locked Fries, she states “De Rugy and New York Staff Congress, the labor union who rep- University Economics Professor Nicholas graduation rates. According to Col- out. If I had been able to take it I could resents 30,000 CUNY faculty and staff, lege Factual, only 56.1% of the Class have easily finished last semester, but Economides say rather than doling out for the laying off of nearly 3,000 adjuncts more federal aid to state and local gov- of 2011’s freshmen in CUNY Queens now I’m graduating after this semes- who were not asked to return for fall se- College (QC) had finished their degree ter [Fall 2020] instead of last spring.” ernments, leaders should identify where mester simply because the union would expenses can be reduced, and produc- by 2017. Other CUNY colleges have A delayed graduation can amount to not extend the deadline for returning reported similar numbers: Medgar added financial expenses for students, tivity increased with fewer employees.” teachers on limited-term contracts. The Economides gave their input on Cuomo’s Evers being the lowest with only 39% many of whom are at a financially-sen- implications of the budget cuts in New of students graduating within six years. sitive point in their lives, or just begin- calls for federal aid by stating, “It seems to York hit CUNY schools when Brooklyn me like the governor has put all his hope These low graduation rates have long ning to support themselves. Many only College’s administrators requested that been attributed to factors beyond the qualify for eight semesters of financial on the federal money, and getting money departments cancel over 25% of fall from the federal government, and that’s University’s control, such as that 27% of aid, and most scholarship programs courses, and when the two-year academ- CUNY students are over the age of 25, don’t cover more than four years of extremely dangerous. It’s possible to do ic CUNY program that aids students in technological changes that allow you to do and as a result, more likely to be working tuition, so students relying on such can receiving special support to help them full-time or struggling to secure childcare find themselves in unanticipated debt. things more efficiently, and that seriously transition into the workforce or a 4- needs to be taken into consideration.” in order to attend classes. These theories The constant unreliability of securing year college, ASAP, had to cut its funds. have led to the creation of programs a place in necessary courses is daunt- such as “QC in 4”, a program specific ing as graduation timing can not only to QC which serves to encourage stu- be a source of financial strain, but also dents to sign up for 15 credits each se- directly impact post-graduation plans. mester to ensure they graduate in four “Registration is stressful,” commented years’ time. A variety of factors such Morielle Tolchin, a Brooklyn College se- as small class sizes, strict prerequisite nior psychology major. “You don’t know policies, and limited access to advisors which class you’re going to get or get are often credited as most responsible locked out of or how it’s going to impact for hindering CUNY students in their the next year of your life. I’m nearing studies and delayed graduation dates. the end of my college career and I really However, an audit released on Sep- need to get into the right classes in order tember 1st has revealed that efforts such to graduate in the spring so that I can as these may be futile, as CUNY students enroll in a graduate program next fall.” simply do not always have access to the Since the audit concluded that CUNY resources necessary to graduate in the ex- is not, in fact, meeting its students’ aca- pected four years. The audit, released by demic needs, it is anticipated that there New York State Comptroller Thomas Di- will be an effort to add much needed class Napoli, covered three years of CUNY ac- sections in crowded majors. Already some ademics and was conducted in order “to classes have become more lenient with re- determine whether the City University of gard to overtallying, but CUNY students Photo: Spyarm/iStock New York (CUNY) is effectively match- have yet to see if more course seats will ing course offerings to student demand.” become available despite persistent un- A series of surveys conducted revealed derfunding and COVID-19 budget cuts. that many students had been barred from necessary classes. One particular 2018 7 OP-ED Remembering the “Notorious The Knight News, October 14, theknightnews.com 2020 October News, Knight The R.B.G.”, a tribute to justice NYC, we will bounce back Raveena Nabi NYC, seeing no financial or social ben- Ruth Bader Ginsburg Writer efit in continuing to live in a closed city. Developing business owners have shifted Nadia Rampersaud Despite her prodigious academic The COVID-19 pandemic has un- their interests elsewhere, no longer view- Writer achievements, Ginsburg continued to face questionably taken a toll on both the ing the city as a lucrative location to live great discrimination while attempting to general morale and financial standings or to conduct business. Due to high taxes, “People ask me, what do you have enter the workforce as a female lawyer. of cities across the United States. The expenses have always been high for NYC in common with the Notorious B.I.G. She remarked at one point that if she and vibrant and crowded New York City was residents and are correspondingly so for (a well known rapper), and I say to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor had not hit particularly hard, suffering over 250 businesses. In light of the financial devas- them, we were both born and bred faced any sex discrimination, they both thousand cases of the virus and over 23 tation of COVID-19, NYC and the state in Brooklyn, New York.” Ruth Bad- would’ve been partners at a law firm. thousand unfortunate COVID-19 related of New York may be forced to charge er Ginsburg passed away on Sep. 18, She took a job as a professor at Co- deaths. As a result of pandemic guide- even higher taxes in order to recuperate 2020. Ginsburg died at her home in lumbia and became the first female at lines, many of the attractions of New their losses. This is anticipated to place Washington D.C. as a result of compli- the school to receive tenure. During the York City were forced to shut down, more financial stress on residents of NYC cations of metastatic pancreatic cancer. 