THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF TUFTS UNIVERSITY EST. 1980 THE TUFTS DAILY VOLUME LXXX, ISSUE 54

MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, MASS. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 tuftsdaily.com Tufts sees decrease in mental health-related calls during COVID-19 pandemic

ANN MARIE BURKE / THE TUFTS DAILY Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Services is pictured on Aug. 28. by Jack Maniaci Julie Ross, director of Ross wrote in an email to the “The decrease correlates with health. Michelle Bowdler, exec- Contributing writer Counseling and Mental Health Daily. “Although the phones are the lower percentage of students utive director of health and well- Services, described how the busy and we are working with on campus, as remote learning ness services, explained some of Counseling and Mental decrease in calls differed from many students, we had expect- makes it possible for students the ways in which the COVID- Health Services has seen a CMHS’ expectations. ed a significant uptick in calls living at home to continue with 19 pandemic has impacted stu- decrease in mental health-re- “Nationally, we are see- but have seen a slight decrease their care providers there rather dents’ lives. lated calls from on-campus ing reports of increased men- instead.” than transitioning to on-campus “This pandemic has led to students, despite the COVID- tal health-related distress and This trend is associated with care,” Ross said. fewer traditional social options 19 pandemic and restrictions somewhat decreased use of the fewer number of students Despite the decrease in calls and many clubs and activities imposed to ensure the health campus mental health services residing on campus, according to CMHS, the pandemic has and safety of students. since the start of the pandemic,” to Ross. still affected students’ mental see DECREASE, page 2 Harvard Professor Benjamin Wilson discusses elite scientists, nuclear weapons by Michael Weiskopf which includes an analysis of later became an anti-nuclear Wilson later discussed how age, had been far too simple,” Contributing Writer the military-industrial complex voice during the Cold War. He scientists who were a part of Wilson wrote. and network of military, cor- said that unknown to many what Mills called the “power He added that scientific Tufts’ Science, Technology porate and political interests Americans at the time, Bethe elite” influenced nuclear policy elites’ conflicts of interest led and Society program hosted that have a strong influence on served as a science adviser to the in favor of the military-indus- to distractions from the greater, Benjamin Wilson, assistant pro- U.S. policy, at the expense of federal government while also trial complex, despite publicly underlying issues at play. fessor of the history of science at American citizens. working as a private consultant opposing it. “Of course, they did crit- Harvard University, on Dec. 4 as He said that the notion of for the Avco Corporation, which “Stability tells us more about icize nuclear policy and the part of its Lunch Seminar Series. nuclear stability during the sought to deploy anti-ballistic the lives and social positions arms race. But what they Wilson’s lecture, “The Cold War was shaped not by missile systems in suburbs of of the people who formulate it tended not to criticize were Scientific Power Elite in the Age science or by theories of inter- major U.S. cities. than it does about a world with the powerful set of social and of Nuclear Weapons,” focused national relations, but rather by Wilson said Bethe’s story is nuclear weapons,” Wilson said. economic relations that made on the relationship between the interests of the military-in- representative of the relation- He expanded on these ideas continuous weapons develop- anti-nuclear scientists and the dustrial complex. ship between the scientific in a later email to the Daily. ment possible,” Wilson said. military-industrial complex Wilson also discussed a case elite and the military-industrial “It suggest[s] that our “This turned the Cold War during the Cold War. study involving Hans Bethe, a complex. understanding of the struc- nuclear debate, at times, into Wilson began the event by German American physicist “[The elite] is a closed group tures that drove the nuclear a kind of political theater.” discussing C. Wright Mills’ who worked on the Manhattan that protects itself from outside arms race, and our narratives 1956 book “The Power Elite,” Project during World War II and accountability,” Wilson said. about scientists in the nuclear see NUCLEAR , page 2

NEWS 1 ARTS / page 4 FEATURES / page 3 SPORTS / back FEATURES 3 ’s new First-years discuss highs, Postponed games leave ARTS & POP CULTURE 4 isn’t his best of the year, lows of adjusting to cam- some teams better off in FUN & GAMES 6 but still impresses pus during COVID-19 the NFL OPINION 7 SPORTS BACK 2 THE TUFTS DAILY | News | Tuesday, December 8, 2020 tuftsdaily.com THE TUFTS DAILY STS program aims to put STEM topics in social context Alex Viveros Editor in Chief through humanities, social science methods EDITORIAL Rebecca Barker Hannah Harris Managing Editors

Jake Freudberg Associate Editors Jilly Rolnick

Alejandra Carrillo Executive News Editor Maddie Aitken Deputy News Editor Jessica Blough News Editors Tom Guan Liza Harris Alex Janoff Matt McGovern Sara Renkert Sarah Sandlow Anton Shenk Carolina Espinal Assistant News Editors Sam Klugherz Alexander Thompson Alicia Zou

Ryan Shaffer Executive Features Editor Sid Anand Features Editors Amelia Becker Jillian Collins Claire Fraise Evelyn McClure Kayla Butera Assistant Features Editor

Megan Szostak Executive Arts Editor Devina Bhalla Arts Editors Ryan Eggers Steph Hoechst Tuna Margalit Chris Panella Yas Salon Elizabeth Sander Colette Smith Rebecca Tang Geoff Tobia Drew Weisberg Assistant Arts Editor

