Vol. 121, No. 22 Thursday, April 1, 2021 COWS DURING COVID Penn State Dairy Farms continue operations normally amid coronavirus pandemic

By Max Guo Calvert (senior-animal science) FOR THE COLLEGIAN has worked at the farms since January 2020. When the corona- The dairy farms at Penn State’s virus hit Penn State and mitiga- Dairy Complex are a cornerstone tion restrictions began, Penn in the Penn State community and State Dairy Farms stood vigilant, have been for years. Through the according to Calvert, because pandemic, the farms have seen she saw very little change in her minimal impacts. work aside from some employees With a herd size of around 500 leaving. cows, the dairy farms supply Travis Edwards, co-manager of Penn State’s Berkey Creamery Penn State Dairy Farms, said the with milk for its ice cream. Penn employees have kept doing their State students can get a taste — normal activities the “same as literally — of what the farms have always from lockdown on.” to offer since its milk also sup- “There has to be somebody plies the many dining halls across here 365 days a year, twice a day campus. to milk the cows,” Edwards said. The farms employ up to nine “We stayed open and we stayed full-time work- operational as we nor- ers and around mally do, thanks 20 students ev- “We stayed open in a large part Ernesto Estremera JR/For the Collegian ery semester, to our employ- Young calves rest in the Penn State Dairy Complex on Tuesday, March 30, in University Park, Pa. according to and we stayed ees and also Nadine Houck, operational as we our students co-manager who stayed workers],” Houck said. “Enough them or their families.” “What we were worried about of Penn State normally do, thanks on and stayed of them stayed so that we could Edwards and Houck said work in the beginning was most of our Dairy Farms. in a large part to here through get done what we needed to get at the dairy farms has been crew being taken out all at once,” Employees are the shut down.” done.” largely unaffected because the Edwards said. “Fortunately, that responsible for our employees and However, the Calvert said she believes the workplace is outdoors and natu- didn’t seem to happen.” milking, cleaning also our students farms faced student workers stepped up in rally distanced. A few employ- Edwards said many of the stalls and taking some minor a time of need when full-time ees contracted the virus, but it dairy’s workers are now being care of young who stayed on.” setbacks but employees weren’t able to be there. didn’t spread among the staff, vaccinated, and he expects the according to Edwards. farms to continue working well calves. Student Travis Edwards were able to “When the pandemic hit, there employees en- continue op- were a couple full-time guys who Edwards said the farms devel- into the future. joy hands-on PSU Dairy Farms co-manager erations, ac- had to take time off for family oped emergency planning in case The dairy farms are still hiring experience and cording to concerns,” Calvert said. “We were a large amount of the workforce students for the summer semes- access to living Houck. worried about being most care- would be hit simultaneously by ter, and Houck said she isn’t wor- quarters, which attracts many “We saw a ful because of them. We didn’t the coronavirus. However, they ried about further impact from — like Johnna Calvert. decrease [in want to spread [coronavirus] to never had to utilize it. the coronavirus.

‘Centre County Can’t Wait’ slate looks for reform

By Anjelica Rubin Centre County slate are small out about the slate have been lim- FOR THE COLLEGIAN business owner and long-term ited to virtual meetups and the resident Richard Biever, current impact of social media platforms. Gopal Balachandran’s bid for Penn State student and organi- Balachandran noted that social State College Borough Coun- zational leader Divine Lipscomb media can “only do so much” and cil began with a Twitter direct and 3/20 Coalition co-leader is looking forward to a day when message. Tierra Williams, all of whom have that aspect of normalcy becomes “It was the last thing I could been backed by PA United. day-to-day life once again. have expected,” Balachandran, “Each one of us isn’t running to “A lot of our meetings have be- assistant professor of clinical law be individual saviors,” Balachan- come virtual, so it is challenging,” at Penn State, said. “I had never dran said. “We are a part of a Balachandran said. “The great considered a political run of any broader movement representing thing about CPAU is this group kind before, but after this orga- local interests by stressing the recognizes that contact with vot- nizer reached out, it immediately importance of having dialogues ers is important and that those put a bug in my ear.” within the specific communities conversations are what influence The organizer, 17-year-old se- we represent.” our work.” nior at State College Area High For Williams, being a part Like Balachandran, Williams School Maddie King is part of of the slate represents new said there have been addi- Central Pennsylvania’s chapter beginnings as well. tional problems running a local of PA United, an organization “Policy change starts at the campaign virtually. working to mobilize a new type of community level,” Williams said. “It’s already hard work to get government statewide. “[Running] was not something yourself elected in a district, “There are so many people in I had initially thought of, but the township or county no matter this town who feel disengaged Lily LaRegina/Collegian priority with the slate and CPAU what size it is,” Williams said. or disconnected from local poli- Tierra Williams, a co-leader of the 3/20 Coalition, is running for local of- is about making our area a bet- “But with the difficulties the pan- tics, because they have never ter place. If I can have even the demic has brought to what would had someone represent their pri- fice as a part of the “Our Communities Can’t Wait” campaign slate. smallest impact through this have been a regular campaign orities,” King said. “What we’re campaign, it will be worth it.” cycle, makes it 10 times harder.” trying to do is take back that nar- platform while still running an reach out and encourage him to While Balachandran, Biever As the weather gets warmer, rative and put in its place candi- “individual campaign.” take that jump,” King said. “For and Lipscomb are campaigning CPAU has been able to offer more dates who will serve as commu- “Our ultimate goal is to build too long, certain politicians have for the three open borough coun- events outside, including a can- nity members first and politicians a broad coalition that represents dictated the political scene. Our cil seats in State College, Williams vassing event in the State Col- second.” everyone,” Balachandran said. community members deserve is running in the neighboring mu- lege area on March 27 about the CPAU is one of seven chapters “By having a diverse set of view- more — not from people trying nicipality Ferguson Township to primary election. across western Pennsylvania points as part of our slate, it en- to make career moves but from be the next township supervisor. La Porta volunteered at the re- that are part of PA United’s 2021 ables for more creative solutions those in our community who will “Of course everyone is invested cent event in support of the bor- “Our Communities Can’t Wait” during this campaign period.” do their job as an act of service in seeing each other win because ough candidates alongside King, campaign slate to elect and sup- While the slate was finalized at and love for the space we live in.” we’ve got an amazing team that’s who created handmade zines for port a government “where the the beginning of March with the State College native and local working together,” Williams said. volunteers to distribute to nearby people who work the hardest and addition of Balachandran, the activist Abbie La Porta said the “However, at the end of the day, neighborhoods. bear the greatest burdens are La Porta said spending four roots of CPAU go all the way back impact a candidate slate brings to we all come from different parts of also the ones who write the laws,” this community, so we think about hours in the borough is not where to spring 2020 when Daniel Suss- local elections can have the abil- according to its website. complex issues very differently. If most college students might find er, CPAU team leader, and other ity to