Monday, May 18, 2020 I Vol. 117 Iss. 2 INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM

GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Officials urge Class of 2020 to persevere amid pandemic uncertainty SHANNON MALLARD during the pandemic and stood the disappointment cure” the future and guide fessional networks despite to pressing societal issues. NEWS EDITOR beyond. students felt to hear the in- others through upcoming challenges presented by She encouraged graduates “It is in times like these, person ceremony was can- challenges while still con- the pandemic. She said to channel their frustration TIFFANY GARCIA when we remember that celed. He said the online tinuing to learn from others alumni – who usually at- surrounding the pandemic ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR communities needn’t share ceremony was unprece- around them. tend Commencement in into making positive im- geography, but they must dented, but the support and “Your ‘Only at GW’ person – were watching the pacts on their communities. In an online Commence- share values, care and sup- encouragement students education and experiences ceremony at home and sup- “It’ll be on us to rise to ment ceremony Sunday, of- port one another,” LeBlanc have received throughout have prepared you for this porting students from afar. the occasion,” Matthews ficials recognized the Class said. “And by these mea- their time at GW from fam- moment,” Speights said. “The support we pro- said. “It’ll be on us to set of 2020 for their hard work sures, we remain a strong ily, friends, classmates and “At GW you embrace un- vide each other and the our own precedence.” during their time at GW community.” mentors has prepared them certainty and welcome be- connections we weave as LeBlanc closed his re- and perseverance amid the Officials canceled Com- to confront challenges. ing pushed outside of your GW alumni, strengthen the marks by congratulating COVID-19 pandemic. mencement in March amid “In this challenging comfort zone. At GW you fabric of our community graduates for their perse- In lieu of an official concerns over COVID-19 time, your resilience is more ask complicated questions, and help us to find a path verance amid the uncer- Commencement speaker, and announced a virtual important than ever,” Blake without easy answers, and forward, even in the midst tainty of the pandemic and several officials addressed ceremony to celebrate the said. “Your accomplish- engage in thought-provok- of uncertainty,” Carocci conferred degrees to the the Class of 2020 and Class of 2020 in April. LeB- ments during this difficult ing discourse with your said. Class of 2020. charged graduates to reflect lanc invited graduating se- time was a perfect example professors and peers.” Former Student Asso- “Class of 2020, I know and learn from their expe- niors to attend next year’s of how the GW community Patricia Carocci, the ciation President SJ Mat- that you will continue to riences and challenges as Commencement ceremony has persevered.” senior associate vice presi- thews began her remarks bring your leadership and students. University Presi- on the National Mall. Board of Trustees Chair dent of alumni relations with a quote from Belva service to your communi- dent Thomas LeBlanc said Provost Brian Blake said Grace Speights said the and annual giving, said Ann Lockwood, the first ties around the world,” the class is an “exceptional” he was excited to partici- pandemic has brought anx- the GW Alumni Associa- female graduate of GW LeBlanc said. “And I know group and urged graduates pate in GW’s Commence- iety-inducing uncertainty, tion will continue offering Law, urging graduates to that no matter the challeng- to face challenges with “cre- ment ceremony in his first but the graduates’ educa- students career guidance “set their own precedence” es ahead, you will rise up ativity” and “optimism” year as provost and under- tion will help them to “se- and help them build pro- and form creative solutions and raise high.” Inside the decision room: How GW coordinates its pandemic response ZACH SCHONFELD nancial Officer Mark Diaz – mester,” LeBlanc said at a CONTRIBUTING NEWS is one of many groups they Board of Trustees meeting EDITOR formed to facilitate check-ins Friday. “As we all know, this between GW’s top adminis- changed very quickly.” Reinstating in-person trators as they grapple with Scott Burnotes, the associ- classes in early April after just responding to the COVID-19 ate vice president for safety two weeks of remote learning pandemic. and security, said GW’s re- was once a possibility. Even with the extensive sponse to the pandemic be- But two months later, planning infrastructure gan in late January – the ap- University President Thomas now in place, officials have proximate time of the first LeBlanc and Provost Brian said through more than 50 reported coronavirus case in Blake logged off the virtual public statements on GW’s the United States – when offi- May Faculty Senate meeting response to the pandemic cials activated an on-campus a few minutes early to join that the uncertain and fast- Emergency Operations Cen- their now-regular ritual: the paced circumstances have ter. Administrators also cre- 5 p.m. Crisis Decision Team necessitated academic and ated a Pandemic Response call, during which officials financial decisions they had and Readiness Task Force, consider the possibility of once hoped they would “not which has now met daily for remote operations for the fall need.” more than two months since semester. “It’s hard to believe, but cases began to steadily in- HATCHET FILE PHOTO Officials said the team – just about three months ago crease in the District, he said. The new guidelines narrow the definition of assault to include conduct that is “severe” and “pervasive.” which is composed of LeB- we were all on campus and lanc, Blake and Executive experiencing what we now Vice President and Chief Fi- call a ‘normal’ spring se- See OFFICIALS Page 5 New Title IX regulations may decrease reporting: experts

LIA DEGROOT define sexual harass- sexual misconduct cases Students working during pandemic SENIOR STAFF WRITER ment as “unwelcome” that occur off-campus, in sexual conduct that is non-University owned SHANNON MALLARD “severe, pervasive and buildings or on non-GW faced tough balancing act, they said NEWS EDITOR objectively offensive,” ac- study abroad programs. cording to the education “Essentially for what TIFFANY GARCIA through updates and protocols shifts at work. Experts said a new set department’s summary they’re saying the new ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR as reminders, and then we get Wallace said to save pro- of Department of Educa- of the regulations. Some definition is for, it could bigger assignments,” Wallace tective gear like N95 masks, tion regulations govern- changes include measures be so severe, pervasive At the beginning of the said. “For every take five, there technicians are now required ing Title IX investigations to eliminate the single-in- and objectively offensive semester, then-senior Annie was a new update on the CO- to complete all initial prepara- will undermine survi- vestigator model in favor that it effectively denies a Wallace worked in the Depart- VID protocol. How we were tions like dressing patients in vors’ rights during inves- of a multiple person hear- person equal access to the ment of Emergency Medicine handling things was changing one patient visit rather than tigative processes. ing board, allow cross- school’s education pro- at GW Hospital as a technician daily and even, hourly, in the spreading the preparations out The regulations – examination during live gram or activity,” said Ke- part time, assisting patients middle of shifts at times.” to attend to several patients at which carry the force of hearings and no longer nyora Parham, the execu- in critical condition resulting More than five students once. She said patient visits law – break from Obama require faculty, staff and tive director of End Rape from cardiac issues to trauma. ranging from a hospital tech- can now last up to two hours, administration guidelines advisers to be mandatory on Campus. But since mid-March, Wal- nician to a wholesale store and all staff are required to that focused on survivors’ reporters. Tamara Washington, lace works from 7 a.m. to 7 clerk working as essential wear a mask during the entire rights and assumed as- The regulations in- the assistant director of p.m. every Friday, Saturday personnel during the pan- 12-hour shift. sailants’ guilt in Title IX clude measures that al- the Office of Advocacy and Sunday as the number demic said they have faced “It’s super uncomfortable case proceedings. Four low universities to forgo and Support, said the of- of COVID-19 cases swelled in increased stress and responsi- to have a mask on for the entire Title IX experts and sexual the preponderance of fice’s “commitment” to the DMV. She said working at bilities from their workplaces, day and then having a mask – assault survivor advocates evidence, or “more likely survivors will not change the hospital during the pan- requiring them to adapt to and an N95 mask isn’t a surgi- said the new regulations than not,” standard for de- in light of the new regu- demic allowed her to witness new “chaotic” environments cal mask – on top of that and could deter students from termining guilt in favor of lations, and officials will firsthand how staffing needs with extra safety procedures. then goggles or a face shield reporting sexual assault the “clear and convincing” continue to provide re- increased to handle the influx They said the added responsi- and a scrub cap and gown and and harassment and re- standard, which requires sources like information in patients. bilities have prompted them to shoe covers,” Wallace said. “It quire students to relive more evidence to prove about reporting options “At the beginning of ask their professors for assign- gets very hot very quickly.” their trauma during case guilt. The regulations and counseling. our shift, we have what we ment extensions to complete proceedings. state that universities are call ‘take five,’ where we go their coursework around their See WORKERS Page 5 The new regulations not required to investigate See GW Page 3 May 18, 2020 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

THIS WEEK’S WARD 2 D.C. COUNCIL CANDIDATE POLITICS & PROSE: BAKARI SELLERS & EVENTS FORUM KAMALA HARRIS May 18 • Free May 18 • $27 7 p.m. EST 4 p.m. EST Learn about the eight candidates vying Author Tiffany Cross will moderate a talk to replace Jack Evans serve as the next between former South Carolina Representative councilmember for Ward 2. Sellers and Sen. Harris, D-Calif.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Six seniors were removed from Commencement on the Ellipse 20 years ago for protesting their NewsMay 18, 2020 • Page 2 MAY 21, 2000 speakers, then-Secretary of State Madeline Albright and a former World Bank president. Board of Trustees delays vote on budget amid financial uncertainty ZACH SCHONFELD tors plan to make a final deci- gather feedback from and CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR sion in mid-June, days before share progress with the GW the Board’s summer retreat community in the coming The Board of Trustees did – now happening virtually – weeks after they release the not consider next year’s bud- and the start of the fiscal year, draft recommendations this get at its meeting Friday, a which begins July 1. week. delay from the usual passage The Board established the at the Board’s May meeting Alumni survey task force in February follow- amid financial uncertainty of GW Alumni Association ing a week of student protests the COVID-19 pandemic. President Richard Jones said over GW’s investments in the Board Chair Grace Spei- more than 20,000 alumni re- fossil fuel industry, which are ghts said the meeting, which sponded to a survey conduct- estimated to total about $53 was held virtually through ed this spring about their per- million – 3 percent of the Uni- WebEx, attracted more than ception of the University – a 7 versity’s endowment. 150 attendees – a far greater percent response rate. He said “The pandemic highlights number than the typical 86 percent of respondents said the importance of environ- attendance at the Board’s they take “pride” in holding a mental and social issues,” meetings normally held in GW degree, while 68 percent Harrison said. “We are on an the Marvin Center. Trustees said they value their GW re- accelerated work plan.” said they plan to release the lationship and the University Harrison said the task Environmental, Social and values its alumni. force has heard an “overview” Governance Responsibility But he added that only 24 of the endowment’s holdings, Task Force’s “early” set of rec- percent of respondents said examined peer institutions’ ommendations to address its they feel that they are a part policies on divestment and charge from the Board. of the GW community. heard from GW’s sustainabil- Speights said trustees “We clearly have more op- ity experts. have been “very engaged” in portunities to engage,” Jones “We have a strong foun- ZACH SCHONFELD | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER addressing the impact of the said. “We will be working on dation on which to build,” he About 86 percent of 20,000 alumni surveyed said they were proud of their degree, but just 24 percent said they felt COVID-19 pandemic, and virtualizing all of our pro- said. “This has inspired us to like part of the GW community, according to a presentation at the May Board of Trustees meeting. trustees have held a number gramming and making sure elevate our aspirations. The set up tents outside of the hos- online learning period. after more than 60 people of calls with University Presi- it is accessible to our alumni. task force is composed of a pital to handle patients. Her division is also pro- were nominated for the posi- dent Thomas LeBlanc and Much of that has been virtu- diverse set of constituencies, “It’s been a remarkable viding “concierge-style assis- tion in the fall. She will serve other officials to discuss GW’s alized already, and we look and we see this work as an adventure,” Bass said. “We’re tance” to those who struggle a four-year term on the Board, pandemic response since forward to continuing that.” important connection point going to learn a lot and be with online education, she succeeding Gabbi Baker on mid-March. He also announced the across all of these groups.” proud of the process by which said. Libraries staff activated June 1. “No one could have pre- group is creating a new this has been managed. We’re a plan aimed at implementing “She served on this Board dicted the magnitude of this Dean updates and award, called the Monu- going to get through this.” remote learning and opera- during some pretty heavy pandemic,” she said at the trustee elections mental Award, to recognize Christopher Bracey, the tions when coronavirus cases days and inflection points, meeting. “President LeBlanc alumni who have made “dis- Barbara Bass, the dean of interim dean of GW Law, said began to rise this spring. including this moment,” Spei- and his administration have tinguished contributions” in the School of Medicine and he has convened an ad-hoc LeBlanc said officials are ghts said. “We are better for done a remarkable job work- their professions. The award Health Sciences, said the GW faculty committee to discuss close to concluding a search Gabbi’s years of service.” ing diligently and tirelessly to will be unveiled in January or Hospital has seen a steady de- how to deliver the school’s for a permanent vice provost Trustees Roslyn Brock, steer our institution through February, he said. cline in total hospitalized pa- curriculum in the fall if the for enrollment and student Judy Rogers and Amr ElSawy this crisis and prepare for the tients since Monday, and the pandemic persists. success, and final decisions were re-elected to serve four- future.” Environmental impact school will resume student Geneva Henry, the dean are now being made. year terms beginning June 1. Officials unveiled three task force clinical rotations June 8. of libraries and academic in- Trustees elected Mollie Michael Hoffman and Mad- enrollment scenarios for the Peter Harrison, a trustee The hospital triaged pa- novation, said her team has Bowman, a former GW am- eleine Jacobs were re-elected next academic year earlier this and chair of the Board’s en- tients showing symptoms worked to fully digitize 60 of bassador and two-time grad- by the Board to serve two- month, which project annual vironmental task force, said of COVID-19 in March, sus- the 69 course textbooks avail- uate of the School of Media year terms. revenue losses of $100 million members of the task force pended elective surgeries to able through the Top Text- and Public Affairs, to serve as –Jared Gans and Shannon to $300 million. Administra- plan to host town halls to accommodate patients and books program during the the next recent alumni trustee Mallard contributed reporting.

