September 17, 2020 Volume 103 Number 04 THE DUQUESNE DUKE www.duqsm.com PROUDLY SERVING OUR CAMPUS SINCE 1925 Students demand university action at protest Professor

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Kellen Stepler, Griffin instatement Sendek, Katia Faroun & Kellen Stepler Capri Scarcelli editor-in-chief The Duquesne Duke Gary Shank, the Duquesne pro- Dannielle Brown, the mother of fessor placed on administrative Marquis Jaylen “JB” Brown, who leave Friday due to racially insen- fell to his death from the window sitive comments in class, is de- of Brottier Hall in 2018, began a manding to be reinstated by the march Friday morning across Pitts- university in a letter submitted to burgh college campuses. university president Ken Gormley It was Day 70 of her hunger strike. Wednesday, Sept. 16. The march, named “40 for 40” The Foundation for Individual by the organizers, took place on the Rights in Education (FIRE), an or- 19th anniversary of 9/11. It is rep- ganization that focuses on protect- Katia Faroun / Features Editor resentative of JB’s jersey number On Day 70 of her hunger strike, Dannielle Brown stood in front of Brottier Hall, where her son fell to his death in 2018, and ing free speech rights on American and the 40 people who lost their gave a speech to protesters further demanding university action on the case and increased police accountability. college campuses, wrote an email to lives on Flight 93, which crashed in Gormley to “immediately reinstate lieves Duquesne’s administration she is doing this. She also motioned over to the Shanksville, Pa. Shank and publicly reaffirm that its has improperly handled the loss “Although I want to hold my area below where JB fell, saying Brown and the crowd started in faculty retain the broad rights of of her son. baby one more time, my work that his “blood spilt over there.” Shadyside at Chatham University, free expression and academic free- Her demands include full ac- here is not done,” she said. Brown initiated a moment of before moving to Oakland and ad- dom that Duquesne promises.” cess to the investigative reports From there, Brown invited vol- silence for JB, and members of dressing students at Carnegie Mel- Gabriel Welsch, vice president into her son’s death as well as an unteers from the crowd to raise the crowd joined her in holding lon University and the University of of marketing and communications independent investigation, while their voices, passing the micro- up their fists. She broke the si- Pittsburgh. The group walked past at Duquesne, said, “the university also making body cameras, in- phone to students willing to give lence with a song that specifically Carlow University before arriving only today received the letter and is creased mental health crisis and their perspective on the matter. addressed mothers and students. at Duquesne and spent about two still reviewing it.” de-escalation training mandatory Students spoke up about their “For the mothers I will stand. hours on campus, drawing rebukes The letter was sent in response to for university police. frustrations at receiving few answers For the mothers, hand in hand,” from campus administration. Shank’s suspension following the The university has said it’s at- in Brown’s case, giving speeches Brown sang. “For the students, At 4:17 p.m., Duquesne emailed circulation of a video Friday of him tempted to meet her demands by about justice, peace and “wanting you have rights. For the students, a statement to all students ex- using a racial slur in a Zoom lecture offering an in-person viewing of better for Duquesne’s campus.” I will fight.” pressing “strong disapproval” which led to him being placed on the files and ordering body cam- Around 2 p.m. Brown, along About an hour after the demon- of the march, citing it as “willful administrative leave. eras. Administrative officials said with the crowd of students and strators left campus, Duquesne’s trespassing.” In the video, Shank said the N- they tried to reach out to Brown’s supporters, met at the entrance administration sent its email to “The crowd today chose to en- word repeatedly and gave students attorney to review the files but to Brottier Hall, where JB fell the student body, writing that danger thousands of people unnec- permission to use it. In the follow- could not reach him. out of his 16th floor window two the crowd violated policies and essarily,” the administration said. ing lecture, Shank apologized re- Brown, who has remained pri- years ago. Over the next hour, the procedures intended to protect “They utilized bullhorns and mi- peatedly to the class. marily on Freedom Corner in crowd grew to about 100 people, the campus community. They crophones, disrupted classes and He also sent an email in which he the Hill District during her hun- including Brottier residents and claimed the protest resulted in the work of students these protest- wrote that he was troubled by the ger strike, said Friday she didn’t Duquesne students. hundreds of complaints from stu- ers claim to value.” impact his words had on the stu- think the university has done Duquesne Police guarded the dents, faculty, staff and parents. Wrapping around Rooney Field dents, saying he considered them enough to reach out to her and entrance of the residence hall as The email also mentioned that when they first arrived, Brown and to be like family. show its support. the crowd gathered in the circle, the crowd broke the COVID-19 her supporters carried large ban- Shank declined to comment for “They really do know how to surrounding Brown and her sup- visitation policy. ners — “For your sons and daugh- this article. find me, I’m right there.” Brown porters. The outside entrance Darian Reynolds, president of ters, for the mothers,” marching Welsch said in an email to The said. “I’ve got concerns. I’ve got of the building was restricted to Duquesne’s BSU, criticized the their way to Academic Walk where Duke that Shank is not teaching, real concerns for the students of swipe-only access. administration’s response. students present took a knee to and another professor will be tak- Duquesne University.” Multiple speakers addressed “Duquesne seems to be in a honor JB. ing over the course, Educational Brown said she does not be- the crowd, ending with a speech continuous loop with reactive At 1 p.m. Brown began a speech Psychology. lieve her concerns relate to race, from Brown, in which she called email communication resulting in by thanking the student body for Welsch also said that further but instead are an issue of police out Duquesne’s administration. what’s going on,” he said. “I don’t “being her children during this specifics cannot be discussed, as negligence. Under her arm she held a sign know when enough is enough. I time.” She spoke of grieving the this is a “personnel matter.” “I want to be an ambassador stating, “16 Stories, 4 Personnel, understand Duquesne is trying to loss of her son and sympathizing In the video that circulated wide- and help you all … help you all fix NO ANSWERS!” protect themselves, but where’s with the mothers who lost their ly through social media, Shank ex- the problem. It’s about starting a During her speech, Brown ges- the thought of students in this children on Sept. 11. plained how the word could be used foundation,” Brown said. tured to the building’s windows Brown began her hunger strike situation?” She concluded her first speech and stated that Brottier installed July 4 in protest of how she be- see BROWN — page 2 see SLUR — page 3 by reminding the audience why new windows because of her son.

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@theduquesneduke PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 10 2 THEDUQUESNEDUKE POLICE briefs Duq students marched with Dannielle Brown On Sept. 10, officers responded to Des Places Hall in regards to a room- from BROWN — page 1 mate conflict. One student was put in another location that night and moved out. While officers were deal- ing with the situation, it was discov- ered that one of the roommates pos- sessed a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia. That student did admit to possessing the marijuana and paraphernalia and will be re- ferred to the office of student conduct.

On Sept. 11, there was a report of a minor assault of a student in front of the doors to Brottier Hall during a protest. THE DUQUESNE DUKE

Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor Over the summer, Brown presented the university Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor with three demands: an independent investigation At around 1 p.m. on Friday, Dannielle Brown marched through campus with a crowd of supporters, mainly with full access to information and resources; body students from other Pittsburgh colleges and universities. The event, called 40 for 40, was organized in honor cameras for all Duquesne University Police; and of the 40 individuals who lost their lives due to the Flight 93 plane crash, and represented the number of JB's mandatory certification training in mental health, football jersey. The crowd arrived at Brottier Hall around 2 p.m. and gathered around the parking circle. Multiple crisis intervention and de-escalation for police and students and residents of the building stopped by and stood with the crowd to listen to Brown's speech. all university first responders. Social Media Manager - Gain Professional Experience

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If you’re interested, email thed- [email protected] or stop by our Katia Faroun / Features Editor Katia Faroun / Features Editor newsroom located in the basement of College Hall (Room 113). After leading the crowd in a moment of silence for JB, Brown Outside of the building where started singing a song dedicated to mothers and students. At one her son died almost two years Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor point during the song, she closed her eyes and held up her fist. ago, Brown called out university Supporters and students that were part of the crowd joined her administration and encouraged Brown and the crowd of supporters gathered and raised their fists in solidarity. Some of the lyrics included, students to recognize and speak by a mural dedicated to JB located under a T h e S t bridge on Fifth Ave. Brown shared a few words y o "For the mothers, I will stand. For the mothers, hand in hand. For up for their rights. She expressed t i r i the students, you have rights. For the students, I will fight." concern for Duquesne students. with the crowd before it dispersed. n e

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We want your input! The Duke’s news section would love to hear from you about stories that you want to see in print. Know a talented professor or accomplished student? See something on campus that just Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor Capri Scarcelli / A&E Editor doesn’t make sense? You can The march across campus began at Rooney Field, where JB played in send your tips and story ideas to After gathering outside of Brottier Hall, the crowd began marching down Duquesne football home games. The supporters gathered near a bench News Editor Colleen Hammond McAnulty towards Fifth. Some students that were walking in between classes joined the other students and marched in solidarity with Brown. that the university dedicated to JB. Brown passed around a megaphone at [email protected] Pittsburgh Police closed off parts of Forbes and Fifth near the university to and students joined her in giving speeches relating to justice, peace and create space for the demonstrators. "wanting better for Duquesne's campus."

