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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PANTHERA Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International PRESS University One copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents. Vol. 1 Issue 12 PantherNOW.com Monday, April 17, 2017

HEAR ME ROAR Urban Initiative receives $1.2 million from Knight Foundation

TAPKANNIA KEOUN of an existing venture between Staff Writer FIU-CARTA and the Creative Class Group, the Miami Creative FIU’s College of City Initiative, which looks at Communication, Architecture advancing economic benefits and the Arts, in a partnership with accumulated in Miami in the past the Creative Class Group, will two decades. head a project that will establish “We’ve been working in Miami as a leading economic the Miami region with Florida metropolis. International University for the The project, titled “The past three years. They are top Miami Urban Future Initiative,” notch in creating the next level of is keen on researching former talent that’s going to really grow

Joseph Gomez /Panther Press and current economic trends the region and we thought there in the region,and developing was a need to continue this type Ali Qureshi, mechanical engineering student, attends the Uproar concert and enjoys the giveaways new strategies to put Miami on of work,” Florida said to Student at the FIU Arena on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. the map as a globally creative Media. economy. Recently, the initiative “The initiative will help received $1.2 million in funding BISCAYNE BAY map economic, occupational from the John S. and James L. and technological aspects in the Knight Foundation to resume this region. We’ll bring in partners economic research. and experts in addition to our “Improved intelligence and MPAS to host release week team to provide the necessary research guide Miami’s strategic data to grow a more inclusive direction – there will be four to six DOUGLASS GAVILAN After, students will return and take part in an economy,” said Rana Florida, annual briefings and publications. Staff Writer ice cream social where student discuss what they CEO of the Creative Class Group. Any future economic and noticed from taking the pledge. The Creative Class Group is community development in the Beginning Monday, April 17, the Multicultural “Typically, this has been happening around high an advisory firm that works with region must be guided by data Programs and Services and Campus Life offices schools and colleges around the U.S.,” said Ojeda. companies and businesses which and facts about the region, such will be hosting a week-long event that incorporates “People can commit to taking a vow of silence. studies the correlation between as trends and regional strengths relaxation and issues affecting the LGBTQA They are given an informational card that they can cities and economic growth. The and weaknesses,” said Schriner. community. hand to people. The card explains what is the event group was founded by Florida’s The future of the initiative As Pride Month continues, “Release Week” will and why they are participating in the event.” husband, Richard, an author and places importance on bringing have five events including a day of silence, which National Day of Silence is a student-led day professor of urban economic together international thought is an annual nationwide event to spread awareness meant to fight bullying and harassment and was theory. leaders and regional practitioners, on the effects of bullying and harassment many first organized in 1996 by a group of students at “[We] disseminate this to catapult Miami as an urban members of the LGBTQA communities often face. the University of Virginia, according to the Gay information and inform the center for economic development “Release week is a cool opportunity in which Straight Advocates for Education organization. broad strategic vision for the and creativity. LGBTQA initiatives partners with Campus Life,” Campus Life and the Multicultural Programs region’s private and public The Miami Urban Future said Sebastian Ojeda, graduate assistant for the and Services will team up again for “Pride BBQ,” stakeholders through ongoing Initiative will be located at the LGBTQA initiatives. which follows on Tuesday, April 18. It will take local convenings and briefs,” newly developed FIU-CARTA at Students who take the pledge, which will be at place in Panther Square and last between 11 a.m. said FIU’s dean of the College Mana Wynwood on the eastside. 10 a.m in the Panther Square, will be given a shirt of Communication, Architecture, The initiative is projected to and expected to stay silent until the event wraps up. SEE RELEASE, PAGE 2 and the Arts, Brian Schriner. begin in September and will be in The project is an extension place through 2022. SGA’s elected candidates share their plans for new term

