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VOLUME 142, NO. 1 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 WWW.STUDLIFE.COM
1000 STUDENTS VISIT ST. LOUIS KWUR CONTINUES Behind the scenes Some ways to KWUR staff to of the three-week break out of the continue being on long coronavirus WU bubble this WU airwaves from class semester home (Scene, pg 3) (Scene, pg 4) (Cadenza, pg 8)
‘We have to be vigilant’: WU medical Chancellor experts weigh in on fall testing strategy Emeritus William H. Danforth dies at 94 JADEN SATENSTEIN SENIOR EDITOR
William H. Danforth II, the thirteenth chancellor of Washington University, died Wednesday, Sept. 16 at his home in Ladue at the age of 94, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The grandson of Ralston Purina Company founder William H. Danforth I, Danforth was born in St. Louis in 1926. After graduating from Princeton University in 1947, Danforth attended Harvard Medical School and served as a Navy physician during the Korean War. He then joined the Washington University School of Medicine faculty as a cardiologist. Danforth later became Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and then, in 1971, Chancellor of Washington University, succeeding Thomas H. Eliot. CHRISTINE WATRIDGE | STUDENT LIFE During his 24-year tenure, Junior William Satloff tests himself for coronavirus at Washington University’s West Campus testing site. The saliva test, which was devel- Danforth oversaw a significant oped by the Medical School, is required of all returning students. Most undergraduates in the St. Louis area will be tested every two weeks. increase in the University’s endowment, campus construc- TED MOSKAL second problem is that from the additional people with infection widespread interpretation of nega- tion and scholarship funding. SENIOR NEWS EDITOR time when you were exposed to who you wouldn’t catch through tive test results could undermine He also established 70 addi- COVID until the time when you other mechanisms, and so that is a the positive impact it would have. tional faculty chairs. Danforth Washington University’s may or may not present signs of recognized advantage.” We have to be vigilant. We can’t let retired in 1995 and was suc- COVID-19 testing strategy for the active virus can range between Still, according to both Hsueh our guard down even with a nega- ceeded by Mark S. Wrighton. the fall semester will combine two and fourteen days, so this and Lawrence, even the most com- tive test result.” Often referred to as “Chan mass asymptomatic testing with is just an extremely challenging prehensive testing plan is bound In order to crack down on this Dan,” Danforth was mar- more targeted diagnostic testing position.” to fail without the cooperation of type of reckless behavior, Wild ried to Elizabeth “Ibby” Gray for members of the University Despite these challenges, the the University community when it warned that those violating social Danforth, who died in 2005. community. Food and Drug Administration’s comes to wearing masks and social distancing guidelines will face seri- The then-named Hilltop Upon arrival to campus, all emergency authorization of a distancing. ous consequences. Campus was renamed to the undergraduate, graduate and new PCR saliva test developed by “Because of all those problems “We’ve been proactive and clear Danforth Campus in 2006 in professional students will be Washington University’s depart- with detecting the virus and iden- that we are going to take violations honor of Danforth and his required to complete a COVID ment of genetics in collaboration tifying people with the virus, you very seriously,” Wild said. “If we family. test. Students living in Residential with biotech company Fluidigm have to assume that at any point find out about egregious violation “I think it’s an extremely Life housing will receive tests at a has the potential to strengthen in time you could be shedding the of the public health principles, kind thing for people to do,” facility on West Campus as part of the University’s testing capacity. virus, because you can’t tell based that could lead to suspension or Danforth said to Student the check-in process before pro- The new test is less invasive than on how you feel, you can’t tell nec- expulsion.” Life in a February 2006 inter- ceeding to their housing. Students a nasal swab, which can often be essarily unless you just got a viral However, Wild acknowledged view. “I’ve had the privilege living off campus in the St. Louis uncomfortable for those being test,” Hsueh said. “You can’t tell the inevitability that some students of working with some excep- area will be required to complete a tested. It also requires less effort to based on your previous viral test, would test positive for COVID, tional people over the years. test during the first week of class. process, meaning that more tests so people have to take responsibil- stating that the Habif Health and And I think I got a lot of credit Over the course of the semester, can be processed more quickly. ity and act like they themselves Wellness Center is up to the job of for things other people did. I only undergraduate students will “As with most universities, could have the virus at all times.” handling any potential outbreaks. feel extremely lucky to have receive mass asymptomatic testing when we were planning in April, According to Lawrence, test- “What’s also important is the been a part of Washington every two weeks, due to their sta- May and June, there were not ing is important, but it is far from preparation for when we have University.” tus as a high risk population. widely available tests,” Interim the most essential piece of the cases, that we’re able to iden- Current Chancellor Andrew Diagnostic testing will fol- Vice Chancellor for Student University’s COVID prevention tify them quickly, that we have Martin said that Danforth low CDC guidelines, meaning Affairs Rob Wild said. “Part of plan. adequate staffing on the contact leaves behind a legacy of lead- that those showing symptoms of [the reasoning for] our delay of the “Let’s make sure we all look at tracing side as well as on the medi- ership and service that has COVID-19, as well as those who fall semester was to prepare and testing as what it is, and that it’s cal side,” Wild said. “We’ve really had a lasting impact on the have been potentially exposed to to make sure that we would have one piece of a bigger mitigation ramped up our operations out of University community. the virus, will be tested and poten- adequate testing capabilities.” strategy,” Lawrence said. “And Habif Health and Wellness Center “Most notably, we will tially moved to isolation housing. The approval of the saliva PCR it’s not even the most important so that when students either need remember Bill for taking the The University’s executive plan- test allowed the University to piece. The most important thing is to be quarantined or that they do University from what was once ning committee, which includes introduce regular asymptomatic just the masking and the distanc- test positive, that we have as a safe, known as a commuter campus over 200 faculty and staff, has been testing of undergraduates every ing, because quite honestly if there comfortable place where they can to the world-renowned insti- working all summer to develop this two weeks into its testing strategy was a way to ensure 95% perfect recover in isolation housing.” tution it is today, including plan. Dr. Kevin Hsueh, the medi- as announced in an email, Aug. use of masking and distancing, we Although testing is important, raising the prominence of the cal director of the Antimicrobial 31. wouldn’t even need any testing. Wild maintained that the coop- School of Medicine—Bill’s Stewardship Program at Barnes- Dr. Steve Lawrence, one of the But we have it, and so it is some- eration of the student body when academic ‘home’ and the place Jewish Hospital and member University’s top experts in viral thing that is one more tool in our it comes to masking and social where his leadership and ser- of the infectious disease unit, infectious diseases, said that the toolbox to try to keep this place as distancing will make or break the vice at Washington University described how the nature of overall effectiveness of asymp- safe as possible.” semester. began,” Martin wrote in a COVID-19 presents a particu- tomatic testing is still unclear, In fact, Lawrence expressed “We know that when these two statement to Student Life. “... larly difficult challenge for testing but it does have a few unique concern that increased testing things [masking and social dis- Indeed, anyone who has ever programs. advantages. could possibly encourage students tancing] happen, the likelihood been in the presence of Bill “COVID-19 is not a disease that “There is certainly a lot more to behave recklessly after receiving of spread reduces to nearly zero,” Danforth knows how special is super amenable to easy identifi- interest in testing asymptomatic a negative test result. Wild said. “We can see other uni- he was and how much he cared cation,” Hsueh said. “I think the people than there are data on its “Being tested regularly [could] versities that have opened that for this place and the people thing that people need to really effectiveness, and so we have been lead to a sense of feeling less vigi- have had challenges with this, and who have resided, studied and wrap their head around is that waiting [for] data as it becomes lant and saying, ‘Hey, I’m good when we have cases at Washington worked here.” people who actually are shedding available,” Lawrence said. “But and I don’t have to take as many University this fall, which we will, the live virus can range in symp- I think that any sort of asymp- precautions,’” Lawrence said. “I I predict the cases will be also Student Life will continue to toms from no symptoms at all to tomatic testing program does think we have to guard against the result of people not following update this story with more details people who are deathly ill...The one thing. It will identify some that because it’s possible that a those two key principles.” as they become available.