International students say time difference hindered learning online

CLARA DUHON to participate in the volun- He said his Internation- STAFF WRITER tary discussions because I al Relations of South Asia did feel like the readings class would take place at TIFFANY GARCIA were kind of useless when 2 a.m. in Turkey, which re- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR I wasn’t discussing them.” quired him to adapt to the The International Ser- changes in his schedule. Out of fear the U.S. vices Office is currently “Sometimes I stayed up, border would close, rising hosting virtual academic but sometimes I missed it, sophomore Ishita Gupta counseling meetings with and my professor didn’t made a last-minute decision students needing advice make any issue of it,” to fly home after officials in their courses, accord- Hancioğlu said. “She was announced classes would ing to its website. The ISO very comfortable with it, move online for two weeks. is also monitoring travel and she later posted the Gupta said she wanted restrictions the federal gov- videos, so it didn’t cause to participate in her classes ernment has placed amid any issues to me.” this semester, but she strug- health concerns on its web- Joseph Izumi, a rising gled to concentrate with a site. sophomore majoring in in- nine-hour time difference Katie Jackson, a rising ternational affairs from Ja- between Mumbai and D.C., senior majoring in biology pan, said the 13-hour time FILE PHOTO BY JACK FONSECA | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER making her classes fall at and anatomy, said adjust- difference between Japan The Board of Trustees’ Task Force on Naming is working virtually to develop a set of procedures trustees can use to about 2:30 a.m. She said ing from life at GW to the and D.C. flipped his daily evaluate future name change requests. the disruptions to her aca- United Kingdom, one of the routine so he completed his demics resulted in her “un- countries in Europe most coursework in the morn- planned” decision to trans- affected by the COVID-19 ings before attending lec- Building naming task force to begin fer to New York University pandemic, was stressful to tures at night. He said ac- in the fall, where she has a handle during the semester commodating to his new cousin she could live with if and made academics less of schedule was challenging drafting recommendations in June the University’s fall semes- a priority over taking care but did not affect his aca- ter moved online. of her mental health. She demic performance. MAKENA ROBERTS weighed against those from academic year. The group’s “I think it was just very said all but one of her pro- “That for me was very CONTRIBUTING NEWS a faculty member, to con- members include officials stressful dealing with the fessors kept their classes challenging because your EDITOR sider the procedures they like Vice Provost for Diver- housing and stuff at GW synchronous and weren’t body just doesn’t really recommend to the Board. sity, Equity and Commu- considering I’m an interna- accommodating to the five- doesn’t want to stay awake,” TIFFANY GARCIA “I can say with some nity Engagement Caroline tional student and I don’t hour time difference that Izumi said. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR confidence that this will not Laguerre-Brown and Uni- really have another place forced her to attend classes Five students said the be a process that is shrouded versity President Thomas to go, I would have to keep until about 2:30 a.m. week before spring break The Board of Trustees’ in secrecy,” Chichester said LeBlanc, four trustees, an coming,” Gupta said. “Con- “I understand it is dif- proved to be the most task force on building nam- in an interview. emeritus trustee, three stu- sidering scientists have ficult for everyone, but be- stressful because of their ing policies will start craft- Chichester said the task dents in leadership positions been saying that this could ing on a different continent difficulties making plans to ing policy recommenda- force’s values of emphasiz- on campus, three faculty go on for 2021, that’s a major with a significant time dif- move back to their respec- tions on addressing name ing diversity in the commu- and two alumni. part of my university life. ference made academics tive countries. Storage ser- change requests at the start nity are closely aligned with Officials moderated two So I just want to make sure seem so alien and detached vices currently employed of June, members said. the University’s values like town halls to answer com- that I have a place to stay from my current life in the by GW do not ship pack- The Task Force on Nam- collaboration and diversity. munity members’ questions even if I was asked to leave UK,” she said. “Although ages internationally so stu- ing, a 17-member commit- He said the members have on the task force’s charge the housing.” the content of my courses dents said they needed to tee the Board formed in hosted meetings with rep- earlier this month via We- In interviews, 10 inter- did not change, the fact that pack all their belongings November to draft recom- resentatives from other uni- bEx, according to the Task national students said the it was online made it feel prior to leaving campus. mendations to guide poten- versities who have changed Force website. Members transition to online classes trivial and not as serious as Izumi said the most tial building name changes, their buildings’ names, stu- of the task force said more hindered their ability to it normally does when in stressful part for him this hosted two town halls May dent leaders and the Faculty than 100 students attended engage and keep up with person.” semester was the week be- 6 and 7 via WebEx to collect Senate to gather their opin- the town halls in total. courses. Students said Jackson said a Univer- fore he flew home because feedback on students’ opin- ions on controversial build- Chichester, a Board their new environments sity-wide requirement for he was unable to focus on ions about the task force’s ing names before starting to member, said at the town required them to adapt to professors to record lec- academics while trying to guiding principles. Mark draft recommendations. hall that the task force con- new schedules and com- tures and upload them to organize his return home Chichester, the task force’s The controversial his- sists of historians, students municate closely with their Blackboard would have and research travel laws chair, said members orga- tories tied to buildings like and faculty determined to professors to accommo- better supported students meant to slow the pandem- nized outreach initiatives Lisner Auditorium and address the circumstances date for missed courses during the instructional ic’s spread. He said he was like town halls in January as the Marvin Center have of “problematic” building occurring late at night for continuity period because most concerned about mov- part of the yearslong effort sparked student pushes names with respect to his- students in different time they could watch recorded ing out of his residence hall to produce a set of policies to rename the centers. The tory and community con- zones. lectures at any time. because he knew he would the Board will use to ad- Marvin Center is named af- cerns. He said the task force Gupta said missing the Rising sophomore Emir not be able to come back if dress building name change ter former University Presi- decided to continue meeting in-person experience of be- Hancioğlu, an international he forgot a belonging. requests if approved at a dent Cloyd Heck Marvin, a virtually once a month after ing on campus prevented student from Turkey ma- “I had to really make June 26 meeting. segregationist who doubled officials announced classes her from participating as joring in international af- sure I had no mistake on Chichester said the town enrollment, tripled faculty would transition online for she used to in her classes. fairs, said the shift online that regard in terms of my halls were meant to discuss size and increased the en- the semester because mem- She said attending classes prompted him to commu- stuff in the room because the progress the task force dowment eight times. bers saw their recommenda- at night prevented her from nicate more often with his there’s no ‘Oh, I can always had made with the commu- Speights formed the task tions as an “action item” that staying engaged with the professors not only to ask come up and get that’ situ- nity and clear up miscon- force in November to recom- could not be delayed. lectures she was watching. for coursework accommo- ation,” Izumi said. “I had ceptions of the charge Board mend a set of policies for the “I think the sense of the “I think I was able to dations but to discuss top- to make sure if I left, I had Chair Grace Speights as- Board to govern building task force was a way to fig- manage my coursework ics he found interesting and everything in check. So I signed to the group. He said naming, name change pro- ure out how to prepare for online just fine,” Gupta relevant to his situation, spent a lot of time thinking the task force will use ques- cedures and name change what could be a new nor- said. “But I would have like Turkey’s national lock- about what’s the right pro- tions students asked, like requests of buildings on mal,” Chichester said at the preferred, as I said before, down during the pandemic. cess about storage.” how student requests will be campus by the end of the meeting. THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 18, 2020 • Page 3 SA leaders say academic forgiveness policy will help all students succeed LAUREN SFORZA “It’s sometimes a tedious had forgiveness policies for STAFF WRITER process working with some all undergraduates. faculty, but for the most part Nine of GW’s 12 peer it was a wonderful experi- schools have policies that al- Student Association lead- ence and showed what can low undergraduate students ers said the newly expanded be done when faculty and to retake at least one course academic forgiveness policy students come together,” he they previously failed with- will ease undergraduates’ said. out affecting their GPA. New worries about career paths Falcigno said he and oth- York, Tufts and Georgetown post-graduation. er SA leaders of the 2017-18 universities have policies The Faculty Senate academic year collaborated that allow students to re- passed a resolution earlier with former Provost Forrest take courses they may have this month to expand the Maltzman and officials in failed in the past but still fac- freshman forgiveness policy the Registrar’s Office at the tor the failed grade into the to all undergraduates and time to finalize the policy’s students’ GPA. SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR allow students to retake up wording. He said adminis- Cennamo said 77 per- to three courses in which trators told him they already cent of students who used GPA to maintain their aid. students’ feedback about the SA executive vice president, they received a D+ or lower intended to implement a the freshman forgiveness She added that the ex- freshman forgiveness policy said undergraduate academ- starting in the fall. SA lead- similar policy in the future. policy in its first year retook pansion could decrease that helped shape the pro- ic forgiveness ensures every ers who have advocated for “It really was a collabora- STEM courses like chem- students’ mental health posal to expand. student has an equal oppor- the policy said its expan- tive effort and the admin- istry and calculus, and the struggles like depression The SA Senate voted in tunity to succeed in a spe- sion will enable students to istrators were all on board expansion of the policy will and anxiety that develop if favor of the academic for- cific course. She said after feel comfortable exploring for it,” Falcigno said. “From give more undergraduate a student is stressed about giveness resolution late the SA released the survey courses beyond their ma- what I understand, not STEM students a “security maintaining high grades. last month, and the Faculty about freshman forgiveness jor and help them become many of them had any con- net” to explore new subjects She said research indicates Senate also unanimously policies, many students said strong candidates in the job cerns, and they expressed to throughout their GW career. upperclassmen are more passed the resolution earlier the policy should be applied market. me that this was a policy in She said the expansion to likely to suffer from these this month. to all undergraduates be- SA Sen. Thomas Falcig- the direction of where they allow students to retake up issues than freshmen, em- Cennamo said now that cause students can face chal- no, G-at-Large, said he gath- wanted to go, and they just to three classes can make phasizing the need for GW the resolution has passed lenges like mental struggles, ered support from all un- didn’t have student support STEM classes more “acces- to academically support all through the Faculty Senate, at any point throughout dergraduate schools’ deans for it.” sible” for all students as of- undergraduates. she is going to advocate to their time at GW. for the drafted policy before Almost 50 freshmen ficials seek to increase the “First-year forgiveness include the expanded policy “They have the option, he started his SA executive used the policy in fall 2017, University’s STEM popula- was absolutely amazing, on course syllabi and the but it wasn’t something vice presidential campaign and by fall 2018 more than tion and therefore grow the and first-year students do Blackboard home page in that encouraged them to in 2016, incorporating the 500 students opted to retake number of “rigorous” STEM deal with the struggle of her position as an SA senior purposely take their classes proposal into his platform. a course. courses. transitioning to GW,” Cen- policy adviser next year to or purposely failed their Falcigno said he spoke with Nicole Cennamo, the for- Cennamo said increas- namo said. “But there are ensure students are aware of courses,” Martin said. “It Phil Wirtz, the then-chair of mer SA senate chief of staff, ing the number of classes other issues that juniors and the policy change. was something that they the Faculty Senate’s educa- said she researched similar students can retake can sophomores experience as “I think