change the direction of a There are 25 candidates run- political party. I say police reform, it’s not going themselves on a Saturday, but local progressive activists came ning as part of the broader “Our “Looking at the Democratic to mean the same thing to other she credited the importance of together to support Joe Biden in Communities Can’t Wait” slate party in Centre County, we know candidates due to how our life ex- targeting those in the community the 2020 presidential election. — with four candidates located there have been periences differ. — including students who might in Centre County, where the cam- What started as an idea from a Democrats elect- “CPAU formed this Our positions are not even be aware that a local small group of activists working paign is called “Centre County ed in local elec- slate to help bring still independent election is coming up. Can’t Wait,” according to PA Unit- to integrate progressive politics tions before and of each other.” For King, the CPAU slate of- ed’s website. The local primary into local elections slowly trans- in many positions, progressive politics Williams said fered her another opportunity to formed into something much election will take place on May 18 but that does not to State College. It’s the issues at work on a campaign in her own with voter registration closing on more long-lasting. mean they will hand in Centre backyard. May 3. “We wanted to build an orga- do what is best a symbol that we’re County “won’t “This is my hometown,” King The slate is sponsored by PA nization that operated indepen- for us,” La Porta here and we’re not change” unless said. “So the work here has giv- United’s Political Action Com- dently of the Democratic party so (sophomore- the community en me a totally new outlook on mittee, which supports each can- that we could channel our energy architectural en- going away anytime can address the my community and what voices didate’s “people-powered, peo- into a movement for real progres- gineering) said. soon.” problems continue to be silenced.” ple-funded” campaigns through sive change in central Pennsyl- “CPAU formed properly. For now, the group looks to- donations and grassroots vania,” Susser, assistant profes- this slate to help Abbie La Porta “Affordable ward the primaries, which will organizing, according to its sor in the College of Information bring progressive sophomore-agricultural housing, mental decide the future of the slate go- website. Sciences and Technology, said. politics to State engineering health reform ing into municipal elections this A campaign slate allows a “We partnered with PA United College. It’s a and zoning are November. group of candidates to consoli- because we knew we could make symbol that we’re all problems that “While it is still early to think date their beliefs into one united that real change happen [with its here and we’re not going away have roots in our community, just about official outcomes, no mat- front. Whether through campaign support].” anytime soon.” as they have overarching roots ter what, it will let the community funds or shared positions over A borough resident since 2017, PA United encouraged candi- nationwide,” Williams said. “May- know that this kind of work needs major issues that affect the com- Balachandran sparked the inter- dates with “diverse life experi- be we can’t change everything to be done more often,” Williams munity, King said the “Centre est of King while she was scout- ences” to run rather than “tradi- immediately, but we have to start said. “It’s time to rethink what we County Can’t Wait” slate gives ing for candidates over social me- tionally ‘electable’ candidates,” somewhere.” have all settled for in local gov- CPAU candidates, organizers and dia, which led to conversations according to a March press However, due to the corona- ernment and focus on the people volunteers the “opportunity” to about his potential to run. release. virus pandemic, efforts to fund- in this community and what is get more results from their joint “He just needed someone to Joining Balachandran on the raise, canvas and get the word best for them.” Page 2 | Thursday, April 1, 2021 LOCAL The Daily Collegian Downtown statue takes to Twitter By Olivia Estright Director Rick Bryant. According to Bryant, “Great The Daily Collegian “Don’t overthink it. There’s Expectations,” written by no conspiracy here,” Bryant Charles Dickens, is “a little wry Almost seven years ago, a stat- said. “Eugene loves his tech- commentary on waiting for the ue connecting the Schlow Centre nology, and he will occasionally bus.” Region Library and the CATAbus Tweet about things like what he’s “With your earphones, tablet stop headquarters was built. To- listening to.” and a book, it’s just a way that you day, Downtown Eugene Brown Although the owner of the ac- can engage with the library and still spends his days on the cor- count remains anonymous, Bry- the library can engage with you,” ner of Beaver Avenue and Allen ant compared Downtown Eugene Bryant said. Street, tweeting away. Brown to the Nittany Lion or The objects on the statue work The 6-foot bronze sculpture Sneezy the Penn State Squirrel together to show the different of Eugene Brown won in a na- because of its intent to connect formats of resources available by tionwide competition held by the the community in modern ways the Schlow Library while Eugene Central Pennsylvania Festival through social media. literally waits for the bus outside of Arts in 2013 with intentions to “He’s showing that technol- of CATA headquarters. create something “that spoke to ogy is not just for young people,” “There’s something about life- the changing nature of libraries,” Bryant said. like bronze statues that the pub- according to the Eugene Brown Cathi Alloway, director of the lic enjoys,” Alloway said. “They sculptor Gavin Gardner. Schlow Library, said this idea of reflect typical behavior in an ur- The statue was inspired by technology for all generations ban environment. They become a Gardner’s grandfather, Ronald made the overall competition landmark.” Eugene Gardner, and was one of harder for the artist. Alloway said the statue has the first “truly personal pieces” “The concept of representing become a part of the community he ever created. the library but also the CATA over the past several years. Gardner said his grandfather, office that occupies part of our “In the wintertime, volun- who is now 94-years-old, taught building made it much harder teer knitters have knitted and himself about the digital world for the artists,” Alloway said. “I left scarfs and hats on Eugene despite the idea that most older mean, How are you supposed to for homeless people,” Alloway people “don’t even want to bother create something that represents said. “It’s a nice little ritual that with it.” a library and a bus ticket office?” happens with Eugene.” “They say you can’t teach an old Alloway said the library re- Aside from putting Michigan dog new tricks, and that just isn’t ceived submissions of abstract apparel on Eugene Brown be- true,” Gardner said. “It’s never artwork and sculptures of people cause Alloway is a University of too late to get with it or learn an- reading books. Michigan alumnae, Alloway said other way. I really like that fusion. “We didn’t want to show out- the statue has not been “overly My work is always about fusing dated technology,” Alloway said. vandalized.” Samantha Hendrzak/Collegian opposites — the old and the new.” “Eugene gets his information in a “I have been known to put The downtown Eugene Brown statue in State College, Pa. stands on As for the Twitter account, multiple range of formats.” Michigan gear on Eugene when- East Beaver Avenue on Wednesday, March 17. @DTEugeneBrown will tweet As an elderly man, Downtown ever Michigan comes to play whatever is on his mind. Eugene Brown is seen looking Penn State. People do goofy Gardner said a lot of his work a statue made of them,” Gardner More recently, he posed a ques- at an iPad wearing Beats by Dre things like that,” Alloway said. focused on “people who are sup- said. “My grandfather is a great tion about the Suez Canal boat in- headphones — not the average “There’s been a few times when posedly great.” Although it’s good man. I can’t even tell you. Every- cident: “Isn’t ‘partially refloated’ statue to be outside of a library, people have thrown sodas and to acknowledge these people, thing about that man I admire. like being ‘mostly