September 17, 2020 News THEDUQUESNEDUKE 3 Education professor on paid leave after using racial slur from SLUR — page 1 “He spent the entire 50-min- class were quiet and did not say the university is committed,” ac- in the “pedagogical sense.” He ute Zoom class (Friday) apologiz- the word themselves. Still, Shank cording to the letter. then gives examples of when ing,” Black said. took it upon himself to say it, “Under any basic conception of the word was used when he was Black said her biggest take- Reynolds said. academic freedom, the choice of younger. away from the whole thing was “Hopefully this can be a start whether and how to confront “It was one of the most uncom- discouragement. for people to recognize why we’re upsetting material in a pedagog- fortable classes I’ve ever partici- “Teaching wasn’t just a job to advocating and what we're advo- ically-relevant context is left to pated in,” sophomore secondary Dr. Shank, this man seriously cating,” he said. “It’s a blatant faculty members, not education history major Katie wanted to educate and guide oth- disregard to what we’ve been Administrators,” FIRE wrote. Rhodes said. “Racial insensitiv- ers and that’s what I obviously working towards. There’s no way “Duquesne promises this right to ity is never ok and for a profes- want to do, too...but this whole to justify its use.” its faculty and must not violate sor to hide behind a racial slur by situation just makes me ponder On Saturday, Gormley wrote those promises. Doing so casts an saying it was for educational pur- that,” Black said. “I just wish an email to all students saying unacceptable chill over the rights poses is extremely disappointing for two seconds we could look that the incident was “not ac- of Duquesne faculty who have and made me appalled.” at both sides and acknowledge ceptable.” relied on the institution’s prom- Rhodes said that the incident he’s human. He wasn’t saying the He wrote that students should ises and exposes the university to made her trust Shank less. things he did to hurt anyone or Courtesy of Duq.edu expect to hear from him on sig- considerable legal liability.” “The fact that he thought that it target anyone. He took a point he Professor Gary Shank used a racial nificant steps to create a more It also states that Duquesne’s slur during his lecture on Fri. Sept. 11. was ok to say that in class makes was trying to make just way too inclusive community on campus, commitments are legally bind- me afraid that things like that far. My heart seriously goes out the Pennsylvania Department of on confronting racism and taking ing -- that Duquesne’s move to still happen,” Rhodes said. “As to him right now.” Education.” immediate action to bring our in- punish Shank violates its legal a future educator, I’m extremely School of Education Dean She then wrote that this is a tellectual and ethical resources obligations to faculty members upset. No student should have to Gretchen Generett sent a letter teachable moment. to bear on the issue. to protect academic freedom, feel scared to go to class and fear to students in the class within “As an educator, you should al- “I will ask all of you—all of and exposes Duquesne to ac- that they will hear a racial slur.” moments of learning about the ways be mindful of the impact of us—to be part of that work, in the tion by the U.S. Department The Duke obtained the Sept. incident. In the letter, she wrote your actions on the students you spirit of Duquesne that is deeply of Education for unlawful mis- 9 email Shank sent to his Edu- that she learned about the inci- are obligated by the profession committed to ensuring the dig- representations. It argues that cational Psychology class with dent from students who emailed to teach,” Generett wrote. “Your nity and equality of each mem- Duquesne’s abridgement of aca- the subject line, “My most sin- their advisor. She also noted that intentions are of no consequence ber of the campus community,” demic freedom violates the re- cere apology.” He wrote that the a student emailed Shank directly. when a student’s learning is dis- Gormley wrote. quirements of its accreditation, term “was deeply troubling to the “I understand that sending rupted by what you believe to be In the letter sent Wednesday and that Shank’s discussion did class,” and he “must take respon- those emails was not easy and I okay. Your actions are what stu- by the Foundation for Individual not amount to harassment. sibility for the impact of (my) want to thank students for using dents will remember.” Rights in Education, it cites nu- “Academic freedom does not words and teaching.” their voices to share the trou- Generett said that the matter merous examples and previous extend to faculty members a “As a consequence, I am of- bling and disturbing language is being taken very seriously by court cases that touch upon “aca- right to engage in discriminatory fering each and every one of you that was used by your professor school of education leadership, demic freedom” for colleges and conduct or harassment. How- my most sincere apology and my in class,” Generett wrote. and students can reach out to universities. ever, the discussion of ideas, ma- guarantee that I will never cross “To be clear, I believe that them if they have any ongoing “Academic freedom encom- terials, or words that others find this line again in our class. I con- there is never a time, pedagogi- questions or concerns. passes the right to discuss and deeply offensive cannot alone sider my students to be like part cally or otherwise, for a professor Darian Reynolds, president of present pedagogically-relevant amount to unprotected harass- of my family and so this is doubly to create a hostile learning envi- Duquesne’s BSU, said that there material,” it said, noting that ment or discriminatory conduct,” troubling to me to have had this ronment,” Generett continued. “I is no justification to use the slur. “expressive rights may not be the letter states. impact. If you would like to reach know this from my experience as “I don’t see how anyone can curtailed on the basis that the ex- FIRE hopes to have a receipt out personally to me, I am here a student, a professor, and now justify the use of that word in that pression is offensive to others.” of response to this letter no later to listen,” Shank wrote. as Interim Dean of the School of context,” Reynolds said. “Whatev- “The university is certainly than Wednesday, Sept. 23 con- Sophomore Kaytlin Black, sec- Education. Using the ‘N word’ or er his intent was, it’s one of those free to criticize the manner in firming that Duquesne has aban- ondary education English major seemingly encouraging students things that shouldn’t be said.” which faculty members confront doned any investigation into or said “(The email) doesn’t do jus- to use that word is not in keeping He noted that in the video, it racism, but Duquesne’s suspen- punishment of Shank. tice for all of the things he said in with the mission of the Univer- was apparent what Shank was sion of Shank is a clear erosion of class today.” sity, the School of Education, or hinting at. The students in the the academic freedom to which Campus COVID-19 Update: random testing has begun

