September, 2017 lehmanmeridian.squarespace.com Bronx, New York Dreamers in Limbo: White House Rescinds DACA

New Yorkers prepare to protest the White House’s DACA ruling. Photo courtesy of Eric Soucy. [Page 3]

NEWS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT LIFESTYLE Lehman Community Disagrees over Bronxites’ Love-Hate Relationship Campus Socialists Raise Students’ ’s Bid for Statehood with Cardi B Political Consciousness [Page 4] [Page 8] [Page 12] 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Student Life Building Room 108 Bronx, NY 10468

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On Sept. 5, the White House issued a President Obama in 2012, allowed Institution, nearly three-quarters statement through Attorney General undocumented immigrant minors of DACA applicants have lived in Jeff Sessions that it was formally to receive two-year renewable the for at least ten rescinding the Deferred Action deferments against deportation years and nearly one-third were for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the ability to apply for a work age five or younger at arrival. The program. The policy, introduced by permit. According to the Brookings decision to terminate the program is expected to impact up to 800,000 people nationwide, including DACA applicants and their families.

The updated policy ends acceptance of DACA applicants, though the administration has stated that applications and renewals currently being processed will be honored. Deportation procedures have been delayed for six months to give congress time to find an alternative solution to those with DACA status.

In a statement released on Sept. 6, Lehman President José Luis Cruz wrote to the Lehman community, “The six-month stay of execution of the DACA program does not do justice to the hard work of the hundreds of thousands of dedicated young people whose undocumented status is simply an artifact of our country’s long-standing role as a beacon of hope. It is now up to Congress to choose national values over political expediency. Extending permanent legal status to our nation’s dreamers is the only path forward.” Polls suggest that national support for DACA transcends party allegiances. Trump administration’s DACA ruling met with Manhattan protest. Photo courtesy of Eric Soucy. While Sessions stated that “the 4 News

American people have rightly in tax dollars.” She also criticized rejected” an open border policy, a “Extending the misrepresentation of Dreamers, POLITICO/Morning Consult poll permanent legal saying, “These young people qualify shows 84 percent of Democrats, for DACA because they cleared a 74 percent of Independents, and status to our vetting where there was a very, very 69 percent of Republicans oppose nation’s dreamers intense process of looking into their deporting DACA immigrants, or backgrounds...only then do they Dreamers. is the only path receive DACA status.” On the Lawrence O’Donnell show forward.” The Lehman DREAM Team told on Sept. 5 Senator Kamala Harris, the Meridian, “It’s up to us now (D-Ca.), whose state is home to the – Lehman president to make history.” They added, most Dreamers nationwide, refuted José Luis Cruz “No documents, no problem. We’ll the president’s assertion that ending continue to fight and work hard to DACA would save American jobs. statutorily, we will lose 700,000 jobs better our community. United we “It is well documented that if we in the United States and over the stand; we won’t leave our community rescind DACA and do not pass DACA next ten years we could lose 60 billion alone.” Lehman Community Disagrees over Puerto Rico’s Bid for Statehood By Shaiann Frazier

