DUKE 2020 Character matters when choosing a candiate Duke’s guide to local -Opinions : pg.5 election -pg.A3

Presidental debate highlights -pg.A1 ELECTION ISSUE Should the U.S. still use the electoral college? -Opinions : pg.5 Everything you need to know about mail-in ballots -pg.A1 Pg. A1

Pandemic leadership proves focal point of final presidential debate Next, the two candidates talked about Zoe Stratos American families, specifically healthcare. staff writer Trump claimed that he would overturn Obamacare, as he overturned the individual fter appearing for the first time on mandate during his first four years. He also stage together on Sept. 29 in what included that he would form a better plan only could be described as a chaotic — one that would better protect people with A preexisting conditions. Biden claimed to 90 minutes, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden came to- build off of Obamacare by passing a public gether last Thursday for another go at a pres- option, reducing premiums and assuring idential debate. that private insurance holders would not lose Trump’s diagnosis of COVID-19 in early their healthcare. October led to the second debate being can- During the race in America topic, Trump celed. With only one remaining debate, this improved from his argument during the first was the candidates’ last chance to plead their debate by talking of his efforts to reform the cases to citizens as to why they deserve to be prison system. Trump may have lost ground the president of the United States. when he claimed that he is “the least racist per- Hosted by Belmont University and moder- son in the room,” but again gained ground in ated by NBC’s White House Correspondent, coining the phrase “all talk, no action” in refer- Kristen Welker, the debate covered six top- courtesy of CNN ence to Biden’s lack of action in over 35 years in ics over the course of 90 minutes including Trump and Biden face off in the final presidential debate on the stage of Belmont University. politics. As a response, Biden took ownership the pandemic, national security, American of his mistakes with the crime bills during the away,” as well as that a vaccine is in the near to make sure they open safely. families, race in America, climate change 1980s and ‘90s. future. He also highlighted that the coun- During the national security portion, the and leadership. Due to the overabundant The climate change section largely sur- try needed to reopen as soon as possible to debate became more accusatory rather than interruptions during the last debate, each rounded Biden’s clean energy policies. After continue the economic prosperity he is con- a policy debate. candidate was given two minutes to speak Trump asked him “would you close down the gratulated for. Both candidates continuously accused the — uninterrupted — with a series of rebuttals oil industry?” Biden quickly returned with, “I After the debate, fact checkers noted other of collusion — specifically with Russia after answers. During the two minutes, the would transition from the oil industry, yes” — a that the U.S. has not rounded the corner and China. In this section, Trump told Biden opposition’s microphone was muted. statement that could lose him votes in the last yet. According to the COVID-19 Track- he “owes an explanation to the American peo- Starting off with COVID-19 — arguably days leading to the election. ing Project, around 60,000 new cases are the most prominent topic — each candidate ple” amid recent questions regarding his son, Lastly, during the leadership section, both reported daily, which is up from around took his own route on answering questions Hunter Biden’s, overseas business ventures. ended the debate with final inaugural state- regarding the upcoming vaccine, reopening 50,000 in early October. Biden ignored these claims, responding to the ments. Both highlighted their strongest policy the country and providing economic relief Biden, looking more so at the future, as- president, “I have released all of my tax re- beliefs, and assured the American people they for small businesses and schools. serted that he will look at the science to deliv- turns … You have not released a single solitary made the right choice. Trump focused on defending his four years er transparency to the public, enforce mask year.” Trump replied that he would release The race is tighter than we think after this as president; however, he brought up that wearing, sanitizing and social distancing and the tax returns as soon as he could — a claim presidential debate, and the upcoming Elec- the U.S. has “rounded the corner — it’s going provide resources to businesses and schools he has made without follow-up for years. tion Day is Nov 3.

Mail-in ballots: the preferred voting during a pandemic election Zoe Stratos When choosing a mail-in ballot, voters can apply on- line or through the mail. An application must be filled staff writer out completely and submitted to your local county board n the U.S., voting is a fundamental right for citizens, of elections office. After receiving the ballot, it must be and showing up to the polling booths to cast a ballot filled out completely, sealed in the secrecy envelope, Ion Election Day has been the standard since the begin- sealed again and signed in the pre-addressed return en- ning of democracy. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Elec- velope and either taken or mailed to your county board tion Day is slightly different, as mail-in voting takes center of elections office. The earlier you turn in your ballot, the stage in all 50 states for the first time ever. surer you can be that it is counted. Election Day is Nov. 3, but for those voting by mail, “It was kind of like filling out the SAT,” Duquesne se- what deadlines should be paid attention to, and how do nior Emma McDonnell said. “After I opened it, it gave me you make sure your vote is filled out correctly? a set of instructions. You have to make sure the bubble is On the Pennsylvania government website, it’s stated completely filled in, and you have to use a pen.” that voters can now apply as an absentee or a mail-in However, the issue is that deadlines are different than voter without an excuse. For background, absentee bal- in person. The mail-in ballot must be received by the vot- lots are submitted by mail from an absentee. An absentee er by Oct. 27, and postmarked Nov. 3 by 8 p.m. If person- is a person who physically cannot go to a polling booth, ally taken to the county board of elections office, it must whether it be because of military deployment or because be in by Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. the voter will not be in his or her registered state during Along with directions of how and when to fill out the courtesy of the philadelphia inquirer the election. mail-in ballot on the state government website, many ad- Mail-in ballots feature small circles, akin to standardized testing. Moreover, the absentee ballot cannot be given to any- vertisements from local organizations reminded voters to from the Heritage Foundation, over 250 million votes one; there has to be an excuse. The voter must then re- fill out and turn in their mail-in ballots. have been cast by mail over the years, and only 1,285 have quest and be accepted to use the ballot through his or her “I got text messages about voting,” McDonnell said. “I proven cases of voter fraud. state government. However, 29 states, including Pennsyl- was shocked about that because I didn’t know how they “I think I know how it will affect the election, but re- vania, allow no-excuse absentee ballots, which are essen- got my number. It made me a little uncomfortable, but ally no one will until the election is over,” Sheahan said. tially no different from a mail-in ballot. Both are submit- they were really good and helpful advertisements. I also “It’s a little bit of uncharted territory. There will be a lot ted by mail. According to the Pennsylvania government saw a lot of good ones when I’d watch YouTube.” of talk and speculation about what the future will hold. website, absentee and mail-in ballots are equally safe and Since the scope of voting is changing in the U.S. this For me it might become a permanent part of voting, and I secure ways to cast ballots. The DOS online mail ballot year, there are worries among citizens as to how it will suspect that it will be for a lot of other people, too.” application can help decide which ballot is for you. affect the election outcome. But some want to stick to the standard in person vot- “It’s helpful if you have a disability, or if you’re part of Recently in Paterson, New Jersey, a municipal election ing. the at-risk population,” Duquesne political science pro- was conducted entirely by mail, and there were issues “I was just happy I got to vote for the first time,” Mc- fessor Luke Sheahan said. “It’s also helpful if your job with fraudulent and stolen mail-in ballots. There are also Donnell said. “I had the intimacy in my own home, and doesn’t allow it. I did it myself. I have to be on campus higher rejection rates among mail-in ballots, which could then I could just go on with the rest of my day. This was relatively early on Tuesday’s, I’d be pretty hard pressed, turn the tide in a close election. a good time first voting, but I really wanted my ‘I voted’ as other citizens are, to get it [in person voting] done.” Other than the Paterson incident, according to a study sticker.” October 29, 2020 Voting October 29, 2020 Volume 103 Number 10 THE DUQUESNE DUKE www.duqsm.com PROUDLY SERVING OUR CAMPUS SINCE 1925 All Greek Life suspended until Feb. 1 LGBTQ+ students call Colleen Hammond news editor for inclusion