with first-year wish that they had the abil- tional policy committee, be- policies at the University’s 12 help retain students at the well.” forgiveness, no students ity to use beyond just their fore the full senate approved peer schools in July and con- University because many fi- She said the SA released knew it was a thing,” she first year.” the resolution in February cluded more than 75 percent nancial aid packages require a survey in November via said. –Isha Trivedi contributed 2017. of GW’s peer institutions students to meet a minimum the SA newsletter to gather Amy Martin, the former reporting. Elliott School faculty, staff host lectures on pandemic's effects VALERIA FERNANDEZ questions to the experts allowing companies to re- LEON during the series. cover from the economic REPORTER He said speakers were crisis the pandemic has selected based on their caused without losing the YANKUN ZHAO “expertise and availabil- investment they put into STAFF WRITER ity” and include current their employees, which Elliott faculty and alumni, she said had been useful A lecture series hosted like financial journalist when implemented dur- by the Elliott School of and alumna Diana Hen- ing the 2008 crisis. International Affairs on riques, who specialize in Harrison said the skills domestic and global re- economics. Merkel developed when sponses to the COVID-19 Donovan said the se- living in East Germany pandemic has helped ries has held five sessions helped her to lead the bring the school’s mem- so far, and officials are country during the crisis. bers together, faculty and working on a sixth lec- “People in East Germa- staff said. ture hosted by Michael ny, first of all communist Faculty and alumni Schwirtz, a Pulitzer-prize East Germany, were used involved in the “Experts winning journalist for The to some difficult circum- Weigh In” web series, New York Times. stances and restrictions of which is held on WebEx, He said he anticipates their freedom even if they have discussed over the ongoing developments didn’t like it,” she said. COURTESY OF MONA ZAGHLOUL past few weeks how cer- with the pandemic will Maggie Chen, a pro- Researchers at GW are developing an at-home COVID-19 test that uses a smartphone app, artificial intelligence and tain regions of the world provide topics of discus- fessor of economics and single-use sensors to detect the virus in patients. or academic fields like sion for future sessions. international affairs, said economics and interna- As the pandemic pro- she gave an overview on tional relations have been gresses, the series will also the current state of the Researchers work to develop at-home impacted by the ongoing present the opportunity global economy and dis- outbreak. Elliott School to look back to “see how cussed how the COVID-19 COVID-19 test faculty and staff said the expectations played out,” economic crisis is affect- JULIA RUSSO series has helped raise Donovan said. ing various industries, oc- color of the sensor to slightly must receive Food and Drug awareness for worldwide Hope Harrison, an as- cupations and countries STAFF WRITER change as well. Administration approval for concerns in international sociate professor of history differently. This change in light can’t commercialization. affairs like globalization and international affairs, “Most of the crises we Researchers in the School be seen by the naked eye, but Zaghloul and Zhao have during the pandemic. said holding the series have seen in the last de- of Engineering and Applied a smartphone camera is pow- been testing their device us- Matt Donovan, the as- furthers the mission of cades were financial in na- Science and the Milken Insti- erful enough to monitor the ing a personal computer ap- sistant director of annual the Elliott School to raise ture, but this time around tute School of Public Health slight color change, Zhao said. plication, but they said they giving and alumni rela- awareness about global is very different,” she said are developing an at-home He said artificial intelligence will eventually convert the tions in the Elliott School, issues, like the state of the in her lecture. “It started test for COVID-19. will then analyze the color operating system to a cell said the series aimed to economy and internation- as a health crisis and this Mona Zaghloul, a profes- change to identify if it is posi- phone application. Zhao said hold community pro- al responses to COVID-19, health crisis quickly was sor of engineering and ap- tive for the virus or not, and the team’s goal is to send data gramming for alumni and during the pandemic. converted into a shock in plied science, and her post- the information will then be from each test through an AI- students remotely. “We’re an educational the labor market as the doctoral scientist Yangyang sent to public health organi- based algorithm to be made “In light of the pan- institution and whether government introduced Zhao created a sensor in 2014 zations through a cell phone accessible to public health of- demic, all in-person alum- we’re on campus or not, lockdowns.” that could identify chemicals application. ficials. ni programs at the Elliott we still have that mission, Chen said the crisis has in the atmosphere, and they Zaghloul and Zhao said Infectious disease experts School were canceled, and and we’re still taking that been challenging for labor teamed up with epidemiol- people using the device said more people should be the ‘Experts Weigh In’ se- and doing whatever we environments in which ogy professor Jeanne Jordan would need to purchase the screened for COVID-19 on ries offered a chance to can to educate people,” working remotely is more to repurpose the device to cell phone application and a a regular basis, but this test bring community mem- she said. difficult and is predicted detect COVID-19. Zaghloul single-use sensor for about $2, would need to be highly sen- bers together for timely Harrison, who hosted to cause gross domestic and Zhao said the conve- based on the cost of the origi- sitive to produce valid diag- and important program- a lecture on April 15 about product to decrease across nience and price of their de- nal sensor. They said they noses. ming,” Donovan said in Germany and the larger countries with advanced vice would allow people to anticipate that the sensor will Daniel Griffin, an infec- an email. “The fundamen- European response to CO- economies. She said some test themselves for COVID-19 be finalized in three to four tious disease specialist at Co- tal goal of the series is to VID-19, discussed Chan- of the “protectionist” mea- much more frequently than months. lumbia University Medical bring community mem- cellor Angela Merkel’s sures like tariffs employed current tests permit. “The low cost is a huge Center, said getting Zaghloul bers of the Elliott School efforts to lead Germany by countries concerned Zhao said the pair recently advantage because it makes and Zhao’s sensor to work and broader University through the crisis, how about globalization could received a call from Jerry Co- it possible to be largely dis- “would be fantastic and very together for conversations German public opinion slow down the global eco- manescu, a licensing associ- tributed to the community so helpful” because self-test- on issues affected by the has reacted to her deci- nomic recovery. ate in the Technology Com- people could be tested every ing is “critical” to reach the coronavirus.” sions and financial pro- “The pandemic is re- mercialization Office, asking day or every two days or ev- threshold of testing experts Donovan said offi- grams she implemented to inforcing some govern- them to transform their sens- ery three days for that mat- predict is necessary. cials have received “over- sustain the economy. ments’ concerns that glo- ing device into a COVID-19 ter,” Zhao said. “Self testing is critical con- whelmingly positive She said in her lec- balization has gone too tester. Using pre-existing Zhao said the team will sidering the amount of testing feedback” on the series ture that Germany has far and the fear of depen- technology, Zhao said he and use a receptor that captures we anticipate needing to be and have heard that many implemented a program dence on other countries Zaghloul began designing all coronaviruses and then done,” Griffin said. “The chal- audience members have in which the government is motivating some to turn a nanosized, optical sensor use AI to separate the vi- lenge seems to be that people expressed a desire to ask funds workers’ salaries, more inward,” she said. that can test a human sample, ruses because experts cur- only do a good job if moni- like a cheek or nose swab, for rently don’t know whether tored, so this does require COVID-19 and report results COVID-19 antibodies differ some technology and the abil- within a few minutes. from other coronaviruses like ity to do it so people can be “The thing is for the test- influenza. He said each type monitored via video during ing of a specific virus – one- of virus will form a unique the collection of specimens.” time testing doesn’t make bond with the sensor’s recep- Dwayne Breining, the ex- sure you are safe forever,” tor, producing a specific color ecutive director of Northwell Zhao said. “If you’re safe to- light on the sensor for the cell Health Labs in New York, day, that doesn’t mean you’re phone camera to pick up. said offering at-home testing safe for the next few months, “Let’s say you have two gets “a bit tricky” because so people have to be periodi- different viruses but three dif- of the varying sample qual- cally tested or continuously ferent sensors, then all of the ity outside of health care set- monitored and thus such a sensors will give you a signal tings. He said people could device has to be low cost and of the two different viruses,” use a poor swab technique or convenient to use because Zhao said. results could be “gamed” by otherwise no one can afford Since they just began someone who wants a nega- the cost.” transforming this device to tive test result but added that Zhao said the team made detect COVID-19, Zhao said the test could be useful in the sensing device from fused they must still conduct test- regular screenings that are silica, a compound similar ing to ensure it is sensitive becoming more common in to glass and has small holes enough to detect the virus places like nursing homes. that detect different types of and able to differentiate be- “It is likely that this type of coronaviruses. He said once tween other viruses. He said test will be less sensitive than the virus binds to the sensor’s once they prove the device some other methods,” Brein- receptors, the local refractive works in the lab, then they ing said. “That may be OK de- index – or the speed at which can start performing clinical pending on exact numbers, if FILE PHOTO BY ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER light passes through a medi- trials. there is a low risk level of the Five events in, Elliott School faculty and officials say a virtual speaker series focusing on domestic and um – will change, causing the Zhao said the device then population being tested.” international responses to COVID-19 has helped maintain a sense of community. May 18, 2020 • Page 4 NEWS THE GW HATCHET Campus sidewalks too narrow for social distancing, map shows JARROD WARDWELL Potomac House, the map announced a plan to do this ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR shows. like a lot of other cities had,” Holden’s site features a Holden said. “They an- Foggy Bottom sidewalks map of D.C. with color-coat- nounced they were going are too narrow to enable ef- ed lines running down the to slowly extend some side- fective social distancing, center of every sidewalk or walks in front of some gro- according to a new website path throughout the entire cery stores, but nothing city- launched late last month. District. The lines switch wide. I was thinking about The website, named color among sidewalks in in- how to make a map or do “Sidewalk Widths DC,” fea- creasing order of width from something like this to bring tures an interactive map less than 10 feet in red to or- attention to the issue.” aimed to highlight a sprawl- ange to tan to yellow to green Office of the Mayor ing network of D.C. walk- to blue, which includes all spokeswoman LaToya Foster ways too narrow to create walkways 20 feet and wider did not return a request for the six feet of separation re- – considered “great” for so- comment. quired for social distancing. cial distancing. Bowser announced a Alumnus Matthew Holden, Red dominates nearly the plan last month that ex- a geospatial data scientist for entire map, lining District panded sidewalks in five Wells+Associates – a trans- streets narrower than six locations, including the portation planning com- feet from Southeast to North- placement of parking barri- pany – said he launched the west. The National Mall in ers in front of the Trader Joe’s website April 27 to increase addition to circles and parks sidewalk near Washington the public’s awareness of so- scattered throughout the re- Circle. Holden said sidewalk cial distancing limitations gion like Washington Circle improvements like those at on sidewalks and paths and Lafayette Square serve Trader Joe’s, which installed throughout the District. as the few locations with barriers in an adjacent park- “Narrow sidewalks on ample spacing for social dis- ing lane, have fallen short of PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR busy streets matter when tancing to occur, according to creating new walkways that Many of the sidewalks criss-crossing campus do not allow pedestrians to maintain an adequate distance away from people are trying to social the map. would protect pedestrian others, according to a map developed by an alumnus. distance because of public Holden said he was moti- safety throughout the entire health and coronavirus is- vated to publish the website District. Holden, who lives in Du- Holden said he received for pedestrians to safely sues,” he said. after seeing other cities like “They put all these con- pont Circle, said his neigh- positive feedback after he physically distance from The website marks walk- Oakland, Charlotte and Se- crete barriers up, but it didn’t borhood’s sidewalks are communicated his map’s one another on the scale of ways up to 14 feet wide as attle implement new policies