Kellen Stepler “The results of the test will be editor-in-chief used to help the university con- tinue to refine its testing strategy Duquesne University began and understand asymptomatic voluntary random COVID-19 disease on campus,” Welsch said. testing on campus last week. Welsch said that Quest Labs According to Gabriel Welsch, conducts the tests, and that the vice president of marketing and results are back and being com- communications at Duquesne, piled for reporting to the campus the testing collected 730 speci- community. Results will be made mens from a “good proportion” available to the campus commu- of faculty, staff and students. nity soon, Welsch said. “The key isn’t random testing,” Participants with negative re- Welsch said. “It is testing asymp- sults will be notified via email, Courtesy of Duq.edu tomatic people. Random testing and those with positive results President Ken Gormley oversees the new COVID-19 random testing wearing both a was simply an approach used to will be contacted directly. surgical and cloth mask, as is becoming standard for COVID-19 testing on campus. identify a population of students “When the university does as- and employees to participate in ymptomatic testing, it needs peo- the asymptomatic test.” ple chosen to consent to the test- Date New New Currently Currently Currently Currently The random testing, also ing,” Welsch said. “Those chosen Confirmed Suspected Isolated Isolated Quarantined Quarantined known as surveillance or preva- through the randomized process Cases* Cases** on at in at lence testing, focused on people to be tested will not be subject Campus Home Hotel Home who have no symptoms of illness to conduct sanctions if found and who live on-campus, attend positive. The need to know true classes in-person on campus or results is the most important ele- 9/15/2020 1 2 6 0 5 26 work on campus. ment of the testing.” Opinions 4 THEDUQUESNEDUKE 113 College Hall The global pandemic accelerates emerging technologies 600 Forbes Avenue ith COVID-19 disrupt- write with existing informa- Pittsburgh, PA 15282 ing lives in all four tion restricted from alterations Wcorners of the world, and removal. individuals in every country are For these reasons, blockchain editorial staff adapting to a new reality of con- possesses the power to mitigate stant uncertainty, coupled with and provide relief from the editor-in-chief Kellen Stepler an intense desire to return to damages caused by our invis- managing editor Colleen Hammond some form of normalcy. ible enemy: COVID-19. news editor Colleen Hammond From large and small busi- First, by decentralizing the opinions editor Noah Wilbur nesses hanging up ‘For Sale’ storage of personal informa- features editor Katia Faroun signs in the wake of decreasing tion, blockchain can be used to a&e editor Capri Scarcelli demand, to millions of employ- build contact-tracing applica- sports editor Adam Lindner layout editor Kelsey Burtner ees being dismissed from jobs tions for monitoring those ex- multimedia editor Griffin Sendek that were once considered pro- posed to the virus in real-time tected, we are all familiar with while promoting anonymity administrative staff the severe harm that has been among users. adviser Paula Reed Ward ad manager Carissa Haslan inflicted on the global economy. In addition, a complex re- Business leaders have faced search network built upon email us: [email protected] enormous pressure from blockchain infrastructure stockholders, government of- would allow governments and ficials and other stakeholders organizations to collect, share to prevent an entire collapse of and access data necessary to the world economy by weath- Noah Wilbur tracking the movement of ering the storm by any means opinions editor the virus and discovering rel- necessary. evant trends. Companies quickly focused til a vaccine is produced, a sil- less, in the most basic sense, The applicability of this “You are the one that on reducing unnecessary costs ver lining prevails: The pan- blockchain is a distributed, de- technology in addressing the and stabilizing cash flows by demic has paved the way for centralized and “tamper-proof” global pandemic foreshadows possesses the keys to downsizing workforces, lim- some emerging industries to ledger that attaches “blocks” blockchain’s future relevance iting investment in R&D and accelerate growth, as new tech- (of information) into a “chain” in real-world situations as a your being. You carry shifting remaining employees nology is being deployed in an (public database). tool for accessing and transfer- to an entirely online experience. effort to aid governments in The crucial point to under- ring crucial information in a the passport to your With a worldwide reduction their response to the worldwide stand is that this technology secure manner. in spending among firms and health crisis. enhances privacy because in- I ultimately believe that own happiness.” individuals, a common fear In particular, blockchain has formation in a blockchain can blockchain will rise from the arose among the business com- emerged as an essential tool for only be appended or viewed ashes and garner widespread munity that capital investment defeating COVID-19 as a result by users, rather than modified adoption across many indus- Diane vonY Furstenberg would also diminish, and con- of its ability to empower the or removed. tries as a necessary technol- sequently, lead to the stifling swift transmission of verifiable For example, in a traditional ogy that can positively impact of innovation and growth in and secure information. database, one holds the capac- all levels of society by foster- emerging industries. The concept of blockchain is ity to read, write, edit and de- ing transparency, depend- Although most industries confusing and unknown for the lete data. Conversely, in block- ability and most importantly, You just read Now tweet will undoubtedly struggle un- majority of people. Neverthe- chain, one can only read and security. our thoughts. us yours. @TheDuquesneDuke Authorless university statement shows administrative apathy Alex Wolfe and speeches. staff columnist Hearing the bell chime atop Old Main is a quarterly remind- ast week was undeniably er of the administration’s dis- challenging for the univer- torted approach to racial justice editorial Lsity administration. For and student engagement. the first time in years, if you type The anonymous statement “Duquesne” into Google, you’ll ignores the history of civil dis- find coverage from mainstream obedience, and specifically policy national media outlets. How- trespassing, as a form of non- The Duquesne Duke is the student- ever, coverage on the two state- violent protest in order to raise written, student-managed newspaper ments released by Duquesne at attention for an issue. Rosa of Duquesne University. It is published 4 p.m. Friday and noon on Sat- Parks, the Freedom Riders and every Thursday during the academic urday is hard to come by. the dozens of sit-ins that we year except during semester breaks and The university first released holidays, and prior to final exams. The learn about in our classes at Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- a callous anonymous statement Duquesne were all instrumen- ions of the editors of The Duke and does directly to all students decry- tal in the passage of the Civil not necessarily reflect the views of the ing a peaceful protest that took Rights Acts of the 1960s. students, faculty, administration, stu- place on campus. Moments lat- Should it then come as a sur- Griffin Sendek | Multimedia Editor dent government or the University pub- er, footage on Twitter surfaced prise to Duquesne that the stu- Students join together and demand answers about Marquis Brown’s death. lications board. Op-ed columns do not of an education professor giv- reflect the opinions of The Duke, but dents participating in the pro- rather are the sole opinions of the col- ing students permission to use test are following the words of fers a negative peace which is and more than anything else, umnists themselves. a racial slur in class, prompting the late Sen. John Lewis and the absence of tension to a posi- unwelcomeness. We know that Duquesne to release a second getting into “good trouble, nec- tive peace which is the presence unambiguous racism, exhibited Letters policy statement the following day. essary trouble?” of justice; who constantly says, by the use of a racial slur, can Letters to the editor must be typed, Unsurprisingly, neither of The cowardice of the univer- ‘I agree with you in the goal you be quickly extinguished with the double-spaced and include the writ- er’s name, school/department and these statements are visible on sity on the issue is exemplified seek, but I can’t agree with your heavy administrative hand. phone number for verification. Letters the Duquesne website. by the glaring lack of a signa- methods of direct action.’” Yet the lack of belonging felt should be no longer than 300 words Duquesne explained in its ture on the statement. President Duquesne’s attempt to dele- by many students cannot be put and should be delivered to The Duke statement Friday afternoon that Ken Gormley and vice president gitimize the protest by attacking on administrative leave or criti- office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed the protests “disrupted classes for student life Douglas Friz- its peaceful methods is exactly cized in an anonymous email. to [email protected] by 5 p.m. and the work of students these the type of position that inspired In his June 1 statement on the Tuesday. The editors reserve the right zell have regularly signed their to edit any and all submitted copies. protesters claim to value.” As names at the bottom of the state- King’s concerns. Duquesne’s Black Lives Matter protests, All letters must be verified before being Duquesne students, the true ments released over the summer statement has forced students to Gormley concluded by urging us published. disruption has come from our regarding protesters and CO- reckon with the possibility that all to “challenge ourselves as in- concerns about the university’s VID-19, but in the administra- they are paying tuition to a uni- dividuals — and as members of Corrections/clarifications ability to maintain a welcoming tion’s most recent statements, versity on the wrong side of the the Duquesne community — to Readers should report any story or photo error to The Duke. All legitimate environment for its students. signatures are missing. largest civil rights movement serve the noble, pressing work errors will be corrected in print the fol- We are more distracted by the In his Letter from Birming- since MLK. of justice.” lowing edition. performative measures the uni- ham Jail, Martin Luther King While the nation’s eyes turn It is now time for us to hold versity takes to “abide by guide- Jr. expressed disappointment toward our community, we hold Gormley and the university ad- Contact lines” or “protect our communi- toward those “more devoted to an opportunity to stand as an ministration accountable to the email: [email protected] ty” than 90 minutes of marching order than to justice; who pre- example against racism, bigotry same challenge. Opinions 5 Letter to the Editor: Comments on the President of College Republicans am writing this article not be- Anthony Kane, Duquesne’s direc- to African Americans and other the border wall. How could a stu- that I have a personal responsibil- cause I want to, but because I tor for said department. Kane’s people of color. It’s a therapy ses- dent-run, open-forum newspaper ity to take action against bigotry Ifeel a moral obligation to do presentation was not only timely, sion for marginalized groups who be inherently liberal? on campus whenever I see it. I was so. I am a white, registered Repub- but insightful and engaging. He are living in the greatest time of No one is stopping College shocked to realize that this type lican who is still trying to under- spoke on the importance of mak- racial unrest in decades. Republicans from writing at of cheap, politicized and ill-willed stand the depths of my privilege ing Duquesne feel like a home for The program is also advertised The Duke. Either way, using mentality exists at Duquesne on and what I can do with it to be a everyone and provided very sim- as being a place for people of color the same tone and language as an organizational level. force for good in society. I am not ple ways that organizations could (POC) only, not in an exclusive president Trump to characterize In this time more than ever, it’s here to ‘white knight’ or cause con- look to do that. sense but in a therapeutic and a student newspaper is equally important to have candid conver- troversy when it is not warranted; After he spoke, he opened up psychological one. If you think for hilarious and sad. sations about race and other issues I am just looking to call out bigotry to questions, which is where the a second that this College Repub- It is also important to note that in our country. However, there is when I see it. exchange commenced. Here, the lican attempted to go to the pro- the organization is advised by Dr. no open discourse when a party Last week, during a Student Or- president of College Republicans, gram with good intentions, then I Audrey Guskey, a marketing pro- ganization Presidents’ meeting, Alec Skomo, spoke on a situation have a bridge to sell you: that sen- fessor here. Dr. Guskey, who nev- tries to delegitimize someone’s I witnessed a display by an orga- over the summer where one of his timent was only amplified after er responded to my email offering claim by creating a poor strawman nization president that I would members looked to go to an event hearing the tone and words used the opportunity to comment, has argument propped up by trolling characterize in no other way than put on by Kane’s department and by Skomo. had her own controversial deal- a group of their own marginalized bigoted and racist. The exchange was apparently denied entry based The exchange was a pathetic ings, including conducting prayer peers. We cannot let people hide floored me and other presidents I on his race. and pseudointellectual attempt in business class while videotap- their bigotry under the guise of spoke to afterwards, which led me Skomo’s tone was attacking, to delegitimize Kane’s presenta- ing her students and posting it on ‘Political Belief.’ to reach out to The Duke and see if and he concluded his time on the tion and thus trivialize the plight her Facebook page without their What I heard last week was ugly I could write on the topic. soapbox by saying that the situa- of African Americans and other consent, among other issues. — plain and simple. If we don’t hold our own peers tion “… doesn’t seem to represent people of color. She also runs a business group Duquesne has taken great ef- accountable for their actions, then the equality and diversity that you First, it’s important to note that called Consumer$ence, and forts to make this school welcom- who will? The unabashedly, mor- just presented on.” Based on his College Republicans is not a group on June 2nd, at the peak of the ing and inclusive, but in the end ally bankrupt public display was tone alone and not the moot that that celebrates Republican clas- George Floyd protests, essential- true change can only be actualized shocking because it showed me came out of his mouth, you could sical-liberal values, but instead is ly writes on this Facebook page by us, the students. I recommend that the issues plaguing our nation just tell he was trying to get Kane just an extension of the Republican that the recent events which have that everyone reevaluate their are a lot closer to home than I ini- in a cheap ‘gotcha’ moment. Party. The RNC could roll out Lord caused stores to close will result friends and take pride in your tially realized. Kane, to his credit, handled the Voldemort as the nominee and in companies running sales that own ability to be open minded, To provide a quick explanation situation perfectly. He already College Republicans would have will benefit consumers. Knowing compassionate and welcoming to of the situation, all of Duquesne’s knew of the situation and gave death eater tattoos within a week. the context of national events at organizations were asked to at- more context as well as an offer The group is a regurgitation of the time, the insensitive post is whomever crosses your path. We tend a Zoom meeting where some to speak personally to Skomo at a whatever rhetoric the party is con- still hard to read. won’t be able to make any real faculty and administrators could later point. veying that year, and this is reflect- It’s very apparent that there difference until we start holding go over the new processes and best The event in question was host- ed publicly on Duquesne’s College needs to be some sort of cultural those around us accountable. Let’s practices for running a student ed by the office of Diversity and Republicans’ Facebook page. On and institutional shift within the make Duquesne not-racist again. group in the world of COVID-19. Inclusion and called The Village. their feed, they described this College Republicans of Duquesne. One such presentation was on The Village essentially provides a newspaper as “liberal” because a As the president of the largest Sincerely, diversity and inclusion, given by safe space and counseling services student wrote an article opposing social fraternity on campus, I feel Vince Gullo III Reality TV has failed to represent ethnic minorities Zoe Stratos diced housemates. nic backgrounds to represent real Bangladeshi-American house- tion taken against certain racist staff columnist In the first season, The Real life? mate, Ovi Kabir, was described as cast members. On the 35th sea- World: New York, housemate One of the most scrutinized a “brown flame.” Chinese-Amer- son, which aired during the height n American culture, a long Kevin Powell engaged in an argu- shows to date, CBS’s Big Brother, ican houseguest, Isabella Wang, of the BLM protests, a cast mem- history of racism and under- ment with housemate Julie Gen- has been receiving backlash since became paranoid, so another ber sent out offensive tweets and Irepresentation in all aspects try that became an important con- the show’s beginning. houseguest claimed, “the proof comments about the movement. of life is there to be uncovered and versation about black stereotypes Similar to The Real World, Big is in the pudding,” while another On June 4, Dee Nguyen tweet- talked about — and reality TV is no and racism. Brother locks a (predominantly houseguest added, “the rice pud- ed, “Idk why some of u think I’m exception. In shows such as CBS’s Later in the tenth season of the white) group in a 24-hour surveil- ding,” — a clear race descriptor. anti BLM. I’ve been saying that Big Brother and MTV’s The Chal- show, Back to New York, house- lanced house where they must Racism in season 21 became so since the day I lost my virginity,” lenge, reality TV is rightfully facing mates Coral Smith and Nicole participate in games each week to severe that two of the houseguests also commenting on an Instagram a racial reckoning amid the Black Mitsch tried educating housemate eventually evict a houseguest at apologized during the live finale post about George Floyd stating Lives Matter movement. Mike Mizanin on African Ameri- the end of the week. episode. that “people die every f—king day.” In 1992, MTV aired the very can culture. The most important difference More recently, MTV’s The Chal- After Nguyen’s comments, MTV first reality TV show called The On the surface, MTV’s The Real between The Real World and Big lenge — a spin off from The Real released a statement on social Real World. Though criticized for World spawned an entire genre Brother is that viewers are able to World competition show — faced tokenizing a variety of minorities, dedicated to depicting different watch the live feeds all day long, harsh criticism for its lack of ac- see REALITY TV — page 11 The Real World intentionally se- forms of reality, whether it be dat- instead of exclusively the edited lected these individuals to give ing, competition or just the drama episodes that are aired on TV. them a voice and a platform un- of celebrity life. Racism has long plagued the Big precedented in TV history. Despite their attempt at giv- Brother house, but in the show’s Moreover, the show was a social ing minorities a platform, re- 21st season in 2019, the problems experiment: what would happen if ality TV arguably regressed commenced in the first episode. eight strangers representing dif- further into a lack of represen- During a twist, houseguest Jackson ferent races, sexual orientations, tation, going as far as casting Michie nominated three — rather religious and political beliefs were severely racist contestants — than the usual two — houseguests forced to live together for an ex- yes, even in 2020. for eviction. All three were racial tended period of time? According to a study done by minorities, and all three were evict- With cameras recording house- Iowa State University, 90% of re- ed within the next few episodes. mates at all times, viewers were ality TV contestants are usually Not only were the racial mi- able to see unscripted interactions Caucasian and skinny. Production norities outcasts from the get-go, between these people for the first includes a token minority or two many of the house guests voiced time. Despite constant surveil- to keep viewers from complaining. a steady stream of racist com- lance, housemates spoke their It’s like a sad attempt at saying, ments throughout the 21st sea- minds as if cameras weren’t pres- “yes, we’re diverse!” With a name son’s live feeds — none of which ent. These moments revealed The like “reality TV,” shouldn’t shows conveniently made it to the ed- Courtesy of Reality TV Real World’s fair share of preju- want to include a plethora of eth- ited episodes. Reality TV continues to under represent minority groups in the U.S. 6 FEATURES Africa Week webinar discusses decolonizing knowledge intellectual traditions is necessary as Afri- Katia Faroun cans seek to reclaim their sovereignty.” features editor The webinar ended with a time for ques- hen discussing colonization, tions, which centered around a discussion most people think of Christopher on the topic of pandemic epistemology — what we are learning from ourselves and Columbus and the conquest of W other countries during this pandemic. In land and people. But there’s another con- Africa’s case, despite the fact that cases are sequence rarely mentioned, but just as sig- low and there haven’t been as many deaths nificant: the colonization of knowledge. as expected, the continent isn’t being cred- Oyeronke Oyewumi took the Zoom po- ited for its successful management of the dium on Tuesday to explore the topics of outbreak. knowledge, gender and language with the “No one wants to give credit to the manage- Duquesne community. One of three events ment of COVID-19 by some African countries,” of this year’s virtual Africa Week, Oyewu- Oyewumi said. “Some have done very well — mi’s webinar, “Decolonizing Knowledge: much better than the U.S., much better than Re-Centering Africa and African Episte- Spain — in managing it.” mologies in the Quest for Global Transfor- Oyewumi’s book, “The Invention of Women: mation,” addressed how European colo- Making an African Sense of Western Gender nizers suppressed African knowledge and Discourses,” has been used by faculty as part what that looks like today. Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor of course curriculum for a number of years, Born in Nigeria, Oyewumi is an author Duquesne's Africa Week 2020 consists of three virtual events that students and faculty can attend. and the Center for African Studies was eager and scholar, and she teaches sociology to have Oyewumi speak on her experiences as at Stony Brook University. She has writ- power. Oyewumi noted that because many system of knowledge based in divination. part of this week’s events. ten multiple books on the intersection of Western languages have gender pronouns, Once English — and its gendered pronouns Dr. Gerald Boodoo, director of the Cen- gender and epistemology in West African gender has influenced the power dynam- — began infiltrating Ifá, knowledge began ter for African Studies, thought the event culture. ics of Western countries, creating room for to be associated with gender, and sparked “went fantastic” and appreciated the rel- Before diving into the main topics of the inequality and a gender hierarchy. In the what Oyewumi called an “epistemicide.” evance and importance of the topics dis- webinar, Oyewumi gave attendees a brief case of the West African language Yoruba, In this way, according to Oyewumi, a non- cussed. Like Oyewumi, he believes in Af- introduction to how the current interpre- however, pronouns are not gender specific, gender category was changed into a male- rica’s potential to reclaim and decolonize tation of knowledge has been defined by and the only hierarchy that exists in that exclusive category. its system of knowledge. the idea that those of European descent are culture is that of seniority. “I call it the deadly ‘he,’” Oyewumi said. “Africans have to have the agency to take on inherently superior. The rise of the West Oyewumi explained that this character- “Every human being, every personnel, ev- and solve their own problems,” Boodoo said. narrative overshadowed and degraded the istic of Western languages implies that one ery character in the Ifá world is immedi- “Everybody has advice on what should hap- African narrative, compiling the “single gender deserves more power over the oth- ately transformed into male.” pen in Africa, but no one’s asking Africans.” story of Africa” we have today, according er. The historical assumptions that women By eliminating the gender hierarchy im- By bringing awareness to this shift imposed to Oyewumi. are excluded from the public sphere, mi- posed by European colonization and the by the English language, Oyewumi actively ex- “The way in which knowledge has been nors in society and deserving of only cer- English language, we can further prevent posed how the African system of knowledge constituted in the world we live in today tain roles created the traditional European the subjugation of other systems of knowl- was degraded, but that there is hope for it to is quite eurocentric — disregarding Africa, gender constructs. edge, according to Oyewumi. reclaim dominance over its own knowledge. disregarding other people,” Oyewumi said. This idea, consequently, delegated the “Ultimately, the goal of decolonizing is to “Decolonization of knowledge must be a tran- The first half of her lecture centered role of producing knowledge to the male reclaim our habits of sovereignty,” Oyewu- sitional phase in our quest for sovereignty and on the relationship between gender and gender, and infiltrated Ifá, the Yoruba mi said. “Thus, the recovery of endogenous freedom,” Oyewumi said. Duqsquirrels Instagram a welcome break for students

