March 16, 2016 Volume 22 Issue 9 theknightnews.com Breaking News & Video Journalism in the Interest of the Queens College Community

QUEENS COLLEGE GETS WILD

Nick Cannon and other comedians perform at Colden Auditorium

SEE PAGE 3 Photo by Albert Roman CUNY allies rally Touring Satchmo’s house to restore investment in Corona, Queens SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 6 2 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com MISSION STATEMENT:

EDITORIAL “We aim to serve the Queens College community through a tireless pursuit for truths that may be hidden, obstructed Athletes draw the line or otherwise unknown, to empower our readers with the On Feb. 27, Queens College men’s LeBron James and the entire Miami Heat information they need to inspire change.” basketball head coach Darryl Jacobs no team put up a photo on Twitter with the longer lead the Division II program after players wearing hoodies, and the tweet a number of players complained about included #WeAreTrayvonMartin. It abusive behavior. referred to Trayvon Martin, the 16-year- Editor-in-Chief: Brandon Jordan The basketball team boycotted old teen fatally shot in Florida by George Executive Editor: Christina Cardona practices and prepared to forfeit the season’s Zimmerman. final two games against Roberts Wesleyan In general, the history of sports does Managing Editor: Candice Samuels and Daemen unless actions were taken. not just include players trying to score Managing Editor: Phil Vallone Athletes staging protest to draw attention points and achieve victory. Sports reflect Photo Editor: Amanda Goldstein on important social issues is something a collective where the individuals work going on for decades. Actions speak louder together to achieve a common goal. Often Social Media Editor: Yarah Shabana than words. times, the space to do this is positive and Sports Editor: Albert Roman College athletes, as one example, harmonious. are not afraid to boycott team activities to But, in the case of Jacobs, there are stand up against something they believe is times when players feel harassed and bullied. wrong. Jacobs, according to former assistant Last November, the University of coaches Steve Schneider and Mike Carrera Reporters Missouri football team threatened to in The New York Daily News, referred to boycott football-related activities until the players as “losers” or “cancer.” Sergio Albarracin school president Tim Wolfe resigned or For any head coach to display such Jake Cohen was fired. Wolfe was criticized over his disrespect and arrogance to players is Oyin Falana negligence toward a series of incidents unforgivable. These players spend four on campus, including racial slurs and the years, sometimes more, of their life at a Aryeh Gelfand discovery of a swastika on campus. Two college to grow and to learn. An unsafe Bianca He days later, Wolfe stepped down. environment only creates problems for Even professional athletes draw everyone involved in it. Cheyna Mulligan attention to issues like the Los Angeles But the actions taken by the men’s Christopher Perez Clippers did in 2014. The team protested basketball team reflect actions other David Rafailovich former team owner Donald Sterling after athletes, professional and collegiate, took a tape of him released by TMZ contained in the past when faced with conflicts and Sara Scheidlinger racist remarks. problems. Their commendable stand Jordi Sevilla Before the Clippers played against the against someone with a stuck-up attitude Hans Themistode Golden State Warriors in a playoff game, is not unique to QC. Rather, it points to they silently protested before and during athletes as competitors with a conscience. the game. Players before the game wore an As competitors, they work with inside-out shirt excluding the Clippers logo teammates to achieve their goals like or name. During the game, players wore winning a game. But they know, to do Layout/Graphic Design black armbands and wristbands this, the staff needs to provide support they In March 2012, Dwayne Wade, deserve. Devin Lee Bobby Soohoo LETTER TO THE EDITOR Melisa Tekin