1970s Ginsburg built upon her status as leading to a great deal of financial loss and as a result there have been reports of She was nicknamed the Notorious a feminist icon “as the director of the for both the city and its inhabitants. large numbers of wealthy citizens moving R.B.G. by a second year law student at Women’s Rights Project of the American As early into the pandemic as March out of the city in a “panic leave.” Many New York University (NYU). As Gins- Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), for which 12, live performances across NYC were have decided that they will not return. burg explained in a 2017 NBC inter- she argued six landmark cases on gender canceled due to the risk of spread- Despite these many challenges, a great view, “This young woman was, to put equality before the U.S. Supreme Court.” ing coronavirus. The financial reper- deal of loyal New Yorkers still believe that it mildly, disappointed by the Supreme Ginsburg was hellbent on dedicating cussions of the decision to shut down over time the city will manage to bounce Court’s decision in the Shelby County herself and her career to “the equality these popular venues were immediately back. Already there is hope as small-scale case — the decision that held a key part of all people and the ability to be free.” and widely felt. This affected not only indoor dining has recently returned, and of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 no R.B.G. became the nation’s second the affluent investors and theater own- the MTA has begun once again to col- longer constitutional.” Thus, the “Noto- woman to be appointed as Supreme ers, but everyone involved in the busi- lect fare. In addition, despite many busi- rious R.B.G.” was born, a positive Tum- Court Justice, serving from 1993 until ness, including actors, musicians, stage nesses closing their doors for good, there blr blog to celebrate Justice Ginsburg’s her recent passing, where she earned the crew and maintenance employees. The are a great deal that are determined to dedication to the law. With her recent nickname “The Great Dissenter” for her restaurant industry also took a signif- persevere and resolve their losses as passing, it’s important to reflect on Gins- “fiery, impassioned” dissents against her icant hit, with empty tables cluttering the economy gradually repairs itself. burg’s life and impact on our country. fellow judges’ regressive decisions. Gins- popular eateries where it had once “Real, live, inspiring human energy Born in the spring of 1933 to a work- burg recognized the need to move this been near-impossible to reserve a seat. exists when we coagulate together in cra- ing-class family in Flatbush, Brooklyn, country and its belief systems forward as “There’s no reason to do business in zy places like New York City. Feeling sor- Ginsburg grew up watching her mother, she spent her time as Justice making choic- New York,” Michael Weinstein, own- ry for yourself because you can’t go to the Celia Amster Bader, provide for the fam- es and fighting for laws that would war- er of Ark Restaurants as well as the theater for a while is not the essential el- ily as a garment factory worker in order rant equality for those in the LGBTQ+ famous Bryant Grill & Cafe told The ement of character that made New York to send her brother (Ginsburg’s uncle) to community, undocumented people, dis- New York Times. “I can do the same the brilliant diamond of activity it will one college. This instilled within Ginsburg a abled people and, of course, women in volume in Florida in the same square day be again,” comedian Jerry Seinfeld great appreciation for education as she ex- the workplace. Ruth Bader Ginsburg feet as I would have in New York, wrote for the New York Times on Aug. 24. celled in high school and went on to grad- made her mark on this nation’s history by with my expenses being much less.” “... And it [NYC] will sure as hell uate top of her class at Cornell University returning power back to the people. The Brick and mortar retail stores have also be back. Because of all the real, tough in 1954. Unfortunately, her mother was little girl from Brooklyn who built her life encountered major financial loss as many New Yorkers who, unlike you, loved it diagnosed with cancer during Ginsburg’s upon the significance of one’s indepen- of them rely on New York City foot traffic and understood it, stayed and rebuilt it.” teen years and did not live to see her child’s dence has provided just that for so many. to stay in business. As a result of the pan- Perhaps New York City will never be high school graduation, but her teach- Ginsburg taught us that it’s possible demic, most were forced to rely on money quite the same but it seems many are ings live on through Ginsburg’s legacy. to be close friends with those who have made from online sales while still paying not striving for the normal of the past. Ginsburg overcame many barriers im- completely different opinions than one- rent and taxes for large retail spaces. Al- Reopening the city brings with it a new posed by sex discrimination in the 1950s self. She demonstrated this through her though many stores have managed to stay hope: one of a restored and perhaps in- as 1 of 8 females in a male-dominated great friendship with the late Justice An- in business, a number of major stores such creased vibrancy, diversity, and sense of class of 500 Harvard Law students. When tonin Scalia, who passed away five years as Neiman Marcus, J.Crew and J.C. Pen- unity for having endured so much. Al- she attended in 1956, it had only