In June of 2017, 97 percent of Puerto becoming a state four times: first in Ricans voted in favor of making “I’m only for 1967. In 2012, 54 percent of the vote the commonwealth of 3.4 million was in favor of statehood. America’s 51st state. While they wait [statehood] if to see whether Congress will pass a Currently, the island is in the middle statute admitting the new state, many we’re going to of an economic crisis. In May of Lehman students with ties to the island 2013, faced with a $ 73 billion debt, remain divided or uncertain about its actually help... it filed for bankruptcy. According to fate. data released in September of 2017 and I’m against by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Numerous students told the Meridian unemployment remains high and the that they were unaware that Puerto it if it’s going poverty level has risen to 46 percent. Rico is trying to become a state. Of Since jobs are low in demand and those who know about the issue, to hurt those poverty has risen, many have been roughly half told the Meridian they forced to leave their homeland. think it’s a great idea, while the rest people even think Puerto Rico should stay as is. One Puerto Rican native, Lehman more.” student life employee, Teddy The island has been under U.S. control Hernandez, said, “I’m only for – Lehman student life employee, since 1898, following the Spanish- [statehood] if we’re going to actually American War, and has voted against Teddy Hernandez help…and I’m against it if it’s going News 5 to hurt those people even more.” If in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure for too such as Jerilyn Day-Johnson, Puerto Rico becomes a state it would long now.” administrative assistant to the vice gain access to more federally funded president for the Division of Student programs such as Supplemental On the other hand, Mike Garcia, 27, Affairs at Lehman who said, “I think Security Income Assistance, student who is a senior at Lehman and from it would benefit them economically loans, and others. the Dominican Republic, said, “It’s because Puerto Rico has become quite actually a great thing… In that it will impoverished over the years.” Some Lehman students questioned help us connect to a lot whether that leadership is beneficial. more and it will help us branch out to Sophomore Andrew Jackson, born in Melissa Ruiz, 25, a Lehman student other Latin American countries and Ghana, was also optimistic, “I think who was born in Puerto Rico but raised Caribbean islands.” it’s something that’s long overdue,” in the Bronx said, “As a Puerto Rican he said, “Because the U.S has a lot I don’t think it should really become a Those without direct connections to of power over there, so it only makes state because the U.S. has had a hand this island also had strong opinions, sense that they get admitted as a state.”

The Capitol of Puerto Rico in Puerta de Tierra, San Juan. Photo courtesy of Pixabay. 6 News After Charlottesville Lehman Students Want an End to Racist Violence By Zayna Palmer

The Hall of Fame for Great Americans at Bronx Community College. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Following racist violence at a students feel endangered by this event want to see these threats addressed white supremacist gathering in because they do not feel safe. Students here in the Bronx as well, where Charlottesville Va. that led to the are terrified for their future and they two Confederate statues have long killing of one protestor, Lehman do not know what to expect. They been part of the Bronx Community News 7

College Hall of Fame for Great crime, and more vulnerable to racist Confederate Generals Robert E. Americans. These Confederate statues violence. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, at Bronx are being permanently removed after Community College’s Hall of Fame for a protest of CUNY students. Thompson also believes that Donald Great Americans. On Aug. 17, 2017 Trump did not take immediate enough Thomas A. Isekenegbe, president of The Charlottesville killing happened action after hearing about the attacks, BCC stated, “Embracing differences on August 12, 2017, the day after a since his first response was a Tweet. includes creating space where all march in which white nationalists She thinks that we are reliving similar people feel respected, welcomed, protested the proposed removal of a experiences to those that occurred and valued. To that end, we will be statue of Confederate General Robert when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. removing and replacing these statues.” E. Lee. was alive. “After he passed away, nothing has changed, generation after Susan Powell, a graduate student at James Alex Fields Jr., 20, rammed generation, our society has gotten BCC, agreed that “these busts need to his car into anti-racist protestors, worse. I am very disturbed about be taken down.” She added that, “It killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer the community that I live in today isn’t right to celebrate Confederate and injuring many others who were because white supremacy is now being war criminals. As a nation, we must all protesting one of the largest white supported and as an African-American come together as one because we are supremacist gatherings in U.S. history. female, I do not feel safe when I am all created equal. We should also have Thirty-five people were injured during outside.” Thompson views Trump as leaders who brought change against this event, and at least three men racism and slavery in the hall of fame arrested. because it will generate positivity into “Embracing the community.” For Sharon Lee, a junior and English major at Lehman, the news was a differences Mayor Bill de Blasio also believes that wake-up call that domestic terrorism is these men do not deserve a spotlight on the rise. At first she was terrified, includes because there are many other great and she remains certain it was a hate Americans, and these two Confederates crime based on racism. “As a college creating space do not belong in the hall. student, I am worried about the future and there are many problems that where all people Blogger Megan Brewer, from the need resolutions before it’s too late,” Bronx, agreed that these statues she said. feel respected, should not stay in the Bronx but rather in museums, because “it is a more Marisol Cotrgy, a Lehman senior and welcomed, and appropriate place for these historical English major, also believes that racism figures.” remains an urgent national problem valued.” that demands a solution. “Racism isn’t over, there’s always been racism all Another blogger, Frank Morales, also over the country,” she said. “A way to – BCC President from the Bronx, concurred. “They stop terrorism and hate crimes is to call Thomas A. can also be quite offensive because of our congressmen to tell them that they what these men represent. They both have to fix this. Everyone can make a Isekenegbe committed treason against the United difference and it is from us who has the States to keep slavery alive.” Both power to do so.” Megan and Frank’s statements matter untrustworthy because he doesn’t take because they are both entitled to their immediate action in office and there own opinions and they are given equal Olivia Thompson, a junior and are no improvements. rights as a citizen in the United States. marketing major, felt “disgusted” They both agree that these men should when she saw the videos of the Closer to home, many CUNY students be removed from the hall of fame Charlottesville attacks, which she have protested the inclusion of two because of what they represent in this viewed as both terrorism and a hate Confederate statues, the busts of society. 8 Arts & Entertainment Bronxites’ Love-Hate Relationship with Cardi B