Dear Editor: will only sell digital textbooks, but this Advisers could not be further from the truth. The Regarding the March 2, 2016 article online bookstore will sell and rent actual Gerald Solomon entitled ‘Queens College bookstore is textbooks as well as digital textbooks, and Sheryl McCarthy going digital,’ I would like to correct some students will be able to sell their textbooks Gavin McCormick inaccuracies that appear in the article. back at the end of the semester just like they One person interviewed for the do currently. Finally, the article states that Phone: 347-450-6054 article stated that she would have “asked the the current bookstore space in the Student students what they thought about a digital Union will be used for “another One Stop.” [email protected] bookstore” before making the change to This is a completely inaccurate statement an online bookstore. As I explained in my as no plans for future use of the space have Logo by: Melisa Tekin response to the reporter’s questions and been finalized. as is stated in the story, “The process for We feel confident that the new a new vendor involved students, faculty online bookstore will provide numerous and administrators”—students were fully options for students to save money on their consulted during the selection process. textbooks and course material costs, and Another person implied that the new are prepared to offer guidance and support online bookstore would not be able to during the transition at the following meet students’ needs as well as the current information sessions in I Building room bookstore. While it is true that the online 120: Monday, March 14th at 10:30am, bookstore will not sell Metrocards, QC 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm; and branded merchandise, or other sundry Wednesday, March 16th at 10:30am, and items, students will be able to purchase 2:30pm. Corrections: In Issue 9, our film review these things, including Metrocards, at a new Campus Store that the College is ‘s headline spelled “Hail, Caesar!” as planning on opening this fall. -Dr. Adam L. Rockman Two people interviewed for the article Vice President for Student Affairs “Hail Cesar.” We regret the errors. seem to think that our new online bookstore www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 3 Nick Cannon presents a wild night at QC YARAH SHABANA News Reporter were President Felix Matos Rodriguez, Director of Student Queens College students Life John Andrejack and Associate and guests joined the cast of Director of Student Life Judy MTV’s comedy series Wild N’ Krinitz. Out at the Kupferberg Center “I thought that the audience Theater on Sunday, March 13. absolutely loved the event,” Wild N’ Out first aired on Andrejack said. “The performers MTV in 2005. The hip-hop- worked very hard to put on a themed comedy show features really good show and Jeffrey various celebrity guest stars Rosenstock, executive director including rappers and comedians, of the Kupferberg Center for the who participate in improve games Arts, did a great job encouraging and rap battles. students to work with the theater.” Rapper and record producer The future for upcoming Nick Cannon along with DJ events is looking bright for Queens D-Wrek, a regular on the show College. since season one, were hosts of the “Sunday night opened the sold out show. Various comedians door for only bigger and better performed stand up routines things. From Omarion [at] the including Chico Bean, Karlous beginning of the year to Wild Miller, Matt Rife, Rip Micheals N’ Out. QC social life has been and DC Young Fly. nothing short of sensational,” This was one of the most PHOTO BY ALBERT ROMAN Cohen said. successful events of the semester. Nick Cannon was the host of the sold out Wild ‘N Out event at Colden Auditorium The Wild N’ Out cast ended “The outcome was on March 13. their visit taking pictures with the spectacular,” Ziv Cohen the Student Association for their hip-hop in the sketches. final sketch. hardworking members of student said, treasurer of the Student hard work and team efforts. “The show was amazing. “QC does a good job association then spending the rest Association. “We didn’t expect to “We have a pretty diverse Everything was natural, unique involving the students in the fun. of the night in Astoria, Queens. sell more than 1,500 to 1,600 seats student body and we had a great and real hip hop,” Anthony We’re not just sitting there; we’re [and] ended up selling out!” audience. QC is coming in strong, Williams, a BMCC student, said. getting on the stage. It was cool to [email protected] The event was a collaboration we’re being put on the map,” Wild N’ Out’s high interact with people you thought between QC Student Life and the junior Nigel Baker, who attended attendance at QC was one of would be too famous to let you Kupferberg Center for the Arts. the event, said. many events students believed next to them,” Estevez said. New York Community Bank Nick Cannon first took the would draw more attention to The diverse crowd consisted sponsored the event. stage, and made the crowd laugh the college. Kayleen Estevez, a of CUNY and non-CUNY Cohen thanked Student with his humor. All the comedians freshman, even had a chance to be students in addition to QC faculty Life, the Kupferberg directors and heavily incorporated their love for on stage with the cast during the and staff. Among the audience QC provides support for veterans and their families PHIL VALLONE News Reporter space symbolizes more than just and their family members to recognition of the joint military communities,” Torres said. “As an individual commitment, it speak with me prior to registering transcript for veterans which veterans, we have an obligation to For veterans and their symbolizes a group effort.” for their upcoming semesters allows their military experience reintegrate back into society and families at Queens College, the The college also received a coursework,” Noelle Crumlish, and training to be transferred over share our stories. We can achieve staff at Veteran Student Services designation from Victory Media as veteran academic adviser at QC, to college credit,” Crumlish said. a sense of connectedness by giving wants them to know “we’ve got a military-friendly college. Victory said. “If a veteran registers for a Moreover, the Veterans back to our local communities.” your six.” Media is an organization that class that is not required by their Support Service worked with the “Got your six,” a phrase provides information for service department and is audited, the Veterans Club to bring retired philvallo@theknightnews. in the military, means “got your members on civilian careers and Veterans Administration may Army Colonel Gregory Gadson com back.” It originated during World education opportunities. require the course be paid for out on campus last semester. The War I, when fighter pilots would QC works with other of pocket.” event raised awareness on sacrifices refer to the rear of an airplane. The military-friendly organizations like Torres provides additional made by armed services as well as plane was like a clock and the rear the Wounded Warrior Project and career service support for veterans. overcoming obstacles. was six o’clock. Workforce One. These relations He posts job listings at military- This semester, both Veteran Student Services will are fostered and expanded by friendly companies on the QC groups seek to work with unveil their new space at Student Torres and the staff at the Veteran Veterans Facebook group and Mission Continues, a non-profit Union 320 on March 16.The Student Services. reviews resumes from veterans. organization helping veterans room previously held the Office of In addition, the college Crumlish praised Torres’ transition to a life at home by Student Life. provides benefits for veterans ability to help veterans on campus working in their community. Dennis Torres, veteran attending QC like priority with any problems that come up. Torres highlighted how the outreach specialist at QC and a registration for classes. “Dennis has worked with Veterans Support Service would Marine Corps veteran, said the Many veterans rely on the QC administrators and his own continue to offer more not only new office space is symbolic of the Montgomery or post-9/11 G.I. personal contacts to provide for veterans, but also for the commitment between QC and the Bill for tuition and cost-of-living assistance in job placement, community. veteran community. allowances. But their dependents apartment hunting and homeless “The Veterans Support “QC has shown its might pay for tuition themselves. services,” Crumlish said. Service believes in fostering a unrelenting determination and For these situations, QC allows She also explained that Torres sense of communication and commitment to all military-related a bill deferment that allows convinced QC’s administration community amongst its students. students. Our space gives veterans, for service members and their to add more benefits for veterans We work with various local military personnel and dependents dependent to defer their tuition when coming from the military. veterans service organizations in access for much needed services,” payment to the end of the semester. “Dennis was instrumental order to build a bridge between Torres said. “Our new office “I encourage all veterans in the [QC] administration’s service members and their 4 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com Rally calls for investment in CUNY BRANDON JORDAN News Reporter Students, professors, Street and Black Lives Matter activists, religious organizations as examples of where activists and labor groups rallied in front challenged officials to act on of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s major issues. New York City office March 10 to “We’re in a moment when demand funding for CUNY. movements are starting to be The rally featured the built,” she said. CUNY Rising Alliance that Bowen elaborated that, if included over 20 organizations, funding is not restored for CUNY, including the Professional Staff then the PSC will demonstrate in Congress, which represents all front of the Governor’s office on professors and staff, and New York March 24. She