been ago. Scalia’s interpretation of the Con- ney were forced to declare bankruptcy. though the struggles New Yorkers have six years since Harvard Law began ad- stitution and American law was far dif- The financial and public health chal- faced over the course of the pandemic mitting women students. Even the dean ferent than Ginsburg’s, and when asked lenges that New York City is currently fac- should not be taken lightly, NYC has re- chastised Ginsburg and her seven female about how he could be close friends ing have led many to believe that the city mained a hub of knowledge, ideas and classmates for “taking a man’s spot.” Nev- with someone so radically different in will never bounce back. Some who have business through difficult times, and ertheless, through the misogynistic com- thinking than his own, Scalia replied, reached this conclusion have simply left those who stay will ensure to keep it alive. ments, gender-based discrimination and “I attack ideas, not people… and if you crude remarks, Ginsburg prevailed. She cannot disagree with your colleagues became the first ever female member of on the law as a lawyer, you ought to get the Harvard Law Review, an esteemed, another day job.” Ginsburg often not- student-run journal of legal scholarship. ed that the bipartisan spirit in America Her personal struggles admiringly nev- has been absent since her confirmation er hindered Ginsburg’s ability to excel to the high court in 1993. Scalia and in her roles as a student, a mother or a Ginsburg’s friendship is a reminder that wife, especially when her husband Martin there is hope that America will heal from Ginsburg was diagnosed with testicular the ongoing crises our nation is facing. cancer during her first year of law school.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org From left to right, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Elena Kagan 8 parison to the discussion on race. Biden opened by saying that the egregious Charlottesville protests, specifically the Trump and Biden clash in a free for all white nationalists taking to the streets and inciting violence, prompted him to run for president. He insinuated that at first presidential debate “equity, equality and the Constitution” toll and severe racial injustices against would be key in tackling the main com- Black and indigenous people of color. ponents of systemic racial issues in our The debate started off by addressing country. Trump responded by bragging the hot topic on everyone’s mind: the about being able to “take back” cities passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that allegedly were overrun with violent and the vacant seat she left behind in the protests (Seattle and Minneapolis, for Supreme Court. Trump asserted that he’s instance, according to Trump), all the well within his rights as empowered by while citing the need for law and order. the United States Constitution to appoint Trump’s recent COVID-19 diag- a nominee, pending Senate consent. nosis prompted concerns about his be- Biden responded by insisting that the ing able to participate in the next debate, victor of the presidential election should scheduled for October 15th. The Com- have the privilege to appoint a new jus- mission on Presidential Debates (CPD) tice. He further explained that the Amer- put out a statement indicating that a vir- ican people ought to have some say in tual debate would not occur. “On Octo- the process, and that translates to electing ber 8, CPD announced that for the health Photo: ABC News senators who’ll confirm the appointment and safety of all involved, the second

The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, made by the next duly-elected president. Siddharth Malviya to the stage for the opening presidential presidential debate, scheduled for Oc- The debate was civil for the Su- Editor In Chief debate ahead of November’s elections. tober 15 in Miami, would be conducted preme Court nominee segment. How- The debate was moderated by Chris Wal- virtually. Subsequently, the campaigns It was only a few months ago when vice ever, that quickly changed as the topic lace, American journalist and anchor of of the two candidates who qualified for presidential candidate Kamala Harris transitioned over to healthcare. This the Fox News program Fox News Sunday. participation in the debate made a series proclaimed at a Democratic Party pres- portion wasn’t exactly coherent, as nei- One thing remained consistent of statements concerning their respective idential primary debate that “America ther candidate adequately addressed throughout the debate: each candidate positions regarding their willingness to doesn’t need to see a food fight; they want the issue at hand and Wallace failed to repeatedly attacked the other. Trump’s participate in a virtual debate on October Photo: NBC News to know how we’re going to put food on control the debate. Trump attacked the attacks centered around the notion that 15, and each now has announced alter- the table.” Her wishes didn’t come to fru- Affordable Care Act, otherwise known the Democratic Party is far too radi- nate plans for that date. It is now appar- ition at the first 2020 presidential debate, as ObamaCare, while Biden overem- cal to keep America sustained. Biden’s ent there will be no debate on October which took place on September 29th. phasized the importance of voting. attacks centered around claims that 15, and the CPD will turn its attention Democratic nominee and former However, the lack of productivity Trump’s supposed ineptitude as presi- to preparations for the final presiden- Vice President Joe Biden and Republican in the healthcare segment paled in com- tial debate scheduled for October 22.” nominee President Donald J. Trump took dent has led to a high COVID-19 death

Harris and Pence go head to head in latest vice presidential debate