Emily Ambery of 400 likes on each post. Duqsquirrels staff writer started in March 2018 and has been con- sistently active since. he Duquesne community is filled “We noticed how friendly the squirrels with wonderful things to see and were on campus compared to other areas T people to meet, but here on cam- of Pittsburgh. We also love animals and pus students may encounter a new type of thought the Duqsquirrels deserved a spot- friend: a squirrel. Fortunately, Duquesne light,” Dorfner said. students have access to all the fun things At the beginning of Duqsquirrels’ cre- these small animals do on the @Duqsquir- ation, most of the pictures were taken by rels page on Instagram. the creators and their friends, but as the Duqsquirrels is an account run by popularity of the account slowly grew, Nina Dorfner and Jordan Hoydick, two they began to receive and post submis- Duquesne students who are dedicated to sions from followers. gathering pictures and videos of our furry “We're always looking for the squirrels friends on campus. on our way to class,” Hoydick said. The account is a Duquesne favorite Students are encouraged to look out for with over 1,000 followers and an average any tiny Duquesne companions and snap a picture. Submissions to Duqsquirrels are welcomed and encouraged. To the surprise of the creators, the ac- count has taken off since 2018. Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor “Honestly, we never expected that many At its start, the page's photos were taken by the creators. Now, they receive four to five submissions a week. people to follow us,” Dorfner and Hoydick said. Duquesne students love seeing the relate to typical college student struggles, their followers. squirrels outside and on Instagram. Dor- such as taking midterms, finals, going to One of their favorite aspects of running fner and Hoydick’s favorite thing about class and consuming copious amounts of Duqsquirrels is “receiving submissions from running the account is “to be walking Chick-fil-A. The creators are tasked with students because we’ve gotten really cool around campus and hear people talking coming up with the captions, but they are and crazy photos and videos that we never about the squirrels or our account.” always open to accepting captions submit- could have taken ourselves,” they said. The account usually receives four to five ted by followers. Dorfner and Hoydick are excited for pictures a week. The page is a fun and unique break from the submissions they will get this coming Not only does the account feature fun the exhausting daily life of college. Dorf- year, and fans of the account are equally pictures and videos of the squirrels, it also ner and Hoydick are working hard to cap- excited to see the new posts. Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor has funny captions to describe each pic- ture funny moments from the squirrels, To submit posts, message @Duqsquir- The Duqsquirrels Instagram started in March 2018. ture of the squirrels. The captions often and love all the submissions they get from rels on Instagram. SPORTS 7