By Angel Mindanao

one hand, reflected Ashley Apparbal, senior and history major, “She gives us that relaxation on the weekends or during study breaks.” On the other hand, Apparbal said, “although her music and persona is interesting, she still has the ability to speak on sensitive topics in a rather insensitive way. ‘I don’t dance now, I make money moves.’ It allows for a certain amount of hype and excitement that underscores the idea of being destined for greatness.” In “Bodak Yellow,” for instance, Cardi Cardi B photographed for Complex Magazine. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. B raps about being busy working and able to pay her mother’s bills, while With over 9.4 million Instagram “Cardi B represents the Bronx in a declaring that her haters’ baby fathers followers, 24-year-old Cardi B, a positive way--loud and unapologetic; want her. Bronx native and rapper on the rise, friendly and hilarious. She’s happy released the single “Bodak Yellow” in because she’s comfortable with her Apparbal also pointed out her June, which is currently No. 2 on the appearance.” Ventura was drawn to provocative mannerisms. She stated, Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on R&B/ Cardi B’s charisma. “I just vibe with “I’m still understanding that she Hip Hop chart. A former stripper and her music,” she said. “She appeals is a little rough around the edges, cast member of VH1’s “Love & Hip to everybody just by being herself.” so occasionally she may say some Hop Atlanta,” Cardi B now performs Indeed, Cardi B was the star of the outlandish things.” with top artists such as Drake, Migos, MTV Video Music Awards pre-show, Ventura defended the artist’s persona, and 21 Savage. Her albums, “GBM wearing a sparkling bodysuit and saying, “People say she’s problematic, Volume 1,” peaked at No. 27 and matching $10,000 Yves Saint Laurent but that’s because she’s in the process “GBM Volume 2” peaked at No. 25 boots. of learning, just like the rest of us. You on the Independent album charts. Her Other students, however, are more have to respect her grind. She once major label debut album on Atlantic ambivalent about the entertainer, and said that when she was a dancer, she Records is due to drop in October. some are downright disapproving. invested a lot of money on clothes, As Cardi B makes her mark on Jesse Mercado, a senior majoring in makeup, etc.” the entertainment industry, many environmental science and minoring Apparbal seconded this defense. Bronxites see her as empowering in music, questioned her choice of “Cardi B represents womanhood in women while challenging gender roles style. “I feel like a lot of women are total,” she said. “Womanhood is not and stereotypes. But while the artist has fighting for equality, and they don’t limited to the remarkable and upper captured the hearts of many Lehman have to be oversexualized in order to echelon; it extends to every shape and students who share her culture with reach the top in Hollywood,” he said. size and skin tone.” her self-made and widely recognized “Adele is one of the most prominent Meanwhile, as the debate surrounding brand image, not everyone has been singers and she doesn’t show skin.” her continues, the rapper embraces won over. Students were similarly divided over the hate and the fame, re-branding Lehman senior Anabel Ventura her music, which they find both her struggles as a woman of color with expressed great support for the artist. provocative and entertaining. On the diamonds and designer clothes. Arts & Entertainment 9 Street Renamed to Honor Rap Pioneer Scott La Rock By Leonel Henriquez