said the union was Public Interest Research Group, prepared for arrests. the largest student-activist group “We have to send a message. in the state. It will be a non-violent message, “We’re in a state of but it will be a militant and strong emergency,” Zakiyah Ansari, message,” Bowen said. advocacy director of the Alliance for Quality Education, said. brandon@theknightnews. Earlier this year, Cuomo com announced his Executive Budget that cut $485 million in funding PHOTO BY BRANDON JORDAN for CUNY and passed it to the The CUNY Rising Alliance included many organizations like the New York Public city. Many—including CUNY Interest Group, District Council 37 and Professional Staff Congress. administrators—are concerned about these cuts affecting the said. Tiffany Brown, a higher income inequality and minimum university system. Sheldon Edwards, a 12th- education project coordinator with wage [here at the rally],” he said. Speakers called on the grade student from Brooklyn the NYPIRG, highlighted that Seligmann found it strange the Democratic governor to restore High School for Leadership and CUNY required more funding to state—despite a surplus in the funding for CUNY ahead of the Community Service, said he was continue educating youths. state budget of $1 billion—would finalized budget deal on April 1. arrested twice and felt his “life was “I think the CUNY system not help provide more funds for If not, they warned it would cause over” after going to Rikers Island. needs to be protected, and we CUNY. significant problems for New York But Edwards decided to need to preserve its integrity,” she “What really bothers me City’s future. go school with a support system said. is that the state’s budget has a Alexandros Hatzakis, chief that included a foster home and Brown felt disappointed surplus, and it collected more tax of administration and executive teachers interested in helping with Cuomo’s cut for CUNY in money than last year. Still, it wants affairs of The Federation of him. He explained that this made the Executive Budget. to defund CUNY [even though] Protestant Welfare Agencies, said him want an education system “It’s disheartening to see it has collected more money,” CUNY helped people like him. requiring support for people like him undermining CUNY,” Brown Seligmann said. As an alum of Baruch College, he him. said. After the rally, groups urged the state to invest more in “If Governor Cuomo Leandro Seligmann, a junior mobilized at the Community the institution. supports an increase in CUNY, it at Queens College, marched Church of New York where other “It’s clear that there is a will reflect in the success of New alongside others at the rally. He speakers continued discussion on strong voice to be heard. A voice York City’s youth,” Edwards said. carried a sign advocating for a $15 funding for CUNY. that carries the message that “But if Governor Cuomo does not minimum wage, an issue some Barbara Bowen, president CUNY in our city is important. invest in CUNY, it will be a slap speakers at the rally brought up of the PSC, said more actions will That it’s critical; it’s vital for the in the face of the under-privileged too. happen if cuts are still on the table. lifeblood of our city,” Hatzakis college students.” “We also got to address She highlighted Occupy Wall A reverse transfer system set for CUNY SERGIO ALBARRACIN News Reporter and we want to do everything in the future. Lin transferred after his daily integrated university, we can we can to give our students every Rosario-Natal said reverse commute to class interfered with support students who choose Chancellor James Milliken credential they’ve earned and transfers could help thousands of his job. It became necessary for to pursue baccalaureate studies, announced last month a new give them an advantage in the students, even some she knows. him to do so—he pays for tuition while assuring they get the program allowing transfer students marketplace,” Milliken said. “The “You just started here, and you’re without any financial aid. valuable associate’s degree that first to finish their associate’s degree as associate’s degree can also advance already thinking about your job,” Lin believed the new attracted them to the university,” they work toward a bachelor’s their careers, studies and earning Rosario-Natal said. “The fact program would create a safeguard Milliken said. degree at a senior college. power.” that you have an associate’s, while for transfer students in case The program encourages In 2014, the Department working on a bachelor’s makes anything happens to them. [email protected] transfer students to senior colleges of Education published a study you more marketable in the work “The program will allow you at CUNY, while helping students finding people with an associate’s environment,” to stay enrolled in case you have remain academically competitive. degree make nearly $10,000 more Chumwo Lin, 27, is a to drop classes and start working,” This is a reverse transfer as, once than those with a high school sophomore at QC that transferred Lin said. the required credits are reached, diploma. This makes the degree from LaGuardia Community No timeline for the program students receive an associate’s valuable for students, especially for College last year. Today he is a exists, and specifics regarding its degree from their previous those in the CUNY system. full-time student majoring in implementation are still pending. community college. Ivelisse Rosario-Natal, a East Asian studies, and enjoys the But Milliken views the initiative “We know that many transfer adviser at Queens College, education he receives. as beneficial for thousands of students transfer to senior colleges sympathized with students looking “The lectures are higher students in the CUNY system. before earning associate degrees, to get their degrees to secure jobs quality here,” Lin said. “Because CUNY is an www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 5 Students talk about their study abroad experiences BIANCA HE News Reporter Queens College students a different comfort level when have the opportunity to take getting to know new people and part of the college’s study abroad culture, she felt the language program, where anyone can travel barrier while in South Korea. and study in different parts of the “It was difficult when they world. asked you questions and you The Education Abroad didn’t understand. They looked at Office offers a wide range of me and spoke Korean. It was very choices. Students can join stressful because I didn’t know programs that last a month, a what to say,” Yam said. semester or an entire academic Yam saved money for her year. study abroad trip, but said the trip The college signed was worth it. agreements with universities across “It’s not really about the the world—like in Europe and expense,” Yam said. “Yes, money the Middle East—to encourage does play a factor, but, when you students to experience different work overtime, you save money cultures. and you are able to go.” Three QC students shared their study abroad experiences. PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLSKY BELIZAIRE bianca@theknightnews. All expressed satisfaction, but not Carlsky Belizaire, a QC alum, went to Peru as part of Queens College’s study com without times of difficulties. abroad program. Other places students can go include Japan, Italy and France. Carlsky Belizaire is a QC alum that graduated last year. He now teaches English in Taiwan worldview.” majoring in textiles and apparel, travel and tuition fees. Lee received as part of the U.S. government’s Belizaire traveled to Japan is now studying at the Florence a scholarship for her trip to Italy. Fulbright Scholar Program. and China before going to Peru. University of the Arts in Italy. This Cindy Yam, a senior Before that, in his senior year, But he wanted to explore the is the first time she is living away majoring in nutrition and dietetics, he decided to study in Peru for world even more. from her parents in New York. talked about how her six-week three weeks. Apart from making “The memories you make “The most difficult thing for program in South Korea helped new friends and gaining valuable abroad are priceless,” Belizaire me was making friends,” Lee said. her reshape her choice of career. memories, Belizaire recognized the said. “FUA doesn’t have a campus. I just Instead of continuing her program trip’s importance in shaping his Excitement from traveling to a didn’t expect it to be so difficult to in nutrition and dietetics, she is opinion about the world. foreign land is only part of the meet people.” now exploring the opportunity “People around the world story. Some students use the trip to There are expenses when of being an English teacher in a have different traditions, values plan their future. The experience studying abroad, and it is foreign country. and ways of doing things,” abroad makes many students sometimes a problem for anyone But there are times where Belizaire said. “It is always thrilling view their capabilities from a new interested in traveling. But the students face hardships that they to learn from these people, and I perspective. Education Abroad Office offers would not experience at home. think doing so has expanded my Virginia Lee, a junior scholarships and grants to cover For Yam, besides being at Undocumented, unapologetic and unafraid CHRISTOPHER PEREZ News Reporter Queens College’s DREAM about their status. a person. Shadows’—word for word,” Lee see who these immigrants, that Team held their fourth annual “It’s a platform to get “I am more than a word. I said. “That was amazing.” they think are bad, really are,” Lee UndocuMic on March 9 where everybody’s emotions and voice am a human being,” Quilapanta Another performer, Dulce said. undocumented students used out and heard by the community,” said. Hernandez, a junior majoring in performance art to talk about their Guzman said. Quilapanta also highlighted graphic design major, read a poem christopher@theknightnews. hardships. Priscilla Lee, a senior majoring in different issues and people. She about her family, struggle and the com There were 11 performances, urban studies, was one performer. compared New York and