vegetarian’?” according to Bryant. things, but Eugene is widely Gardner said there are still so Everybody loves him.” It’s also worth noting he wished “It’s a very old-fashioned trope respected for the most part.” many common people “who nev- For this reason, Gardner said Catherine O’Hara a “happy birth- to see a statue of someone read- Gardner said he wanted to in- er enter the great halls of fame he wanted to speak to the average day” Tweet, saying, “Her Moira ing a book in front of the library,” spire people to be like his grand- [despite] enormous merit in their person through the Downtown Rose in Schitt’s Creek always Bryant said, “so one of the things father — always willing to learn own right” because they weren’t Eugene Brown statue — any per- looked like a million bucks.” the sculpture did was turn that on more regardless of age. chasing fame. son has the ability to be “truly The statue’s Twitter activ- its head.” “I really love that [Eugene “There are heroes and great remarkable.” ity doesn’t follow any pattern or When visitors look closely, Brown] represents this old world people around us every day who method, according to Central though, there is a book in Eu- meeting the new,” Gardner said. will never be written about in his- To email reporter: [email protected]. Pennsylvania Festival of Arts gene’s back pocket as well. Before this sculpture, tory books or [will] never [have] Follow her on Twitter at @OliviaEstright. Student burnout high amid pandemic By Olivia Estright “We are all just trying to balance has been “such a good resource just not as rewarding.” Dermody said she thinks this The Daily Collegian the final stretch of the school for online school,” he’s been Mudryk said she knows many semester would be going differ- year.” experiencing Zoom fatigue as students are feeling burnt out ent for her if Penn State gave With 10 weeks of another most- Burnout is defined as the well. this semester and encourages students a full break. ly virtual semester under Penn state of “emotional, physical and “Zoom doesn’t offer the excite- them to try and relax for a little. “I think there wouldn’t be State students’ belts, many are mental exhaustion caused by ex- ment and spontaneity that in- “I just know that everybody is as much burnout if we had a looking toward the finish line — cessive and prolonged stress,” person [classes] can. I don’t think feeling exhausted,” Mudryk said. spring break,” Dermody said. “If despite feelings of burnout and according to HelpGuide. anything can ever recreate that,” “Everybody that I’ve talked to has I just had a solid week to catch Zoom fatigue. “My priorities have kind of Kurtz said. “I’ve just never had just said, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t do up with things, I wouldn’t be as The final week of classes be- switched,” Kurtz said. “I’m just the in-person experience. Just this anymore.’” overwhelmed as I am right now.” fore finals is just five weeks away. not as focused on my schoolwork sitting in one or two Zooms every Grace Buddle said she’s feel- As a senior, Lauren Seiple said Some students, like Danil Kurtz, every day, so I’m not as deter- day for the past [10 weeks] has ing the effects of another semes- she’s feeling “a lot more stressed said they’ve been feeling the mined to get things done right taken a toll on how I’m learning.” ter of “Zoom University,” and the out with everything,” especially effects of “burnout.” away.” Zoom fatigue is the exhausted wellness days are not helping. with graduation on the horizon. “I can definitely say that I’m Kurtz said the warm weather feeling after a day of doing essen- “On wellness days, [my profes- “I almost feel like I’ve had more feeling burnt out, and I think a has made it harder to stay in and tially nothing but attending Zoom sor] just moves assignments to work to do this semester with my lot of people feel the same way,” focus, because he wants to be classes or meetings, according to be due at 10 a.m. the next day,” classes that are strictly online,” Kurtz (freshman-finance) said. outside. Although he said Zoom Healthy Penn State. Buddle (sophomore-biotechnol- Seiple (senior-psychology) said. Being drained after trying to ogy) said. “It makes those days The only in-person class Seiple process information online is not pointless.” has this semester is a criminol- an uncommon feeling for some Penn State’s final wellness day ogy and women’s studies course students. Julia Mudryk said is scheduled for Wednesday, April she’s a teaching assistant for. Zoom fatigue has hit her harder 7. Buddle said she doesn’t think it “All of my major classes are on- than usual recently. will help her any more than past line, so it’s not a nice way to finish “I get the worst Zoom fatigue wellness days. off my senior year,” Seiple said. in my four-hour labs. It’s bad,” “At the beginning of the semes- “I’m more than ready to gradu- Mudryk (freshman-biology) said. ter, it was similar to being in per- ate, but I feel like I wouldn’t be “I mean [Penn State is] work- son, and obviously I was stressed as ready to graduate if it was a ing with what [it] can, but at the and tired, but I never hit this level different environment.” same time, I definitely don’t like of burnout until more recently,” Seiple said she hopes things to sit on a Zoom call and watch Buddle said. “I think it’s really get better for next year. chemistry happen on a screen.” just the lack of break for me.” “I want the best for the under- Mudryk said she never really Julia Dermody said her well- classmen,” Seiple said. “I want gets a break from work, nor are ness days are similar, because people to stop taking in-person Zoom classes as enjoyable as she she still ends up with “randomly classes and activities for granted. thinks in-person classes would scheduled meetings.” One of her I just feel like I took it for granted, be. On the days lighter in classes professors still held class on the and I don’t want that to happen to for Mudryk, she said she ends up last wellness day on March 11. others.” spending time taking exams and “I had a professor who still had But ultimately, in the final catching up with other work. class on a wellness day, and then stretch, Seiple said her friends “The rewarding part about labs he questioned us about why we just “don’t want to go to classes is that you get to see cool stuff didn’t show up,” Dermody (soph- anymore.” happen in front of your eyes,” omore-economics) said. “It took “We all just want to graduate Mudryk said. “When you’re him a few hours to realize why we and move on with our lives.” Lily LaRegina/Collegian just watching someone do it weren’t there. The students and Students study in the HUB-Robeson Center on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. through a screen and still have the professors just need a break To email reporter: [email protected]. Many students expressed feeling burnt out from online learning. to do the lab reports, it’s at this point.” Follow her on Twitter at @OliviaEstright. The Daily Collegian Lifestyle Thursday, April 1, 2021 | Page 3 Go Go Gadjet: local Puzzles band to global stage By Ava Leone The Daily Collegian

At 22 years old, Jeff Tomrell sat in his meager apartment at 410 Penn Tower, studying for his marketing classes at Penn State. In his last semester at Penn State in April 2005, Tomrell thought he would end up in an office job after graduation. Suddenly, he received an email that forever changed his life. High school friends from Tom- rell’s hometown in Reading, Pennsylvania wanted to know if he would be interested in put- ting together a cover band with them: a project that didn’t even have a name yet. Tomrell agreed, John Stinely/Collegian file photo and from there, Go Go Gadjet Rayvon Reed, of Go Go Gadjet, sings and gestures to the audience during emerged. the final four hours of THON 2018 at the Bryce Jordan Center. “We wanted to play music and have a good time,” Tomrell said. Retro and Magical Mystery Intelisano said as a father now, “It’s so, so long ago [now]… go- Doors. he can easily put himself in the ing to marketing classes in the The band has paid its dues position of the parents at THON, Willard Building then driving over the years, however. Drum- which makes the marathon all home to rehearse and play some mer Mike Intelisano said he the more meaningful to him. shows.” remembers playing in front of the According to Intelisano, THON Go Go Gadjet is a Pennsylva- Nittany Lion Shrine at a “Guard has never