Street sign at Jerome Avenue and Kingsbride Road, honoring DJ Scott La Rock. Photo by Leonel Henriquez.

On May 19, Jerome Avenue at the “He’d be on the At a time when rap music was still a corner of Kingsbridge Road was growing underground genre, Scott La renamed DJ Scott La Rock Boulevard Mount Rushmore Rock was instrumental in elevating the in honor of the icon, Scott La Rock aka of Bronx artists, a purity in the presentation of the music. Scott Monroe Sterling. Sterling was the The development of rap music was founder of the rap group Boogie Down founding father, a mostly regional in its early stages and Productions along with legendary MC visionary, a the duo produced songs that depicted KRS-One. The street is by the historic their pride of place and love of the Kingsbridge Armory where he once trend-setter.” Bronx, as well as songs about street worked as a social worker, helping the awareness and social consciousness. homeless. The renaming took place – MC Asti The duo was on the verge of signing almost exactly three decades after the released in May 1987, just months a third album deal with Warner rapper’s death. Scott La Rock died on before his death. It is considered by Brothers Records at the time of La August 27, 1987. At only 25 years old, some rap historians as the best ever, Rock’s death. he was shot and killed as he intervened featuring such hits as “Poetry,” “South “He was ahead of his time and died to resolve a dispute on University Bronx,” and the title track, “Criminal before his time,” said Lehman alumni Avenue. Minded.” The tracks highlighted MC Asti. In regards to Scott La Rock the basic elements of rap music, a finally being recognized Asti adds, Scott La Rock’s place in music history thumping bass line, an MC rapping “He’d be on the Mount Rushmore is cemented in the duo’s breakout and a DJ creating beats by cutting and of Bronx artists, a founding father, a album “Criminal Minded” which was scratching. visionary, a trend-setter.” 10 Arts & Entertainment The Four Best Role-playing Games for Newbies That Are Not Dungeons and Dragons By Juan Vasquez

to its completely non-violent approach to conflict resolution, those who like combat might want more bloodthirsty, ravenous murder hobos. Kuro A Cubicle 7 production released in 2015, Kuro is a cyberpunk horror role-playing game that takes place in a futuristic Japan. Players are just ordinary citizens who are caught up in nightmarish situations and must find a way to survive, or else die trying. Kuro’s biggest strength is the vast scope of perils available, ranging from Ju-on A set of role-playing dice. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. with cybernetic powers to mundane Role-playing games are perennial go- An upside to the game is that players are serial killers. You could tell a ton of dark, to for their fans because they let players not bound to a rigid class system, but chilling tales with Kuro. Which leads to contribute to the creation of a dynamic rather free to create their character as the game’s downside: while it does not world of characters. That versatility is they see fit, from their skill specializations specifically say so in the book, Kuro is why Dungeons and Dragons has been to specific languages. However, this leads meant for a mature audience, as rape, around for over forty years and still to one of Shadowrun’s biggest downsides. murder, child abuse, incest, and suicide remains a juggernaut in the gaming The game makes you micromanage (among others) are all themes depicted in industry. Despite its popularity and iconic EVERYTHING, from your character’s the game. recognition, Dungeons and Dragons isn’t spells and cyberware to each individual Talislanta everyone’s flagon of mead. Although it is bullet they carry. Add this to a steep seen as a mainstream game, many players learning curve and college textbook sized Now a decade old, and free to download are thrown off by the game’s myriad of rulebooks and you have one of the most online, Talislanta’s current fifth edition fantasy tropes. So, for those new to the complex RPGs in existence. But who is not your typical fantasy game. In its hobby, who want something other than expects running the shadows to be easy? rich and vivid variety of settings, most the typical “Lord of the Rings” style typical fantasy races have either been Golden Sky Stories fantasy realm, here are four less daunting completely turned on their heads or role-playing games. Released in 2013, and often referred to omitted outright. For example: there as “Hayao Miyazaki: The Roleplaying are NO elves. Character creation is also Shadowrun Fifth Edition Game,” Golden Sky Stories lets players simple: players just pick a race, class and While it does contain a few (read: a drek- take control of spirits and animals in skills. The game even includes dozens ton of) fantasy elements, Shadowrun’s a friendly, non-violent world where of pre-made characters to choose from. fifth edition, released in 2013, also takes humans and nature spirits live side by However, Talislanta’s setting may seem elements from cyberpunk culture and side. A huge plus is its simplicity, family a bit bizarre or overly complex. In urban fantasy. Players create and take friendly content, and light-hearted tone, particular, some characters are better control of shadow runners, mercenaries which all make it a good choice for family suited for combat than others, which may and criminals who work on behalf of game night. Its anime style artwork frustrate players when they encounter organized crime groups, corporations, would also make it appealing to the otaku combat situations their characters are not and political associations. crowd. But while some might be drawn equipped to handle. Lifestyle 11 Money and Location Keep Bronxites out of Gyms