CEYLIN ARIAS but the core of it, it remains the same. There is a on campus. SGC has that potential and understand how crucial it is to address students’ Staff Writer lot of work to be done,” he said. empowerment and once we start doing that, concerns.” Cosio said he could not share many of the people will see that SGC can create positive Schmidt said to Student Media that she has Election season at the University officially details about his platform as he has not officially change for the entire student body,” said Schmidt. been working with student government ever concluded on April 5, results confirmed FIYou begun his term as president -- which will be in Schmidt says that after joining SGA, students since her freshman year as a lower-division candidates at MMC President-elect Krista May-- he has a few plans to reduce transportation tend to form their own bubble and lose touch senator. Schmidt and Vice President-elect Jordan costs for students. with what’s going on outside of that. During “I actually ran with Alian at the FIYou party Thompson, and President-elect Leonardo Cosio “We want students to know that we are here the year she took a break from SGC, Schmidt and that’s where my roots all started because that and Vice President Meredith Marseille at BBC for them. In fact, one of the things that we will says she was still engaged with students and was my first involvement on campus. Throughout as winners of this year’s student government be addressing is the bus shuttle fee. Five dollars organizations involved with SGC. my academic career at the University, one of election. per bus ride gets expensive and so the SGC-BBC “I felt that this perspective is what is the organizations I have been a part of was the Though Cosio and Marseille both ran will find a way to cut costs,” said Cosio. really needed this upcoming year in student Lead team and it completely changed my life,” uncontested, this did not make winning the Cosio also said SGC-BBC work for students government. When they asked me to run at SGA said Schmidt. “It taught me how to be there for election at BBC any less important or exciting, and want students to know their concerns will back in December, although I didn’t necessarily other people and what it meant to be a leader. said Cosio. be addressed and fixed. MMC president-elect see myself doing this in prior years, I realized I Employers nowadays want to hire leaders, not “The feelings Krista might have felt when Schmidt echoed the same sentiment. could make that change myself,” said Schmidt. followers. It gave me confidence and helped she found out she won the election must have “My vision as a student government “I have already been around students throughout been different from what I felt when I found out, organization [representative] is to be visual all the organizations I have been a part of so I SEE SGA, PAGE 6 2 Panther Press – Monday, April 17, 2017 NEWS PantherNOW.com NATION & Organization brings prison WORLD BRIEFS reform awareness to University STEPHANIE CASTRO club’s main goal is to further prison a Miami-Dade County Juvenile Afghanistan says 36 militants killed Assistant News Director education, raise awareness on campus Services Department initiative which after US drops ‘mother of all bombs’ and work together with other SAPR is a part of the Miami-Dade Anti- The Student Alliance for Prison chapters to influence both national Gang Strategy, created in 2008. against Islamic State Reform is an established national and state policy. The event allows residents access PANDOLA, Afghanistan — A day after the network of students who support As a global medallion student, to social and economic services, United States dropped the largest non-nuclear initiatives to bring out change in the SAPR’s FIU President Elimelech child care, as well as youth services weapon it has ever used in combat, U.S. military criminal justice system via advocacy, Risse first got involved when she and disability services. helicopters pounded a mountainside village in education and service. attended a seminar with a panel “When people get incarcerated eastern Afghanistan on Friday in an ongoing Eric Feldman, advisor for SAPR, of speakers addressing mass it’s not just the person going into operation against fighters loyal to the Islamic State. said the club started fall of 2016 incarceration and rehabilitating prison, it’s the whole family that gets Plumes of smoke were visible from several after he attended a civic engagement inmates. affected,” said Risse. “The event miles away as the airstrikes provided cover for conference in colleges. A few weeks later, Feldman sent [Walking One Stop] showed us that.” Afghan commandos and U.S. advisers who have “In one of the presentations I went out an email about starting a new Risse would also like to open an been locked in a two-week battle to clear a network club at the University in line with the office at the University in an effort of tunnels used by Islamic State militants — the national organization. to get more departments involved target of the Thursday bombing. “I was the first one in line. I with SAPR such as the Psychology couldn’t say no to something like Department. Assad faces international pressure to that because this impacts us all,” said “They [inmates] go in and go out step down, but in Damascus there is Statistically, the rate of going Risse. and they’re never the same. There’s to prison is so high that if you SAPR works with outside a bunch of different offices in FIU, a mood of defiance have not directly been involved organizations such as Silent Victims why not create a mental health DAMASCUS, Syria _ From his shop window, with the judicial system, you of Crime, Ladies Empowerment and office?” said Risse. “Why not give looking out on the storied Umayyad mosque know at least one person in Action Program, Dr. Regina B Shearn students a job or an internship?” and the remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman bath your family or a friend of a Corrections Transition Program, Feldman also tackled on the issue complex, Joseph Havera was contemplating what friend who has. We’re the LEAP Workshop, Eradicating of the restoration of voting rights in he considered a nightmare scenario: a U.S.-led number one country in the the School to Prison Pipeline, Florida where convicted felons are assault on the Syrian capital, stronghold of Alternatives to Violence Project, not allowed to vote for the rest of world to incarcerate people, President Bashar Assad. among others. their lives. “Why would the United States attack Syria? “Statistically, the rate of going “People’s misconception [on I don’t understand it,” Havera, an august Elimelech Risse to prison is so high that if you have returning citizens] are that everyone merchant of textiles, antiquities and other Syrian President not directly been involved with the had a real choice about whatever they handicrafts, said from his musty second-floor FIU Student Alliance for Police Reform judicial system, you know at least did to get to prison. That everyone aerie, up a series of narrow stairways that wind one person in your family or a friend has total self-control over their past sundry craftsmen’s workshops. of a friend who has,” said Risse. lives while I think you have very “We’re the number one country in limited choices depending on their French election’s only sure thing is the world to incarcerate people.” surroundings,” said Feldman. gridlock in Parliament to, there was somebody who tried to Risse’s main goal is to bring more On April 27, SAPR will be get colleges to work on prison reform awareness and involvement to the celebrating their first year as an PARIS — Every French presidential election — to teach classes in prisons or to club. organization at the University at the back to 1981 has been followed by the winner’s have formerly incarcerated students “The mission is to advocate social Green Library in room 137 at 6:30 party going on to take control of Parliament. tell stories on campus and humanize issues. As president, one of the things p.m. All FIU students are welcomed. Chances are high it won’t happen this time. them,” said Feldman. that I would like to emphasize on For more information on FIU’s The two front-runners for the voting that begins The United States is the world’s members is the state of mind. In that, SAPR organization, visit their April 23, Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, leader in incarceration with 2.2 it’s great to be involved, but let’s be facebook page at Student Alliance head non-establishment political movements that million people currently in the proactive members of society,” said for Prison Reform at FIU. are unlikely to get majorities in the legislative nation’s prisons and jails — a 500 Risse. “We are more than a club, we elections that follow in June. Should either percent increase over the last 40 are a movement.” Additional reporting done by become France’s president, they’d be forced to years, according to The Sentencing Among their various events, Martina Bretous. seek uncomfortable alliances with rivals, or risk Project. SAPR has also collaborated with the five years of limbo. Featured in the Huffington Post, Miami Gardens police department TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE USA Today, The Hill, the student-run in the Walking One Stop event, panther press MPAS hosts week-long event on EDITORIAL BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION

Editor in Chief Campus: GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. LGBTQA issues and relaxation Cayla Bush (305) 348-2709 News Director [email protected] RELEASE, PAGE 1 Whether it’s painting, crafting or using Playdough, Martina Bretous : using art is a way to let them focus on a small Sports Director WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. and 2 p.m., according to Hannah Ellis, graduate project versus having their brain scattered over assistant at BBC’s Campus Life. homework, family and stress.” Jayda Hall (305) 919-4722 [email protected] “They [MPAS] are so wonderful, they are a “Throw Your Stress Away” follows on Thursday, Entertainment wonderful office and I’m so proud to work with April 20, which Ellis said will feature a black Fax: Director (305) 348-2712 them,” said Ellis. “I’m so excited to be working hole where students can write what is stressing Nia Young with them. We’re both trying to do a lot to benefit them out on paper stars and can throw it away in Editor-in-Chief: Opinion Director students.” the black hole. Campus Life will also be giving (305) 348-1580 The next three days will focus on relieving away cupcakes to participating students in Wolfe Michelle Marchante [email protected] students stress where events will be done with an University Center Loggia, from 11 a.m. til 2 p.m. Copy Chief Advertising: outer space theme — the first is Art Therapy Day. Cayla Bush (305) 348-6994 On Wednesday, April 19, students will enjoy arts On the last day of Release Week, from 11 a.m. [email protected] Production Manager and craft activities working with moon sand and to 2 p.m. “Sweat the Stress Away” will consist of Nia Young Panther Press is published on Mondays and creating there own rocket ship. There will also be a playgrounds activities and games. Ellis said there Director of Student Media Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters photobooth for students and graduating seniors can will be jump rope, foursquare, dodgeball and chalk. and once a week during Summer B. One copy Robert Jaross customize teddy bears from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m in “This is the event that I’m most excited about,” per person. Additional copies are 25 cents. the Panther Square. said Ellis. “It’s a way to get students active, outside Asst. Director of Panther Press is not responsible for the content of ads. Ad content is the sole responsibility “Some of the research that I have seen is that and take their stress away.” Student Media of the company or vendor. Panther Press is an different students handle stress in different ways,” For more information, visit Campus life located Alfred Soto editorially independent newspaper partially said Ellis. “Students do best when they are given in WUC 141 at the Biscayne Bay Campus or the funded by student and services fees that are appropriated by Student Government. a creative outlet, and art is one of the biggest. MPAS offices located in WUC 253. Contact Us Michelle Marchante Opinion Director OPINION Panther Press – 3 PantherNOW.com Monday, April 17, 2017 Syria “in the wrong,” but we must be careful