in effect really give any more narrow and lose even more findings with the Dupont thousands of people in a either “too narrow” or “diffi- to expand sidewalks or block space,” he said. “They’re do- space because of barriers Circle Advisory Neighbor- neighborhood that tradition- cult” for pedestrians to social traffic to allow pedestrians ing some things like that, but like trash cans and tree beds hood Commission, a local ally has wide roads for its ve- distance, whereas all other more space to socially dis- they aren’t creating networks planted into public walk- governing body, which has hicles,” he said. paths can allow for social dis- tance outdoors. He said he where people can actually ways. He said pedestrians been sharing the map with Harnett said ANC mem- tancing to occur. Holden said noticed how D.C.’s sidewalk move from place to place.” have to step into the street other ANC members. bers and officials who serve he used social distancing extension measures near Holden said a similar and in the way of oncoming James Harnett, a senior as neighborhood “stake- guidelines that require six storefronts failed to match New York website called traffic to avoid getting too and the Foggy Bottom and holders” should consider feet of separation to decide other legislative efforts in “Sidewalk Widths NYC,” close to other neighborhood West End Advisory Neigh- sidewalk extensions, road whether or not a walkway these other cities throughout which launched earlier last locals. borhood Commission’s vice closures and cycle lane pro- was too narrow. the country. month to outline how side- “Everyone has that ex- chair, said Foggy Bottom tections to ensure pedestri- The blocks that cover Mayor Muriel Bowser walks affect social distancing perience of walking in the sidewalk space is limited be- ans can practice social dis- GW’s campus are part of shut down the National Mall in New York City, served as city,” he said. “But a map like cause of the wideness of the tancing in public spaces like the issue, according to the and Tidal Basin in March af- another city-wide initiative this that has the whole city streets that run through cam- sidewalks on campus. website’s map. Walkways ter tourists crowded the area that inspired him to create and you can see the pattern pus. He said neighborhood “We need to try out narrower than 14 feet appear to catch a glimpse of the sea- his own website. He said he throughout the city, it’s like leaders need to start consid- things that we’ve never done on each block of campus son’s cherry blossom bloom, adapted the code used to ‘Oh it’s not just my neighbor- ering ways to convert road- before and upend the sta- and nearly surround blocks stirring widespread concern construct the NYC map and hood that is experiencing ways to pedestrian space and tus quo that we have for too housing the Science and En- for the District’s social dis- used mapping data from the this or where I’m experienc- limit on-street parking. long relied on as part of our gineering Hall, Shenkman tancing enforcement. D.C. government’s website to ing this. This is an issue for “Our sidewalks are sim- transportation policy to keep Hall, University Yard and “The city hadn’t really design the site. lots of people.’” ply too narrow to allow people safe,” he said. Researchers develop tool to determine GW 'remains committed' to number of contact tracers needed to reopen supporting survivors: officials CIARA REGAN contact tracers because variables to the previous capabilities and contact regulations define sexual harass- CONTRIBUTING NEWS of the increased num- number of cases from tracing. From Page 1 ment as severe or repeated trauma, EDITOR ber of cases,” he said in the past 14 days, she Public health experts which could present a barrier to re- an email. “We wanted a said. said the tool will help Washington said members of the porting harassment. ISHA TRIVEDI tool that factored in the “We know that the those involved in com- GW community can fill out a feed- The new regulations also re- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR number of cases into the number of cases in areas bating the COVID-19 back form to share their thoughts, quire that universities carry out estimate of the contact is changing too – some pandemic, like health concerns and questions about the live hearings in sexual assault and Researchers at the tracing workforce.” areas like NYC are see- departments and poli- new regulations, which officials will sexual harassment cases instead Milken Institute School Salsberg said the ing a decrease in cases cymakers, to limit the use to “inform” how the advocacy of private investigations and both of Public Health devel- two Health Workforce and others are seeing spread of the virus. and support office will respond to the complainant and the respon- oped a tool earlier this Research Centers led an increase – and this Richard Callahan, Title IX policy changes. dent be allowed to have an adviser month to determine the by Patricia Pittman, the will affect the number of a professor of public “We remain committed to build- throughout the length of the hear- number of COVID-19 director of the Fitzhugh contact tracers needed,” health at the University ing a culture of care that empatheti- ing, according to the education de- contact tracers needed Mullan Institute for Chen said. of San Francisco, said cally supports, empowers and re- partment’s summary. to reopen society in the Health Workforce Eq- She said the current the tool supports the spects the autonomy of survivors,” Parham said the live hearings United States. uity, supported the estimate of national public health workforce Washington said in an email. will be unfair to survivors because The tool estimates a work on the tool. He need for contact tracers in protecting people Caroline Laguerre-Brown, the they will have to be questioned total of 165,000 contact said the U.S. govern- is about 165,000, which from a contagious dis- vice provost for diversity, equity by someone who is biased against tracers – people who ment’s Health Resources was determined using ease. He said the tool and community engagement, said them in favor of the accused. help identify those who Services Administra- the preset values for the has the potential to be officials are reviewing the new “The live cross-examination have come in contact tion provided $450,000 calculator. valuable to public health regulations and will continue en- piece would also be detrimental, with COVID-19 – are in funding for the tool Chen said contact departments looking for couraging individuals to report particularly because having advis- needed to reopen the through a “collaborative tracing helps control evidence-based decision allegations of sexual misconduct. ers of choice would then essentially country. Researchers agreement.” further spread of the making. Laguerre-Brown said officials will mean that survivors are then even involved in developing “Following the CO- virus as states and local “Investment in pub- continue to provide support and questioned of their truthfulness,” the tool said it will help VID-19 outbreak, HRSA communities move to lic health is an invest- services to individuals who do not Parham said. health care officials plan solicited ideas for COV- reopen, and the tool is ment in our society,” file formal complaints. She said students can call their ahead to determine the ID-related projects that available online for any- Callahan said. “Any “We understand that concerns congressional representatives urg- most accurate number they could support, and one to use through this estimates to help us un- have been raised that some of the ing them to reinstitute the Cam- of contact tracers needed both this estimator, as reopening process. derstand the need for new requirements may discourage pus Accountability and Safety Act, to limit the spread of the well as the state-level “There is a growing workforce investment in individuals from coming forward which would provide students outbreak. hospital workforce esti- economic cost of state- public health is valuable with allegations of sexual miscon- with a confidential Title IX adviser Edward Salsberg, a mator, were selected as wide quarantining and to society.” duct,” she said in an email. “The and require comprehensive sexual professor of health pol- additional emergency pressure to re-open,” she Marcelle Taylor University remains committed to assault and harassment reporting icy and management, projects to be funded said. “Expanded contact Dougan, a professor supporting and promoting the well- from universities. said many of the previ- this year,” he said. tracing allows states and of public health at San being of our community.” “Essentially what that legis- ous national projections Candice Chen, an counties to target those Jose State University, Title IX coordinator Rory Mu- lation would provide are a little of contact tracers needed associate professor of quarantining to those said the application of hammad said the new regulations bit more safeguard provisions in were based on popula- health policy and man- most at risk for the virus the tool should use “cul- will require changes to the office, place,” she said. tion-based ratios used agement, said the tool – those who have had tural competency” and but GW’s “key features” will re- Shana Maier, a professor of in other states and coun- starts with a baseline of contact with a known should take into con- main the same. criminal justice at Widener Uni- tries and applied to the 15 contact tracers for ev- case.” sideration the various “Today we do comprehensive versity in Pennsylvania, said the United States, instead ery 100,000 people and University President cultural differences in and fair investigations, and under live hearings will force survivors of using tools that were adds additional contact Thomas LeBlanc said communities within the the new regulations we will con- to endure re-traumatization and re- designed specifically for tracers for areas with a during a Faculty Sen- United States. tinue to do comprehensive and fair victimization. the United States. higher number of cases. ate meeting earlier this “I want to make sure investigations,” Muhammad said in “My concern is that it’s going “We understood The tool shows the month that officials can- that this tool takes into an email. to lead to even less reporting, if that many communities number of contact trac- not invite students and account languages spo- Officials declined to specify they know that they have to sit in a more severely affected ers needed at the nation- faculty back to campus ken in different commu- what changes they will make to the room or wherever they may be with by COVID-19 would al, state and county level in the fall without COV- nities across the U.S.,” Title IX office and when changes other people and with their alleged need a higher number of when applying these ID-19 testing, quarantine she said. will go into effect. Universities are perpetrator and detail exactly what required to comply with the new happened,” Maier said. “It’s almost regulations by Aug. 14. like putting, for lack of a better use Students Against Sexual Assault of words or way to put it, it’s almost released a statement on Facebook putting the survivor on trial.” Wednesday condemning the chang- She said students who report es and proposing measures officials sexual harassment typically report can take to mitigate the regulations’ after having repeated harassment “dangerous consequences.” experiences, and the new Title IX SASA’s proposals include mea- regulation makes reporting even sures like retaining the prepon- more difficult for those individuals. derance of evidence standard and “I think it’s problematic,” Maier maintaining “responsible employ- said. “Any legal changes that fur- ees” – faculty, staff and advisers ther disempower survivors, any le- who are required to report cases of gal changes that disempower survi- sexual misconduct. The post called vors or minimize their experiences on officials to use outside judges are certainly problematic.” with expertise in Title IX to hear Nellie Drew, the director of State evidence and determine responsi- University at Buffalo’s Center for bility instead of volunteers who lack the Advancement of Sport, who re- training and may know the parties searches Title IX, said requiring stu- involved. dents to report directly to the Title “SASA strongly condemns the IX director and attend a live hearing [ED]’s changes as another shameless could lead to a decrease in report- attack on survivors and other mar- ing. She said the regulations are ginalized communities on college “tone deaf” to survivors’ circum- campuses,” the post states. stances and deter students from re- Title IX experts said the new porting incidents to administrators. regulations will likely decrease re- “They completely ignore all that porting of sexual misconduct and we’ve learned about victim aware- “disempower” survivors. ness and how to treat a victim,” she HATCHET FILE PHOTO Researchers in the Milken Institute School of Public Health estimate that the United States needs roughly 165,000 public health staff to Parham, the executive director said. “And that’s a major, major is- trace contact with COVID-19 patients to reopen the country. of End Rape on Campus, said new sue.” THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 18, 2020 • Page 5 CRIME LOG