South definition of undocumented. and they ranged from poetry to She talked about coming out as Carolina’s diversity. She talked “It is necessary to promote dance. Yet all who performed undocumented. about President Barack Obama awareness to other people who wanted to talk about the experience “I actually came out two and her work ethic. She explained don’t have any knowledge about of being an undocumented years ago, and it was because of the changes made to the Deferred what being an immigrant means, immigrant in the United States. DREAM Team,” Lee said. “It was Action for Childhood Arrivals, or the struggle people are going A report released in January amazing.” which provides a work permit and through,” Hernandez said. by the Center for Migration Lee stressed it is important deportation exemption for Lee said there still existed a Studies found there are nearly to find a purpose in life and being undocumented students if they lot of problems for undocumented 11 million undocumented undocumented helped her find arrived to U.S. before turning 16. people in communities, but felt immigrants in the U.S. that. Once her presentation was glad an event like UndocuMic The DREAM Team, a club “Being undocumented over, Quilapanta received applause existed to connect the two. of undocumented students and taught me there is a reason for not only from the audience, but “There are a lot of issues supporters, holds the event every everything and there’s a reason also from fellow performers. that impact our community and year at the Agora Cafe in the why you’re here,” Lee said. “One thing that will stick one of them is undocumented Student Union. Kevin Guzman, Giovanna Quilapanta, a in my mind and, that I was very immigrants. People have a senior and co-founder of the senior, showed her life story through shocked by, was Giovanna’s stereotypes about immigrants and DREAM Team, said the event a slideshow. She told the audience performance. She pulled out her they don’t know who they are, or offered a valuable opportunity for that, despite the challenges she presentation, and she explained what their story is. UndocuMic is undocumented students to talk faced as undocumented, she is still our T-shirt—‘Coming Out of the a way to break the vices. So people 6 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com Louis Armstrong’s wonderful world in Queens CHEYNA MULLIGAN News Reporter The Louis Armstrong Manhattan Community House Museum welcomes College, encouraged not only everyone in for a personal tour of museumgoers, but also everyone his life and accomplishments at to pay a visit. the house he shared with his wife, “As a regular museumgoer, Lucille, in Corona. I haven’t experienced a trip like Personal written letters, this before. I felt as if I got more videos and other trinkets are than what I paid for. I didn’t know found throughout the museum. much about Louis Armstrong, The main entrance consists of but I’m glad I do now. I’m from souvenirs of mugs, postcards, Corona as well, and I’m proud to T-shirts and albums. be so close to an individual who The jazz icon made a has done so much for humanity,” tremendous impact on the world, Cardona said. especially in Queens. Armstrong The museum will provide took care of local residences’ free admission for all CUNY mortgages, the neighborhood’s students that provide a valid ID. college and gave money to those Each ID provides entry for up to who needed it most. two guests. It is in honor of Jazz In Lucille Armstrong’s will, Appreciation Month in April. she requested that their home would turn into a museum so everyone could gain access and cheyna@theknightnews. intimacy to how they lived. She com considered this as a way to carry his legacy. No other family lived in the household after them and nothing changed. In 1988, the Armstrong house was declared a New York City historical landmark. Queens College pushed for the house as a landmark and helped open it to the community by providing additional funding. In fact, there are archives by Louis Armstrong at Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library. Certain streets and schools are named after Louis PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG HOUSE MUSEUM Armstrong. Tour guides provide Louis Armstrong, a legendary jazz musician, poses next to a painting of him. evidence like personal photos and autobiographies written by Armstrong himself. Before the commencement of the tour, a short video is presented. It contains a mini- biography and preview of the tour for visitors. Tour groups are preferably small, because of the valuables in the house. Hyland Harris, an assistant at the museum, said many people come to admire Armstrong’s legacy. “A lot of foreigners come here just for the museum. [They come from] places like Europe, Africa, South America and Australia. A tour group from Japan is coming later. I think the trip is worth it,” Harris said. Harris is a fan of Armstrong’s work and loves sharing his passion for the jazz artist. “Personally, I was always a PHOTO BY CHEYNA MULLIGAN fan of Armstrong before I worked At Louis Armstrong House Museum, visitors can find valuable treasures like here. Not only for his incredible Armstrong’s trumpet. talent, but also for his down-to- Earth personality. I love being bathrooms are customized for the the basement, first and second there in his honor, and the whole able to share his story with people, Armstrongs. The most expensive floors of the house, visitors are neighborhood celebrates his especially those who travel just to room of the house, the bathroom, permitted to enter the garden. legacy. see what I see in him,” Harris said. is made out of solid gold. Every year on Louis Armstrong’s Marcela Cardona, a Rooms like the kitchen and Along with a walk through birthday, Aug. 4, a party is held sophomore at Borough of www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 7 Play highlights failed relationships and absence of God CHRISTINA CARDONA News Reporter Leeanna Zayas, who played The Queens College Norca, is the daughter of David Department of Drama, Theatre and Liza Zayas, two of the original & Dance performed Stephen cast mates. Leeanna Zayas invited Adly Guirgis’ “Our Lady of all four to attend. 121st Street” on Feb. 18 at The Feldstein felt nervous about Performance Space, M11, in Guirgis’ reaction to the play, but Rathaus Hall. she was glad when he enjoyed it as Directed by theater he found new things after seeing professor Claudia Feldstein, the the play. dark comedy, set on 121st Street “It was cool because he in Manhattan, focused on the actually told me that Marcia was death of nun and community influenced by his sister, and he said activist Sister Rose and how it that, when he saw me up there, he affected the people who loved her. saw his sister,” Rosenboom said. “Almost all of the characters Feldstein thought the cast and made huge mistakes and struggle crew were dedicated and talented, to move forward. They are all and every character got a chance to looking to connect with someone reveal what’s in their heart. or to be at peace with themselves,” “All of these characters Feldstein said. with unresolved issues come The set was divided into together and at the fingertips can three sections. The section on be healed by each other and by the left showed an open casket in different forces, but the play ends the Ortiz Funeral Room, where unresolved, the way life would,” Sister Rose’s funeral took place. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA CARDONA Rosenboom said. “A lot of times The middle section was inside a “Our Lady of 121st Street” portrays scared, troubled characters of a Manhattan relationships don’t get fixed and church, focused on a confessional. community, who come together for the wake of the beloved nun, Sister Rose. people don’t run off together and The right side was a bar. have a happy ending. The body is The absence of God is a of their parents. Pinky is mental play involved Inez and Rooftop, major, is a neurotic woman in her never found, half it is found, and major theme of the play, especially disabled, while Edwin struggles to a married couple. Rooftap slept 30s. She was closely tied to the this just leaves that emptiness. It’s when something horrible can take care of Pinky. with Norca, Inez’s friend, and this nun, but does not see her—and a good depiction of life, real life.” happen to someone so loved. In Pinky, played by senior made Inez mad as her heart turned Marcia’s mother—in the same this case, it is Sister Rose. Marlon Moncrieffe, a drama into a “motherf---ing burnt-out light as everyone else as they were christina@theknightnews. But Sister Rose’s body is major, felt a special connection graveyard.” alcoholics. com stolen, and a detective named with Sister Rose, whom helped “It was so raw, natural and “[Marcia is] very high Balthazar, played by senior and him study and avoid special beautiful, but spoken with curse strung, but is also looking for drama major Liam Brennan, tries education school. words. In that section of the play, someone to save her,” Rosenboom to find the missing body. Moncrieffe stressed he did cursing didn’t seem like another said. “It was hard to make her a Moreover, failed not want to make a stereotype of way to express anger, it brought well-rounded, real human. So that relationships are a theme in the mentally disabled people; he just up the deepest emotions all of just took a lot of dissecting the text play too. Not only romantic wanted to bring out the human these characters are experiencing.” and letting the text do the job for relationships, but also sibling being in Pinky. Dutta said. me.” relationships. Rina Dutta, assistant director Marcia, Sister Rose’s Guirgis saw the show, along Edwin and Pinky, brothers, and also a senior majoring in niece, played by junior Eleni with three original actors from struggle with issues, like the death drama, said her favorite part of the Rosenboom, an Art Education the New York City production. 8 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com LEADERSHIP IS FOR EVERYONE JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS Director of “Documented,” a documentary about being undocumented in America and MTV’s “White People”