By Jorel Lonesome

A study from citylimits.org confirms this life pattern, she said, “I get less social connection between a flagging economy bonding. It’s ironic because my major and a lack of gyms. In it, Jarrett Murphy in communications obviously involves and Katherine Guerrero note that interacting with people, but working part “exercise awareness and participation time and attending school doesn’t even increases with income, and the Bronx make me think about going to the gym. is the city’s poorest borough. Exercise Working, then heading to my classes is a takes time, and Bronxites spend more workout in itself. I sometimes go for a jog, of their day going to and from work but not so often.” than residents of any other borough: Manhattan residents, on average, have One place students can work out close 24 extra minutes each day to hit the gym to home is Lehman’s Apex Center, than people who live in the Bronx.” Their an auxiliary gym. It holds a track, review also pointed out that of eight racquetball, basketball and volleyball major gym chains, there were only 23 in courts, ballet and aerobic studios, and the Bronx compared to 71 in Manhattan. one of only two 50-meter eight lane The Lehman community utilizing gym facilities swimming pools in greater New York that in the APEX. Photo by Jorel Lonesome. Euriel Murray, a sophomore who plays meet current Olympic swimming and for the Lehman Lightning baseball team, water polo standards. And it is free for The Bronx could be in better shape, and seconded this. “Better quality gyms aren’t students. Lehman students know it. According to in the Bronx, they’re mostly in the upscale Murray argued that education would also the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, parts of Manhattan. You basically get help raise community fitness. “We aren’t in 2015, nearly 98 percent of Bronx what you pay for and the equipment is properly educated about exercise. We residents had access to exercise---but the not always the best.” should get educated about calculating our borough’s adult obesity rate averages 28 Lehman biological science professor, calories, vitamins, minerals and learning percent, as does physical inactivity. So, Stephen M. Redenti agreed. “I don’t different types of diets.” what’s causing these unhealthy rates? think there’s enough people attending Students cite socioeconomic and gyms. There’s not sufficient access to a However, some students blamed their environmental factors as their biggest variety of equipment, especially in less lack of fitness on their drive to further impediments to fitness. Several said corporate gyms.” their education. Angel Arroyo, 23, a threats to their physical safety were their junior and English major at Lehman, However, Lopez suggested that prime concern. Lehman sophomore said “It’s the pressure to study hard, independent gyms might be better for Christina Lopez, 22, said, “Some gym reading all given material and do well on students because they would be more locations in the Bronx are unsafe. The these assignments” that keeps her from supportive. “Family oriented gyms like gym will open at 5 or 6 a.m., but that’s the gym. “I gained five to ten pounds the YMCA, is not only safer, but people also the time when criminal activity during my first two years at college,” she begin to know each other over time, to the occurs while everyone is still asleep in recalled. “I was in a new environment, so point they develop a sense of community their beds.” She also noted that increasing I wasn’t able to keep up the same exercise and friendship.” the use of fitness centers would boost the level I was used to during high school.” economy, too. “More gyms would bring Desiree Rosa, 20, a communications But, she added, she has plans to buy a more businesses relating to health and major at Lehman, also felt that a skateboard. “Maybe that will knock off wellness, which would add more jobs as strong community would help get her a few pounds,” she said, “when I start well.” to the gym. With her current work- riding in skate parks.” 12 Lifestyle From Chicago to the Bronx: Campus Socialists Raise Students’ Political Conciousness By Zoe Fanzo