been about Go Go nia-based cover band that blends the Shrine” event in freezing six- Gadjet — it’s a completely hum- rhythmic dance music with elec- degree weather. bling experience devoted to tronic synth sounds and tradi- One time, Go Go Gadjet even prioritizing the THON families. tional musical instruments, toe- performed on top of a ski slope The band’s Penn State connec- ing the line between band and with only scrap pieces of card- tions have helped it perform at DJ, according to their website. board to stand on, with people de- Go Go Gadjet has performed places across the world, like Abu scending from the ski lift right in Dhabi. A former THON commit- together for 16 years and count- front of them. WORD SEARCH tee member reached out to Go ing. The band’s achievements are © 2021 PuzzleJunction.com According to the band’s guitar- Go Gadjet while he worked as no accident — the Washington ist and producer Nate Myotte, the food and beverage director Post even named Go Go Gadjet Go Go Gadjet’s resilience can at the Yas Viceroy Hotel to invite one of the top cover bands on the be attributed to the band’s the band to perform at its annual East Coast. determination to stand out. Formula 1 racing event. State College helped the band “I think one of our greatest initially gain success back in the achievements was the fact that Go Go Gadjet’s members have 2000s, so Go Go Gadjet’s mem- we always wanted to try some- experienced many milestones bers feel con- thing different together through the course of nected to the “We came out — and crush their musical careers. From get- college town and it,” Myotte ting featured in a three-page Penn State itself. swinging with a said. “We came article in The Washington Post The band even totally different out swinging to playing on stage in front of a remains a staple with a totally sold-out Electric Factory venue at THON week- avenue of music different av- in Philadelphia filled with 2,500 end every year and style than what enue of mu- people dressed as drunk Santa during the Final sic and style Clauses, Go Go Gadjet’s success Four hours. a lot of other bands than what a has even allowed its members Tomrell quick- were doing and also lot of other to meet some of their greatest ly devoted all his bands were heroes. time for the rest brought in shows doing and also Two years ago, Go Go Gadjet of his senior year that no other bands brought in had the opportunity to participate in High School Nation — a mini to helping Go Go were doing” shows that no Gadjet take off, other bands music festival for high school were doing.” hustling to Cafe Nate Myotte students — and performed At the time alongside the Plain White T’s. 210 West after Guitarist/producer, Go Go Gadjet his classes to Go Go Gadjet The band befriended Tom Hig- perform as the got together, genson, lead singer of the Plain band’s lead sing- rock music White T’s, and listened to him er, or to the Phyrst to play on a dominated the music scene. The recount the tale of how his guitar cramped, tiny stage to intoxicat- band differentiated itself by cre- got stolen — the one he wrote the ed students dancing inches away. ating electronic dance music band’s hit song “Hey There Deli- Tomrell’s work ethic had no with backing tracks that Myotte lah” on. According to Tomrell, limits. One weekend, he left Penn taught himself how to produce. Higgenson said he felt “super State on a Thursday to drive to Also, since Tomrell felt passion- bummed out” by the thievery. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to ate about including light shows Current Go Go Gadjet lead perform with the band that night, and heavy production in perfor- singer Rayvon Reed said meet- then drove back to Penn State mances, the band would carry ing Higgenson was an amazing obnoxious light cases into every to go to class on Friday without experience for him. show while getting funny looks sleeping, and then drove to Long Since Higgenson’s song “1, 2, from passersby not used to see- Island to play a show until 4 a.m. 3, 4” inspired Reed to summon ing such a dramatic set-up. After that, he drove to Reading, the courage to attend his first However, as time passed, Pennsylvania, and said he started band audition, Reed said he had EDM-style beats blew up in the hallucinating on the road after the opportunity to tell Higgenson music world, and many bands being awake for about 50 hours. began trying to incorporate that that story. Eventually, the band’s hard sound into their music — some- Reed said he still gets invited to work paid off. Now, Go Go Gad- thing Go Go Gadjet had already have lunch with Higgenson and jet has a 4,000-square-foot ware- been doing for years. to come to the Plain White T’s house in its name, which is home Myotte also began noticing shows when he’s in town. to a recording studio, a perfor- more and more bands bringing However, even through all of mance area and even an arcade, huge lights to their performances the big moments together, the Tomrell said. as well. band members still love perform- The band has come a long way Even as Go Go Gadjet began to ing at weddings and contribut- from rehearsing in its guitarist’s gain traction and develop a devot- ing to meaningful memories for parents’ basement. ed fan base, the band still felt ir- families. “To go from five of us huddled revocably connected to the Penn Tomrell said he can confirm in a minivan with gear in the State community. that any time the band has per- backseat to having a 26-foot box The band has performed at formed at a Penn State wedding, truck, all this equipment and a THON for years, and the event it’s always a lot of fun. space that we can run virtual has become one of the band’s “You just think about [how] you events from — I wouldn’t have fondest memories together. The made an impact. Somebody came been able to see this at that time,” members said they feel honored out on a night with their friends, Tomrell said. to be part of it. ended up meeting their future Even though he still performs “We’ve done it 13 times now. spouse, fell in love, and will con- with the band on occasion, acting [It’s] not just the event, but see- tinue to come out [to] support the as its emcee, Tomrell has taken ing family members each year… band,” Intelisano said, “so much a step back from singing to help that are still there, still a part of so that when they decide to get other musicians kick off their own it,” Tomrell said. “Giving this one- married, they want us to be there careers. hour performance — in that hour, and to play their first dance. It’s Go Go Gadjet’s success al- none of the sick kids that are awesome.” lowed Tomrell to launch his own there feel any pain at the time. Lately, Go Go Gadjet has not music management company, They get to escape for that hour, performed at any live events Three Hive Entertainment. He is and the fact that we have the op- and the band has converted to the company’s president. portunity to provide that is a won- livestreaming their shows due The company manages three derful experience and memory to the coronavirus. According to bands: Go Go Gadjet, Go Go for all of us.” Tomrell, the band mastered vir- tual performances early on in the pandemic — on March 14, 2020 Go Go Gadjet broadcast its first livestream and over 6,000 people joined. Since then, the band has suc- cessfully filmed many virtual Lion slist events from its studio and has BUY IT SELL' IT RENT IT generated enough money to meet the band’s expenses. HELP WANTED Reed said he believes the vir- tual events will prepare the band THE ARC OF Centre County offers great jobs for students! Flexible scheduling with to bring engaging performances great experience to add to your resume! We are offering $500 SIGN ON BONUSES for all DSP positions! These are ESSENTIAL positions! Earn $13-14 to the stage when Go Go Gadjet per hour! The Arc of Centre County is recruiting several employees to support indi- is finally allowed to play together viduals with intellectual disabilities in home settings and in the community. All train- in-person again. ing is provided! Direct Support Professionals provide care and support to individu- “We’re doing these shows als with disabilities in their homes and communities. Duties might include assisting for a phone or a camera, so I’ve with personal hygiene, upkeep of the home, preparing meals, behavioral support, etc., with the overall goal being to provide the highest quality care while promoting learned how to pull