Siddharth Malviya & Veronica Kordmany navirus vaccine: “The fact that you con- Editor In Chief / Executive Editor tinue to undermine public confidence in a vaccine, if a vaccine emerges during the Kamala Harris, senator and Dem- Trump administration, I think is uncon- ocratic nominee for vice president, scionable.” Pence made a bold statement took on the Republican nominee, shortly thereafter: “Senator, I just ask you, Vice President Mike Pence, live on the stop playing politics with people’s lives.” debate stage on October 7th, 2020. On the topic of trade, Harris criticized With viewers feeling uneasy about the the political tension between the United upcoming election in the aftermath of States and China, adding that “Ameri- the presidential debate, it’s safe to say that ca lost 300,000 manufacturing jobs” as the vice presidential debate was certainly a result of a “so-called trade war with cordial. The topics included the Supreme China.” Harris called out the president Court vacancy left behind by Justice Ruth for not supporting frontline workers Bader Ginsburg’s passing, the coronavirus enough by minimizing the seriousness pandemic, climate change, racial injustice, of the coronavirus, as he’s done by dis- and President Trump’s tax controversy. couraging people from wearing masks. Photo: BBC News Harris opened by condemning In addition, on the subject of the vacancy. The focal point of the Supreme Trump’s administration for their failure coronavirus, the plexiglass dividing the Court vacancy issue is the decision of voting right now and it should be their de- to handle the coronavirus pandemic, in VP candidates were a startling reminder whom will be appointed to the vacant cision about who will serve on the court.” light of the 200,000+ death toll. “They’ve of how much American life has changed. seat. Pence asked what the Biden admin- But at the conclusion of the vice pres- [the American people] had to sacrifice far CNN noted how, in every shot of Har- istration would do, in terms of adding idential debate, political commentators too much because of the incompetence ris and Pence, the barriers were unde- seats, if Judge Amy Coney Barrett is con- stated that the debate did little to sway of this administration,” said Harris, ex- niably noticeable. Gone unnoticed by firmed to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s American voters. If anything, it provided plaining that the Trump administration’s Pence, however, was the fly that sat on chair. All Harris responded with was original content for some quality memes, handling of the COVID-19 pandemic his head for a small portion of the debate that the Senate should not proceed with mostly about the fly that attached itself to has led to many Americans suffering and quickly went viral on social media. Judge Barrett’s confirmation: “Joe and I Pence’s hair and quotes from Harris such financially and emotionally. Pence re- Kamala Harris later went on to slam are very clear: The American people are as “Mr. Vice President, I am speaking.” sponded later, while discussing the coro- Pence and Trump on the Supreme Court ample can be found at a USASF gym in 9 Ohio, owned by Mishelle Robinson. Rob- inson, 44, was convicted of sexual battery The Knight News, October 14, theknightnews.com 2020 October News, Knight The The disturbing truths of competitive of a high-schooler in 2006 and was listed on Ohio’s sex offender registry until this past March. Mishelle is upfront about her cheerleading past with every member of her gym, and alleged that when he was just 13, he effect, she reported Harris again, had a Chloe Sweeney she believes there’s nothing wrong with received a follow request from Harris, phone call with USASF’s VP, and finally her operating a gym, as she has never re- Editor/ Reporter then 19, on Instagram. This was the wrote the VP an email. Still, she got no- offended. It’s unclear if, and how long, the Netflix “Cheer” star Jerry -Har beginning of their communication, one where. It wasn’t until the boys’ story was USASF has known about this. A coach in ris was arrested on Sept. 17, 2020, where Harris frequently asked for nude or released into the media that Harris was Texas, Kale Dunlap, did not own a gym on charges of child pornography sexually suggestive photos from Charlie, finally suspended from All Star activities. but was hired into one despite previous and sex solicitation from minors. some requests of which Charlie obliged, Not long before this, USA TODAY sexual assault charges. Even after being The internet became obsessed with believing Jerry would be upset with him had coincidentally begun an investiga- indicted, the USASF did not ban him, and the world of competitive cheerleading when he refused. Charlie stated that he tion into competitive cheer’s apparent he continued to frequent their gyms until this past January as a result of Netflix’s explicitly told Harris his age. The two leniency towards protecting their cheer- he was sentenced to prison months later. docu series titled “Cheer.” “Cheer” fol- cheerleaders would often see each other leaders. The news outlet found that close The USASF’s lack of attentiveness lows a charismatic, spunky team of cheer- at competitions, and Charlie shared that to 180 people within the cheer commu- to the individuals owning and coaching leaders from small town Corsicana, Tex- there was even an incident in February nity had previously been charged with within their gyms is deeply concerning. as, as they pave their way to the national 2019 where Harris cornered him in a sexual misconduct towards minors, With hundreds of offenders’ names be- cheer championship. Throughout the bathroom and failingly pleaded for sex. but USASF had done nothing about ing identified and more survivors coming show, viewers came to know and love sev- When Charlie’s mother, Kristen, be- it. Even more horrific, 74 of those 180 forward with their stories, awareness of eral members of the team, with perhaps came aware of Charlie’s relationship people are registered sex offenders. US- this deep-rooted issue within the cheer- the most memorable being Jerry Har- with Harris, her initial decision was to ASF