CONTACT BY POST CONTACT BY EMAIL CONTACT BY PHONE ONE BROOKINGS DRIVE #1039 [email protected] NEWSROOM 314.935.5995 #320 DANFORTH UNIVERSITY CENTER [email protected] ADVERTISING 314.935.4240 ST. LOUIS, MO 63130-4899 [email protected] FAX 314.935.5938 2 STUDENT LIFE EM MCPHIE & TED MOSKAL | SENIOR NEWS EDITORS | [email protected] THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
New Gender Equity Grievance Uncertainties for overseas Process fills gaps left by students include TA payment, federal Title IX regulations access to online course materials EM MCPHIE located outside the U.S., to decide, ‘Is this some- EM MCPHIE standard of evidence where to be a body of students, SENIOR NEWS EDITOR computer science professor thing that we are able to SENIOR NEWS EDITOR it was, and didn’t create a dis- faculty and staff that pro- Ron Cytron told Student do, is this a regulation that parate evidentiary burden for vides feedback about Title IX As a unique semes- Life’s Reopening podcast. we can work with, is this In response to new Title IX cases compared to policies. ter begins to take shape, “My original plan— something that’s affordable regulations from the U.S. other student conduct cases. “We want to see the advi- many questions remain which I vetted through the and feasible for us to man- Department of Education That was a good thing.” sory committee active as unanswered for the unprec- University back in April age?’ And so that's where narrowing the scope of Title Leading up to the imple- soon as possible, because edented contingent of and May—was to hire stu- the ultimate decision would IX, Washington University mentation of the federal rule, the advisory committee is a students taking classes dents in China...because end up being made.” has implemented new Title several survivors’ rights orga- third party where students from outside of the United they’re in the Chinese time The primary solu- IX grievance processes and nizations spoke out against can have input and represen- States. zone and they could serve tion involves the use of added a new procedure to the proposed changes, includ- tation,” Bender-Long said. On Sept. 9, students as TA’s for students who a professional employer cover instances of sexual mis- ing Title Mine. “And unfortunately, it’s been enrolled in popular intro- are in those time zones,” organization (PEO), conduct that fall outside of “While it’s clear that the inactive, even during this ductory computer science he said. “Those plans may which adds an additional the revised federal policy. new regulations will create time with the new regulations course CSE 131 received all now be coming to a big expense of 30 to 40%, Arts The new federal rule catastrophic policy barriers to being put in place.” an email saying that halt. It’s up in the air.” & Sciences Dean Jennifer requires schools to hold reporting, we want to name Kennedy said that she Washington University was Vice Chancellor for Smith said. live hearings with direct their more insidious impact,” anticipated being able to “experiencing problems International Affairs Smith said that overseas cross-examination by a rep- Title Mine wrote in an open share more information delivering content to China Kurt Dirks said that the students who had previ- resentative of each party’s letter to University admin- about the advisory commit- and some other countries.” University had done exten- ously planned to work as choosing, which experts warn istrators. “The anti-survivor tee within the coming week. The next day, TA’s for sive research into various TA’s in the College of Arts could be traumatizing for sur- rhetoric embedded in the “We’ve struggled a little multiple other computer payment possibilities for & Sciences would be able vivors of assault. Each party new rule has the capacity to bit over the summer to all science courses received overseas TA’s before pre- to maintain their jobs. will be required to have an do real harm to beliefs about get on the same page about an email flagging potential senting each school with “I have told the individu- advisor. sexual violence, which have how we’re going to operate problems with paying stu- the available options. als who asked me that if it “Our goal is to have a pool only begun to shift incremen- the committee this semes- dents located outside of the “We gave them the pos- was just a concern about of several advisors avail- tally in a more just direction.” ter, but my conversations country. sibilities of what’s at least the money, I would find the able, and some of them will The letter went on to with Vice Chancellor for Of the roughly 100 stu- within the realm of feasi- money,” Smith said. “... be attorneys, so those folks express concern over a per- Student Affairs Rob Wild dents who were planning bility,” Dirks said. “And We can make that happen, will be available if a student ceived lack of transparency and the chair of the commit- to work as TA’s for CSE then at that point the because we want qualified does not have their own advi- in the University’s decision- tee Nicole Hudson are clear 131, several are currently department…would have people in these roles.” sor,” Director and Title IX making process and detailed that the committee will con- Coordinator Jessica Kennedy several recommendations for tinue and will be active this said. the new policies. semester,” she said. “It’s just The Student Gender One such recommenda- a matter of sorting out which Student Union announces new Equity Grievance Process will tion called on administrators members will remain part be used to investigate miscon- to release a detailed plan for of the committee and which duct that now falls outside of how they would center the new members we will be tak- 2020-21 platform focused on Title IX. Unlike the Title IX needs of Black survivors and ing on.” process, the Gender Equity survivors of color, such as by Another part of the Title health, equity and connection procedure will not involve reallocating WUPD funding IX and Gender Equity pro- direct cross-examination, nor to mental health and sexual cesses involving student GRACE KENNARD especially for students community at all,” He said. will students be appointed an violence prevention services. input is the University Sexual CONTRIBUTING REPORTER who are virtual this In light of this discon- advisor. The letter similarly high- Harassment Investigation semester,” He said. “I nect, He said that SU The University’s lighted the need for a plan Board (formerly called the Student Body President know our Senate within hopes to find a way for Discrimination and centering LGBTQIA* University Sexual Assault sophomore Ranen Miao SU is doing a bunch of students to connect with Harassment Policy has been survivors, particularly in Investigation Board). welcomed students back to really awesome stuff. For the St. Louis community updated to incorporate the light of the 2019 Campus The board relies on rec- campus in a Sept. 8 email example, this past summer even if they weren’t part narrowed scope of Title IX, Climate Survey showing ommendations from various detailing Student Union’s they were able to work on a of a traditional community which it describes as “a spe- that sexual violence is vastly administrators, faculty mem- 2020-21 term goals for the database for therapists and service club. In addition cific subset of the conduct underreported by trans and bers and student groups. upcoming academic year. providers that were recom- to improving SU’s local addressed...in this Policy.” gender-nonconforming “This year, under the new The plan centered around mended by universities in impact, Miao also hopes Under the updated federal students in the University Title IX regulations, there three goals: health, equity each area of the country to focus on advocacy on a regulations, Title IX only cov- community. is some increased scrutiny and connection, tenets that and create sort of a national national level. ers behavior that occurs on “We have not received related to perceived bias of acknowledge the unusual therapist database.” “Nationally, connection University property or during any update about the sta- members...so all of us will and persistent challenges of In many ways, the health means reaching outwards,” official University programs tus of those plans,” Title be answering a questionnaire the year. and equity tenets overlap Miao said. “So during the and activities. The Gender Mine President senior Maia related to whatever concerns “This year, we will be when realizing the impact summer I have spoken with Equity process will play an Bender-Long said. “It doesn’t we may have about our own advocating for policies students and faculty can the student body presidents important role in protecting seem like it’s a priority right bias, but also questions about that will keep students have off campus. Miao of over 70 institutions and the unusually high number of now, which is concerning, whether it might appear to safe, working with admin- noted the importance of we’ve been able to begin students forced to move into especially given how inac- someone else that we were istrators to implement physical distancing and building a framework for non-University housing due cessible these processes can biased in such a way that we protections for students following all university a national organization to the pandemic. sometimes be.” would not be able to be a fair at-risk and creating a blue- public health guidelines not of student governments “We really believe that Slutsker