energy out of Joseph DiDomenico/Collegian file photo independence. Questions can be directed to Jessica Herzing at 814-810-7031 thin air,” Reed said. (calls or text messages are welcomed). The Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer The crowd goes wild as Go Go Gadjet performs during the PSiheartU week Visit collegian.psu.edu to read and proud United Way Member Agency. event at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017. the full story. OPINIONMaddie Aiken David Tilli Sarah Andriano Page 4 Editor in Chief Opinion Page Editor Business Manager Thursday, April 1, 2021 Students need more answers enn State’s lack of trans- showering East Halls with parency regarding the ris- unequal attention and neglect- Ping number of coronavirus OUR VIEW ing all other dutiful on campus should leave us all responsibilities. flustered. Perhaps there is a third pos- On Friday, March 26, after sibility, but the university is two weeks of constant emails East Halls coronavirus cases reveal deeper providing little information and pleas for particular East about its decision-making dorms to seek testing, the uni- processes. versity formally recommended problems about Penn State’s transparency Penn State has an obligation that the entire East bloc spits in to increase transparency and a receptacle. In order to make With the expanded encour- or more cases among individu- Disease Dynamics, said the open the flood gates of informa- this recommendation more agement for East, a clear and als within a two-week interval. East Halls situation is not indic- tion. Secrecy is never appreciat- practical for students, a pop-up disturbing pattern is emerging: Some universities have devel- ative of a cluster scenario, but ed nor warranted, especially testing center was established The student body experiences oped their own definitions of a rather points to a wider when the lives of so many indi- just outside Bigler Hall. an uptick of infections and posi- “cluster.” For example, the Uni- increase in cases among the viduals are at risk. Treating stu- While Penn State’s initiative tive cases, and the university versity of North Carolina at entire Penn State community. dent health and safety as mere is admirable in some aspects — unveils the bare minimum Chapel Hill defines a cluster as Cases are indeed on the rise numbers worthy of conceal- especially the drive to keep stu- amount of necessary five or more cases in close prox- across the board, that much ment, when human life is any- dents informed and make it that information about this upswell. imity, and provides students appears true. But assuming thing but a numbers game, much easier for them to find The behavior most damning with information about housing Ferrari is right and East Halls attests to a warped perception testing — other aspects of the is the strange refusal to catego- clusters as they occur on its merely evinces a wider prob- of the common good. university’s approach leaves rize East as a cluster zone. And coronavirus dashboard. lem, why is the university limit- Rather, the information something to be desired. if East does indeed bear little At Penn State, there has ing these emails and recom- should flow easily and freely. And the single thing most resemblance to a cluster loca- seemingly been an uptick in mendations to this one group of The university has a Timely desired is greater transparency tion, then the university’s exclu- positive cases among East- students? Warning system set in place, between administration and the sive focus on the locale seems bound students — otherwise, If cases are creeping up in informing students of potential student body. even stranger. the university would not have every corner of the community, or ongoing threats that occur on As previously mentioned, Fri- The Centers for Disease issued so many warnings and why not email the entire stu- campus. day’s decree was the culmina- Control and Prevention defines recommendations targeted for dent body and recommend Why not establish a similar tion of several smaller decrees a cluster as “an aggregation of the area. similar measures? system in this era of disease in the past few weeks. First, the cases grouped in place and time According to Penn State There are two possibilities and distress? Why erect walls residents of Beaver, Geary and that are suspected to be greater administration, the increase here. Either Penn State is will- around more specific data and Packer Halls received the email than the number expected, even does not meet the standards of ingly concealing East Halls’ details? encouraging testing, and then though the expected number any sort of “cluster.” In a webi- true identity as some sort of In the words that preluded this list expanded to include may not be known.” When nar hosted by university offi- cluster — and thereby willfully the fall of authoritarian hubris Snyder Hall and its residents applied to COVID-19, the con- cials, Matt Ferrari, who heads endangering all the students nearly three decades ago: Penn last week. cept solidifies and becomes two the Center for Infectious who reside there — or it is State, tear down these walls.

Cartoons by Kaleigh Quinnan

APRIL FOOLS’ SATIRE | Courtney Benedetto The mystery of McDonald’s basement At a glance, the McDonald’s on Positive and negative tests down into the depths of the East College Avenue may seem combined, the snotty statue “Forget what you basement. like a typical fast food chain loca- resembles none other than the McLayer 8: Chick-fil-A’s tion, but upon fur- Nittany Lion itself, complete with heard about Club new location ther inspection, a small squirrel companion McDonald’s Fret not, Penn State: Chick- Scan the QR code to download some may notice perched atop its brow. fil-A may have left the HUB, Spotlight, the official Daily Collegian the hidden McLayer 3: Ice cream outside of the but your darling chicken res- app for smartphones. entrance to the machines store.” taurant was merely relocated store’s basement. No surprise, in the frigid to the eighth McLayer of Employing my McLayer of McDonald’s McFer- Courtney Benedetto | Satire McDonald’s basement. investigative jour- no, I was surrounded by squeaky Furnished with tables, chairs nalism skills — clean ice cream machines, each and real cow mascots, this new Collegian Inc., 115 Carnegie Building, that I recently one filled with an infinite amount location is surely a hit — that University Park, PA. 16802 ©2021 Collegian Inc. Benedetto entered the fifth McLayer. used to discover of soft serve. Expecting to find a twerk cir- is assuming you make it past why the Palmer I watched as the employees cle of freshman, I was surprised the Willard Preacher’s judge- Museum squeaks — I went on and the Willard Preacher filed in to see only seniors in atten- ment. Board of Editors the daring quest to uncover the to get VIP access to the ice dance. McLayer 9: Club Editor in Chief secret behind the basement in cream. It’s no wonder the Who knew McDonald’s was McDonald’s Maddie Aiken McDonald’s. What I discovered machines are always “broken” — hiding every senior’s dream in Forget what you heard about Editor in Chief Elect was more horrific than Dante’s the employees don’t want to its basement? Club McDonald’s outside of the Jade Campos journey through the nine circles share the treasure that is the McLayer 6: Burger King store — the real action is in Managing Editor of Hell. third McLayer. employees the ninth and final McLayer of Lindsey Toomer I present to you the nine McLayer 4: Zoom breakout Things took a morbid turn in McDonald’s McFerno. Digital Managing Editor McLayers of the McDonald’s room simulation with Ronald the sixth McLayer. Jam-packed with twerking Shane Connelly and all the booze, the bottom of basement: McDonald and the Hamburglar I found hundreds of Burger News Editor McLayer 1: The Willard As I ventured down to the the basement is a rager no King employees milling around Jade Campos, Megan Swift Preacher fourth McLayer, I started to feel doubt. aimlessly. I tried to talk to one, Sports Editor Ever wonder where the Wil- the awkward sensation of being but his eyes were glassy, and he As I reached the bottom of Andrew Destin lard Preacher sleeps? Well, I can in a Zoom breakout room. could only mumble the words to the basement, I realized this confirm it’s not the Willard I rounded a corner to face the famous Filet-O-Fish song. spiritual journey is not for the Andrew Porterfield Building, but the