claims to make the safety of their ing world is starting to gain traction. In ris. Jerry, 21, was not only an incredibly simply cut Charlie off from Jerry and not cheerleaders a priority, but the vice pres- regards to USASF gyms’ attempts at driven athlete, but also the ultimate hype go to the police. Months later, Kristen ident even admitted to Kristen during bettering their programs, a woman in man for his teammates and the biggest changed her mind when she discovered their phone call that, in regards to US- the cheer community commented, “… softie. It’s for these reasons that Harris’s that both her sons had been sexually as- ASF’s sexual prevention policy that had it’s not always for the safety of the ath- arrest on such heinous charges came saulted by one of their coaches. At that been implemented across all their gyms, letes. It’s more of just how they can win.” as an immense shock to “Cheer” fans. moment, Kristen realized that this situ- she’s “certain that people don’t do it.” As of Sept. 21, Jerry Harris remains The accusations against Harris came ation was bigger than just Harris. She The US All Star Federation leaves its in custody, and the FBI is asking any from 14-year-old twin brothers, Charlie reported the “Cheer” star to the US individual gym owners in charge of who more victims of his to come forward. and Sam (Their last names were with- All Star Federation (USASF), the larg- is allowed to be around their cheerlead- held due to their minor status). Charlie est organizer of youth cheerleading and ers. Sometimes, however, the gym owner dance. After the first reporting had no is the one to be concerned about. One ex-

Controversy surrounds the release of Cuties in the United States Ralph Matamoros & Samantha ues she has come to resent. However, accusing the corporation of oversexual- censorship efforts in the U.S.” said Pro- although the Cuties seem to provide a izing the young actors in the film and in fessor Benjamin Strassfeld of QC Me- Galvez-Montiel source of liberation, in reality they are extreme cases, normalizing pedophelia. dia Studies who has also been following Writer / Editor/ Reporter just another group that seeks to control “Responding to the controversy re- the controversy surrounding the movie. Amy and her developing set of morals. garding Maïmouna Doucouré’s Mi- “Cuties is only the latest, but the fact is Despite a great deal of controversy A main theme of the film surrounds gnonnes/Cuties is challenging, because that when films move across national and surrounding its release, the film “Cuties” Amy’s search to define womanhood, a while the film itself deserves attention, linguistic borders, things get lost in transla- was made available to viewers in the U.S. concept prioritized both in her family’s given its insightful take on race, immigra- tion, with, in this case, American audienc- in early September. Regardless of the values and those of the Cuties. The steps tion, and adolescent female sexuality, the es frequently failing to understand the nu- negative reputation that has developed toward becoming a woman at home are backlash had absolutely nothing to do with ances of foreign-made films like Cuties,” around the film and its director, Maïmou- dramatically different from those re- the film at all,” said Professor Amy Her- The film certainly has been sparking na Doucouré, “Cuties” tells the unique quired to be a woman in the Cutie’s world zog of Media Studies at Queens College. a reaction in the United States. Repub- coming of age tale about Amy, an 11 year and Amy is forced to try to reconcile the “Netflix did a great disservice to lican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas called old girl struggling to define what grow- two contradicting influences throughout Doucouré with a promotion campaign for the Department of Justice to open an ing up and womanhood mean to her. the film. As a result of this confusion and that undermined her entire project, tak- investigation into whether Netflix broke When Amy learns that her father is a lack of information from home, Amy ing the most sensationalized imagery federal laws against child pornography, marrying another woman and bringing and the other Cuties begin to conflate of young girls dancing out of context.” and on September 23rd a grand jury in her to live with the rest of the family in womanhood with what they find online: Although the film does take a stance Tyler County, Texas indicted Netflix on France, she begins to deliberately reject sexualized dancing and similar behaviors. against sexualizing children, there are charges of “promoting lewdness.” How- her family’s values and seek guidance The director of the film continuously several scenes throughout the film that ever it is contemplated that despite the elsewhere. Around the same time, Amy addresses the issue that children are sent can certainly make the viewer uncomfort- controversial nature of the film, much of befriends a group of girls known as the mixed messages about who they should able. The scene showing the Cuties danc- the backlash the movie has received is due Cuties. Amy initially meets the girls while be as they grow up, and does not shy ing in their competition has been partic- to how it was advertised, as well as a dis- grocery shopping, where she sees them away from having Amy and the other ularly criticized for sexualizing the young regard for the fact that it’s a foreign film playing tag in the aisles of the store. As girls partake in provocative behaviors in actors, resulting in many people threaten- with very different taste than American she watches them running seemingly order to convey her powerful message. ing to cancel their Netflix subscriptions. culture, rather than the actual content. carefree around the shop, Amy starts to Much of the debate regarding the film “There is a long history of Europe- get the idea that joining these girls would was sparked by the initial poster Netflix an films in general and French cinema grant her freedom from the family val- used to advertise, with some Netflix users in particular prompting a backlash and 10 How social justice protests have found their way into sports