DEBRIEFING the medical facilities where the targeted a specific Syrian air base Trump regime, which originally us in nuclear weapons possessed. wounded were receiving medical with periodic cruise missiles campaigned itself on an ‘America According to Business Insider, care. One thing is clear in this: first’ approach. Russia has a total of 1,790 nuclear Syria is in the wrong. However, this change signals weapons that are deployed and But is the United States a humanitarian stance on ready to use whilst the U.S. has entitled to interfere with international affairs, attempting 1,740. aggressive measures when The fact that [the U.S. to protect those who can’t protect Russia’s number isn’t DANIEL MELO the decisions of a foreign and and Russia] could themselves. But ultimately, was significantly larger, but the fact sovereign state doesn’t affect us potentially escalate this this worth it? that these two superpowers could President Donald Trump at home? situation is dreadful to The Assad regime has been potentially escalate this situation ordered a military attack on Syria John Locke claims that a think about. receiving military support from is dreadful to think about. for violating regulations from the war or an attack could solely be Russia, and after the attack on For all that it’s worth, it’s Chemical Weapons Convention perceived as ‘just’ if performed Thursday, Russia was quick to better to keep the peace and seek on Thursday, April 6. with the intention of defending speak up. diplomatic agreements than risk Syria used chemical warfare oneself from an aggressor. According to Fox News, a potential Russian retaliation on on their own citizens, claiming Many believe that this also — the number of causalities is Russian President Vladimir Putin U.S. troops or American soil. the lives of 85 people — extends to defending the weak unclaimed — however, for the described the attack as “an act of including approximately 24 and the helpless — and this is first time since the ongoing civil aggression on a sovereign state” Daniel Melo is a contributing children and wounding about exactly what the U.S. did on war began, the United States that “dealt a serious blow to writer for Panther Press. 350 more. Thursday night. bombed a significant regime Russia-U.S. relations.” His column, Debriefing, is a If this wasn’t enough, Assad Syria has been in a civil war target. Russia is a significant world commentary on politics. activists proceeded to bomb since 2011, and the U.S. has only This is a change in the power that currently outnumbers Blackness is not an Stay healthy and shop organic EYES ON THE But maybe you hopped on the yield in rain-watered legume economic status EARTH bandwagon of those who think crops, such as alfalfa or beans, spending a few extra dollars for and in perennial crops, such as some pesticide free produce is fruit trees. A IS FOR ANTI equally, at all. How does having a worth it. But when it comes to major background of drugs, abuse, alcohol, The Balance made it cereal crops such as corn or legal troubles and the like make you clear that organic farming is wheat, and vegetables, such as more black than that of stability, something that’s extremely broccoli, conventional methods education, and safety? Why does positive for the environment delivered more than 25 percent AMANDA JUNG circumstance define how black you more yield.” are. The first problem is that AKILAH DAVIS There are so many obstacles You have probably heard organic farming doesn’t thrown in the path of the black once or twice in your life that produce as much crops as It seems as if each article I write individual. Besides not being treated it’s important to eat purely It’s clear that organic traditional farming. But it gets goes on to inspire my next, but equally amongst society, we must organic food. And a few people even more complicated. farming is something inspiration does what it wants. I also face stigmas within our own might have mentioned that Not only do farmers need to recently read a column in the Miami community. although it may cost a few that’s extremely positive have the knowledge on how to Herald written by entrepreneur Brian There is this constant notion to bucks more, it’s definitely for the environment grow organic crops properly, Brackeen, in which he expressed his highlight the smaller portion of those worth it in the long run. because it combats but they “must learn to manage “blackness” or “lack thereof.” that fail to represent us at height of But I am here to investigate the effects of global an entire ecosystem geared to He wrote that he had a lost our culture and potential. Instead, whether or not organic is worth warming. producing food — controlling an editorial opportunity because we are portrayed as troublesome all the hype. It’s important pests through biological he didn’t have the background or “overcomers.” to know, not only for human means, using the waste from upbringing the media loves to glorify It’s not fair to say a man isn’t beings and for our health, but animals to fertilize fields and and highlight about black folk — the “black enough” because he owned for the environment and for the even growing one crop amidst one that speaks of immense struggle his truth or was able to become sustainability of Planet Earth. another.” and hardship. successful and make a way for According to The Balance, because it combats the effects Personally, I am not Because of this, Inc. Magazine, himself beyond trying to “make it there are countless benefits of global warming. someone who goes out of my an editorial initially willing to profile out.” when it comes to organic According to The Balance, a way to purchase organic food. him, killed his story and his spread T is for truth — as in tell all of it; farming and eating. To begin “trial, running since 1981, has With time though, I have because they claimed he wasn’t even a portion of the truth is still a with, it discourages the shown that a healthy organic realized how important it is to “black enough,” as if there was a lie. We black people are way more exposure to pesticides and agriculture system can actually eat a clean diet and that means such thing, He had come from a than the media makes us out to be. chemicals. This is something reduce carbon dioxide and help eating food that is not covered stable, middle-class family. Of course we can exceed, overcome we have probably all heard slow climate change.” in chemicals and pesticides. According to his column, 75 and go beyond such trepidations. before. On top of that, it’s also I think it’s important to percent of black people aren’t But whether we face them or not, Every time you go to something that supports water shop organic when possible. poor. Seventy-five percent of our culture is superior to gangsters, the grocery store, you pass conservation and animal Not only is it beneficial for the black people grow up in stable drug dealers, felons, and addicts. countless fruits and vegetables, welfare. environment, but for our health homes, like myself here in Fort We are superhuman. We can do and there are usually some that So with the long list of as well. Lauderdale, and Brackeen, who anything. Including succeed with are labeled organic and others pros that organic farming and grew up in Philadelphia. But our 75 success being the only incentive. that aren’t. eating has presented us with, Amanda Jung is a staff percent takes a back seat to the 25 Maybe you’re one of the why isn’t everyone eating an writer for Panther Press. Her percent of us who do, unfortunately, Akilah Davis is a staff writer people who avoid the organic organic diet? column, Eyes on the Earth, is a experience hardship, and instability for Panther Press. Her column, A foods simply because they’re According to Scientific commentary on current global in childhood homes. is For Anti, provides oppositional a bit more expensive than the American, “organic agriculture environmental issues. Why not represent our commentary on the social and regular fruits and vegetables. delivers just 5 percent less demographic accurately, if not societal influences in America.

SEND US YOUR LETTERS DISCLAIMER EDITORIAL POLICY Have something on your mind? Send an email to [email protected]. Be The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views Editorials are the unified voice of the editorial board, which is composed sure to include your name, major and year and a photo of yourself. Letters of The Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from of the editor in chief, management, and the editors of each of the four must be less than 400 words and may be edited for clarity and length. editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers sections. Panther Press welcomes any letters regarding or in response to Panther Press will only run two letters a semesterfrom any individual. and/or members of the University community. its editorials. Send them to [email protected] Nia Young Entertainment Director Entertainment Panther Press – 4 PantherNOW.com Monday, April 17, 2017 POSNER ‘COOLER THAN’ HEATON SPC’s UpRoar event takes an unexpected turn for the best MARTHA MY DEAR As April 12 rolled expectations for an underwhelming band brought us a new appreciation for his followed. This time he took a seat at the around there was little performance were met. so called “one hit wonders”. front of the stage and began to talk. anticipation around As she began to sing her first song, I campus for the annual started to hear people questioning the same UpRoar event held thing I was: is she lip-syncing through this by FIU’s Student whole performance? It was hard to tell at MARTHA Programming Council. first, but it became obvious that she was PEREZ-MENDEZ Previous years have barely singing over her previously recorded seen the likes of Jessie J, vocals. MKTO, T-Pain, Big Sean, Gym Class Heros She continued to lip-sync until she and more. referenced her humble beginnings by This year welcomed rising star Niykee performing a cover. Her hustled rap Heaton and on again off again sensation matched with strings of R&B vocals that Mike Posner to the stage. really elevated her performance. While doing my research on UpRoar, I Still, her low energy combined with was ready for the kind of packed audience sporadic and provocative dance moves prior years have seen. However, as I stood resulted in an awkward opening act. The at the front railing with ample room and audience was visibly anxious for Posner’s the show about to start, I began to realize set to begin as soon as she announced her that this small crowd would not grow much last song. larger. As we waited for his performance, Before attending the concert, I first took students nostalgia over “Cooler Than Me”