NCAA basketball to NFL Preview: Ferro’s contenders, pretenders begin Nov. 25

AP — The NCAA men’s and rence. Releasing the 2017 No. 4 Any time Saquon Barkley is on the No. 1 seed Ravens and advance women’s basketball season will Dom Ferro overall pick, Leonard Fournette, the field, you should be paying at- in the playoffs. begin Nov. 25, the day before staff writer and trading veterans in Calais tention. The Giants’ young running Don’t expect Tannehill to look Campbell and A.J. Bouye, the Jag- back is looking to grow even more anywhere near as good as he did last Thanksgiving. The NFL is finally back, meaning uars do not look equipped to com- in the upcoming season. He has po- season. His career has consisted of The Division I Council voted it’s time to give way-too-early pre- pete with the best this season. tential to change the game and be lackluster performances for the Mi- Wednesday to push the start date dictions for the upcoming season. The Miami Dolphins could be one of the greatest athletes to bless ami Dolphins and a great stretch of back from the originally sched- The 2020 season brings many intriguing to watch if Tua Tago- the gridiron if he continues the games for the Titans, so it would not uled Nov. 10 as one of several new storylines and a lot of unpre- vailoa reaches his full potential pace of advancement he is on. Un- be surprising to see him resort back precautions against the spread of dictability. DeAndre Hopkins is a in his rookie year. He doesn’t fortunately for Barkley, the rest of to his old ways. Henry should contin- coronavirus. have much elite talent surround- the Giants roster is below average ue his dominance, and stiff-arming Cardinal, the Raiders are in Las The later start date coincides Vegas and Tom Brady is not in ing him, but if he performs half with the exception of a few players. defenders through the ground and with the decision most schools New England. Not only are there as well as he did at Alabama, he The Carolina Panthers will be all. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is also new faces in new places — and new will be one of the league’s next an interesting team to watch with an exciting young player who should made to send students home places altogether — but beginning superstars. Teddy Bridgewater taking the reins garner more attention in 2020. from Thanksgiving until January this year, the NFL playoffs will be Unless Mitch Trubisky is us- as starting quarterback to begin the The Cleveland Browns should out of concern about a potential expanded to now include 14 teams. ing steroids or something, the season. He showed flashes of bril- have a very similar season as last. late-fall and early-winter flareup After half a year of uncertainty Bears won’t go very far. Their best liance in 2019 when he replaced They have great players but the of COVID-19. Closed campuses in our world, one thing is certain: chance may lie in their newly-ac- Drew Brees while the Saints QB organization is forever cursed and could serve as a quasi bubble for We need football. Here are the quired quarterback, Super Bowl was injured. The Panthers also Baker Mayfield has proven to all players and provide a window for champ Nick Foles. Their defense have one of the best running backs that he is not one of the league’s teams you should and shouldn’t be nonconference games. paying attention to this year. has potential to be one of the best, in the league in Christian McCaf- best. Furthermore, the Browns are “The fact our campuses will but their offense will struggle to frey, who’s widely considered the in an extremely tough division and Don’t Bother: put points on the board. Chicago consensus first overall pick in fan- would be lucky to win even one be clearing out, it will be pos- believes in head coach Matt Nagy, tasy football this year and will most game against the Steelers or Ravens. sible to just further control the Here is the bottom of the bot- but he may be missing the ever- likely be the reason whether this The Eagles are an almost com- exposures, and the 25th gives us tom in professional football this important franchise quarterback. team wins or loses this season. pletely different team compared to that opportunity,” said Division I season. These are the teams you If only there were better quarter- The Bengals have the previous their Super Bowl winning squad Council chair Grace Calhoun, the should only watch when they’re backs available when they drafted first overall pick Joe Burrow, the in 2018. Carson Wentz is a stud — athletic director at Penn. playing your favorite team, or you Trubisky... Heisman winner and national that is no debate, but what is up The men’s and women’s bas- champion from LSU. Burrow’s to debate is his reliability. Wentz have nothing better to do on a ketball oversight committees had Thursday night. Watch the Stars: senior year is forever immortal- seems to get hurt at the worst mo- jointly recommended a start date ized in college football history, ments, and he doesn’t have the 32. Jacksonville Jaguars These are the teams who may but only time will tell if he is suc- greatest clutch ability. The Eagles of Nov. 21, a Saturday. Calhoun 31. Washington Football Team be in the hunt toward the end of cessful professionally for Cincin- are in a tough division, as well, but said the council wanted to avoid 30. New York Jets the season, but most likely will be nati, a franchise who has not won should be able to slip into the play- a weekend start date because of 29. Chicago Bears watching the playoffs from their a playoff game since 1991. offs if a few things go their way. potential overlaps of basketball 28. Miami Dolphins couch. They have potential if they Burrow has a great wide re- and football games on campuses. 27. Detroit Lions surround their star(s) with the ceiver duo in Tyler Boyd and AJ Sleepers: The maximum number of right pieces. Green. Green missed all of last regular-season games has been season but has been one of the These teams shouldn’t be slept There isn’t much to note about reduced from 31 to 27. these six teams other than the fact 26. Las Vegas Raiders best receivers consistently in the on. Whether they have new im- “The rationale was that during you shouldn’t expect much. Jack- 25. Cincinnati Bengals NFL since he arrived. Neverthe- provements or look the same, sonville seems to be in full tank 24. New York Giants less, their defense is downright these teams could shake things up the season teams tend to play an mode for QB prodigy Trevor Law- 23. Carolina Panthers bad, and their head coach has not in the league this season. average of two games a week, so made a name for himself yet. Bur- the fact we’re shortening the sea- row could be in for a rude awak- 13. Denver Broncos son by two weeks necessitated ening in the AFC North, one of 12. Arizona Cardinals the reduction in games so we’re the toughest divisions in football. 11. Green Bay Packers not being counterproductive and 10. New England Patriots trying to jam more in a shortened Disappointments: 9. Dallas Cowboys season,” Calhoun said. 8. Buffalo Bills The minimum number of The “experts” may say these 7. Pittsburgh Steelers teams are locks but I’m here to games for consideration for the tell you to not be fooled. They look Veteran quarterback Ben Roeth- NCAA Tournament was cut from good on paper, but won’t amount lisberger returns for the Pittsburgh 25 to 13. Calhoun said the low to too much. Steelers this season after only ap- minimum is an acknowledge- pearing in two games last year. ment that schools probably will 22. Los Angeles Chargers Roethlisberger has fully recovered experience different levels of CO- 21. Philadelphia Eagles from his elbow surgery and looks VID-19 cases and have to alter 20. Indianapolis Colts to reunite with his young core of schedules. 19. Cleveland Browns wide receivers, including JuJu “We fully anticipate there are 18. Atlanta Falcons Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson 17. Los Angeles Rams and first-round pick, Chase Clay- going to be some issues as we go 16. Tennessee Titans pool. Their offense may be ques- through the season, much like 15. Minnesota Vikings tionable at the moment, but their we’ve seen in football, so we want 14. Houston Texans defense is one of the best. Minkah there to be flexibility for institu- Fitzpatrick was an instant play- tions to put together seasons,” The Tennessee Titans were the maker after joining in 2019. T.J. she said. league’s late season surprise in Watt is looking to match his pro- Teams can start preseason 2019, with Derrick Henry leading duction in 2019 and post another practices Oct. 14. Beginning the way as a bulldozer of a running Defensive Player of the Year-wor- Monday, teams will be allowed to back. Ryan Tannehill surprised thy season. If the Steelers do not many as he replaced Marcus return to the playoffs in 2020, it participate in strength and condi- Mariota at quarterback, and led will be a major disappointment tioning and sport-related meet- AP Photo the Titans to several late-season with the expanded playoffs. ings and skill instruction for up Joe Burrow, the top selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, runs for a touchdown wins to clinch the last Wild Card The city of Buffalo has not been to 12 hours a week, with an eight- during his NFL debut. Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals shouldn’t be expected playoff spot. Tannehill & Co. even hour limit on skill instruction. to compete in 2020; instead, they’ll be looking to build toward the future. marched into Baltimore to shock see FERRO — page 8 For full story: www.apnews.com. 8 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Ferro: Kansas City, Baltimore among NFL’s best