Holden Velasco tip-off, and the Magic were on the Writer court by themselves as the Bucks did not appear from the locker room. It 2020 has been a turbulent year. was announced the Bucks would not play Though comparatively small in rele- the game in protest of the Blake shoot- vance compared to other fields such as ing. Speculation started to grow that the the health care system, sports took a huge Bucks would have to forfeit a game. In a hit throughout this hell-stricken year. true move of unity, the Magic denied the From the passing of the National Foot- forfeit. Bucks Senior Vice President Alex ball League’s all-time winningest coach Lasry tweeted, “Some things are bigger Don Shula, the tragic death of Nation- than basketball. The stand taken today al Basketball Association legend Kobe by the players and org(anization) shows Bryant, and the complete stoppage of that we’re fed up. Enough is enough.” all professional leagues, sports have seen The NBA and the National Basketball Photo: John Minchillo / AP a beautiful social movement that should some unfortunate events unfold during Players Association announced all games The Day the Sports World Went Loudly be held in the highest regard. Others the past ten months. However, the sports for the day were postponed. In a meet- Silent believed it was a shameful move that world is not an isolated land mass far off ing that took place later the same night should be frowned upon. Once again, in the distance, but rather, a very large scheduled for that day (Seattle Mari- the term “shut up and dribble” was being

The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, among the players and coaches within oak tree implanted on the paradise of an the NBA’s COVID-induced bubble to ners vs. San Diego Padres, Los Angeles thrown around social media to deterio- island we call home. The roots of pop finish out the season, a vote was taken Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants) were rate the boycotts and players’ personal culture and politics are intertwined with as to whether or not to cancel the sea- also postponed. The next day, all seven beliefs. However, they’re humans first sports, and this has never been more son. Only teams, the Los Angeles Lakers MLB games were postponed, with the before players. They have the right to apparent. On Aug. 23, Jacob Blake, a and LA Clippers, voted to do so. That New York Mets placing a “Black Lives be upset, just as you and I do; the only Black man, was shot seven times in the movement was unsuccessful, but strikes Matter” shirt on home plate at Citi Field. difference is they have a larger platform back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. started to seep to other leagues soon after. In a somewhat surprising move, the to project their grievances. They’re not This inundated national outrage, as the Major League Soccer players staged National Hockey League postponed entertainment slaves. Jump forward to country was already over the boiling walkouts that ended up cancelling five games on the 27th and 28th that were today, where you can see the “Black point after the death of another Black of six games that were supposed to be a part of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Lives Matter” slogan to some capacity man, George Floyd, who’s name is now played. The Women’s National Basket- NHL has typically steered away from so- across every sport, where the National linked with fighting the system to create ball Association postponed all games that cial issues, and it is rare to see a NHL Football League has “It Takes All of Us” equality. The athletes had had enough. day, and the games on the 27th would player kneel during the national anthem, and “End Racism” behind every end- On Aug. 26, the NBA’s Milwaukee follow. On the 26th, a game between which made this move all the more loud. zone, and where conversations are being Bucks were slated to face the Orlando the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinna- Outside the athletes and organiza- had, conversations that will drive change, Magic in Game 5 of their first round ti Reds of Major League Baseball was tions, there was a lot of disagreement change to bring about unity and equality. playoff series. However, it was nearing postponed as well. The two other games on the boycotts. Some believed it to be

X and even the PS5. Similarly to the tracing allows light in video games New Playstation and Xbox Consoles PS5 Digital Edition, the Xbox Series X to behave like light in the real world, does not have a disk drive, meaning that meaning that games can have more to be Released in November you’ll have to buy games digitally. realistic shadows and reflections, which However, just like the PS5, the Xbox enhances visuals and the overall gaming dard PS5 is the better model in terms Ralph Matamoros Series X and the Xbox Series S are experience. of being able to play old PS4 disks and Writer backwards compatible. According to The upgraded processors in the new having the ability to watch Blu-rays and Microsoft, both new Xbox models are consoles push performance capabilities, With the holiday season approaching DVDs via the disk drive — which might compatible with Xbox One, Xbox 360, with the target for both Xbox and PS5 and the need for people to stay home be appealing if you are buying the PS5 and Original Xbox games, which gives being set at 120 frames per second. due to the coronavirus, excitement has as a family console. If you don’t own you thousands of games available to With the power of high frame rates and generated from the upcoming release of any PS4 disks, the PS5 Digital Edition be played on either new model. This ray tracing, games not only look great the new Playstation and Xbox consoles, might be the better choice because it means Xbox Series X is the better sys- but they also run smoothly. The