THE HARSH REALITY OF BEING UNDOCUMENTED IN AMERICA

“Illegals are an economic calamity for low-wage Americans.” - Ted Cruz “Half of the undocumented residents in America are criminals.” - Donald Trump

“Do I look Illegal?” -Jose Antonio Vargas DETAILS Wed| 04.13.16 RSVP Claim your QC Google account at gdrive.qc.cuny.edu During Free Hour then RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/0xDM5belZx QC Library Rosenthal 230 REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED BY CUNY recognized for military friendliness JORDI SEVILLA News Reporter Chancellor James B. Milliken said. They all think of the veterans Afghanistan are sources of cultural the veteran diversity on campus, On Feb. 23 Victory Media “CUNY colleges are providing when it comes to certain policies, comprehension. and helping out with the announced that CUNY is the these deserving men and women certain spaces, providing a lot “They’re coming from a graduation rates. If you come here first public university system with the education and skills they of incentives and making us a very structured environment in for school, you’ve got to leave here of undergraduate colleges to be need to pursue careers.” priority on campus” Dennis the military where they are told with a diploma,” Torres says. designated as “military friendly.” Located in the Student Torres, Marine Corps veteran and what to do every single minute of Victory Media is a major Union, the office of Veterans Veteran Outreach Specialist, said. the day,” Rosenfeld said. “They’ve [email protected] player in connecting the military Support Services offers assistance Torres has been a Veterans experienced things that the rest of and civilian worlds. Its military to veterans in terms of class Outreach Specialist with Veterans student body hasn’t and can’t even friendly designation provides selection, receiving military Support Services eight months and imagine experiencing.” military members and their benefits and preparing for a career helps veterans to prepare resumes Another issue veterans face families with data driven ratings after college. and reconnect to the civilian is stereotyping. Worried about about post-military education and “I think it’s difficult for them world. the risk of violent attacks caused career opportunities. in a sense that they’re transitioning “You welcome veterans; by PTSD, some employers are 17 CUNY Schools, from the military to a totally you provide certain services for discouraged from hiring veterans. including Queens College, were different environment,” Veterans them. It means to be as helpful as “Those are the barriers we’re trying awarded the 2016 military friendly Affairs Certifying official Lorraine possible,” Rosenfeld said to break down,” Torres said. School title for their efforts in Rosenfeld said. An important goal for the Torres hopes to see QC aiding Veterans during their time For 12 years, Rosenfeld Veterans support services is to help and CUNY increase veteran in school and post-graduation. communicates the VA benefits and veterans realize what skills they enrollment, become more inclusive The Veterans Support Services certify the veterans’ enrollment to possess after leaving their careers of the veteran community and at QC helps veterans seeking an the VA so they can receive their in the military. provide whatever services necessary education. benefits. A veteran infantryman to ensure barriers to success are “I’m very pleased that “For me, military friendly has transferable skills such as minimal. the number of military friendly means that the administration leadership, time management and “Overall, the number is campuses has expanded from seven leadership all have a commitment conflict resolution. Veterans who increasing, that’s one of our last year to seventeen this year,” to the veterans on this campus. have been deployed to Iraq and strategic goals for QC, increasing www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 9

THE QUEENS COLLEGE WOMEN AND GENDER STUDIES PROGRAM

presents

THE VIRGINIA FRESE PALMER CONFERENCE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 2016 Women, Gender & Politics

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016 • 9 AM–2:30 PM QUEENS COLLEGE STUDENT UNION, 4th FLOOR

9 AM–12:30 PM PANEL DISCUSSION Introduction by Borough President Melinda Katz

KIRA SANBONMATSU is Professor of Political REBECCA SYMES is currently General Counsel Science and Senior Scholar at the Center for for Dixon Advisory USA. Previously she was Counsel American Women and Politics (CAWP) at the & Director of Constituent Affairs for Senator Kirsten Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. Gillibrand, managing services for municipalities, businesses, Her books include More Women Can Run: Gender and households across the state. She also has worked as an and Pathways to the State Legislatures and Democrats, attorney with Housing Conservation Coordinators, a Republicans, and the Politics of Women’s Place. community-based nonprofit.

INEZ BARRON was elected to the NYC ZAHRA' LANGHI is Co-founder and Director of the Council in 2013, after five years in the New Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace. She was described York State Assembly. Councilwoman Barron has by The Guardian as one of “seven women to watch in glob- worked actively against civil and human injustices al politics.” In conjunction with the U.N. Women, she and has promoted issues ranging from public coordinated the Libyan Women’s Political Empowerment health to affordable rents. She also has had a (LWPE) program, aimed at empowering women to long career in education, both in the classroom become active participants and leaders of political, eco- and in administration. nomic, and social reforms. NICHOLA GUTGOLD is a Professor of LENORA LAPIDUS is Director of the Women’s Communication Arts and Sciences at Penn State. Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. She Her books include The Rhetoric of Supreme Court Women: litigates gender discrimination cases in federal and state From Obstacles to Options, Almost Madam President: Why courts, engages in public policy advocacy, and participates Hillary Clinton “Won” in 2008, Paving the Way for Madam in international human rights mechanisms. Her work President, and Gender and the American Presidency. focuses on economic justice, educational equity, and ending violence against women. CAROLYN MALONEY was elected to Congress in 1992. She is the first woman to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District. A champion of women’s Also featuring Queens College students: issues, Representative Maloney helped pass legislation Viktoria Isakova that targets the “demand” side of sex trafficking; provides Fawzia Samadi annual mammograms for women on Medicare; and provides funding to process DNA rape kits, termed “the Shanie Reichman most important anti-rape legislation in history.” Kehinde Akande