said that while the decision-maker,” Kennedy print for a healthier Wash. only for the health of the that tries to advocate on whatever process an inci- University’s response to the said. U. community in the years University community but national issues…so that we dent falls under, whether it’s Title Mine letter had been While the University’s to come,” the plan read. for the health of the greater connect student voices with the Title IX process or the limited over the summer, she policies do not currently SU is coming off of a St. Louis community. national decision-making Gender Equity process, that hoped that administrators include an amnesty clause productive summer with “We also need to talk in business, in higher edu- the investigation will be con- would continue to elicit and for students who are harassed hopes to continue that about [COVID-19] through cation and in government.” ducted in the same thorough respond to student feedback. or assaulted while break- momentum into the fall an anti-racist lens, because The new reality of virtual and fair manner that it always One of the widely criti- ing COVID-19 guidelines, semester. The SU-organized having a lot of wealthy meetings and interactions has been,” Kennedy said. cized federal changes was Kennedy said that students Month of Action, which white students from as well as sudden shifts in U.S. Secretar y of the removal of the 60-day should still feel comfortable centered around partnering Wash. U. who go into the advocacy are not concerns Education Betsy DeVos for- guideline for completing reporting such occurrences. with other student groups [Delmar] Loop, who don’t to Miao as SU navigates mally issued the new Title investigations. However, “My office is not in the to engage in anti-racist wear masks, who don’t the remote semester. “I IX regulations in early May, Kennedy confirmed that the business of investigating work, raised $85,000 and physical distance and who think this student govern- prompting widespread criti- University’s Title IX inves- COVID-19 violations, and continued efforts to push spread COVID-19 will ment is so strong and we cism for protecting alleged tigations have historically so that is not something that the administration toward disproportionately harm have some people who are abusers and prioritizing uni- failed to meet this timeline. we would be concerning our- more investment in the the people of color in the so passionate about student versity liability. Shortening investigations selves with if someone came community. nearby community,” Miao government, so I really Seventeen states and the would require removing in to let us know that they Included in the health said. believe that we can have a District of Columbia chal- important parts of the pro- had been assaulted, even if portion of the platform are Some of the new equity really successful year and a lenged the rules in a lawsuit cess, Kennedy said, adding it happened in a place where methods to expand medi- initiatives include advocat- really successful term.” arguing that “fewer sexual that she anticipated both Title they weren’t following those cal access and coverage for ing for structural changes to For students who are harassment complaints will IX and Gender Equity inves- protocols,” she said. students as well as mental the Washington University interested in getting be filed, and schools will be tigations would take close to Given the complicated health resources to ensure Police Department, creat- involved with Student less well equipped to protect 120 days. nature of the new changes, every student can maintain ing more gender-neutral Union, Miao invited all their students’ safety and rid Title Mine argued that both Slutsker and Bender- mental as well as physical bathrooms on campus, students to feel comfort- their programs and activities allowing investigations to Long emphasized the health during this unique supporting campus groups able with reaching out to of the pernicious effects of last 120 days—essentially a importance of educating semester. that are fostering leader- him personally. sex discrimination.” full semester—was not ade- members of the University “[Health] means access ship for female students, “I genuinely think that However, the suit was quately efficient for student community about the pro- to healthcare and access to incorporating more diverse the most important part dismissed and the new regu- well-being, noting that the cesses and options available mental health coverage... voices and backgrounds of student government is lations officially went into burden of lengthy processes to them. We’re in conversations into discussions within SU being someone who can effect on August 14. contributes to 34% of survi- “My biggest concern is about how we can expand and working towards solu- be here to listen, because “Although we may not vors dropping out of college. how this information is going our coverage to virtual tions to food and housing at its core, we are students agree with each element of “I understand why the Title to be conveyed to students mental health care and insecurity for low-income who care about the other the final regulations, we are IX office has failed to meet and community members, telehealth, we’re talking students. students on our campus,” required to implement these these recommended guide- and how we as a commu- about how we can work He particularly focused he said. changes in order to be in lines, but that doesn’t excuse nity can work to make this [with] Habif to market all on how SU could help the Both Miao and He compliance with the law,” the impact that has had on process less daunting and the resources they currently University live up to its expressed gratitude for Provost Beverly Wendland survivors and also how that’s support people who choose to have and we’re trying to commitment of meaning- their involvement with SU. and Interim Vice Chancellor deterred survivors from even go through it,” Bender-Long make sure that students fully engaging with the St “Wash. U. is a space for Student Affairs Rob Wild reporting, because lengthy said. “We need to reduce the know that they have access Louis community. where you will definitely wrote in an August 14 email investigations are emotionally barriers to access and give to the Mental Health “We have all the time find a home and a commu- to students. taxing for survivors,” Bender- people the literacy to under- Fund,” Miao said. heard [that] Wash. U. has nity of people who you will “It was a pretty complex Long said. “So it’s crucial stand what changes have Executive Vice President this commitment to St. be able to grow with, live piece of legislation that was that the Title IX office should occurred.” of Student Union Anne Louis and we are Wash. life with and really become very much rooted in sex- continue to focus on reduc- “It’s not just the new regu- He said that she strongly U. in St. Louis and for St. a whole new person by ual assault myths, so some ing their timeline and publish lations—there have been a lot believed the mental health Louis, but a lot of the time, the end of the experi- changes were unavoidable, steps that they are planning to of concerns about Title IX aspect of SU’s platform as an average student who ence,” Miao said. “And I and then there was obviously take to reduce it.” at Wash. U. for a very long would be especially crucial isn’t necessarily involved hope that kids aren’t disil- some leeway for Wash. U.,” Bender-Long also called time,” Slutsker added. “It’s this year. in a community service lusioned by the fact that Title Mine Vice President of on the Title IX office to reac- important to not lose sight “One [goal] that I want group, we don’t actually things are so chaotic right Administration junior Sarah tivate the Title IX Advisory of that as we hold leaders to really help emphasize is get a lot of direct interac- now and so many things Slutsker said. “We kept the Committee, which is meant accountable.” the mental health aspect, tions with the St. Louis seem inaccessible to us.” THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 , 2020 BENJAMIN SIMON | SENIOR SCENE EDITOR | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 3 SCENE Teaching COVID-19: The making of a 1000-person class