FERRO — from page 7 will make over half a billion (!) dollars in the The Real Deal: next ten years; it goes to show how much the as excited for Bills football since a young Chiefs see in their franchise quarterback. man from the University of Michigan ar- These teams are locks to either win their On paper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look rived in Foxborough 20 years ago — that division or make the playoffs. If all goes like they could go 19-0. Star receivers in Mike young man being Tom Brady, the most ac- as planned, these teams will win ten-plus Evans and Chris Godwin are set to go along complished football player of all time. games in 2020. Stellar offenses, terrifying with a familiar face for Tom Brady, tight end Of course, Brady has taken his talents to defenses and genius coaching abound; be- Rob Gronkowski. Tampa Bay, leaving his career-long coach in ware of these teams. Gronkowski is coming off a year of retire- Bill Belichick. Belichick and Brady have won ment, which for many players would be a six Super Bowls together, preventing even the 6. New Orleans Saints red flag. For Gronkowski, this isn’t much thought of another team winning the AFC East 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers of a worry. ‘Gronk’ is what some would call since 2003. The Bills acquired Stefon Diggs 4. San Francisco 49ers this freak of nature; standing at 6-foot-6 and over the off-season and have now put quar- 3. Seattle Seahawks weighing in at 265 pounds, he is a hard man terback Josh Allen in the driver’s seat. With 2. Baltimore Ravens for defenses to cover. a competent coach in Sean McDermott and a 1. Kansas City Chiefs Another red flag for many analysts is solid defense, the pressure is all on Allen. age. Tom Brady is starting the season at 43 The Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals This is not a very controversial final six. years old, but the GOAT does not abide by will be competing with the best for the first The Super Bowl 54 champion Kansas City the laws of time. Of course age catches up to time in a few years. Their teams’ success lies Chiefs bring back almost the exact same everyone, and you can expect him to not be AP Photo in the hands of their young, unproven quarter- starting lineup. The Chiefs could even be bet- at his peak, but with the players around him Newly-acquired Buccaneers quarterback Tom backs. Drew Lock seems like a natural leader ter with the draft selection of Clyde Edwards- and a proven coach in Bruce Arians, the Brady, entering his 21st NFL season, will look for the Broncos and has some great surround- Helaire from LSU to help Patrick Mahomes Buccaneers should be considered among to lead Tampa Bay through a tough NFC South. ing pieces, including Melvin Gordon, Philip in the backfield. the top contenders in the league. Lindsay, Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Andy Reid is one of the best minds in foot- The 49ers and Seahawks will be competing mal Adams. He seems like the missing piece This is a very young and exciting team who ball, and he has a squad that can do serious for the top spot in the NFC West this season, on the Seahawks defense and expect him to could surprise a lot of people this season. damage to the scoreboard. Tyreek Hill is one and it should be a thrilling chase to watch. show up on highlights a lot this year. The The Arizona Cardinals have the speedy of the most electric receivers in the NFL and Both teams have top coaches with stars on 49ers, of course, have one of the league’s top Kyler Murray behind center, and added he’s got other extremely athletic receivers be- both sides of the ball, so it should be interest- rosters with an exceptional defense backed by DeAndre Hopkins, one of the league’s best hind him to share the load. Don’t bet against ing to see who ends up on top. veteran Richard Sherman and blooming star receivers. The Cardinals’ division is loaded the Chiefs; this could be football’s next dy- The Seahawks are just ahead of the 49ers in Nick Bosa. This division will come down to but with a little bit of luck, they could se- nasty as Mahomes is signed for the next ten this edition of NFL power rankings because the wire, but both should easily be appearing cure a Wild Card spot. years (and not for cheap either). Mahomes of their recent acquisition of strong safety Ja- in the playoffs.

Reverse: Big Ten will try to play fall football after all

AP — Players were pumped. Coaches The Big Ten itself did that back in early all fall sports athletes, coaches and staff of battleground states in the November were stoked. Fan seemed relieved. Even August, but now must go forward with a Sept. 30. election, and Trump swiftly applauded the the president was pleased. condensed schedule and signs that things The Big Ten is taking an especially cau- move in a tweet while his campaign sug- The Big Ten is going to give fall football could go awry. tious approach with those who do test pos- gested the return of college football was a shot after all. Across major college football since Aug. itive: The earliest an athlete will be able “in no small part” due to the president’s Less than five weeks after pushing fall 26, 13 games have been postponed be- to return to game competition is 21 days leadership. sports to spring in the name of player safe- cause of teams dealing with COVID-19 out- after a positive diagnosis, and following a Northwestern President Morton Scha- ty during the pandemic, the conference breaks. Some have not been rescheduled. cardiac evaluation and clearance from a piro, chairman of the presidents’ council, ran a reverse Wednesday and said it plans The Big Ten is banking on daily testing cardiologist. said the turning point for him on giving to open its football season the weekend of to mitigate the risk of outbreaks and de- “We’re in a better place, regardless of the green light to football — even though Oct. 23-24. crease the probability that a few positive how we got here or how painful it was many students have not been allowed back “Let’s goooooo!!!” Ohio State quarter- tests will gut rosters when contact tracing during the time we waited to get this mo- on his school’s Evanston, Illinois, campus back Justin Fields tweeted. sends players into 14-day quarantines. The ment,” Ohio State athletic director Gene — didn’t come until this past weekend. Amid the celebration, a word of caution: Big Ten will begin daily antigen testing of Smith said. “That’s all behind us. What’s “For me, it wasn’t about political pres- This is still not going to be easy. beautiful is that we have a process and pro- sure, money or lawsuits,” Schapiro said. “It “We can’t emphasize enough that what tocols in place that’s based on science and was about the unanimous opinion of our ex- we’re putting forward still requires pre- based on lessons learned since Aug. 11.” perts. It evolved over the course of weeks.” vention, requires accountability from ev- The Big Ten said its Council of Presi- The Big Ten will take a bow, but the con- eryone involved from our student-athletes dents and Chancellors voted unanimously ference has been battered for a month and to coaches to staff to be doing the things to restart sports. The vote last month was businesses in college towns from Nebraska to prevent getting this infection,” said Dr. 11-3 to postpone, with Ohio State, Iowa to Maryland have lost millions in sales. Jim Borchers, the team physician for Ohio and Nebraska voting against. First-year Commissioner Kevin Warren State. “And our progress will be measured Still, the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich- was the main target, criticized for a lack of by their efforts but also we hope by the ef- igan, and Beaver Stadium in State Col- communication and not providing enough forts to provide a clean competition and lege, Pennsylvania, won’t be packed with information to back the initial decision. practice environment.” 100,000 fans as is usually the case in the “We have passionate athletes. We have All 14 teams will be scheduled to play fall. Not even close. Tickets will not be sold passionate families and we have passionate eight regular-season games in eight weeks, to the general public for Big Ten games, fans,” Warren said of the blowback. “And so plus have the opportunity to play a ninth though some attendance is expected. I take that from a positive standpoint.” game on Dec. 19 when the conference That’s still an 80,000-seat stadium that The Big Ten postponed fall sports just championship game is played. The College we don’t have,” said Wisconsin athletic di- six days after unveiling a modified, con- Football Playoff selections are scheduled rector Barry Alvarez, who had estimated ference-only schedule that was set to begin for Dec. 20, which means the Big Ten’s the loss of football would cost the school Labor Day weekend, and indicated it would best should be back in the hunt for a na- $100 million. try to make up the season in the spring. But tional championship — if all goes well. AP Photo The decision to play came after sharp there was no plan in place and the reaction If it does not, the schedule does not Junior Ohio State QB, Justin Fields, runs the ball pressure from coaches, players, parents was sharp. Trump at one point called War- provide much room to adapt. Other con- during the 2019 Big Ten championship game and even President Donald Trump, all of ren, who described their conversation as ferences built in bye weeks, which allows against Wisconsin. 2020 figures to be Fields’ them pushing for a Big Ten football sea- time to deal with potential disruptions. last collegiate season before entering the NFL. son. The conference is home to a number see B1G — page 11