12:30–2:30 PM COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH

For lunch, RSVP to [email protected] or 718-997-3098

Co-sponsored by the departments of English, History, Political Science, and Urban Studies, and the Divisions of Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences. 10 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com REVIEWS Kosher sushi a hit at Sushi Toyko JAKE COHEN News Reporter takeout rotation. A great sushi meal can Ross did not eat sushi for provide a lesson on how to months because his wife was approach life and cuisine. Such pregnant and could not eat any. simple ingredients, done with Now, he is celebrating both his care, provide the highest level of child and ability to eat sushi excellence. again. Sushi Tokyo, located near “I’m happy to have a newborn Queens College at 67-25 Main baby,” Ross said. “And eating Street, is an authentic sushi sushi again.” experience—including its kosher When opening up the menu items. at Sushi Tokyo, the restaurant Other sushi restaurants vows to bring “unsurpassed” feature electronic music that ruins sushi to the kosher market. Based the experience, but not Sushi on the reaction of customers and Tokyo. Moreover, aside from its delicious sushi, the restaurant shellfish, all the important parts to is doing well in that mission. a great sushi meal make up what is Kosher and non-kosher kosher. sushi fans alike will enjoy Sushi Emanuel Israel is a server at Tokyo. Just don’t ask for any soft Sushi Tokyo, and enjoys working shell crab or sea urchin. there. What’s his recommended dish for customers? The black [email protected] pepper tuna. “Customers leave saying that was the best sushi,” Israel said. Israel explained it was PHOTO BY JAKE COHEN difficult to notice a difference in For Queens College students interested in sushi, Sushi Tokyo is a convenient kosher sushi versus non-kosher choice. It’s located at 67-25 Main Street. sushi. “Aside from no shellfish, it most important staples on the $11.95, not including the 15 tuna, striped bass, smoked tuna tastes the same,” Israel said. menu—the rice and the fish. percent discount CUNY students and yellow tail are among the Sushi Tokyo offers fish- The rice was fresh and the receive during lunch hours. choices of fish at Sushi Tokyo. This served nigiri style, which is fish was not cold. The surprise The sushi was fantastic. But gives anyone an incentive to come individual slices of fish molded of the meal was the smoked tuna not so much for the dessert. While back and try other types of fish. onto an oval of cooked vinegar with its rich, smoky flavor and oily not awful, mediocrity never won Jonathan Ross, a Flushing rice. like lox, a kind of salmon usually anyone a medal. native and sushi enthusiast, swears Eating a few assorted pieces mixed with cream cheese on a The fried ice cream with its by the Coney roll that is spicy nigiri style gives anyone a good bagel. decent tempura batter crust was salmon, avocado and spicy kani indication of the quality of a sushi The sushi portion of the not as bad as its $8.95 price tag. or crab meat. He lists Sushi Tokyo restaurant. It includes the two meal was reasonably priced at Aside from that, the salmon, among his regular spots in his Fashion show focuses on body positivity and anorexia OYIN FALANA News Reporter loved about themselves. a process setting up for an event “What made today more minimum, and I definitely think Maclynn Kornreich, like this because it’s big and a lot different is that we had more we did,” Kornreich said. Eighteen models prepared president of Delta Phi of people know us for this, alum organizations found on campus to walk down a runway at Epsilon, explained there were too,” Iannarelli said. “It was fun come, contribute and support us,” oyinkansola@ Student Union ballroom for misconceptions about anorexia. to plan. It’s cool when you hold Kornreich said. theknightnews.com Delta Phi Epsilon’s fifth annual For one, the illness affects an event and people actually care Tiff Catalano, a senior, said “Comfortable in Your Genes everyone. about the cause.” there was a good turnout of people Fashion Show” for eating disorder “It affects not only females, Alessandra Gluf, one model at the fashion show. awareness on March 8. but also males as well,” Kornreich involved with the show, said “I came to show my support It was also a fundraiser said. the entire event highlighted an for Delta Phi Epsilon, and also for the National Association of Lizz Iannarelli, a member important issue. to help bring awareness to eating Anorexia Nervosa and Associated of the sorority, also said eating “It’s for a good cause, I know disorders,” Catalano said. “Delta Disorders. ANAD is a non-profit disorders were not well understood a few people that have anorexia, so Phi Epsilon did a fantastic job group that spreads awareness in society. I did it for them.” Gluf said. hosting this event and I cannot of anorexia and supports those “People often think it’s just Kornreich felt proud wait to see what is in store next struggling with eating disorders. people that are being down on with not only the students in year.” Nearly 30 million people their bodies and being negative, attendance, but also organizations Kornreich wants the in the United States suffer from but it is a mental illness,” she said. that were present like Phi Sigma following year’s fashion show an eating disorder, according to Iannarelli helped organize Sigma and Gamma Omega Delta. “bigger and better.” But for now, ANAD. the event, and enjoyed others Students from Queens College she is glad the event raised money Delta Phi Epsilon also assisting her in creating the show. came out in large numbers to for ANAD. created a video that included all “I’ve been planning this for support the sisters of Delta Phi “Our goal every semester is sorority members saying what they like two months. It’s definitely Epsilon. to fundraise $1,000 for the charity www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 11 REVIEWS “The Witch” casts audiences under a spell DAVID RAFAILOVICH News Reporter “The Witch” is a new, intense and engrossing action into original horror film sure to get a stunningly composed scene of under the skin of audiences and gore. scare them too. The camera pulls back, Despite containing many revealing the aftermath of the common tropes of sub-par horror in a way that few films witchcraft horror movies, the bother to do, heightening the film separates itself as a heart- perception of terror by its results. wrenching family drama only The conscious choice to see the heightened by the supernatural. scene from an objective angle after The film also features an being so enthralled may remove incredible amount of intricate the initial intensity, but allows design in both the set and dread to sink in. historical information put in the “The Witch” is so terrifying, story. The care is clearly shown not because of its depiction of evil through the dedication of director witches, but its evil depiction of Robert Eggers, who researched human nature. Puritan folk mythology for four years before making the film. [email protected] The movie even uses real dialogue taken from journals and accounts of exorcisms from the 16th and 17th century. The research and design gives viewers PHOTO COURTESY OF A24 the sense of being present in a Robert Eggers’ “The Witch” is a supernatural horror film set in colonial times that world in which the beliefs and shows the evil depiction of human nature. superstitions of the characters are real. children, start a new life in the kidnaps and kills the child. going to tell mom” and teasing the “The Witch” begins when a forest. To add to the despair of younger ones. Puritan family is exiled from their Not long after their arrival, losing a child, the family risks Another element that community for their patriarch’s sin the eldest daughter, a fair-haired starvation as their crops fail and separates this film from other of “prideful conceit” or arrogance. teenage girl named Thomasin, winter nears. The central drama horror films is the thoughtful shot William, played by Ralph Ineson, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, plays comes from how the family deals composition, cinematography and is a strong-willed and good- peek-a-boo with her baby brother, with the tragedy of Samson. directing. The film uses traditional hearted father with a booming Samson, until a sinister power The effective part of this film scare tactics, like close up shots voice and a passing resemblance comes into play. comes from its realistic portrayal when something jumps out from to the popular depictions of Jesus. When Thomasin opens her of family life in both quieter, beyond the frame. The mother, Katherine, played hands once, she sees the giggling happier moments and unsparing Yet these standard tricks do by Kate Dickie, is a plain-faced child. But, by the third time she depictions of grief. The family in not detract from the quality of woman. uncovers her eyes, the cheerful the film is timeless. The siblings the film. The directing technique After banished from their infant is gone. Though only fight just like children do today, that elevates this film transforms town, they, along with their five known to the audience, a witch using old-English versions of “I’m shocking moments from sudden, Have an opinion on a story we write?

Want to send us a story tip?

Want to send an op-ed?