A poster seen at Socialism 2017 in Chicago. Photo by Zoe Fanzo. Lifestyle 13

Lehman’s International Socialist markets. I learned that oppression goes hopes to see students become politically Organization (ISO) is promoting so much further than just a racial issue. energized this fall. “I think it is crucial leftist politics on campus, with plans The entire country needs help and that Lehman students not only to hold radical discussions every other needs to be modified.” understand why the world is the way week building on a summer trip that Lehman student Christian Machuca, a it is, but how it can be changed, and deepened students’ political awareness. psychology major, decided to become a that we as workers have the power to [Full disclosure: the author of this member of the ISO after his experience change it,” said Hamrick. “Capitalism article is an ISO member.] causes untold misery all around the The weekend following Independence “History tells us time and world. If things don’t change very, very Day, ISO members Ellie Hamrick, a time again that it doesn’t soon, not only will human suffering professor of anthropology, and Carlos matter who is sitting in continue, but we may not even have a Perez, a computer science major, planet to live on much longer. The left the White House, but must get organized. I think that’s what arranged for five Lehman students who’s sitting in.” to attend the annual Socialism students got out of this conference, and Conference in Chicago, where over I hope they’ll be working to make that perspective a reality on campus this 2,000 people participated in discussions - Carlos Perez, computer fall.” and plenaries given from a Marxist science major perspective. With 160 discussion topics ISO Member Carlos Perez echoed the to choose from over the weekend, like in Chicago. He recalled, “The Chicago sentiment that student involvement “The Combahee River Collective and trip helped me in multiple ways, such is integral to organizing the left. the Black Feminist Tradition” and “Act as increasing my competence on “Bringing a new layer of students Up, Fight Back: The AIDS Crisis and certain issues and ideas. It allowed who are politically engaged and see the LGBTQ Movement,” attendees me to interact with people who share the necessity of an active struggle were able to engage in discussions that similar views or enlighten me if their for a better world was paramount,” peaked their specific interests. perspectives were different. It was Perez noted. “The majority of people informative, but also fun.” Students left Chicago with a better have been inculcated with a passive, understanding of their own political ISO members are eager to see leftist fatalist conception of politics…which identities, as well as a desire to become politics blossom on campus. The club is expressed as the false choice between politically active. Lehman student began on campus last fall, and given the Democrats or Republicans…My goal Aileen Pelegrin, a theatre major, formation of the LGBTQ+ Alliance with our trip to Socialism was to show explained, “Throughout my first and the Intersectional Feminist Club students an alternative to these politics, Socialism Conference, I learned more within the last few months, it seems and show them how people and social than I ever did throughout my entire leftist politics are having their moment movements make history, not the education. I learned about all the at Lehman. Hamrick, who serves as custodians of power who often do their injustice that goes on in different job the Lehman ISO branch coordinator, best to shut them down.” The ISO plans to hold a public meeting every other Wednesday of the semester, with each session tackling the Marxist perspective of a relevant issue. Through such events it hopes to continue its mission of spreading political consciousness within the student body, and building solidarity amongst the campus’ leftist organizations. “History tells us time and time again that it doesn’t matter who is sitting in