only with preorders for the consoles selling has the same capabilities as the regular tem compared to the PS5 if you want differences between the two consoles is out within minutes. PS5 but at a lower price: at the expense to play a wider range of games, as the that the XBox Series X has a slightly The PS5 and the PS5 Digital Edition of losing the disk drive. PS5 is only backwards compatible with stronger processor and has 1TB of are set to be released on Nov. 12, with Similar to the PS5, two different PS4 games. internal storage which is much more the two models costing $499.99 and Xbox models are hitting shelves on Unique to Xbox, the Xbox Series compared to the PS5’s 825 GB (Eurog- $399.99 respectively. According to Sony, Nov. 10. The Xbox Series S will only X and Xbox Series S are compatible amer). the two models are “identical” with the cost $299. However, the more pow- with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a With similar capabilities and pricing, only difference being that the PS5 has a erful system of the two is The Xbox controller that can be customized with the only argument for buying a specific disk drive, and the PS5 Digital Edition Series X, costing $499. There are clear other switches, buttons and joysticks console is if you’re looking to play PS5 does not. differences between the two models, the for gamers with limited mobility. There or Xbox exclusive titles, like “Marvel’s Both models are backwards com- most obvious being the color: the Xbox is no official controller like this for the Spider-Man: Miles Morales” or “Halo patible, meaning that you can play PS4 Series X is black while the Xbox Series PS5. Infinite”. If you’re looking to pick up a games on the PS5. However, the PS5 S is white. The two systems are similar. De- new console at launch, it is recommend- Digital Edition is only backwards com- Looking towards gaming as a form signed to immerse players in their ed that you sign up for email notifica- patible with digital downloads of PS4 of entertainment and socialization games, the PS5 and the Xbox support tions when pre-orders are available at titles, whereas the PS5 can play PS4 during this time, many people are won- ray tracing,which is an algorithm used stores like Best Buy or GameStop. disks, as well as upgrade PS4 disks to dering which console out of the four to “trace the path that a beam of light digital PS5 games. For people looking to is the better buy. The Xbox Series S is would take in the physical world” an upgrade from a PS4 to a PS5, the stan- noticeably smaller than the Xbox Series article from WIRED reported. Ray 11 SCIENCE The Knight News, October 14, theknightnews.com 2020 October News, Knight The Gene Therapy: New tools in our treatment arsenal

Gloria Stoyanova ant to note that the eugenics movement the course of evolution. Treating diseas- Photo: thalassaemia.org Columnist sought to increase desirable qualities of es at the level of DNA once seemed like select races, whereas gene therapy seeks science fiction. With all of the recent Perhaps some of the most important to improve the quality of life for patients. advancements in science, it is possible contributions to science is the ability to Current drugs for a lot of diseases to turn it into a reality. Despite the ethi- manipulate DNA. A notable discovery is merely treat, rather than targeting the cal concerns, the number of treatments humulin, the genetically modified insu- source of the illness. The vast majority of approved by the FDA show that they lin. By reducing the cost and increasing diseases have a genetic component. This have potential to improve people’s lives. the safety, the treatment improved the makes it so critical to continue developing The treatment is only as accessi- quality of life for millions of patients. new therapies. People value their health ble as it is affordable. Novartis Pharma- Since humulin’s approval in 1978, hun- and if gene therapy can improve the lives ceuticals’ new therapy Zolgensma made dreds of gene therapy treatments have people would have had, then it’s worth it. headlines for its hefty $2.1 million price been approved. Scientists can insert a There are therapies for hemophilia, sickle tag. It is meant to treat spinal muscular at- normal gene to compensate for the de- cell anemia, and certain kinds of cancer. rophy; a muscular degenerative disorder fective one an individual was born with. If gene therapy is regarded as a form of where the patients only live a few years. Over the past few decades, all the enhancement, then consider all the other Not all insurance companies cover Zol- developments in gene therapy are coun- things people do to change themselves: gensma, leaving families wondering how tered by religious, ethical, and socioeco- plastic surgery, cosmetic improvements, to acquire this life saving treatment. This nomic concerns over its misuse. The diet and exercise. Scientists in the Unit- is the most expensive therapy out there, most prominent argument against gene ed Kingdom have been working to treat but highlights how cost can leave families therapy is whether we should edit the mitochondrial diseases by creating three scrambling to provide relief for their chil- genes to treat disease. It is often regard- parent embryos. This is a type of in-vi- dren. The cost of all gene therapy medica- ed as unnatural and dangerous because tro fertilization that takes a healthy mi- tions should be made affordable so medi- we cannot foresee the effects down the tochondria from a third parent. Because cation can do its job of improving quality line. The idea of picking and choosing the mitochondria, usually inherited only of life. There is the fear that only the your genes leads to comparisons between from the mother, has its own DNA, it can wealthy will have access to gene therapies. gene therapy and eugenics. It is import- be said that the child has three parents. With gene therapies, we are changing 12 Live action remake of Mulan: How does it compare to the original?