a listen to Heaton’s Spotify and YouTube was almost as talked about as their love for Martha Perez-Mendez/Panther Press channel. Though her roots in pop and Posner’s more recent hit “I Took a Pill in Mike Posner preforms Wednesday April 12 at SPC UpRoar concert. alternative R&B remain, her music has Ibiza.” changed from the robust, acoustic sound Creating these catchy pop-rap songs Posner also blessed the audience with Not fully knowing what was going on, heard on her YouTube channel to a more intended for the college crowd has rock/alternative rearrangements of covers, the audience was intrigued. He continued whiney and altered voice on her tracks left Posner struggling with most of his such as “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd, in reciting a poem of gratitude memorized which lack the soul she once demonstrated. recognition surfacing from these one-hit in his innovative efforts to pump up the from his recently published book of poetry. Fast forward to UpRoar and my albums. Having also connected him to this crowd. This moment of reflection left him “popy” and predictable sound, I was excited He also covered Justin Beiber’s “If I vulnerable and emotionally expressive. but didn’t expect any surprises. Was Your Boyfriend” with the original Never before has a performance made me Most of the audience and I were lyrics he wrote stylishly interrupted by soul feel so personally connected to the artist. thrown for a whirl when Posner joined The wrenching saxophone and drum solos. Furthermore, his relatable battles connected Legendary Mike Posner Band in performing If this wasn’t enough to turn anyone the audience to each other. his hits in various expressions. They dipped permanently into a Mike Posner fan, the Ending the show with this strong moment into different genres to change up songs young multi-talented artist had one more of community made everyone in attendance the crowd was expecting to hear replicated surprise. After ending the set with “I Took a equally as grateful to have chosen to be Joseph Gomez/Panther Press from his albums. Pill in Ibiza” and leaving the stage, the room there that night. No matter how anyone Students dance at “Glow Jam,” an SPC From edgier guitar and drum sounds laid was overpowered by the small audience’s felt about Niykee Heaton’s performance, event leading up to the Uproar concert down by Jacob Scesney to slowed down screams for an encore. Mike Posner and his band made UpRoar a on Tuesday, April 11. intimate acoustic moments, Posner and the The band shortly reappeared and Posner worthwhile event. Women and gender studies Cox finds ‘identity’ Laverne Cox distribute the survey to the students MANIC MONDAY offers trans studies course removed her and keep looking at the results. I go prison uniform to my director and we see how that and strutted the person’s schedule works with ours, CAYLA BUSH Address brings visibility to the transgender community, halls of Panther because we have a representative Editor-in-Chief but not all of the hardships that face its members. Territory this with Kepler,” said Adelson. “We see poverty, harassment, discrimination and past Tuesday, The Wolfe University Center The Center for Women’s and Gender Studies will violence against transgender people, particularly against April 11. at FIU had over 200 students and offer a new course in the fall focusing on the transgender trans women of color. So this dichotomy between HAROLD LOPEZ Cox visited community members anticipating experience. visibility and vulnerability in the community is something the University the arrival of the queen of breaking Following the lead of other universities, the course that needs to be fully addressed,” Grant said. as the guest speaker for SGC-BBC’s barriers. is the first step for what the Director of the Center, The course, according to Grant and Darici, will be Lecture Series as part of her “Ain’t Adelson opened the event with a Yesim Darici, hopes to evolve into a transgender studies an interdisciplinary approach to understanding topics I a Woman: My Journey Through brief introduction on the actress and initiative. such as trans activism, feminism and queer approaches Womanhood” tour. activist. “We have 55,000 students, and this is the right place to transgender issues and transgender film and literature. “She has a really powerful Cox had her breakthrough to do it. Of course, all these things come with the demand “The course is not only exposing students to message. Not only is her message performance as Sophia Burset on from students,” Darici told Student Media. “I saw a need transgender issues and perspectives, but also gives really strong for people in the the Netflix television series “Orange and I initiated it and [Justin Grant] wanted to do it, so I students a broader understanding about their own LGBTQ community, but her Is the New Black.” She has earned a said let’s do it.” subjectivities and to think about those relationships message of acceptance, being nomination for a Primetime Emmy Grant, who is an instructor in the English department, between sex, gender and intersexuality,” Grant said. yourself and being content with you Award for the role as the first openly says that the introduction to trans studies course was While the undergraduate course is only being offered can help students grow,” said Jamie transgender person. developed to offer a space that shows the lives of a group as a special topics course right now, Grant and Darici Adelson, SGA-BBC director of “If you are a transgender person of students on campus. hope that an increased demand from students will lead lectures. in America, you are part of a group “The course reflects the lives and experiences of to the course standing on its own. They say that plans to The Lecture Series occurs at least that is deeply shamed, stigmatized, transgender students here at FIU, which we don’t develop a graduate course would follow in a couple of once each academic year and has had criminalized, objectified, treated as currently have a course or curriculum for this field of years if there is a demand for it. guests such as Tia Mowry, Candy if your identity does not exist,” said study,” Grant said to Student Media. “Thinking about the “If students want more on the subject, they come and Crowley and Mayim Bialik to name Cox at the event. timeliness, we’re seeing this sort of cultural phenomenon say ‘we need these initiatives, we don’t have any.’ Then a few. She spoke about her evolution where there’s this greater visibility of transgender I will sit with students and related faculty, and we will “We create a survey with and about how it was like being individuals.” discuss what their needs are and what they want,” Darici different people that the lecture’s SEE LAVERNE, PAGE 6 Grant says that shows like Amazon’s “Transparent,” said. “If a demand comes from the student body, it is real committee and I choose. We and former president Barack Obama’s State of the Union and it has to be answered.” PantherNOW.com Entertainment Panther Press – Monday, April 17, 2017 5 Events offer students opportunity to relieve ‘craziness and stress that adulting entails’