Liz Shelbred Executive Opinion Editor Priya Padhye Op-ed Editor Paloma Delgado Senior Editorialists Amulya Mutnuri Mike Wilkinson Caroline Wolinsky Abhilasha Bhasin Editorialists Eliza Dickson Sara Kessel Milli Lu Emily Nadler Grace Prendergast Faye Thijssen GUNNAR KLACK / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Sam Wilner Julia Baroni Editorial Cartoonists The Harvard University Science Center is pictured. Carys Kong Annabel Nied Valeria Velasquez NUCLEAR technology policy today, some “We invited Professor Wilson every year,” Duchin wrote in Juju Zweifach continued from page 1 publicly visible and vocal sci- because we think his research an email to the Daily. “We’re Sruthi Kocherlakota Executive Sports Editor Tim Chiang Sports Editors Wilson also noted after the entists are involved in behind- is thought-provoking and rep- all about using tools from Matt Goguen Jeremy Goldstein lecture that conflicts of interest the-scenes relationships that resents one of many important humanities and social science Aiden Herrod among scientists are as wide- would surprise us if we knew corners of the STS field.” to put STEM topics in social Pranav Jain Ananda Kao spread as they were during the all the details.” Moon Duchin, associate context.” Delaney Tantillo Arpan Barua Assistant Sports Editors Cold War. Samantha Fried, program professor of mathematics and Fried echoed Duchin’s senti- Jacob Dreyer Henry Gorelik “It seems like every other manager of STS and civic stud- director of the STS program, ments regarding the relevance Ethan Ling day you hear about a new case ies, explained how Wilson was said that the military-indus- of Wilson’s lecture to Tufts’ STS Arnav Sacheti Alex Sharp of medical research where ties selected to speak as part of the trial complex and idea of sci- program. Eric Spencer to the pharmaceutical indus- STS Lunch Seminar. entific elites are both frequent “In general, histories of Austin Clementi Executive Investigative Editor try haven’t been fully dis- “When we plan our roster of themes in STS courses at Tufts. defense-funded science tend Arlo Moore-Bloom Executive Audio Editor closed, for example,” he said. speakers, we look for folks who “We actually ran a whole to pop up here and there in Anne Marie Burke Executive Photo Editors Nicole Garay “The conflicts I uncovered in are working on topics that we class on Physics and Society in many STS readings and discus- Aidan Chang Staff Photographers Patrick Milewski my research were hidden by think will be interesting and the 20th Century a few years sions, because so much of the Menqi Irina Wang design … So it could be that meaningful to students,” Fried ago, and we have ‘reading labs’ science we have today derived Austen Money Executive Video Editor in critical areas of science and wrote in an email to the Daily. that touch on these themes from those projects,” she said. PRODUCTION Kevin Zhang Production Director Counseling and Mental Health Services works to accommodate

Rachel Hsin Executive Layout Editors Yanqing Huang students in quarantine, isolation Laura Mogannam Campbell Devlin Layout Editor DECREASE flict related to interacting with vices are offered remotely at Daily. “And the dynamic of talking continued from page 1 others who are not adhering to this time.” to another college student anon- Tys Sweeney Executive Graphics Editor Sam Farbman Graphic Designers of great importance to students the restrictions, so it seems to cut However, CMHS has also ymously helps some people feel Freya Gupta Helen He have been curtailed,” Bowdler both ways,” Ross said. developed new ways to offer sup- more comfortable than talking to Kristina Marchand wrote in an email to the Daily. “As CMHS has remained avail- port to students. an adult, professional, or friend in Calisa Sana Ethan Schreiber well, some students have experi- able to accommodate students “We have expanded our work- person.” Ethan Steinberg Executive Copy Editors enced loss in their families and quarantining or isolating, shop/support meeting offerings Sohenee Banerjee, a junior Colton Wolk Brendan Hartnett Deputy Copy Editors other families have experienced should they come into contact in efforts to facilitate peer con- and another member of Ears for Julian Perry job loss or are in jobs as first with COVID-19. nection and conversation as well Peers, explained how the orga- Mariel Priven Kate Seklir responders, which could add to a “We are offering drop-in as to offer skills for coping with nization has made adjustments Abigail Zielinski Mykhaylo Chumak Copy Editors student’s stress.” support meetings twice week- uncertainty and stress,” Ross due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Yu Aedan Brown Assistant Copy Editors Outside of these factors, many ly for students in [quarantine] said. “This summer we also start- “Our line is now open from Elizabeth Kenneally courses this semester have been and [isolation]. One meets on ed a CMHS [Instagram] account, 7pm-2am, and we have social Makenna Law taught in a virtual format, which Tuesdays around dinnertime, so which is very active and offers distancing measures in place Michelle Li Executive Social Media Editors Tiffany Namkoong has also affected students’ men- students can come together over information and resources on a between Ears … We are very tal health. a meal if they like,” Ross said. wide variety of topics.” grateful for the chance to be BUSINESS “While Tufts has done its “The second meeting is held on Beyond CMHS resourc- operating despite all the chang- Robert Kaplan best to do creative program- Friday afternoons, and … also es, students can turn to Ears es,” Banerjee wrote in an email Business Director ming, some students report offers students the opportunity for Peers, a confidential stu- to the Daily. Devina Bhalla Account Managers Coley Goren zoom fatigue and the colder to … work on planning for the dent-run helpline that gives Banerjee added that Ears for Sharan Bhansali Business Managers weather and earlier sunset time relatively unstructured time of students a space to discuss Peers is always available and Norice Lu Evelyn McClure can also impact mental health,” the weekend.” any difficulties they are facing, can also connect callers to other Patrick Milewski Bowdler said. While the pandemic has according to its website. resources. Luke Allocco Outreach Coordinators Sam Russo According to Ross, CMHS forced some university services Casey Chiang, a member of “It is important for students has noticed in its data that stu- to make changes, mental health Ears for Peers, described how the to know that Ears for Peers is a Contact Us P.O. Box 53018, dents are also troubled by the resources remain largely the organization differs from CMHS. safe space to talk about what- Medford, MA 02155 inability of their peers to follow same as they were before the “All Ears members get trained ever is on their mind,” Banerjee