THEFT II/FROM MOTOR VEHICLE, UNLAWFUL ENTRY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE Fire Department: Engine 23 (Rear of Engine 23) Unknown – Unknown Case Open A non-GW affiliated male reported his laptop stolen from his vehicle while parked at the fire station. There were no signs of forcible entry into the vehicle. Open case ROBBERY PURSE SNATCH/ LARCENY Off Campus 4/30/2020 – 8:00 p.m. Closed Case A male staff member reported his GWorld stolen while he was walking off campus. Off-campus incident THEFT II/FROM BUILDING Smith Center Unknown – Unknown Open Case A female staff member reported that a small amount of cash was stolen from an office inside the Smith Center. FILE PHOTO BY DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Open case The organization held biweekly events throughout the school year focusing on the experiences of women of color. THEFT II/BICYCLES Women of color student group works with Public Property On Campus (900 Block of 23rd Street) Unknown – Unknown organizations, holds events across D.C. Closed Case MAKENA ROBERTS experiences if they do not a “traditionally oppressed she said. A male staff member reported his bicycle CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR align with the organization’s identity,” she said. The group leaders created stolen. focused culture. The group’s She said speakers of the a website last summer to fea- No suspects or witnesses Members of a group for open table discussion about panel included Scheherazade ture the organization’s up- female minority students the challenges minority stu- Rehman, an international fi- coming events, and members DRUG LAW VIOLATION said the organization estab- dents face in the classroom, nance and business profes- sent out a bi-weekly newslet- lished a space on campus ex- like expectations to be an sor; Madalene Xuan-Trang, ter to general body members Amsterdam Hall clusively for female students expert on their own culture, the president of the Asian about events throughout the 5/11/2020 – 3:34 p.m. of varied cultures to discuss allows minority students to Pacific American Institute for year. Closed Case their experiences. learn from one another’s ex- Congressional Studies; and AnaSofía Stieglitz, a re- GW Police Department officers responded Executive board mem- periences, she said. Jacqueline Reyes, an audit cent graduate and the or- to Amsterdam Hall where an area coordina- bers of GW Women of Color, “While we may be dif- senior at Ernst and Young – ganization’s former vice tor found a small amount of marijuana in a an organization launched in ferent, we have shared ex- a multinational professional president, said roughly 15 male student’s room. The officers collected September to unite women periences not being part of service firm. students on average partici- the marijuana and brought it to the Academic of different ethnicities, said the majority in this coun- She said the group in- pated in the organization’s Center. members hosted events ev- try,” Gopinath said. “What tends to expand its outreach bi-weekly events throughout Referred to DSA ery other week during the we really want and what to the GW Alumni Associa- the academic year. The Wom- academic year like a wom- the founders wanted was tion in the fall to increase the en in History event empha- en’s history night, a profes- to build a space for women, organization’s professional sized women across different DRUG LAW VIOLATION sional panel of minority especially who are often hit events and guest speakers. fields of study so a “broader” Amsterdam Hall women in the workforce and with a double standard when The e-board members spoke community of students at- 5/11/2020 – 6:09 pm. open table discussions about you’re a person of color and with other student organiza- tended the event, she said. Closed Case minority students’ challeng- you’re female.” tions like Women in Finance Stieglitz said the orga- GWPD officers responded to Amsterdam es in the classroom. Group She said members or- and Casa Blanca – a Latinx nization collaborated with leaders said they focused ganized a women’s history infinity in District House Kavita Daiya, the director of Hall where an area coordinator found a bong their events on discussions in a male student’s room. The officers col- event in early March focused – this year to participate in the Women’s, Gender and around a “broader” identity on historical and current and co-sponsor each oth- Sexuality Studies program lected the bong and brought it to the Aca- of being a minority woman women in STEM, govern- er’s events throughout the and an associate professor of demic Center. in everyday life. ment and art to connect dif- academic year, like a movie English, to discuss holding Referred to DSA Rising sophomore Taari- ferent fields with students’ night and discussion about open table events – designed ka Gopinath, the organiza- interests. the movie “Hidden Figures.” for students to talk about per- tion’s community chair, said The organization hosted “We wanted them to sonal experiences as a wom- many other organizations a professional panel in No- advertise what we were do- an of color – for next semes- like the Indian Students vember to discuss challenges ing but we didn’t necessar- ter. She said the organization Association are centered in the workforce and address ily enlist their help because I is working with Daiya to around specific ethnicities students’ concerns about feel like a lot of people – just create a “staple” event with –Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko and can feel “isolating” be- classroom obstacles, like dis- based on how society is – a professional networking op- cause participants are not cussions around “sensitive” lot of professional people are portunities and food from able to share their “unique” topics for students as part of predominantly Caucasian,” multiple cultures.

Officials 'face immediately tough choices' Student workers say they face a heightened

From Page 1 of dollars,” LeBlanc wrote president, said in an inter- risk of contracting COVID-19 in a message to the GW view earlier this month community last week. “We that the degree of uncer- From Page 1 “I’ve had days where I’ve had 20 people “The greatest challenge have been working hard to tainty is “significant” as that I have to care for,” Elsherbiny said. “And that GW faced, along with manage this unexpected circumstances continue to I have two nurses and me, and we have 20 other institutions of higher and significant financial change, which has made it Addressing health concerns people between us, and it’s just an insane education and local, state impact.” more difficult to plan and Rising sophomore and EMeRG crew workflow to juggle.” and the federal govern- GW is projected to face make major decisions. member Alex Hastava said he has worked ment, was the quick pace of a net loss of $25 million Officials plan to make a with Huntington, New York’s first aid squad Balancing school and work developments,” Burnotes through June 30 as a result final decision on bringing as an EMT crew leader since officials an- Albina Galimullina, a junior majoring in said in an email. “There is of the pandemic. Officials students back to campus in nounced residence halls would close in psychology, said she has had to balance work- still a lot of uncertainty re- expect GW to lose be- the fall by mid-June. March. Hastava said he worked 12 hours each ing at a local ice cream shop and her uncle’s garding information about tween an additional $100 Diaz said as officials week to prioritize school during the online law firm as an office assistant in Baltimore, the disease because it is a million and $300 million grapple with major budget- learning period but is planning to increase his Maryland since classes moved online. Galim- new and unknown factor depending on when stu- ary changes as a result of availability during the summer to help. ullina said she saw herself falling behind in in our daily lives.” dents return to campus, the pandemic, administra- Hastava said the first aid squad is con- her courses once she began to work 25 hours He said the task force which may not happen tors are considering every ducting contact tracing to help the Suffolk each week to support her family that had includes a wide group of until 2021. scenario and option rather County Medical Control Agency, a volunteer experienced unemployment due to the pan- administrators from across LeBlanc said officials than limiting themselves ambulance service provided by Stony Brook demic. the University, including will need to make “per- in a “premature” way. University Hospital, to keep virus cases “It’s just insane how difficult this job is,” the Division of Safety and sonnel decisions” to offset “We have to make sure minimal. He said his county borders Nassau Galimullina said. “I come home, my back Security; GW’s medical ex- lost revenues, which could we have all mitigation ac- County, which is reported to have the most aches, my arm hurts, everything hurts and I perts and faculty; Facilities include furloughs, pay and tions on the table,” he said. COVID-19 cases in the United States besides just fall asleep early. So I have been falling be- Planning, Construction benefit reductions or early Blake, the provost, said New York City. hind with my schoolwork.” and Management; the Di- retirement options. Offi- at a senate meeting earlier “Our chief dispatcher just ran the num- Galimullina said her night shifts end at vision for Student Affairs; cials suspended merit pay this month that two groups bers and we’ve had 500 calls in the past 10 p.m., causing her to adjust her sleeping the Division of External increases next year, and top formed during the pan- month alone, and in one of our record days in schedule to stay up until 3 a.m. to complete Relations; and the Student administrators will take a demic – the Fall Enrollment March, there were I think 36 calls in one day,” schoolwork and sleep through her recorded Association. pay cut beginning July 1 – Planning Committee and a Hastava said. lectures the following morning. She said she Each task force call be- including a 20 percent pay Fall Re-Open Operations Sophomore Amy Elsherbiny, a public made sure to communicate with her “under- gins with local, regional, reduction for LeBlanc. Initiative Committee – are health major working as an emergency de- standing” professors for extended deadlines state and federal situation “We face immediately spearheading GW’s contin- partment technician at the GW hospital, said on projects and exams whenever she felt over- reports with subsequent tough choices,” he said at gency planning. Officials she works 60 hours a week attending to pa- whelmed. follow-ups on previous is- the Board meeting Friday. also formed five working tients with COVID-19, in addition to patients Olympia Victor, a sophomore majoring sues and updates from the “We continue to listen to groups – enrollment and needing emergency assistance for conditions in international affairs, said she works as a group’s various stakehold- staff and students, consult retention, academic and like strokes. cashier at BJ’s Wholesale Club for more than ers, he said. with the Faculty Senate faculty planning, student Elsherbiny said she has been exposed to 20 hours each week in East Rutherford, New Beyond the task force and share our discussions residential life, public more than 50 patients diagnosed with COV- Jersey. She said for the past couple of months, and Crisis Decision Team, comprehensively with the health and research – to ID-19, but the hospital takes many precaution- she worked the job on top of her now-com- Burnotes said the Univer- Board of Trustees before inform decision-making, ary measures to protect staff and patients like pleted internship and federal work study po- sity Leadership Council making a budget decision.” he said. placing patients diagnosed with the virus in sition both for the Colombian College of Arts and other groups meet on Board Chair Grace Spei- Blake said the commit- separate waiting areas. and Sciences. a “regular basis” to coor- ghts said Friday the Board’s tees and working groups, “Do I ever feel at risk of getting COVID? She said she struggled with time manage- dinate GW’s pandemic re- executive committee has which comprise more than Sure, like all the time,” she said. “Am I wor- ment because she had to organize her time sponse. met three times since early 45 members in total, have ried that my work is not doing enough to around her work schedule to complete her When the crisis intensi- February, mainly to dis- released various surveys protect me in that sense? I would say they’re coursework. fied, officials transitioned cuss GW’s pandemic re- and met with students and doing everything that they can now.” She said her FWS position in the CCAS classes online for the latter sponse. The Board voted faculty to garner ideas. Elsherbiny said the experience of working counseling office required her to remotely portion of the spring se- in early April to pause the “The planning com- in the emergency room during a pandemic scan documents, but she was unable to work mester, packed and stored development of GW’s next mittees will be sending has taught her to prioritize connecting with more than a few hours each week because of students’ belongings in strategic plan as a result of subject-matter expertise patients, who she said are more on edge with her “inconsistent” schedule at BJ’s. She said residence halls and provid- the pandemic at LeBlanc’s and planning reports to the concerns of being infected. her professors were understanding of her ed refunds for lost housing, recommendation. operations committee and She said she doesn’t have an extra 10 min- situation and gave her flexible deadlines to dining and parking costs. “You have given more other leadership,” Blake utes to get to know her patients like she used complete her remote work. “But these and other time, more energy and said. “In those conversa- to because she has to move quickly between “I think for me, just because I knew that decisions come with in- more resources than you tions, we’ll pull all that info many patients. But Elsherbiny tries to ask office I worked in on campus, everyone was creased costs and de- have ever had to do before,” together and develop some questions about their personal lives in the few very understanding,” Victor said. “When I creased revenues estimat- Speights told trustees. basic scenarios and contin- minutes she does have to calm them down, cut down on the time, they were very under- ed in the tens of millions Diaz, the executive vice gency plans.” she said. standing of that.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK How the proposed Title IX changes will impact GW’s office. p. 1