Email us at [email protected] 12 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com One donation can save a life SARA SCHEIDLINGER Akiva Raskind and said. “If you end up donating in remain in the registry until turning Sami, but Raskind and Liebman News Reporter Tami Liebman, two campus the future, then that’s the greatest 60. The organization does not are committed to finding one ambassadors for Gift of Life at miracle. So why not [donate]?” accept donations from people through more events in Queens. Sami, a seven-year-old girl, QC, are in charge of organizing When a match is found, a older than 60. For example, they have an lives with Fanconi Anemia, a bone marrow drives not only at representative from Gift of Life As one example of the upcoming drive in March called blood disorder that affects one out QC, but also throughout Queens. contacts the person to donate donation drive’s potential, the Match Madness where they will of 350,000 people. “How many opportunities their bone marrow. If the person Gift of Life informed Raskind reach out to as many students as If left untreated, it may cause in your lifetime do you have to agrees, then the organization pays and Liebman that a person who possible to find a donor. bone marrow failure and some save someone’s life? The campus for expenses for the bone marrow swabbed at an event in November forms of cancer. ambassador program is an transplant, including the hospital was a match for a 67-year-old [email protected] Sami needs a bone marrow opportunity of many lifetimes,” bills. Recovering from a bone woman battling Non-Hodgkin’s transplant from someone, but Raskind said. marrow transplant takes a few Lymphoma, a form of cancer. cannot find a donor. The two explained that, weeks. The news excited the two. However, the Gift of Life Bone to join the Gift of Life’s registry, But Raskind explained this is Raskind and Liebman said they Marrow Foundation, along with people can fill out a registration not the only way to help. He said feel blessed to be in the Gift of Life MedLife at Queens College, form. Afterward, they receive four there were other opportunities too, community. organized a bone marrow drive at large Q-tips to swab saliva from like volunteering. “They want you there, not Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library on their mouth. Finally, the Q-tips are “Informing others of the truth is even for the extra help, they really Feb. 24. The goal was to collect as stored in an envelope for testing just as valuable as donating” said just want you there,” Liebman many cheek swabs as possible from and additional medical questions Raskind. said. “Once you are a part of the students and professors to find a are asked. At the past bone marrow Gift of Life family, you are always match for Sami and many others “Anybody can join the drive, Raskind and Liebman a part of the family, for life.” in need of a transplant. registry, it’s so easy,” Liebman processed 149 people who will There is still no donor for Meet Uche Nduka, a professor connecting art and life ARYEH GELFAND News Reporter to focus on the work involved From the time Uche in creating and who they are as Nduka grew up in Nigeria, he individuals. Don’t be distracted always felt imaginative. This, by the celebrity culture and the along with an appetite for materialistic culture of America literature, led him toward a career that wants you to be a saleable in writing. product and not someone who Now he is an English speaks from the soul,” Nduka professor at Queens College and said. believes an artist’s life should reflect his work. [email protected] “From the moment I wake up in the morning, I leave myself open for inspirational things to come to me,” Nduka said. Nduka draws inspiration from everything. His thoughts, dreams and conversations are eventually written down. “You, as an artist, are a vessel through which things come. It’s not all the time you decide what to write about. People think you have to write about politics, about dictators, about religious fundamentalist [and] about crises,” Nduka said. “I feel as a human being, I am open to the heritage of humanity, and that means I can also write about PHOTO BY THE POETRY FOUNDATION pleasure, joy and beauty.” English Professor Uche Nduka connects everyday experiences to art and his Nduka wrote poetry books creative process. like Flower Child, released in Rather, it should share discoveries kicked awake by New York. I find had,” he said. 1988, and Ijele, released in 2012. with other people. New York wildly inspirational. Joshua Lichtman. a senior He also won awards like the In 1994, Nduka left Nigeria There is a high level of artistic majoring in international business, Association of Nigerian Authors and traveled to Germany for a energy here. Artists here feel took Nduka for a class and felt Poetry Prize in 1997. fellowship at the Goethe Institute. that the environment gives them the professor’s ideas on art were During his career, In 1997, he moved to New York the ability to reinvent yourself,” connected to his teaching style. communities of artists have always and found a new outlet for his Nduka said. “Professor Nduka takes the supported him. He is friends with creativity. Teaching also helps with his creation of art really seriously. I playwrights, songwriters, Nduka’s experience in creativity. feel creatively challenged, and musicians, poets and filmmakers. New York was different than in “I believe that when you are this has helped me do this things In Nigerian literature, Germany. In Germany, the art was teaching you are learning from I didn’t think I could,” Lichtman writers like Chinua Achebe wrote quiet, reflective and brief. In New those that you are sharing that said. to protest a corrupt and oppressive York, it was lengthy, brash and space with. When you are standing Nduka recommended new military government. But Nduka colorful. in front of students, ideas tumble artists to think about their work refused to write about them. He “As soon as I arrived, I was out that you didn’t even know you before creating it. does not believe art should preach. “I would like young people www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 13 14 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com OP-EDS Five Incredible Mindsets To Guide Your Presidential Vote BY LOUIS TSAI I’m sitting on a wooden Imagine your mind as a box. If it’s Steve was talking about think and what they do. It’s hard bench in a playground, where dirty, new knowledge is tainted creativity and design, but his 4. But Think Positively to put things into context unless kids climb freely on monkey bars, as soon as it enters. In an upside approach to seeing, thinking and we make a move to empathize. race down metal slides and dance down box, new knowledge can’t connecting the dots is the also the In Thinking, Fast and Slow, During your next heated around the swings. It’s fascinating enter. If the box has holes, new key to gaining new perspectives. psychologists Daniel Kahneman debate, ask yourself a few to see them play without barriers knowledge enters and leaves freely. We’re a long way from sending and Amos Tversky demonstrate questions. How did this person - they just show up and have fun. Reworking my mind to politicians to the moon, but that the choices we make are based arrive at this conclusion? Why do These days, adults aren’t interested resist bias, stay focused and in the meantime let’s discover often based on the easiest and least they feel the way they do? Where in each other’s opinions because welcome new thinking is an more unfamiliar experiences and painful solutions. We may see does my opinion stand with them? they only want to hear what ongoing process. It isn’t easy, understand each other with greater ourselves as rational creatures, but Do everything to place yourself in reinforces their views. but I believe the key is to listen clarity. reason is actually weak and easily the other person’s shoes. In our democracy, elected intently to others, especially when overpowered. Not so great for If we change the way we officials mirror the true nature of opinions are disagreeable. This 3. Embrace Negative Feedback building an open mind. think using these principles, I people. If we are close-minded, creates a culture of respect and Instead, let’s make these believe we can create a world where they have a hard time adopting helps our leaders in Washington “It’s very important to vulnerabilities work for us. For politicians can make arguments new thinking and handling work together to solve problems. actively seek out and listen very example, most of us find conflict without getting nasty, people can unfamiliar problems. If we are carefully to negative feedback. unpleasant. If the goal is to avoid accept opposing views and media biased, so is our legislation. If we 2. Connect More Dots This is something that people distress, we can start from a doesn’t sensationalize the truth to have a narrow point of view, our tend to avoid because it’s painful, mindset of collaboration to solve create a story. It’s hard to imagine leaders see the same way. If we “A lot of people in our but I think this is a very common problems. When two sides take and will take a lot of work, but can’t empathize, they become self- industry haven’t had very diverse mistake,” Elon Musk said to this position, they tend to feel there’s no reason we can’t make it centered. experiences. So they don’t have Foundation Podcast. better and get more things done. happen. To fix our government, enough dots to connect, and they If you believe politicians are we need to open our minds. end up with very linear solutions stuck in their ways, the American 5. Practice Empathy Louis Tsai, a product designer, Here are five ways we can make without a broad perspective on public is no different. The only is the creator of Dark Horse, a fundamental changes in the way the problem. The broader one’s way to evolve is to learn from our When you see a homeless mobile game designed to foster open we think. understanding of the human mistakes. By inviting criticism person on the streets, we usually mindedness. www.darkhorsegame. experience, the better design we and taking it seriously, we can don’t think about the story behind com. 1. Upgrade Your Mind will have,” Steve Jobs once said to recognize what we can do better the circumstance. Likewise, there Wired Magazine. and act productively. is a reason behind what people On Students for Justice in Palestine BY SHARON JACKSON

It was the summer of 2014, is, I can also potentially serve as like to grow up in some Jewish conflict. But I think it may have right across the hall from each and I was on Facebook. My news a bridge. But it is not me who communities, reading Jewish been somewhat of a false peace, other. This one, with the Center feed looked like a war zone, as I determines whether I am a traitor newspapers that show Israel as a one of fear of rocking the boat. If for Ethnic, Racial & Religious scrolled past image after bloody, or a bridge. country whose soldiers go out of students want a chapter of the SJP, Understanding. This one, with depressing image, sickening me, It is you. their way to avoid killing, who but are barred from creating one, all the interfaith friendships that saddening me. Why, during the I am Jewish, and I need to prosecute any Jewish citizens who then the silence on campus is not begin here. war in Gaza, did I even bother confess something: I am scared. I attack Arab citizens, who allow healthy. I have faith that the students going on Facebook? Force of habit, know that pro-Palestinian activism Arabs in the Israeli Parliament, and But if the silence on campus on this campus can voice their I guess. As I am friends with both can sometimes cross the line into so on. I told her, this is one side of is to be broken, we cannot break it truth without labeling one Jews and Muslims, I could see anti-Semitism. I know that on the story, but this is the story they by raising our voices while shutting another. Please, Queens College what others could not see: both other campuses with this kind of know. This is what they’ve grown our ears. If we are unwilling to see community – let’s do this right. sides screaming out in pain, in activism, Jewish students have up with. the other as human, not monster, anger, in helplessness – but neither been threatened. Her reaction was to tell me if we refuse to listen to the Sharon Jackson is a writing tutor at of them could hear the other. I am That day I was on Facebook that I was just making excuses for narrative of the other side (and we the QC Writing Center, as well as a in the middle. I always have been, a year and a half ago, I came across them, that there is no way you don’t have to agree with it), we will research assistant and intern at the and this is both a blessing and a a pro-Palestinian post by one can justify not siding with the be recreating the war right on our QC Center for Ethnic, Racial & curse. of my friends. I can’t remember Palestinians, that you’d have to be campus. Religious Understanding. She can be The curse is that either what she’d written, but it was cold-blooded, heartless, inhuman. Yet, as trepidatious as I am, reached at sharonjfleischer@gmail. side can easily call me a traitor, something to the effect of, “How A monster. I know that if there is any campus com. if I give voice to the Palestinian could anyone possibly side with Queens College, for a long in the world that can host an SJP narrative to someone pro-Israel, Israel?” In my comment, I showed time, has been relatively peaceful while still allowing its pro-Israel or the Israeli narrative to someone empathy for her point of view, compared to other campuses when students to feel safe, it’s this one. pro-Palestinian. But the blessing and tried to describe what it was it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian This one, with its Hillel and MSA All op-eds are unedited