Citing, “the careless and ir- responsible activities of our fra- after Pope ternities and sororities,” Doug Frizzell, senior vice president of student life, on Wednesday sus- Francis’ pended all of Duquesne’s Greek Life until February for repeated violations of COVID-19 protocols. statement As part of their suspension, all Greek organizations are prohib- Colleen Hammond ited from hosting all virtual and news editor in-person activities including so- cial gatherings, recruiting events On Tuesday, Oct. 20, a new, ex- and charitable functions. It is un- clusive documentary on the life clear if their on-campus housing and papacy of Pope Francis was will be dissolved or disbanded released in which his holiness pub- now or in the coming weeks. licly advocated for same-sex civil Frizzell informed the presi- unions for the first time. dents of all 16 active Greek or- While Pope Francis’s statement ganizations on campus at an did not advocate for gay marriage, emergency meeting at noon on he did state his support of “legal Wednesday, saying that they civil unions.” Through this pro- failed to live up to their organi- cess, he noted the desire for mem- zation’s mission statements. bers of the LGBT+ community to “We made the decision due to “be a family.” repeated and egregious viola- Although his statements did not tions of the university’s Student go into specific detail about the Code of Conduct COVID-19 stan- types of legal protections he thinks dards by several organizations Sam Labash / staff photographer gay couples should be afforded, and numerous members of Greek All Greek Life organizations have been suspended from in-person and virtual events until Feb. 1, 2021. The announcement many have speculated that he is ad- organizations,” Frizzell said in a came after multiple organizations violated campus’s new COVID-19 rules and protocols. vocating for gay couples to be able statement sent to all students on to adopt children and legalizing ho- Wednesday evening. took pride in her chapter’s com- healthy, Alpha Omicron Pi will “For Greek Life at Duquesne, mosexulaity across the globe. Citing FERPA, the Office of mitment to the health and well be subject to the same suspen- the next several weeks are a mo- This statement, while in line with Greek Life refused to say how being of the community. sion as the Greek Life chapters ment of reckoning and, hopeful- Pope Francis’s progressive papacy, many students within those “Their safety is a priority to who were hosting large gather- ly, reflection,” Frizzell said. has received mixed reviews from groups have tested positive for me,” Crouch said. ings, not social distancing and He also warned students — Catholics around the world. the virus or been cited for violat- She said she sought to mini- not wearing masks. Greek or not — to continue to However, the Catholic commu- ing campus rules. mize in-person events while “I know not all students in abide by strict social distanc- nity at Duquesne took the Pope’s Frizzell made it clear in his maintaining a sense of communi- these organizations took part in ing and mask wearing protocols statement as an opportunity to statement that COVID-19 proto- ty. Because the suspension began the actions, but as organizations during the upcoming Halloween reaffirm their commitment to the col violations are not few and far immediately, all Greek chapters that have a charge to work collec- holiday weekend. LGBT+ community. between. were prohibited from even meet- tively for values they represent, “The desire of some to attend “We understand that many LG- “Despite several sanctions and ing virtually to break the news to the failure of some is often a large parties does not outweigh BTQIA+ people are often margin- repeated warnings, our Greek or- their members, Crouch said. As a negative reflection on the entire the importance of taking pre- alized; we also recognize that they ganizations sadly did not (com- result, she sent a video message group,” Frizzell said. cautions to prevent or limit the are deserving of our respect, digni- ply),” Frizzell said. to all her chapter members ex- In his scathing critique of spread of COVID-19,” Mickler ty and love,” said a joint statement Before the fall semester began, plaining the situation. Greek Life, Frizzell placed the and Sawa said. by Duquesne University President Greek Life presidents were noti- “The university understands blame for Duquesne’s rising CO- Although Greek Life has re- Ken Gormley and the Reverend fied of the new COVID-19 pro- the challenges related to COV- VID-19 case numbers on Greek ceived the brunt of Frizzell’s dis- Ray French, senior vice president tocols and given strict orders to ID-19 student expectations,” said organizations. ciplinary action, he noted that for mission and identity. obey them at the risk of individ- Rebecca Mickler, director of “At a time when the university individual violations of COVID-19 While the role of the LGBT+ ual or organizational suspension, Greek Life, and Annie Mullarkey and, indeed, our region needed protocols from both students and community in the Catholic Church said Alpha Omicron Pi President Sawa, director of student con- those leaders most to live the val- staff have been handled on a case has been widely contested and ar- Jenna Crouch. duct, in a statement to The Duke. ues their organizations espouse, by case basis. Still, Frizzell’s state- gued for decades, Pope Francis’s “They put the fear of God in “But the policies and protocols as a system they failed to do so.” ment was adamant that Greek Life statement seems to be a change of me,” Crouch said. that Duquesne has implemented The day before this announce- should be held responsible for time that could help to improve re- Crouch claimed that none of are essential to continue to keep ment rocked Duquesne’s Greek their actions. lations among these groups. her more than 80 sorority sis- campus open and offer an in-per- Life chapters, Duquesne report- “It’s an unfortunate situation “I think it’s a big sign of hope for ters were involved in any large, son experience.” ed 23 new cases of COVID-19 that fell on Greek life,” Crouch me,” said Michael Murphy, a senior in-person social gatherings and Despite Crouch’s best efforts with over 50 students in isolation said. “But I don’t think it’s just took pride in her chapter’s com- to keep her organization safe and and another 205 in quarantine. Greek life.” see POPE— page 3 opinions features sports a & e Follow us on... Operation Moti- Oh Happy Day! NFL squads vary The Boss is vation in policies Back! Voter registration at an Small busniess on Crowd control rules Bruce Springsteen all time high the North Side brings different by state, team releases 20th studio joy and happiness to album customers. @theduquesneduke PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 10 2 THEDUQUESNEDUKE POLICE briefs Update: Duquesne purchases body Seminar Here are the crimes reported cameras for Duquesne Police from Oct. 19 to Oct. 26. Kellen Stepler to enable police in Pennsylvania to and expectations of our communi- discusses On Oct. 21, a female student editor-in-chief wear body cameras. ty,” Rago said in the statement. was deceived by an unknown “Support for our efforts is drawn In collaboration with Duquesne’s actor for the purchase of a puppy On Sept. 25, Duquesne University from the experiences of state and Police union, the university is work- BLM and online. announced that they had purchased local agencies who continue to pro- ing on implementation details and body cameras. vide us with critical guidance as we policy-making practices. On Oct. 23, a student was found “Cameras raise several consid- civil rights smoking marijuana on the 10th erations that the Department of level of the Locust Garage. The Public Safety and the university will student is being referred to the Kellen Stepler Office of Student Conduct. take into account, including the ef- fects that cameras have on privacy editor-in-chief On Oct. 25, a student was found and community relationships, con- to be in possession of alcohol and cerns raised by frontline officers, ex- As 350 million people protest- marijuana inside St. Martin’s pectations that cameras create, and ed and made history this summer Hall. The student is being other considerations. There are also under the name of Black Lives Matter (BLM), Ohio State profes- referred to the Office of Student basic software and technology com- sor Hasan Kwame Jeffries spoke Conduct. Additionally, a non- ponents that need to be addressed affiliated guest of the student at a Zoom seminar Tuesday, as the cameras are deployed,” the discussing what the civil rights was issued a defiant trespass statement says. warning. movement can teach us about The statement notes that with BLM protests. a police department the size of Also on Oct. 25, the The event was sponsored by the Duquesne’s, it will take four to six grandmother of a resident Courtesy of Emily Stock McAnulty College of Liberal Arts, student reported her missing. Duquesne Police officers open the newly delivered body cameras. months to craft, review and ap- the Department of History and The student was found by prove an appropriate department the Office of Diversity and Inclu- Pittsburgh Police at her A little over a month later, the work draft policy that meets—and policy, training and full deploy- sion on behalf of the Duquesne boyfriend’s house. university announced that they have we expect will exceed—the needs ment of the system. NAACP chapter and Ebony Wom- received those cameras this month, en for Social Change. Jeffries opened the seminar Also on Oct. 25, a student in along with investing in a system that Brottier Hall was transported with facts: On average, over the will equip all 40 public safety offi- past 10 years, police kill almost to UPMC Mercy Hospital for cers with those body-worn cameras. excessive intoxication. The 1,000 people every year-35% of The body cameras are one of Dan- those people are African-Ameri- student will be referred to the nielle Brown’s, mother of Marquis Office of Student Conduct. can. He noted that three times the Jaylen “JB” Brown, three demands amount of African-Americans die of the university. Brown has been at the hands of police compared advocating for police reforms on to those of lynch mobs in the Jim college campuses since early July. Crow era. Additionally, Duquesne law pro- “Calls for justice are grounded JOIN THE DUKE! fessor John Rago will assist the pro- in reality,” Jeffries said. “Black gram. Rago was a main source of the folk are seeking justice.” If you’re interested, email ham- He said that the purposes of [email protected] or stop by our Pennsylvania Act 22 of 2017, which Courtesy of Emily Stock The new body cameras for all Duquesne Police officers are unboxed. the protests is seeking recogni- newsroom located in the basement eliminated numerous legal barriers tion and truth. BLM is not poli- of College Hall (Room 113). tics, he said – and people need to have an honest account of the past. We can’t deal with systemic racism if we don’t understand COVID-19 Update: Over 100 stu- the history, he said. T h e S t “BLM protests are totally legiti- y o t r i i mate,” Jeffries said. n e u BLACK s “Racism is racism, inequality is dents quarantined at home m