BENJAMIN SIMON began on Aug. 17, she had of these things,” Milich of community was also include the classroom as well. She created a staff SENIOR SCENE EDITOR nearly 30 speakers lined said. “So I had lawyers important for Milich— portion, where Milich had of 16 graduate students, up––about two for every talk and economists talk, even after the class’ to manage Zoom webinar four anthropology faculty As Krista Milich pre- two-hour class period. and I don't know anything enrollment had bal- calls with over 1,200 stu- assistants, two Arts & pared for her class on the She secured people like about those areas. It's best looned. She made it dents asking hundreds of Sciences instructional coronavirus, she didn’t Phoenix (Kerrie) Linter, for the people who know it interactive, with a com- questions by the hour. specialists and a commu- know how many students a COVID-19 counselor at well to be the ones that are munications component, “It's a crazy situation nications team to help run would enroll. She heard St. Louis nonprofit organi- talking about it and avail- where students created to be on a call where you the class. Even answering that 10 students might zation Safe Connections, able to answer questions four infographics to share have 1,000 people,” Milich emails, she learned, con- join, maybe even 100. Joshua Sharfstein, a about it.” publicly on their social says. “...You're trying to stituted a “full-time job.” But shortly after regis- professor in Public Health Milich used the speakers media pages or with their maintain eye contact with Although the class tration opened, enrollment at Johns Hopkins and Ed to weave the class through local communities. They the speaker, listen and fol- ended on Sept. 4, Milich’s numbers soared by almost Yong, a science journalist a number of topics. They participated in discussion low along, nod your head, work is not finished. The 100 per day. Without any at The Atlantic. discussed the science boards and submitted a give positive feedback, all goal of the course was to seating restrictions, the “Being able to bring behind the virus—its question for each guest of those things, while also educate—and that doesn’t Anthropology depart- in people as often as you structure, infectivity and lecturer. keeping track of those stop with University ment had generously want is something that you how it relates to other From Monday to Friday, hundreds of questions and students. Each lecture capped the class at 999 can't do in person, but you viruses. But they also Milich worked all day pulling them together into was recorded and posted seats. Still, by the time can do virtually,” Milich discussed its social impact, long on the class—outside themes so that you can ask publicly on the Arts & registration closed, the says. “So you should be, like how disabled people of morning walks with the speaker [questions] Sciences website. class had even exceeded in my opinion, optimizing and incarcerated persons her dog, Anvil Head. She whenever they get done “I think that given that that number, with 1,251 what you can do virtu- have been affected by the would answer student talking.” we put all this effort into students enrolled in the ally, rather than trying to virus. emails, coordinate with As hundreds of students making this information two-credit, three-week vir- recreate what you do in “We needed to equip the speakers, meet with joined each day during accessible,” Milich says, tual class about all things person.” our students with public her staff and design quiz registration, Milich had to “we should share it as coronavirus—the most in Nurzhan Kanatzhanov, health knowledge about questions. That didn’t even increase her own support widely as we can.” Washington University a senior majoring in COVID-19 to help keep history, according to Computer Science, said our campus community Milich. he had never taken a class healthy and safe dur- Milich, who is an with so many speakers, ing the fall semester,” assistant professor of especially ones from such said Feng Sheng Hu, the Biological Anthropology, “diverse backgrounds,” dean of faculty of Arts & agreed to teach “The he said, “with Ph.D.s in Sciences, who first thought Pandemic: Science and immunology, Ph.D.s in of the course. “There is Society ” just one month public health and medical an enormous amount of before the course began. professionals who work information in the news That same day, she started for the government in media on COVID-19, and sending out emails to biol- Maryland.” I thought it’s important to ogists, counselors, visual Milich designed the help our undergrads digest artists and psychologists class so that students this information with across the country, asking could see all of the the guidance of leading them if they would virtu- different sides of the experts.” ally stop by the class. coronavirus. In this time of isola- When the class finally “I'm not an expert in all tion, creating a sense
COURTESY OF KRISTA MILICH Krista Milich works on the COVID-19 course from home with her dog, Anvil Head. Despite being sequestered inside, Milich, along with the help of a near 20-person staff, created the largest class in Wash. U. history.
VOLUME 142, NO. 1 Emma Baker Kya Vaughn Curran Neenan Sabrina Spence Adrienne Levin Coleman Copyright © 2020 Washington Editor-in-Chief Senior Forum Editor Senior Photo Editor Social Media Director General Manager University Student Media, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Inc. (WUSMI). Student Life Nathan Springman is a financially and editorially Matthew Friedman Dorian DeBose Jordan Coley Website Editor Tammy Dunsford independent, student-run Associate Editor Josh Shapiro Isabella Neubauer Advertising Sales Supervisor newspaper serving the Senior Sports Editors Copy Chiefs Jamila Dawkins [email protected] Washington University Jayla Butler [email protected] [email protected] Forum Editor community. Our newspaper is Kya Vaughn a publication of WUSMI and Managing Editors Isabella Neubauer Vivienne Chang Christine Watridge does not necessarily represent Sabrina Spence Kathleen White Design Editor the views of the Washington Em McPhie Senior Cadenza Editors Engagement Directors University administration. Ted Moskal [email protected] Senior News Editors HN Hoffmann [email protected] Mia Goldberg Jaden Satenstein Design Chief Christine Watridge Benjamin Simon [email protected] Multimedia Editors Senior Scene Editor [email protected] 4 STUDENT LIFE BENJAMIN SIMON | SENIOR SCENE EDITOR | [email protected] THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Five places to see within walking distance of campus ISABELLE GILLMAN The Saint Louis Oak Knoll Park STAFF WRITER Art Museum Need a little pit stop You’ve heard it before: on your grocery runs to We’re in “unprecedented You’ve probably heard Schnucks? Consider tak- times.” It seems like of the Saint Louis Art ing a break at Oak Knoll every possible on-campus Museum, but seriously, Park. It’s not nearly as activity is either virtual it’s impressive. Also big as Forest Park, but or postponed until times known as “SLAM,” it Oak Knoll––named after are once again normal. is completely free and its 150-year-old post oak When you don’t have home to artists like van trees––still boasts 14.5 a car, finding a way to Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin acres of greenery to enjoy. occupy yourself is even and more. Current There’s a pond with a more difficult. Here’s a exhibitions include The fountain, magnolia trees, list of five (not overrated) Shape of Abstraction, multiple gardens and a places to see within walk- Javanese Batik Textiles half-mile walking path. ing distance from campus. and The Monochrome If you take a seat near It’s important to remem- Mode in East Asian Art. the pond, you may even ber that there is still an A quick walk through see some turtles waddle incredible and vibrant Forest Park will take you out. Despite being book- city outside of campus to straight to the museum’s ended by a pair of busy explore. entrance. After your intersections (namely that CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE But remember: We visit, you can sit on Art of Big Bend Boulevard A ten minute walk from the South 40, Oak Knoll Park features a leafy walking loop and a charming pond with pic- nic tables, perfect for a lunch by the water. If you stay long enough, you’ll see some turtles wander out of the pond. impact the surrounding Hill overlooking the and Clayton Road), the community whether we’re park––one of the most park still manages to feel aware of it or not. Make serene (and best sled- peaceful––a nice place to Jewel Box in an appointment to create The Cathedral Basilica of sure to safely socially dis- ding) locations in all of do work outside and take a your own glass art, but Saint Louis, also known as tance yourself and wear St. Louis. break from campus. Forest Park unfortunately with COVID- the Saint Louis Cathedral, a mask when visiting any Walking time from Walking time from 19, that’s not a possibility at is located about two miles attractions! Brookings: 20 minutes Brookings: 25 minutes Located near the further the moment. For now, you from campus. The over end of Forest Park, Jewel can stop by the gallery on 100-year-old cathedral is Box is an art deco-style your stroll through the Loop popular for its burial crypts, greenhouse complete with and see what their artists- “Angel of Harmony” hundreds of flowers and a in-residence have created. sculpture in the church’s large reflecting pool. Not Expect a psychedelic range garden and the largest only is the space and sur- of colors and glass shapes mosaic in the Western rounding land beautiful, but you didn’t even know were Hemisphere. The Roman the walk there will allow possible. Stay up-to-date Catholic cathedral is nearly you to explore some of the on their calendar, too––this impossible to miss, taking less familiar parts of Forest weekend they are hosting up an entire city block in Park. Pumpkin Patch Saturday, the Central West End. It’s Walking time from an outdoor event where a bit of a walk, but it’s Brookings: 40 minutes they will showcase an array worth taking a fall Saturday of glass pumpkins. afternoon to visit the cathe- Third Degree Walking time from dral, along with one of the Brookings: 45 minutes city’s vibrant neighbor- Glass Factory hoods––home to nearly 25 Cathedral restaurants, countless scenic Third Degree Glass streets and the World Chess Factory is a local glass Basilica of Hall of Fame. blowing gallery and studio. Walking time from Normally, you can schedule Saint Louis Brookings: 1 hour
CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE The St. Louis Art Museum sits atop Art Hill, across the street from a lush, newly planted bed of flowers.
CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE
CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE COLLEGE GRAD REBATE! $500 toward any new Toyota
ACKERMANTOYOTA.COM 2020 HAMPTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO 63139 AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 44 314-351-3000 CURRAN NEENAN | STUDENT LIFE TOP: A couple rests their feet on a bench in the Jewel Box, a sun-filled greenhouse in Forest Park. MIDDLE: The gallery at Third Degree Glass Works is filled with the work of local artisan glassblowers. BOTTOM: The iconic emerald dome of the Cathedral Basilica keeps watch over the Central West End. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 DORIAN DEBOSE & JOSH SHAPIRO | SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 5 SPORTS What does Student Life Sports look like during a pandemic?
DORIAN DEBOSE AND bit on seniors in March and they love, their perspective campus. This year, I think will always have a place in winter sports will still hap- JOSH SHAPIRO April. I’d like to write more provides a tangible way to they would have had a seri- my heart. pen in some capacity. SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS pieces featuring underclass- discuss the general sense of ous chance at a tournament men athletes this semester. loss that everyone is feeling run. They were returning JS: As someone who just What do you make The Student Life sports right now. For them, it’s a lost all but one starter from last started following Wash. of the connections section typically focuses on JOSH SHAPIRO: In spite season. But for others, it’s lost year’s elite-eight finishing U. sports last winter, I was between sports, social Washington University sports, of the obvious challenges of internships, lost jobs, families team. On top of being a excited to watch our fall justice and racial so the cancellation of the fall covering collegiate athletics in in flux and the looming spec- great team, I learned how to teams and athletes com- equity? season presents us with a midst of a sports-less fall sea- ter of mass death. In the same cover sports by watching the pete for my first time. I’ll challenge. Still, Student Life son, I am incredibly excited light, it’s refreshing to hear women’s soccer team. As a miss getting to see our fall DD: I’d be remiss if I remains devoted to providing to reshape the way we engage their optimism about sports freshman, I covered almost teams on the field, though didn’t mention the role fresh sports content week in with our student athletes. returning in the future. Even every women’s soccer game I hope I will still have that sports teams are play- and week out. Yet, we should Without recaps, we’ll be able if it’s a new “normal,” I hope for StudLife. I wouldn’t the opportunity to get to ing in social movements acknowledge that our cover- to focus more of our coverage there is some kind of normal be the reporter I am now know many of our stu- right now. age is going to look different on longform profiles, giving after [the] coronavirus ends. without that experience, so dent athletes. I’m keeping this semester than it has in the readers a more personal look Wash. U. women’s soccer my fingers crossed that SEE SPORTS, PAGE 6 history of this publication. We into the lives of Bears players. JS: Coronavirus has con- asked our sports editors about I am hoping that this break densed all of our lives. In the how they plan to continue will also give us the chance to name of health, family and covering sports, even as sports explore larger-scale projects, security, even the luckiest of are placed on the backburner. including but not limited to us have given up our favorite Come the college recruiting pro- hobbies and pastimes. I’d like How do you intend to cess and the logistics behind to think that our sports sec- continue engaging with competing as a Division III tion can provide little snippets athletes during the fall? institution. of such long lost entertain- check out ment—even in the midst of DORIAN DEBOSE: At the Why do you think it’s a pandemic. Whether we’re end of last semester, we pub- important to keep cov- arguing over the value of base- our CBD lished a series of profiles with ering sports during a ball or debating why Tigers seniors in sports that were can- pandemic? are the world’s worst mascot celed. In those profiles, they (and we’ve done it before), us reflected about what it meant DD: I think sports are a won- sports editors know how to selection to lose their final season, but derful avenue to talk about create our fair share of she- Brands we carry: they also basked in some what makes people tick. nanigans. I don’t think anyone of the triumphs from their Competitiveness and connec- would disagree that we all BeLeaf Life Oils - Missouri Grown! • Eclipse • Green Roads careers. I think my instinct tion can create a great team, deserve some fun and distrac- Select CBD • Homegrown Hemp • JustCBD is to ruminate on the cancel- but those characteristics exist tion these days. lation of the season, but I outside of the field as well. Koi • Organabus • Pinnacle Hemp • Rescue want to find less dour ways to Talking about sports is a way What will you miss the engage with student-athletes to address topics we don’t nor- most about not having Follow us on @sunshinedaydreamstl around campus. For example, mally think about. fall sports this semester? if senior Tim Tague of the In some ways, I see can- and on @sunshinedaydream420 Wash. U. football team wants celled seasons as a stand-in for DD: Honestly, I’m going to play catch with me while the impact of [the] coronavi- to miss women’s soccer the for updates. we do an interview, I’d think rus. When we talk to athletes most. I’ve been a huge fan of that’s pretty sick! about what it means to lose a the Wash. U. women’s soc- Open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 9pm • Sunday 11am to 8pm We also focused quite a full season of doing something cer team since I arrived on 6303 DELMAR BLVD IN THE LOOP www.sunshinedaydream.com
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mania yourS AD here 6 STUDENT LIFE DORIAN DEBOSE & JOSH SHAPIRO | SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS | [email protected] THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
Sports from page 5 On the professional level, players from all walks of life isn’t the answer you’re looking March Madness-style tourna- sports hot take that you JS: It is my hot take and they’re helping to keep are finding their voices and for. The NBA 2K tournament ment of the greatest words hope to see StudLife pub- professional recommenda- attention on the racial injus- telling their stories. StudLife featuring NBA players back in in the English language, lish this fall? tion as sports editor that we tices that permeate this Sports is the media platform April was cool. Los Angeles complete with a tournament replace golf with spelling in country. At Wash. U., Black for athletics at Wash. U., Clippers guard Patrick preview and post-match com- DD: Philadelphia 76ers the next Olympic games. I athletes have been vocal about and as a section, it’s our job Beverley brings an energy to mentary. I miss the pageantry point forward Ben Simmons spent a good chunk of a past the difficulties they’ve faced to chronicle Bears’ student everything he does that makes of sports. Going through the sucks. Much to my col- Sunday watching a replay of as scholar-champions. What athletes and bring light to the him must-watch TV. grandiose motions of the league [senior scene editor] the 2015 Scripps National athletes are doing right now is many struggles our own Black NCAA tournament gets me Benjamin Simon’s chagrin, Spelling Bee. A few hours genuinely brave and we would student athletes (and other JS: I was pretty into Korean jazzed up. And doing it for Ben Simmons is never later, I played golf for the fail both the athletes and the student athletes of color) have baseball. I love watching the something as trivial as words going to get Philly over the first, and probably only, time student body if we failed to faced. Mets, so without an MLB sea- is a deeply funny idea to me. hump. I don’t necessarily in my life. In golf, after one cover their efforts. son, any baseball was better believe this take, but my round of practice swings, What’s your favorite than no baseball. One of my JS: I envision hosting a favorite pastime is pissing I could drive the ball 100 JS: In the past few months, non-traditional sport that friends even started a Korean Student Life cooking competi- off Philadelphia fans online. yards. But even though I’ve we’ve seen professional ath- took hold over during Fantasy Baseball league! tion, with each of our sections I spend a lot of time on been spelling words all my letes harness their spotlight to quarantine? competing against each other Twitter during professional life, I could never correctly create platforms that highlight What is the strangest for the grand prize of Wash. sports games. My dream sound out “scherenschnitte” the racism and racial inequal- DD: I don’t know if this sports-adjacent thing you U. newspaper MasterChef. scenario is publishing an (the championship winning ity Black Americans face in counts, but I’ve been watching see yourself trying to Though Gordon Ramsay article called “Ben Simmons word)—it takes immense modern America. From the a lot of street fighting compi- publish in the sports sec- would be a formidable judge, is trash, so he’s perfect for talent to make it to the top NBA players’ walkout dur- lations. They’re pretty sick! I tion this semester? my guess is he probably the 76ers” then waking up tier of spelling whizzes. ing this year’s playoffs to the determined that, in the event wouldn’t be interested in the to 17 emails from guys who Plus, who doesn’t want a Chiefs’ and Texans’ decision of a street fight, my optimal DD: This probably isn’t the job. Can’t hurt to ask though. go by “Junior” about how little more primetime com- to lock arms before the start strategy would be to make strangest thing I’ll try to pub- I won’t say what I wrote in petitive spelling coverage on of their NFL season-opener, strong friends. That probably lish, but I really want to do a What’s a professional that article to their face. ESPN.