first McLayer Ronald McDonald and the Ham- I noticed the McNugget- faint of heart, but the fearless Lifestyle Editor of McDonald’s McFerno. burglar staring into my soul shaped house arrest anklets on of warriors. Jeremiah Hassel Here, he greets basement through a panoramic video each lost soul, and I hurried to With no way back through Becky Marcinko travelers with the word of God screen. the next McLayer, afraid some- the upper McLayers and no Opinion Editor and decides whether they are Ronald asked me if I was lovin’ one might try to drug me. exit in sight, I accepted my fate David Tilli worthy of venturing further it, and the hamburglar just McLayer 7: Taco Bell’s ashes as a Club McDonald’s regular. Photo Editor down. smiled at me with his buckteeth The remains of McDonald’s *I wrote this article with my Lily LaRegina Luckily for me, I apologized to and piercing gaze. fallen competitor lie in the sev- spiked McDonald’s sprite in Multimedia Editor hand, as I will do for the rest of God after I cut the line to get my I peaced out of that McLayer enth McLayer. Used candles and Ben McClary Happy Meal. rather quickly. withered flowers from the Taco eternity. To contact News Division: McLayer 2: Used McLayer 5: Alternate reality Bell vigil litter the ground. News, Opinions, Arts, Sports, Photo, Graphics, The coronavirus test swabs with seniors at the Blue-White I could hear the faint tune of Courtney Benedetto is a junior major- Daily Collegian Online and The Weekly Collegian Turns out, McDonald’s collects Game “Amazing Grace” and smell the ing in digital and print journalism and Phone: 814-865-1828 | Fax: 814-863-1126 every coronavirus testing swab I first heard the cheers from distinct aroma of tacos in the air. is a reporter for The Daily Collegian. from Penn State to build the the crowd and got a glimpse of I can’t lie, I may have shed a Email her at [email protected] or fol- largest cotton swab structure. the Blue-White game as I tear or two as I made my way low her on Twitter at @courtbenedetto. Board of Managers Business Manager Sarah Andriano Business Manager Elect We want to hear from you verification. Letters should be opinion is determined by its als. Penn State students write Mikayla Brennan signed by no more than two peo- Board of Opinion, which is made and edit both papers and solicit Send us your comments on Vice President ple. Members of organizations up of members of its Board of advertising for them. our coverage, editorial decisions Lilly Forsyth must include their titles if the Editors, with the editor in chief During the fall and spring and the Penn State community. Advertising Manager topic they write about is connect- holding final responsibility for semesters as well as the second Scott Witham Email: editorinchief@ ed with the aim of their groups. content. The opinions expressed six-week summer session, The Creative Director psucollegian.com The Collegian reserves the right on the editorial page are not Daily Collegian publishes Mon- Kaylyn McGrory Online: collegian.psu.edu to edit letters. The Collegian can- necessarily those of Collegian day through Friday. Issues are Marketing Director 112 W. not guarantee publication of all Inc., a separate institution from distributed by mail to other Postal Mail/In Person: Abigail Schucker West Foster Ave., State College, letters. Letters chosen also run Penn State. Penn State campuses and sub- PA 16801 on The Daily Collegian Online scribers. Business Insights Director Letters should be about 200 and may be selected for publica- About the Collegian Adam Rhoad words. Student letters should tion in The Weekly Collegian. All The Daily Collegian and The Complaints Sales Directors include class year, major and letters become property of Colle- Weekly Collegian are published News and editorial complaints Alex Baker campus. Letters from alumni gian Inc. by Collegian Inc., an indepen- should be presented to the edi- Jill Shuster should include graduation year. dent, nonprofit corporation with tor. Business and advertising To contact Business Division: All writers should provide their Who we are a board of directors composed of complaints should be presented Advertising, circulation, accounting and classifieds Phone: 814-865-2531 | Fax: 814-865-3848 address and phone number for The Daily Collegian’s editorial students, faculty and profession- to the business manager. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Thursday, April 1, 2021 SPORTS Page 5 From the ground up New coach Micah Shrewsberry tasked with rebuilding Penn State’s basketball program By Tanyon Loose consistent in that area, we’re The Daily Collegian giving ourselves a chance every night whether the ball goes in or The history and tradition of ath- not.” letics at Penn State is one filled The new head coach’s plan for with success and lasting legacies the team’s offense will likely get of programs and fans excited, as Shrewsberry MEN’S coaches alike. plans to base his attack on the However, there offense he learned under Brad BASKETBALL is very little men- Stevens with the Celtics and at tion of basketball Butler. in any of that history. “The way we want to play will The Nittany Lions have not had be a little free flowing,” Shrews- a coach eclipse the .600 mark in berry said. “I’m big on spacing winning percentage since Elmer and giving each other a chance to Gross in the 1950s, have made make plays by getting out of each the NCAA Tournament just nine other’s way. Everybody needs to times and have only been ranked touch the ball and share the ball. for a total of 25 weeks all-time. “If you’re doing that offensively, After moving on from former I think guys feel good about the interim head coach Jim Ferry, offense and they feel good about who took over following the res- each other, which leads to them ignation of previous head coach being more connected on the Pat Chambers, the athletic de- defensive end.” partment and its administration Courtesy of Penn State Athletics In the beginning of his tenure spent considerable time search- Micah Shrewsberry was introduced as Penn State men’s basketball’s head coach on Tuesday, March 30. at Penn State, Shrewsberry may ing for the man whose job it will not always be able to bring in the be to change that forgettable is something he can use to his as the other coaches here.” “My goal is to have a great players he really wants and may legacy. advantage. In order to avoid a potentially team in place when it’s time to be left working with players that The person they settled on? “Everybody here in this depart- lackluster first season as head tip off next season,” Shrewsber- don’t always fit into his ideal mold. Micah Shrewsberry, a former as- ment has reached out to me and coach, Shrewsberry will look to ry said. “There are a lot of great Fortunately for Penn State, sistant with both the Boston Celt- has welcomed me to this family,” make an effort to retain several players out there out there, but Shrewsberry brings to the table ics and fellow Big Ten program Shrewsberry said. “I have zero of the players who entered their we want our own. We also want over 20 years of coaching expe- Purdue. wins right now and last week, two names into the transfer portal guys that are two feet in for Penn rience at a number of different Shrewsberry will be faced with [Penn State] coaches hit 600 and following the end of the 2020-21 State, that bleed Penn State and levels, where he has experience a daunting task in Happy Valley. 