Lehman students wait for their flight to Chicago. From left to right: Richard Orta, Zoe Fanzo, the White House,” Perez remarked, Aileen Pelegrin, Christian Machuca, Carlos Perez. Photo courtesy of Ellie Hamrick. “but who’s sitting in.” 14 Lifestyle Students Co-found Intersectional Feminist Club By Angel Mindanao

The Intersectional Feminist Club logo by Gabriella Walrath.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Bialostozky, Vice President Amna The club is overdue considering that Intersectional Feminist Club (IFC) Azeem, and Secretary Gabriella as of the 2016-2017 school year, made its first appearance at Lehman’s Walrath reached out to recruit female students comprised 69 percent annual Fall Semester Kick-Off!, students. By the end of the event, of Lehman’s population, according hosted by the Office of Community the first feminist club at Lehman had to Forbes. Bialostozky, a senior and Engagement. Pink pins and stickers acquired over two pages of signatures- biochemistry major who transferred from Planned Parenthood were laid --including that of the author of this to Lehman after deciding to pursue out on its table as President Rebecca article. the pre-medical track, said, “I was Lifestyle 15 surprised to learn that Lehman student to how men and women should act. life was very active, but there was no “In my home Feminism is about helping us learn to feminist club.” This lack prompted growing up, not think like that.” Bialostozky to start the IFC. She was Both Bialostozky and Walrath also first inspired in March 2016 after there were stated that they grew up in cultures attending the National Young Feminist where gender roles were strictly Leadership Conference in the District stereotypes as defined. They want to use their of Columbia, which was sponsored education to spread social justice by the Feminist Majority Foundation. to how men and awareness and create a safe space “Everyone needs feminism,” she said, for feminists in the IFC. Open to noting that intersectionality, or the women should all students, the club will meet twice overlapping of social categorizations, a month and host several events “should encompass all social justice act. Feminism including movie screenings, TED because in almost every group, women Talks and monthly discussions. are oppressed. When we see it from a is about helping “Acknowledgement is the first, feminist standpoint, we can really see and often most difficult step, to the intersectionality.” us learn to not combating sexism,” said Bialostozky. Walrath, a junior and computer “I encourage students at Lehman to generated imaging major, originally think like that.” become aware of sexism and if they joined as a logo designer. When asked feel safe, speak out when they see it. to serve as secretary, she saw it as the Once you acknowledge feminism, you perfect opportunity to express her - Lehman chemistry no longer have a passive role. It’s a passion for promoting feminism. She professor Grant Akalonu choice.” has identified as a feminist since age 16, she said, when she was catcalled by a group of men. “Women shouldn’t be seen as pieces of meat for men’s sexual gratification. We are their equals and deserve to have our bodies respected.” Grant Akalonu, who is an adjunct professor of chemistry at Lehman, hopes to help out as the club’s unofficial faculty advisor. Although he has not experienced the same forms of discrimination the female members of the club have, he wants to support the club as much as possible. He said, “Whenever the club needs a male perspective, I’m always around to give it.” Akalonu was moved after watching “The Mask You Live In,” a documentary about patriarchy and how it affects men and women. “Even though I’m not a woman and it is perceived as a woman’s movement,” he said, “men can benefit just as much as women from feminism. In my home Pictured (left to right) Amna Azeem, Patricia Calderon, Angel Mindanao, Gabriella Walrath, growing up, there were stereotypes as Rebecca Bialostozky, and Donald Garcia-Dwyer. Photo courtesy of Grant Akalonu. KICKOFF MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH AT 5:00-8:00 PM MUSIC BUILDING, FACULTY DINING ROOM

Join the LGBTQ+ Alliance on National Coming Out Day to share your coming out day stories and listen to others, as well as provide comfort and advice to those who have not come out yet. Afterwards, join in a discussion on LGBTQ+ rights led by the International Socialist Organization. Food and drinks will be served.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT:

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