After Stahlhuth resigns, women’s tennis looks for someone to continue her legacy
MATTHEW FRIEDMAN along with Persky and senior was part of what made learn- teammates and her family, ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emma Sass serves as a team ing of the resignation so her sadness slowly dissipated, captain, said that the search emotional for the team. Players morphing into optimism. When her car was stolen for a head coach revolves found out about Stahlhuth’s “Especially as captains, we felt earlier this year, the first phone around finding someone who resignation days before the like we had a responsibility to call senior Ally Persky made can build upon Stahlhuth’s University announced the deci- address it amongst the team, was not home to her parents. successes. Stahlhuth led the sion on July 9. There were few and then it kind of grew into It was to the Washington team to a 215-115 record in indications that Stahlhuth was [a mindset of] ‘This can be University women’s tennis her 15 seasons with the Bears, planning on leaving the Bears good. We don’t know who the head coach, Kelly Stahlhuth. including four Elite Eight before this summer, so most coach is going to be. It could be Persky and Stahlhuth had appearances. players were surprised when awesome. It could be great,” become close over their three Yet so many of Stahlhuth’s they got the news. Persky said. years together on the team, successes came off the court Sophomore Sophia Huynh The players’ combination of with Persky viewing her coach as well. “We’re looking for was walking her dog when sadness and optimism allowed as a sort of mother figure. someone who wants to get to Stahlhuth called her with the the captains to lead the team Stahlhuth walked her through know every player on a per- news. “I just blanked out,” through a tough few days. “It the steps she would need to sonal level, because that was Huynh said. She had to ask was really good to have the take to retrieve the stolen car something that Kelly did really Stahlhuth again where her captains just there, because and, weeks later, was the per- well,” Wanger said. “She took new job would be, because she none of us saw it coming,” COURTESY OF KELLY STAHLHUTH son who drove Persky to check the time to get to know us had not been able to process it junior Divya Sharma said. “It Kelly Stahlhuth smiles with the women’s tennis team out the car when it showed up and made us feel comfortable the first time. “We were all just was just completely out of the last fall at a practice. Stahlhuth accumulated a 215- at a tow garage. The coach was coming to her with any issue, so shocked that we didn’t hear blue. I just kind of leaned on 115 record in 15 seasons as the Bears’ head coach. there throughout the process: tennis-related or not.” anything after what she said,” other teammates.” even when the garage let only Athletic Director Anthony Huynh said. In a meeting of the three told us that they understand pushing them to improve. Persky in to inspect the car, Azama echoed that senti- When Stahlhuth called captains soon after the res- the necessity for us to have Wanger emphasized the need Stahlhuth remained on the ment. “To say that [Stahlhuth] Persky, she had emphasized ignation, Wanger suggested somebody to ask our questions for someone who could emu- phone with her, guiding her is a good coach really doesn’t how she would still be a scheduling a meeting with the to and [for] stability,” Wanger late Stahluth’s understanding through the process. describe the person that she is resource for the team after the Athletic Department to deter- said. of the unique position Wash. “I just had this feeling that and how her approach to life resignation, but Persky was still mine next steps for finding a The search process has U. student athletes find them- Kelly was a member of my has rubbed off on everybody in disbelief. “It felt like losing new head coach. The trio met continued to impress players selves in. A focus on tennis family,” Persky said of that in the athletic department. someone really close to you,” with three department admin- since those initial conversa- was crucial, Wanger said, interaction, observing that the She’s just upbeat, goes into she said. istrators, who told them players tions between the captains and but she noted that it was also moments during and after the things without preconceived The resignation weighed on could be involved in the second the Athletic Department. important to her that the new stolen car situation encapsu- notions,” he told Student Life. Stahlhuth as well. “I told my round of interviews. Wanger The team got to lead its own coach understands the need for lated Stahlhuth’s selflessness. “A great source of wisdom for players that Monday evening felt pleasantly surprised by 45-minute interview session balance between athletics and In interviews this summer, an athletic director as well as that that day of conversations the University’s willingness to for each of four candidates academics. players said that same car- for administrators and student ranked in the top 10 hardest, include players in the search who made it to the second Sass focused on how a new ing quality and a desire to go athletes, she will be missed.” saddest days of my life,” she process. “We didn’t know round. “I don’t know how coach should, like Stahlhuth, above and beyond in terms At one point in the fall of told Student Life in an email. to what extent we would be much my opinion was taken go beyond the traditional of off-the-court support were 2018, senior Emma Sass found The departure left the included, so we feel like our into account, I guess I just duties associated with lead- what helped enable Stahlhuth herself feeling stressed and Bears without any direct adult voices will be heard,” she said appreciated that my voice was ing a team. “One of the big to bring the Bears to 11 straight overextended, with numerous leadership. Assistant coach in July. heard at the table,” Persky said. things was that kind of above playoff berths between 2008- extracurriculars and responsi- Erin Swaller had moved to Wash. U. was in the midst “That was cool for me, just and beyond support, where 2018 and 12 overall since she bilities weighing her down. She Washington D.C. earlier in the of a pandemic-induced hir- feeling like I have an impact somebody who is applying to joined Wash. U. in 2005. reached out to Stahlhuth and summer, and Stahlhuth’s resig- ing freeze at the time of on the future program after I a job as a tennis coach might Now, the players are part the pair took a walk around the nation meant that her husband Stahlhuth’s resignation, but graduate.” not know that that’s part of of a search to find a new head track at the Athletic Complex Bruce, who often helped out the Athletic Department reas- Throughout the search, the the job application,” she said. coach with similar qualities, as to talk out Sass’ thoughts. “It with the team, would no longer sured the players that they players’ time with Stahlhuth “But I think that’s really what the University seeks a replace- was great for me. I just talked it be involved. would still be able to hire a has informed the questions made the experience for me, ment following Stahlhuth’s out, figured out what I needed It took a few days for the coach in the near future. Head the Bears consider. Huynh so I think that’s definitely an July resignation to take a posi- to do and then I could move shock to wear off, but Persky coaching positions are consid- said she was on the lookout aspect of what we’re looking tion as an assistant athletic on, and I felt a lot better,” Sass soon found herself more ered essential positions, so the for a coach who could mirror for in the next coach.” director at a St. Louis high said. “I think a lot of the team able to talk openly about the department was able to move Stahlhuth’s ability as a moti- school. has stories like that.” resignation. As she talked it forward with the search before vator, someone who could Additional reporting by Dorian Senior Laurel Wanger, who That off-the-court support over with past and present the school year began. “They make practices fun while DeBose THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 KYA VAUGHN | SENIOR FORUM EDITOR | [email protected] STUDENT LIFE 7 FORUM STAFF EDITORIAL This fall will only work if we work together, so let’s rise to the occasion