200. That’s a long way away, but season. that believe in our vision.” adapting to different situations The Indianapolis native must they were at zero at one point as Shrewsberry has already seen One of the most important both when building a program first pick up the pieces from a well, so I want to ask them: ‘How one player announce he’ll return steps for the former Purdue as- and during games. tattered program that has seen do you get there? How are you in junior guard Izaiah Brock- sistant will be to establish his “I don’t think you can be mar- nearly all of its prominent players doing this?’” ington, and he is still in contact desired system at Penn State. ried to one certain way of play- enter the transfer portal and has Shrewsberry also stated how with Trent Buttrick, John Harrar, Shrewsberry emphasized the ing, and then your players don’t no incoming recruits in the class much James Franklin has helped Myreon Jones and Seth Lundy. importance of defense in college fit that way. I think you need to of 2021 at the moment. him since he got here and how “I’ve talked to every single one basketball’s current landscape, be able to adjust and change He must also work to build a the head coach of a football team of the guys that have entered, and referencing how nearly all of the things up on the fly,” Shrewsber- competitive program in what as prominent as Penn State’s can we are actively trying to get them teams playing in the Elite Eight ry said. “That’s what I learned in many believe to be the deepest help him out. back. We’re talking to them and during this year’s NCAA Tour- the offensive coordinator role in and most challenging conference “I know my place at this uni- having conversations face-to-face nament are all elite defensive Purdue, and that’s what we’ll do in college basketball at a school versity. I need him to help us re- over Zoom or FaceTime, but we teams, as well as all of the top here. that has never been known for its cruit, and that’s huge for me,” are actively recruiting as well,” teams in the Big Ten. “We want to put our players basketball team. Shrewsberry said. “Being able to Shrewsberry said. “We have to be a great defen- in the best position to succeed. Some coaches might see work- have a man like James Franklin While acknowledging the im- sive team. To have a chance in From one game to the next, ev- ing for a university where bas- to learn from, to pick his brain, to portance of the portal and retain- the Big Ten, you have to be one eryone is different, but that is ketball is far from the forefront know the good and the bad of this ing players, the newly named of the top defensive teams in our part of learning and being able to of everyone’s minds as a disad- place — he’s reached out, he’s head coach did state he’s only league. That’s how you win. I’ve adjust.” vantage, but Shrewsberry has asked questions, he’s asked how interested in having players that had a chance to see it up close and expressed how the success of so he could help — I’m just thrilled are 100% invested in the program personal these last two years,” To email reporter: [email protected]. many other teams at Penn State to have someone like that, as well coming back to play. Shrewsberry said. “If we’re Follow him on Twitter at @LooseTanyon. Sean Clifford ready for season of firsts By Andrew Porterfield The Daily Collegian

This time last year, Penn State starting quarterback Sean Clif- Camille Stefani/Collegian file photo ford wasn’t throwing to the re- ceivers he was Penn State men’s volleyball coach Mark Pavlik picked up his 600th FOOTBALL used to training career win in his team’s straight-set sweep over Sacred Heart Saturday. with. The Cincinnati native — away from his 2019 teammates like KJ Hamler and Jahan Dotson — was Mark Pavlik hits getting his reps in with someone he’s much closer with. It was someone who shares his surname. career milestone Due to the coronavirus pan- demic, Clifford was forced to start By Madison Ridge been going through for maybe the his spring and early summer off- The Daily Collegian Lily LaRegina/Collegian last three to four weekends,” Pav- season training program at home lik said. “One of the things we cer- — throwing to his brother, Liam. Sean Clifford runs through a gap in Michigan State’s defense during After earning his 600th career tainly talked about was the ability Now an incoming freshman Penn State football’s eventual 39-24 win on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. win as a coach, Penn State’s to play well night one and come wideout for the Nittany Lion pro- Mark Pavlik had a lot to be back to reach that same level.” gram, Liam trained with the blue- Longhorns in the same role. shaky 2020 campaign — a thankful for Junior setter Bogner is a spe- and-white field general over the A handful of practices into campaign so shaky that he MEN’S on Saturday, cialist in the art of defense with course of quarantine to keep both spring ball, Clifford is already found himself on the March 27. an eye for passing. Cliffords sharp ahead of their seeing a palpable energy the new pine more than once. VOLLEYBALL But rather His decision-making has respective fall seasons. offensive coordinator brings to Clifford split time with than basking in helped put the Nittany Lions in And now, a calendar year later, the team. now-Kentucky quarterback personal glory, Pavlik was most a position to win on many occa- the brothers are preparing to “He’s a fiery guy,” Clifford said. Will Levis, at one point being grateful for the 2021 Nittany sions throughout the course of take the field together for the first “He’s somebody who brings the benched in favor of Levis prior Lions. his career. time when the 2021 season rolls juice everyday, and he’s just been to the Nittany Lions’ tilt against Pavlik has trained his fair While Bogner is prolific at dish- around in September. really inspiring to this offense and Iowa in the team’s fifth game of share of volleyball players, but in ing the ball off to his teammates “We’ve never been on a true gives us a lot of optimism.” the season. his 27 years at University Park, — so much so that he was recent- team together, because we’ve And this isn’t the first time the While Clifford did appear in this year’s roster holds a special ly named EIVA Offensive Player been four years apart,” Clifford field general has had to weath- that eventual 41-21 loss to the place in his heart. of the Week — he also has the said. “We always talked about er a coaching change that has Hawkeyes, his skid down the “I’ve really enjoyed being in the ability to play strong defense. how it’d be so, so great to be able impacted his position. depth chart wasn’t soon for- gym with them. I enjoy watching Wildman and Bogner have a to finally play together on the Over the course of his five-year gotten by the quarterback who them play,” Pavlik said. “They’re special relationship on the court same team. For that to finally be- Penn State career, Clifford has had started the previous 17 20 of the finest young men that that allows them to communicate come true this year, it just makes now had four offensive coordina- contests. you’re going to want to be around. well on both offense and defense. me so excited.” tors: Yurcich, Ciarrocca, Ricky “To be benched on national If a significant milestone is to be However, Pavlik said the duo can Clifford, entering his fifth year Rahne and Joe Moorhead. television for everyone to see, it shared, I couldn’t have asked for be extremely versatile when the in the Penn State quarterback Only one of those coaches — takes a lot out of you,” Clifford a better team to share it with.” situation calls for it. room, will be joined by Liam after Rahne, the current head coach at said. “You know you’re that One of the things that makes And that truth carries to the the latter posted a 3-star rating Old Dominion — spent more than guy, you want to lead your team this year’s squad so special for rest of the team, too. as a prospect as the 19th-ranked one season with Clifford as the and you want to be there for Pavlik is its adaptability and abil- “If anybody walks out of this player in Ohio in the class of offensive coordinator. everybody.” ity to perform whatever tasks gym tonight focusing on the 2021, according to the 247Sports Clifford, though, tries his best After a season that brought are asked of it, regardless of things that didn’t go well for them, composite rating. to go with the flow and control upon more hurdles than med- specialization. they are just flat out wrong,” Pav- But the younger Clifford isn’t only what he can. als for Clifford and company, Players such as Cole Bogner, lik said. “Everybody contributed the only new face Nittany Lion “When they come and go, you the team captain is continuing Tim Herget and Brett Wildman and did things really well tonight, fans will see when the blue just have to adjust,” Clifford said. to take cues from his squad’s are known to Pavlik as being from top to bottom.” and white opens its season at “I had a lot of love for Coach Ci- 2020 performance. renaissance men of volleyball, Sophomore outside hitter Wisconsin on Sept. 4. arrocca, but now that he’s gone, “It’s not always gonna be something that comes in handy Herget is another player who is James Franklin made a quick I’m developing a new relationship sunshine and rainbows ev- when the Nittany Lions are up known for his flexibility on the change to his coaching staff after with Coach Yurcich. ery single