Send yours to [email protected] www.theknightnews.com March 16, 2016 | 15 SPORTS QC players force head coach removal HANS THEMISTODE Sports Reporter Darryl Jacobs joined Queens “He [was] always violating the team and, earlier in the season, players said they brought their of us started to lose passion for the College’s men’s basketball team as the NCAA rules, by going over the one of the assistant coaches quit concerns to China Jude, assistant game and made us not want to head coach in 2013 and no longer practice hours and hadn’t given us the team as well,” one anonymous vice president of athletics, but were play anymore,” one of the players led the program Feb. 25. a day off in 10 days,” one player player said. told to keep their mouths shut. said. It was the players on the said. “One of our assistant One player voiced his concerns to Assistant coach David team that led for his ouster as Other violations included coaches quit because he got into President Felix Matos Rodriguez. Vandiver took over as interim they vowed to boycott the season’s placing players at physical harm. an argument with Jacobs over However, The New York head coach. The Knights won in final two games against Roberts “He held multiple practices leadership. He accused Jacobs of Daily News reported on the their last two games, ending their Wesleyan and Daemen. Players when no athletic trainer [was] on not being a good leader and also incident after players sent their season with an 11-14 record. even refused to practice. duty, so we couldn’t get treatment being lazy,” another player said. concerns there. Players felt relieved the Many players, preferring to after practice. If someone were Players organized meetings According to the Daily conflicts with Jacobs were over. remain anonymous, said Jacobs to get injured, there is no one on with Jacobs to resolve disputes, but News, Adam Rockman, vice Now they look forward to the next crossed the line several times. duty to help them, which is an the head coach threatened them. president for Student Affairs, told season. The National Collegiate NCAA violation,” another player “If anyone questioned him the team that Jacobs would no “It’s great. I actually feel Athletic Association, the non- said. or said something he didn’t like, longer lead the basketball team. As motivated to play basketball profit association in charging of Players also cited that the he threatened that he would ‘take a result, the players did not forfeit again,” a player said. all collegiate athletes program, coaching staff changed every year away your scholarship,’” a player their last two games. provides rules for coaches to follow. since Jacobs became head coach. said. The hardest part for the [email protected] One rule is that players cannot “He has had a new coaching Players became frustrated players was losing their love for practice more than 20 hours per staff every year, and none of them with Jacobs’ refusal to change. basketball, a game they grew up week. But Jacobs violated this rule, got along with him. During this They came together to end it by loving. said the players. season alone, three players quit talking to administrators. Several “The worst part is that a lot Knights close out historical season ALBERT ROMAN per game. She led the ECC and Sports Reporter the nation in steals with 4.52 per The women’s basketball game and almost averaged a near team made history with a 76-64 double-double with 9.6 rebounds victory over Holy Family in the per game. first round of the 2016 NCAA Naumovski was impressed Division II East Regional on by Madison Rowland’s March 13 at Bentley University. accomplishments. It was the team’s third “I do think she’s the best appearance and first victory in player in the conference. She’s a the NCAA tournament. Junior great athlete and player, but the Madison Rowland scored 31 thing that makes her special is points, including 20 in the first her ability to lock in and focus two quarters, six rebounds, four in a game and understand what steals and three blocks. needs to get done. [Madison] just Head coach Elizabeth wants to win more than anything,” Naumovski won 20 games for the Naumovski said. third consecutive season. Naumovski is optimistic She felt proud of her team’s about next season and looks performance. forward to taking the team back “We knew we could do PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST COAST CONFERENCE into the NCAA. it, but knowing you can do The Knights celebrated their second consecutive ECC championship on March 6. “I don’t think that next year something and actually doing is a rebuilding year, it’s a transition it are two different things. It’s deficit to win the championship level of success we’ve had. After “I was very proud to put on year. Madison is back and she easy to get overwhelmed in that helped the confidence. Part of the that game it was an emotional my Queens Uniform for one last is a key part of the team and has moment of being in the NCAA reason we were able to grind out goodbye, but they are players I time. It really has been an honor the ability to make the [players] tournament. You’re in a position the win was because we were able know I’m going to stay in touch to be able to represent Queens for around her better. A transition year every college and athlete wants to to defend. We feel as long as we with because that is my coaching the last four years and the fact that is more about building chemistry be in,” Naumovski said. can defend and rebound, that we style,” Naumovski said. I was able to represent QC as a with the new a group a people,” Five days before the have a good chance of winning the Despite the loss, what stood senior in the NCAA tournament she said. tournament, the team clinched game,” Naumovski said. out to the coach was the way they is one of my proudest moments,” their second consecutive East The Knights season lost handled their final game. Gully said. [email protected] Coast Conference Championship 77-67 against Bentley in the “Although we were Her favorite part of playing after defeating Roberts Wesleyan semifinals of the NCAA Division disappointed, they were more for the team wasn’t scoring points 60-54. II East Regional Tournament. proud of their careers and how far or playing in the Madison Square Madison, along with her The team completed the 2015-16 they have brought this program. Garden, but the unity of the team. sisters Mackenzie and Merrick campaign with a 21-9 record. That’s exactly what I want them to “Definitely the bound I’ve made Rowland, led the Knights to For seniors MacKenzie feel. They don’t have any regrets, with my team. We’ve become victory. MacKenzie Rowland, a Rowland, Kristen Korzevinski, they’ve put it all on the floor for family, and I really don’t know senior, scored 16 points and 19 Elisabeth Gully, Joya McFarlane four years and more than anything what I’d do without them,” she rebounds. Merrick Rowland, a and Amber Harrison, this was their they feel accomplished. So they’re said. sophomore, scored 13 points. final game as a Knight. Naumovski leaving on a high note,” she said. Madison Rowland “I think being in that said it was a bittersweet moment. Gully felt sad that her career continued her impressive career by game last year where we had to “They have been a key to ended, but was also proud of what completing a strong season leading comeback from a 15-18 point the growth of the program and the she accomplished with the team. the ECC by scoring 20.2 points 16 | March 16, 2016 www.theknightnews.com KNIGHT NEWS SPORTS

HISTORICAL MARCH TO MADNESS: THE KNIGHTS STRIKE BACK

Junior Madison Rowland (above) leads the Knights to their first NCAA tournament win

SEE PAGE 15 Photo courtesy of John Higgins

Abrupt changes for men’s basketball PAGE 15