Ashley Gines led to the movie already having a divi- joyed the film, and I especially appreci- see how well it rated. However, instead Writer sion amongst its fans between those who ated the addition of Mulan’s sister. It was of seeing news about the quality of the wanted to see this new revamped version interesting to see her as an older sister in film, the main topic was the lead actress The live-action Disney film Mulan, and those who believed that some things this film as opposed to being an only child Liu Yifei and the trend #BoycottMulan. originally supposed to be released April should just remain the same. I was some- in the original film. It added more depth Days after the film’s release, The Guard- 2020, was instead pushed back to stream where in the middle when watching the to the level of responsibility she must have ian reported that Liu Yifei had shown on Disney Plus beginning this past Sep- film. The original movie was very much felt within her family, especially when her support in previous years for the Hong tember due to the pandemic. The film was a staple in my childhood, that of which father was called to war. That brings me Kong police’s mistreatment and harm mainly just a rumor for many years before made me feel powerful and strong as a to the concept that stood out the most towards many of their citizens. This it was set for production with a lot of the young girl growing up. I was weary to during this remake of Mulan: honor. It’s upset me, seeing that this was overshad- original material from the film taken out. see a version of such a classic without likely the most used word throughout the owing whatever success the film could Director Niki Caro commented, “I mean, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” to make film and captures the emphasis of that ide- have had. It is upsetting when people back to the realism question – we don’t me feel the adrenaline of Mulan train- al within the traditional Chinese culture. show so much anger towards others’ tend to break into song when we go to war. ing for war, or even the comedic essence Honor determined your family’s worth opinions and beliefs. I in no way agree Not that I’m saying anything against the of Mushu and Cricket. However I was and status within society, and bringing with Liu Yifei, but at the same time the animation. The songs are brilliant, and able to pull myself together during the honor to her family was the one thing that idea that we must scrutinize a statement if I could squeeze them in there, I would

The Knight News, October 2020 theknightnews.com 14, film and came to the conclusion that I drove Mulan throughout the whole film. from a year ago to harm the success of have. But we do honor the music from didn’t need music to feel Mulan’s emo- It is a very selfless and powerful motiva- countless others who worked on the film the animation in a very significant way.” tions during that sequence. The action tion that drives the character throughout is unfair. I do believe that if people were The film received a lot of criticism in the film is the highlight despite most the film and makes her easy to root for. to look past that, they would see the film due to the director’s choices because I, of it occurring during the film’s climax. After watching the film, my immediate for what it is worth and not who it stars. like many fans, enjoyed Mulan because Despite the lack of music, I still en- instinct was to look at reviews online and of the music and mythical creatures. This

tradition of popular music, advising the crackling campfire with Bob Dylan, with listener to “play” each one. With its final him regaling me with tales of America line, “Play ‘Murder Most Foul,’” it’s as as it was, as it is and as it figures to be. Music review: Bob Dylan’s though the song, having just concluded, If you go into “Rough and Rowdy commends itself to that same tradition Ways” expecting the youthful fire of an as a gift to the public and the world. album like 1965’s “Bringing It All Back Rough and Rowdy Ways The brilliance of the song is two- Home,” you will be disappointed. Bob Johnny Sullivan ing songs that work in the context of the fold. Firstly, there are the lyrics, intel- Dylan is almost 80 now, and whatever ligent and meaningful yet organized righteous indignation he had then is ab- Writer album as well as on their own. “My Own Version of You,” in which he masquer- with attention to repetition and rhyme sent from his current music. In its place, One of the many things that define ades as Dr. Frankenstein, is a welcome re- at levels only Bob Dylan could reach. though, he’s gained something arguably Bob Dylan is the frequency of which his minder that Dylan has not, with age, lost Secondly, and more distinctly, there is more valuable: experience and all the wis- public persona changes. At various times, the sense of humor that gave songs like the song’s tempo. The instruments, in- dom it confers. With wisdom, Bob Dylan he has assumed the roles of philosophiz- “Motorpsycho Nightmare” and “Leop- cluding the hypnotic strings and soaring has put together a new album that is my ing folk hero, bluesy beat poet and sen- ard-Skin Pill-box Hat” their inimitable piano, don’t keep time (not for most of pleasure to review and highly recommend. timental country crooner. On “Rough charm. In addition, the aforementioned the song, anyway). Instead, they play ac- and Rowdy Ways,” Dylan’s latest album “Black Rider” showcases refreshingly cording to the tempo Dylan sets with his that was released this past June, he has uncommon chord changes that repre- vocals. When he reaches a new line, the quite comfortably settled into one of his sent a stark departure from the blues instruments follow suit. Dylan’s the one most compelling niches to date: the wiz- progressions with which Dylan entered telling the story here, and the story (and ened old man, giving valuable advice on the musical pantheon in the mid-’60s. the song with it) progresses at his leisure. life to all who are willing to hear. Dylan This latter category of Dylan’s songs This device is executed to captivating avoids such clumsy attempts at ‘relatable also finds itself well represented with the effect. I feel as though I’m sitting at a modern music,’ which have plagued re- raucous “Goodbye Jimmy Reed,” fea- cent music-producing efforts made by turing a cameo appearance by Dylan’s contemporaries like The Rolling Stones. fabled harmonica playing. As nostal- I was pleasantly surprised by the depth gic as this song is, it feels out of place and ambience found within the album among the deliberate, steady music and would recommend that fans, not throughout the album, especially right just of Bob Dylan but also of music that before the arresting “Mother of Muses”. strays off the beaten path, give it a try. The album ends with its obvious To be precise, this album demands crown jewel, the sprawling “Murder monastic patience from its listeners. Its Most Foul”. Across 17 minutes, Dylan shortest track, Disc One’s “Black Rider,” recounts the killing of former president clocks in at a substantial 4:13, while the John F. Kennedy (the titular murder) album’s closer, “Murder Most Foul,” is and addresses all of the soul searching a 17-minute marathon, the longest song that America, as a nation, has done in in Dylan’s entire catalogue. Still, those its wake. Where “I Contain Multitudes” who are persistent enough to listen cover was largely introspective, “Murder Most to cover will be lavishly rewarded. What Foul” turns an eye to shared experiences, this album lacks in energy and catchy specifically the ability of music to effect hooks it more than makes up for with collective emotional and spiritual healing. thought-provoking, surreal imagery. The song ends with a long list of songs Dylan has done a good job of writ- and musicians comprising the American Photo: Sony Music