play of every single against physical teams. court. going 4-5 in the 2020 campaign, “I’m not sad about it, I’m not game,” Clifford said. “You’ve In its latest series against Sa- Herget managed seven kills, relieving previous offensive co- mad about it. It’s just the way it got to be able to handle that cred Heart, Penn State domi- six digs and one block in his latest ordinator Kirk Ciarrocca of his goes.” adversity day in and day out — nated the court from every an- match against Sacred Heart and duties in favor of recently-hired Under the tutelage of Yur- that’s what I learned the most.” gle — especially with defensive has been a vital player in his first Mike Yurcich. cich, the perennial start- maneuvers. official season. Yurcich most recently ing quarterback will strive To email reporter: [email protected]. “[Saturday] was a continuation Visit collegian.psu.edu to read spent time with the Texas to improve upon a rather Follow him on Twitter at @porterfield. of the preparation this team has the full story. Page 6 | Thursday, April 1, 2021 Local The Daily Collegian Students talk politics in the classroom By Julia Mertes current political polarization in the FOR THE COLLEGIAN world can create tense classroom discussions, but he said these Whether students start their disagreements shouldn’t end day by walking into a physical friendships or prevent them from classroom or entering a virtual forming. meeting, political discussions and “I think you can be friends conversations on current events with someone even if you don’t still tend to be part of Penn State share the same political beliefs as students’ daily schedules. them,” he said, “but there is a dif- Many students said political ference between not having the discussions are a useful and im- same political beliefs and realiz- portant aspect of college educa- ing one of your friends is a cloud tion. However, some said there of racism.” are many reasons students feel In fact, Harris said being un- uncomfortable sharing their able to maintain friendly relations perspectives. with people who hold diverse Alyssa Sweeney said discuss- perspectives demonstrates “our ing politics in the classroom is failing as a society.” beneficial since students “are “It’s important to not let some- surrounded by politics all the one’s political identity constrain time” — which she said is espe- your relationship with them,” cially true due to the country’s Harris said. “current era of division.” To improve classroom political “I think it can be really refresh- Emma Kappel/Collegian file photo discussions, Sweeney said she ing when a class brings in politics, Students had differing opinions on the importance and usefulness of political discussions in college education. recommends the Socratic meth- because everything is political od, which involves using ques- — even our lives are political,” politics, French and Spanish) has encountered other classes necessarily what you hear when tions to simulate critical thought Sweeney (junior-psychology and said. where “those [opposing] views you’re in class,” Bell said. and discussion. English) said. While many students agree are pushed out,” which she said Bell said unequal representa- “I honestly think engaging in Additionally, Sweeney said political discussions can be ben- is a problem. tions and opinions in the class- the Socratic method would be a “sharing opinions in classes that eficial, Cihanowyz said there are According to Sweeney, some room are detrimental to the really good tactic for getting peo- facilitate political discussion in a certain viewpoints and opinions students may be unmotivated to learning environment. ple talking in a respectful manner safe environment is healthy for — like racist and misogynist opin- speak up due to “moral purity” “I have definitely been in situ- with each other and also getting students.” She said students can ions — that shouldn’t be allowed and potential judgment from ations where I’ve felt like my people who are slower to speak talk about relevant issues and in the classroom since they’re peers. opinions were the minority in actively in discussions,” Sweeney topics they’re hearing about in “not conducive to a healthy and “I think there’s this idea of that setting, so I definitely wasn’t said. the media. safe classroom environment.” moral purity where people feel as comfortable to speak up,” Bell Additionally, Bell said anony- Other students — like Max “We’re never going to grow like they have to adhere to certain said. “It almost makes me want mous polls stimulate “construc- Harris — said they enjoy tak- and change if we don’t talk about beliefs — or people have to per- to speak up more — although you tive conversations,” based on her ing classes that discuss current things, but I think there are ceive them as have to pick personal experience with classes events because they become a certain opinions — that aren’t adhering to your words that used polls. more “woke person.” even really opinions — that you certain be- “I think you can be more care- “[Anonymous polls] makes “Obviously, these discussions should be afraid to have, and you liefs — and friends with someone fully in that people more willing to share their should be done within a space shouldn’t be able to speak them if they don’t, setting.” views, especially if they see 43% where students are comfortable up,” Cihanowyz said. then they even if you don’t share Many stu- of the class agrees with them,” with sharing their own opinions,” Jamie Bell agreed and said cer- aren’t pure,” the same political beliefs dents — in- Bell said. “It shows students that Harris (freshman-advertising and tain topics should be off limits, es- Sweeney said. cluding Bell they’re not as much of the [oppo- public relations) said, “and there pecially if they “negatively impact Some as them, but there is a — said the sition] as they initially thought. needs to be some understanding students.” Bell (junior-rehabili- students, difference between not growing ex- It’s not just the one kid having with the professor — and with tation and human services) said including Bell, istence of to raise their hand and thinking the other students — that there’s gay rights is a topic that should said they’ve having the same political “cancel cul- they’re the only person in the going to be no animosity held for be excluded from debate. repeatedly beliefs and realizing one ture” impacts class who thinks like that.” people for their political views.” “There shouldn’t be debates heard the whether stu- Bell said students should begin Emma Cihanowyz, a member about whether or not you’re able stereotype of your friends is a cloud dents voice class discussions by trying to find of Penn State College Demo- to have your rights,” Bell said. that universi- of racism.” their opinions a “common ground” with their crats, said as long as a person’s “That’s not something other ty professors in the class- classmates instead of trying to viewpoint is educated and well- students in your class should be and students Max Harris room and how change other people’s minds. researched, they should share discussing and deciding.” tend to be freshman-advertising & public relations they do it. “Let’s not start with what we thoughts in discussions. Sweeney said she’s taken left-leaning. “I think ev- disagree on — let’s start in the “I think it’s important to share some classes where opposing “Something eryone’s re- middle with what we agree on,” your thoughts from an educated viewpoints were highlighted in I was sur- ally scared to Bell said. “Then, we can go from standpoint and make sure all discussions. She said those pro- prised to find out is how much of a disagree, and there’s kind of this there trying to understand each your thoughts are backed by fessors made the classrooms “a split we actually have on campus sigma that comes from having other — even if we’re not going the course material, as well as very safe environment for every- — like how many people on cam- disagreements with other people to change each other’s view- outside material and any other one to share their views and feel pus actually do identify as Repub- — that it has to be personal, it has points — because that shouldn’t education you have,” Ciha- welcome.” licans — and I thought [this split] to be heated,” Bell said. be the goal of having these nowyz (sophomore-international However, Sweeney said she is interesting because that’s not According to Harris, the conversations.”