[email protected] health restrictions and guide- pandemic. in communication, empathy, and said. “We are here to listen, and lines on campus. “CMHS continues to pro- the like as well as basic mental any Tufts student can call or thetuftsdaily “Interestingly, we also see sig- vide the full range of services health information but in the end, text this hotline when they have tuftsdaily Please recycle this nificant distress in students due that were in place prior to the we are just students,” Chiang, a something that they would like tuftsdaily newspaper! to anxiety and interpersonal con- pandemic,” Ross said. “All ser- senior, wrote in an email to the to talk about.” Features 3 tuftsdaily.com Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Jenny Lu Reflections on first semester: First-years talk about Tuff Talks college experience Moving for- ward with new friends

ear J: How can I deepen my com- munication with new friends without Dbeing weird? J: When we make new friends, there will always be that “acquaintances” period that can’t be avoided. The only way you can really become closer friends is with patience and time. Spend time together doing things you both enjoy, try new things, and just have fun learning about each other and having shared experienc- es. Being an engaged listener and asking questions to get to know your friend better are all crucial in developing a strong COURTESY KAMI LOU HARRIS friendship, but deepening con- First-year Kami Lou Harris is pictured. nections can’t be one-sided. If your friends aren’t reciprocat- by Emily Afriyie people I know, the more normal better than nothing, it’s Vallo’s and Mental Health Services, ing your type of energy or put- Contributing Writer it is,” Harris said. only in-person class. Vallo would but also spoke to the issue of ting in as much effort as you, Vallo said it is difficult to get have liked to see more Tufts- privacy in dorms. it’ll never happen. Although This year has presented a to know people when you also organized ways for first-years to “There’s always just a chance friendships do require some number of challenges for every- want to stay safe. get to know each other. of someone hearing and that kind of work, it should come one, as students and facul- “I feel like right now, the best “It would have been nice prevents people from being fully rather naturally, and if not, ty adjust to the experience of thing to do is to be around peo- to have more things that were transparent about what they’re then it’s okay just to be surface college education amid a pan- ple that are near you anyway,” facilitated … It’s hard to break doing,” Petrosky said. level friends. demic. This job has proven to Vallo said. into these groups and stuff,” Harris is happy with how col- Dear J: How do you know be a special challenge for first- Vallo has met more people Vallo said. lege is going so far, because col- when it’s the right time to let year students, who are not only through one of her classes. Petrosky recognized that lege hasn’t been any other way people in regarding secrets adjusting to college in a pan- “It’s refreshing to have at least some students struggle with for Harris. and trust? demic, but college in general. one experience where I get to mental health issues. He “I feel like I have met so many J: Usually if they’re telling Kami Lou Harris, a first-year, be in person and I’ve met some acknowledged the organiza- people … This is how it is and I you things and trusting you, said things have been going people in that class,” Vallo said. tions and systems Tufts has have nothing to compare it to,” you can trust them as well. It’s well so far. The in-person class meets in place to support students’ Harris said. all about gauging how com- “To me, it hasn’t been that once a week. Even though it is mental health, like Counseling Beyond just trying to get to fortable you feel around each rough a transition since I’ve know people and make friends, other and the types of con- been here,” Harris said. first-years, like everyone, are versations that you’re already Luke Petrosky, another first- worried about the pandem- having. If I’m quoting “Spider- year, has been using medita- ic. Vallo thinks Tufts is doing Man: Into the Spider-Verse” tion to stay calm and maintain a good job of responding to (2018), then you never really a sense of normalcy during this COVID-19, but there is still an know — it’s just a leap of faith. difficult time. existing worry. You don’t know if you can trust “I like to meditate, and I med- “Almost everyone I know has them until you make the con- itate daily, and I think that just had … some anxiety or [knows] scious decision to trust them helps me ground myself and people that have been testing and hope they don’t betray embrace gratitude and just be positive,” Vallo said. you. If you’re relaying a sensi- thankful for those around me,” Overall, Vallo, Petrosky and tive piece of information, you Petrosky said. Harris are all enjoying being on could always preface it with Kiana Vallo, also a first-year, campus and having the expe- “Can I tell you something?” or spoke to some of the struggles rience they are having, despite “Can I let you in on a secret?” of making friends during the the differences from a normal to casually let them know that pandemic. college life. Petrosky spoke to this is for their ears only. Don’t “I’ve relied a lot on my resi- the privilege