JOSHUA CEBALLOS Students attending the event will be students, and as I’ve gotten to work with “Yogurt and Yoga” Assistant Entertainment Director treated to healthy snacks provided by college students, I’ve realized that they MPAS to coincide with their presentation don’t get to do that as much. They don’t For students looking for a more physical The Office of Multicultural Programs which Harris says is more than just a get to engage in as much play with all the release for stress, the WRC will host a and Services, Campus Life BBC, the lecture. craziness and stress that adulting entails,” “Yogurt and Yoga” event for students to Wellness and Recreation Center and the “We try to have… a lecture- said Ellis. work out the woes of finals. Healthy Living Program are all hosting conversation style when it comes to our Craft tables will be set up in Panther The coordinator of fitness and events to help students unwind before a events. We don’t want the students to Square at BBC where Ellis said that programming for the WRC, Sara Holtzman, week of testing. feel like we’re lecturing them all the says that this is an opportunity for people time, but we also want them to engage in in the community to feed both their bodies “Feed Your Mind” conversation as well,” said Harris. and minds when they normally don’t have the chance to. MPAS will be hosting its “Feed Your “Art Therapy Day” “This will be our second year with the Mind” workshop in the Wolfe University event, and it’s just a larger yoga event, Center at the Biscayne Bay Campus in On April 19, Campus Life at BBC will I used to teach preschool and I it’s a longer class. [The event is] open room 253 on April 18. be hosting its semesterly “Art Therapy got to see how art therapy really to anyone at FIU and the community in “The purpose of this event is to let Day” event as a part of “Release Week” did help our students, and as general, as a ‘bring-a-friend’ kind of students know about some of the healthy before finals. I’ve gotten to work with college event, whereas our typical yoga classes snacks they can eat to stimulate their Hannah Ellis, graduate assistant for students... [I’ve learned] they are just for members,” said Holtzman. brain and include a healthier lifestyle,” Campus Life, says that this event will be a don’t get to engage in as much This event will not only allow students said Mark Harris, a graduate assistant for chance for students to reconnect with their play with all the craziness and to practice a stress relieving exercise like MPAS. inner child. yoga for the first time, but also teach them stress that adulting entails Harris says that students may have a “... it’s basically a way for students go about some proper post-workout food fairly good idea about nutrition and how out and forget about finals and the stress choices, like yogurt. to eat to maintain their bodies, but in the that they’re going to be encountering… “The first year we were sponsored by Hannah Ellis scramble of finals week, all that nutritional and we would like to take them back to Dannon, and this year Siggi’s Dairy is Graduate Assistant know-how goes away. their childhood classrooms and let them sponsoring us to give us free yogurt. I Campus Life “... taking into consideration that this paint,” said Ellis. believe that Nestle [Nesquik] will be there is around finals time, we’re just trying to Release Week is a general effort as well. Chocolate milk is a good post- make students a little bit more aware of to diffuse stress for students at BBC exercise recovery drink,” says Holtzman. this so that once they’re in a rush taking according to Ellis and Art Therapy Day Holtzman says that everyone who finals, writing papers, [they’ll know about] does that in a creative fashion that most students will be able to create their own participates will be given free yogurt after some foods or some snacks that they can students don’t normally get to enjoy. flags alongside MPAS, as well as enjoy the yoga so students will have to register munch on just to help them stay focused “I used to teach preschool and I got to crafting personal rocketships that go along with their academics,” said Harris. see how art therapy really did help our with the week’s outer space theme. SEE UNWIND, PAGE 6