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October 29, 2020 News THEDUQUESNEDUKE Pope Francis publicly advocates for “same-sex civil unions” current president of LAMBDA of LGBTQ+ students. from POPE— page 1 said this is not entirely the case. “The system is not really set up theater arts and women’s and “I have had no contact with ei- to be accommodating,” Murphy gender studies double major. ther President Gormley or Fr. said. Murphy, a vocal member of French,” Evankovich said. Still, Gormley and French Duquesne’s LGBTQ+ community, She said she spoke with Doug maintain that they have imple- stated that he is looking forward Frizzell, vice president for student mented several policies that ca- to the progression of the Catholic life, in fall 2019 about LAMBDA ter to LGBTQ+ students. Church and its members in the and its mission but has not heard “The Center for Student Well- coming years. from him or top administrative of- being has created a variety of safe “Duquesne’s efforts to be more ficials since. and welcoming spaces for stu- inclusive of LGBTQIA+ students, The statement also mentioned dents, and it practices, particular- in particular, have been under- how pronoun training has been ly in Health Services, a type of hos- taken across the University,” the implemented across campus, a pitality that meets students where statement said. sentiment that Murphy takes spe- they are,” the statement said. Given that university admin- cial issue with. However, Murphy challeng- istration has been highly vocal “They definitely haven’t done any es these claims, saying that he Courtesy of WantedinRome.com about their commitment to di- pronoun training,” Murphy said. hasn’t seen healthcare specific to Pope Francis publicly advocated for “same-sex civil unions” for the first time.. versity and inclusion for all stu- He noted that while his overall campus’s LGBTQ+ community. has been “primarily through Dr. tional change, he is pleased with dents this semester, Gormley and experience with the university has “I don’t see targeted assistance Kane,” the current director of the the level of acceptance and safety French mentioned some of their been positive, the biggest struggles with HIV or transition care,” Mur- Office of Diversity and Inclusion. at Duquesne. He hopes the Holy initiatives to ensure this inclusion have been with student to student phy said. In the future, Murphy said he Father’s statement is just the be- extends to the LGBTQ+ commu- interactions. Murphy noted that although hopes for “visible pride” events on ginning of progressive relations nity. “I have seen situations that are Health Services have not always campus, and for faculty and staff and communication between the “Earlier this semester, we met difficult to resolve,” Murphy said. been able to provide the unique to be able and compelled to step Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ and spoke with students and facul- Murphy said he appreciates how care he and his peers may need, in when a fellow student gives gay community. ty in the Solidarity Committee, the faculty and staff have been wel- the employees at Health Services couples “that look” when out with “Improving inclusion is such a newest community of students, coming and accommodating dur- have always been “helpful with their significant others. crucial step in improving the safe- faculty and staff that provides sup- ing his time as a student, but wish- giving referrals.” “Duquesne is the kind of place ty and wellbeing of all students on port to LGBTQIA+ students,” the es the university could do more to Additionally, Murphy noted I would recommend over other campus,” Evankovich said. statement said. dismantle systems that are not de- that the majority of the help he places,” Murphy said. However, Bethany Evankovich, signed to assist the unique needs has received this school year Despite his desire for institu- Sigma Tau Gamma faces two-year suspension, pending appeal Colleen Hammond court on Nov. 5. ers wing, holding organizational news editor While the students involved events and will likely have to dis- were all, individually, subject to solve their current Towers wing, Trouble is on the horizon for the Office of Student Conduct, Sig according to Bunce. Duquesne fraternity Sigma Tau Tau also had to answer for their Bunce thinks this dissolution Gamma as they face a two-year actions as an organization seeing of the Towers wing is unlikely organizational suspension for as how three of Sig Tau’s executive due to the pandemic, stating violating their probation. board’s four members were in- that moving the Sig Tau brothers On the evening of Aug. 25, four volved in the incident, said Bunce. in with new students could put members of Sigma Tau Gamma This was problematic for Sig them at greater risk of contract- (Sig Tau) were involved in an in- Tau because they were already on ing COVID-19. cident with the Duquesne Police organizational probation for haz- “We feel safe living with these on their designated wing of the ing until May 7, 2021, according kids,” Bunce said. “None of us Duquesne Towers. During their to Bunce. are gonna get it (COVID-19).” final evening rounds, residence Rebecca Mickler, director of His confidence in the Sig Tau life employees noticed the smell Greek life, and Annie Mullar- brothers’ immunity to the virus of marajuana coming from one key Sawa, director of student Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor comes the same week as all Greek of the bathrooms on the Sig Tau conduct, said “that Family Edu- The office of Greek Life has suspended Sigma Tau Gamma for two years. Life has been suspended from wing. Residence Life then found cational Rights Protection Act Bunce claimed he did not know at of the fraternity. campus until Feb. 1, 2021. a small group of students com- (FERPA) regulations prohibit the the time who brought the bong. He “She’s putting all these Still, Bunce remained adamant prised of Sig Tau members and University from sharing specifics said resident assistants were com- thoughts in their [the disciplin- that he feels he has been treated other Towers residents using a related to any individual stu- pleting their nightly rounds when ary committee’s] heads right be- “unfairly” by the university. bong in the bathroom. dents or specific organizations” they knocked on the door, smelling fore they decide,” Bunce said. “I think we were being targeted Because marijuana was pres- and would not comment on Sig marajuana. “In a panic,” the stu- Mickler once again cited based on Rebecca Mickler’s opin- ent, Duquesne Police were dis- Tau’s current situation. dents then hid the bong in the ceil- FERPA and stated she could not ion of us,” Bunce said. patched and the Resident Direc- According to Bunce, after the ing. When the resident assistants comment on specific students or tor searched the rooms on the incident on Aug. 25, Sig Tau had entered the room, they noticed the situations. floor. In the initial search, mul- to face a disciplinary panel to de- bong dripping from the ceiling and “She put a ton of bias in the pan- tiple alcohol containers were re- termine if they had violated their called Duquesne Police. el’s head about us,” Bunce said. trieved, along with the aforemen- probation. “You can’t not take responsi- Bunce claimed that Mickler tioned bong and two fake IDs. However, Bunce said there was bility for it. They found it. It was advocated for a 10-year suspen- One of these fake IDs belonged to another incident on the Sig Tau here,” Bunce said. sion of Sig Tau. Instead, they Sig Tau president Michael Bunce. wing of Towers on the same day Duquesne Police responded were found in violation of their Bunce claimed that his fake ID as the disciplinary hearing for to the scene and confiscated the probation by two separate disci- was inside a private safe and that the first offense. bong. The involved students were plinary committees and now face the Duquesne Police had no right In the evening of Sept. 19, referred to the Office of Student a two-year organizational sus- to seize it. However, Bunce also Duquesne Police reported “stu- Conduct. pension. Bunce stated they will noted that he was not pressured dents in Towers were found to Subsequently, at the disciplinary be appealing this decision for a or threatened by Duquesne Po- have a bong in their possession hearing for the first offense, Bunce third time with the help of their lice to open the safe. Bunce said along with two empty bottles of said Sig Tau was found in violation national organization. he opened the safe to be searched alcohol. They are being referred of their probation and would face “If they’re all [the fraternities] Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor by his own will. to the Office of Student Conduct.” additional punishments. suspended, she [Mickler] doesn’t Duquesne’s chapter of Sigma Tau Bunce and his fellow Sig Tau According to Bunce, a group Sig Tau appealed this decision, have a job,” Bunce said. Gamma has been suspended for the member, who was also in pos- of students, once again Sig Tau but received the same sentence As part of this suspension, Sig next two years. The members plan to session of a fake ID, were issued members and Towers residents, from a new disciplinary committee. Tau is prohibited from accept- appeal this decision, even though all citations by Duquesne Police and were in his dorm room when an- Bunce believes this decision is ing new members, bringing new Greek Life has been suspended until are contesting these citations in other student came in with a bong. entirely due to Mickler’s opinion members into living on the Tow- Feb. 1, 2021. 4 Opinions THEDUQUESNEDUKE staff 113 College Hall editorial 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282 Supreme Court confirmation baffling editorial staff With just less than a week until the editor-in-chief Kellen Stepler 2020 election, the Senate has voted managing editor Colleen Hammond to confirm the nomination of Amy news editor Colleen Hammond Coney Barrett as the newest member opinions editor Noah Wilbur of the U.S. Supreme Court, taking the features editor Katia Faroun space left empty by the death of Ruth a&e editor Capri Scarcelli Bader Ginsburg. The vote was 52 to sports editor Adam Lindner 48 with all but one Republican mem- layout editor Kelsey Burtner multimedia editor Griffin Sendek ber of the Senate voting in favor of administrative staff her confirmation. adviser Paula Reed Ward Barrett is a conservative appeals ad manager Carissa Haslam court judge chosen by President social media manager Erin Carbone Trump and the Republican party. She email us: [email protected] is devoutly Catholic and was mentored by constitutional originalist Justice Antonin Scalia. Her views reflect this as she is widely considered pro-life in her stance, being quoted as saying that Roe v. Wade is “barbaric.” Ac- Katia Faroun / features editor cording to CNN, Barrett also spoke “Patience is not to two anti-abortion student groups This election is like none other before — leading to a historic turnout in voter registration. at Notre Dame in 2013, which she did passive, on the not disclose in her paperwork filed to the Senate. otivated Americans are the catalyst for Along with her views on reproduc- contrary, it is M tive rights, she is highly critical of the a record-breaking surge of early votes Affordable Care Act. Because of this, concentrated many believe that when then the ar- ith six days re- going forward and are inter- COVID-19 situation continu- guments on a case for the validity of maining until the ested in doing their part to ing to spiral out-of-control, the ACA are heard again after the No- strength.” 46th president of make a difference for future the list continues to grow vember election it will be in danger W of being cut. This would leave at least the U.S. is selected, millions generations. of challenges that our great 20 million Americans at risk of losing Bruce Lee of Americans around the na- Admittedly, with a deluge nation must confront in the their healthcare. tion have already cast their of “Vote Early” political pro- foreseeable future. The decision to confirm Barrett eight vote by returning mail-in paganda appearing across People are proving to be days before the election has left many You just read Now tweet ballots or visiting the near- social media followed by not only aware of this un- people baffled. Democrats have openly our thoughts. us yours. est polling center. further encouragement from certainty, but also adamant opposed this decision, saying that it At this time, Joe Biden the Democratic and Republi- on choosing a candidate should have waited until after the elec- @TheDuquesneDuke holds a comfortable lead over can parties, the record-shat- with corresponding values tion so that the American people could incumbent Donald Trump; and principles that they be- have their say. As so many citizens have however, this gap is quickly lieve possesses the expertise, already submitted their ballots before narrowing as a growing num- competence and leadership the decision was made, it is speculated ber of Trump supporters are needed to guide the U.S. dur- that this was a conscious attempt at a heading to polling stations ing turbulent times. power grab while the Republican party editorial and voting in-person. With the future of Ameri- still holds the majority. Barrett’s confirmation is also seen as According to the most re- ca hanging in the balance, I directly hypocritical to a similar situa- cent data from the U.S. Elec- urge those individuals – still tion in 2016 under the Obama adminis- policy tions Report, the early vote teetering on the brink of not tration, where former President Barack The Duquesne Duke is the student- total as of Wednesday morn- voting due to the question- Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, written, student-managed newspaper ing exceeded 73 million – an able candidates standing was denied a hearing by the Repub- of Duquesne University. It is published every Thursday during the academic increase of nearly 26 million before us – to realize their lican-led Senate nearly eight months year except during semester breaks and from the 2016 election. civic duty as an American before the election. They believed that holidays, and prior to final exams. The The country’s sizable turn- citizen and vote in the 2020 the decision of a new member of the Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- ions of the editors of The Duke and does out of early voters stems pri- election. Supreme Court should wait until after not necessarily reflect the views of the marily from the three most Noah Wilbur Although the unfortunate the 2016 presidential election, yet now students, faculty, administration, stu- in 2020 with the election looming they dent government or the University pub- populous states in the coun- opinions editor reality is that we are left with lications board. Op-ed columns do not try as residents in Texas, three candidates, none of have changed their tune. In the wake of Barrett’s confirma- reflect the opinions of The Duke, but Florida and California are tering surge of early voters which are worthy of the honor rather are the sole opinions of the col- tion, many women, members of the coming out in droves to vote does not come as a surprise. of being the President of the umnists themselves. LGBTQ+ community, and members of before Nov. 3. Nevertheless, as one of U.S., it would be imprudent Letters policy the pro-choice movement are terrified Letters to the editor must be typed, In addition, the young the most impactful and con- and foolish for us to standby of what this could mean for their rights. double-spaced and include the writ- vote is proving to be a deci- sequential elections in the and withhold our vote when With talk circulating of repealing same- er’s name, school/department and phone number for verification. Letters sive factor, with 63% of citi- history of the U.S., it is rath- now, more than ever, our de- sex marriage and criminalizing abor- should be no longer than 300 words zens between the ages of 18- er encouraging to see that mocracy is at stake. tion among other reproductive rights, and should be delivered to The Duke 24 indicating that they will Americans – both young and Whether you are a Repub- these groups of people feel as though office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed to [email protected] by 5 p.m. vote in 2020. To compare, old – participate by getting lican, Democrat, Libertarian they will lose all the progress made Tuesday. The editors reserve the right only 43% voted in the 2016 involved in their respective or a die-hard Kanye fan, it without even a chance of their voices to edit any and all submitted copies. being heard. All letters must be verified before being election – a favorable differ- candidates’ campaigns and, is more important than ever published. ence worth noting. most importantly, by cast- to express your support for The impact of Barrett as the new- est member of the Supreme Court can These staggering, and ing a vote. the candidate you perceive Corrections/clarifications already be felt within the commu- even surprising, numbers From rising tensions with to be the most fit to lead the Readers should report any story or nity, and while Republicans rally photo error to The Duke. All legitimate are an excellent indicator China and a crippling health- country. errors will be corrected in print the fol- behind her as a champion for their lowing edition. that Americans recognize the care system, to the need for beliefs, many communities fear for difficulties our country faces additional stimulus and a Contact the worst knowing their rights are on the line. email [email protected] Opinions 5 The electoral college threatens the future of America’s democracy