of education. be afraid to be the first to take dence hall and the people that “I’ve really been trying to the leap because chances are, are in close proximity to me remember how privileged I they will be relieved and happy because that tends to be the saf- am to be in this space and that you’re confiding in them est option, as opposed to gather- to pursue higher education,” and they will do the same for ing with people that are in other Petrosky said. you. Other little things you residence halls, because then Vallo expressed her appreci- could take note of is just how you have a lot of cross-gather- ation for the ways Tufts is han- reliable they are in general and ing,” Vallo said. dling the pandemic. as a friend to you. Do they flake Harris said being around “There’s still a lot of ways that on your plans and claim that people is important. Getting to I feel like it’s been normal or they’re too busy but they’re see people more often makes at least enjoyable,” Vallo said. always hanging out with some- Harris feel better about the sit- “Overall, we still have a lot of one else, or are they excited to uation. the experiences that make col- see you and always looking for “The more that we’re alone lege college, it’s just very much things to do with you? and not hanging out with peo- adapted.” ple, the harder it’s going to be Harris echoed Vallo’s sen- to make it feel like it’s normal timents. Jenny Lu is a first-year who has not yet declared a major. Jenny can be … The more I see people in the COURTESY LUKE PETROSKY “I think it’s great here,” reached at [email protected] halls and say ‘hi,’ and the more First-year Luke Petrosky is pictured. Harris said. 4 AARrtTsS & PPoOPp CULCulTtUREure Tuesday, December 8, 2020 tuftsdaily.com Bad Bunny’s ‘EL ÚLTIMO’ does not disappoint acterized by rock — the electric guitar, specifically. Next is one of the two from the album that currently has an official music video, char- acterized by appearances from the likes of , Ryan García and Sofia Vergara. “YO VISTO ASÍ” is another rock-trap fusion with all of Bad Bunny’s traditional charisma and talent for forceful one-liners like one that translates to “I dress like this, I’m not going to change / If you don’t like it, you don’t have to look.” The repetitive guitar riff has become the background noise to my morning routine, and I am obsessed with the video and the itself. “YO VISTO ASÍ” leads to a low-key electric guitar-guided “HACIENDO QUE ME AMAS,” but the next song, “BOOKER T,” named for the WWE wrestler, is quickly becoming a cult-classic ripe with the sports and gam- ing references that have char- acterized many of Bad Bunny’s past songs. Then there is anoth- er one of my favorites, “LA DROGA,” the already chart-top- ping “DÁKITI (feat. Jhay Cortez),” the emotional guitar ballad “TRELLAS,” a pop song in “SORRY PAPI (feat. ABRA)” and the short trap track “120.” Penultimately, there is “ANTES QUE SE ACABE”: a love letter to a career that might be put to rest with this album. Crooning about enjoying life and dying happy, Bad Bunny reminds us of this importance through a lyric that translates to “Hug your brother and don’t look at color, here we’re all equals / How much you love, that’s what you’re worth.” VIA STEREOGUM A heartfelt exit, and yet it is not The cover of Bad Bunny’s album “EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO” (2020) is pictured. the final track. Closing the album is “CANTARES DE NAVIDAD,” an by Maeve Hagerty Latin American performers can tering success of his February song from the album, “MALDITA early 1950s Christmas song by Staff Writer parallel. “YHLQMDLG,” many feel that “EL POBREZA.” Part emo rock, part Bolero group Trio Vegabajeño, His first album “” ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO” trap and focusing at once sar- which, like Bad Bunny, comes The moment has arrived for was released in 2018, though doesn’t measure up to the sheer castically and truthfully on the from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. The the girl within the top 0.05% much of his career has been brilliance of “YHLQMDLG,” and desire for more money — one song is somehow more whole- of Bad Bunny’s over 51 million defined by his monumental 2020 I would agree, but I would argue lyric translates to, “To buy you some than anything Bad Bunny monthly listeners to write album “YHLQMDLG.” that it was never supposed to. all that Gucci and a house in himself could have written. obsessively about her love for When he is not challeng- Spotify’s most-streamed artist front of the sea / So that you “EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL his music and especially for his ing gender roles, performing of 2020 takes us in an entire- teach me to swim,” — its unique MUNDO” saw tears (mine, at most recent Nov. 27 album, “EL impromptu “Toy Story” skits on ly different direction with “EL guitar features, heavy bass and least), rock-trap bangers and ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO.” Instagram or earning exclusive ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO” hi-hat patterns all meld seam- numerous surprises. Maybe it For those unfamiliar with collaborations with Adidas, he and proves that he is as versatile lessly into a song that I could wasn’t his best album. Maybe Bad Bunny, he is the is writing incredible music. With as he is talented. dance to for hours. there wasn’t a classic - superstar who has taken the a rumbling voice and a distinct From the opening trap Immediately following is a ton track like “” from world by storm. Since his debut flow, each of his to date track, “EL MUNDO ES MÍO,” it long-awaited col- “YHLQMDLG,” but it will still be in 2016, he has risen meteori- has been impressive and addic- is yet unclear the surprises in laboration with Spanish sing- at the top of my Spotify Wrapped cally. Responsible for American tive. I came into “EL ÚLTIMO store on the rest of the album. er ROSALÍA “LA NOCHE DE next year because Bad Bunny chart-toppers like “MIA (feat. TOUR DEL MUNDO,” or “The Maintaining much of his familiar ANOCHE.” This track is fol- has proven once again that )” (2018) and “DÁKITI Last Tour of the World,” with reggaeton style through the sec- lowed by a warbling guitar intro there is nothing more remark- (feat. Jhay Cortez)” (2020) high hopes and was not disap- ond track, “TE MUDASTE,” and for the at once fast-moving and able, nothing more intriguing or among countless others, he has pointed. returning to another trap song melancholy “TE DESEO LO impressive, than making good made a name for himself in In the wake of rumors of his on the third, “HOY COBRÉ,” we MEJOR,” which signifies that music and staying true to your American music that only a few retirement and the earth-shat- finally hit my tentative favorite this album is officially one char- artistic vision. TRASHING ONE EGG WASTES 55 GALLONS OF WATER A & P Tuesday, December 8, 2020 | Arts & Pop Culture | THE TUFTS DAILY 5 ‘Possessor’ welcomes new, bright age of Cronenberg horror by Miranda Feinberg faces, close details and sur- Staff Writer roundings together bend the onscreen world’s reality. The “Possessor” (2020), the new framing often focuses on faces psychological horror film from and building facades, or will legacy filmmaker Brandon frame a figure in the center of Cronenberg, is an overwhelming the screen. Every detail, frame, maelstrom of color and sound shot and sequence is intentional that excites and intrigues as and so full of meaning. much as it horrifies. The film, The film’s story is warped, which debuted in theaters in tunneling through plot points October, has recently, at long and characters in burrowing and last for horror and film lovers, dizzying fashions. It is simulta- become available to rent and neously unsettling and captivat- buy at home. Cronenberg, ing, full of intrigue and dread. whose father has long reigned as The characters are able to play the bloody king of horror, shines with the threads of reality, and as director with this likewise the result is a dizzying account bloody, visceral, high-concept of murder and corporate power science fiction story. plays. There are focuses left on Andrea Riseborough stars in the back burner throughout the “Possessor” as Tasya Vos: a cor- movie, simmering in the back- porate assassin who uses a high- ground until each storyline boils tech contraption to implant over into the chaos that the film her consciousness in others in so elegantly portrays. The char- order to kill through them, hid- acters, particularly Vos, grapple ing the ghost corporation she with relationships and obliga- works for and its clients from tions in a way that humanizes suspicion and creating perfect the utter inhumanity and immo- scapegoats. The film is an hour rality that lies within. and 42 minute-long trip, filled Each individual performance with deep visuals, disorienting is stellar. Christopher Abbott, edits, unsettling performances Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sean Bean, and gore galore. Tuppence Middleton and Rossif A highlight of “Possessor” is Sutherland electrify the screen certainly its cinematography. as they portray believable and The film is saturated in vivid genuine characters. Abbott and colors and filled with scenes Leigh, alongside Riseborough, washed in pink and blue lights, shine as the three leads. They are projector images of vibrant magnetic, pulling the audience reds and oranges and bright ever-in throughout the movie’s wine-colored pools of blood. run. Furthermore, the writing Though conceptual and ambi- creates such a dramatic and tious in premise, the story grap- tragic cast of characters. ples in real-world technological Though the visuals often and capitalistic terrors such as speak for themselves, the dia- data mining; the colors visually logue saturates each scene in mimic this dynamic of hyperen- the very human tragedies that hanced reality. the horror film creates. The The camerawork also aug- special effects and the gore are ments the film in gripping and amazing — Cronenberg lives enticing ways. The scenes will up to, and even surpasses, his often waver between hazy, father’s legacy. The many (often blurred images to intense- horribly beautiful) sequences of ly high-definition ones, which bloody destruction and terri- often brings the audience and fying insanity seep the story in the characters together into intense action. No matter how shared, overwhelming feelings horrible and how awful the film of confusion and apprehension. becomes, it is impossible to VIA IMDB The blending and blurring of look away. A promotional poster for “Possessor” (2020) is pictured. 6 THE TUFTS DAILY | Fun & Games | Tuesday, December 8, 2020 tuftsdaily.com LATE NIGHT AT THE DAILY F&G Rebecca: “2 a.m. is a really good time to shower.” Fun & Games