he damage of the in that privilege, however, we struggling with the impacts struggling with the virus are adults, we will be unaffected. to frightening results. Since COVID-19 pandemic cannot ignore the respon- of the pandemic. going through. You are not an exception the reopening of universities, Tis no secret. We have sibility that accompanies Some of these impacts This is not to say, how- to the rules of the corona- the state has seen more than witnessed events canceled, the realities of an in-person may be directly attributed ever, that knowing that cases virus. Your actions have 7,000 college-age students schools closed and hospitals semester. Students and to someone contracting the may arise regardless of our repercussions far beyond any test positive for the corona- filled beyond capacity. More the University must work virus, in which case shaming actions gives us any excuse perception of the Wash. U. virus. Cases will rise, but as than 190,000 people have together to ensure the safety someone for contracting the to disregard COVID-19 rules bubble. In St. Louis County, students, it is not our duty died from COVID-19 in of ourselves and others: We virus is fully unacceptable, and guidelines. Yes, there will there is a 94% chance of at to knowingly increase this the U.S. and millions more must meet this challenge with regardless of how it was likely be some positive cases least one individual being number. To do so is simply to have lost their jobs, leaving empathy, transparency and contracted. The fear, isola- no matter what. But a blatant COVID-19 positive in a demonstrate a complete lack them insecure in an already diligence. tion and uncertainty that may disregard of rules regard- group of 100 people. But of care and understanding of confusing time. We have seen As you start to settle into accompany a coronavirus ing social distancing, mask what about something our peers. firsthand both the physical your new life on campus, it is diagnosis are enough weight usage and large gatherings smaller? What about a small At best, this semester will and mental impacts that this imperative that we empathize on their own. People do not will only serve to actively get together or an indoor din- simply be difficult. At worst, pandemic has caused. It has with our peers and recognize need to be met with scrutiny and aggressively endanger ner with a friend group? For it could be disastrous. In cost us the ability to social- the variety in all of our situ- or condemnation. Instead, the health of so many in our a group of 10 people in St. order for us to continue to ize in any normal fashion ations. This pandemic has they should be met with community. COVID-19 has Louis County, there is a 24% be on campus, we all need and forced us to alter our uprooted people from their support and understanding. proven to disproportionately chance that at least one of the to do our part.The Student plans for the future with little homes and thrust many into Regardless of what students affect ethnic minorities and individuals has the corona- Life Editorial Board implores certainty of what even the a state of financial instability. do, there is still a risk of ill- those from a low socioeco- virus. These probabilities are students to remember that next week will look like. Few In so many ways, COVID-19 ness, and we must recognize nomic background. Many far too high and too real for your actions do not impact aspects of our lives remain has presented individuals that even if we follow all members of the Wash. U. us to ignore. Any and all of you alone and urges the unscathed. with unexpected challenges rules and guidelines, there community share these us are susceptible to contract- University to maintain trans- Despite these circum- and circumstances. The will still likely be cases, as identities, and thus it is unfair ing the virus, and we are just parent communication with stances, the Washington severity of these issues varies that is simply the nature of to yourself, other members as susceptible to spreading it. the Wash. U. community. University community has from person to person, so viruses. Thus, it is essential of the Wash.U. community Your get together or party is Only through the action and been given the privilege now more than ever is it that we treat each other and members of the St. not worth another person’s commitment of both students to return to campus this important to try and under- equally with kindness, as Louis region to enter into this health and stability. and the University can we semester. If the University stand one another, as anyone we have no way of know- semester with the false notion Many Missouri universi- ensure the safety of our community wishes to partake at any given time can be ing what our peers who are that because we are young ties have already reopened community. The education gap is growing, do your part to close it
KYA VAUGHN background (measured by their trying to receive top scores in to highlight the inequities and students. opportunity, but the disparities MANAGING EDITOR ability to be enrolled in the free order to make themselves com- in America. The COVID- In the middle of my public that exist in this nation illus- and reduced lunch program). petitive applicants. Striving for 19 pandemic came quickly school education, I was catego- trate a society less than that. ducational disparities A different study performed academic excellence is great; and unexpectedly, leaving rized as a low-income student. Students can and have have been a part of the in 2016 found that only 20% however, not every student— many unemployed and Seeing the scores of my peers already committed themselves EAmerican education of undergraduate students regardless of aptitude and uncertain about tomorrow. on standardized tests made me to helping parents and students system for years. We love to were from low-income ability—has the same access to Consequently, the pandemic question my own capabilities: during this tough time. Many boast about the equality of backgrounds. Although these resources. caused the unemployment rate Was I incapable of success, Washington University American education, but are two different studies from A study found that the to reach a record high, with or could I simply not afford students have dedicated them- this is a falsity that in a lot of two different years, there is still average student who partakes 14.7% of Americans being it? It is a painful realization selves to tutoring, allowing ways is ignored. Although something to be said about in test prep courses can expect unemployed. People don’t that many students across the parents the opportunity to be public school is free to all, this discrepancy: A majority a 25 to 32 point increase one know whether or not they’ll be nation are asking themselves matched with a tutor based on there are so many aspects that of American children come the SAT, with a similar scaled able to afford groceries or rent, the same question, and the financial needs. Several tutor- go into making an equitable from low-income households, increase on the ACT. However, let alone be able to shell out COVID-19 pandemic has only ing programs have sprung up system—aspects that have while a vast majority of college this increase comes at a steep $1800 for an SAT prep course worsened the issue. It’s an and been revamped as a result turned the educational system students do not. Coincidence? cost. The average cost for an for their children. Perhaps unfair truth that students who of the pandemic, and if you into a constant war between Unlikely. SAT test prep course ranges people could opt for a personal cannot afford comparable edu- have the ability to help out, you those who can afford to suc- Standardized testing such between $800 and $1800. tutor instead of a full course, cation to their wealthier peers should. If you are fortunate ceed and those who cannot, as the ACT and SAT play a This prep course alone costs but that costs an average of $30 are subject to falling behind enough to have the privilege with students from a lower large role in determining the nearly the same amount as the to $40 an hour, which is still far in their academics for reasons of receiving a quality educa- socioeconomic background acceptance of a student into a average rent for a one-bedroom too expensive for many strug- far beyond their control. Their tion, consider using that same persistently having to vie for collegiate university. There are apartment. Based on the gling families. The education educational potential may privilege to prevent a student fair and equal education. some schools that no longer aforementioned 2013 study, a gap between the rich and the never fully be known, not from falling through the cracks. A 2013 study discovered require these tests, but there test prep bill is one that many poor has only grown wider, because they are unable, but America has enough educa- that 51% of students in are far too few colleges on this families cannot afford to pay. leaving parents and teachers simply because they do not tion disparities; let’s not let the American K-12 public schools bandwagon, leaving the major- Fast-forward to 2020, the concerned about the educa- have the means. America was COVID-19 pandemic add any were from a low-income ity of high school students still year that seems to exist solely tional well-being of children founded on being the land of more.