Alyse Kaminski candidate could win the popu- The same article from the staff columnist lar vote, but lose the election, source introduced Eduardo is honestly scary. It is a threat Martinez who said that if Presi- ith less than a week to how people will continue to dent Trump loses the popular until the election, I can certainly say I view democracy in America. vote but remains in power be- W I know what you’re thinking. cause of the Electoral College, have never been so anxious for “Alyse, you’re only worried be- he will probably never vote a political event in all of my cause it’s your preferred candi- again. And honestly, I don’t 21 years on this planet. I don’t date that this is more likely to blame him or anyone else who think it would be a stretch to happen to again.” And maybe would feel discouraged. say this is the most nervous I that is the case. But doesn’t it According to George Ed- have been for anything ever. say something about our voting wards III, a professor at Texas There are a lot of factors con- system if for the last two major A&M University, the Electoral tributing to my nerves. What elections, the electorate did not College was created when the is the next “October Surprise” really...elect? framers of the Constitution that could come and sway un- That is probably my main were too frustrated and tired Courtesy of Slate.com decided voters? This year has The Electoral College is not only outdated, but also challenges democracy in gripe with the electoral college, to come up with anything else. been so unpredictable, we know America. but there’s plenty more issues So not only is it outdated, but that anything could happen. Electoral College, I would not larization that has occurred I take with it. One being the the framers were not even too complain. You know what, since 2016. It is definitely If people were so confident in fact that it makes what should keen on it. maybe that is the case. They difficult to do so when there 2016 that Hillary Clinton would be a simple process confusing It is also worth noting that could be right; I really want is so much happening each win, I cannot be confident that for Americans who are a little when the Constitution was anything that will remove day. So much to worry about. Joe Biden will, even though more apathetic to politics. And written, no other country di- President Trump from office. However, I really think a step there is a part of me that has I really believe that even if poli- rectly elected their leaders. However, I find it really diffi- in the right direction is abol- hope (knock on wood). What tics does not constantly occupy The framers had no guide to cult for the GOP to point fingers ishing the Electoral College. if something actually comes of your mind as it does for me, you base this decision on and they the alleged meddling from Iran should not be discouraged to were wary of tyranny. How- and say Democrats are being Let’s make all elections in the and Russia? What if suddenly vote just because you don’t care ever, it is 2020 and democ- hypocrites after they just fin- future fair and equitable. Let’s people start to care about the to understand the system. racy exists widely around the ished rushing the lifetime con- make sure the people actually so-called scandal surrounding FiveThirtyEight reports that world. There is no need to firmation of Amy Coney Barrett get what they want. Hunter Biden? anywhere from 35-60% of eli- complicate the system. eight days before the election If we really want to strive I think, however, the thing gible voters do not vote in elec- It certainly would be easy when in 2016 they said that was for a more perfect union, then that is making me the most ner- tions. There’s many reasons for for those on the other side unconstitutional. we need to live in one where vous is the Electoral College. this, but I don’t think that it is a of the aisle — conservatives I don’t mean to create an the candidate who the people The fact that for the second stretch to say the Electoral Col- — to argue that if Biden lost “Us vs. Them” mentality. We elect becomes the president. presidential election in a row, a lege is one of them. the popular vote but won the need to start reversing the po- Character must be considered when selecting the next President of the U.S. Mohammad Sajjad ously consider the character only apply to a subset of the staff columnist of a candidate. population; rather, he or she his presidential election This article is not meant to should create policies for a is unlike any other we’ve depict a particular candidate mosaic of groups that are T seen before. While our as being the perfect person. expected to co-exist in this elections always seem to come Rather, my aim is to encour- country. down to a Republican or Dem- age you to think about certain In order to do this, our fu- ocrat, the decision to choose characteristics of the person ture president must be aware between the two now seems you plan to vote for, in addi- of and sympathetic to the is- more personal and divisive tion to the policies they are sues facing all of us. We can- than ever. supporting. not vote for someone who ig- Traditionally speaking, con- Specifically, it’s important nores the plight of minorities to note the sympathy that within the U.S. servatives have been in favor each candidate shows toward We also have to remember of voting for Republican can- citizens, whether selflessness that this election is taking didates, while liberal voters is exhibited during crises, and place amidst a pandemic. I be- have opted toward voting for the way in which they conduct lieve that in order to curb this Democratic candidates. It Courtesy of climatexchange themselves before interna- pandemic, we need a strong makes sense to vote for the When voting, voters should consider a candidate’s character. tional leaders. leader who is willing to pri- candidate that embodies your one who shows others respect First and foremost, we have oritize the public’s health over dicative of their true character set of values and beliefs. and is able to acknowledge the to remember that in each any personal agenda. This re- and should be used as a mark- In this election, however, customs and values exhibited election, we are voting for quires a degree of selflessness. er when examining a candi- by leaders and the countries we’ve seen a number of poli- the person who will lead our It is no easy decision to place date. they represent. Other interna- ticians and voters support- country in domestic affairs restrictions on the population With the election less than ing a candidate they typically tional leaders are expected to and represent the U.S. on an in terms of wearing masks and a week away, I urge voters to wouldn’t have voted for. Many behave this way, so there is no international level. With this social distancing. But if it is think critically about wheth- reason that same expectation of these individuals have cited responsibility comes high ex- scientifically suggested that shouldn’t apply to our elected er the candidate they plan to the lack of character and dig- pectations. these practices will prevent officials. vote for embodies the charac- nity exhibited by the current The U.S. is one of the most the virus from spreading, our It’s difficult to judge a per- teristics I mentioned above. president as the reason why diverse countries in the world, future president should at son’s character through their While these characteristics they’re not offering him their a fact that we should be proud least set an example by doing public life. How do we know if support. of. Consequently, handling so himself. aren’t the only factors a voter their public persona embodies As a voter who possesses a domestic affairs of the U.S. Another major part of the should consider, there is no their true character? I believe mix of conservative and lib- can get rather complicated. presidency is representing the question that character speaks the way a person behaves with eral values, I fully support the The president should not cre- U.S. in international affairs. volumes. their family and friends is in- notion that one should seri- ate monolithic policies that Our next president should be 6 FEATURES Black-owned ice cream shop promises 'happy day' with each scoop Gillian Fitzgerald Water Ice in the North Side, but de- it being our first year, for it being a staff writer cided to branch out with his son to pandemic, and for this to be one of grow their own business with their the highest times as far as racial ten- quick T-ride over to the own products. Galen Jr. has been on sions,” Galen Sr. said. “The fact that North Side, Happy Day Des- this journey with his dad since he was we have not only been able to survive, A sert Factory sits on a hill a kid. He’s seen what it takes to run a but actually thrive, is mind boggling.” above Heinz Field. Just as its name business, including learning from the Though the pandemic has some- promises, the dessert shop exudes trade shows he would attend with his times made it difficult to get cer- warmth and happiness, even on a father at 6 years old. tain ingredients and keep up with rainy Pittsburgh day. Galen Moore “He knows everything I know when equipment problems, Galen Jr. has Jr. spends each day providing Pitts- it comes to this,” Galen Sr. said. been proactive and is always think- burgh with sweet treats he and his Galen Jr. knew it was perfect tim- ing about what’s best for the dessert dad create themselves as a small, ing to open his dessert shop when shop. He continuously promotes Black-owned business. his dad had equipment leftover from the six-month-old business through Running the factory with the help Rita’s. Galen figured that he might social media and by partnering with of his father, Galen Moore Sr., it’s as well do it now while he had the local organizations to spread the 21-year-old Galen Jr. who founded resources, including his dad to help word about Happy Day Dessert Fac- the business and markets to the com- him. So, why wait? tory — all while doing good in the munity around its 906A Western Ave. The factory was set to open at the community. Gillian Fitzgerald / Staff Writer location. This small business was two beginning of this year — and then the Last month, the factory partnered Galen Moore Jr. poses inside the ice cream shop, located on a hill above Heinz Field. years in the making and, today, Galen pandemic hit. Galen Jr. had to decide with Central Outreach Wellness Cen- musicians, to have platforms to show termined to spread happiness, social Jr. operates Happy Day Dessert Fac- whether or not to push the opening ter, a non-profit organization that is a their art. awareness and motivation to all, in- tory with his family, which is exactly until later in the summer. But despite LGBTQ-focused wellness center, and “The main focus is getting back to cluding other small businesses — all where his inspiration comes from. the pandemic, the Moores held the 1Hood Media, an organization that the community and helping out,” Ga- while providing the North Side with “My dad and my grandma … I see grand opening on March 18 — and it uses art as a way to raise awareness of len Jr. said. great coffee-heath ice cream and deli- them working so hard, I want to try was one of the best choices they could social issues. The young business owner made cious cookie monster cakes. to recreate the hard work ethic for the have made. The two organizations supported sure his shop had a chalkboard wall “If you’re a small business owner, rest of the family,” Galen said. The outpouring of community sup- the Small Business Solidarity pro- too, just for customers to write what- don’t give up on yourself because it The name “Happy Day” even port has been overwhelming. The gram, and together with Happy Day ever they want — their names, so- does get hard sometimes. But don’t comes from a song his grandma al- North Side is happy to finally have Dessert Factory, they gave away cial media handles, or messages like get down,” Galen Jr. said. “You just ways sang. The tune would get stuck a local ice cream spot of their own, vouchers for free ice cream to those “Say Her Name,” “Black Owned” and got to stick through it until the end — in Galen’s head, so it was quite fitting and the shop has had so many people who received a free health screen- “BLM” that continue raising aware- you got to believe in yourself, always.” that he named the factory after the coming in to support the small Black- ing from the services provided by the ness and lifting people up. vibes he tries to put out every day at owned business along with the Black wellness center. The three also set T h e Between Galen Jr. and Galen Sr., S t his business. y o Lives Matter movement. With the up a day and time in September for the business has been set up for suc- t r i i 21-year-olds rarely know exactly social justice movement and the pan- people to register to vote right at the n e cess since the very beginning, and u BLACK s

m what they want to do, let alone have demic, many people have been more dessert shop. they are excited to see what the future o

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’ everything he knows from his dad. ing so well and really, really love it driven to provide opportunities to the just as perfect. s Galen Sr. previously owned Rita’s — we’re doing exceptionally well for community, such as local artists and Happy Day Dessert Factory is de- Harry Potter Week brings students riddikulus amounts of fun

Emily Ambery The week concluded with the fa- Participants had to pin the nose on Voldemort, play table quid- staff writer mous Harry Potter Party on Friday evening — in a socially-distanced ditch and test their wand abilities with Wingardium Leviosa. Wiz- his week, Duquesne stu- setting. The event was hosted in ards and witches could also play dents waved their wands, the three common areas in As- in a “Tri-Wizard Tournament,” cast their spells and made sumption Hall. Each room had dif- T ferent Harry Potter-themed games which featured ring toss, a char- their potions as they participated acter quiz and plinko. in the Honors College’s annual in which participants earned “My favorite part is how pas- Harry Potter celebration. points towards a variety of Harry sionate the students are. Most Despite the restrictions due Potter prizes. Similarly to the priz- of all, I love seeing students who to the COVID-19 pandemic, the es throughout the week, the party enjoyed the party when they were wizards and witches at Duquesne participants could choose between freshmen coming back year after were able to safely celebrate the puzzles, wizard chess, glow in the year — we have even had alumni Wizarding World of Harry Potter. dark sheets, backpacks and other stop by to play games and win Over the course of the week, the themed items. prizes,” Roberts said. “It’s like a Honors College hosted magical The games at the party tested wizards in many different ways. big Hogwarts reunion every year.” events for all Harry Potter fans. Emily Ambery / Staff Writer The annual Harry Potter Party Kaitlin Dodd, Claire Neiberg and Keelie McMullin played Bella Biancone's jeopardy. began in 2012 and featured an evening of Harry Potter games, back, but they instead thought re- choose from four Harry Potter treats and activities. With capac- ally creatively and expanded the house-themed prize packages, ity and social distancing restric- activities so we could maximize which included scarves, back- tions, the Honors College Student participation while still keeping packs and prizes unique to each Advisory Committee spread the everyone safe.” house. celebrations out over the week to Harry Potter Week kicked off On Wednesday night, Harry facilitate a safe and socially dis- on Monday morning with sweet Potter fans watched the third tant party. treats. Harry Potter-themed movie in the franchise, “The Pris- “I am very proud of the Honors cookies, provided by Sugar Mom- oner of Azkaban.” College Student Advisory Com- mas Sweets & Eats, filled the As- Wizards and witches searched mittee for coming up with this sumption Hall lobby. across campus for the Harry Pot- idea of a weeklong celebration,” Duquesne’s Harry Potter fans ter Horcrux Scavenger Hunt on said Kathleen Roberts, director were put to the test on Tuesday Thursday afternoon. Teams were of the Honors College and the night with Harry Potter Trivia given clues to find the seven hor- lead organizer of the Harry Pot- at the NiteSpot. The winners cruxes: the diary, the ring, the ter Celebration. “I asked them if were Lauren Zelnis and Bryce locket, Hufflepuff’s cup, Raven- Emily Ambery / Staff Writer they thought we needed to scale McCracken. The winners could claw’s diadem, Nagini and Harry. Students Paige Milavec, Olivia Hassett and Nichole Maliwauki hosted games. SPORTS 7