2-Week May Term May 8 – 19

2017 6-Week Terms May 22 – June 30 July 3 – Aug. 12

12-Week Term May 22 – Aug. 12

Register Online! www.ut.edu/summer SUMMER SUMMER 6 Panther Press – Monday, April 17, 2017 Entertainment PantherNOW.com Actress is ‘the queen Recharge a ‘positive’ experience UNWIND, PAGE 5 collaborate with the Graham Center and SGA to be of barrier breaking’ able to provide students with services to aid them on the event page, recreation.fiu.edu, in order to give study and be successful during the last two weeks of the WRC a better idea on how much to order. the semester,” said Pham. “Yoga and Yogurt” will be held on April 20 from This event will provide students with a myriad of LAVERNE, PAGE 4 transgender people were melted away. I 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the WRC basketball court at MMC services over the course of the two weeks including was able to accept them and ultimately and participants will be expected to bring their own healthy snacks and therapeutic services from the raised in her hometown of Mobile, myself,” Cox told the audience. mats. HLP. Alabama. Cox also talked about being Macielle Betances, a public relations “Recharge for Finals” “Some of the most popular services that the bullied throughout her entire school major, was touched by Laverne’s Healthy Living Program provides for students message of love, the importance of self- FIU SGA and the Healthy Living Program include... aromatherapy blends, and 5 minute love and how it can go a long way to at MMC are working together as part of their massages from our massage therapist,” said Pham. happiness. “Recharge for Finals” initiative, which will last from Although the weeks preceding finals are often When I moved to New “We have to move from a shaming April 17 to 20 in GL 220, and April 24 to 27 in the a blur of students rushing around and attempting York City I met real-life society to an empathetic society. A Graham Center, according to Camila Pham, Health to study, Pham says that students should try to take transgender people, I society who has a need to learn about Coordinator for the Healthy Living Program, in a at least ten minutes of their time to relax during got to know them as people who are different from what statement given over email. the “Recharge” event because more often than not, people. Literally all the someone may be considered ‘normal’ “Every year different university departments “Recharge” is a very positive experience. misconceptions of who and has the capability to be empathetic,” transgender people Nicholas Almeida, a digital media were melted away student had an eye-opening experience to the issues that face the transgender community after attending the lecture. SGA reveals term plans Laverne Cox “I learned about unconditional love. Actress I learned to appreciate a person for who SGA, PAGE 1 were welcome to pass by the office and ask directly what it ‘Orange Is the New Black’ they are and not what they look like.” is that they need so I can direct them to the appropriate office. Cox continues to spread the create these unforgettable experiences with different Students need to know who we are, what it is that we do, and career, being called “too feminine,” and love nationwide using the hashtag people on campus.” what we can do to help them.” the f-word , an offensive term that in the #TransIsBeautiful and encourages Schmidt’s platform includes more tabling events that Schmidt and Marseille will also work in improving the LGBTQ community. everyone to use it to shine that light on will help meet the needs and concerns of students by helping freshman experience for incoming students. In New York City, Cox had her a-ha the transgender community. them out on a one-to-one basis. At a forum discussion lead “We were both peer mentors and we see a lot of potential moment where she finally understood You can catch Cox reprise her role by President Rosenberg, Schmidt realized just how unaware in that program because when we did it as freshmen, no one and accepted herself and made the as Sophia in season 5 of “Orange Is the students were of the resources available to them through the really liked to sit through that class and most students just see transition to become a woman. New Black” set to premiere on Netflix University. A student there had complained not being able to it as a class they are mandated to complete,” said Schmidt. “I didn’t associate being transgender on June 9. attend a Career Fair because he did not have the appropriate Schmidt said one way to improve the first year class is with being successful. When I moved to attire. by making it more interactive and engaging for students. New York City I met real-life transgender Manic Mondays is a weekly music “What this student didn’t know though was that the With such improvements in place, students would know people, I got to know them as people. column that covers University events Career Closet provides students who cannot afford new how to use their advisors more wisely, preventing them from Literally all the misconceptions of who and topics that affect students. business attire with lightly used ones,” said Schmidt. prolonging their graduation date as well as from taking the “Resources are out there and I wish students knew they wrong classes, according to Schmidt.

I’m Barry Law

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OPEN HOUSE Follow us December 10th R.S.V.P. barry.edu/law Dwayne O. Andreas | School of Law Diverse in Population. Singular in Purpose. PantherNOW.com SPORTS Panther Press – Monday, April 17, 2017 7

AMERICAN SOCCER Miami FC team drops home opener shots. It still was not enough game in the 57th minute off ALEX TOLEDO to win in the first game since a cross from right back Ryan Staff Writer the stadium was renamed after Richter. the team’s president, with over After four minutes were The New York Cosmos 9000 people showing up. added after the 90-minute came to town and spoiled The team started with a mark, Cosmos left back Ayoze Miami FC’s home opener at Hunter Freeman shot attempt Garcia hit a penalty goal in the the newly-named Riccardo off a Dylan Mares inbounds 91st minute to seal the game. Silva Stadium on March 8, pass that was saved by Cosmos Miami FC displayed an winning the rematch 2-0. goalie Jimmy Maurer within impressive passing game, Miami FC’s record now the first two minutes. From converting 88 percent of their stands at 1-1-1 through the first there, the team took eight passes despite dishing out 244 three games, still with 4 points other shots in the remainder more passes than the Cosmos. on the season, tied with the of the first half, consisting of Miami FC also had 17 more Cosmos and the San Francisco attempts from Calvin Rezende, successful crosses than the Deltas for second-most behind Freeman, Kwadwo Poku Cosmos. the Jacksonville Armada FC. and Stefano Pinho while the The next time Miami FC Miami FC had plenty of Cosmos had a single shot will hit the field is on Saturday, opportunities from start to attempt in the first half. April 22 at 7:30 p.m. when finish, holding possession of In the second half, the they will honor Venezuelan the ball for about 65 percent Miami FC took six more shot Heritage Day while facing the of the game and garnering a attempts before midfielder North Carolina FC. total of 22 shots while holding Daniel Szetela of the Cosmos the Cosmos to just four total scored the first goal of the Nicholas Poblete/ Panther Press New York Cosmos going in for a goal against Miami FC.