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CROSSWORD Opinion 7 tuftsdaily.com Tuesday, December 8, 2020

OP-ED Crisis at Tufts University and The Fletcher School: Lessons learned from the U.S. Marine Corps TIMOTHY OTTEN ent at the scene. At that moment, assumed permanent command One petition argues that there will set in. Dissatisfaction will sim- Marine Corps Forces in Europe and released a command climate has been an abnormally high mer. Recommendations to attend and Africa suffered what one could survey to assist in identifying and amount of staff and faculty turn- the school will slow and donors When entering the Tufts cam- call an open, bleeding wound. The remedying any other potential over within the school since Kyte’s will spend their money elsewhere. pus from College Avenue along the Marines were shocked and upset lingering wounds, and the troops arrival. It additionally argues there Top competitors such as Johns Memorial Steps, it is easy to rec- that this word with such a history began to heal. This was an exam- was a “lack of transparent, con- Hopkins University’s School of ognize the strong bond the uni- of hate and violence could come ple of Marine Corps leadership sistent communication” where Advanced International Studies versity has with the U.S. Military. out the mouth of a white general management 101. town hall events for students “are and Georgetown University’s The Fletcher School’s International officer, regardless of context. Rachel Kyte (F’02) took over more akin to ‘listening sessions.’” Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Security Studies program has Neary quickly found his as dean of The Fletcher School in More recently, alumna Aziza Service will continue to gain mar- multiple faculty members who command to be in crisis and he October 2019. On Nov. 16, under Mohammed (F’12), the writer of ket share at The Fletcher School’s have contributed a large part of entered crisis management mode. Kyte’s leadership and guidance, The another respectfully written peti- expense. Enrollment for the fall their career to not just studying He held meetings with small unit Fletcher school released a com- tion, revealed that after she shared 2021 semester has already begun. but advising the military on their leaders to explain his context and plete rebrand. The school would the petition on LinkedIn, a member Understandably, prospective stu- crisis management and counter- the inappropriateness of the word, have a new name, “Fletcher,” and of the Fletcher Board of Advisors dents will not want to apply to a insurgency operations. Multiple but the wound did not heal. The a new slogan. It would also ditch replied, accusing her of “behaving school experiencing a public crisis. active-duty service members bleeding slowed and opposition the orange Fletcher flag and now like a terrorist” and demanding the It is because of this that I believe join Fletcher each year as part quieted, but then infection set be referred to as a school of global post be taken down. This particu- within the next few weeks, Tufts’ of the Military Fellows program. in. Those most hurt simply could affairs, rather than international lar board member, Liz Musch, was leadership will reach the same Additionally, The Fletcher School not accept him as their leader and affairs. Along with this came a revi- brought onto the board this year conclusion that Berger reached has hosted Boston native, Fletcher wanted accountability. sion of degree offerings. during Kyte’s tenure. — that the source of the infec- alumnus and retired Marine Corps They engaged alternate lines This event was the catalyst of The Fletcher School is in crisis tion must be removed. I believe Gen. Joseph Dunford (F’92), the for- of communication through media the current crisis at The Fletcher management mode. Kyte as well as this because there is not another mer chairman of the Joint Chiefs of and top-level Marine Corps chan- School. Hundreds of negative a small handful of associate deans choice if The Fletcher School is Staff, for numerous engagements. nels to heal the infected command. social media responses have cir- and directors have personally to heal. The more difficult short- Thus, it is fitting that we can exam- Ultimately, in October, the com- culated across Facebook, Twitter, reached out to some of the more term decision will be who to select ine a recent leadership crisis in the mandant of the Marine Corps, Instagram, LinkedIn and Reddit vocal opponents to the rebrand in as interim dean if Tufts’ leader- Marine Corps, how it was resolved Gen. David Berger, recalled Neary in public protest for the rest of an attempt to slow the bleeding. ship asks Kyte to step down, or if and how it will likely forecast the to the Pentagon and, without the world to see. At least three On Nov. 30, Kyte announced that she decides to resign. Who can process Tufts’ leadership will take delay, relieved him of command petitions are circulating with over due to feedback, the school would facilitate healing and proper- in leading The Fletcher School out for the loss of trust and confi- 1,300 combined signatures. It revert to the previous branding. ly lead and manage the school of its current crisis. dence. Neary’s stellar record was seems as if the rebrand is nearly However, the school’s Facebook, while giving Tufts adequate time Maj. Gen. Stephen Neary took irrelevant. His passion, superi- universally hated, by both stu- Instagram and LinkedIn pages to find a permanent replacement? command of U.S. Marine Corps or intellect, vision and inspiring dents and alumni. The crisis is all still refer to “Fletcher, The I wish Tufts’ leadership the best Forces in Europe and Africa in July. engagement with European allies a firestorm that is beginning to Graduate School of Global Affairs in selecting the right person to Shortly after taking command, he were moot. Ultimately, Berger reveal an even deeper wound at Tufts University,” and the media help get The Fletcher School back was walking past a group of young must have realized that he had no than originally imagined. One posts of the failed rebrand have on track. As for who should be Marines conducting physical other choice. Neary would never Reddit user claiming to be a staff yet to be removed. Additionally, the new permanent dean, maybe training and listening to music that be able to regain the full trust and member wrote that to their disap- the school’s website still references there is still more we can learn incorporated the racial slur com- confidence of all those under his pointment, the staff was not con- “Fletcher” and “global affairs.” from the Marine Corps. After all, monly referred to as the “n-word.” command. The only way to stop sulted during the planning and As a school that teaches crisis our beloved Fletcher School alum- Neary proceeded to counsel the the infection at the Marine Corps designing phase of the rebrand. management, it may have short nus Dunford is now retired and Marines on the inappropriateness Forces in Europe and Africa from The user further alleges that term success with its decision to likely available. of the word; however, during his spreading was to remove its source. when given a presentation on the revert some of the changes; howev- counseling, he did not replace the Upon Neary’s removal, an rebrand just before launch, the er, using the Marine Corps Forces Timothy Otten is a Fletcher word with a pronoun or use the interim commander was put in staff provided constructive criti- in Europe and Africa as an exam- alumnus of the Class of 2020. term “n-word.” He used the actual command. Less than three weeks cism and feedback that seemed ple, the wound will not heal and Timothy can be reached at word, according to a Marine pres- later, Maj. Gen. Michael Langley not to be incorporated. infection at The Fletcher School [email protected].