DU men’s basketball Amid NFL’s return, stadium capacities vary team secures first

Katia Faroun & ate their own COVID-19 policies finkel expressed the franchise’s Multiple players from both 2021 commit Carissa Haslam that are in accordance with their commitment to keeping their fans Texas teams tested positive for respective state’s guidelines. and players safe, citing concern the virus over the summer, but Duquesne Men’s Basketball the duquesne duke Some of the greatest variation over the growing positivity rates in no players from either team have Head Coach Keith Dambrot’s Week 1 of football season con- exists among stadium spectator Florida. Florida case numbers have tested positive since the start of 62nd birthday fell on Oct. 26, sisted of cardboard cutout fans limitations. While only a couple been steadily increasing in recent the regular season. making Andy Barba’s verbal and artificial crowd noise. Week NFL teams allowed fans during days, and the state has recorded The Tennessee Titans experi- commitment a day later quite 7, on the other hand, brought real Week 1, the number of stadiums the 5th highest number of cumula- enced a notable outbreak a few the belated birthday gift. fans and fines to NFL teams. hosting fans has grown exponen- tive COVID-19 deaths nationwide. weeks into the season, leading to On Oct. 27, Barba, a 6-foot- After a long period of uncer- tially over the weeks. Only the The Houston Texans and Dal- the postponement of two regu- tainty about the 2020 football New York Jets, Las Vegas Raid- las Cowboys, both Texas teams, lar season games. Since Sept. 24, 6, 210-pound guard from Ohio, season, the NFL agreed upon a ers, New England Patriots and currently allow the highest num- 23 players and team personnel announced his intentions to set of rules and regulations allow- Los Angeles Rams did not host ber of spectators in their stadi- have tested positive for the virus play for Dambrot’s Dukes, ing for the return of the beloved any fans during Week 7 games. ums. The Cowboys, who hosted — many during the first week of becoming the first recruit of national sport. Fans celebrated The Washington Football approximately 25,000 fans dur- October. The NFL launched an the team’s 2021 class. Barba the return of NFL football, even Team, which had initially claimed ing their Week 5 game at AT&T investigation into the cause of the is currently a post-graduate with the addition of some new to not be allowing fans for the en- Stadium, allowed fans at 25% ca- outbreak, and after completing it student at International Sports undesirable changes — like fan- tirety of the season, is expected pacity from the very start of the earlier this week, fined the team Academy in Willoughby, Ohio free stadiums. to allow spectators starting Nov. season. The Texans announced $350,000. The investigation — the same school current DU The NFL’s updated regulations 8 for its divisional game against at the end of September that found that the Titans organiza- explain how the league should the New York Giants. The deci- NRG Stadium will allow fans up tion failed to clearly communicate freshman guard Mike Bekelja handle COVID-19 procedures at sion comes a week after Maryland to 20% of the stadium’s capacity. COVID-19 workout protocols and attended prior to Duquesne. the start of the season. Its proce- Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced For its Week 5 game, the stadium that various players and person- Barba originally committed dures require daily testing of all that outdoor sporting events are held approximately 12,000 fans. nel failed to adhere to mask-wear- to Miami (Ohio), but re-opened NFL personnel, including play- allowed to open at 10% capacity. Both stadiums require spec- ing policies while inside facilities. his commitment to a bevy of ers, coaches, staff and adminis- Early in October, Florida Gov. tators to sit in designated so- Some teams, such as the Pitts- potential suitors. The springy tration; a “Reserve/COVID-19” Ron DeSantis (R) announced the cially-distant “pods,” or groups burgh Steelers, only allow sea- sharpshooter also held offers list for players who tested posi- end of attendance restrictions of shared ticket holders, wear son-ticket holders to enter the from Texas A&M, Washing- tive or were exposed or at high for all sporting events in Florida. masks when not eating or drink- stadium. Others that welcome ton State and Missouri State, risk of being exposed to someone Under the state’s updated policy, ing and use mobile-only tickets. fans do so at reduced numbers, who tested positive; and specific Florida’s three NFL teams — the However, photos and videos of or continue to prohibit live spec- among others. requirements for players who Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tampa recent Cowboys games show that tators indefinitely, such as the show symptoms or test positive. Bay Buccaneers and the Miami while these rules are in place, Green Bay Packers. Since there are no nationwide Dolphins — could host their games many fans are failing to follow Currently, the Las Vegas Raid- Dodgers top Rays COVID-19 regulations, the spe- with stadiums at full capacity. the stadium’s COVID-19 proto- ers are the only NFL team that is cifics vary greatly from state to However, each of the teams have cols by not wearing masks. not allowing fans to attend home in Game 6 for first state and team to team. Teams opted to keep their modified sta- Currently, Texas has reported games for the entire season. The are responsible for abiding by dium capacities in place. over 900,000 total COVID-19 team’s new Allegiant Stadium World Series title the NFL’s general regulations, Following DeSantis’ announce- cases and is tied with California was set to begin its inaugural sea- since 1988 but also have the liberty to cre- ment, Dolphins CEO Tom Gar- as the two states with the high- son by hosting fans in the Raid- est reported cases in the country, ers’ Week 2 game against the New ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — according to NBC News. If Texas Orleans Saints. Mookie Betts streaked home were its own country, it would While the NFL seems to be with a go-ahead run and later rank ninth in the world for total slowly restoring its games to a homered for good measure as number of cases — even more “normal” permissible by CDC the Los Angeles Dodgers won than Mexico, according to Johns guidelines, certainty remains out their first World Series cham- Hopkins University’s COVID-19 of reach. Each week brings new pionship since 1988, taking dashboard. Harris and Dallas changes and updates to NFL reg- advantage of a hotly debated counties — which include Hous- ulations and each team’s unique Tampa Bay move to beat the ton and Dallas — rank highest for protocols. It could be that over- Rays 3-1 in Game 6. COVID-19 cases across the state, night, stadiums will become once The Dodgers posted the best and the state has seen a 16% in- again empty, save for the pre- record in the majors during AP Photo crease in positive cases in the recorded cheers and flat faces of this pandemic-shortened sea- A masked fan waits for the start of an Oct. 14 UEFA Nations League soccer match. past two weeks. cardboard fans. son, then rallied in the final game to claim a most elusive crown. NCAA Football AP Top 25 — Week 9 Tampa Bay starter Blake Snell struck out nine and seemed to be in complete Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak This Week Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak This Week control with a 1-0 lead when 1. Clemson (52) 5-0 6-0 W6 vs. Boston College 11. BYU n/a 6-0 W6 vs. Western Kentucky manager Kevin Cash pulled him with one out and a runner 2. Alabama (10) 5-0 5-0 W5 vs. Mississippi State 12. Miami 4-1 5-1 W2 Bye on first in the sixth inning. 3. Ohio State 1-0 1-0 W1 at No. 18 Penn State 13. Michigan 1-0 1-0 W1 vs. Michigan State The Dodgers pounced 4. Notre Dame 4-0 5-0 W5 at Georgia Tech 14. Oregon 0-0 0-0 n/a Pac-12 play begins Nov. 6 quickly, and Betts soon dashed 5. Georgia 3-1 3-1 L1 at Kentucky 15. North Carolina 4-1 4-1 W1 at Virginia home from third base on Co- 6. Oklahoma State 3-0 4-0 W4 vs. Texas 16. Kansas State 4-0 4-1 W4 at West Virginia rey Seager’s infield grounder for a 2-1 edge. 7. Cincinnati 2-0 4-0 W4 vs. Memphis 17. Indiana 1-0 1-0 W1 at Rutgers Betts added a solo home run 8. Texas A&M 3-1 3-1 W2 vs. Arkansas 18. Penn State 0-1 0-1 L1 vs. No. 3 Ohio State in the eighth. 9. Wisconsin 1-0 1-0 W1 at Nebraska (canceled) 19. Marshall 3-0 5-0 W5 at FIU (postponed) Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers lost the World 10. Florida 2-1 2-1 L1 vs. Missouri 20. Coastal Carolina 3-0 5-0 W5 at Georgia State Series in 2017 and ’18 before winning this title at a neutral Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak This Week site, Globe Life Field in Arling- 21. USC 0-0 0-0 n/a Pac-12 play begins Nov. 6 ton, Texas. 22. SMU 2-1 5-1 L1 vs. Navy Rookie sensation Randy Arozarena hit his record 10th 23. Iowa State 3-1 3-2 L1 at Kansas homer in the postseason to ac- 24. Oklahoma 2-2 3-2 W2 at Texas Tech count for Tampa Bay’s run. 25. Boise State 1-0 1-0 W1 at Air Force 8 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Tyson Acuff talks acclimation to college life, new ‘mates

Adam Lindner we were required to run cross country. That tioning coach (John Henderson), he’s been right state of mind, class is going OK, family sports editor showed me how dedicated he was to have me going hard, because it’s a whole different ball back home is OK. So, he’s not just a basketball be a part of the team, how much he wanted game in college. The guys are bigger, faster, coach — he’s more of a father figure. Head Men’s Basketball Coach Keith Dam- me. Then, when I came on my visit, they stronger, everything. ... It’s been great. Q: How hard was it to leave home? brot welcomed a sizable group of newcomers made me feel like family — like they really Q: Anything specific you’re focusing on A: It wasn’t as big as some people make it, to the Bluff this fall, bolstering roster depth need me, and I can be a great piece [for] the improving upon basketball-wise? leaving for college. That’s because the nature and addressing team needs in the process. team. ... The coaching staff showed real love, A: Playing off two feet in the lane. I can’t of the whole AAU thing was totally different — In all, nine new faces will don the Red & and they didn’t only gas my head up and just jump off one foot and finish around the we traveled all around, spending weeks away Blue this season, including a pair of sharp- tell me all the things I’m good at; they told bigger players, so playing off two feet will help from home. I talk to my family almost every shooters (Mike Bekelja and Jett Roesing), me the things I need to work on, too. That’s me get more comfortable with my finishes. day, if not every day, so it wasn’t that big. I intriguing big men (Mounir Hima and Andre something different that none of the other Q: What’s your relationship with Coach like living on my own, so it’s pretty good. Harris) and lanky swingmen (Toby Okani college coaches did. They just tell you how Dambrot like, now that you’re seeing him on Q: How has it been getting to know your and Chad Baker). great you are and how great you can be. a daily basis? fellow teammates? Tyson Acuff, a 6-foot-4 combo guard from Q: What’s your favorite basketball shoe of A: The relationship with Coach D is great. A: It’s been great. Like you said, we’ve got a Michigan, is one of the team’s most fascinat- all-time? What have you been playing in lately? He shows mad love, not only on the court — big freshman class. The good thing about the ing new arrivals; following an impressive A: I like Kobes; not specific ones, just Ko- he’s definitely going to push you to try to make freshmen is everybody is willing to put in the run at Cass Tech High (a four-year starter, bes. ... [Lately I’ve been playing in] Kevin you better. You’ve got to have thick skin, but extra work. If they’re not doing homework or he helped the Technicians to three Detroit Durants and LeBrons. I only got one pair of that’s just how he is. He’s going to [make] you something like that, they’re in the gym, trying Public School League titles), Acuff arrives Kobes right now. better. But he’s always checking up on you to to get better. ... Everybody’s pretty cool, so it’s in Pittsburgh looking to contribute immedi- Q: Favorite basketball memory? make sure you’re doing good, you’re in the been good. ately for a Duquesne team in win-now mode. A: When I won the city championship for the Acuff took the time to speak with The third time in high school (as a senior in 2020). Duke on the phone in early October, touch- Q: In your opinion, what’s your most no- ing on everything from his new home in the table skill on the court? 412 to his relationships with his new coaches A: Getting in transition, running the floor, and teammates. not waiting for the defense to set up. Portions of the conversation, transcribed Q: How has the adjustment been to col- below, have been edited for brevity. lege life, especially during a pandemic? Q: Talk me through your decision to at- A: It’s been big; it’s been different from tend Duquesne. high school from the academic standpoint. A: [Assistant] Coach Charles [Thomas] The courses are a little more challenging was recruiting me heavy from the jump. He than in high school. ... The adjustment was would come check up on me all the time, big, but I’m liking it so far. even when I wasn’t expecting it — he came Q: How has practice been? Courtesy of MLive.com to a couple cross country meets, because A: It’s been good. The strength & condi- Freshman DU G Tyson Acuff, pictured during his high school days at Detroit’s Cass Tech High.