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “One of the best ways I’ve learned to stay motivated and stabilize my mental health is by setting a routine and sticking to it.” OpinionsMay 18, 2020 • Page 6 — ISABELLA SORIAL ON 5/11/20 New federal Title IX guidelines will hurt survivors and shield perpetrators STAFF EDITORIAL Students who need to use from one official to another. puses nationwide. While all Title IX should always ex- The changes may also force federally funded universities pect a process that is caring survivors to explain their have to comply with these and dedicated to the truth. case over and over again to new orders, the deadline to But those who need Title IX new people. GW officials -ad implement them came at the resources may soon face ob- opted the single-investigator wrong time, as higher edu- stacles that make it more dif- model to replace the six- cation officials are occupied ficult to come forward about person hearing board that with issues threatening their sexual assault or harassment. complainants previously institutions’ solvency. The Department of Edu- had to face, which received But administrators at GW cation released new Title criticism. The return to a are not powerless and should IX regulations earlier this multiple-investigator model take action to help survivors month slated to take effect creates a lengthy and unnec- and bring perpetrators to by August 14. The regula- essary obstacle to justice. justice. GW’s officials should tions will require Title IX Taken as a whole, the join administrators from proceedings to allow cross- guidelines do not focus on other colleges, like Univer- examination of all parties assisting survivors – rather, sity of California President involved and switch from a they are more of a measure Janet Napolitano, in voicing single-investigator model to to prevent theoretical false opposition to these changes. one involving at least three accusations from leading to And given that organiza- officials: one to investigate, unwarranted disciplinary tions like the American Civil one to adjudicate and one action. The idea that false al- Liberties Union are issuing to issue disciplinary action. legations of misconduct are court challenges, the Uni- The new regulations also widespread is simply not versity should explore filing mandate the officials inves- reflective of reality – rather, amicus briefs to try and help tigate incidents that occur on it is a talking point often par- block these new guidelines. school-affiliated, off-campus roted by opponents of efforts In the meantime, GW can re- properties and include stalk- that support justice for survi- lease information to the stu- ing and domestic violence as vors. It is valid to support a dent body explaining what sexual harassment. more formalized process for these new rules mean for its The changes will trans- Cartoon by Tara Peckham determining guilt or inno- students. form the Title IX process cence, but these new guide- The education depart- to something resembling lines go far beyond that – ment’s imposition of these criminal proceedings. While justice. But the same regula- connected. One of the most by hiring an expensive attor- they allow perpetrators of new guidelines will put sur- there are some positive tions also raise the thresh- drastic changes is the intro- ney and force survivors to re- sexual assault to be let off the vivors through even more changes, the downsides of old for conduct to count as duction of cross-examina- live traumatic events during hook. trauma and hardship than the policy vastly outweigh sexual assault – unwelcome tion in Title IX proceedings. cross-examination, disincen- For these new changes they have already endured, them, and in some cases di- actions have to be “severe” Under the guidelines, a third tivizing them from speaking to be implemented, GW – while creating opportunities rectly counteract the positive and “pervasive.” While more party – a family member, an up about their assault in the which receives federal fund- for perpetrators of sexual as- portions of the regulations. activities now fall under the attorney, a friend – is able first place. ing and thus must adopt sault to get off scot-free. No The University needs to be purview of Title IX, any con- to cross-examine the survi- The new changes will these rules – will also need one who turns to a universi- active in advocating against duct has to reach a higher vor and the accused party. also lengthen the time until to hire and train people to ty’s Title IX office deserves to these new regulations before bar to be investigated, which The education department justice is served in Title IX take on the roles of the mul- be put through brutal cross- they take effect in August. will result in miscarriages of is seeking to introduce an proceedings. By eschewing tiple investigators that the examination where traumat- One example of this give- justice on campuses nation- element from the criminal the single-investigator mod- proposal details, in addition ic details are rehashed. Un- and-take is seen in the defi- wide. justice system into Title IX el in favor of multiple par- to updating definitions and less these new changes are nitions of sexual harassment The rest of the changes proceedings. But universities ties, investigations will take creating new procedures. Yet rolled back, colleges will en- and assault. Stalking and do- under the new Title IX policy aren’t courtrooms, and Title longer, and survivors will universities have relatively ter an era where those who mestic violence will now be will discourage survivors IX officials aren’t judges. This spend more time reflecting little time – just three months commit sexual assault will categorized as harassment from coming forward to set of guidelines will allow on disturbing events in vivid – to implement these rules. face even less accountability, under Title IX, a notable make complaints and tip wealthier accused parties – detail, especially since in- This is problematic given the and those who experience it blind spot in previous regu- the scales of justice in favor be they students, officials or formation may fall through unprecedented pandemic will receive even less sup- lations and a step toward of the wealthy or better- professors – to evade justice the cracks as cases move that has evacuated cam- port. Graduates are an inspiration Remember the rights you enjoyed before to the GW community the pandemic he Class of 2020’s the confirmation of to complain about the fter a national crisis, the increasingly drastic measures to to set precedents for our society final days at GW Supreme Court Jus- mundane things in government has a ten- curtail our individual rights and going forward. Say the govern- have been up- tice Brett Kavanaugh. life like finals or our dency to take our rights freedoms. We must not normal- ment instituted mandatory con- Tended by a pandemic, With every experi- potentially annoy- Aaway from us. ize these emergency regulations tact tracing apps – many would leaving them to watch ence, the class was ing roommates, we The 9/11 attacks prompted as we have done so many times clamor for them to become last- University President able to learn about should all remember officials at the time to strip our before. If we do, they could per- ing fixtures of our lives to pre- Thomas Leblanc con- what it means to ad- what the Class of 2020 rights to online privacy. Our meate our way of life for years vent future deaths. Tyrannical fer their degrees on a vocate and ultimately endured. They took phone and internet usage data beyond this pandemic; leading government surveillance could computer instead of adapt to change. They the time to be upset, has since been funneled with- to excessive government control become commonplace unless in the backdrop of the may have not known then adapted to the out our consent into govern- over our healthcare, movement we remember what life was National Mall. it at the time, but with change and contin- ment databases to be evaluated. and even speech. like beforehand and stand up every curveball they ued to celebrate with This practice, under the Patriot Bill Gates, the world’s largest against it. were thrown, they smiles on their faces. Act, was justified to us as a tem- funder of coronavirus vaccines, As we’ve seen with Selec- Hannah Thacker grew a bit more. While many of our porary national security initia- recently called for public digital tive Service after World War II Opinions Editor Now, their Com- graduating class have tive to prevent further terrorist certificates of every American’s or online privacy after 9/11, we mencement was every reason to wal- plots. But after 19 years, as our vaccination status, which would often fail to remember the free- scrapped because of low, many are getting data continues to be collected by take away our right to patient doms we enjoyed before a crisis a public health crisis. right to work. Those the government and freely sold confidentiality. Tech companies and normalize a more oppres- Graduates did not And once they head graduating with de- between tech companies, we are are developing contact tracing sive life. If we continue down end their college ca- into the world, gradu- grees in medicine no closer to gaining our online applications for governments this same path, we may one day reers in the way they ates will face a declin- and health sciences privacy back. It’s as if we had that would track people’s lo- forget we ever could travel or imagined. They could ing economy, skyrock- are preparing to en- never had it in the first place. cations 24/7, taking away our assemble without a government not surround them- eting unemployment ter a workforce that right to privacy from state sur- permit, or even shake hands selves with friends rates and uncertainty is on the front lines of veillance. YouTube plans to ban with a friend without first veri- and family, they could over when the pan- fighting the pandem- Filip Vachuda all videos contradicting World fying their health status. not receive hugs and demic will subside. ic. Those graduating Writer Health Organization guide- No matter where you may flowers from their They deserved bet- with degrees in politi- lines, which would strip our stand politically, you should family and they could ter than a virtual cal science or interna- right to critique an unelected always remember what your not take their quintes- graduation ceremony, tional affairs are aim- international organization. rights were before this pandem- sential #OnlyAtGW but the class should ing to work toward a To build up our army during Meanwhile, Denmark passed a ic. Try to think beyond just the picture in front of the know that they have more just world and World War II, the government law allowing its authorities to number of COVID-19-related Lincoln Memorial. But demonstrated what it democracy. Some instituted Selective Service, an vaccinate people without their deaths and consider the broader whether they liked means to take every- who don’t yet have a emergency initiative requir- consent. If we followed suit, we societal ramifications of any pol- it or not, the class set thing with a grain of job are still working ing all men under 35 to register would no longer have the right icy. As restrictions continue, ask an example for what it salt and adjust. as essential person- for potential conscription. But – so cherished in most contexts – yourself whether it is still neces- truly means to make It would be easy nel in grocery stores the idea of conscription was so to choose what’s done with our sary for your rights to be denied the best out of dif- to fall into a black and businesses. Their normalized after the war’s end own bodies. you, and ensure your sacrificing ficult circumstanc- hole about now: your commitment and dis- that the program was renewed Our constitutional rights them now will not lead to their es. Their sacrifices graduation isn’t go- cipline should inspire and remains in effect to this day. to free assembly, religion and permanent forfeiture. The coro- should be commend- ing as planned, you us all to work harder Those who were once able to protest have also been chal- navirus won’t last longer than a ed and remembered need to find a job in and appreciate what refuse military service are now lenged by the virus, as funeral year or two, but the consequenc- as we work to return the middle of a pan- we have right now. denied access to federal benefits, attendees, church worshippers es of our lost civil liberties could to normal in the com- demic and the state The Class of 2020 including student aid, if they and protesters alike have been be felt for generations. ing months. and health of our na- should know that don’t put their name down for a arrested to halt the spread. The Above all, do not take indi- It’s not the first tion is in question. if they can endure potential draft. consequence of this is perhaps vidual liberty for granted as just challenge the Class Even with all these a pandemic as they Now, under the threat of the most worrying of them all: some antiquated, right-wing of 2020 faced dur- negatives, I have still enter the workforce, COVID-19, the government has where our government can as- talking point. Individual lib- ing their time at seen countless gradu- they can tackle pretty strictly limited where we can go sume absolute, unconstitutional erty is at the core of each deci- GW. Graduates have ation pictures of peo- much anything. This and who we can interact with. power at a moment’s notice sion we have made throughout needed to adjust to a ple in their cap and year’s graduates are Most of us happily accept this whenever it declares an emer- our entire lives. If we lose it, we new University presi- gown, surrounded by flexible and dedicated without question because we gency; and be met with hardly are little more than glorified au- dent and several new family, in their child- – we shouldn’t forget understand the restrictions to any skepticism from Ameri- tomatons. administrators, saw hood home or in their about them as we con- be temporary and a necessary cans. Let’s save lives as much as changes to their din- apartment, trying to tinue our time at GW. measure for society to recover, While these policies are we can; but not create a future in ing plans and par- make the best of this –Hannah Thacker, a but assuming that things will useful in curbing the spread of which we’d rather not live at all. ticipated in historic situation. rising junior majoring go back to normal once the virus the virus, any of these policies – Filip Vachuda, a rising junior protests following the The Class of 2020 in political is eliminated is naive. would be borderline authoritar- majoring in international affairs presidential election, is an inspiration to communication, is To prevent the spread of the ian in normal times. It would be and economics, is an opinions school shootings and us all. When we start the opinions editor. virus, policymakers are taking dangerous if we allowed them writer.