BLM activism extends to on-campus behavior
JAMILA DAWKINS those people. So you decide most bare minimum, your Black communities—com- to maintain the six feet. has value. It’s convenient. FORUM EDITOR to do something. behavior signaled an ideol- munities that are dying of These concerns can seem It gives more people There’s a spectrum of ogy. The phrase “Black COVID-19 at twice the rate important in the moment access to the fight. It can et me see if I can activism. I don't know lives matter” shouldn’t be of whites both nationwide they crop up. Allyship and spread awareness and guess your social exactly where you were controversial , but it is—and and in St. Louis. It is less anti-racism, too, are uncom- support like wildfire, as Lmedia presence from on it. Maybe you were out it carries weight. Declaring easy to recognize that when fortable. They are often not #BlackLivesMatter has late May to June. George there protesting. Maybe that “Black lives matter” you tweet about BLM and polite to bring up in light proven. But it has also Floyd’s murder rocks your you couldn’t protest but you means that you care about then turn around and have a conversation. But maintain- bolstered a sense of allyship feed—seemingly overnight, donated or shared informa- Black life. That you are kickback with your friends, ing politeness is not worth among many people who everyone you know is post- tion about bail funds. Maybe allied with Black life and you are being a hypocrite. endangering life. Black lives are not doing nearly enough. ing about it. Protests spark you watched one of those Black communities. That Risk-taking during a are worth the discomfort. Since more tangible means in dozens of cities nation- YouTube videos where the you think they are worthy. pandemic is a spectrum, Advocating for Black lives of activism are so much wide—then, in even more AdSense gets donated, or It is a grave mistake to too. Many of us would be means acknowledging that more accessible now, this is cities worldwide. Statues supported Black-owned busi- compartmentalize this senti- quick to shame people for systemic racism touches doubly lazy. Black lives don’t are toppling. Suddenly, nesses. Maybe you added ment. It is easy (or easier) to partying—and rightfully so. everything. Nothing has stop existing—or matter- more names: Breonna lots of aesthetic black-and- say that Black lives matter That is a large risk. But there made that more evident ing—when your phone dies Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, white graphics to your story, when confronted with the are smaller risks, too. Maybe than the fact that a global or you log out of Twitter. Oluwatoyin Salau—and but skipped through all of nationally televised brutal- you notice a friend’s mask pandemic—by definition Now is the time to put up more every day. Everyone the GoFundMe’s and peti- ization of Black protesters. has slipped off their nose, affecting every person—still or shut up. Online activism is shouting at once. Even tions on your feed. Maybe It is less easy to recognize but you decide not to tell disproportionately hurts can only take you so far. You the people who are silent your activism started and that you are advocating for them because it’s awkward; Black people. Allyship care about Black lives? Then are speaking volumes—and ended with a black square Black lives by wearing a maybe someone is standing doesn’t end with a hashtag— stop endangering them. they’re being called out, too. and a hashtag. mask and limiting the spread a little too close and you it’s a full-time job. Here’s a good place to start: You don’t want to be one of Even if you did the of COVID-19 to vulnerable don’t know how to tell them Social media activism Wear your goddamn mask.
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ISABELLE GILLMAN operated out of a studio “trying to figure out ways to a lot like it has in the past, STAFF WRITER on the third floor of the live stream.” but this year the introduc- Danforth University Center Sophomore and execu- tory meetings and all When so much of college complete with professional- tive board member Jasen of the requirements for life is based on connecting grade microphones, Vest assured that KWUR DJ-ship will be entirely with each other through streaming software built will “fulfill its duties of virtual,” explained Training shared, communal experi- into the computers and a promoting and spreading Directors senior Tara ences, it’s hard to imagine soundboard that DJs con- music to its listeners.” “The Kilkenny and sophomore campus life without normal trolled during their shows. community still exists and Camden Dyer in a joint extracurriculars. As stu- But, of course, this year will is in communication,” Vest statement. “We've had dents, it seems like there be different for KWUR and said. “We plan on mak- to rethink some of the are no clear answers to any its members. ing online communication traditional steps of the of our questions. What are “We’re going to be doing more accessible this semes- process, but some solutions hybrid classes going to look remote broadcasting from ter, especially to freshman include a virtual tour of the like? Where will I be able to each of our laptops,” said trainees.” studio, a one-on-one with study? Is Ibby’s doing pick- senior Avery Johnson, Like many clubs, KWUR a current DJ and remote up orders? the general manager of still plans on recruiting CD-reviews.” KWUR 90.3FM KWUR. “It’s going to be and training new members Overall, KWUR intends Clayton—or KWUR for kind of messy and we’ll be despite operating remotely. to continue operating as short—is one of the largest running limited operations, Traditionally, anyone who close to normal as pos- clubs on campus, with over but it’s going to work.” wishes to join KWUR must sible. “There are still a few 200 members and counting. While KWUR is a radio be a trainee for a semester, logistical issues we need to Its members are passionate station at its core, a large learning KWUR’s rules and resolve,” Dyer said, “but about underground indie part of the club's culture is history throughout. After we're hoping to make train- music, bringing in guest house shows and live music trainees complete their ing engaging and personal, artists for events and house events. Johnson explained training requirements, they especially given the relative GRACE FUNG | STUDENT LIFE shows and designing unique that it is unclear whether are promoted to DJs the isolation that festers in the The old KWUR office in the basement of the Women’s Building. merchandise. there will be events and that following semester. dark recesses of a 50-person KWUR has worked out of the Danforth University Center since In past years, KWUR the club’s executive board is “Training will function Zoom conference call." the early 2010s, but will be broadcasting remotely this fall.
Live-action ‘Mulan’ provides drama where original provided humor SABRINA SPENCE favorite is getting a remake getting new life breathed expectations. The live- they can’t be warriors, and palatable for children, but SENIOR CADENZA EDITOR can be both exciting and into it, but on the other action remake of Disney’s from the moment we first this film thankfully steers upsetting. On one hand, hand, there’s the possibility “Mulan” not only lives up see her, Mulan doesn’t let slightly away from that Learning that a childhood something you’ve loved is that it won’t live up to your to, but exceeds expectations. that stop her. From the time pattern. “Mulan” (2020) was she’s a little girl, we see her Now, when a new film is scheduled for release in engaging in daring feats released, there is bound to March, but was postponed around her home village to be some controversy, and due to COVID-19. Instead, the chagrin and chastise- “Mulan” (2020) does not the film was released with ment of her community and escape that. The film has premier access Friday, Sept. her family, which includes been met with poor recep- 4 on Disney+. While the a younger sister—another tion by Chinese audiences new adaptation follows the nod to the original poem. because of lead actress Yifei same plotline as the 1998 Although there’s no music, Liu's support of the Hong original animated film, the an instrumental version of Kong police during a time live-action remake tells a the iconic song “Reflection” where countries worldwide much more dramatic and plays in the background are re-evaluating their empowering story. throughout the movie, policing tactics. Critics have There are a few differ- bringing a sense of familiar- also objected to the closing ences between the original ity and nostalgia to the film. credits' thanks to govern- and the 2020 remake—this Another key difference ment groups in the Xinjiang new adaptation more between the original and region, where Uyghur closely follows the origi- the remake is the replace- Muslims are being held in nal folk song “Ballad of ment of the Huns with internment camps, as well Mulan” more closely, the the Rourans—another as the film’s handling of film isn’t a musical and nod to the original poem. Chinese cultural elements, some of our favorite char- The Rourans work with specially the treatment of acters are missing—Mushu, a “witch” of sorts by the qi, the traditional idea in General Li Shang and the name of Xianniang who, Chinese martial arts and lucky cricket. However, the like Mulan, has been told all medicine that concerns a introduction of two new her life to act like a proper person’s energy flow. The characters makes up for the lady and behave herself. film uses qi as a magi- absence of Shang and our Ostracized by her commu- cal element rather than a favorite animated cricket. nity, Xianniang is fighting convention that requires Being a big fan of to be accepted for the strong dedication and practice. musicals, I thought that the woman that she is, using her Disney makes magic absence of music would power to force herself into happen, but not without curb my enthusiasm for the the narrative. These ideas of some controversy. This film movie, but I was wrong. acceptance, femininity and follows that pattern, as do a While I missed the songs finding your inner strength majority of films that base that I knew and loved, are so much more defined their content on cultural I didn’t mind that they in the live-action film than and historical references weren’t there once I became the animated counterpart, that differ from Western cul- invested in the movie. and I find that refresh- ture. “Mulan” is a film with The remake is action- ing. Most Disney movies its merits and its flaws, but packed from start to finish. in the princess franchise it’s a spirit-lifting experience We are introduced to a barely scratch the surface nonetheless for fans of the world where girls are told on darker themes as a way franchise and the original to limit themselves because to make the film more film. drink. dine. play. WEEKLY BAR, RESTAURANT AND FUN GUIDE
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