September 17, 2020 sports ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9 Virtual jazz poetry night offers peaceful escape for viewers Week’s Katia Faroun Tú/Like You/Like Me” was dedicated Events features editor to DACA DREAMers and, along with his other poems, contained phrases night of melancholy jazz and in Spanish. Sunset Yoga stimulating poetry. What Amini also presented her poetry in Sept. 18, @ 7p.m. A could be better? another language, sharing stories of Perhaps listening to it from the war and the struggles of the Middle Relax on your Friday evening comfort of a couch, in pajamas and East in Persian. An Iranian human with Sunset Yoga on with a glass of wine in hand. rights activist, she went into exile in McCloskey Field. Sign up at September 2020 marks the begin- Norway after living in Iran became the Assumption Front Desk; ning of City of Asylum’s 16th annu- too dangerous for activists. capacity is 50 people. al Jazz Poetry Month. For the first Katz recited a poem written time in its history, the organization collectively by 15 women, while DPC DUNite: Succulent NIght took the festival to the screens of its Diaz reflected on contemporary Sept. 18 @ 9 p.m. attendees’ laptops and tablets. Last America and her experiences as a Thursday, City of Asylum hosted its Katia Faroun / features editor Mojave woman. Join DPC in the Nite Spot to City of Asylum made their festival easily accessible to viewers on a streamable platform. second event of the festival, and over Aside from the expected techni- pick out your favorite 200 attendees joined virtually from Thoth Trio took the stage to debut Throckmorton in the former and cal difficulties that are custom in the succulent for your dorm around the world for an evening of their most recent work, “Meditations bassist Paul Thompson in the lat- pandemic, the program ran almost as room while supplies last! musical and lyrical art. on Quarantine.” The five-piece suite ter. The musicians conveyed their smoothly as the jazz. Multiple camera The event, featuring Pittsburgh was composed entirely during the confidence through consistent transi- angles kept the feed engaging and acoustic jazz group Thoth Trio and pandemic by the trio’s saxophonist tions and uniform progressions of the showed close-ups of the trio, with pre-recorded readings from local and and bass clarinetist, Ben Opie, and music, depicting a general sense of Thompson sporting a Black Lives international poets, aired from the represents the experiences of quar- trust in each others’ familiarity with Matter t-shirt and Throckmorton organization’s home of Alphabet City antine and the outcome of musicians the tunes. representing the city with a Steelers mask. and started streaming on Crowdcast pushing the boundaries of their cre- The poetry centered around the at 7 p.m. The livestream included a Throughout the event, attendees ativity during a pandemic. intersection of isolation and discon- live chat feature, which both view- spammed the chat with encourag- Each piece accurately depicted a nection, with themes touching on upcoming ers and featured poets eagerly used immigration, politics, sexuality, war ing comments of praise, or a simple musical representation of moments, to post reactions and comments and beauty. emoji. One attendee commented, activities and qualities associated throughout the 75-minute-long event Poets Richard Blanco, Joy Katz, “I am clapping behind my screen,” releases with the pandemic. The first half of (heart and applause emojis were Natalie Diaz and Asieh Amini each while another stated simply, “Work!” “Yellow Phase” consisted of dis- crowd favorites). presented selected works over video The significance of the event wasn’t sonance and an air of hesitation, Antebellum Jazz Poetry began in 2005 as a in between the Thoth Trio’s perfor- lost on its attendees. The art culti- Friday, Sept. 18th one-night event held in an alley on then switched to an upbeat, excit- mances. vated a conversation on diversity and the Northside, but has since expand- ing and edgy second half, effec- Blanco shared some of his works expression, and inspired reflection A horror film produced by ed to a month-long event meant to tively reflecting the transition from that reflect the struggles of immigra- on a unique moment in history being Lionsgate, aspiring author showcase diverse artists and create caution and wariness to excitement tion and the tension regarding the shared by 8 billion people in vastly Veronica finds herself trapped an open conversation for the free- and recklessness of Pittsburgh’s country’s current political climate. He different ways. in an alternate reality, and dom of expression. This year, City of move into the yellow phase. was selected by President Obama to City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Month must escape this fate before it Asylum took advantage of the limita- Other pieces, such as “Antisocial be the fifth inaugural poet in U.S. runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 1. Events are is too late. tions imposed by the pandemic to Distancing” and “Powderhorn,” dis- history and is the youngest and first free and require online registration. played the musicians’ talent with Then Play On include artists living throughout the immigrant, gay and Latino person More information can be found at the Fleetwood Mac country and internationally. lengthy solos by percussionist David in such a role. His first poem, “Cómo Alphabet City website. Friday, September 18th Originally released in 1969, Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Fleetwood Mac is reissuing the classic album with four (August 23- (September 23- (October 23- (November 23- bonus songs for listeners. September 22) October 22) November 22) December 22) I sense something heavy Things really could be I got N95 problems but a The Starbucks barista in your aura... worse: you could be B***h ain’t one. calls you “Rufus.” Just Micro a pharmacy major. roll with it. Oh wait, it’s just your student loans. review