The GW Sarah Roach, editor in chief Submissions — Deadlines for submissions are Friday 5 p.m. for Monday issues. They must include the author’s Parth Kotak, managing editor* Lillian Bautista, senior photo editor Rachel Annex, research assistant name, title, year in school and phone number. The GW Hatchet Kiran Hoeffner-Shah, managing director* Arielle Bader, assistant photo editor Zeniya Cooley, research assistant Hatchet does not guarantee publication and reserves the Jared Gans, senior news editor Camille DeSanto, assistant photo editor Olivia Columbus, design editor* right to edit all submissions for space, grammar and clarity. Shannon Mallard, news editor Grace Hromin, assistant photo editor Riley Burke, contributing design editor Submit to [email protected] 609 21st St. NW Isha Trivedi, assistant news editor Sabrina Godin, assistant photo editor Sidney Lee, graphics editor Washington, D.C. 20052 Jarrod Wardwell, assistant news editor Sophia Young, contributing photo editor Aaron Kovacs, web developer Tiffany Garcia, assistant news editor Amanda Plocharski, assistant video editor Ilena Peng, contributing web developer gwhatchet.com | @gwhatchet Makena Roberts, contributing news editor Dante Schulz, assistant video editor Lindsay Paulen, social media director Policy Statement — The GW Hatchet is produced by Zach Schonfeld, contributing news editor Heidi Estrada, assistant video editor Amy Liu, contributing social media director Hatchet Publications Inc., an independent, non-profit Ciara Regan, blog editor Isi Ijewere, assistant video editor Donna Armstrong, contributing social media corporation. All comments should be addressed to the [email protected] Board of Directors, which has sole authority for the [email protected] Hannah Thacker, opinions editor* Alec Rich, podcast host director Andrew Sugrue, contributing opinions editor* Sarah Sachs, podcast host content of this publication. Opinions expressed in signed [email protected] * denotes member of editorial board columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily [email protected] Anna Boone, culture editor* Gwyn Wheeler, podcast producer Diego Mendoza, contributing culture editor Lizzie Mintz, copy editor reflect the view of The GW Hatchet. All content of The [email protected] Molly Kaiser, contributing culture editor Julia Russo, assistant copy editor Business Office GW Hatchet is copyrighted and may not be reproduced [email protected] Emily Maise, sports editor* Carly Neilson, research assistant Andrew Shlosh, business manager without written authorization from the editor in chief. Belle Long, contributing sports editor Lauren Sforza, research assistant Tyler Loveless, accounting manager THE GW HATCHET CULTURE MAY 18, 2020 • Page 7

THE A NIGHT OF COVENANT HOUSE STARS INDIGO GIRLS SCENE May 18 • Free May 21• Free YouTube Livestream Instagram Livestream Join singers like Dolly Parton and Jon Bon Jovi The iconic duo will perform some of their most for a night of performances to raise money for popular hits, which you can watch all from your homeless and at-risk youth. couch.

RELEASED “HOW I’M FEELING NOW,” AN ALBUM BY CHARLI XCX CultureMay 18, 2020 • Page 7 THIS WEEK: Where to find effective masks around the DMV, online RIKA KANESHIGE include cloth mask lines $25. REPORTER by local D.C. craftspeo- Single mask for $14.99, ple. If you want to check three-pack for $24.99. Wearing a mask in out different fits and public is pretty much styles, you can view the Stylish masks to commonplace during the selection on Shop Made accent your outfit COVID-19 pandemic. in D.C.’s website. These Anthropologie, an You can purchase masks can be shipped if American clothing and an effective mask from you want to support D.C. lifestyle brand, added vi- dozens of businesses, or small business but are out brantly patterned cloth you can make your own of the area. masks to their inventory. mask following guide- Mask prices range from From floral to gingham lines from the Centers for $12 to $17 each. fabrics, these cloth masks Disease Control and Pre- will make staying safe a vention. If you’re in the Disposable masks fashion statement. market to find your own, with your steak Masks range from $14 to we’ve compiled a list of dinner $38 each. COURTESY OF SHEREEN RAGEB businesses around the The Grill steakhouse Muslim students say the pandemic disallows community engagement and makes fasting more difficult as they DMV and online selling in D.C. is offering a Stylish masks to observe Ramadan, a month of prayer and reflection in Islam. protective gear for your cheaper alternative to match your outfit face. cloth masks. Customers Revolve, a designer can add up to five dispos- apparel retailer, takes Students switch up Ramadan Pizza and a side of able masks to their pick fashion masks to the next masks up or delivery orders. level. Some of its masks At All-Purpose Piz- Customers can also add are made with fabric to traditions amid pandemic zeria’s Riverside loca- nitrile gloves by pair or match a clothing item ZEINA MOHAMMED “I miss being in the erything is different when tion, you can buy child or latex gloves by the box or set. Some are made to STAFF WRITER mosque when it’s just way your family’s not with adult-sized fabric masks and hand sanitizer to match sweatsuits, while too packed,” she said. you,” he said. along with ordering your their orders. others match fancy dress- Before the pandemic “There’s too many people. Diane said that without pizza dinner. Chef Adam Masks, $4.99 each es. forced many places of It’s too loud. You want to being able to celebrate Ra- McClendon’s mother is (max five per order), nitrile Masks range from $14 to worship to close, recent kick someone’s kid. Just the madan with other people, hand sewing these pat- gloves, $7.99 per pair (max $45 each. graduate Sayf Merzouk chaotic, hectic experience.” he has needed to find moti- terned masks with de- one pair per order), latex spent Ramadan attend- Rauf said her days typi- vation to fast and pray. He gloves, $5.99 (max one box Disney-themed signs like Washington masks ing “Taraweeh”, nightly cally stretch from 1 p.m. said Ramadan has become Nationals and Capitals per order). For pick up at 99 prayers conducted in to 6 a.m., which helps her more meaningful because patterns imprinted on Market Square SW or deliv- Disney is designing mosques, alongside friends fast throughout the day. he has more time to think them. ery with DoorDash. Open cloth masks featuring and family. She fills her days by com- about why he chooses to $10 each. For pick up 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. your favorite Disney, Pix- But for the past few pleting schoolwork, read- observe it. ar, Star Wars and Marvel at 79 Potomac Ave. SE or Masks to represent weeks of Ramadan, Mer- ing the Quran, scrolling “When you are alone, delivery with DoorDash. characters. The masks are zouk said he has filled the through TikTok and enjoy- it’s harder to motivate your favorite offered in small, medium Order online here. Open basketball team time by reading the Quran, ing time with her family, yourself and easier to 11. a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fri- and large sizes in packs praying by himself and she said. question things,” he said. day through Sunday and 4 The NBA is selling of four. Profits from the spending time with his She added that while “When you begin to fast p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday cloth masks with all of character-themed masks parents. He said his sense she misses being able to away from your culture, through Thursday. the team logos and pat- will be donated to Med- of time while in quarantine pray in a mosque, pray- you really mean it, it really terns. You can buy single Share, a company that can feel “simultaneously ing by herself has helped has to come from you.” Masks designed by masks for about $15 each donates medical supplies D.C. locals fast and slow,” making her focus and spend time Recent graduate Majula or “fanatics” packs with globally. fasting during Ramadan alone and away from her Swareh said recognizing Shop Made in D.C. has three different styles of Four pack of masks for particularly “tiresome.” family. Ramadan this year has updated its inventory to your team’s logo for about $19.99 each. “I think I can speak Graduate student Ibra- helped her become more for most people when I him Diane, who lives by “intentional” about why say quarantine has altered himself in Silver Springs, she fasts. Most Muslims our perception of time,” he Maryland, said he usually seek to form a closer con- said. passes time by spending nection to God during Ra- Usually a period of time with others recog- madan, she said. congregation, from nightly nizing Ramadan, but he “Often times we grow prayer to community “if- has needed to find ways up Muslim culturally, so tars” – breaking fast – those to keep himself occupied we’re just fasting because observing Ramadan have alone. we’re fasting with groups needed to adapt their tra- “Normally, at least I of people as opposed to ditions in the wake of the could go to the mosque, making the conscious de- pandemic. In interviews, which really gives you a cision to fast because it’s Muslim students said they sense of purpose,” Diane the right thing to do or miss being able to spend said. because I’m trying to get time with friends and fam- Diane said that while in touch with myself and ily to pray and break fast, time passes slowly, he is ex- with God,” she said. but they have been able to erting less energy through- She added that observ- more intentionally observe out the day, which helps ing Ramadan away from the holiday by themselves him fast. During his night- the rest of her family is or with immediate family. ly meals, Diane said he has frustrating, but she is us- Recent graduate Isha tried to find comfort in ing the month to focus on Rauf said Ramadan is typi- “typical dishes” he would praying. cally a “community-based usually eat with family. “We’re in the middle of ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER holiday month,” but this “I’ve tried to cook the a global pandemic, so you At several D.C. businesses, you can order dinner with masks on the side to protect yourself, your roomates and your year she isn’t able to gather typical dishes that we eat really have no choice but to family from COVID-19. with others for worship. but, aside from that, ev- pray,” she said.

Students reinvent social functions over video calls CHLOE KEARIN WILLEFORD Hancock said she and she said. REPORTER six other friends joined a “I feel like we’re closer call on Zoom to catch up because when I was in D.C., DIEGO MENDOZA since leaving GW, but about I wasn’t really talking to my CONTRIBUTING CULTURE an hour into the conversa- extended family,” she said. EDITOR tion, Hancock surprised “So now that we’re all quar- her friend celebrating the antined, we’re finding an birthday with a slideshow excuse to talk to each other.” You may be living displaying pictures of their thousands of miles away time together at GW. Game night over from your friends, but that “We wanted to show her Zoom doesn’t mean your 21st that we want to celebrate Just because there’s no birthday has to be spent her, and that we love her more trivia night at Tonic alone in your bedroom. and we’re still thinking doesn’t mean you have to As a result of stay-at- about her despite not being give up game nights, rising home orders and social together,” she said. junior Lizzie Irwin said. distancing measures to Hancock said the ideal Irwin said she and six prevent the spread of CO- night out would have con- other friends organized a VID-19, many large events sisted of a residence hall virtual game night just af- like concerts, performances party or a dinner at one of ter spring break with online and lectures have moved her friend’s favorite restau- activities like a Pictionary online. Beyond that, person- rants, but Zoom enabled challenge and a virtual ad- al events like birthday par- her to present a gift without aptation of Cards Against ties, family reunions, dates seeing her in person. Humanity. The group and happy hours are taking played games for four place over Zoom, FaceTime Family reunions turn hours, from 8 p.m. to mid- and Skype to safely stay in digital night, she said. touch with friends and fam- Rising sophomore Ma- “I think we wanted to CAMILLE DESANTO | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Students are organizing virtual birthday celebrations, parties, family reunions and game nights as COVID-19 halts ily. ria Cueto Vélez said she has catch up in a fun way ver- in-person gatherings. Here is how four stu- used Zoom to keep in touch sus doing another Zoom dents have taken advantage with her family in the Do- call and just talking – there of video chat platforms to minican Republic while she wasn’t much conversation childhood bedroom.” “So I thought, ‘let’s just put ginning and stayed to the connect with others during quarantines. left, I guess,” Irwin said. them all in a Zoom together end and drank with me,” the pandemic. Cueto Vélez said she The group couldn’t A virtual rager and see how they do.’” she said. previously traveled to rela- share snacks or cocktails Having just been evacu- Besides watching “Nev- Kusnick added that if Friendship across tives’ homes on weekends during the game night, ated from her study abroad er Have I Ever” videos on she were to throw another state lines to cook, but they are now but Irwin said being able experience in Spain, rising YouTube, Kusnick said she virtual party, she would Rising junior Hana Han- using Zoom to catch up. Ev- to spend time with friends junior Zoe Kusnick said she found a website where she gather a few friends who all cock said she organized a ery week, she and her fam- over Zoom helped them was lonely at home in Ne- and her guests could all know each other to avoid digital birthday surprise for ily plan a list of topics to dis- connect with each other vada, so she used her 21st play the drinking game awkward interactions in a her friend’s 20th birthday in cuss for the next meeting so when the semester moved birthday as an excuse to King’s Cup. Naturally, the large video call. early April, which helped they never run out of things online. throw a drinking party for night of fun resulted in a “Like any large video her keep her relationships to talk about, she said. “It really does feel like nearly 50 people over Zoom. large group of intoxicated call, it is so stressful, es- strong while people prac- Cueto Vélez said the sometimes you can’t hang “I also thought it was college students, she said. pecially because I was the ticed social distancing. virtual meetings help bring up because it’s as close to funny because I have a lot of “I think there was a only person that everybody “She was really shocked her family closer together. socializing as possible,” she friends that don’t know each range of drunkness, be- knew,” she said. “There and a little emotional be- Video calls usually last for a said. “It’s just one of those other, from when I studied cause some people weren’t was a lot of pressure on me cause we were all separat- few hours each and include cool things where you can abroad and from like home drinking at all, but some to talk a lot, which I do al- ed,” Hancock said. up to 15 family members, show your friends your and school,” Kusnick said. people came on at the be- ready, but it was still scary.” GAMES OF THE PAST SAILING BASEBALL at St. Sperry Women’s National vs. Xavier Championship Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Seven years ago, the No. 3 seeded Sailing ended day one of the Colonials opened the postseason with a women’s nationals in fifth place. road loss to Xavier.