Elizabeth Buehl Health care inequities loom get our hopes up too high; like tidisciplined experts, the task cally underrepresented voices are within our society in many differ- most health care-related matters, force plans to take a meticulous included in statewide task forces. Sobremesa ent contexts. From disproportion- this vaccine will likely dispropor- approach to the vaccination pro- By including the opinions of ate Black maternal mortality rates tionately aid those in positions of cess, ensuring that each step — people who may be particularly The im- to unnecessary chemical exposure power, potentially on the basis of from determining the safety of the vulnerable to contracting the virus to rampant obesity among low-in- race, gender, socioeconomic class vaccine to its distribution — runs and encountering health compli- portance of come communities and commu- or sexual orientation. smoothly. But in New York and cations, including essential work- nities of color, the consequences of The question now becomes: other states, there are many dif- ers, people who live in govern- health care inequality manifest in Who will get access to the vac- ferent interpretations of what it ment-assisted housing and those equitable numerous ways. Amid the COVID- cine first? The Centers for Disease means to ethically distribute the living in nursing homes, states can 19 pandemic, many new health Control and Prevention has stated vaccine. As a country, we must add an empathetic and informative vaccination care inequalities have emerged. that all adults should be able to ensure that this matter unfolds in layer to the decision-making pro- Many essential workers have been get a vaccine in 2021. But after the most equitable way possible. cess. To avoid falling into the unjust distribution relegated to unsafe workplac- months of this tumultuous pan- In an ideal world, this devel- medical traps that the U.S. health he New York Times es, leaving them at higher risk for demic, many Americans feel as oped nation would have produced care system so frequently creates, recently released a quiz COVID-19 exposure. Furthermore, though a year is too long a wait. enough vaccinations to provide we must actively engage people that allows Americans to countless individuals are left with Our nation has decided to leave doses to all Americans as soon from a variety of backgrounds to calculate their approx- unsatisfactory health care, leading distribution practices and deci- as possible. But given our cur- form collective, collaborative and Timate position in line to access to disproportionately high death sions up to each respective state. rent political climate and the lim- well-informed decisions about the the coronavirus vaccine. While rates among minority populations. What that will look like in practice ited number of doses available, distribution of the vaccine. it’s exciting to think about a pos- Looking at recent news, it has yet to be determined. one approach that has a fighting sible end to this pandemic, we seems that hope is on the hori- In New York, for example, chance at providing a standard of Elizabeth Buehl is a first-year must dig deeper into the nuanc- zon: COVID-19 vaccines are close Gov. Cuomo created the Vaccine health care equity is ensuring not who has not yet declared a ma- es of equity in vaccination dis- to ready for distribution in the Distribution and Implementation only that the vaccine is financially jor. Elizabeth can be reached at tribution. United States. But we must not Task Force. Composed of mul- accessible to all, but that histori- [email protected].