Capricorn Aquarius Pisces Aries Insomnia Cookies (February 19-March 20) (December 22- (January 20- (March 21-April 19) Warm, fresh cookies delivered straight from the oven to your dorm January 19) February 18) room, Insomnia Cookies in South Side never seem to disappoint. If you’re looking for a You were the one who put Have you recently misplaced This is the week you personal anthem, might the tiny babies in the bot- your grandma? finally beat your high score Or do they? I suggest the “Hoedown tom of the Union fountain, on Dance Dance Revolution. Check the Post Office. On Friday, my friends and I waited Throwdown” by Hannah weren’t you? I can just feel it. three hours for our cookies to arrive, Montana. calling the company four times to ensure that our cookies were finally delivered; at this point, it was the middle of the night. We were not Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo refunded, though we were given a coupon as compensation. (April 20-May 20) (May 21-June 20) (June 21-July 22) (July 23-August 22) However, every bite was worth it, Well, that’s just show If you start wearing an You haven’t skinned your Put your phone in grayscale and we ordered them again on Mon- day for the free six-pack special. business. eye patch, people will find knee since Kindergarten. mode. It will bring out the you both mysterious and This changes tonight. color in your eyes. --Capri Scarcelli charming. 10 THEDUQUESNEDUKE PBT Ballerina finds motivation through pandemic Working through the restrictions back into your center and just be Griffin Sendek put in place by COVID to create who you are.” multimedia editor art in this new format helped fos- Extra precautions were put in ter a sense of togetherness among place in order to facilitate a safe n mid-March, Pittsburgh the dancers that they had been return: A limited amount of people Ballet Theater was gearing up severely lacking. are allowed in, masks are required for the opening performance However, no amount of Zoom at all times — even while dancing — I concerts will ever replicate the per- of “Here + Now” at the August and ballet bars are disinfected after Wilson Center. Everything was fect cocktail of nervousness and every use. choreographed, rehearsed, staged exhilaration that is gliding across Good dancers are able to per- and costumed. It was ready to go the Benedum Center stage in front form all the moves; great ones — when it was all shut down of a packed crowd of 2,800 people. make it look effortless. Witnessing indefinitely. “It was just kinda like an uncom- García Campos and Breight glide For Pittsburgh Ballet Theater fortable feeling that wasn’t the across the studio floor as if it were (PBT) company member Christian same — and it’s never going to be made of ice was an absolute beauty “Chris” García Campos, dancing — but it did the job and I’m thank- to behold. As the nearly six-minute has been a part of her life for as ful for that,” García Campos said. duet unfolded, it was difficult to long as she can remember. For the Griffin Sendek / multimeida editor The pandemic has completely imagine García Campos had taken Chris Garcia Campos has been dancing ever since she was 3 years old. very first time, the art of perform- reframed what dancing truly off any time whatsoever. Her com- ing was taken away. increasingly skilled dancer. ers’ lives revolved around being means to García Campos. Having mitment to the craft and years of “I’m not going to lie, it was heart- Eventually, she wound up in the together constantly. Because of the been a constant in her life for so experience were apparent in every breaking to hear that it was indefi- Steel City and became a member pandemic, they went their sepa- long, she felt as if there was a hole minute detail; her dancing ability nite. I adjusted because I needed to of PBT. She is currently among rate ways, and each member was in her chest the very moment it was was truly magnificent. taken away. accept the fact that I wasn’t going the corps de ballet at PBT, hoping tasked with maintaining their skills “I can’t fathom not dancing, and “I think I needed it to realize that to be able to dance, but I did miss to one day earn the title of soloist, by practicing in living rooms and it made me just want to do it even I was worrying too much about it every day,” García Campos said. and ultimately become a principal garages. Ballet has always been a more,” García Campos said, “and I things I shouldn’t have related to Born in Puebla, Mexico, Garcia ballerina. collaborative art form meant for think that enough is proof to artists dancing,” García Campos said. “I Campos got her start in dancing at For García Campos and the rest the stage and an audience; never all around that it is essential.” the spry age of 3, pushed into it by of the company members, every- before has it been so fundamen- felt that I somehow got better in a mother wanting her daughter to certain areas working on my own, thing being canceled was nothing tally splintered. Watch the full performance have a hobby. Little did her mother and I’m really wanting to keep short of depressing. With a season “It’s hard because you are meant by scanning the code below know, this tutu-clad 3-year-old abandoned and the studio doors to have people around you,” García that now that we’re going into the would one day become a profes- locked, and no estimate of when Campos explained. “You are meant studios and to keep that confidence sional ballerina. they might open again, the life of to dance with other people.” that grew back in me when I was on By the time she was 13, García a PBT company member was com- The company had the dancers my own.” Campos knew she wanted to pur- pletely upended by the pandemic. create their own performances In early August, the age of Zoom sue a career in dance, and at 15 “It really is what I love to do from the safety of their homes. for PBT eventually came to an end she left Mexico for the U.S. in most and to have these shows García Campos was put in charge as the studio doors were open once search of professional programs. canceled — it was really hard of choreographing one of these again. Corp de Ballet and García She spent years moving around for me, and I know a few of my shows, which she taught entirely Campos' duet partner Jonathan the country through exchange friends in dance felt the same over Zoom. Stitched together from Breight, described the return as programs and dance conserva- way,” García Campos said. a multitude of video clips, she was “the greatest feeling. It is just like a tories, all the while becoming an Pittsburgh Ballet Theater danc- able to craft a virtual performance. meditation that you can kinda get

Duquesne students improvise to enjoy Steelers game from campus

Capri Scarcelli allow [them] to spread out.” a&e editor The fraternity booked the lecture hall through Student Life Vice President Douglas njoying sporting events has become Frizzell, according to Thiele. Once they got increasingly difficult with the onset E of the pandemic, though Duquesne approval, they were able to host the event. students have gotten creative with how “Booking a lecture hall is a great way to they will go about cheering on their favor- get a max of 25 people together to watch a ite teams. movie, game, etc.” Thiele said. “Or, if you On Sept. 14 at 7:10 p.m., the Pittsburgh can somehow hook up a projector outside, Steelers took on the New York Giants, and you can bump the capacity up to 50 people, students took a seat in socially-distanced which we were originally planning to do…” watch parties all across campus. Other students got together in Residence Duquesne fraternity Phi Kappa Theta Hall lounges to stream from the TVs. Courtesy of steelers website organized an event as part of their fall Junior education major Helena Bassler Though a different feel to the season, loyal fans will root for the Steelers no matter what. said she went to a small watch party with recruitment for students to enjoy free food social distancing while watching the game.” by streaming in open areas and socially six of her friends socially-distanced in the and drinks while enjoying the football Bassler said. “Students and faculty could set distancing. game from the comfort of Mellon’s Laura dorm rooms. According to Bassler, watch up chairs, bundle up and watch the game.” “I think if we socially distance ourselves, Lecture Hall. party events sponsored by campus organi- Junior education major Olivia Scherrer we can have a few (safe) watch parties,” According to sophomore physician assis- zations would be “really cool to have… like also spent the night rooting for the Steelers Scherrer said. “Food can be individually dis- tant major Andrew Thiele, recruitment how the movies are shown in the Nite Spot.” with her friends. tributed to not sit out.” chair of Phi Kappa Theta, this event was “Having organizations sponsor watch “It wasn’t a huge event, but it was nice to With a score of 26-16, the Steelers had fans done last year on the fraternity’s wing; parties for games would be a nice way finally sit down and watch sports with my cheering all across campus in a safe manner. however, due to coronavirus restrictions, to meet new people. It would be cool if friends again,” Scherrer said. Future games are free to stream through the Steelers event was moved to Mellon they could figure out how to project the To open watch parties to the campus, the Steelers Official Mobile App and Hall to provide “a bigger space that would games on the field, so we can practice Scherrer said the university could do so Steelers.com. September 17, 2020 arts & entertainment THE LAST WORD 11 CLASSIFIEDS Big Ten football is back again Reality TV

B1G— from page 8 REALITY TV — from page 5 “productive” and “respectful.” Ryan Day, whose team was ranked No. 2 released a statement on social media and COMIC The Pac-12 followed the Big Ten in in the preseason AP Top 25. before each episode of The Challenge postponing, but was far more detailed The next new schedule comes with a there after: in its explanation and had more obvious twist. On championship Saturday, the “As a result of Dee Nguyen’s offen- ARTIST hurdles to clear. Half the Pac-12 schools plan is to provide each team an addi- sive comments on the Black Lives Mat- are still operating under statewide re- tional game, matching teams by their ter movement, we have severed ties with strictions that make it impossible for places in the division standings: No. her. Out of respect for our Challeng- teams to practice. 2 vs. No. 2, No. 3 vs. No. 3 and so on. ers, we’ll air our season as planned. We As the Big Ten and Pac-12 bailed in Alvarez said those matchups could be strongly condemn systemic racism and Needed August, the other Power Five confer- tweaked to avoid rematches. ences forged ahead, along with three For now, the third Big Ten schedule stand with those raising their voices for THE DUKE other major college football leagues. of the year should be ready in about a against injustice.” Games have started, with the Big 12 and week. Surely, it will rekindle excite- However, other cast members such Atlantic Coast Conference kicking off ment, but how much of it gets played is as Jordan Wiseley and Rogan O’Connor last week. The Southeastern Conference still uncertain. have both made racist comments in the begins play Sept. 26. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, past, but still retain a contract with Bun- Meanwhile, the Big Ten was on the a Democrat, said she supports the Big im/Murray Productions. However, nei- sideline, with coaches struggling to ex- Ten’s decision but noted COVID-19 “is ther appeared on the reunion show later plain to players why other teams could still a very real threat.” in July. play, but they could not. Eight Nebraska “We’re all trying to do what we can to The problem with both of these shows, players filed a lawsuit against the Big engage in some normalcy and keep peo- and many others, is the production’s at- Visit us Ten over its decision to postpone; their ple safe,” she said. “There’s not a perfect tempts at protecting certain cast mem- attorney said Wednesday the case was way to do this.” ber’s images while condemning others’. at the newsroom in being dismissed. There’s no excusing the cast members’ Alvarez said Big Ten teams can begin actions, they should know better. 113 College Hall practicing immediately. Apparently, they are ready to roll. or email us at “They never lost faith. They never lost trust. Their behavior through this steplerk@ time has been excellent, and they never duq.edu stopped fighting,” said Ohio State coach

Twitter @TheDuquesneDuke Online at @TDD_Sports www.duqsm.com 12 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Follow WRITERS & THE PHOTOGRAPHERS DUKE NEEDED on the FOR THE DUKE web: Facebook The Duquesne Duke Twitter @TheDuquesneDuke Stop by Instagram college hall 113 @TheDuquesneDuke Or email Our editor-in-chief at Online at Steplerk@ www.duqsm.com Duq.edu

Duquesne University Office of Greek Life and DU CARES present a Town Hall Meeting on: Alcohol at the intersection of COVID-19: ZOOM Style

Monday September 28 @ 9:00 pm

ALL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WELCOME

Facilitated by:

The Office of Greek Life &

DU CARES Got questions? We have some answers!

ZOOM MEETING https://duq.zoom.us/j/93494902486 Meeting ID: 934 9490 2486

Be There!!!!!

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