The number of career games senior outfielder Mike Bassett recorded on May May 18, 2020 • Page 8 NUMBER Sports CRUNCH 231 25, 2002, setting the all-time program record. Sports management professor brought ‘unique’ insight to business school BELLE LONG often including business school CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR students as research assistants. After teaching a class in 2015 Mark Hyman, an assistant on the development of baseball teaching professor of sports in China, Hyman and several management, will serve as the students began developing a new George Solomon Endowed documentary on the hunt for Chair in Sports Journalism the first Chinese Major League of Maryland’s Povich Center, Baseball player. according to a press release Hyman said he was grateful Thursday. GW gave him the opportunity During his seven-year to create “experiential courses” tenure with the management which have allowed him and department in the GW some of his students to travel School of Business, he taught across the world for research. courses in sports media and They’ve gone to China for communication, law, finance and documentary production, Japan video production and brought to research sports globalization a lineup of guest speakers to and the West Coast to learn about campus. While Hyman said he the athletic apparel industry, he is sad to leave the University, he said. added that he was honored to In his role as a professor, take on his new opportunity at Hyman and his classes have Maryland. also worked with the athletic “This is a unique opportunity department. His Sports Media to lead one of the elite university and Communication class sports journalism programs in analyzed several social media the country,” Hyman said in an accounts and presented the email. athletic department with its findings, and his video FILE PHOTO BY JACK FONSECA | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER The center was formed under Mark Hyman, an assistant teaching professor of sports management, will leave the School of Business to join University of Maryland’s former Washington Post sports production course paired with journalism school July 1. editor George Solomon, who ESPN+ to operate cameras during Hyman called an “icon” in the games. commentators like 2018 Olympic Weisz said Hyman taught her “We all just completely sports journalism profession. Lisa Delpy Neirotti, figure skater Adam Rippon, the importance of examining any disregarded it just because he’s He added that he will take on the director of the sports sports reporter Ken Rosenthal issue or problem from multiple been so instrumental during our broader responsibilities as chair, management program, hired and sports columnist Christine angles, a skill she said he picked time that it would be a disservice including mentoring students, Hyman as an adjunct professor in Brennan made guest appearances up as a journalist. for us not to celebrate him and developing curriculum and 2011. She said his experience as a and gave lectures to students in “His journalism background thank him,” Weisz said. planning symposia and other baseball beat reporter and sports Hyman’s courses. really taught him that and he While she is sad to see him special events. At GW, Hyman business journalist, coupled with Bailee Weisz, a 2020-graduate, really emphasized that through leave her alma mater, Weisz said primarily focused on teaching. his willingness to teach courses former president of the Sports a lot of different interactions I she couldn’t think of anyone Hyman began his career as a outside of his expertise, were Business Association and three- had with him, whether it was “more deserving for the role” at sports journalist, earning bylines “ideal” for the position. time student of Hyman’s, said in the classroom or outside the Maryland. She added that even in The New York Times, Sports Neirotti added that Hyman Hyman helped his students form classroom,” she said. though his classes at GW weren’t Illustrated, Time.com and The shared her mission for the sports con nec t ion s w it h professiona ls he As the year winded down, centered around journalism, he Post. He reported on the Orioles management program to provide brought in by allowing students Weisz said she attended an online would “sprinkle in a little bit of as a beat writer for the Baltimore “unique learning experiences to moderate discussions. sports management celebration that journalism background.” Sun and covered the “pay for both in and out of the classroom.” “He told us that at this point meant to commemorate “I’m just happy that he is play” scandal that brought “His contacts in sport media in his life, he really doesn’t need graduating students, but the able to do something that he’s down the Southern Methodist and baseball are extensive and to make any more connections or students filled the time with dedicated his entire career for University’s football program allowed us to bring a number of he really doesn’t need to boost his “accolades” about Hyman. She and I think that’s going to be during his time in the field. well-known sport personalities resume,” Weisz said. “Whatever added that he humbly tried to leading a group of students at Beyond teaching, Hyman to campus both in-person and opportunity he can give to his steer the conversation back to Maryland for the next couple of hosted the GW Business of virtually,” Neirotti said in an students to have a lasting impact the senior class, but the students years that will definitely go on to Sports podcast and worked email. on these industry professionals, refused to let his impact go do really great things,” she said. on several research projects, Sports professionals and he’s going to try and do that.” unrecognized. Emily Maise contributed reporting. Atlantic 10 shortens 2020-21 schedule for seven teams EMILY MAISE states. A-10 to scrap the remainder of Softball traveled to Mexico, minimize travel. Previously, SPORTS EDITOR The A-10 also plans to conduct spring seasons and cancel winter playing in the Puerto Vallarta men’s and women’s soccer men’s basketball media day, and spring championships. All College Challenge in its first championships stretched over The Atlantic 10 will condense sport committee meetings and changes to next season were made international tournament in a two-week period, softball and schedules for seven teams next administrative meetings virtually to reduce cost, minimize travel program history. The squad baseball’s tournaments lasted academic year in response to curb the spread of COVID-19, and allow for teams to play in a also played two back-to-back five days, while a winner for the to concerns over COVID-19, according to the release. “safer environment,” the release tournaments in North Carolina. volleyball and women’s lacrosse’s according to a release Thursday. “The decisions made, including states. Prior to the A-10’s championships were determined The conference plans to revisions to our conference Several squads traveled announcement, eight programs in three days. “condense and regionalize” schedules, championship outside the DMV last season to competed at the men’s and The A-10 is preparing for playing schedules for field formats, policies and procedures take on competition. Volleyball women’s soccer championships, sports to resume in the fall hockey, volleyball, men’s soccer, were extremely difficult,” A-10 played two-day and three-day seven baseball programs vied semester. Should that plan change, women’s soccer, baseball, softball commissioner Bernadette tournaments in Florida, North for the conference crown and six the conference will reassess “in and women’s lacrosse by 25 McGlade said in the release. Carolina and Texas. Men’s soccer programs battled for women’s the best interests of our student- percent next season. The 2020- “However, each was considered traveled across the country for lacrosse, softball and volleyball athletes and programs,” according 21 championship circuit for and discussed with empathy, a game in Portland, Oregon. titles, respectively. to the release. volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s in consideration of the health, Baseball traveled to Louisiana The release states that the “The hope is that there will be soccer, baseball, softball and welfare and safety of our student- for a three-day tournament and smaller championship pool allows a return to campus and classes women’s lacrosse will now feature athletes, coaches, support staff to Knoxville, Tennessee to battle for competition to be completed with the ability to implement the a four-team playoff, the release and overall athletic programs.” the Volunteers prior to its season in one weekend, which will necessary COVID-19 protocols for The pandemic forced the ending early. boost safety for athletes and the fall semester,” McGlade said. Club sports leaders adjust training, communication during pandemic BELLE LONG fall semester to raise awareness CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR and hold tryouts. Rising senior John Guerrette, Club sports leaders are trying the president of club ultimate to turn disappointment over frisbee, said he plans to embrace the COVID-19 pandemic into the new virtual reality and motivation to practice and stay get creative with recruiting. connected. Guerrette said he and the team While varsity sports are will use the club’s social media bound by NCAA guidelines accounts to message potential and supervised by coaches and recruits and coordinate with support staff, club sports are them about joining the squad. largely student-run. Leaders of “We’re just going to try and club sports like baseball, ultimate keep them in the loop as much frisbee, women’s soccer and as we can and try to incorporate women’s basketball said they them in our team,” Guerrette have used online communication, said. remote training and virtual He said ultimate frisbee’s recruiting to maintain operations spring season is more competitive remotely. and strenuous than the fall “For club sports, it’s hard to get because it includes the squad’s the word out when you’re not on championship leg. Teams campus because it’s one of those compete in sectionals with the things that’s more ingrained into hopes of landing a spot in the campus life and it’s not something regional competition, ultimately that’s always easy to find on GW’s setting its sights on the national website,” rising senior Maya Lilly, competition. Guerrette said the the president of the club women’s timing of the pause hurt the basketball team. team’s attempt to make a deep Leaders said the adjustments run in spring competition. and cancellations to their During the pause, teams also FILE PHOTO BY ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER schedules could hurt club teams took different approaches to Leaders of GW’s club sports teams say the pandemic has disrupted competition schedules and hindered recruiting efforts. financially, because players need conditioning and maintaining to pay out of pocket to attend fitness levels. Leaders from while games and practices are “The key for us being able with adverse weather conditions. tournaments. Lilly said she is club programs like baseball canceled during the pandemic. to play is everyone being on Deveaux said that despite hoping the Student Association and women’s basketball said “It’s easy to stay conditioned, campus,” Lamar said. being apart from her squad, she’s will offer teams funding for they asked their players to train but it’s hard to keep playing Jenny Deveaux, the vice stayed connected with teammates tournaments they paid to individually, while leaders from ultimate frisbee because most president of club women’s by running together through attend but were canceled amid women’s soccer and ultimate people can’t toss a disk with soccer, said the Region I Club Charity Miles, an app that tracks COVID-19. frisbee distributed workouts for people right now,” Guerrette said. Soccer League – the conference how many miles have been run Club leaders said the pause members to follow. Junior Jack Lamar, the club in which the squad competes – and donates funds to a charity of also hurt clubs’ recruiting Guerrette said during a baseball’s travel liaison, said it is considering adjustments for choice. processes, especially if it normal year, ultimate frisbee would be almost impossible to an online semester, including “I feel like this has pushed continues into the fall semester. players would spend the summer have any type of season if the fall possibly pushing the regional us to find more ways to be Many teams rely on the spring competing in leagues or playing semester was online. He added competition from October to the connected,” she said. “We season to connect with potential with professional club teams. But that because players are from all spring. But she added that the aren’t super connected over the recruits, and Lilly said the he said players are struggling to over the country, he can’t hold competition would ultimately be summer, so it’s a new way of women’s basketball team uses the continue ultimate frisbee play practices or matches online. canceled if the new date was met looking at things.”