Kiski Area DE Jack Dilts bolsters DU football’s ‘21 class

Brentaro Yamane sophomore years in 2018 and 2019. Since then, he has continued to work hard, NCAA Division I football, and I’ll be major- staff writer Dilts had thought about wrestling in college, earning offers from other NCAA Division I ing in business, so I feel that Duquesne is my but he felt that football was the better option FCS schools like the University of Pennsylva- best option. I feel relieved now that I know It’s only October and Duquesne’s football for him since no schools had offered him the nia, Bucknell University, University of Albany, where I am going.” team has yet another high school player that opportunity to wrestle at the college level. Robert Morris University, University of Akron After Dilts made his decision, one of the has verbally committed to the program. The For a lot of college athletes, there was most and, obviously, Duquesne. first people to congratulate him was current player that verbally pledged is a local product likely a certain point in their high school ca- The football coaching, the atmosphere and Duquesne defensive lineman Troy Kuhn, who in Kiski Area High School’s Jack Dilts. Dilts reers when they realized that they could play the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business graduated from Kiski Area in 2019. Kuhn was is currently a senior at Kiski Area, where he at the next level; Dilts was able to recall the were each reasons why Dilts chose Duquesne. also football teammates with Dilts at Kiski plays both tight end and defensive end. exact moment he knew. “Coach Kory Gribbin was the first coach Area, and they will continue to be teammates His Kiski Area Cavaliers are currently 2-4 “When I was a sophomore [in 2018] com- to reach out to me from Duquesne. Coach when Dilts starts to attend Duquesne in 2021. this season. Even though his team is not hav- peting against seniors, I realized that there Cornelius Coleman reached out to me, as “Troy said that he really loves it at ing the best start to begin his senior year, one of was a chance that I could play football at the well, when he was hired at Duquesne back in Duquesne,” Dilts said. “He was one of the first the bright sides for him is that he already made collegiate level,” Dilts said. July,” Dilts said. “I’ve always wanted to play people to congratulate me when I first got the his college decision in choosing Duquesne. He offer, and when I committed.” verbally committed on Oct. 5. Dilts and Kuhn were both recruited by Duquesne is recruiting him exclusively as a Duquesne as defensive linemen, and hope to defensive end. lead the Dukes’ defensive line together, may- Dilts started playing football when he was be helping each other win a Northeast Con- in first grade. His older brother, Hunter, who ference championship someday. graduated from Kiski Area in 2019, started In his final year at Kiski Area, Dilts hopes playing football at a young age and his par- to help the Cavaliers make it to the WPIAL ents only thought it would be right if they playoffs, as his team has not won a playoff signed Jack up to play football, as well. Jack game since he has been in high school in has other siblings that play sports, too, so it 2017. For now, he will continue to try to im- can be said that it can be busy over in the Dilts prove his game as he wants to make an im- household. pact on Duquesne’s football team when he “All of my siblings either play or played arrives in 2021. sports,” Dilts said. “My two older sisters played “Before I graduate, I would like for my basketball, volleyball and did gymnastics. My [Kiski Area] team to win out the rest of the older brother played football and wrestled. My season,” Dilts told The Duke earlier in Oc- younger brother plays football and wrestles. tober. “After the season, I will be lifting and Also, my younger sister is a gymnast.” getting bigger. To show how athletic Dilts is, he is also a “As a defensive lineman, I feel like my main wrestler at his high school and has won two strengths are coming off the edge and being district championships in wrestling. His able to use my hands. However, I would like Kiski Area wrestling teams won the WPIAL Courtesy of TribLive to get bigger and stronger so I can contribute 3A team championship in his freshman and Jack Dilts, a tight end/defensive end at Kiski Area High School, will be a frosh on the Bluff in 2021. as a freshman next year.”

October 29, 2020 sports ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9 Virtual 'Black Art Matters' presentation exhibits cultural impact Week’s capri scarcelli reminded of my color.” Events a&e editor Though lost after her death in 1907, Lewis’ Cleopatra was ourtesy of Duquesne’s re-discovered and exhibited in DPC DUNite: Trick or Treat Office of Diversity and the Smithsonian for spectators Oct. 30, @ 9 p.m. C Inclusion, Collegiate to gaze upon in wonder for years 100 and Center for Global to come. Stop by Mellon Patio for on- Engagement, Duquesne in According to Lev, Lewis was the-go sweet, spooky treats Rome professor Elizabeth Lev “not bitter” about the discrimina- while supplies last! In case was granted the opportunity tion she faced as a person of color of bad weather, event will be to give an astounding art his- in the art industry, though instead moved to the NiteSpot. tory presentation on the story of channeled it to “speak the truth Edmonia Lewis: the first African- through beauty and reason.” "The Uninvited" American/Native-American courtesy of smithsonian “She had a calm determina- Oct. 31 @ 8-10 p.m. sculptor of the late 1800s. Lewis' "Death of Cleopatra" brought a powerfully raw perspective of the Egyptian queen. tion… she didn’t fight or yell, she Lev, a Boston native, is an was a leader who fought for the Join the Red Masquers for dren with Caesar, the serpent than in Italy. The only racist com- art historian who studies, writes path no matter the discourage- a student-led radio produc- coiled around her hand and the mentary that Lewis faced in Rome and teaches the vitality of art’s ment faced, responding to injus- roses climbing the sides. was from American visitors and tion to get in the Hallow- development from Duquesne’s tices, responding to language, Born in Greenbush, NY on writers, not native-born residents. een spirit! Visit the Red campus in Rome, specializing in responding to preconceived July 4th, 1844, Lewis was left Author Nathaniel Hawthorne, Masquers website for the the Renaissance/Baroque period. notions and changing them to be link to the event. Lev got her degree in Bologna, an orphan at age nine by her for one, was notoriously racist, Italy, and has lived in Rome for Haitain father and Native- the past 30 years. American mother; she sought for Live from Rome at 12 p.m. post-secondary education in her EST, the Zoom meeting kicked childhood, working her way up to off with study abroad executive a pre-college program at Oberlin director Joe DeCrosta welcoming College in Ohio by age 18. students interested in traveling Her first professional drawing upcoming to Duquesne’s campus in Italy, was of a statue, which inclined where Lev amongst many other her affinity toward 3D art. releases professors give culturally diverse However, in the midst of her lectures from the very heart of education, two white female stu- Positions European history. dents accused Lewis of poisoning Ariana Grande In such a pivotal time as now them, wherein she was kicked out Friday, Oct. 30th in our socio-political climate, Lev of Oberlin for good. To her luck, John Mercer Langston defended Grande's sixth studio album brought to light how Black art- accompanies newly released ists have paved the way for art as her in court. After losing the trial, Lewis single of the same name we know it, such as through the to listeners who have been impact of Lewis. had the opportunity to meet Frederick Douglass, who told long-awaiting the harmonies In 1876, in honor of America’s she has been teasing on her 100th birthday, Lewis stunned Lewis to go East, even abroad if social media. audiences with her masterpiece she had to, to avoid the prejudic- “The Death of Cleopatra,” which es and discrimination brought on Fatale challenged the preconceived notion by white artists in the industry. Friday, Oct. 30th of Cleopatra being a romanticized/ Moving to Boston, Lewis feminized historical figure. caught herself in the midst of the A psychological thriller, sports Though there were other imag- Abolitionist movement, heavily courtesy of campus link agent Darren watches his ined sculptures of Cleopatra that inspired by Lydia Marie Child Professor Lev excitedly presents her research on Lewis' astounding story. career collapse below his feet, with a police investigation on were exhibited, Lewis’ caught the and William Lloyd Garrison, who cared for her and urged her making comments against Lewis his case for a previous one- most attention for its stark con- perceived differently,” Lev said. to pursue sculpting and get her and other Black female artists for night stand. trast and suggestive demeanor, “Black women in the arts con- hands on an apprenticeship. trying to make it in the industry. symbolizing Cleopatra’s lifeless stantly show they can bring some- Finding that she was enamored According to Lev, Lewis was body as “the death of slavery.” thing new to the table and share by marble, Lewis decided that quoted saying, “I was practically Capri's Lewis studied close details of with others,” Lev said. “There is her work would be most benefi- driven to Rome in order to obtain Cleopatra’s life to incorporate in a long road ahead, but plenty of cial in moving to Rome. the opportunities for art culture, her work, such as the proper room to go amaze–– to go and complaints attire, the two children on the In this time period, racism was and to find a social atmosphere make people feel wonder.” So where do we go? throne depicting her twin chil- far more prevalent in America where I was not constantly Ah, the crisp autumn air. Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius How do we avoid it?

The devil went down to The "dining tents" placed sporadi- So imagine yourself The winner takes it all.... Georgia, but I went I spoke cally across campus could only be as decorative cupcake downstairs because I forgot to too soon beneficial for so long: I hate to say it, sprinkles. That's quirky! sign out my guest. but it's cold now.

Where are students going to go Capricorn Pisces Aries where they can safely social dis- Aquarius tance in, dare I say it, warmth?

It's Halloween b*tch! Remember when TikTok Watch for deer! Hogan Dining Center can only hold Video killed the radio star :) Watch something other was the smash single by so many, as the same goes for the than "Stand By Me" !! Ke$ha? Union ballroom, 5th floor and so on. To stay safe and warm to the rest of Leo the semester, Duquesne will have to Taurus Gemini Cancer brainstorm the most logical way to make this possible.