TRACK AND FIELD BASEBALL World rank ‘still hasn’t Junior outfielder aides sunk in’ for discus thrower in team’s success BRETT SHWEKY Schaaf said that the In his sophomore season, STEVEN MELENDEZ 31 years. She said she is definitely Staff Writer coaching staff has been one the outfielder was second on Contributing Writer trying to show everyone she means of the largest contributing the team with 13 doubles business. In the factors in his success so far and 36 runs scored. Schaaf “There was a lot of build up all top of the this season. also showed he can be a Making a good year to that moment, so I wanted seventh “Our coaches are doing dangerous runner, stealing 9 first impression to prove myself that the work I put inning on a really great job with us,” bases out of the 11 attempts isn’t the easiest in all year was going to pay off,” Tuesday, said the junior outfielder. he had last season. thing to do, but Rains added. “I didn’t want anyone March 4, “They’re preaching to us Before attending FIU, that is not the to underestimate me and I wanted to JACK SCHAAF against ‘trust in the process. Trust Schaaf played high school case for track and show what I can do.” the No. 22 in the process. Trust in ball at Springboro High in GABRIELLE RAINS field standout Gabrielle Rains also added she Mississippi State Bulldogs, the process.’ As a team we Springboro, Ohio, where he Gabrielle Rains. has a lot of goals that she wants to outfielder Jack Schaaf might hear it a million times batted a .506 average while She began accomplish in her life. One goal increased the commanding through practice and games having eight home runs. He her collegiate career in Discus includes defeating her idol, Sandra lead for the Panthers as he and that helps the team and received team MVP honors throwing by setting a career-best Petrovic from Croatia, a country sent an RBI single up the myself remain focused.” and was named all-state in mark and school-record of 53.10m northeast of Italy. Petrovic is one of middle to drive home first Head coach Mervyl baseball in 2014. at the University Miami Hurricane the greater Discus throwers in the baseman Nick Day for the Melendez said that Schaaf Schaaf was also Invitational in Coral Gables on world. 7-3 FIU lead. and the team have been a dual-threat quarterback March 19. “I really want to beat her,” Rains The outfielder finished working hard all season and in high school, where he Rains is ranked 4th in the world said. “She’s a lot older than me, but the first game of the that the team has been able was able to throw for 1,500 among U-20 Discus throwers, and I really look up to her.” two-game series going 2 to find a multitude of ways yards and run for over 1,200 she said she’s still in unbelief about Rains has already performed in for 3 with two singles and to win games. yards. As the quarterback her ranking. two international meets, and she followed up with another “The guys have been for the Springboro High “It’s amazing. Honestly, it still said her motivation comes from solid performance in the battling and they’ve Panthers, he helped lead hasn’t sunk in,” Rains said. “A the long-term goals she hopes to final game, going 2 for 4 been working hard,” said the team to conference friend of mine was telling me that I accomplish. with another two singles. Melendez. “Sometimes championships in 2013 and am at that level, but I still don’t see “That was the best time of my life The junior is currently as a coach you don’t 2014. myself there.” and I really want to do that again,” batting a .244 average while understand why we get in The Panthers and Schaaf To top off her many Rains said. “I keep searching for also securing 13 runs, 10 the predicaments we get will return to the diamond accomplishments, Rains also set more big meets and looking at the hits and two home runs. into. However our guys on April 18, where the team a new Canadian record surpassing standards that will get me there Schaaf has been one the fight back, they don’t let will travel to Fort Myers to the previous distance of 52.52m because it’s the most fun I’ve ever best fielders for FIU as slow starts derail them. It play against Florida Gulf set by Michelle Brotherton on May had.” well, having a perfect 1.000 really shows the toughness Coast University. First pitch 29, 1986, a record that was held for fielding percentage. of the team.” will be thrown at 6:30 p.m.

JOIN OUR STAFF! Student Media is always looking for talented and reliable individuals to join the staff. If you have an interest in writing, photography or even music, don’t be shy. Stop by one of our offices located in GC 210 and WUC 124 or apply at PantherNOW.com. Contact Us Jayda Hall Sports Director SPORTS Panther Press – 8 PantherNOW.com Monday, April 17, 2017 SPRING BALLING Panthers pleased with their performance during spring scrimmage

Jasmine Casimir/ Panther Press Senior Quarterback Alex McGough hands the ball off during the University’s team offense vs. defense game on April 7, 2017.

PETER HOLLAND JR. Staff Writer to give the offense their into this season. first lead of the night. “We [are] just trying After weeks of spring McGough finished the to keep the running backs practices and adjusting to a night 14-21 for 202 yards going and get in the We [have] been here new system under first year and one touchdown. Owens rhythm,” said Jones. We head coach finished the night with two [are] just trying [to] read for four years and we’ve and his coaching staff, the catches for 81 yards. off the O-linemen and their Panthers ended their 14th “We [have] been here doing a good job.” annual spring football for four years and we’ve Defense was flying grown together. The scrimmage on a higher grown together,” said around making hits on note from both sides of the McGough. “The chemistry the offense led by their chemistry between us is ball. between us is very good. returning defensive Fermin Yet the offense, despite I kind of know what he’s Silva, who recorded a game- very good. I kind of know ending their last drive thinking and he knows high two sacks. Senior with an interception on the what I’m thinking. It’s linebacker what he’s thinking and he defense’s territory, came like we have that telepathy and cornerback Andrew up victorious with a final communication.” Brown led the defense in score of 17-14. Running backs Anthony tackles. The game ended knows what I’m thinking. It’s “FIU won. That’s the Jones and Napoleon in an interception by junior best part. There is no losing Maxwell shared carries on defensive back Chris like we have that telepathy situation,” said Davis. “I offense. Senior running White, which gave the was very pleased with the back Alex Gardner, FIU’s defense two extra-points to communication. kids and the effort that they all-time leading rusher sat make it a 17-14 game. gave us tonight.” out due to coach’s decision. “I feel like our defense Senior quarterback Jones scored on a 15-yard did good but we still got to Alex McGough didn’t run where he bounced off tackle better,” said Silva. Alex McGough waste any time, searching inside to his left and dive “I feel like we executed Senior Quarterback for his primary target in the end zone to for the the play [and] the calls and Football Thomas Owens. McGough offenses to be up 14-12. we’re just going to get back connected to the senior All three backs are looking to the drawing board.” receiver with a 73-yard to be the strength on the pass for a touchdown Panther’s offense going