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ALEXANDER JONESI / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The San Francisco 49ers are pictured. by Emma Joyce account for potential competi- back. It was the second NFL game up Kendall Hinton from the prac- chance that their Week 17 game Staff Writer tive advantages when reschedul- on a Wednesday since 1948, which tice squad. A month ago, Hinton against the Seattle Seahawks will ing games. Commissioner Roger forced Baltimore’s Thursday night was searching for a sales job, and also be played in Arizona. We knew this NFL season Goodell has insisted that all the Week 13 game against the Dallas suddenly he became the starting With 2020 being the crazy would be one unlike any other, decisions the league makes are Cowboys to the following Tuesday quarterback because of his two year it has been, it is no surprise but I’m not sure most fans would based on player and staff safety, and Pittsburgh’s game versus the years of experience at the position that the NFL would deal with its have expected all the chaos that and are not impacted by business Washington Football Team to while at Wake Forest University. own uncertainties caused by the occurred Week 12. The Baltimore or competitive influences. Monday. It has been difficult to Hinton threw for 13 yards and had pandemic. Teams knew from the Ravens headlined news with 20 The Ravens have had the larg- keep track of all these changes, two interceptions, which allowed beginning that if they wanted to players placed on the reserve/ est outbreak so far this season, but so far, the NFL has been able the Saints to prevail 31–3. The dis- have a season, they would have COVID-19 list, which included which put one of the biggest rival- to make up all postponed games. advantage that the Broncos faced to adapt and roll with the chal- key players like MVP quarterback ries in football on hold for almost When the league postponed has led many to question the NFL’s lenges that were thrown their Lamar Jackson. Their highly antic- a week. Baltimore had to play the Ravens-Steelers matchup, it decision to play the game, and way. It is already hard enough for ipated matchup against the unde- with backup quarterbacks Robert only considered whether it was if it should consider postponing the league to deal with address- feated Pittsburgh Steelers was Griffin III and TikTok sensation dangerous from a health stand- games to give each team a more ing outbreaks and rescheduling originally slated for a Thanksgiving Trace McSorley, who threw his point to play. Because there was equal playing field. games to limit the spread, but tak- night game but was rescheduled first touchdown of his profession- an outbreak with multiple cases Surprisingly, the most under- ing into consideration competi- three times and eventually played al career Wednesday afternoon. within the Ravens organization, it rated piece of news that came out tive advantages while also having Wednesday afternoon. This also Tight end Mark Andrews as well posed a risk to both players and of Week 12 was the 49ers’ being a complete season would be near- forced the league to reschedule as running backs J.K. Dobbins staff to play the game on its orig- forced to play elsewhere due to ly impossible. For the Broncos, both teams’ Week 13 matchups. and Mark Ingram II were some inal date. For the Denver Broncos, Santa Clara County, home of the only the quarterbacks were at risk COVID-19 also negatively of the other key players on the all of their four quarterbacks were 49ers’ stadium, outlawing contact for contracting the virus, which impacted the Denver Broncos, reserve/COVID-19 list and were ruled out for their game against sports. The 49ers came to an agree- meant that it was safe for the rest who had to play against the New unable to play. Pittsburgh’s poor the New Orleans Saints after fail- ment with the NFL and Arizona of the team to play. Even though Orleans Saints with zero quar- play and Baltimore’s defense ing to wear masks around quar- Cardinals that allows them to host it is an unfortunate situation that terbacks, and the San Francisco made it a closer game than antic- terback Jeff Driskel, who tested their Week 13 and 14 home games the team had to deal with, orga- 49ers, who have had to move all ipated, but the Steelers pulled off positive. Because the exposure at the Cardinals’ stadium. The cur- nizations must prepare for situa- operations to Arizona for the time the win 19–14. The Ravens went was contained to just the quarter- rent ban put in place by Santa tions like these and remind their being. The setbacks that certain 10 straight days with at least one backs, the NFL decided to play the Clara County is only three weeks players to follow public health teams have faced raise the ques- positive test, which is why the game on its original date, which long, but if the infection rate con- guidelines in order to be success- tion about if the league should league kept pushing the matchup caused the Broncos to have to call tinues to worsen, there is a good ful on the field this season.

Matt Goguen NBA bubble in September. The the “Greek freak.” I’d predict a show up and squeak out a win on teams ends up as a weird result. first half of the 2020–21 schedule close game through three quar- Christmas. It’ll be a defensive-heavy match- Keeping up was released last week, and the ters until Antetokounmpo goes Final: Boston Celtics 110, up, but the Pacers will come away with the 617 Boston Celtics have an absolute full “Space Jam” in the fourth Brooklyn Nets 106 with a victory. gauntlet for the first three games quarter. Dec. 27: Indiana Pacers Final: Indiana Pacers 97, — no surprise there. Let’s get into Final: Milwaukee Bucks 117, The Pacers are a difficult team Boston Celtics 90 Celtics’ breaking down their first week Boston Celtics 104 to analyze; Malcolm Brogdon and Although a 1–2 start seems and the possible outcomes: Dec. 25: Brooklyn Nets Victor Oladipo are a solid one-two disappointing for this Celtics first week, Dec. 23: Milwaukee Bucks After waiting almost a year for punch and Domantas Sabonis team, keep in mind that they The Celtics open up the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to is one of the more underrated are without one of their stars analyzed unusual 2020–21 season in a start, the Brooklyn Nets finally forwards in the NBA. However, for the first few weeks. This is a primetime game against the have their coveted tandem this inconsistent play and crush- tough schedule to open up with ollowing various nego- Milwaukee Bucks, a perennial season. However, and I don’t ing failures have shadowed the in such a strange season and tiations between the title contender for the next five think many basketball pundits Pacers’ promising future. For coming away with at least one National Basketball to seven years. Luckily for the are predicting this, I believe that the Celtics, they are sans Kemba win will give the Celtics some Players Association and Celtics, the Bucks found ways Irving and Durant will not work Walker until at least January after confidence that they desperate- FNBA owners, Commissioner to improve this free agency out in Brooklyn. Both players a stem cell injection into his knee. ly need. This season is probably Adam Silver officially announced period, even though they have have a ball-dominant play style, I will not argue that Marcus Smart not going to end with a NBA title the tentative schedule of the a top-five player in Giannis meaning they need to control isn’t a good player, because he for the Celtics, but crazier events NBA’s “coronavirus season” last Antetokounmpo. The Celtics the play on each possession in is. But is he capable of handling have happened. month. Although the Dec. 22 simply do not have an answer order to have success; that will the great depth of guards that the start seems early for a handful of for him; even though the Celtics not work in this modern NBA. Pacers have? Probably not. Jeff Matt Goguen is a sophomore NBA veterans, teams have been picked up Tristan Thompson in I’m sure the Nets will still be a Teague could provide a spark off who has not yet declared a eager to return to the court after free agency, he doesn’t have the solid team, but I would not be the bench in this game but every major. Matt can be reached at the conclusion of the successful defensive skills to shut down surprised if the scrappy Celtics matchup between these two [email protected].