Chuck-E-Cheese face mask: One-eyed, one-horned, Meeeeeeep! --Capri Scarcelli think about it. DUCK... flying purple people pleaser :) 10 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Streaming platform "Quibi" quits as soon as it started

Griffin Sendek ter informing investors and con- had ever heard of, sliced into paying subscribers. and chasing the popularity of multimedia editor sumers that the company would 10-minute chunks that is only The pandemic, in no way, the short form content of Vine, be shutting down and is in the viewable on a phone, or watch- helped Quibi’s business, but TikTok and Youtube. The key t feels as though Quibi’s $1.75 process of selling off its content. ing Netflix’s “Tiger King,” “Tiger the idea may have been doomed difference Quibi failed to con- billion attempt to revolution- “Quibi was a big idea and there King” won out. from the very beginning. Quibi sider is that these social media I ize the way we watch TV – was no one who wanted to make The fact is, streaming services was seemingly formed out of the platforms are popular not for its and its eventual bankruptcy – all a success of it more than we live and die by quality of con- assumption that “kids-these- runtime, but because the content happened in well, a Quibi. did. Our failure was not for lack tent, not the method of delivery. days have-zero-attention-spans” is all available for free. If you happened to be a mem- of trying; we’ve considered and The shows Quibi had to offer ber of the massive majority of exhausted every option available never managed to capture the the world’s population, the word to us” Katzenberg and Whitman public interest. Out of dozens Quibi likely means nothing. said in the statement. of shows on the platform rang- Quibi is, or soon to be was, a Multiple factors were likely ing from dramas, comedies, real- brand new streaming platform the culprit for the platforms’ ity TV and documentaries, none launched on April 6, 2020 that demise. garnered a must-see status. One featured solely original TV con- “And yet Quibi is not suc- smash hit driving users in and tent. The standout feature set- ceeding. Likely for one of two proving Quibi as a viable plat- ting it apart from the rest was reasons: because the idea itself form might have been all that that each episode was 10 min- wasn’t strong enough to justi- was needed to keep the service utes or less, not a second longer. fy a standalone streaming ser- afloat. In a massive advertising cam- vice or because of our timing.” The majority of the shows paign near the launch of the Katzenburg and Whitman said. on Quibi were of a very aver- service, there was an attempt A release sandwiched between age quality that couldn’t hope to make “Quibi” a new addition an explosion of new streaming to compete with the originals to the lexicon, a definition syn- services and a global pandemic produced by Netflix, Amazon, onymous with a 10-minute or were unfortunate conditions for Hulu, HBO and Disney+. Big less period of time. This series success. A service consisting of budget productions, A-list actors of advertisements served more bite-sized episodes designed for and the return of beloved long to push the use of this new word, an on-the-go, commuter market canceled shows barely made an as opposed to actually informing was the last thing people were impact when it came to general consumers what the new plat- clamouring for while stuck in the interest and subscriber numbers. form really was, and why they height of stay-at-home orders. At launch, the offer of a gen- should pay for it. Seeking to kill as much time erous 90-day free trial gar- The word quibi, and the ser- as possible during quarantine, nered an initial spike in sub- vice itself, failed to catch on. when the decision was between scriber amount, however as the On Oct. 22, Quibi co-CEO paying for yet another streaming three month trial period came Courtesy of pitchfork Jeffery Katzenberg and Meg subscription to watch a handful to a close, Quibi struggled to The streaming platform, Quibi, had a tenure of just that -- a Quibi. Whitman posted an open let- of average quality shows no one convert the free trial users into Bruce Springsteen rocks 20th studio album release

hard times and good / I wrote 'em all out In an interview with Rolling Stone mag- claire neiberg in ink and blood / Dug deep in my soul and azine, Springsteen talks about how this signed my name true / And sent it in my album was supposed to catapult a 2021 staff writer letter to you” are deeply poetic and illus- tour, but because of the coronavirus pan- trate Springsteen’s earnest and authentic demic, a tour will have to wait. eing raised on classic rock, some of abilities as a songwriter, which remains “My antenna tells me, at best, 2022. my earliest memories surrounded the prevalent through the rest of the album. And I would consider the concert indus- Bdiscography of Bruce Springsteen. Two elements that make this album a try lucky if it happens then… I’m going to From listening to the E Street Radio special release is its timing, and the fact consider myself lucky if I lose just a year on SiriusXM every morning with my dad that it is recorded live. of touring life. Once you hit 70, there’s a to singing along to “Thunder Road” with "It's the only album where it's the finite amount of tours and a finite amount my family at the Hersheypark Stadium entire band playing at one time, with all of years that you have,” Springsteen said. on a rainy evening in 2014, Springsteen’s the vocals and everything completely live For Springsteen, music and performing music is a prominent part of my life, giv- … It's about being in a rock band, over is a “fundamental life force.” ing me high expectations for his Oct. 23 the course of time. And it's also a direct While the Coronavirus has put a lot release, Letter to You. Courtesy of pitchfork conversation between me and my fans, at on hold, Springsteen’s new masterpiece A rock and roll legend with a break- Springsteen's Letter to You boldly accepts and a level that I think they've come to expect assures his fans that true rock and roll will through in the 1970s, Bruce Springsteen celebrates the on-going chapters of life. over the years,” Springsteen said. never die. has captured the hearts of audiences and serves as a dedication to his fans, past through the decades and is known for his band members and his craft as an artist. electrifying sound and his immense talent Prior to the album’s release, Springsteen as a lyricist. released two singles in September, “Letter Letter to You, his 20th studio album, to You”and “Ghosts.” gently touches upon the theme of aging In an Apple Original Films documen- tary celebrating the release of the album, Springsteen explains that “‘Ghosts’ is about the beauty and joy of being in a band, and the pain of losing one another to illness and time.” This is evident through the touching lyrics but also in the music video where late band members Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons are featured in cameos. Both Federici and Clemons significantly shaped the history of the E Street Band, and Springsteen’s new song celebrates their lives and influence as musicians. “Letter to You,” the album’s title song, serves as a dedication to Springsteen’s fans and his loved ones. Letter to You is available on all streaming platforms and can be bought on CD, vinyl and more. Courtesy of pitchfork The lyrics, “Things I found out through Springsteen is excited to perform his latest work soon. October 29, 2020 arts & entertainment THE LAST WORD 11 Follow WRITERS & Follow us on Your PHOTOGRAPHERS Twitter THE Ad NEEDED DUKE Here! FOR THE DUKE online! Contact Carissa Haslam at @theduquesneduke Facebook Be a WW [email protected] Fellow The Duquesne Duke

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Shank speaks out, asks state and federal boards to investigate DU

Kellen Stepler process in this matter,” Welsch said in a statement. editor-in-chief Welsch said that the university does not ary Shank, the professor who was know the context of Shank’s accusations fired earlier this month for using a shared in his letter. Gracial epithet, wrote letters to the “However, the University has to wonder Middle States Commission on Higher Ed- why he did not share these concerns with ucation and the Pennsylvania State Board the University administration at any time of Education Friday, asking them to in- prior to this letter, and we are disappointed vestigate his termination alleging serious that he apparently has chosen to deride the academic integrity violations within his students in the program and his colleagues department. in this manner,” Welsch said. In the letters, Shank, who at one time was Welsch also said that Shank was given responsible to provide support within the multiple opportunities to speak with school doctoral program in his specialty area of of education dean, Gretchen Generett, to qualitative research methodology, direct- “share his reasons for engaging in the inap- ed a number of dissertations he said were propriate behavior that he engaged in dur- “excellent.” Under the previous director, ing his class.” Shank said he could run the program as he “He declined to do so,” Welsch said. saw fit and the students thrived under his Shank has not yet filed a grievance, ac- Kellen Stepler / Editor-in-chief leadership. cording to Welsch, and has not explained Shank, a former education professor, asked boards to investigate “serious issues” at the college. However, the director of the program at his position with the university faculty “employment at Duquesne is terminated pattern of making expedient and ethically that time left for another university, and grievance committee, even though the fac- for serious misconduct.” suspect judgements and actions.” Shank said switched his attention to the ulty handbook “provides him the opportu- nity to do so.” In Shank’s letter he sent Friday, he The latter half of his two-page letter educational administration doctoral pro- points out “serious issues” with the doctor- “If Dr. Shank wishes to express his po- writes that he explicitly informed his class gram for a few years. When he returned ate in educational administration program sition on any issue he should follow the that he was going to use the word, and why to the original program, Shank claimed in his department, the department of foun- processes and do so appropriately,” Wel- it was important that he did, to “demon- that the quality of the work and students strate how its context has changed over dations and leadership. sch said. had dropped significantly. He alleged that time along with how our culture perceives Shank cited Sept. 21 meeting minutes “When I got back into dissertation work students were being promised they could what is racist.” from a school of education faculty meet- with this program, I was shocked,” Shank complete the program in three years, and “When some students expressed con- ing with Generett on the record saying that wrote. “The students were less talented their work was suffering. cerns, I apologized for making them upset Dausey said in a provost council meeting and less interested in research. Instead, “In my case, I put in literally hundreds and uncomfortable,” Shank wrote to the that the issue with Shank is “based on per- some of them admitted they had chosen of hours on more than one dissertation state board of education. “Other students ception.” this doctoral program over competing local to correct grammar, spelling and logical from the class acknowledged that I was in- To the state Board of Education, Shank sequencing,” Shank wrote in the letters. programs because the Duquesne program tending to teach and not harass or trauma- wrote that these issues of “blatant violation “These dissertations, which were only “promised” that they would get their doc- tize them.” of academic freedom, blatant disregard of one step from defense, were woefully in- torate in three years.” The Duke obtained Shank’s apology due process and in the case of the doctoral adequate. But the three-year guarantee According to Duquesne’s doctorate in email he sent to his class following the program, the commission of academic had to be met. In the most shocking case educational leadership website, currently, Sept. 9 lecture. Students in his class noted fraud are concerns that might warrant fur- of all, a faculty member admitted that the admission criteria to apply for the pro- that he spent the entire 50-minute lecture ther investigation on your part.” she, not the student, actually wrote the gram are a master’s degree in an education the next day apologizing for using the racial Since his dismissal, the Foundation for dissertation.” or related field, five years of experience in epithet. Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) Shank did not name that faculty mem- PK-12 schools or related educational field Shank claimed in his letters that he has and the American Association of Univer- ber. Duquesne spokesperson Gabe Wel- preferred, a 3.0 GPA in graduate work and received over 20 letters of support from sity Professors (AAUP) have written letters sch said that Duquesne has not seen, and a completed application packet. people in the United States and abroad. to Duquesne president Ken Gormley de- does not have a copy of any letter from Hired with tenure in 1997, Shank was He wrote that this group includes former manding Shank’s reinstatement. Follow- Shank to the Middle States Commission under contract to write a textbook that was students — including students of color — ing his termination, FIRE filed a complaint on Higher Education or to the PA State in print for 15 years. former colleagues, “prominent” members to Robert King, the assistant secretary at Board of Education. Shank was terminated from the univer- of the Pittsburgh community, and even the office of postsecondary education at “Under the University’s faculty hand- sity Oct. 7 after using the N-word in a lec- people who do not know him personally, the U.S. Department of Education, writ- book, Professor Shank has 30 days to ture. In his Sept. 9 lecture via Zoom, Shank but believe his firing was unjust. ing that, “Duquesne’s departure from file his grievance in front of the Univer- used the racial slur repeatedly and gave “Those who know me assured me that promises of freedom of expression is most sity Faculty Grievance Committee, which students permission to use the word. After they knew that I was in no way a racist, and recently illustrated by its unjustifiable pun- is comprised of faculty members from a video went viral on social media, Shank that over the years my teaching methods ishment of faculty member Gary Shank, schools across the campus. Thus far, he was placed on administrative leave Sept. 11 had been valuable and impactful,” Shank who has relied on Duquesne’s promises has not done that, although his lawyer and was eventually fired from the univer- wrote. “Some of these respondents also di- of free expression and academic freedom has stated in the media that he intends sity nearly a month later. rected letters of support to provost Dausey throughout his 23-year teaching career at to do so. Moreover, he declined an invi- Duquesne provost David Dausey wrote urging the university to reinstate me.” the university.” tation from the dean to meet during the the termination letter to Shank Oct. 7, say- Shank’s letters also state that he is con- Shank’s attorney, Warner Mariani, said investigation that led to the recommenda- ing that he reviewed the report written by cerned about this action by Duquesne “not that they “have 30 days to grieve the termi- tion for termination. Duquesne is, and re- Generett and that, pursuant to Section 9.2 just because of its impact on [him] person- nation and certainly will do so.” mains committed to, following the proper of the Duquesne faculty handbook, his ally, but also how it fits into a long-standing

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October 29, 2020 Voting Pg. A3

2020 Presidential Election voting guide

Kellen Stepler can still vote a provisional ballot on Elec- Catholic Church in 2018 and supported zen Police Review Board (CPRB.) If the tion Day. the legalization of recreational marijuana measure passes, Pittsburgh police officers editor-in-chief “If you just forgot to sign the ballot, and use for adults in 2019. would be required to cooperate with CPRB olling places in Pennsylvania that ballot is not going to be counted, you He will be challenged by Republican investigations into police misconduct. will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 can still go in on Election Day, check in Heather Heidelbaugh of Mount Lebanon, The ballot measure would allow the p.m., and all polling places in with the poll workers like normally, and who is a partner at the law firm Leech Tish- board to act officially in its pursuit of police Allegheny County will be open. you’ll be able to vote by provisional ballot man Fuscaldo & Lampl with over 35 years accountability, and work with the city con- First time voters will be asked and your ballot will be counted as long as of experience in the courtroom. In a Tues- troller and the commission on human rela- Pto show an approved form of identifica- you don’t have another mail-in or absentee day tweet, Heidelbaugh wrote that “Sha- tions. It requires all officers and employees tion. These include: a PA driver’s license, ballot on record as having been counted,” piro’s focus is on a higher political office, to participate in investigations conducted an ID issued by the state or federal agency, Boockvar said. mine is on the rule of law.” by the CPRB, and provides protection for a passport, an armed forces ID, a student Wolf predicted that because over 3 mil- Daniel Wassmer, a longtime attorney sitting CPRB members from the mayor ID or an employee ID. Additionally, a voter lion people are voting by mail, the lines will and adjunct professor at Bucks County from removing a board member at will. identification card, a firearm permit,- cur be shorter and the polling places will be less Community College will be representing “If an officer fails to cooperate, that can rent utility bill, a paycheck, bank statement crowded. the Libertarian Party, while Pittsburgh be construed as just cause for dismissal,” or government paycheck are also approved “That’s good news for Pennsylvanians native Richard Weiss will be running on Beth Pittinger, director of the CPRB, said. forms of identification. who prefer to vote in-person because it’s behalf of the Green Party for the Attorney “This is what democracy in action looks To vote in-person, voters must wear face going to help to ensure that every single General race. like … it’s worthy of consideration of city coverings and observe safety protocols. To voter can cast their vote in a way that’s both The ballot will also feature the race voters.” find your polling place, go to votespa.com safe and secure,” Wolf said. for Pennsylvania Auditor General. or call 877-VOTESPA (877-868-3772). Nov. 3, Election Day, is the deadline for The chief fiscal watchdog of the state, the Patience is key In a press conference Tuesday, Penn- returning a voted mail-in or absentee bal- auditor general is responsible for using au- sylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boock- lot. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by dits to ensure all state money is used legally Wolf said that because of circumstances, var said that the Department of State has 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by the and properly, according to the common- this election is going to be different than provided masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, county election office by 5 p.m. Nov. 6 to be wealth’s auditor general website. previous ones. disinfectant spray, sneeze guards, towels counted. Nina Ahmad will be representing the “Counting ballots and tallying the re- and tape to mark social distancing to all 67 Boockvar said on Wednesday that as Democratic party in the race for auditor sults — that’s going to be different,” he said. counties. of Oct. 28, voter registration in Pennsyl- general, and Timothy Defoor will be on the “We’ve known for months that county elec- “We ask every voter to wear a mask, to vania has reached 9,081,933 — a record ticket for the Republican party. Jennifer tion workers would need additional time to protect themselves, and as a respect and a high. 4,228,962 are registered Demo- Moore will represent the Libertarian party count the mail in ballots this year.” courtesy to others as well,” she said. crats, 3,542,313 are registered Repub- and Olivia Faison will represent the Green Pre-canvassing — opening the ballots be- As of Oct. 28, 1,978,482 Pennsylvanians licans, 911,397 are non-affiliated and party. Current PA Auditor General Eugene fore Election Day, but not counting them have already voted by mail, Boockvar said 399,261 are other. DePasquale endorsed Ahmad to succeed until Election Day — is what Wolf called a in a press conference Wednesday. “This is an exciting time for democracy him on Monday. The auditor general is a “simple step” that would have “cost noth- “The expansion of mail-in voting here in in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “More eligible four-year term. ing, fixed problems and it was supported Pennsylvania gave more voters options and voters can exercise their right to vote than For state treasurer, democratic in- by counties, and it was even supported by it strengthened our democracy right here ever before.” cumbent Joe Torsella will be challenged former governor Tom Ridge.” in Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “We anticipate With one week to go before the election, by Stacy Garrity of the Republican party, “But Legislative Republicans chose not that our county election offices will see a Wolf said that “it’s vital to make sure that Joe Soloski of the Libertarian party and to act,” Wolf said. “And because of this in- historic surge in the number of mail-in bal- everybody has a plan in place to vote.” Timothy Runkle of the Green party. Ac- action of Republican leaders, Pennsylva- lots received, as well as the overall number “If you’re voting at the polls, make a plan cording to the state treasury website, “The nians may not have results that we need of ballots voted.” now to make sure you’re there on Nov. 3,” Pennsylvania Office of the State Treasurer on election night in every county. It may Over 3 million Pennsylvanians have ap- Wolf said. “Either way, your vote really serves as the custodian of more than $100 take longer than usual for counties to finish plied for an absentee ballot or a mail-in bal- matters.” billion in Commonwealth funds, and is counting votes.” lot. Wolf urged voters to hand-deliver mail- responsible for the receipt and deposit of Boockvar strongly urged every county to in ballots immediately. state monies, investment management start pre-canvassing as soon as possible on “If you still have your mail-in ballot, fill Who’s running? and oversight of all withdrawals and de- Tuesday. it out now,” Wolf said. “Don’t wait — hand posits from state agencies.” The state trea- In response to a tweet Trump sent out deliver your vote ballot at a secure drop box Obviously, the presidency will be up for surer is a four-year term. early Tuesday morning, writing, “Philadel- or at the county board of elections.” grabs, with Republican incumbent Donald Duquesne University is part of the piha [sic] MUST HAVE POLL WATCH- As of Oct. 28, 292,531 ballots have been Trump, Democratic candidate Joe Biden state’s 18th congressional district, ERS!,” Boockvar noted that everyone can returned in Allegheny County, according and Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgenson. and 19th legislative district. Voters have poll watchers, and that “that hasn’t to the county. Of those, 217,022 have been Each candidate must receive 270 of 538 will choose between democratic incum- changed.” Democratic, 48,738 have been Republican, electoral votes — Pennsylvania accounts bent Mike Doyle and republican Luke Edi- “Voters need to ignore the disinforma- 252 Green and 744 Liberterian. The state for 20 of those votes. son Negron to represent in Congress. Jake tion,” Boockvar said. “There’s so much dis- reported 65% of mail-in ballots have been In 2016, Trump won 48.2% of the vote Wheatley, a democrat and member of the information out there, people should not returned. in Pennsylvania, while Democratic candi- Pennsylvania House of Representatives, retweet, should not repost, this informa- Voters must return their mail-in or date Hillary Clinton won 47.5% However, will run unopposed. Both seats are two- tion is inaccurate. Pennsylvania has very absentee ballots to their county election in Allegheny County, Clinton earned 55.9% year terms. clear laws, poll watchers are going to be ap- board’s drop boxes before 8 p.m. on Elec- of the vote compared to Trump’s 39.5%. Voters will also see a proposed pointed days before Election Day.” tion Day. For Allegheny County voters, the President Barack Obama won both the special election question on their Boockvar noted that the Department closest drop box to Duquesne University is state and the county in 2012. ballots: “Shall the Pittsburgh Home of State is working very closely with all a half-mile away at the Allegheny County The Pennsylvania Attorney Gener- Rule Charter, Article Two, Executive, be 67 counties, and that the first priority is Office Building at 542 Forbes Ave. Boock- al position — the state’s top lawyer — amended and supplemented by amend- to count every ballot accurately, and after var noted that locations can be found on will also be on the ballot. Elected for a ing and adding new language to Sections that, “accurately as quickly as humanly votespa.com. four-year term, the attorney general inves- 229 and 230 and adding a new Section, possible.” “Just make sure, no matter what, that tigates public corruption, defends the state 231, expanding the powers of the Indepen- “Everybody’s going to have to be patient, you drop off your ballot by 8 p.m. on Elec- in lawsuits, investigating criminal opera- dent Citizen Police Review Board to allow and expect that it’s going to take a couple of tion Day,” Boockvar said. tions and works as a political figure along the Board to require police officers to par- days,” Boockvar said. “But I do expect that Wolf reminded voters to secure their voted with the governor and state legislature. ticipate in investigations, conducting per- the overwhelming majority of ballots will ballots in the secrecy envelope and then fill Democrat Josh Shapiro is looking for formance audits of the Police Bureau and be counted within a couple of days.” out the declaration in the mailing envelope. a second term in this position. Shapiro, preventing the removal of Board members Once a ballot is in, the vote is final — you “That gives you the peace of mind that of Montgomery County, won the race by except for just cause and with City Council cannot go back and change your mind. your ballot is in on time, and that your vote three points in 2016 and since then, he approval?” “Please, no matter how you vote, exer- will be counted,” he said. has opposed Trump’s travel ban in 2017, In simpler terms, this gives residents cise your right — make sure your voice is Should your mail-in or absentee ballot moved forward with an investigation of a chance to consider whether or not to heard,” Boockvar said. not be accepted, Boockvar said that voters allegations of sexual abuse within the expand the power of the Pittsburgh Citi-